http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story...whitlock/060720
Summary:
10. Marvin Lewis' ego could be getting in the way of a terrific coaching career.
-I think he's on the money about this one. accepting a few 'bad apples' is one thing, but I've seen my Saints fall apart up close in part due to some serious character issues. If things go well early, they may stay well, but are some of these guys the type to rally against adversity if they drop a few games? You need character guys.
9. Brett Favre will regret his decision to return to the Packers by Week 4, when John Madden won't be around on "Monday Night Football" to explain away Favre's terrible performance against the Eagles.
Probably so. Mike McCarthy was one of the most puzzling hires I've ever seen at head coach. I don't see the Pack doing well this year, and if that's the case we'll see more of the same from Favre, forcing passes to try desperately to keep his team in the game. To no avail though, of course.
8. Phillip Rivers is going to bomb in San Diego.
Disagree. At least, as much as I can without an incredible amount of knowledge about Rivers game. Whitlock gripes about Rivers arm strength, but Brees wasn't exactly a flamethrower at QB either. I actually like most of what I hear about Rivers and his leadership qualities (everyone who's played with him or ever coached him or against him seems enamored by him...and not in the usual way that coaches talk up players either), but time will tell there.
7. As much as I dislike Terrell Owens, I have to admit he's going to have success in Dallas this season.
Agreed. This isn't a "want to behave" situation for TO as it is a "need to behave". He signed a bad contract in Philly, paniced and forced his way out of town. TO might be unstable enough to blow up again and ruin everything, but I tend to think he'll give Dallas his all....for at least one yearm just like in Philly.
6. But I don't like the Cowboys as much as I like the Washington Redskins, my pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
I like the Panthers, but the Skins would be my next pick, followed closely by Tampa. Portis should be a freak in this system, they have a wonderful 3 WR set, and they might have combined the best offensive, defensive coordinators in the NFL and a super bowl winner in Gibbs overseeing it. Last year they had half a season of offensive success just because you needed over the top help at all times on Moss...that was with no other WR threat. If Brunell can pull off one good season, they'll be playing Car in the NFC title game at least.
5. Joey Harrington is going to beat out Daunte Culpepper by midseason.
If it weren't Harrington, it would be possible. Culpepper was awful for stretches last year, but the Vikes were a mess, period. I don't believe he's as bad as he was early last year, nor as good as his numbers looked before that.
He had 2 major things going for him in his career though that other qbs didn't...his wheels, and his Moss. He lacks Moss and may be more immobile now.
4. Peyton Manning will not miss Edgerrin James.
Possible. I think James is a good, not great player, since his knee injury. Addai could be the same. But everyone is certain that with no James, Manning will just pass more...but what about last year when every defense keyed pass early on and made Edge beat them? Manning needs a running game. Addai should do well, so I agree here.
3. Edgerrin James will miss Peyton Manning and the Colts' offensive line.
The Colts OL stinks as far as run blocking. At least in short yardage....they can run the stretch well, but if they need a yard in the redzone James is getting hit in the backfield. Arizona's running game was scary (as in bad) last year, but it probably had as much to do with the runners as the line. Only a year before that, Emmitt Smith had success running the football in the twilight of his career, so they probably are salvageable. Boldin and Fitz make sure that 8 won't be in the box all game, so James should do fairly well.
2. Ben Roethlisberger's motorcycle accident will negatively impact his performance this season.
I dunno how it'll effect Ben, everyone reacts differenlty to things like this. He might go in the other direction and seize the moment on the field like never before.
1. The Baltimore Ravens are my pick to win the Super Bowl.
Oh, and for the record, I think Whitlock is a stinking genius! 
