The Two Worst NFL Franchises of 2007

In today's NFL, we see some of the most competitive football ever played on the gridiron. However, there are a couple of teams that clearly have a long way to go before they can be serious contenders in the league. Here are two teams that need a lot of help, and the steps they can take to becoming serious threats in the league again.

Miami Dolphins

Yeah, could this one be any more obvious? The Dolphins have had one of the worst seasons in NFL history this year, and the organization is a mess. First off, they probably should have taken quarterback Brady Quinn in the 2007 draft rather than wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. What's done is done, however, and the Dolphins have to begin looking at 2008.

The organization's hiring of Bill Parcells was a great first step for the Dolphins. Owner Wayne Huizinga was tempted to sell the franchise before Parcells signed on. The former Cowboys and Jets coach should provide an instant spark for the team. He is an elite talent evaluator, and if his latest uncovered gem, Tony Romo, is any example, then Miami Dolphin fans are definitely in for a treat.

Cam Cameron has to move on and find another coaching position, and the coordinators and position coaches will have to be evaluated very closely to see if any upgrades can be made in those areas. With a little bit of help from the 2008 NFL Draft, these Dolphins can attempt to find a four or five win season in 2008, but even that is on the high side. They have a lot of work to do, but it all starts with acquiring the talent they need and dropping the players that are too old to contribute anymore.

Atlanta Falcons

After missing out on Bill Parcells, owner Arthur Blank has to be just tired of everything that has transpired with his team over the past year or so. The Falcons have to break everything down and start over again. First, they should focus their attention to the draft, and attempt to find a franchise quarterback and a leader by example, to lead their rebuilding franchise.

It is truly a shame that Bobby Petrino had to leave almost as quickly as he came, but locking up a solid head coach from outside the organization should help. Hopefully Blank doesn't go back to the college ranks to find his main man! The offense has some pieces to build around in RB Jerious Norwood and WR Roddy White, so things aren't completely horrible in Atlanta.

There is a lot of work to be done here, and the Falcons simply have to do what the Dolphins do, and acquire the talent they need to succeed. If things break the right way, they could be a competitive five to seven win football team in 2008.