NFL '09: Predictions from a Cracked Crystal Ball
by Rafael Vela on Sep 8, 2009 10:24 PM CDT
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PrintThe mainstream media carneys are all making fools of themselves with their predictions so I figure it's time for me to do the same. Here, then are my picks for the NFL playoff field.
Longtime readers know, I'm the advocate of the "Fantastic Four" theory of prognostication. As I've demonstrated in numerous posts the past five seasons, there are two trends in the Era of Parity. First, the playoff field churns roughly 50% from year to year. That means that around six of the teams which made the playoffs last year won't repeat.
The second, and more interesting stat involves the NFL's rebound factor. This decade an average of four teams per season which had losing records the previous year make the playoffs the following year. Thirty four teams have made this jump since 2000. Look at last year's field. Miami went from 1-15 to 11-5; Baltimore from 5-11 to 11-5; the Panthers from 7-9 to 12-4 and the Falcons jumped from 4-12 to 11-5.
And this happens every year. Since I've been touting this loser-to-winner streak, I'm going to find at least three more teams to make the jump. This requires a leap of faith on my part; how, for example, could anybody last year logically predict that the Dolphins would improve ten games? Here, then, the picks
Loser to Winner in bold; new playoff team with *
AFC Field
- New England, 1st East*
- Baltimore, 1st North
- Pittsburgh, 2nd North
- Cincinnati, 3rd North*
- Tennessee, 1st South
- San Diego, 1st West
NFC Field
- Philadelphia, 1st East
- Dallas, 2nd East*
- Green Bay, 1st North*
- New Orleans, 1st South*
- Seattle, 1st West*
- Arizona, 2nd West
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woooohoooo
First!
Redskin & Eagles fans are like slinkies........not much good for anything but they still put a smile on your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
my first first!!!!
Redskin & Eagles fans are like slinkies........not much good for anything but they still put a smile on your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
i remeber my first first like it was yesterday..
AAaahhhh…like floating on butterflies…
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Sep 9, 2009 9:19 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
on that topic
Here’s why I respectfully diagree:
Eageles severly underwhelms me, with injuries and with their off season selections. Westbrook is more injury prone than miles austin, and mcnabb is not getting any younger. Their defense lost their best asset which was jim johnson, and I consider him the genius behind the madness. Eagles will be 8-8 and have a 3 game skid mid year that has the clawing for a playoff spot, again….
Cowboys will win 10-11 games, crossing fingers for health at the right spots.
Ps raf always gives the boys good luck when he picks against them so I don’t mind this at all.
Good job raf!!!
by TONYINCC on Sep 8, 2009 10:43 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I think Houston is that 6th team
I feel like the Colts, Pats, Chargers and Steelers are pretty good bets. I agree with baltimore being either Division winner or WC #1.
I think Houston surprises a lot of people this year – maybe even winning the divison. I think that teams poised to take the next step..
The NFC is a total turnstile year to year. lol taking a leap of faith, I think everything changes this year. Us or washington win the division, the other gets the wildcard (I’ll say washington wins the division for some reason, but we finally get some playoff wins). Seattle wins the west. New Orleans or Atlanta win the south (I’ll go with New Orleans). Packers win the central and Chicago gets WC #6 (I just can’t take the Vikings seriously with the way favre played last year). So yes – not a single team returns to the playoffs. The Eagles and GIants both struggle with the new defensive coordinators and Giants may even be subpar this year with their lack of capable receiving options and problems with injuries out the gate here.
I made that mistake -- picking Houston -- last year
I think they’re the plainest, most bloodless team in the NFL. Watching them, Andre Johnson aside, is physically painful.
I cannot stand the texans fans down here in Texas, they are few in number but are the 1st to call in if the boys lose.
So I have a personal thing against their team and as long as dallas takes home a title before the Tex-Anns do I will be a very happy man.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
they've just gotta make that jump sometime though right?
a lot of the time its when you least expect it (see cardinals last year playing lights out in playoffs).
I think Raf's previous point about better stabilility in the AFC is why there is less turn-over in that conference.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
Besides, Shaub (they call me Mr. Glass) may not even play in the opener due to a ankle sprain he suffered in
the 4th preseason game, when he was going out of bounds and not one touched him. Andre Johnson also has his share of injuries that keeps the offense out of whack. The Tex-Anns have shown a trend in the last two years to fall on their face early in the season, then make a late run when they are really not in contention anymore.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
They also have a horrendous all time divisional record against 2 out of 3 teams, and that is also another mental hurdle they have to overcome.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
when your helmet logo looks like something Jack Nicholson could have worn in
Easy Rider, you need to wipe the slate clean and start with a clean sheet of paper. New colors, new logo, NEW NAME.
Texans. How frackin’ original.
You have me a little confused, you have an issue with my logo, or with my takes? The logo is just something I thought was fun
no cats were injured in the making of this jpeg.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
The way I've come to respect your football knowledge Raf,
I was perspiring as I prepared to make the jump. Then I saw Dallas in your list of NFC teams and breathed a sigh of relief. So, on to my completely ridiculous prediction. I only do the NFC because I just don’t give a hoot about the AFC. (If Dallas isn’t playing I struggle to not channel surf.)
1. Dallas. Homer yes, but I think this team is going to better than most people believe.
2. Eagles. Vick gives them a late season push.
1. Green Bay. They look scary good.
2. Chicago. Cutler has a chip on his shoulder.
1. Atlanta. Matt Ryan is the real deal.
1. Seattle. Arizona will fall a long way this year.
Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, "where the heck is the ceiling?"
This just points out
how good three of the NFC’s divisions are going to be – East, North and South. I’d have trouble picking any of them with confidence because I think the margins are going to be crazy tight.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
If Vick really were to play for more than a couple of snaps
the Eagles are finished.
by One.Cool.Customer on Sep 9, 2009 6:57 AM CDT up reply actions
totally agree...
If Vick is starting, it means the Eagles are either already out of it, or soon to be out of it. Vick may have a renaissance year or two left in him, but I don’t think this is it.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
Maybe its because I live in Atlanta and have had to put up with Falcons fans
but I see the Falcons coming back to Earth this year. Last year they went 11-5, but benefitted from an extremely easy schedule that had them playing the AFC West (we get them this year) and the NFC North (which was not much better than the NFC West). I believe this year, with a target on their backs, they will come back down. Their defense is weak to say the least and playing the NFC East as well as the AFC East will have a clear toll. What complicates it even more is that they actually play 5 teams that are coming off their bye weeks (us included). I honestly see them going 8-8 or maybe 9-7 and being a possible wild-card team (although its not like the Panthers or Saints look that good).
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
I have mixed feelings about them.
Getting Tony G for a young QB like Matt Ryan will probably do wonders for him, but their WRs have been hit with the injury bug, and their o-line really overachieved last year (from what I heard). This year they face the four top-8 defenses of the Beast. We’ll see how legit Matty Ice really is when he finds out what a real pass rush is like.
Schaub?
Slaton? Kevin Walter? Owen Daniels? Underrated o-lline? One of the best young offenses in the league?
None of that does anything for you? We talk a lot about KC Joyner and his metrics around here and his metrics point to both Schaub and Slaton being elite players in the league.
The defense isn’t too shabby either, Mario Williams and Demeco Ryans are both elite players. Fred Bennett is a great up and coming corner and they have focused heavily on the draft.
What’s not to like (besides the horrible team name) ?
Mr. Glass is their QB, Andre Johnson has had his share of injuries as well
Schaub sprained his ankle running out of bounds and no one touched him. He is currently listed as day to day, so Schaub may not even start.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
I don't find much exceptional about that o-line
Their D-line is one great player and three anonymyties.
They have one exceptional linebacker and two iffys.
They have Bennett and what, Jacques Reeves starting on the other corner?
You can’t play defense with three men.
It will be intersting to see
just how bad the loss of Jim Johnson hurts the Eagles, as well as the Giants loss of their DC. I think it will hurt more than anyone is letting on or cares to admit.
I think...
The Eagles D is really going to suffer from the loss of Jim Johnson, the man (while infuriating to us) was a brilliant defensive mind, those are not easily replaced. Also I think the loss of Dawkins will hurt them. He was the emotional leader of that D…and they will miss him imo.
Ditto for the Giants & Spagnolo (sp?).
I think both D’s take a step backward
Not to mention the Iggles also lost their starting MLB Bradley.
I agree with you though, nobody in the media has bought up these points for some reason (at least that I know of).
Even Byedawk feels that the loss of bradley is a bigger one than dawkins.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
thats gonna be a killer
Thats very comparable to if we lost Bradie James, which would be pretty painful.
both are gonna struggle
think the Giants are in worse shape, because Jim Johnson disciples generally seem to coach well. And Spagnuolo wasn’t there long enough to generate the kind of culture Johnson did.
But in general, I think 3 years from now these defenses won’t be nearly as dominant as the GIants were with Spagnuolo or the Eagles with Johnson.
Agree Benthere
Been saying that for a while now. You lose the person who has been calling the plays, you lose more than you think. IMO You just cant plug in another coordinator and go. It will NOT be the same defense.
Run defense isn't very good at all...
Thats their problem
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Sep 9, 2009 12:56 AM CDT up reply actions
finally a prediction that has balls!
I hate hearing all of the so called experts on the TV networks give their playoff predictions. They basically put the same teams that were there last year. That’s too easy. Here’s mine.
AFC
Patriots
Steelers
Colts
San Diego
Bills
Ravens
NFC
Giants
Seahawks
Vikings
Saints
Cowboys
Eagles
You're putting T.O. in the playoffs?
I put the over/under on games played by him this year at 10.
I’m taking the under.
EXACTLY
What I think about TO, my best friend argues with me daily, that we shouldn’t have let him go. He really knows how to piss me off.
by TONYINCC on Sep 8, 2009 10:53 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
He missed nearly a month with that big toe injury
I’m guessing it’s not the last time that toe will bother him.
He’s 36 and he declined last year. He’s not their #1 either.
he's also had the benefits of very good QBs
No one wonders what will happen to TO without romo. To the pundits, its always “what will romo do w/o TO?”
They’ve got it backward.
Good point...
Don’t say that to anyone in the MSM…their heads will explode….wait…on second thought….tell them all…
LOL and all good points.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
Injury or not what do you have as the over/under on games for Mt. Diva to errupt if he does not have his catches?
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
TO will make them better, but
they will not make it the Playoffs with that team, who by-the-way just hired a new offensive coordinator. 8-8, 9-7…….is that better than last year?
They started off really hot last year
And then some cardinals player pounded Edwards and their season went down the tubes.
As of now, they’re a much bigger mess than last year, and TO doesn’t drastically improve them.
WOW!
The last 11 comments sound like an " I miss T.O." support group.
“You know, he wasnt that good.”…..“Youre right, he wasn’t”
“He’s gettin old”…“Yeah, he is gettin old isn’t he?”….
“It was all about his quarterbacks”…“Yeah his quarterback’s were great.”….
Good God people, you gonna be alright? This sounds like when a girl breaks up with her boyfriend and her girlfriends all huddle around and try to think of all the reasons they can that he was no good.
Let him go..He’s gone. Why are we still talking about him? Why are you all so hopeful he fails? He’s not a Cowboy…Who cares?
If we are gonna root against somebody, then let it me Donovan McNabb, Eli Manning or Jason Campbell.
OBSERVATION - EMOTION = COMMON SENSE
by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Sep 9, 2009 4:45 AM CDT up reply actions
+85
Beuhler: "I'm not a kicker, I am a kicker/ Special Teams player."
by aussie_cowboy on Sep 9, 2009 5:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Pillow fight...
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Sep 9, 2009 11:13 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Bills??
i think they are a reach to make the playoffs…
+1
Never thought about that but he’s had
Young
Garcia
Mcnabb
Romo
Hmmm let’s see whatcha got now mr owens
by TONYINCC on Sep 8, 2009 11:06 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yes, but his loyal band of sycophants would argue he made all those guys...
….Except obviously the Brigham Youngster.
Hmm
The jury is out on romo. We’ll see how he does sans TO, Im guessing he’ll be fine.
Those other guys have performed at pro bowl levels with no TO before. The sycophants would be wrong.
Garcia's been so-so since his 9ers days.
Of course, he ended up with two sinkhole franchises in the form of the Browns and Lions. He certainly hasn’t come close to putting up the same massive numbers again.
he certainly led the
Iggles to the playoffs and beyond
by TONYINCC on Sep 8, 2009 11:17 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
That also had a whole lot to do with Fat Andy using Westbrook correctly.
There’s still quite a few teams where Garcia as the starter would be an upgrade. I just never really considered him a franchise QB.
Yeah but how can you trust any player moves done bye Count Al (Blah, Blah, must suck, want to suck).
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
Right
Poor Richard Seymour – “Bill, I’ll clean the locker room. I’ll take your kids to school. I’ll even try to be nice to Randy Moss. Just PLEEEASE God don’t make me play for the guy in the rhinestone jump suit!!”
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
I know
it’s a screw job. Especially because he’s a FA next season, so he probably will have to move his family again. It’s understandable when you’re a marginal player (you take what you can get), but it’s like he’s being punished for being so good.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
How long will the jury be out on Romo?
I think he is as ready as his team to get into and through a playoff game.
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 9, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions
Bills?
That team has been an utter disaster this preseason. They just fired their OC. TO is hurt and they hve two rookies starting on the line. Lynch is out the first 3 games. And their defense is far from playoff caliber. I’d be surpised if they didn’t finish in the basement, as the DOlphins and Jets seem like far more complete teams to me.
No way the Bills make it...
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
With the help of my lovely assistant, I pulled these picks out of my ass.
AFC:
Division Champs:
New England
Pittsburgh
Indy
San Diego
Wildcards:
Baltimore
Houston
NFC:
Division Champs:
Packers
Cowboys
Saints
Seahawks
Wildcards:
Eagles
Vikings
TLCM, you miss the real question:
Did the lovely assistant help with the picks, or the pulling?
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
Raf what do you think about the gints def line depth, with alford out and cofield may have a lingering injury?
I believe you had wrote that canty and rocky were taken as not just for improvement but because that team had genuine concerns about the health of their def. line.
What about the def coordinator changes by the iggles and gints, is it too hard to see if they will struggle during the season?
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
I'm not Raf, obviously, but I'll respond
Two of the major reasons those guys were brought in was because they are likely to lose RObbins and Alford next year in free agency next offseason. That and cause their dline wore down last year.
Now with Canty, Boley and Rocky all being hurt for a significant chunk of preseason/TC…I think its gonna take a while for their dline to get on the same page.
The Giants peaked in November last year
they collapsed on both sides of the ball in December. They were 1-4 their last five games and that win was in overtime.
They couldn’t stop the run and they couldn’t pass the ball. They spent a fortune trying to fix problem one and went cheap on problem two. I think that going cheap is going to bite them in the ass.
they've got more depth, they've got more firepower
and while they have a ton of OL injuries, none of them appear to be season-enders.
Andy Reid’s teams always start well, flop mid-season, and put in a strong finishing kick. If they get their OL healthy by October, I think they’ll follow the same pattern. They did a very good job of acquiring young OL talent and farming out their old OTs Thomas and Runyan.
What about their D though?
Will losing Bradley, Dawkins & Jim Johnson hurt them as much as some of think?
I think Bradley hurts them a lot
When Trotter was wearing down, before they had Bradley, they had a spell here they struggled against the run.
But they have talent. They have a deep line and a solid secondary. I think their new DC will be fine. Spagnuolo didn’t have trouble exporting that scheme to New York, did he? McDermott has been there forever. He knows that scheme.
I feel the Eagles are due for a drop-off
They’ve been able to transition out various vets for youth, but I think the combo of losing Dawkins and Bradley … combined with a declining McNabb, will be too much to overcome.
I also think the same of the Giants… they have been able to mask secondary problems with a solid front 7, but something tells me this year they will be exposed. Eli is overrated. Giants finish last in the division.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
This one confuses me...
I keep hearing about a decline from McNabb… but the man had the second best year of his career last year. Besides the 04 run with TO last year is the best we have seen from #5. Where did you see the decline?
by IgglesFanDeployd on Sep 9, 2009 7:56 AM CDT up reply actions
It may be wishful thinking
the only decline I’ve noted in McNabb has been that he moves a lot slower. But he still gets away from pressure and his reads and arm look as good as ever, so short of injury I don’t anticipate a decline.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
It's amazing how he's maintained his game, but I think he's overdue for a step back
Unless Westbrook returns to form and injury free, this team has troubles on both sides of the ball.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
When he's not playing the Cowboys
McNabb has had some legendary stinkers. He always brings his A game for the boys, and then goes on a 3 game skid where he clanks it off the scoreboard, the fans, anything but the receiver. McNabb has been known to play horrible. I’ve always expected him to suddenly balloon up to 300 pounds. He has also been known to be bad when he isn’t happy. Not if, but when the worst fans in American sports start screaming for Vick, McNabb will implode.
Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, "where the heck is the ceiling?"
not a bad prediction
I’ve always liked McNabb, but I’m more than ready for him and his 4 NFC championships to step aside :)
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
Giants secondary isn't bad
its their linebackers that are the problem.
Aaron ross is a good cb, WEbster is a great one, and it sounds like Kenny Phillips is ready to take the next step.
They have some inuries right now though
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Yeah if mcnabb goes down you are left with Kolb or Vick, that is going to be an interesting scenario if it comes to pass.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
yeah, but that's true of every NFC contender
who could last more than 2-3 games without their starter?
I was thinking more along the lines of "chemistry"
McNabb seems to be threatened by competition or p.o.’d by it.
I don't think theres much of a debate
McNabb’s a better qb than Vick is. Maybe next year that will be an issue for them.
Although if they lose early and McNabb is particularly innacurate, people will call for Vick and that will get interesting.
Thats what Im thinking. Their fans are relentless in their impatience
when things start going south. They’ll start screaming “We want Vick” at the drop of a hat..
I think its an overtalked about issue
Vick at this point isn’t a capable qb. A year or two from now, things may be different.
Yeah, but that shovel pass is undefendable, man.
Basically because it’s just a stupid pitch to the back. But still, man.
playoff teams
Nfc
Arizona
Dallas
Minn(I hate favre)but ap will carry them
NO
Car
Sea
Afc
Sd
Ne
Bal
Jax
Hou
Pitt
by TONYINCC on Sep 8, 2009 11:01 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I agree, Vikings win division then Bears, Then Packers then Lions last. Just like last year.
Tony Romo off in dat hole, Watch roll and watch him throw, Watch him lead dem cowboys to the super bowl, now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys!
by ProBowlFactory on Sep 8, 2009 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions
I like to go the other way.
I like to pick the teams who will digress.
This year,
Ravens
Cardinals
Fins
Gints (regress means down from 13-3)
Falcons
My guesses....
NFC
Cowboys!!!!
Seahawks
Saints
Vikings (I’d like to say Packers…but we’ve seen the switch to 3-4 takes time)
WC1 Cardinals
WC2 Falcons
AFC
Pats
Steelers
Titans
Chargers (is there anyone else in that division?)
WC1 Jets
WC2 Ravens
The thing with the Packers is....
….Can they generate early leads and/or get turnovers? Really, same thing applies to the Saints as well.
I just question
If they really have the guys to line up in a 34 and make it work….it took years for Dallas to put together all the pieces…I don’t see why it wouldn’t be the same up there…
I just don't see them being able to fix their run defense problems overnight.
Even with the addition of Raji.
context, man, context
It’s going to be close — I think — between G.B., Chi. and Minn. I think there’s maybe a game or to separating those three teams.
I’m giving the Packers the edge, but it’s waver thin.
Like the wafer thin mint given to the fat guy in "Monty Pyhton's Meaning of Life"?
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
Exactly, I just did not know how to spell it in a way that John Cleese did.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
I don't know what to think about Chicago.
As for the Vikes, December swoon or not, it’s still too easy envisioning Petersen having another monster year and Queen Brett only being asked to hit the occasional long ball to Berrian. I guess it’s all a matter of how bad the Queen plays when he does hit the late-season wall.
Vikings Defense..........
Two of the best Tackles in football and the 2nd best pass rusher behind only our own Demarcus Ware………Jared Allen.
I think the Packers D and Adrian Peterson are good for 10 wins…….give Brett a few early in the season………and maybe he is smart enuff to get injured and let Rosefels or Jackson take some Ws to get him into the playoffs where he can lose again.
I totally agree with your assesment of the NYG. They lost Spags…….Ward and Plexiglass. They get back Omeniyora. No small addition but Spags was a pretty good DC and probably as responsible for keeping Brady on his back as anybody in the NYG team.
McNabb will get hurt. Vick will play………..controversy will surround them. Philly fans will be their own undoing. They will trade McNabb to Dolphins for their true love Ricky Williams and field the greatest tandem of pot smoking backfield ever. Vick to Williams. One that would make Cheech and Chong proud.
the Packers have a secondary
which is another reason I like them, even if they’re working out a switch to the 3-4
Talk about a unit that old and not very deep
I think their entire secondary is eligible for AARP.
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
The thing about Wonderboy Sanchez....
….I have to wonder how much of the good stuff(complex blitzes) he’ll be able to handle when the real games roll around?
Packers prepared for teams in Preseason
They said it during one of the games. That would make them the only team that did so. Anybody wondering why they were so good in the preseason? Now you know.
Tony Romo off in dat hole, Watch roll and watch him throw, Watch him lead dem cowboys to the super bowl, now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys!
by ProBowlFactory on Sep 8, 2009 11:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Raf I have a fan post that talks about the team's depth as a lynch pin to why the team will struggle according to the msm.
Do you have a breakdown coming in regards to the depth of each of our division rivals, to sort of trump this concept better than my fanpost could?
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
Not the Packers, third in NFC North at best.
Personally, I have been watching football every day in the offseason and nfl total access and doint lots of research and I see nothing that has impressed me to the extent that the Packers are going to be better than the bears or vikings this season. They will be better, but so will each team in that division. Vikings are already a playoff caliber team, just needed a field general and now they have one. Bears were somewhat the same thing. I bet they will probably sign a better receiver at some point or Cutler will show evidence of the fact that a quarterback makes a reciever more than a receiver makes a quarterback, in most cases (Aaron Rodgers being that rare case of receivers making the quarterback look better than he is).
Tony Romo off in dat hole, Watch roll and watch him throw, Watch him lead dem cowboys to the super bowl, now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys!
I don't think Favre is too big an upgrade
All he had to do last season was play reasonably good ball down the stretch and the jets would’ve been a playoff team. He didn’t.
Vikings are a good team, but the Packers had a major defensive injury (I believe to barnett?) that really hurt them last season, and i think their offense will be a lot better this year too now that rogers has a year under his belt. I think Cutler will definitely improve the Bears. When theres a late December game, and its an old beaten down favre against cutler in bad conditions, the qb is gonna decide that game (kinda like McNabb vs Manning in Meadowlands last year)
Vikings still win
All of the teams have improved in that division, mostly offensively except for the Packers who improved defensively and the Lions on both sides (face it they couldn’t be any worse so only way to go was up)
Tony Romo off in dat hole, Watch roll and watch him throw, Watch him lead dem cowboys to the super bowl, now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys!
by ProBowlFactory on Sep 8, 2009 11:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Just a note for DirecTVers...
Free trial of Sunday Ticket on the 13th… Cowboys on channel 712 at 1 ET (noon for us Texas folk)… got the message on my DVR, havent seen it advertised…
Can you imagine getting fired up over your hometown getting a minor league football franchise... and then they sign Quincy Carter to be QB!!!
My turn, yay
AFC—
Pats
Titans
Steelers
SD
WC-
Colts
Baltimore
NFC-
Cowboys
NO
Sea
GB
WC
ATL
Phil
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Sep 9, 2009 1:04 AM CDT reply actions
AFC: Just the facts, ma‘am
I don’t think the AFC will be as stable as Raf sees it. Here’s my 5 cents worth:
…………………08………….09
South………Titans………Titans
North……….Steelers……Steelers
East………..Dolphins……Patriots
West……….Chargers…..Chargers
Wildcard…..Colts………..Texans
Wildcard…..Ravens…..…Broncos
- Out: Dolphins & Colts. Last season, Miami had a 7-2 record in games decided by 7 points or less, second only to the 8-1 Colts in the whole NFL. For both teams, that ‘luck’ will not repeat.
- Out: Ravens – let their best WR go, lost a starting LB, S/KR and defensive coordinator, plus they get a playoff schedule going into the season.
- In: Patriots – the obvious choice for many reasons and a likely lock for the East
- In: Houston – 8-8 last year, they seem to have a fairly easy schedule until mid November, and if they can avoid another 0-4 start, this may finally be their year.
- In: Denver – 8-8 last year and my personal dark horse for a wildcard. For all the flack McDaniels has been getting for the Cutler debacle, one thing is often overlooked: For all the gaudy stats Cutler (after Favre, probably the most overrated QB in the league) put up, he captained one of the most inefficient offenses in the NFL. The Broncos required 17.12 yards for every point scored, 28th in the NFL. Perhaps McDaniels knows exactly what he was doing in exchanging a 17-20 career QB for a 21-12 career QB.
by One.Cool.Customer on Sep 9, 2009 4:25 AM CDT reply actions
So you're going to ignore how flat-out awful Orton looked during the preseason?
Throwing left handed interceptions and such? And the guys they have in the cupboard like Chrissy Simms are even worse than Orton.
Yep, just like I'm going to ignore the pre-season desasters that were Philly and New York
by One.Cool.Customer on Sep 9, 2009 7:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh Cool stick withe the cowboy talk, your so good at it!
The Colts will run away with the South.
Steeler will win another tight one with Baltimore ( maybe), loser is Wild Card.
Pats in the East
SD with no competion and an easy schedule
I want to give the last wild card to Miami, but you know, Oakland has a pretyy easy way to go and might get lucky if some things come together.
Wait, is that a gauntlet I see lying at my feet?
I have taken up the gauntlet, noble Sire, thus accepting thy challenge. As custom dictates, the choice of time, place and weapons is mine, and I shall seek redress at a place called ‘Fanpost’ on January 4th, where we shall settle this matter with words sharper than daggers.
by One.Cool.Customer on Sep 9, 2009 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions
If you ever make it over to Germany, I'll even foot the bill for that!
by One.Cool.Customer on Sep 9, 2009 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions
I was there for 2 years in 1963-65
Took the SS United States back to the States. Will never forget coming into New York Harbor on a cool, foggy morning and seeing a green tinted Statue of Liberty; I was 5.
I was young, but surprisingly I remember quite a bit of our time there.
Train ride from France to Germany, lederhosens, older kids building igloos, wooden bob sleds, Military Christmas gatherings and Santa Claus, riding a log threw the salt mines, flying box kites, picnic on the Rhine river and some castles, getting lost on the Autobahn, being sick from all the shots and flying over there.
Did you get lost on the autobahn
or did your parents recommend you play on it?
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Denver was #1 in offense last year
Pulling out an obscure stat that like is really stretching it.
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
To paraphrase Terry, I disagree.
that obscure stat summarizes the futility of the Denver offense last year, especially when they came close to the red zone. Here are some other numbers to back that up:
No. 2 – Total Yards (6.333)
No. 16 – Points scored (370)
No. 25 – Turnovers (30)
No. 31 – Cutler Passer rating in red zone (74.1)
by One.Cool.Customer on Sep 9, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions
17.12 yards per every point scored
also reflects their awful terrible defense which im guessing had as much success getting turnovers as it did stopping the run.
My .02
Gotta go with the Pats in the AFC east. But the Fins are for real and will contend.
Steelers in the North- Ravens will fight them for it but just lose
Colts – Titans take step back and Texans step up
SD in the west with pretty much disaster otherwise. Ravens and Fins WC.
Seattle in the west- Arizona MIGHT make noise but usually the SB loser tanks
VIkes and Packers in dogfight with Chicago lurking. Depends on Favre.
Aint’s do it this year as Carolina and TB fall back and ITs only Atlanta to contend.
Boys and Birds fight it out but the loss of Johnson and Dawkins and The LB (forget his name) is too much for the D to be dominant and McFlabb/Vick implode. Giants have NO WRs that will make people NOT stack against the run.
Why would you not stack against the run if you believe thats the only way they can beat you.
Im mean, nasty, and tired. I eat concertina wire and piss napalm, and I can put a round through a flea's ass at 200 meters. So you go and hump someone else's leg mutt face, before i push yours in. Gunnery SGT Tom Highway
The only prediction I'm going to make with confidence
is that the Cowboys will win a playoff game this season and Romo finally gets that monkey off his back.
In Romo we Trust
Anyone notice The Saints preseason scoring numbers?
Most points scored… fewest points allowed in the NFC. I know, I know… only preseason, but still an impressive stat.
Here’s my best guess:
NFC:
Cowboys dominate
Atlanta was for real last year
Seattle is the least worst in the west
Vikings have AP, win despite Favre
-
New Orleans has the pieces
Chicago finally has a QB
AFC:
Colts are getting back a handful of injured guys
Steelers have a solid team, good coach – what’s new?
Patriots with Brady are dangerous
Chargers by default
-
Miami’s coaching is that good
Titans looked better than anyone going into last year’s playoffs
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
here are mine
NFC
1. Cowboys: Obviously biased, I think this team has talent but we’re too stupid to win and we lack the passion. Just how I see it but I am still a fan!.
2. Vikings: Favre is 10 times better (even at his worst) than the clowns they had last year. They have great lines which usually wins games.
3. Carolina: I dont think Brees will have a good year and Atlanta has no D.
4. Seattle: Because there is nothing else in that division….they stink. Even the cardinals. I cant believe we lost that game with them last year!.
5. Philly: Arghhhhh…….
6. Atlanta: Let’s see how many points Ryan, Turner, Whiter and Gonzo can score….they’ll need them.
AFC
1. New England: Cheaters but it works I guess.
2. Baltimore: I love Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. More than Harrison and Polamalu.
3. Indy: Peyton is Peyton.
4. San Diego: Vs Kansas, Oakland and Denver…..if they don’t make it, then Norv Turner should retire.
5. Pittsburgh: Deffense and running game….what a concept.
6. Titans: I dont think they’re that good but I dont see anyone else either.
Favre isn't ten times better than Rodgers
GB is the real deal, I say they easily make the playoffs this season.
In Romo we Trust
I think thery're pretty good
but man, it’ll be tough calling that division this year. Well, except for the Lions. I think they might be a couple of years away.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Favre isn't that much better...
I watched a few Jets games and favre was far from impressive. If hes not impressive early and the coaches keep him in, that team may combust.
The chocolate peanut butter ones?
We could work something out. My usual order is10 box of the chocolate peanut butter and 4 boxes of Thin Mints.
NFC
East
1. Cowboys
2. Eagles…maybe the Skins instead
West
1. Seachickens
North
1. Bears
2. Vikings
South
1. Saints
AFC
East
1. Patriots
2. Jets
West
1. Chargers
North
1. Steelers
South
1. Jags
2. Colts
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
Jags?
Must just be an oddball at-large pick for the heck of it. I mean the Jets I get a little; they were on the verge last year until Favre screwed the pooch. Sanchez might very well continue the trend of rookie sensation QB’s. And last but not least Rex Ryan and his beefy mantits swagger into town like he’s that franchise’s savior.
But the Jags led by lame duck Del Rio? That’s really going out on a limb.
A return to solid defense and controlling to ball is more of a branch than a limb.
They would have to squeak out some close ones against their division and they usually play the Colts tough.
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 9, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Jags had the Cowboys disease last year ... injuries
In the preseason, they were a fashionable SB pick … Del Rio didn’t suddenly change his feathers, he’s a quality NFL coach. It’s not that great a stretch.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
Rex Ryan and his beefy mantits
There is not enough bleach in the world to wash that image away
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
Good picks
I actually may want to reconsider mine – the jets have a lot of the peices in place to make a playoff run, they need decent play at the qb spot. Sanchez could be a Flacco-Roethlisberger-Brady rookie game manager.
Interesting picks
I actually like the Cinci sleeper pick. Palmer should help a lot, and I think Chris Henry is poised for a breakout year.
I don’t see Tennessee winning the South this year, though. They have an absolutely brutal schedule… The only really bad teams on their schedule are the 49ers and Rams, although you could make a case for the Jets being a lot worse with a question mark at QB.
I have the same
feeling about the Titans. They may be taking a step backward this season.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
I like the Bungles pick too.
They still have a lot of talent and good defensive coaching.
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 9, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Boy would that make
their division interesting…
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
I always think that the Bungles are better than their record.....
It will be interesting to see what Zimmer does with the defense this year. They(defense) looked pretty good in pre-season-I know it’s only pre-season, but they still looked good. I know that I will get blasted for this, but I kinda want Roy W. to do good up there.
they gave the nfc east fits last year
Took the GIants to OT, wouldn’t go away against us, tied philly (nearly won) and beat washington. They’re better than their record suggested.
Just for fun
NFC East:
1. Cowboys
2. Giants
3. Philly
4. Redskins
NFC North:
1. Packers
2. Vikings
3. Bears
4. Lions
NFC West:
1. Seahawks
2. Cardinals
3. 49ers
4. Rams
NFC South:
1. Panthers
2. Falcons
3. Saints
4. Buccaneers
NFC Playoff Teams: Cowboys, Packers, Seahawks, Panthers, Giants, Cardinals
AFC East:
1. Patriots
2. Dolphins
3. Jets
4. Bills
AFC North:
1. Steelers
2. Ravens
3. Bengals
4. Browns
AFC West:
1. Chargers
2. Broncos
3. Chiefs
4. Raiders
AFC South:
1. Colts
2. Texans
3. Titans
4. Jaguars
AFC Playoff Teams: Patriots, Steelers, Colts, Chargers, Texans, Ravens
Man, there were some tough choices in there (especially the bottom of some divisions).
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
Yup.
Looking at that AFC South, it can go all kinds of ways.
Will somebody please tell the Browns that they need cheerleaders to succeed? Give the Dawg Pound something substantial to drool over.
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 9, 2009 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions
They need a proper team logo
Teams that do not have a proper team logo do not win the superbowl.
Exhibit A: The Browns have a brown helmet as their team logo. No pictogram/icon like all the other teams. No Superbowl win.
Exhibit B: The Eagles’ Eagle is the only team logo in the NFL facing left. No Superbowl win.
Case closed.
by One.Cool.Customer on Sep 9, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions
The AFC is nasty...
Other than the West, just about every division goes 3 or 4 deep.
by MeanMr.Mustard on Sep 9, 2009 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Here goes.
NFC east
Wash
Dallas
Giants
Eagles
No disrespect to Eagles or Giants just believe in us and Wash
NFC South
Saints
Atlanta
Carolina
Tampa
NFC North
Vikings
GB
Chicago
Detroit
Wouldnt suprise me to see GB win it.
NFC West
Seattle
Arizona
49ers
Rams
Playoff teams Seattle, Vikings, Saints, Wash. WC Dallas Giants
AFC East
Patriots
Miami
Jets/Bills flip a coin
AFC North
Pittsburgh
Ravens
Bengals
Browns
AFC West
Chargers
Raiders
Kansas City
Denver
AFC South
Titans
Colts
Jags
Texans
Playoffs Titans, Pitts, Chargers, Patriots. WC Ravens, Colts.
Im mean, nasty, and tired. I eat concertina wire and piss napalm, and I can put a round through a flea's ass at 200 meters. So you go and hump someone else's leg mutt face, before i push yours in. Gunnery SGT Tom Highway
Interesting.
Almost everyone has Washington as last. What do you think makes them first in the division?
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Sep 9, 2009 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Because they have a great D that got better.
Orakpo and Haynesworth make them tougher in the front 7. Their LBs are just very good football players. Their safetys are good and young and getting better by the minute. Their DC gets overshadowed in the past by J. Johnson, Wade, and Spags but he is really good and tough.
I think Giants and Eagles will feel the loss of key players and key coaches.
Their offense doesnt scare me but it should be a little better than last year. Their Oline has big question marks but seems to be better than advertised.
Finally, A few teams will come from last place. Wash fits the description of being a team capable of that jump.
Im mean, nasty, and tired. I eat concertina wire and piss napalm, and I can put a round through a flea's ass at 200 meters. So you go and hump someone else's leg mutt face, before i push yours in. Gunnery SGT Tom Highway
However...
Campbell has to take the next step and become a very good qb. If he does that, the Skins could be good.
In Romo we Trust
I'm not sure you can lay it all at Campbell's feet
Here’s Comparing his passer stats to Eli:
JC/Eli: Rating: 84.3/86.4, Cmp% 62.3/60.3, Yards 3.245/3.238, TDs 13/23
The issue to me seems to be the Redskins’ utter inability to score, as the Redskins’ NFL rankings below show.
No. 6 – Total offensive plays (1.026)
No. 19 – Yards (5.120)
No. 28 – Points (265)
No. 31 – Yards per point scored (19.3)
Now why the the Skins would go out and shore up an already dominant defense, and largely neglect the offense just plain baffles me.
by One.Cool.Customer on Sep 10, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
The thinking maybe
they spent the first three picks of last years draft on offense with 2 WRs and a TE. They may be thinking the growth of these guys is the offensive attention.
We seem to think the growth of Hurd, Austin, Felix, and Bennett is ours.
Im mean, nasty, and tired. I eat concertina wire and piss napalm, and I can put a round through a flea's ass at 200 meters. So you go and hump someone else's leg mutt face, before i push yours in. Gunnery SGT Tom Highway
I can't believe I'm saying this
but I think he does. He doesn’t need to become a great qb for them to be good, just better. Like the GIants, they have a pretty good run game that can carry them.
Defensively…I think at least in year 1, haynsworth wil be worth the hefty contract he got.
Sam Hurd thinks we will go undefeated, 16-0
“I think we can go undefeated,” Hurd said with a straight face. “We almost did it during the 13-3 season. It’s the same coach, same team, just a couple of different players. I think we have improved and I think we’re coming together as a unit, offense, defense and special teams. So I think we can get it done.”
I think that’s interesting because he obviously thinks we’re not losing much without T.O. and Hurd was his best friend on the team.
In Romo we Trust
Good point.
Im mean, nasty, and tired. I eat concertina wire and piss napalm, and I can put a round through a flea's ass at 200 meters. So you go and hump someone else's leg mutt face, before i push yours in. Gunnery SGT Tom Highway
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