NFC East Overrated?
by Nelson... on Nov 29, 2009 8:26 PM CST
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PrintI've seen this relatively new meme grow legs somewhere around the time Dallas defeated Philadelphia and took sole possession of first place in the division.
2006: Took three teams to the playoffs: PHI division winner, DAL and NYG wild cards.
2007: Took three teams to the playoffs: DAL division winner (and #1 seed), NYG and WAS wild cards. NYG wins Super Bowl.
2008: Took two teams to the playoffs: defending Super Bowl champ NYG division winner (and #1 seed), PHI wild card (and appeared in NFC title game)
2009: Could potentially take two or three teams to the playoffs again (depending on how Green Bay and Atlanta play the rest of the way)
It's possible that people are simply down on the entire NFC as a whole. Because if not, I don't know how you say the NFC North, South, or West are any better overall.
I try really hard to stay away from conspiracy theories, but it seems that outsiders contort and twist themselves in every way possible and look at every possible angle in an effort to pooh-pooh anything the Cowboys accomplish. The NFC East was the strongest division and either the Eagles and Giants were everyone's SB pick until we took the lead. Now the whole division is overrated
Which brings me to a related question. If everyone says you're overrated, then are you still overrated? Who is overrating you?
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I agree, the "experts" are confused and dumbfounded as to why the gints and iggles have had some struggles
and dallas is considered too inconsistent to be considered a lock to win their division much like the gints were given the east crown back in week 5. I remember a headline that stated the gints vs aints match-up was important but had little consequence because both teams were head and shoulders above their division rivals (they were 1/2 right). So I do think it can be a dissappointment with how the east teams have not met the expectations (the skins have fallen off the map) and one has more than exceeded their predicted 8-8 or 7-9 mark. You would think that if they look at which division has the best group of teams contending for playoff spots, the east has the most.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
NFC East has three legitimate playoff contenders
No other NFC division can say that
In Romo we Trust
I don’t think the NFC East has an elite team like the Vikings or Saints in it but it is more balanced from top to bottom then the other 3 divisions. The Cowboys are a talented team, the Eagles are a threat every year, the Giants are in some kind of funk that they could break out of challenge for the division and the Redskins can compete every week, they almost beat us last week and almost beat the Eagles this week.
Vikings and Saints aren't elite
They’re very good teams who have been the most consistent NFC teams, but they can be beat, they are flawed as well.
In Romo we Trust
Any team can be beat and no team is without flaws. The Saints are helped by having the Panthers and Bucanneers in their division while the Vikings get the Lions and Bears. I think that the Vikings are better then the Saints mostly because the Vikings defense is better and the fact that they can close out a game with their running game.
By your definition...
the only elite team ever (at least in the Super Bowl era) was the 1972 Dolphins. That is nonsense. Of course the Vikings and the Saints are elite teams!
by doomsdayreturns on Nov 29, 2009 10:50 PM CST up reply actions
no, elite teams win SBs
NO and Minn haven’t done that yet, until they do, they’re not elite, only really good.
In Romo we Trust
I dunno...they may be elite
But they are also lucky. A missed FG by the Ravens and a lucky TD pass to Greg Lewis and they’d be 8-3. Plus look at the teams they’ve played so far. It’s laughable! Detroit 2x, the Rams, the Browns, and mediocre teams like the Seahawks and 49ers. But I guess you can only play your schedule…
well to take your logic.....
Minn. could very well be undefeated as well if not for a couple of mis-cues against the Steelers. They were very close to pulling out that game as well. Minnesota and NO both have good defenses,offenses, and Special teams so their pretty complete teams imo.
If ifs and buts were candies and nuts...
Just saying I’ve seen more elite teams in the recent past or present.
I’m just waiting for the inevitable 4-int game from Favre. Probably in the divisional playoffs…
that's true......
however, Favre is not having to carry the team on his back like two years ago vs. the Giants. He has a wonderful RB in AP. Also, from what I have heard, defenses are still putting 8 in the box to contain AP. This helps Favre out tremendously. If you want to get really technical, Favre should only have two interceptions because one of the three was actually Taylor’s fault. What’s really strange, I used to couldn’t stand Favre, but he has mellowed over the years and I like him now. Plus, how can you not root for a 40 yr old QB?
How do you think these teams (NO and Minn.)
would match up against the Cowboys of the early 90s? I think Dallas would beat either team fairly easy(in fact I think they would kick their ass) Dallas was an elite team solid in O,D, and ST. These 2 teams are good, but not elite IMO.
How bout dem Frogs!!!!
good point
To be elite in my book, you have to win multiple SBs or win 10+ games for many years like the Colts.
I’d put Colts in the elite category for that reason and Manning. That being said, the Cowboys could beat the Colts, Saints and Vikings if they execute and play their game.
In Romo we Trust
Dallas has the talent to be a so called elite team.
They can beat anyone in the NFL, but there is something more to the great teams. The Boys of the early 90s had great players, confidence and great leadership starting with the HC.
How bout dem Frogs!!!!
Elite teams in the recent past
Colts, Patriots, Pittsburgh, and maybe (kill me now) the Eagles. San Diego is getting there. Consistent winners who often beat quality teams and have success in the playoffs.
I don't know if I'd put our WR in their class just yet.....
Don’t get me wrong, ours are pretty good, but I think theirs are better at this point.
we're not talking about WRs, we're talking about elite teams
IMO, there are no elite teams in the league right now, except for maybe the Colts. Vikings and Saints aren’t quite there yet IMO.
In Romo we Trust
but WRs do make up elite teams.......
the WRs are a cog on the team. I think the Colts,Saints,Vikings, and even Pats have better receivers than we do which in turn makes them more elite teams because they have a much more efficient big play capability. You never know with the above teams when they can/will strike for the big play. I don’t think our offense it quite there yet. Maybe by the end of the year, but not currently.
I think it's more about their QBs than WRs
I don’t think the Saints or Vikings receiving corps are that much better than ours, however, Favre and Brees are playing at an elite level right now.
It’s hard to believe that Favre is having by far and away his best year of his career at the age of 40, but he is.
In Romo we Trust
it is amazing isn't it
only three int. and one of them wasn’t even his fault. I’m a big fan of Brees (partly because he’s from Austin and he’s a good guy) because he has always been considered too short but he always steps up to the plate. You can’t say enough about the guys heart and competitiveness.
I find it interesting
that no one has brought up even the possibility that Favre is on something. Torn bicep and rotator cuff and he comes off surgery, claims he isn’t healthy then suddenly he’s throwing (as he himself stated) the hardest of his career. And no one will even consider it?
"I’m ready to go here, all right? It’s like R. Kelly at recess."
"You will come back stronger then ever. Like Lance Armstrong. But with two balls."
-Ari Gold
Guess its the kind of thing people dont wont to hear.
The Knights season may have just ended, but the Cowboys year is just begining!
by aussie_cowboy on Dec 1, 2009 6:23 PM CST up reply actions
Would it be surprising considering his known love of pain killers? Nope
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
That's an absurd statement.
It’s not about the teams that have already won titles, it’s about who’s most likely to do it this year. Pittsburgh and New York are the last two champs (and both were “flawed”, “beatable” teams when they did it), and they might not even make the playoffs in 2009. Surely you don’t consider them the class of the league this year?
I think if you put two of my best seasons together it wouldn't come up with the numbers he's going to have at the end of the season. -Troy Aikman on Tony Romo
by Big D Bam Bam on Nov 30, 2009 1:16 PM CST up reply actions
IMO there are no elite teams in the league
Every team is flawed in certain areas, thats parity in the NFL. Colts, Vikings and Saints are all really good, but just not elite IMO.
In Romo we Trust
I think NO and Minnestoa are elite..
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account
Saints are elite
Not sold on the Vikes though. I would not be afraid of playing them in the playoffs. I think our defense would rattle Favre quickly and I am pretty confident our run defense could tame AD. The Saints are a different matter. Not unbeatable, but a tough team to defend.
"Right after the game, say as little as possible."
- Tom Landry
If we get the #3 seed, we might very well put that to the test
saying we go 11-5, Saints 15-1, Vikings 14-2, and we manage to beat out the Eagles for the division. We would go to the Vikes for the 2nd round game, supposing we get past the #6 wild card.
I think the problem is more their record vs other good teams.
The NFC East has 3 teams with winning records, which is pretty good. The only problem is that:
The Cowboys are 2-3 against teams that currently have a winning record, 1-2 outside the division against winning teams, and they got clobbered by the Packers;
The Eagles are 1-3 against teams that currently have a winning record, 0-2 outside the division against winning teams, and they got destroyed by the Saints;
The Giants are 2-5 against teams with a winning record, 1-4 outside the division against winning teams, and they lost by at least 3 scores to the Saints, Eagles, and Broncos.
by Baked Potato Soup on Nov 29, 2009 11:02 PM CST reply actions
And if you twist the stats any more
You’ll have the Skins being the best in the league.
Seriously, you can’t pick and chose whom to look at. There are only 3 slots open. 5 teams are in the hunt, Dal, NYG, Philthy, GB, and ATL. Right now, it’s a min of 2 from the NFC East, and most likely 3.
How are those Bucs looking?
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
What stats did I twist?
Their records are their records. The NFC East has done poorly against other teams with winning records outside of their division, not just losing, but getting blown out in several cases. There isn’t a single team in the division that currently has a winning record against other winning teams. In fact, the only team outside the division with a winning record that anyone in the East has beaten is the Falcons. I’m not ragging the division, just explaining why they might not be considered the clear cut best division in football anymore.
It also probably doesn’t help that they don’t have a dominant team like the Saints, Colts, or Vikings. This is a similar argument to the one about Power Rankings, though, because it’s basically divisional Power Rankings. And I’m just saying that there are fair reasons that our division might not be considered the clear number 1. There’s still a lot of football left to be played, though, and if they all finish strong, that will change.
by Baked Potato Soup on Nov 30, 2009 12:09 AM CST up reply actions
outstanding point
that’s an extremely valid measuring stick.
and it provides evidence supporting the premise that the NFC East is indeed overrated.
consider me persuaded.
Is playing smart too much to ask?
The NFC period is not as good...
And it pains me to say it but losing 9 of the past 12 Super Bowls to the AFC, and consistently losing the season series every year just speaks for itself. So far, in the season series this year the AFC leads the NFC 24-19 in head to head match ups and the only time the NFC has won the series this decade was in 2007, by one game, when the Giants won the Super Bowl.
I don’t think the AFC is as dominant as the NFC once was when they rattled off 13 straight Super Bowl wins but they clearly have been the better conference for awhile now. I keep waiting for it to even out but the AFC continues to look better overall in head to head matchups.
The 2009 Dallas Cowboys: Talk to me in December.
The NFC East has won 11 Super Bowls; oddly none of those have come courtesy of the Eagles.
You are what your record says you are
The NFC East has a 24-20 WL record, second only to the AFC South (27-17). NFC North (23-21) is the only other division with a winning record.
The NFC East also leads all divisions in point difference (114), ahead of the AFC East (86).
Talk about the demise of the East is vastly premature.
by One.Cool.Customer on Nov 30, 2009 9:48 AM CST reply actions
even considering the Redskins 8 losses
HALF of them have come from the East.
It’s hard in our division to look like the Saints or Vikings because there’s no weak team or two to prey on. Each of us is ALMOST guaranteed 3 losses every year assuming split games in the division, which you almost have to assume.
We happened to sweep Washington this year, but they swept us last year.
I don’t think you can go into a season in our division EXPECTING a sweep of any team
"What did it feel like? That collision, I didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs
Washington did not sweep us last year, actually we split with the division at 3-3.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
Well said.
This division is almost impossible to dominate on a consistenet basis. Seems like injuries are more the determining factor than anything.
The NFC East isn't very strong per se...
but it’s tight. And that’s what makes it the most exciting division in the league.
2009 Dallas Cowboys: 10-6
2009 New York Jets: not 11-5 :(
2009-2010 Dallas Mavericks: 57-25
NO feasts on some weaklings
and blew a Giants team with no safeties.
Minnesota lost to Pittsburgh (who’s suddenly average) and also beat up a bunch of weaklings.
I have a feeling its going to be a disappointing playoffs for one of those two, and likely, both out quickly.
Minnesota looks better to me
I think if one of them drops the playoff ball, it’s going to be New Orleans
"What did it feel like? That collision, I didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs
Disagree
Minnesota seems to be somewhat of a fraud to me. Kind of like the 2008 Tennessee Titans…
2009 Dallas Cowboys: 10-6
2009 New York Jets: not 11-5 :(
2009-2010 Dallas Mavericks: 57-25
after this MNF game
I feel like I’m eating my words too
"What did it feel like? That collision, I didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs
Is the East weak?
We’re pretty much the only division with an outside shot of 3 teams going into the playoffs in the NFC. The Packers and Falcons seem to be the only competition for the Giants and Eagles. The Pack does have a pretty easy schedule tho, they already finished with Minny.
I still think the worst team, the Redskins, is the best bad team in the NFC too. They can prove the true mettle of the NFC East by at least holding down the Saints next Sunday, something I wouldn’t be surprised if its at least close (their offense is atrocious tho).
So if the NFC East does get 3 teams in…is it really overrated? I guess its overrated if you thought all 3 would beat the crap out of every non-East team…but that was all wishfull thinking.
"It ain't over till its over"---
I wish we could play
The nfc east every week were averaging 48 points a game.although i think we play the best defense the nfc east has to offer this week in Washington so we will see
GEAUX SAINTS
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 1, 2009 6:54 PM CST up reply actions
NIce...
but why are we quoting Elf?
The Knights season may have just ended, but the Cowboys year is just begining!
by aussie_cowboy on Dec 2, 2009 7:23 PM CST up reply actions
'Tis the season is all!
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 3, 2009 5:53 AM CST up reply actions
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