The NFC Teams that failed to make the playoffs

NFC East:

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys were a confusing team for me. But there is hope for 2012, now they should realize they have a triple threat of WRs in Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and Laurent Robinson, and along with TE Jason Witten. Once RB DeMarco Murray returns healthy, this could be a very dangerous offense. But the rub is...can Tony Romo take this team back into the playoffs? If he doesn't do it in 2012...he may find himself in the same position where Mark Sanchez is right now.

Philadelphia Eagles

I think it was just a case of bad team chemistry in the beginning of 2011, cramming new players in and throwing a foreign playbook their way. With a real off season and training camp, this Eagles team should hit 2012 like a hurricane. Just fix the offensive line, tweak the defense and we could have a potential run for the NFC Championship.

Washington Redskins

Before the season began, I thought there was talent on this team. Santana Moss, Jabar Gaffney, Fred Davis and Tim Hightower all came to mind. I think Moss and Gaffney have enough left in the tank for another run. Hopefully Fred Davis can keep his nose clean, as I think Chris Cooley may be reaching his limit. The only issues: a consistent running game, although I think Mike Shanahan should realize Roy Helu should be his primary back next season. The bigger issue, quarterback. I never liked Rex Grossman, although he had a few bright spots, I just don't believe he is the man to save Washington. I did like John Beck, but unfortunately, his regular season appearances didn't convince me he was the man either. Perhaps another team. If anything, I believe the Redskins should look at Matt Flynn, rather than draft a rookie QB. Especially for Mike Shanahan's sake. If he can't get anything going in 2012, he may be gone before the season is over. Then again, I said it before and I'll say it again, Washington seems to be a cesspool of wasted potential.

NFC North:

Chicago Bears:

I thought the Bears were an overrated team, coming off their 2010 NFC North champion season. But for most of the season when Jay Cutler and Matt Forte were on top of their game, the Bears looked like they could have challenged the Packers. The only issue on offense I would like to see resolved, aside from replacing Mike Martz, is to figure out what kind of offense they want to be. Months ago, I thought the WRs like Roy Williams and Johnny Knox were underperforming, but then I saw that Matt Forte was playing an O.J. Simpson role. If the Bears want to play where Forte is 50% of the offense, then that's just fine. The Ravens do it with Ray Rice and the Bills do it with Fred Jackson. I think of Forte sees increased time in 2012, they should work Kahlil Bell into the mix, as I see a real 1-2 punch with them. Course, all this means nothing if they can't reach a new deal with Forte.

Minnesota Vikings:

Very few remained from the team that came 1 game away from the Super Bowl in 2009. 2011 seemed like a distant cry. Donovan McNabb didn't last long, Bernard Berrain didn't even show up on the field and to end the season, Adrian Peterson tore his ACL and MCL. So, is there anything to look towards in 2012? I'd say yes. Christian Ponder and Joe Webb both showed great promise. Toby Gerhart should be a fine replacement until Peterson's return. It's time to think of another WR to create a double threat with Percy Harvin. The likes of Dwayne Bowe and Vincent Jackson come to mind. Marquis Colston is another name should he leave New Orleans. The Vikings should also focus on their pass defense, but I'm sure that will be addressed with the 2012 draft.

NFC South:

Carolina Panthers:

Cam Newton is the wave of the future. I think with him, it may only be a matter of time before the Panthers return to the Super Bowl. So quarterback should not be an issue for Carolina. The rest of the team however...if DeAngelo Williams would have played to what his contract is worth, that would be a big help. I know that Williams, Newton and Jonathan Stewart all put up great numbers on the ground, but 2012, they should fine tune this production. As for WRs, I'm sure they're happy Steve Smith returned, but now might be the time to think about a younger replacement. David Gettis should be back next season, and he may have what Demaryius Thomas had this season. And to address their run defense, but I remember the defense has its fair share of injuries.

Tampa Bay Buccanneers:

I don't blame Raheem Morris for everything that went wrong in 2011. Such as the interceptions that Josh Freeman kept making. And one can't blame a coach for lack of production, such as Mike Williams' sophomore slump. But the few things I do place blame on Morris has been the penalties and the lack of free agency signings. I don't know if he thought that the same 2010 squad would deliver even better results or if he observed how little the Lions did to their offense in the offseason but clearly this team needed veteran help. And still needs it. Some depth at running back would help, as there was a time when both Legarrette Blount and Ernest Graham were both down. And at least a veteran receiver to help the offense out, much like how Laurent Robinson helped the Cowboys offense. The defense is another story. It's in dire need of help.

NFC West:

Arizona Cardinals:

I thought with the addition of Kevin Kolb, the Cardinals would have delivered an 11-5 season and a division title. I said that the Cardinals were a quarterback away from being a winning team. Larry Fitzgerald and Beanie Wells to help Kolb out, I thought the pieces were in place. Now, I would say that John Skelton put in his case for being 2012 starter. Which would mean, what would become of Kolb? But that's up to the coaching staff in the coming months. A healthy Beanie Wells will do this team so many wonders. Patrick Peterson emerged as a great return specialist. Now it's time to figure out the defense.

Seattle Seahawks:

The Seahawks had a roller coaster season. They looked like one of the worst teams at times. They looked like contenders at times. Marshawn Lynch finally awoke in Beast Mode once more. I like Tarvaris Jackson and I think he should get another year to settle in at QB. Mike Williams should be released, as Doug Baldwin is clearly a better WR, and a healthy Sidney Rice would come in very handy. Just tweak the offense a little, kept the defense intact and who knows what could happen.

St. Louis Rams:

Never before have I realized how valuable a good offensive line is. And I'm sure that Sam Bradford and Steven Jackson would agree. Injuries riddled the Rams in 2011. Jeff Fisher has his work cut out for him this offseason, as the offensive line and the entire defense needs a lot of work. This defense made Ryan Torain look like a Pro Bowl running back, gave DeMarco Murray a 91 yard touchdown and allowed Beanie Wells to run 200 yards on a bum knee. How did this team beat the Saints again? It will be interesting to see how Fisher will use the #2 pick. A new anchor the offensive line? A possible successor to Steven Jackson? Their own Julio Jones or A.J. Green WR? A young pass rushing linebacker? This could determine the decade for the Rams.