Somewhere Peyton Manning is smiling. For the first time in his career, the quarterback of the defending Super Bowl champions finally gets to begin a season without hearing the question, "When will you win the big one?"
With a great weight lifted, Manning and the Indianapolis Colts can focus on defending their title. The Colts have to be considered the team to beat after their playoff run last season, but there are plenty of teams with their eye on the Vince Lombardi trophy.
But a questionable defense raises doubts and puts even more pressure on Manning to carry the offense. Defensive tackle Anthony "Booger" McFarland's season is over after a torn knee tendon and the secondary will be missing corners Jason David and Nick Harper, both lost to free agency.
So, who are the primary challengers to Indy's incumbency?
The New England Patriots have overhauled their roster after a devastating loss in the AFC title game and are ready to make a run at their fourth title in seven years. Tom Brady now has an entirely new set of receivers to throw to, highlighted by the beleaguered Randy Moss, acquired from the Oakland Raiders. On defense, New England came away with arguably the league's top free agent in former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas.
Thomas' move north hurts the Ravens, but Baltimore still has the most formidable defense in the NFL. Perennial Pro Bowlers Ray Lewis at linebacker and Ed Reed at safety are as potent a pair as any in the league. The offense, which has always struggled, will be bolstered by newcomer Willis McGahee at running back.
Then there are the San Diego Chargers. A postseason collapse followed a league-best 14-2 record in the regular season, which prompted the firing of coach Marty Schottenheimer. He was replaced by Norv Turner, an offensive wizard with a questionable track record. Coaching changes can make for some uncertainty, but having the league's reigning MVP and fantasy demi-god LaDainian Tomlinson on offense and a first-rate defense led by linebacker Shawne Merriman should bolster the Chargers in 2007.
The NFC is clearly the lesser conference this season, as has been the case the last few years. The reigning champions, the Chicago Bears, did nothing to improve and in fact are probably worse this season.
Gone are leading rusher Thomas Jones and troubled defensive tackle Tank Johnson. And Rex Grossman, perhaps the league's biggest question mark, is still the starting quarterback.
What NFC teams have a better shot at representing their conference? The New Orleans Saints were close last season, and return quarterback Drew Brees, running back Reggie Bush, and wide receiver Marques Colston from the league's best offense last year. If 2006 Coach of the Year Sean Payton can piece together any semblance of a defensive unit, the Saints might be the NFC favorite.
The NFC East also boasts some serious contenders. The Dallas Cowboys lead the way, boasting a strong defense led by shut-down corner Terence Newman and great depth on offense. Quarterback Tony Romo will be more experienced (and trying to outrun a soul-crushing botched place hold last January) and if wideout Terrell Owens can keep his mind on the playing field, that tandem could stage some fireworks.
The Philadelphia Eagles could go far if quarterback Donovan McNabb stays healthy - a big "if" through much of his career. They have an underrated running back in Brian Westbrook and a veteran, if aging, defense led by defensive end Jevon Kearse and new addition Takeo Spikes at linebacker.
In the NFC West, the Seattle Seahawks will finally have 2005 MVP tailback Shaun Alexander and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck healthy and ready to lead the offense. The secondary was overhauled, and with the addition of former Atlanta Falcons head coach Jim Mora as the secondary coach and defensive end Patrick Kerney as a pass rusher, Seattle should be improved against the pass.
Even though a host of off-field problems have hurt the league's image, there are plenty of storylines to keep the fans focused on the action between the sidelines. The Colts have a bull's-eye on their back as they seek the league's first repeat championship since the Pats did it in 2004 and 2005. But that collective back now stands a little straighter.
