10 Things Not To Be Surprised About This Year - Part 1

Here's Part 1 of my reference list of 10 things you will see by season's end this year in the NFL. Five items pertaining to the league in general, and five that are specifically predictions to do with the Niners. These are in no particular order.

League (1.) Joey Harrington leads Falcons to playoffs

With the loss of Mike Vick, probably for good, and fan favorite D.J. Shockley on I.R. for the year, the job belongs completely to Harrington. The former 3rd overall pick will finally realize his potential and help new coach Bobby Petrino take Atlanta into the playoffs. Everyone was so quick to write off the Falcons after Vick was removed, however, the team was never any good as a passing attack with Vick anyways and the running game should be as effective as ever. Warrick Dunn will do his thing and Jerious Norwood will step up and compensate for the loss of Vick's ground stats. Harrington will provide a better passing game, and the wide-outs may finally start earning their checks. That combined with a defense full of young talent will find Atlanta in the hunt in January.

Niners (1.) Nate Clements will disappoint

As is usually the case with high profile free-agents, the hype and paycheck is always bigger than the actual pay-off on the field. Clements is a great talent and has produced and been durable up to this point in his career. On paper, teaming him opposite Pro-Bowl 2006 free-agent Walt Harris seems like it should solve the Niners secondary issues. Harris, who had a career year in '06 is a whole other issue in terms of possible failed expectations. Anyways, I can't shake the feeling that either injury, motivation, or effectiveness on the part of Clements will leave Niners fans wondering if the team can get back their $80 million.

League (2.) Chargers and Turner take a step back

Having a new offensive-minded coach take over a team that went 14-2 the year before seems like a great fit for both sides. However, I expect to see a "sophmore jinx" hit Phillip Rivers - it is only his second REAL season - and the relatively young Chargers have a hard time matching the win total, intensity level, and results from last year. With a different voice calling the shots, there will be a period of adjustment for this team to find its collective resolve, which will come next year. By saying that they will take a step back, let me be clear, I'm not saying that they won't make the playoffs, or even contend for their division. I'm just saying, don't expect 14 - 2 and a march to the SuperBowl. Not this year.

Niners (2.) Alex Smith won't impress or disappoint this year

Simply put, Smith will have another so-so year. The passing yards may be higher with better targets, but the fumbles, picks and overall mistakes will still be there. Smith is trying to become a serviceable NFL signal-caller. He may do so as well. I don't think he will be the bust of a first overall pick like Tim Couch, but he's not going to be a first overall like Peyton Manning or Troy Aikman either. Frankly, I think Smith has NFL journeyman writen all over him. Ironically, just like his back-up, Trent Dilfer. He is as smart as any QB in the league, yet still should never have been a first overall pick. He was simply the best QB available in the worst QB draft in 10 years. The 49ers, who had to pick 2005 of all years to have the first pick, took Smith, I believe, as a consolation prize after would-be first overall pick Matt Leinart decided that senior year at USC looked better than the Bay Area. We'll see what happens with Smith, but not much will change this year either way.

Check back for Part 2 on Monday.