Boy, last night was a great start to the NFL season. I hope the rest of the season unfolds with as much excitement.
Parity was the word of the moment for last season. For example, the Miami Dolphins, with two weeks remaining in the season, were the No. 1 team in the AFC yet failed to make the playoffs after losing their last two games.
Expect more of the same this season, especially in the AFC. With the start of every new season, we as Americans like to predict how the season will unfold. But first here are five important questions for the 2003 NFL season.
1. Will this be the year that Peyton Manning finally wins a playoff game?
2. Will Coach Bill Parcells turn the Dallas Cowboys around?
3. Can Mike Vick return in time to save the Atlanta Falcons’ season?
4. Who can stop the Tampa Bay Buccaneers now that their offense is improved?
5. Are the St. Louis Rams’ “greatest show on turf” back?
NFC EASTPhiladelphia Eagles (11-5)New York Giants (10-6)Dallas Cowboys (6-10)Washington Redskins (5-11)
NFC WESTSan Francisco 49ers (10-6)St. Louis Rams (10-6)Seattle Seahawks (7-9)Arizona Cardinals (4-12)
NFC SOUTHTampa Bay Buccaneers (13-3)New Orleans Saints (9-7)Carolina Panthers (8-8)Atlanta Falcons (7-9)
NFC NORTHMinnesota Vikings (10-6)Green Bay Packers (8-8)Detroit Lions (7-9)Chicago Bears (5-11)
AFC EASTMiami Dolphins (10-6)New England Patriots (9-7)Buffalo Bills (9-7)New York Jets (6-10)
AFC WESTDenver Broncos (9-7)Kansas City Chiefs (9-7)San Diego Chargers (9-7)Oakland Raiders (8-8)
AFC SOUTHIndianapolis Colts (11-5)Tennessee Titans (8-8)Houston Texans (6-10)Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14)
AFC NORTHPittsburgh Steelers (10-6)Baltimore Ravens (8-8)Cleveland Browns (8-8)Cincinnati Bengals (3-13)
SUPER BOWL XXXVIIIEagles 23, Broncos 6
