Chances are you have seen everything you want to already on Roger Clemens.
That said, instead of just piling on, let's talk about something that isn't debatable, unlike yesterday's testimony on Capitol Hill.
The NFL is getting set for an interesting off-season. Each division has a winner but each also has a team that is on the rise. Let's examine those teams who may not be making news today, but by making a few moves this offseason, could be headline news later this year.
The AFC East: Miami Dolphins
We start by admitting that when you are coming off a 1-15 season, there is pretty much only one direction you can head, so their inclusion on this list is kind of by default. Although, they have the potential to be good this season. Consider this: In 2007, they lost seven games by seven points or less.
They have a new front office and head coach. Bill Parcells hired Jeff Ireland to run the operations and Tony Sparano to coach the team. Parcells has been an NFL head coach with four teams. He took three of them to the Super Bowl. If he's calling the shots, his track record proves the Dolphins are heading in the right direction and discernable progress could be coming sooner rather than later.
The AFC North: Cleveland Browns
Hard to fathom a team that won 10 games would qualify as "on the way up." I mean, you could argue that with that victory total, you have already arrived. However, the Browns have been an afterthought since the franchise returned to the NFL in 1999--that is, until last season. Even with the win total, they did not qualify for the postseason in 2007. Most of that was of their own doing, they squandered a chance by losing to a very medicore Bengals team, which more than anything shows, the Browns aren't quite there yet. A team that needs a win against a free-falling Bengals team, gets that win. They didn't. However, in due time, I get the feeling that they will.
The AFC South: Houston Texans
If there is any team that appears to be heading in the right direction, it's Houston. They won six games in 2006 and eight last season. Their 8-8 mark in 2007 marked the first time the franchise has not had a losing record. Gary Kubiak, who was a staple in Denver for years, is trying to duplicate his success in Houston. However, I am not totally sold on their quarterback situation. Matt Schaub has been impressive but seems to be injured often. His backup, Sage Rosenfels, has been impressive but hasn't played enough to warrant too much confidence. What's that old saying? If you have two quarterbacks, you have no quarterbacks.
The AFC West: Denver Broncos
This seems like the easy choice simply because San Diego is already in rarefied air and the Chiefs and Raiders are just so behind the curve, the Broncos are the only choice. They are 7-9 but have the talent to be far better. They have a quarterback for the next 11-13 years. They have one of the best coaches in the NFL. Their defensive line? Not one of the best in the NFL. That last part is the key.
The NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles finished with eight wins. One of those wins was at Dallas. One of those losses was at New England. Their slim loss to the Patriots gave the NFL a blueprint on how to play New England. They have the quarterback and a steady head coach that have taken them to four NFC Championhip games. They are not that far from getting back to those heights.
The NFC North: Minnesota Vikings
Here in town, we got to see the Vikings in their final regular season game of 2007. They have a quarterback who improved mightily throughout the season. Their running back, Adrian Peterson, perhaps made one of the biggest splashes in the NFL in recent times. Their run defense is solid. Therefore, they can run the football and stop the run. Nice combination to have.
The NFC South: New Orleans Saints
The team has a lot of talent and a young and talented head coach. They are set at quarterback and thought they were set at running back but that latter position has become a bit of an issue. Reggie Bush has the skills but after a nice rookie season, he underwhelmed in 2007. He needs a rebound year and if he does I think New Orleans will bounce back as well.
The NFC West: Arizona Cardinals
The easy selection is the Rams--after all, they were decimated by injuries a year ago. They lost their starting quarterback and running back due to injuries for a significant stretch but questions remain about head coach Scott Linehan. So, the pick here is actually the Cardinals. They finished 8-8 last year, an improvement of four games from 2007. They have a great coaching staff but much like the Saints, their hopes are pinned on one player. It's not Bush, like in New Orleans--but instead Reggie's old college teammate at USC, quarterback Matt Leinart. His rapid development isn't hopeful--it is expected. If so, perhaps this team, always a favorite to be a sleeper, may finally wake up to that reality.
I hope to see everyone here back on Friday.
-"Z"
