With OTA's (Organized Team Activities) and mini-camps already underway for some NFL clubs, the tough questions regarding rosters this off-season, have already been answered.
Now, it's up to the players on the field. So without further adieu, Here are the top five teams who, at this point in time, have the best chance to take a run at the NFL's top prize, the Lombardi Trophy this upcoming season.
Number Five: Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have everything in place except one position which is clearly evident and it so happens to be the most important position on the field: quarterback. That soon could be addressed with Brett Favre, a soon to be 40-year old who's best years are far behind him.
Other than quarterback, the team does not have holes anywhere else; they are built to win now. The defense is aging quickly however. Nose Tackle Pat Williams is 36 years old.
If the Vikings do indeed sign Favre and he plays half decent, which is really all this team needs, then look out. A 13-win season is not out of the realm of possibility.
Number Four: New England Patriots
Two words, Tom Brady. If he's anywhere near his old self, look for a prolific Patriots offense once again led by Brady and wide receiver Randy Moss. It wasn't long ago where Brady threw 50 touchdown passes (2007).
Heck, backup quarterback Matt Cassel guided the team to 11 wins last season. Brady, a future hall of famer, can surely do the same.
Number Three: New York Giants
The number one reason the Giants defeated the Patriots in the Super Bowl two years ago was because of the consistent and relentless pass rush they possessed.
So what did the Giants do this offseason? They add to their strength. The Giants signed defensive tackles Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard, both starters in their careers, and both, just add to an already impressive group that includes Osi Umenyiora, who returns from injury.
The Giants will rotate the talented group and will continuously have fresh legs on the field. This will only benefit the team late in the season.
Number Two: Pittsburgh Steelers
The reason the Steelers sit number two is simple. The offensive line woes.
This line allowed a ridiculous amount of sacks last season and if it wasn't for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger continually making plays out of the pocket, the team would not have even been in the Super Bowl. If the Arizona Cardinals were able to get to Roethlisberger a few more times, the outcome just might have been different.
But you have to give credit where credit is due. The Steelers are champions. They found a way. Head coach Mike Tomlin is one of the best up and coming coaches in the league and is an incredible motivator. They also have a formidable defence which consists of safety Troy Polamalu and linebacker James Harrison, who signed a contract extension this offseason.
Number One: Philadelphia Eagles
At one point last season, head coach Andy Reid benched starting quarterback Donovan McNabb at half-time during a game between the Baltimore Ravens. "I thought it might be a little bit of a spark, and we might be able to get some things going," said Reid in an article by USATODAY.com after the game.
Boy have times changed.
The Eagles wound up in the NFC Championship game. Reid still has a job and McNabb is happy because he has another playmaker.
The Eagles drafted wide receiver Desean Jackson last year, who turned out to be a phenomenal find. They've added to that by drafting another stand out collegiate star in Jeremy Maclin this year's Draft. Look for Maclin to pair up with Jackson and provide a scary one-two pair.
The team also addressed their offensive line issues with the additions of Stacy Andrews via free agency and the trade for Jason Peters from the Buffalo Bills.
The pieces are in place for a lengthy playoff run. Be excited Eagles fans, your team has what it takes.
Now it's up to the men on the field.
