2011 Offseason Needs: NFC

This is Pro Bowl week, so I figured while I am going to be ignoring that game (okay, AFC -3 over NFC, 34-27), I would do an offseason needs column for the teams that did not make the playoffs. Some need more than others, and some needs are stronger than others. Here is the NFC overview, the AFC overview will be coming in a few days.

Arizona – They need a QB. Let’s start there. Otherwise, they are in okay shape. Beanie Wells either needs to step up or be gone. Also, they need a defensive coordinator. Dick LeBeau would fit well, but someone from that Steelers family would be great. And please, a contract extension for Larry Fitzgerald. 

San Francisco – Also, a quarterback. In addition, development along the offensive line would work well. However, they are actually in good shape but in the NFL, you need a quarterback….

St. Louis – They need another rotation pass rushing end, some development on the offensive line, one playmaking secondary player but above all else a dominant WR and health generally at WR. Julio Jones or similar would look really good here.

Minnesota – They need a QB, but probably a veteran one. I see McNabb here, and he could find success. Work out a long term deal for Adrian Peterson, and also get an end/LB to push the pocket more and make them more diverse.

Detroit – Health! Also, one more WR and a tackling machine at LB would be good. The corners need shoring up, but this team has great depth now and will grow. The key, as always, is Stafford.

Tampa Bay – They just need to develop and not rock what is going so well. They could use more pass rushing youth, but otherwise, just grow. If Benn’s knee injury is a long term problem, maybe add a speed WR.

Carolina – They need a QB (surprise, theme going here), and they should try to get something out of their RB depth via trade. (DeAngelo to NE for the 33^rd pick makes sense). Otherwise they need to refocus on the goal and set themselves back up.

Giants – They need to get healthy at WR and put together a game plan that maximizes their big play ability with minimizing Eli’s tendency for the terrible pick. Also, figure out Bradshaw and if he’s gone, get a scat back. Otherwise, the defense needs to get a little youth but overall is still the best at rushing the passer in my opinion. If the punter can figure out not to punt to DeSean Jackson, we’ll all be good. (Too soon Giants fans?)

Ethnic Slurs – They need, guess what, a QB. Somehow, they need to find someone who isn’t a rookie, but I am not sure where they go from here. McNabb costs too much and Shanahan burnt that bridge anyways. This defense was also really bad. They need a shutdown corner (Champ Bailey might actually make some sense here). They also need a good speed rusher to not let QBs pick them apart. If Torain is the answer, then they need to work on offensive line depth.

Cowboys – Health is the biggest deal here, for both Romo and Dez Bryant. They also need to cut ties with Marion Barber and get Felix Jones to undo whatever he did to his body last year. He was good the way he was. The defense needs to play together better, but otherwise with a little more discipline this team can rise back to the top.

AFC overview coming in a few days. Try to enjoy the Pro Bowl.

BLISS