Alfa Romeo is, most definitely a brand that represents a wide range of different car models with the same stylish personality and a great deal of potential. We might say about these cars that they are pretty close to perfection and, in some cases, the tuning and optimizing procedures can help them actually become the perfect, dream cars.
How to Improve an Alfa Car
Besides the great selection of companies that are specialized in tuning procedures in general that would be delighted to transform a capable, powerful Alfa Romeo car into an even more powerful one, there are numerous companies that are strictly specialized in Alfa Romeo tuning and the results can be quite surprising. But tuning does not need to be so spectacular and expensive. Alfa parts and accessories can be found, transformed and changed quite easily. Most car owners that are in search of new ways of improving their car are mainly focused on getting extra power. What can be done in the case of Alfa Romeo? For instance, the first step when wanting to boost the power is to add to the Alfa Romeo car an air filter and a sports exhaust, together with a fuel pressure boost valve - and these solutions are quite affordable, too.
Optimized Examples of Alfa Romeo Tuning
One of the best and most impressive Alfa Romeo tuning examples is represented by the optimized version of the elegant Alfa Romeo Brera, a car named Autodelta Brera J5 3,2 C - the name Autodelta stands for the British tuning company that managed to do such a great job and, furthermore, the J letter symbolizes its exclusive feature and hand-made, customized features. But don't think that this was an easy job - after all, transforming the classier standard Alfa Brera into this dream car for speed lovers took more than one year. But what is so spectacular about this car? First of all, the engine is brand new and it is at high standards: Arese V6, which has a power of 400 CP, with JTS technology. Moreover, this optimized car can achieve the 100km/hour target in 5,3 seconds and can go up to 270 km/hour. As for the tires, these are Dunlop SP Sport Maxx, with 19 inch rims.
The Alfa brand made quite a spectacular comeback since 2001, when the Alfa 147 was released on the market. Specialists claimed that this particular car has a strong personality, a very aesthetic body and a silent, yet powerful engine. Since then, more and more customers and car lovers admire the elegance, but also the force and power of these cars. And now, with the wide range of Alfa tuning possibilities, these cars can be optimized and personalized as the owner desires.
2007年12月19日星期三
Bathroom Designer
When my wife first suggested that we get hold of an interior designer for the house, I totally agreed with her. I mean, I had been saving up for the ideal house for years on end and obviously wanted it to look as good as it possibly could. And I had seen enough shows on the tube to know that interior designers could actually transform the way a house looked and make it altogether more appealing and attractive. But when she stretched the concept a little further to hint that we should be looking at a bathroom designer, I totally flipped.
I don't see myself as an unreasonable man. I am pretty much open to new ideas, even though of late they seem to have become really scarce and consequently overpriced. But a bathroom designer? I mean, why would anyone need to go in for a bathroom designer? As far as I was concerned, a bathroom could primarily be used for two or maybe three core purposes. And even if you suffer from prolonged bouts of depression or diarrhea, or both, how much time are you likely to spend in the bathroom?
In any case, I had to submit to my wife's demands. I wasn't really sure how she was even going to get a bathroom designer till I found out that there is actually a category for these people in the yellow pages! Beat that! Seems I was the only one who was missing out on a global trend. By this time I was more curious than perplexed and wanted to see for myself what this creature called a bathroom designer actually looked like.
To be frank, I was actually impressed. Not only was this bathroom designer guy a qualified plumber (a pre-requisite?) he was also an excellent interior designer for bathrooms. After having spent a fair amount of time understanding him and his peculiar craft, both my wife and I decided to give him a free hand with the design of our bathroom.
Suffice to say that when this bathroom designer has finished with our bathroom, we were both flabbergasted. He had done an amazing job! Not only had the bathroom designer stayed true to his name, he had surpassed my wildest expectations! The bathroom was suddenly more spacious, more comfortable and much more appealing. The prospect of spending a whole lot of time there suddenly became very appealing.
I don't see myself as an unreasonable man. I am pretty much open to new ideas, even though of late they seem to have become really scarce and consequently overpriced. But a bathroom designer? I mean, why would anyone need to go in for a bathroom designer? As far as I was concerned, a bathroom could primarily be used for two or maybe three core purposes. And even if you suffer from prolonged bouts of depression or diarrhea, or both, how much time are you likely to spend in the bathroom?
In any case, I had to submit to my wife's demands. I wasn't really sure how she was even going to get a bathroom designer till I found out that there is actually a category for these people in the yellow pages! Beat that! Seems I was the only one who was missing out on a global trend. By this time I was more curious than perplexed and wanted to see for myself what this creature called a bathroom designer actually looked like.
To be frank, I was actually impressed. Not only was this bathroom designer guy a qualified plumber (a pre-requisite?) he was also an excellent interior designer for bathrooms. After having spent a fair amount of time understanding him and his peculiar craft, both my wife and I decided to give him a free hand with the design of our bathroom.
Suffice to say that when this bathroom designer has finished with our bathroom, we were both flabbergasted. He had done an amazing job! Not only had the bathroom designer stayed true to his name, he had surpassed my wildest expectations! The bathroom was suddenly more spacious, more comfortable and much more appealing. The prospect of spending a whole lot of time there suddenly became very appealing.
Sleep apnea medical treatments
If your airway is blocked or only partially blocked, medical procedures can correct these problems. Some problems that can be corrected include enlarged tonsils or enlarged adenoids these can be fixed. If you have a small jaw, or only a small opening in the back of your throat, or if you have a broken nose, or a deviated septum, you can have, these conditions corrected leaving sleep apnea to be a thing of the past. Polyps and cysts can be removed, correcting the breathing problems without interrupting your lifestyle much. Recovery times from all of these surgeries are short, and will improve your ability to sleep well.
A tracheostomy is a procedure that will cut a hole in the neck, a very small hole, and will insert a tube so you can breath well. The value is closed during the day so you will breath normally but at night, opening the valve and opening the tube allows you to breath well, and sleep well taking the stress off your heart. This is not a procedure that is done all the time, it is one that is done if you are really sick, and if you can't have any other procedure done to aid you in you problems with sleep apnea.
Another correct method is the uvulo palato pharyngoplasty which is also short for UPPP. This is the flesh; the extra lining that is at the back of your throat. Having this removed is going to ease the sleep apnea conditions for some people. This is not the choice of surgery for all, as the extra flesh in the throat may not be the problem for you. Your family doctor will be the best to tell you if this surgery is something that you should be thinking about to correct your breathing airway problems.
Yet another corrective measure is the manibular myotomy wish is a conditional treatment for the jaw. By dividing the muscle surrounding the jaw, and then cutting the bone and inserting additional bone in that area, the jaw is then extended. This can pull the tongue forward a small amount, aiding in the treatment of severe sleep apnea for patient who are seeking a treatment for this condition. Again, not all people who are suffering with sleep apnea will require this type of corrective surgery.
To get a good nights sleep please visit:
www.disorders-sleep.info
Author Darren Mallory
C/O www.akashop.com
A tracheostomy is a procedure that will cut a hole in the neck, a very small hole, and will insert a tube so you can breath well. The value is closed during the day so you will breath normally but at night, opening the valve and opening the tube allows you to breath well, and sleep well taking the stress off your heart. This is not a procedure that is done all the time, it is one that is done if you are really sick, and if you can't have any other procedure done to aid you in you problems with sleep apnea.
Another correct method is the uvulo palato pharyngoplasty which is also short for UPPP. This is the flesh; the extra lining that is at the back of your throat. Having this removed is going to ease the sleep apnea conditions for some people. This is not the choice of surgery for all, as the extra flesh in the throat may not be the problem for you. Your family doctor will be the best to tell you if this surgery is something that you should be thinking about to correct your breathing airway problems.
Yet another corrective measure is the manibular myotomy wish is a conditional treatment for the jaw. By dividing the muscle surrounding the jaw, and then cutting the bone and inserting additional bone in that area, the jaw is then extended. This can pull the tongue forward a small amount, aiding in the treatment of severe sleep apnea for patient who are seeking a treatment for this condition. Again, not all people who are suffering with sleep apnea will require this type of corrective surgery.
To get a good nights sleep please visit:
www.disorders-sleep.info
Author Darren Mallory
C/O www.akashop.com
Causes Of Valvular Heart Disease
This article is written to remove some of the mystery regarding valvular heart disease. It is necessarily somewhat complex but it should be easier to understand than most medical information that you might receive.
Valvular heart disease or valve disease can even be present at birth (congenital) or it can develop at any period of time throughout a persons life span. There are times when the exact valvular heart disease caauses cannot be discovered. Valvular heart disease is broken down into congenital valve disease, bicuspid aortic valve disease, acquired valve disease and mitral valve prolapse (MVP).
When valve disease is present at birth, it is referred to as congenital valve disease. This type generally affects the pulmonic valve or the aortic valve. Sometimes the valves are simply not the correct size or else the leaflets have not formed properly.
Bicuspid aortic valve disease is congenital as well and in this case the bicuspid aortic valve has two cusps or leaflets instead of the three it is supposed to have. This can cause the valve to be stiff, leaky or both.
Acquired valve disease is any problem that happens as a result of once normal valves. Sometimes the makeup of valves change as a result of infections or diseases. Rheumatic fever causes the heart valve to become red and inflamed and the leaflets to cling together. This then leads to the heart valves becoming unnecessarily thickened, shortened, rigid and scarred. This can then lead to mitral regurgitation. Rheumatic fever often occurs as a result of a bacterial infection, one of the most common being strep throat. However the vast array of antibiotics that are available today have greatly reduced the incidence of this infection.
Another disease that can cause acquired valve disease is endocarditis. This disease happens when bacteria and germs make their way into the bloodstream and then begin to invade the valves of the heart. This attack causes growths to begin in the heart valves as well as holes to take place. This can then lead to scarring of the heart valves. Leaky valves end up being the result of all of this. Germs that cause endocarditis can come about as a result of surgery, IV drug use, dental surgery and/or serious types of infections. Anyone who suffers from valve disease (excluding those who have mitral valve prolapse) is at a terrible risk of getting endocarditis, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is very widespread and affects on average one to two percent of the American population on an annual basis. This disorder causes the mitral valve leaflets to fall back into the left atrium while the heart is contracting. MVP also makes the valve tissues become strange in shape and they become stretchy and cause seepage. It is rare for MVP to bring on any symptoms at all with a patient and most of the time it does not necessitate any kind of special medical treatment.
The above diseases and disorders are the most common causes of MVP but there are other causes as well. A visit to the doctor and a variety of tests should help pinpoint the exact cause of valve disease if you are diagnosed with it. Other causes include coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy (or heart muscle disease), heart attack, hypertension, aortic aneurysms, connective tissue diseases, and sexually transmitted disease (the most common being syphilis). There are also less common reasons for valve disease such as tumors, radiation and an assortment of drug treatments.
Valvular heart disease or valve disease can even be present at birth (congenital) or it can develop at any period of time throughout a persons life span. There are times when the exact valvular heart disease caauses cannot be discovered. Valvular heart disease is broken down into congenital valve disease, bicuspid aortic valve disease, acquired valve disease and mitral valve prolapse (MVP).
When valve disease is present at birth, it is referred to as congenital valve disease. This type generally affects the pulmonic valve or the aortic valve. Sometimes the valves are simply not the correct size or else the leaflets have not formed properly.
Bicuspid aortic valve disease is congenital as well and in this case the bicuspid aortic valve has two cusps or leaflets instead of the three it is supposed to have. This can cause the valve to be stiff, leaky or both.
Acquired valve disease is any problem that happens as a result of once normal valves. Sometimes the makeup of valves change as a result of infections or diseases. Rheumatic fever causes the heart valve to become red and inflamed and the leaflets to cling together. This then leads to the heart valves becoming unnecessarily thickened, shortened, rigid and scarred. This can then lead to mitral regurgitation. Rheumatic fever often occurs as a result of a bacterial infection, one of the most common being strep throat. However the vast array of antibiotics that are available today have greatly reduced the incidence of this infection.
Another disease that can cause acquired valve disease is endocarditis. This disease happens when bacteria and germs make their way into the bloodstream and then begin to invade the valves of the heart. This attack causes growths to begin in the heart valves as well as holes to take place. This can then lead to scarring of the heart valves. Leaky valves end up being the result of all of this. Germs that cause endocarditis can come about as a result of surgery, IV drug use, dental surgery and/or serious types of infections. Anyone who suffers from valve disease (excluding those who have mitral valve prolapse) is at a terrible risk of getting endocarditis, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is very widespread and affects on average one to two percent of the American population on an annual basis. This disorder causes the mitral valve leaflets to fall back into the left atrium while the heart is contracting. MVP also makes the valve tissues become strange in shape and they become stretchy and cause seepage. It is rare for MVP to bring on any symptoms at all with a patient and most of the time it does not necessitate any kind of special medical treatment.
The above diseases and disorders are the most common causes of MVP but there are other causes as well. A visit to the doctor and a variety of tests should help pinpoint the exact cause of valve disease if you are diagnosed with it. Other causes include coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy (or heart muscle disease), heart attack, hypertension, aortic aneurysms, connective tissue diseases, and sexually transmitted disease (the most common being syphilis). There are also less common reasons for valve disease such as tumors, radiation and an assortment of drug treatments.
On-The-Go Comfort
Everyone likes to be comfortable, but especially so when we travel. Whether we are going by airplane, bus, or train there are products designed to make the trip more enjoyable. One of the most popular is a travel pillow that supports your neck and head. There are a wide variety of styles to suit every traveler and make him or her more comfortable. For those that are short on space in their discount luggage carryon bag, there's the inflatable neck rest. These are luxurious and create a cloud-soft cushion that cradles your head and neck. The pillow can inflate to the desired firmness of support and pack easily into a small travel pouch that can be tucked away easily. Other styles of headrests are made of a state-of-the-art Polystyrene bead-fill which custom contours to each user's anatomy. These will shift in response to the body's motion for a continuous personalized support. These pillows have a wear-resistant Polyester/Spandex cover with built-in clip for easy transport. The clip will attach to your carry bag. The U-shaped design of the pillow converts to a multi-use roll for head cushioning, and lower back support or leg elevation. This unique design accommodates both seated and reclined passengers whether you are traveling by plane, train or bus. There are also travel pillows of "memory foam." These adjust to your body's heat and weight and "remember" its shape. They can be "rolled" more compactly into your carryon. One thing all of the pillows have in common is that they are engineered for on-the-go comfort, and can make long trips less tiring and more comfortable. With pillows, we naturally cannot forget travel blankets. These fold compactly for storage and are machine washable. They are a roomy 60"x38" when open are made of a lightweight polyester fleece. You can rest easier when your head and neck are cradled, and you are toasty warm. Some models of travel blankets have a pocket where you tuck your travel pillow inside. There are also models in smaller sizes made for children.
For those that like to sleep soundly while traveling, there are eyeshades and earplugs available. The eyeshades will shut out light for a sounder, more relaxing sleep. Foldable and compact, they can easily be tucked away with your other travel accessories. They are made of hi-tech molded neoprene construction with is contoured for a cool, comfortable fit. They have "eye-lash room" which minimizes the eye pressure and light penetration. They are complete with elasticized head straps to adjust to everyone. Earplugs will also help to reduce disturbing noises so you can rest easily. There are noise- canceling headphones that will block out background noises so you can focus on listening to music. They are a lightweight, comfortable headset that provides crystal-clear audio with 17 dB of noise cancellation across the entire sound spectrum. They also fold up for easy carrying. To reduce air pressure and harsh noise there is a product called EarPlanes. These are safe and disposable.
Small portable book lights will let you enjoy your magazine or book reading without eyestrain. There are rechargeable models that will stay lit for 18 hours when fully charged. No need to worry about batteries and the extra weight carrying batteries brings. These book lights have four super-bright LED lights, and two levels of light with and a dimmer switch to ensure complete reading comfort. Slim rubberized body clips will secure the light to books. The Crickett Booklight now comes with reading glasses built right in. The light activates with the push of a button. These book lights are so handy they make perfect corporate gifts. Company names or logos can be silk-screened on the bases.
Back problems can be reduced with inflatable backrests. These are convenient and compact and they fit easily into your lightweight luggage carryon or briefcase. They provide comfort and lower back support while traveling and they deflate for easy storage. They are made of a soft, flocked comfortable material. The safety valve will prevent air leakage for long trips. The specially designed contoured ribs are the ultimate in back support and comfort. They easily deflate using the pinching valve. All of these travel accessories will make your trip more comfortable. Travelsox offer superior comfort and gradual compression that helps stimulate blood flow and swelling on flights.
Remember, if youre comfortable and feel good, youll look good!
For those that like to sleep soundly while traveling, there are eyeshades and earplugs available. The eyeshades will shut out light for a sounder, more relaxing sleep. Foldable and compact, they can easily be tucked away with your other travel accessories. They are made of hi-tech molded neoprene construction with is contoured for a cool, comfortable fit. They have "eye-lash room" which minimizes the eye pressure and light penetration. They are complete with elasticized head straps to adjust to everyone. Earplugs will also help to reduce disturbing noises so you can rest easily. There are noise- canceling headphones that will block out background noises so you can focus on listening to music. They are a lightweight, comfortable headset that provides crystal-clear audio with 17 dB of noise cancellation across the entire sound spectrum. They also fold up for easy carrying. To reduce air pressure and harsh noise there is a product called EarPlanes. These are safe and disposable.
Small portable book lights will let you enjoy your magazine or book reading without eyestrain. There are rechargeable models that will stay lit for 18 hours when fully charged. No need to worry about batteries and the extra weight carrying batteries brings. These book lights have four super-bright LED lights, and two levels of light with and a dimmer switch to ensure complete reading comfort. Slim rubberized body clips will secure the light to books. The Crickett Booklight now comes with reading glasses built right in. The light activates with the push of a button. These book lights are so handy they make perfect corporate gifts. Company names or logos can be silk-screened on the bases.
Back problems can be reduced with inflatable backrests. These are convenient and compact and they fit easily into your lightweight luggage carryon or briefcase. They provide comfort and lower back support while traveling and they deflate for easy storage. They are made of a soft, flocked comfortable material. The safety valve will prevent air leakage for long trips. The specially designed contoured ribs are the ultimate in back support and comfort. They easily deflate using the pinching valve. All of these travel accessories will make your trip more comfortable. Travelsox offer superior comfort and gradual compression that helps stimulate blood flow and swelling on flights.
Remember, if youre comfortable and feel good, youll look good!
Toyota Hybrid System Transmission And Engine For Toyota Ohio
The hybrid transmission consists of the power split device, the generator, the electric motor and the reduction gears, etc. The power from the engine is split into two by the power split device. One of the output shafts is connected to the motor and the wheels while the other is connected to the generator. In this way, the motive power from the engine is transmitted through two routes, i.e., a mechanical route and an electrical route.
An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission is also provided, which can change speed while continuously varying the rpm of the engine and the rpm of the generator and the electric motor (in relation to vehicle speed).
THS II also reduces friction loss by about 30% by using ball bearings in the transmission and low-friction.
The power split device uses a planetary gear. The rotational shaft of the planetary carrier inside the gear mechanism is directly linked to the engine, and transmits the motive power to the outer ring gear and the inner sun gear via pinion gears. The rotational shaft of the ring gear is directly linked to the motor and transmits the drive force to the wheels, while the rotational shaft of the sun gear is directly linked to the generator.
Because the maximum possible rpm of the generator has been increased, it can draw on higher engine rpm, thereby producing higher output. As a result, the amount of electricity created by the generator is increased, and this increased amount feeds the motor, thus leading to an increase in driving power.
A 1.5-liter engine is used, which achieves high efficiency by using the Atkinson Cycle, one of the most heat-efficient, high-expansion ratio cycles. Because the expansion ratio ((expansion stroke volume + combustion chamber volume)/combustion chamber volume) is increased by reducing the volume of the combustion chamber and the chamber is evacuated only after the explosion force has sufficiently fallen, this engine can extract all of the explosion energy.
In conventional engines, because the compression stroke volume and the expansion stroke volume are nearly identical, the compression ratio ((compression stroke volume + combustion chamber volume)/combustion chamber volume) and the expansion ratio are basically identical. Consequently, trying to increase the expansion ratio also increases the compression ratio, resulting in unavoidable knocking and placing a limit on increases in the expansion ratio. To get around this problem, the timing for closing the intake valve is delayed, and in the initial stage of the compression stroke (when the piston begins to ascend), part of the air that has entered the cylinder is returned to the intake manifold, in effect delaying the start of compression. In this way, the expansion ratio is increased without increasing the actual compression ratio. Since this method can increase the throttle valve opening, it can reduce the intake pipe negative pressure during partial load, thus reducing intake loss.
VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) is used to carefully adjust the intake valve timing according to operating conditions, always obtaining maximum efficiency. Additionally, the use of an oblique squish compact combustion chamber ensures rapid flame propagation throughout the entire combustion chamber. High thermal efficiency, coupled with reductions in both the size and weight of the engine body through the use of an aluminum alloy cylinder block, and a compact intake manifold, etc., help improve the fuel efficiency.
The engine's top revolution rate has been increased from the 4,500 rpm in conventional engines to 5,000 rpm, thereby improving output. Moving parts are lighter, piston rings have lower tension and the valve spring load is smaller, resulting in reduced friction loss. Furthermore, the increase of 500 rpm produces faster generator rotation, increasing the driving force during acceleration and further improving fuel efficiency.
An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission is also provided, which can change speed while continuously varying the rpm of the engine and the rpm of the generator and the electric motor (in relation to vehicle speed).
THS II also reduces friction loss by about 30% by using ball bearings in the transmission and low-friction.
The power split device uses a planetary gear. The rotational shaft of the planetary carrier inside the gear mechanism is directly linked to the engine, and transmits the motive power to the outer ring gear and the inner sun gear via pinion gears. The rotational shaft of the ring gear is directly linked to the motor and transmits the drive force to the wheels, while the rotational shaft of the sun gear is directly linked to the generator.
Because the maximum possible rpm of the generator has been increased, it can draw on higher engine rpm, thereby producing higher output. As a result, the amount of electricity created by the generator is increased, and this increased amount feeds the motor, thus leading to an increase in driving power.
A 1.5-liter engine is used, which achieves high efficiency by using the Atkinson Cycle, one of the most heat-efficient, high-expansion ratio cycles. Because the expansion ratio ((expansion stroke volume + combustion chamber volume)/combustion chamber volume) is increased by reducing the volume of the combustion chamber and the chamber is evacuated only after the explosion force has sufficiently fallen, this engine can extract all of the explosion energy.
In conventional engines, because the compression stroke volume and the expansion stroke volume are nearly identical, the compression ratio ((compression stroke volume + combustion chamber volume)/combustion chamber volume) and the expansion ratio are basically identical. Consequently, trying to increase the expansion ratio also increases the compression ratio, resulting in unavoidable knocking and placing a limit on increases in the expansion ratio. To get around this problem, the timing for closing the intake valve is delayed, and in the initial stage of the compression stroke (when the piston begins to ascend), part of the air that has entered the cylinder is returned to the intake manifold, in effect delaying the start of compression. In this way, the expansion ratio is increased without increasing the actual compression ratio. Since this method can increase the throttle valve opening, it can reduce the intake pipe negative pressure during partial load, thus reducing intake loss.
VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) is used to carefully adjust the intake valve timing according to operating conditions, always obtaining maximum efficiency. Additionally, the use of an oblique squish compact combustion chamber ensures rapid flame propagation throughout the entire combustion chamber. High thermal efficiency, coupled with reductions in both the size and weight of the engine body through the use of an aluminum alloy cylinder block, and a compact intake manifold, etc., help improve the fuel efficiency.
The engine's top revolution rate has been increased from the 4,500 rpm in conventional engines to 5,000 rpm, thereby improving output. Moving parts are lighter, piston rings have lower tension and the valve spring load is smaller, resulting in reduced friction loss. Furthermore, the increase of 500 rpm produces faster generator rotation, increasing the driving force during acceleration and further improving fuel efficiency.
Dwayne Bryants 2006 NFC West Preview
Bullseye-Sports.coms Dwayne Bryant gives his thoughts and predictions on the NFLs NFC West division in 2006. Teams are listed in their predicted order of finish.
1. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Offense: The reigning NFC Champions took a major step toward repeating when they re-signed league MVP Shaun Alexander. Alexander set an NFL record by scoring 28 TDs. He also led the league with 1,880 rushing yards on a career-high 370 carries. Thats a huge workload. Believe in the Madden cover jinx? Alexander is on this years cover. His offensive line took a hit when free-agent Pro-Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson signed with Minnesota. QB Matt Hasselbeck has mastered Mike Holmgrens offense. Hasselbeck threw 24 TD passes in 2005 and had just 9 INTs while compiling a stellar 98.2 QB rating. Darrell Jackson is Hasselbecks favorite target. D-Jack needs to stay healthy this season. Bobby Engram will occupy the slot this season. Jurevicius left for Cleveland, but his replacement, Nate Burleson, should do quite well opposite Jackson. TE Jerramy Stevens finally became a threat last season and should continue to produce in 2006. This offense led the NFL in 2005 with a 28.3 points-per-game average and should be close to that number again in 2006.
Defense: This unit was seventh in the league in 2005, allowing just 16.9 points per game. Their red-zone defense was second in the NFL behind only Chicago. They also led the league with 50 sacks. Ends Grant Wistrom & Bryce Fisher and tackles Chartric Darby & Rocky Bernard give Seattle a solid front four. Perhaps the biggest surprise in 2005 was the play of the LB corps, led by rookies Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill. Adding Julian Peterson to the fold should give the Hawks one of the best front sevens in the league. The secondary is also solid with Michael Boulware and Ken Hamlin, who is returning from a head injury.
Special Teams: The return game needs improvement. Josh Scobey averaged just 22.5 yards on kickoff returns. Kicker Josh Brown didnt get much FG practice last season thanks to Seattles league-high 57 TDs. He connected on only 18 of his 25 FG tries. Look for his numbers to up slightly, especially his success rate.
Prediction: The offense should produce again, provided Hutchinsons replacement is adequate and Alexander avoids the Madden cover jinx. Super Bowl losers usually dont fare too well the following season, but Seattle is clearly the class of this division and should waltz into the playoffs. Another Super Bowl run is certainly not out of the question.
2. ARIZONA CARDINALS
Offense: One of the biggest offseason moves was RB Edgerrin James coming over from the Colts. With receivers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald needing much defensive attention, plus the addition of rookie TE Leonard Pope as another receiving option, Edge shouldnt see too many eight-man fronts. James wont benefit from the line he had in Indy, but he should still find some decent running room here. Hes also a solid receiver, which gives QB Kurt Warner yet another weapon and a great safety valve when the pressure comes and it will. Opponents know this line can be had and they also know Warners durability issues. However, the Cards drafted QB Matt Leinart (USC), who was the most NFL-ready signal caller in the draft. He could pressed into service sooner rather than later. This should be one of the NFLs most explosive offenses in 2006.
Defense: The good news is, Arizona ranked eighth in the league in yards allowed in 2005. The bad news is, they also ranked 26th in the league in points allowed. The biggest improvement came from the run defense, which jumped from 27th in 2004 to tenth in 2005. If the Cards hope to contend for a playoff spot, theyll need to improve their red-zone defense in a big way. This unit missed its leading sack-master, DE Bertrand Berry, for half the season. Berry registered six sacks in the first eight games of the season before sustaining a season-ending knee injury. Karlos Dansby led the LB group with two INT-return TDs. CB Antrel Rolle missed 11 games in his 2005 rookie campaign. Rolle has shutdown-corner potential, which should become more evident this season. Safety Adrian Wilson provides the secondary with big-play ability.
Special Teams: Neil Rackers had a monster 2005 season, hitting an amazing 40 of 42 FG attempts. Reggie Swinton handled punt and kickoff-return duties in 2005 with minimal results.
Prediction: This team is full of promise. Improvement is inevitable with a proven winner like Dennis Green at the controls. The offensive line is still a problem and the defense needs to show some improvement, too. An 8-8 season sounds about right for this bunch. The playoffs will have to wait at least another year.
3. ST. LOUIS RAMS
Offense: Gone is Mike Martzs pass-happy attack. Enter new coach Scott Linehan, wholl place more emphasis on the running game. That means an increased workload for stud RB Steven Jackson. Jackson is young, strong, quick and has great hands. Linehan knows he has talent in the passing game and hell use that talent to make for a more balanced offense than were used to seeing from the Rams. QB Marc Bulger, who only played in eight games in 2005, must stay healthy if this team has any chance to succeed. The Rams have three solid WRs in star Torry Holt, the aging but still-effective Isaac Bruce and emerging playmaker Kevin Curtis. Curtis had 60 catches and 6 TDs last season and could surpass Bruce on the depth chart. The Rams picked TEs Joe Klopfenstein and Dominique Byrd on Day One of the draft, which can only mean the TE will become more involved in Linehans system.
Defense: Pathetic. Horrible. Just plain awful. Say it however youd like, this unit was an absolute disaster in 2005. They ranked 30th in the NFL in yards allowed and 31st in points allowed. They lacked playmakers and the 2006 version will be without SS Adam Archuleta, who fled to Washington. The good news is theres nowhere to go but up. They brought in DT LaRoi Glover from Dallas. Glover will shine in the 4-3 scheme and help to not only stop the run, but also rush the passer. Thatll help the rest of the line, including DE Leonard Little, the teams top pass rusher. One problem this group has is the absence of another established DE to take the double teams away from Little. Theyve added LB Will Witherspoon from Carolina. He gives the LB corps an upgrade. Archuletas vacancy is filled by veteran Corey Chavous. The Rams took CB Tye Hill with their first-round draft pick. Hell compete for a starting job in a secondary that still has some holes to fill.
Special Teams: The numbers say it all: 23rd in kickoff returns, 29th in punt returns, 29th in punt coverage and 30th in kickoff coverage. Obviously, major improvement is needed. The only special-teams bright spot was kicker Jeff Wilkins, who connected on 27 of 31 FG tries.
Prediction: New coaches. New scheme. These things take time to run efficiently. And too many defensive holes wont help either. Theyll challenge Arizona for second in the division, but I see them falling short. 7-9 looks about right.
4. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Offense: QBs go through growing pains their first couple of seasons in the league, but Alex Smiths rookie season couldnt have gone much worse. Smith had a QB rating of 40.8, but hes not the only one to blame. The 49ers had little-to-no weapons for Smith. They drafted TE Vernon Davis, who has the potential to have an immediate impact. They still have TE Eric Johnson, which could make two-TE sets very interesting. They brought in Antonio Bryant, a talented but moody WR. He looks like the top WR on the team, which is definitely not good. The Niners also brought in guard Larry Allen to bolster the o-line, which should bode well for RBs Kevan Barlow and Frank Gore. Barlow has averaged just 3.4 and 3.3 yards per carry over the last two seasons. His poor play paved the way for Gore, who tallied 608 yards on a solid 4.8 yards per carry. Based on those numbers, Gore appears to be the front-runner for the starters job, but I wouldnt be surprised to see Barlow get significant playing time as well.
Defense: Mike Nolan switched this team to the 3-4 defense last season, mostly because he had two talented OLBs in Julian Peterson and Andre Carter. Theyre both gone Carter to Washington and Peterson to Seattle. Having two new starters at OLB in this scheme will be tough. The secondary has holes, too, but welcomes back CB Mike Rumph from a foot injury. This unit ranked 30th in points allowed and 32nd (or last) in yards allowed in 2005. It looks like itll be another long season for this defense in 2006.
Special Teams: Otis Ameys 75-yard punt-return TD was the lone bright spot on what was a poor return unit. Kicker Joe Nedney set a franchise record for FG percentage. Nedney made 26 of his 28 FG tries for a stellar 92.86% success rate.
Prediction: New offensive coordinator Norv Turner has a history of success with his RBs. 49ers fans better hope that continues because that defense cannot be allowed to stay on the field too long. More growing pains for Smith combined with a lack of weapons and a porous defense equals another long season in San Francisco. Anything better than 4-12 will surprise me.
FINAL THOUGHTS: The Seahawks, barring major injuries, will walk away with the division crown once again. Arizona is closing the gap and could sneak into a playoff spot with a little luck. The Rams need to further improve their defense before they can get back into the playoff picture. And the 49ers, with a young QB and porous defense, are a few years away from even sniffing a postseason berth.
1. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Offense: The reigning NFC Champions took a major step toward repeating when they re-signed league MVP Shaun Alexander. Alexander set an NFL record by scoring 28 TDs. He also led the league with 1,880 rushing yards on a career-high 370 carries. Thats a huge workload. Believe in the Madden cover jinx? Alexander is on this years cover. His offensive line took a hit when free-agent Pro-Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson signed with Minnesota. QB Matt Hasselbeck has mastered Mike Holmgrens offense. Hasselbeck threw 24 TD passes in 2005 and had just 9 INTs while compiling a stellar 98.2 QB rating. Darrell Jackson is Hasselbecks favorite target. D-Jack needs to stay healthy this season. Bobby Engram will occupy the slot this season. Jurevicius left for Cleveland, but his replacement, Nate Burleson, should do quite well opposite Jackson. TE Jerramy Stevens finally became a threat last season and should continue to produce in 2006. This offense led the NFL in 2005 with a 28.3 points-per-game average and should be close to that number again in 2006.
Defense: This unit was seventh in the league in 2005, allowing just 16.9 points per game. Their red-zone defense was second in the NFL behind only Chicago. They also led the league with 50 sacks. Ends Grant Wistrom & Bryce Fisher and tackles Chartric Darby & Rocky Bernard give Seattle a solid front four. Perhaps the biggest surprise in 2005 was the play of the LB corps, led by rookies Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill. Adding Julian Peterson to the fold should give the Hawks one of the best front sevens in the league. The secondary is also solid with Michael Boulware and Ken Hamlin, who is returning from a head injury.
Special Teams: The return game needs improvement. Josh Scobey averaged just 22.5 yards on kickoff returns. Kicker Josh Brown didnt get much FG practice last season thanks to Seattles league-high 57 TDs. He connected on only 18 of his 25 FG tries. Look for his numbers to up slightly, especially his success rate.
Prediction: The offense should produce again, provided Hutchinsons replacement is adequate and Alexander avoids the Madden cover jinx. Super Bowl losers usually dont fare too well the following season, but Seattle is clearly the class of this division and should waltz into the playoffs. Another Super Bowl run is certainly not out of the question.
2. ARIZONA CARDINALS
Offense: One of the biggest offseason moves was RB Edgerrin James coming over from the Colts. With receivers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald needing much defensive attention, plus the addition of rookie TE Leonard Pope as another receiving option, Edge shouldnt see too many eight-man fronts. James wont benefit from the line he had in Indy, but he should still find some decent running room here. Hes also a solid receiver, which gives QB Kurt Warner yet another weapon and a great safety valve when the pressure comes and it will. Opponents know this line can be had and they also know Warners durability issues. However, the Cards drafted QB Matt Leinart (USC), who was the most NFL-ready signal caller in the draft. He could pressed into service sooner rather than later. This should be one of the NFLs most explosive offenses in 2006.
Defense: The good news is, Arizona ranked eighth in the league in yards allowed in 2005. The bad news is, they also ranked 26th in the league in points allowed. The biggest improvement came from the run defense, which jumped from 27th in 2004 to tenth in 2005. If the Cards hope to contend for a playoff spot, theyll need to improve their red-zone defense in a big way. This unit missed its leading sack-master, DE Bertrand Berry, for half the season. Berry registered six sacks in the first eight games of the season before sustaining a season-ending knee injury. Karlos Dansby led the LB group with two INT-return TDs. CB Antrel Rolle missed 11 games in his 2005 rookie campaign. Rolle has shutdown-corner potential, which should become more evident this season. Safety Adrian Wilson provides the secondary with big-play ability.
Special Teams: Neil Rackers had a monster 2005 season, hitting an amazing 40 of 42 FG attempts. Reggie Swinton handled punt and kickoff-return duties in 2005 with minimal results.
Prediction: This team is full of promise. Improvement is inevitable with a proven winner like Dennis Green at the controls. The offensive line is still a problem and the defense needs to show some improvement, too. An 8-8 season sounds about right for this bunch. The playoffs will have to wait at least another year.
3. ST. LOUIS RAMS
Offense: Gone is Mike Martzs pass-happy attack. Enter new coach Scott Linehan, wholl place more emphasis on the running game. That means an increased workload for stud RB Steven Jackson. Jackson is young, strong, quick and has great hands. Linehan knows he has talent in the passing game and hell use that talent to make for a more balanced offense than were used to seeing from the Rams. QB Marc Bulger, who only played in eight games in 2005, must stay healthy if this team has any chance to succeed. The Rams have three solid WRs in star Torry Holt, the aging but still-effective Isaac Bruce and emerging playmaker Kevin Curtis. Curtis had 60 catches and 6 TDs last season and could surpass Bruce on the depth chart. The Rams picked TEs Joe Klopfenstein and Dominique Byrd on Day One of the draft, which can only mean the TE will become more involved in Linehans system.
Defense: Pathetic. Horrible. Just plain awful. Say it however youd like, this unit was an absolute disaster in 2005. They ranked 30th in the NFL in yards allowed and 31st in points allowed. They lacked playmakers and the 2006 version will be without SS Adam Archuleta, who fled to Washington. The good news is theres nowhere to go but up. They brought in DT LaRoi Glover from Dallas. Glover will shine in the 4-3 scheme and help to not only stop the run, but also rush the passer. Thatll help the rest of the line, including DE Leonard Little, the teams top pass rusher. One problem this group has is the absence of another established DE to take the double teams away from Little. Theyve added LB Will Witherspoon from Carolina. He gives the LB corps an upgrade. Archuletas vacancy is filled by veteran Corey Chavous. The Rams took CB Tye Hill with their first-round draft pick. Hell compete for a starting job in a secondary that still has some holes to fill.
Special Teams: The numbers say it all: 23rd in kickoff returns, 29th in punt returns, 29th in punt coverage and 30th in kickoff coverage. Obviously, major improvement is needed. The only special-teams bright spot was kicker Jeff Wilkins, who connected on 27 of 31 FG tries.
Prediction: New coaches. New scheme. These things take time to run efficiently. And too many defensive holes wont help either. Theyll challenge Arizona for second in the division, but I see them falling short. 7-9 looks about right.
4. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Offense: QBs go through growing pains their first couple of seasons in the league, but Alex Smiths rookie season couldnt have gone much worse. Smith had a QB rating of 40.8, but hes not the only one to blame. The 49ers had little-to-no weapons for Smith. They drafted TE Vernon Davis, who has the potential to have an immediate impact. They still have TE Eric Johnson, which could make two-TE sets very interesting. They brought in Antonio Bryant, a talented but moody WR. He looks like the top WR on the team, which is definitely not good. The Niners also brought in guard Larry Allen to bolster the o-line, which should bode well for RBs Kevan Barlow and Frank Gore. Barlow has averaged just 3.4 and 3.3 yards per carry over the last two seasons. His poor play paved the way for Gore, who tallied 608 yards on a solid 4.8 yards per carry. Based on those numbers, Gore appears to be the front-runner for the starters job, but I wouldnt be surprised to see Barlow get significant playing time as well.
Defense: Mike Nolan switched this team to the 3-4 defense last season, mostly because he had two talented OLBs in Julian Peterson and Andre Carter. Theyre both gone Carter to Washington and Peterson to Seattle. Having two new starters at OLB in this scheme will be tough. The secondary has holes, too, but welcomes back CB Mike Rumph from a foot injury. This unit ranked 30th in points allowed and 32nd (or last) in yards allowed in 2005. It looks like itll be another long season for this defense in 2006.
Special Teams: Otis Ameys 75-yard punt-return TD was the lone bright spot on what was a poor return unit. Kicker Joe Nedney set a franchise record for FG percentage. Nedney made 26 of his 28 FG tries for a stellar 92.86% success rate.
Prediction: New offensive coordinator Norv Turner has a history of success with his RBs. 49ers fans better hope that continues because that defense cannot be allowed to stay on the field too long. More growing pains for Smith combined with a lack of weapons and a porous defense equals another long season in San Francisco. Anything better than 4-12 will surprise me.
FINAL THOUGHTS: The Seahawks, barring major injuries, will walk away with the division crown once again. Arizona is closing the gap and could sneak into a playoff spot with a little luck. The Rams need to further improve their defense before they can get back into the playoff picture. And the 49ers, with a young QB and porous defense, are a few years away from even sniffing a postseason berth.
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