by Mike Harmon

Comment

I'll refine the position-by-position rankings and update these lists before the gun sounds to signal the opening of training camps. I'm getting my running shoes on, working to go Forrest Gump and begin a cross-country trek to make personal appearances at camps to give you a look-see from a different perspective than the local beat writers. It's an annual journey that I cherish, hitting up greasy spoons and interacting with fans of all ages that hit the practice fields. Be prepared and well-coiffed when you traverse out to a day in camp, as you might get your five minutes on the forthcoming video blog from the road.

I'm counting on those of you who live near to these training camp facilities, any and all of them, to hit me up in the inbox (harmononfox@hotmail.com) or my Facebook page (swollendome) to offer your suggestions for eats and entertainment on the road.

Until then, I'll be shifting into spreadsheet mode and firing off projections for each of the major statistical categories and taking a bit of R&R ahead of the glorious road to Miami. Look for those columns to begin on Monday.

Here's your final "potential flops" piece, a six-pack of team defenses.

1. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings top this short list with the long-running StarCaps issue still making headlines. Sure, it's taken a backseat to any and all Brett Favre conversation (including the potential for John David Booty to make a bundle on the sale of No. 4), but this is a very real issue for Brad Childress' squad. The issue is back in the courts for a determination of whether Pat and Kevin Williams' efforts to overturn a four-game suspension from Commissioner Roger Goodell have merit.

If these behemoths are off of the front line, thereby leaving opponents the ability to double-team Jared Allen, then the Vikings' secondary (still without a disgruntled Antoine Winfield for the moment) could be exploited.

2. Tennessee Titans

The Titans always posses a sound defense, but I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge the potential ramifications of Albert Haynesworth's departure on the defensive interior. Jason Jones and Tony Brown will attempt to command the same type of attention and stuff the run while allowing Jevon Kearse and Kyle Vanden Bosch to make plays off the edges. You know I love Cortland Finnegan, but the lack of persistent pressure up front could leave Finnegan and Nick Harper on a proverbial island.

3. Washington Redskins

The Redskins made a huge splash in free agency by signing the aforementioned "Prince Albert" to a monster contract. Can he and rookie Brian Orakpo help improve the Washington defense? Even though the Redskins ranked sixth in total defense (18.5 points allowed per game), the unit generated only 22 turnovers and 24 sacks.

I have to believe that a healthy Haynesworth generates immediate dividends for the unit and allows pass rushers Andre Carter and Phillip Daniels to go to work. However, Haynesworth certainly has an extensive injury history (he hasn't played in all 16 games since 2002). Will Daniel Snyder get the proper return on his investment?

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This isn't your father's Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad. Many of the longtime heroes have moved on, and it'll take some time to get used to the new names. Other than Ronde Barber and a smattering of veterans, you're looking at a young unit. I love Gaines Adams on the line, and Aqib Talib showed flashes of becoming an impact defender (four interceptions as a rookie).

Overall, I'm fearful that this squad doesn't generate enough pressure up front and leaves the secondary exposed. Of course, that's only a secondary concern to the complete overhaul of the offense currently in progress.

5. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers ranked ninth in sacks last season (37) and 12th in total defense (20.6 points per game). The fact that they tied for 21st in the NFL with 12 interceptions stands out, particularly with premier pass rusher Julius Peppers working off the edge. Peppers' contract and trade demands remain points of contention as we approach the summer months. But, as I said, this unit didn't dominate despite Peppers' efforts up front and the control of timing, tempo and game flow by the Panthers' offense.

6. Baltimore Ravens

I expect some angry emails from the good folks of Baltimore, but I tread cautiously and place the Ravens on the board in this final slot.

I'm not expecting a dramatic drop-off in production, mind you, as you still have a very, very motivated Ray Lewis who can still taste the AFC Championship Game defeat. Terrell Suggs and personal hero, Haloti Ngata, anchor the defensive line, and we can reasonably expect strong play out of the front seven. However, I can't look at this unit without wondering how much the losses of Rex Ryan and several key members of the defense (including Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard) impact this unit. The Ravens excelled in 2008 despite obvious deficiencies in the secondary. Will the secondary step up, or will Lewis and company need to pick up for them again?