Thrist For First

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Thirst for first: 49ers, Ravens ready to take step up

Vinnie Iyer

Thursday, Jun. 24, 2010 - 11:44 a.m. ET

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Second place isn't what it used to be in the NFL. Before the salary-cap era, it often meant a team was on the verge of something special the following season. In the modern league, where teams routinely go from worst to first in their divisions, finishing No. 2 may simply reflect a favorable schedule.

The Ravens boosted their receiving corps by adding veteran Anquan Boldin.

That didn't deter Sporting News from predicting four of 2009's second-place teams (49ers, Ravens, Jets and Falcons) will finish first in 2010 and picking one more (Packers) for a wild-card berth. Here's a look at last year's No. 2s in order of their odds of winning their division this season:

1. 49ers. In recent seasons, they have had the biggest quarterback concerns in the NFC West. But this year, the Rams are breaking in a rookie QB, the Cardinals are transitioning from Kurt Warner, and the Seahawks are rebuilding around Matt Hasselbeck.

Alex Smith finished strong for the 49ers last season, and that should carry over thanks to an upgraded line and a re-emphasis on the run. The Niners' defense also had Arizona's number in '09, leading to a season sweep of the NFC West champs. The biggest reason to like the 49ers in a weak division is Mike Singletary, a strong early candidate for coach of the year.

"He's getting the most (out) of the team," former 49ers linebacker Hannibal Navies said. "You saw what he did with Vernon Davis, and also getting them to be more physical. He's a leader by example and he's doing a great job."

2. Ravens. Baltimore has won three playoff games the past two years without the benefit of hosting one. So it's easy to forget the promising Joe Flacco-John Harbaugh era has yet to produce an AFC North crown.

In '08, the Steelers were too tough in three physical matchups with Baltimore, and they went on to win the Super Bowl. Last year, the Bengals enjoyed a surprising surge to the top. With Pittsburgh missing Ben Roethlisberger to start the season and Cincinnati due for a bit of a slide, it's Baltimore's turn.

The Ravens' chances to both win the division and go on to the Super Bowl were boosted by the addition of wide receiver Anquan Boldin to help Flacco. That has new teammates, including fellow wideout Derrick Mason, high on the team's chances.

"We feel confident with our players and coaching staff we can accomplish more this season," Mason said.

3. Jets. It'll be a challenge to hold off New England and Miami in the division, but the Jets' defense and running game make them the favorites. Surviving the grueling AFC East should also prepare them for a Super Bowl run.

Expect more great motivation from coach Rex Ryan, and bringing in veterans such as LaDainian Tomlinson and Jason Taylor should mesh well with a solid young nucleus.

4. Falcons. Even though Super Bowl champion New Orleans reigns as division champion, the unpredictable history of the NFC South tells us a repeat performance just doesn't happen. Although the Saints are a team well-equipped to end that trend, the Falcons' improved health outlook should have Matt Ryan and a young team poised to finish first.

5. Packers. With the presumption that Brett Favre will return to quarterback for the Vikings, they get the slight edge over Green Bay—by no more than a game—because of a more balanced and explosive offense. But the Packers can make the move up if they just fare better head-to-head.

Although the Vikings swept Green Bay on the strength of their pass rush last season, they know the Packers can match them at quarterback and with front seven play.

"Having Aaron Rodgers makes them pretty dangerous," Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe said. "Then they also get after you with that 3-4 defense."

6. Eagles. Don't expect an offensive drop-off just because Kevin Kolb is now leading a young, skilled group. The Eagles will still score a lot of points. They're not quite as well-rounded as the Cowboys, and the Giants and the Redskins will be hungry to replace them in second place. It's never easy to hold ground in the NFC East.

7. Texans. The biggest hurdle to Houston making the playoffs—let alone winning the franchise's first AFC South title—is the team's track record against division foes. After going 2-4 in the division in 2008, the Texans went 1-5 last season. That won't cut it. It's also hard to count out Indianapolis while Peyton Manning is around, and Tennessee is a good bet to rebound as a contender under Jeff Fisher.

The Texans' defense is already facing a challenge with the four-game suspension of linebacker Brian Cushing and the departure of cornerback Dunta Robinson. That means there will be even more pressure on Matt Schaub and the offense to keep the team from falling to third.

8. Broncos. Of all of 2009's second-place teams, they are most in danger of falling, potentially to the AFC West basement. The offense will miss the pop provided by Brandon Marshall, and the 3-4 defense will miss the influence of Mike Nolan. The four-game losing streak to end last season is a bad omen.

Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.

Read more:

http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/article/2010-06-24/thirst-for-first-49ers-ravens-ready-take-step#ixzz0rnqOAYUO

[Jbro22]

Third wrist?

[visajets]

Thrist or thirst----