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spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008.sPubDate = "2/3/2009 5:08:35 AM GMT";
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spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008.appHeader = "NFL | Projecting the 2009 season -- how will your team fare?";
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008.appDeck = "We review every team's 2008 season and project if they'll be better, worse or about the same.";
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008.appFooter = "By NBCSports.com contributor Steve Silverman";
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spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","AFC East","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
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spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Buffalo Bills","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/upArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Buffalo Bills (7-9, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> There were several statistical improvements for the Bills last year but they were awful against the AFC East, going 0-6 against the division. Buffalo also had no answers against 3-4 defenses, going 1-8 against those opponents. The Bills need to find a way to improve their ability to put pressure on opposing offenses. <br><r/><br></b>2009 season:</b> The Bills have a solid running game led by Marshawn Lynch, but the rest of the offense is questionable. Nevertheless, look for Trent Edwards to become a better quarterback and for the defense to put more heat on the quarterback. The Bills will have a winning record and contend for the playoffs.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Baltimore Ravens","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/leftRightArrow.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "85", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Baltimore Ravens (11-5, lost in AFC Championship)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Ravens go into the offseason with tremendous momentum. Joe Flacco is the quarterback of the present and the future -- and would get even better with another big-play wideout. The Ravens are loaded with stars on defense, but could use more depth. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> Will calm, cool and talented Flacco be able to pick up where he left off? Willis McGahee suffered a scary head injury against the Steelers, but his track record shows that he is fearless. The Ravens should challenge the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers for the division title.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Houston Texans","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/upArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Houston Texans (8-8, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Texans are a team on the rise. With Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson, the Texans have a first-class quarterback-wide receiver combination. The defense, led by explosive Mario Williams, is ready to dominate. The Texans need to add depth and could use some help in the secondary. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> The Texans have a great chance to win the division. Gary Kubiak has given this team improved leadership and the talent is there. If the Colts stumble a bit without coach Tony Dungy and the Titans don&#146;t dominate again, the Texans have a chance to get to the playoffs for the first time. ";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Denver Broncos","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/downArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Denver Broncos (8-8, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> Losing Mike Shanahan could prove disastrous. While owner Pat Bowlen grew tired of disappointing finishes for his team, Shanahan was widely acknowledged as a solid game planner and a great talent evaluator. Can 32-year-old Josh McDaniels excel in these areas? The Broncos had a miserable defensive season and must improve the defensive line and the secondary. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> It could get worse before it gets better. Bringing in a young coach is hard enough without a wretched defense to worry about. Wins will be hard to come by.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Miami Dolphins","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/leftRightArrow.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "85", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Miami Dolphins (11-5, lost in wild-card round)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b>The Dolphins need more game-breakers than just Ted Ginn Jr. at receiver. Miami also has several inadequacies in its front seven, allowing 10 of 17 opponents to rush for 100 yards or more. They were first in the league with a plus-17 differential on the takeaway/turnover table, which will be tough to match. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano had a brilliant first season together and the key personnel move was the acquisition of Chad Pennington. There&#146;s no reason to think that the Dolphins won&#146;t be even better in 2009. Getting back to the playoffs is quite likely but winning the division may be difficult as the Patriots attempt to reclaim the title. ";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Cincinnati Bengals","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/leftRightArrow.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "85", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Bengals have huge issues. They were particularly unproductive on offense (32nd in yards per game and yards per pass play), but a healthy Carson Palmer should help immensely. They Bengals need to part company with goofy Chad Ocho Cinco and address their shoddy running game. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> Coach Marvin Lewis somehow manages to keep his job. That will be unlikely if the Bengals have another losing season. Even if Palmer can stay healthy, don&#146;t expect this ghastly team to turn things around. In addition to their offensive woes, they lack depth on defense.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Indianapolis Colts","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/downArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Indianapolis Colts (12-4, lost in wild-card round)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> Saying goodbye to Tony Dungy is tough. He was such a calm, steady coach that he gave everyone the confidence to play their best game. Jim Caldwell is Dungy&#146;s hand-picked successor but he will have to prove himself. The Colts need to address their run defense deficiencies and may need to replace Marvin Harrison. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b As long as the Colts have a healthy Peyton Manning, they should remain a playoff contender. However, their days of dominating with their offense appear are over. Look for the Colts to put together a winning record and contend for a playoff spot.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Kansas City Chiefs"," ","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/leftRightArrow.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "85", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Kansas City Chiefs (2-14, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> Bringing in Scott Pioli is a major upgrade. However, Pioli has much work to do, including hiring a coach who can lead the team. The Chiefs need improvement at quarterback and must address the lack of speed and toughness on defense. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> The Chiefs will be moving forward in 2009, but they were so far down in 2008 that they can&#146;t expect a winning season. If they can go from two to six wins next season, it should be considered a major victory.  ";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","New England Patriots","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/upArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>New England Patriots (11-5, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b>The Pats think Tom Brady will be back under center next year, fully recovered from his knee injury. They will try to hold on to Matt Cassel just in case Brady suffers a setback. New England must get younger and quicker on defense. It struggled to stop opponents on third downs (26th). Linebacker and secondary upgrades are needed. <br><r/><br>2009 season: When it comes to coaching there&#146;s Bill Belichick and then everyone else. He did a brilliant job ensuring New England didn't fold after Brady&#146;s knee injury. A healthy team, along with a decent job in the draft and with free agents, will make the Pats the AFC East favorites and a Super Bowl contender again. ";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Cleveland Browns","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/upArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Cleveland Browns (4-12, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Browns had high expectation in 2008 and fell flat. Romeo Crennel was sent packing and Eric Mangini was brought in, which should help in gameplanning. Brady Quinn needs to develop at quarterback. The Browns also have to address their defensive deficiencies. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> Cleveland seemingly has a long way to go before it can be considered a contender, but if Quinn can stay healthy and Mangini can get the team&#146;s confidence up, the Browns could be a nice surprise and a playoff contender. ";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Jacksonville Jaguars","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/leftRightArrow.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "85", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Jaguars were expected to be a playoff team in 2008 but injuries dealt them a big setback. Jack Del Rio's team must address significant problems on the offensive line and improve a weak group of receivers. The defensive line was expected to be the strength of the team. It wasn't. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> The Jaguars could improve significantly if they can do a better job on the offensive line and add a good receiver or two. They won't make the playoffs, though. ";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Oakland Raiders","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/upArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Oakland Raiders (5-11, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Raiders showed some improvement offensively, particularly on the offensive line. Better receivers are still needed. The Raiders need some defensive line improvement and must decide on a future for All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. He doesn&#146;t want to sign a long-term contract. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> The Raiders won&#146;t be a great team -- but that's not a huge obstacle in the AFC West. A big season from JaMarcus Russell and improvement on the defensive side will give them an outside chance to contend for the division title. ";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","New York Jets"," ","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/downArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>New York Jets (9-7, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> A 1-4 finish cost Eric Mangini his job. New coach Rex Ryan needs to know if Brett Favre will return at quarterback -- sooner, rather than later. Favre threw 22 interceptions and many were at crucial moments. The Jets need to address their pass defense, which struggled throughout the second half of the season. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> Even if Favre comes back, the Jets will likely have erratic quarterback play. They have a dominant run defense and Thomas Jones gives them a solid running game, but the team&#146;s future would have been much brighter if Favre wasn't the starter. Ryan should help the defense, but the Jets are headed for a sub-.500 season. ";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Pittsburgh Steelers","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/leftRightArrow.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "85", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4, won the Super Bowl)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Steelers may have to battle overconfidence after winning the Super Bowl after playing the league&#146;s most difficult schedule. Willie Parker is a solid back but he could use some help in the backfield. Defensive depth is always an issue in Pittsburgh because they lose key free agents most seasons. They will also need wide receiver Hines Ward to make a full recovery from his knee injury. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> Head coach Mike Tomlin has done a superb job since taking over for Bill Cowher but trying to repeat is a much tougher job than winning the first time. He&#146;ll need to keep his team from getting overly satisfied following their thrilling Super Bowl victory. They may struggle since everyone will be after them from the start.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Tennessee Titans","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/downArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Tennessee Titans (13-3, lost in divisional playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Titans were the AFC's best team for most of 2008, but they may want to address their quarterback situation. Vince Young had struggled to handle his responsibilities and was replaced by Kerry Collins. Coach Jeff Fisher can't let Young be a distraction. The Titans have a dominant defense but need more depth. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> The Titans are one of the league's toughest and most physical teams. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is a dominant player but was slowed by nagging injuries. If the Titans can get more depth on the defensive line, a playoff berth is a possibility. ";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","San Diego Chargers","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/leftRightArrow.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "85", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>San Diego Chargers (8-8, lost in divisional playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Chargers rallied to win the division after playing poorly for much of the season. Coach Norv Turner must rebuild the team&#146;s confidence. Quarterback Philip Rivers is essential with running back LaDainian Tomlinson's growing injury problems and. The defensive line needs to play more consistently. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> The return of linebacker Shawne Merriman should re-ignite a Chargers defense. San Diego will win the division, but may not have the confidence to compete for the AFC Championship. Unless Tomlinson returns to the team at full strength, that is not likely to happen.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","NFC East","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","NFC North","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","NFC South","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","NFC West","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Dallas Cowboys","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/upArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Dallas Cowboys (9-7, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Cowboys must establish discipline. Coach Wade Phillips has vowed to get tougher and not let the players run wild. On the field, the Cowboys have to decide what to do with Terrell Owens, who is coming off a below average season <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> Look for the Cowboys to make a run at the NFC East title as long as Tony Romo can stay healthy. The Cowboys have a dominant defense. Expect Jerry Jones to demand more from his team in its first season in a new stadium.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Chicago Bears","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/leftRightArrow.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "85", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Chicago Bears (9-7, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Bears claim to be happy with Kyle Orton. Some wonder if Chicago will draft or bring in a free agent if only to push Orton. The Bears were unhappy with their defensive performance and coach Lovie Smith will get personally involved with the defense&#146;s day-to-day operations. Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher will be under the gun to become more productive. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> The Bears have a great shot to take the NFC North title with a little defensive improvement. Look for Matt Forte to step up at running back.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Atlanta Falcons","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/upArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Atlanta Falcons (10-6, lost in wild-card round)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The combination of quarterback Matt Ryan and running back Michael Turner has given the Falcons a top-level offense, but the defense lacks strength, size and consistency. The Falcons need to rebuild their defense, particularly at linebacker. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> Look for Ryan, Turner and coach Mike Smith to pick up where they left off a year ago. The Falcons should be able to return to the playoffs and challenge the Carolina Panthers for the division title.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Arizona Cardinals","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/leftRightArrow.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "85", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Arizona Cardinals (9-7, lost Super Bowl)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Cardinals incredible postseason run should spur them to another big season. The Cardinals need to lock up quarterback Kurt Warner because he is a better alternative than Matt Leinart. The Cardinals defense performed well in the postseason, but that unit lacked intensity and struggled during the regular season. Adding depth in this area is a must. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> The Cardinals may get some token opposition from the San Francisco 49ers, but the division should be there for the taking. The postseason run should give them plenty of confidence heading into the season and they should win the NFC West and challenge for the Super Bowl again.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","N.Y. Giants","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/downArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>New York Giants (12-4, lost in divisional playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Giants lost some edge once Plaxico Burress' season ended. The Giants needs a receiver like Burress who can make big plays. Without Burress, the powerful running game lost some punch and Eli Manning does not have as much stature. The Giants also need to bring in some depth at linebacker. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> The Giants have the defense and many of the weapons needed to be a dominant team. However, after a disappointing loss in the playoffs to the Eagles, coach Tom Coughlin is likely to turn up the heat again. The Giants do not take to that style of leadership. New York will be a .500 team. No better.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Detroit Lions","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/upArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Detroit Lions (0-16, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> New coach Jim Schwartz is charged with turning a team into a respectable organization. It will take more than a few wins -- more like two or three seasons of completely changing the culture. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> The Lions will not go winless again, but this team has too many fundamental weaknesses on both lines of scrimmage and a hole at quarterback. The Lions will lose at least 10 games and finish last in the NFC Central.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Carolina Panthers","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/downArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Carolina Panthers (12-4, lost in divisional playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Panthers were consistent during the season, but fell woefully short in the playoffs. Quarterback Jake Delhomme was particularly poor. There are questions if he is good enough win a Super Bowl. The Panthers could use extra zip at receiver because Muhsin Muhammad has a lot of wear. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> There&#146;s bound to be a letdown throughout the offseason. That includes the coaching staff. The Panthers have the talent to rebound, but it won&#146;t happen until they endure a painful first half. They will be on the outside looking in when the playoffs start.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","St. Louis Rams","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/leftRightArrow.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "85", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>St. Louis Rams (2-14, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Rams have as many problems as any team in the league. Their offense and defense was horrid, but at least have the personnel in Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson to improve on offense. Former Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo should be able to give the Rams much better defensive gameplans, but the personnel is shoddy. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> Spagnuolo is supposed to be a spiritual man who eschews many creature comforts. However, his spirit will be tested coaching a team that regularly gets whipped on both sides of the ball. This will be another painful season for the Rams and their fans.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Philadelphia Eagles","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/upArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1, lost in NFC championship)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Eagles are expected to bring back 32-year-old Donovan McNabb at quarterback. But until they settle on a contract extension, McNabb will have an issue with the team. The offensive line needs to be addressed since left tackle Tra Thomas and right tackle Jon Runyan are both free agents. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> The Eagles were just a couple of plays away from beating the Cardinals and playing in the Super Bowl. That should motivate this team to be a playoff performer again next season. They should challenge the Cowboys for the division title.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Green Bay Packers","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/upArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Green Bay Packers (6-10, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> Even though the Packers went from the NFC championship game in 2007 to losing 10 games, they aren't about to panic. However, Green Bay does need to rebuild the defense, which was a disappointment. They may also want to bring in a running back to challenge Ryan Grant. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> There&#146;s a lot of work to do on defense, but there Packers are still happy they made the decision to part with Brett Favre and hand the team off to Aaron Rodgers. Look for this team to contend for a playoff spot.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","New Orleans Saints"," ","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/leftRightArrow.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "85", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>New Orleans Saints (8-8, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Saints have one of the league's most explosive offenses, but could use give quarterback Drew Brees some better receivers. If the Saints are going to get back to the playoffs they also must improve their defense. The Saints were particularly inconsistent against the run. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> The Saints have the look and feel of a .500 team. Unless they can bring in a star defensive free agent or through the draft, they should finish at the .500 mark once again. Sean Payton does not know how to get his team to play consistently.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","San Francisco 49ers","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/upArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>San Francisco 49ers (7-9, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> Mike Singletary's team picked up its intensity in the second half of the season. Now Singletary will have to prove himself as a leader, gameplanner and teacher. The 49ers need significant help on offense, particularly at receiver, where ancient Isaac Bruce led the team in receptions with 61. The Niners also have needs at quarterback and must continue to improve on defense. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> Look for the Niners to become the surprise team of the 2009 season. They are not as talented as the Cardinals, but Singletary will get this team to play hard. They will be a wild-card team if they don&#146;t steal the division title.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Washington Redskins","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/downArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Washington Redskins (8-8, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Redskins surprised the league during their 6-2 first half of the season and played poorly in the second half. Is Jason Campbell a legitimate NFL quarterback? Can Clinton Portis give the Redskins a full 16-game season? They also need to find a way to pressure opposing quarterbacks. The Redskins registered just 19 sacks. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> The Jim Zorn experience will last one more season. That&#146;s it. The team stopped responding to his leadership and there are too many questions in the lineup. Without a playoff berth, will Bill Cowher be waiting in the coaching wings? ";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Minnesota Vikings","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/downArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Minnesota Vikings (10-6, lost in wild-card round)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> It&#146;s the same story for the Vikings. They need to find an answer at quarterback. Tarvaris Jackson is too inconsistent. The Vikings also need to improve in the secondary after recording just 12 interceptions. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> The Vikings won the division but went out meekly in the playoffs. If they don&#146;t improve their play at quarterback, they will find themselves on the outside looking in at playoff time. ";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Tampa Bay Bucs"," ","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/downArrow_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "58", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Tampa Bay Bucs (9-7, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Bucs lost their last four games and a certain spot in the playoffs went up in smoke. The good news is that divisive coach Jon Gruden is gone and the sense of relief the players feel should make new coach Raheem Morris feel quite comfortable. The defense is still strong but the Bucs need to get younger in that area. The quarterback position must be addressed. Even if the Bucs bring back Jeff Garcia, it is obvious he can&#146;t withstand the rigors of a full season. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> The Bucs have holes at quarterback and receiver and that will put a ton of pressure on what should be a solid defense. Don&#146;t expect the Bucs to make the playoffs in Morris&#146;s first year. Instead, they will endure a losing record.";

spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i++] = new Array("","Seattle Seahawks","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/leftRightArrow.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "58", "85", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_nfl_draft_reportcard2008[i-1].body = "<font size=4>Seattle Seahawks (4-12, missed playoffs)</font> <br><r/><br><b>Offseason issues:</b> The Seahawks had a slew of injuries in Mike Holmgren&#146;s last season and they seemed more than willing to wallow and use that as an excuse. New coach Jim Mora will bring energy and enthusiasm, but must rebuild the soft Seattle defense if the Seahawks are going to be respectable. <br><r/><br><b>2009 season:</b> The Seahawks should be at or close to .500 by the end of the season. However, they can&#146;t compete with the Cardinals and they may find it difficult to hang with the 49ers. This team will be more competitive than it was a year ago but they will not make the playoffs.";

	// END editorial data