NFL

Eight teams that could be next season’s Seahawks

It’s on to the 2014 season. So much can happen in free agency and the NFL Draft, but in the meantime, allow me to identify eight teams that, as we sit here at the Secaucus Junction Station, could be big surprises next season in a league in which parity ought to prevent anyone (maybe outside of Jacksonville) from being surprised:

RAMS: My preseason long-shot pick to reach the Super Bowl. I was a year early. Sam Bradford staying healthy is the key. Robert Quinn and Chris Long, a formidable pass-rush duo, anchor the defense. Might elite coach Jeff Fisher use the second pick of the draft on defensive end Jadeveon Clowney? Or choose to get Bradford a premier bodyguard? You have to love Zac Stacy, and Tavon Austin won’t be a rookie anymore.

EAGLES: Another year together for Chip Kelly and Nick Foles, and Shady McCoy should run wild again.

LIONS: If Jim Caldwell can fix Matthew Stafford and instill discipline to an undisciplined team, watch out.

BUCCANEERS: Lovie Smith knows how to get to a Super Bowl, and he inherits a secondary that is secondary (Darrelle Revis, Dashon Goldson Mark Barron) only to the Seahawks. If second-year QB Mike Glennon is the real deal, so are the Bucs.

CHARGERS: Mike McCoy worked wonders with Philip Rivers, who can withstand the loss of offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt (Titans). Wide receiver Keenan Allen is a stud, and tight end Ladarius Green could be a young Antonio Gates. The defense needs outside linebacker Melvin Ingram to stay on the field to rush the passer.

DOLPHINS: They’re in the hunt as long as Ryan Tannehill takes the next step and Bullygate doesn’t rear its ugly head.

GIANTS: Jerry Reese has work to do, but he’s done it before. So has Eli Manning, who has a new offensive coordinator and desperately needs new blockers. Paging Jason Pierre-Paul, paging Jason Pierre-Paul.

JETS: John Idzik needs to go shopping at Playmakers R Us, and Geno Smith has to prove he’s the man for the job.