NFL Predictions '10: Trying to Ride a Yo-Yo
by Rafael Vela on Jul 14, 2010 9:32 PM CDT
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Print2010 prognostications are rolling in and I'm ready to stick my neck out and risk my prognosticating decapitation.
Actually, my 2009 predictions were pretty good. I got five of the six NFC teams correct and four of the six AFC competitors on the money. Long-time readers know I use two heuristics to inform my picks. First, I go in with the understanding that half of last year's field likely won't make it. It seems that every year the NFL manages to turn over half the field from the year before.
The second is my faith in the "fantastic four" model. Every year since 2000, an average of four teams which had losing records the year before wind up in the playoffs. Here's the 2008 crop:
- Miami: 1-15 in '07, 11-5 in '08;
- Atlanta, 4-12 in '07 to 11-5 in '08;
- Baltimore: 5-11 in '07 to 11-5 in '08;
- Carolina: 7-9 in '07 to 12-4 in '08
Last year, I proferred a "fantastic three" figuring that only three losers were ready to make the jump and that some 8-8 squads would make the big jump. In fact, only two teams made the loser-to-playoff lead, but I got both the Bengals and the Packers correct.
This year, finding those diamonds in the dross might be a big more difficult. There were only 11 teams which finished below .500, as parity increasingly pulls more teams towards the 8-8 mediocrity belt. My challenge will be to find those teams which make this year's big leap.
If the trend continues, three to four teams from this swarthy bunch will keep on playing into late January:
- St. Louis, 1-15 last year
- Detroit, 2-14 last year
- Tampa Bay, 3-13 in '09
- Washington , 4-12 in '09
- Seattle, 5-11 in '09
- Kansas City, 4-12 in '09
- Oakland, 5-11 in '09
- Cleveland, 5-11 in '09
- Buffalo, 6-10 in '09
- Miami, 7-9 in '09
- Jacksonville, 7-9 in '09
How many of these '09 turkeys will soar this season? I offer these predictions, with playoff teams in italics and the fantastics in bold:
NFC East
- Dallas
- Washington
- Philadelphia
- New York
NFC North
- New Orleans
- Carolina
- Atlanta
- Tampa Bay
- San Francisco
- Arizona
- Seattle
- St. Louis
- Miami
- New England
- New York
- Buffalo
- Baltimore
- Pittsburgh
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Tennessee
- Indianapolis
- Houston
- Jacksonville
- San Diego
- Denver
- Oakland
- Kansas City
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I just don't get the Aaron Rodgers love.
The guy was sacked 50 times last year. I just don’t see how they beat the Vikings with that offensive line and his pension to hold onto the ball. I could see them back at 6-10 if Arron Rodgers gets hurt again.
Al Harris in his 13th season coming back from a torn ACL.
They did get swept by the Vikings last year. Those games were not even close.
I have the feeling a lot of OC’s will be watching the tape from the Pit and ArI game.
They both run the same offenses and the Packers defense was utterly exposed.
Just don’t see it.
His pension to hold onto the ball?
He threw 35 TDS and had 11 turnovers…. AND both of those vikings/packers games were pretty close.
They’ll be alot better.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jul 14, 2010 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Favre had his career year last year at the age of 422
He was a mediocre QB the previous four.
You banking on him repeating his career level this year, even though he’s had surgery in several of the last seasons, or putting in a 12 game season, as he had before?
I’m playing the odds that he’s gonna melt like the old dude at the end of Damn Yankees.
I also think the Packers D is better this year.
by Rafael Vela on Jul 14, 2010 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions
concur
pack takes the lead in the division this year.
Favre is like a Latin American baseball prospect
Just because he tells you he’s 422 doesn’t mean he’s not a lot older.
Greetings from the Humungus, the Ruler of the Wasteland, the Ayatollah of Rock and Roll-A. I laugh at your puny plans.
by Lord Humungus on Jul 15, 2010 6:57 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Nice!
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jul 15, 2010 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Packers D wasn't bad most of last year
Their run D in paricular was outstanding. That playoff loss to the Cards where their D utterly collapsed was an aberration if you look at the season as a whole, and their secondary suffered when Harris went down.
Chances of Harris coming back at his previous level seem slim, I guess.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
There's a difference between saying you don't believe in the Packers and you don't get the Aaron Rodgers love
Rodgers was one of the top 3 QBs in the league last year by just about any statistical measure that you use. He’s an exceptional player.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
Been Watching your prognosis for about 3 years now
Maybe I will put a dollar done on each team this year
:)
I'll buy the skins
I think they’re going to be so much more improved that they have a good chance of making a run at the playoffs.
Mcnabb is going to have a solid season with little pressure from the fans and no young QB looking over his shoulder.
The Jets finishing 3rd? Hmmm.
And houston once again in the middle? Yeah, I guess that wouldn’t surprise me.
See I'm not buying the Redskins...
Just because McNabb gets hurt every year, and does anyone think that Rex Grossman will be able to succeed? The 4-5 games that McNabb might win for him, he’ll also lose because he’ll be hurt.
I like the others though.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jul 14, 2010 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions
What has washington done to deserve it?
I admit I had them as a sleeper last year, I actually picked them to win the division. But their oline was a complete mess (and I doubt it’ll be much better this year), and they currently do not have a rb or wr outside moss who did nothing ANYTHING the last year.
In addition, compare McNabb’s last 3 years to Cambell’s last two – the difference between the isn’t nearly as big as some make it seem. The fact that the Eagles have been godawful in tight games recently lies in large part on McNabb’s shoulders.
they do have a brutal schedule too
but they’ll be in the running come december.
we’ll see.
I'm confused
I thought McNabb’s problems were a lack of accuracy and a tendency to play poorly late in close games? You know, actual on field stuff. Stuff that would still exist in DC. I didn’t realize that what was actually holding him back was Kevin Kolb’s icy gaze over his shoulder in practice.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
I actually think I like KC more than Denver.
I like their coaching staff more. I like their skill positions more, and their defense can’t be any worse.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jul 15, 2010 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions
I may amend it to drop them and include Pittsburgh
I always play against the Steelers when they’re down and they bounce back and burn me.
Even with Roethlisberger out, he’s gonna come back and I can see them charging late and snagging a wild card berth.
by Rafael Vela on Jul 15, 2010 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions
skins and fins?
seriously, the redskins get so much love its rediculous
everyone had them 2nd or 3rd last year all over the place and they did horrible.
miami is just getting older in their only real strength. they still cant throw the ball to anyone.
AFC is so difficult to predict.
- Oakland should do better without Jamarcus, but KC could surprise. McDaniels is too much of a hot-shot to put Denver in a place to succeed. Overall agree in the west. Tennesse is inconsistent and could be beat out by a growing Houston team. Indy I think still has everyones number there tho.
-
- Cincy sweeped the div right? no reason to not have them at the top. Pitt will slip without Big Ben. I think the Jets will be more scary on def then Pats were 2 yrs ago on offense.
-
NFC
- VIkes! Have to agree with Sharksbreath, Packers need some OL help more than the boys to be top of their div. Lions could be better than bears if Cutler struggles again. Cowboys will struggle with Giants, but should hold top. Skins LMAO.
-
- SF should win, but they didnt last year. Who really cares about that div. tho Saints should hold off panthers and falcons in that order.
-
Miami
should do well. I like Henne and Brandon Marshall’s a beast. If Ronnie Brown can return to form, they’ll be fine. I like Tennessee, they really turned things around at the end of last season, and I think Vince Young might be ready to be real QB.
I’m right with you on Pitt. I do think Baltimore takes the division, but I don’t see Pittsburgh besting Cincy
Cowboys (and I’m an Eagles fan) should take the division. Everyone else just has so many question marks. Of course I’m hoping we surprise, and I think we have the upside and potential to surprise people…but I’m realistic enough to understand that we probably won’t be REALLY good until 2012
"EFF YOU, WE'RE WINNING ANYWAY!!!!!!" (Bye, Dawk)
You know, I have the Eagles and the Vikings and the Panthers in my last WC battle
and I went with the Vikings, even though I think Favre comes down to earth this year, because they were a 10-6 with with Tarvares Jackson in ’08.
They’ve just got too much talent. It will take a rash of injuries to keep them out of the dance and I don’t try to predict injuries. That’s a fool’s errand.
by Rafael Vela on Jul 14, 2010 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions
And you're on with Henne.
A lot of teams flirted with trading up to get him two years ago and he fell to Miami. He was good last year.
I’m not sold on the Jets. I love their D but swapping Thomas Jones for a washed up LT was dumb IMO. And a lot of their fans forget they only got in because the Colts took a knee at halftime of their regular season game.
by Rafael Vela on Jul 14, 2010 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions
good point
but they did make some noise in the tournament, and they’ll be confident. things can turn south quick in the NFL though.
its funny how the teams who make so much noise in the offseason often dont reap the rewards in the regular season.
I also think the Jets are playing cap roulette
They’re doing a lot of free agency bidding.
They won the Snyder Trophy this year, which usually disqualifies a team. Plus, they seem to be going all in this year; if they dont’ win it now, they’ll have to let guys go or cut people cause they’re overextended cap wise.
Or, they’re counting on a new CBA never happening.
All of these moves are risky.
by Rafael Vela on Jul 14, 2010 11:31 PM CDT up reply actions
people are too high on Henne
Henne will take more time to be a leader and a good decision maker, i remember last season against the patriots, he thorow a lot of yards but made poor decisions on the showtime
I love the Miami pick too.
Henne has a huge arm and played really well in the second half of the season.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jul 15, 2010 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm not sold on the Jets either.
Not even a little. Sanchez looked every bit the inexperienced QB he was for most of the season. I wasn’t impressed with him at USC and I’m not impressed with him now. The Jets were a very average team that backed into the playoffs and became the team that gets hot at the right time. There’s always one but I don’t think it’ll happen for them again.
A link that Terry will adore...
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-32-teams-in-32-days/09000d5d8191fbcf/32-in-32-Dallas-Cowboys
Someone finally does come out in the national media and says what has been obvious to dallas fans for a while… smart dallas fans.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jul 14, 2010 10:25 PM CDT reply actions
interesting video
one thing they could have pointed out about aikman.
later in his career, when the offensive line leaked a little, his numbers dropped way off. i wonder what romo would do behind a dominant offensive line.
Hopefully this offseason
Will allow us to cut ties with underperformers and build a dominant O-line.
by Blue Eyed Devil on Jul 17, 2010 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions
I saw that this morning on the NFL Network
It’s nice to see that something I’ve been advocating for years a brilliant analyst like Soloman Wilcots brings to light on national TV.
Last I checked Wilcots was neither a Cowboys or Romo homer.
BTW, Rod Woodson was a great player but has the brain of a moron.
In Romo we Trust
OK, keep talking
New coach and defensive coordinator, both markedly better. Maybe Shanahan isnt all the greatness everyone once thought, but he is definitely a step in the right direction for the skins.
they also have a new QB who won 11 last year. They’re going to be much much improved and sometimes a breath of fresh air is all a team needs to make some noise.
They still wont have the horses to take the division, but
Go ahead, take em lightly.
A good coach and good QB is all it takes to turn a team around
I can definitely see this prediction come true. Our division is going to be BRUTAL this year, like always.
Their defense gave up the same number of points as Philly's last year.
The Skins are playing with fire a bit, changing schemes from a 4-3 to a 3-4, but that will make Orakpo better. He got 11 sacks playing out of position as a 4-3 OLB. Now, he gets to play Demarcus Ware.
Any body think Shanahan can’t get more points out of that team? They averaged 16 and a half with no line and Sherman Lewis calling the plays from his bingo hall.
Plus they have OTs now. They traded for Jamaal Brown, which means they can put Williams at RT, where he could be a monster.
I can easily see them winning 9-10 games this year.,
by Rafael Vela on Jul 14, 2010 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm just iffy about a team changng that much.
They’re changing coaches, offensive scheme, changing to a 3-4 defense, and the quarterback.
I think that 3-4 is going to look ugly at the beginning of the year especially, and I’m not sure they’ve got the pieces for it to really come together this year, they’ve got a rotation of washed up backs, and then you have McNabb’s tendency for injury.
The Redskins will be a dangerous team once Shanahan has a chance to do his thing, but that won’t be this year.
With all those changes
They are bound to have growing pains all year long especially on Defense. Fat Albert could still get traded as well. Lameskins win 7 games at the most.
I think Mcnabb will play well this year
he’s relieved he is not in philly, though i doubt he’d say it in public. Its the iggles that make me curious. What will kolb be?? they’ve got alot of young offensive weapons, but what will kolb be in the long run?
iggles haven’t replaced dawkins and johnson’s losses. they may never.
gints haven’t replaced plaxico and their old d-coordinator yet either.
I think the trick with mcnabb is to make him run around. he’s much older now and will wear down by the 4th.
I think Washington will definitly be better...
I just can’t predict Donovan McNabb staying healthy this year.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jul 15, 2010 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Steve Smith had more catches last year
than Plax ever did. And we got Nicks. Plax is replaced, the receivers truly are a strength on this team.
Homer: Aw, twenty dollars! I wanted a peanut!
Homer's Brain: Twenty dollars can buy many peanuts!
Homer: Explain how!
Homer's Brain: Money can be exchanged for goods and services!
Homer: Woo-hoo!
by bigbluethruandthru on Jul 15, 2010 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions
underrated passing game
could be scary if the ground game shows up.
i just dont know what happened to their defense. just imploded.
antrel rolle should help that secondary tho.
Gosselin believes roy will have his best season yet, as a cowboy
i think he’s going to do much better too, and here is why.
less pressure on him.
I agree with gosselin that he’ll need to battle for playing time, but last year he was expected to be the new TO. He isnt that guy.
he does his best as a possession guy who runs intermediate routes. there is no longer pressure on him to be TO. that pressure belongs to miles and dez.
roy is now free to be roy. look for alot of 5-6 catch games with 70-80 yards and 0-1 TDs. I’ll take that consistantly and let JJ fret over paying too much for that. If most of those catches go for first downs, roy will have found his niche and a regular place in the offense.
And… every few games, teams may try to take miles and witten away and roy might just go off and put up 150 and 2-3 TDs in those games.
I disagree 100%
Roy has always wanted to have the ball. Whenever he’s been demoted, he’s melted down.
Happened in Detroit.
Happened last year.
No pressure? If he doesn’t light it up out of the box, he’s the 3rd WR on this team,
Which means he’s cut.
That’s pressure.
Roy Willie doesn’t do pressure.
by Rafael Vela on Jul 14, 2010 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions
And I have to say,
looking his “what, me worry?” routine the last few weeks reminds me of McNabb air guitaring it before he got stuffed in the playoff game.
I don’t buy for a second that RW is “calm.”
by Rafael Vela on Jul 14, 2010 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions
I dont want him calm either, but
we’re talking two different types of pressure. he is going to have to perform to get on the field, but he IS a good WR.
I see his role as a solid number 2 guy, not counting witten.
and i have little confidence that miles and dez will stay healthy all year.
The problem I forsee with Roy
is that Dez Bryant may be a better WR today, July 14th.
Roy will have to up his game to keep that guy behind him.
He’s never risen to a challenge like that. When he had Calvin Johnson and Miles in his rear view mirror he first whined to the OC, then the press, then curled up in a ball and faded away.
Dez is hungry. I’m betting on him.
by Rafael Vela on Jul 14, 2010 11:34 PM CDT up reply actions
me too
i think he is going to be special.
If roy chooses the fold up like a cheap suit option, so be it. JJ’s wasted money not mine.
But if he and the cowboys find some middle ground, a niche that he fills well, and he is good with that, so much the better. Depth is a good thing.
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Thanks Raf
by TCB Orange Dino on Jul 14, 2010 11:08 PM CDT reply actions
Yeah, the Redskins are the scary, unpredictable ones. Their D was really good
last year, and I think Shanahan will invigorate the offense.
I hate the Packers. Hate. Them. And yet, I still want them to crush the Vikings.
Why do you pick the Jets 3rd to NE and MIA?
Before you ask why I'm a fan of both the Cowboys and Jets, I'll just say the answer is complicated and that it just turned out that way.
Because
they already have the best defense in the league. I don’t see how it get much better.
They were 1-3 against the Dolphins and Pats last year and I think both those teams are better this year.
Because they had the best running attack in the game last year and weakened it by swapping a 1400 yd. rusher in Thomas Jones for a LaDainian Tomlinson who looked washed up and are relying on a rookie from a small school to start at guard in place of a perennial Pro Bowl run blocker.
Because their passing game was very, very conservative and their big move was to get a guy in Santonio Holmes, who starts the season on the suspended list.
I think they’re already at their current peak with this roster. I think Brady and Henne are better Qbs than Sanchez. Rex Ryan talked a lot of trash last year and Belichick and Sparano’s guys whipped him. He gets no mercy this year.
Let’s flip it around. Why do you think the Jets are better than those two teams?
by Rafael Vela on Jul 15, 2010 12:07 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree on your jets prediction BUT....
LT isn’t really swapping out for Thomas Jones. Shonn Greene is swapping in for Thomas Jone and LT is going to be a 3rd down, change of pace guy.
It was still a questionable move, but in the long run Greene is going to be the go to back and based on his playoff performance and his college style of running he should have a really good year.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jul 15, 2010 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions
True
Shonn Greene will become the guy,
but Shonn Greene was the changeup back and now he’s gonna be the guy.
More than likely, he’s up to it. But this is a 9-7 team that playing it like they were 13-3 and needed a little tweaking to get over the top. I think their offense still has miles to go.
Plus, their special teams had some big meltdowns last year (see Ginn, Ted) and Rex is HCing exactly the way his daddy Buddy did, which means they’ll stomp teams in the regular season, then somebody who plays smarter ball than them will knock them out in January. In this case, I’m thinking December.
by Rafael Vela on Jul 15, 2010 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep yep and yep
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jul 15, 2010 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions
I wouldn't say for sure that Greene will be the guy
Don’t be suprised if LT is the starter and Greene stays at his changeup back role. I was watching on NFL.com last week that NYJ offensive line fits LT’s style these days better than the Chargers did. The Chargers liked to run a lot of misdirection and sweeps and such. NYJ power is straight ahead running, and LT could do very well at that as long as they limit his touches.
I'll say for sure that Greene is going to be the guy.
3.3 yards per carry isn’t ever due to the style the offensive line plays.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jul 15, 2010 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions
How can you say that a guy's average isn't due to how the offense is run
If they are running schemes that don’t fit your style of running, of course your average is going to be crap.
3.3 isn't just bad.
3.3 is horrendous.
I fail to believe that Norv Turner who has had about a billion 1000 yard rushers under him, instilled a running style that LT couldn’t use.
He might help as a change of pace guy, but I find it hard to believe that the system meant that much to him.
He was in an offense that had Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates, and Vincent Jackson making teams respect the pass… now he’s with Mark Sanchez. So I’m heavily betting against LT having a come back season.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jul 15, 2010 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
LT's YPC has declined each of the past 4 years, and he has a ton of wear on his body
Why would you believe that his problems were entirely OL-related? The guy is on the downside of his career. Green has a lot more talent at this point (he’s in the top 5 of Football Outsiders’ Top 25 Pro Prospects). No shame in that for LT, he’s just not the back he used to be.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
Exactly...
he’s like 90% of all other runningbacks at 30.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jul 16, 2010 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions
NFL.com led you astray then
No line fits LT’s style currently, unless there is a line designed specifically to enable 3 yard runs.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
I agree...
…and that run game was really about the OL, not the back.
You really think Thomas Jones was a top 5 talented back in the NFL last year? He’s a fine player, but he was 32 years old. I think Shonn Greene will actually be an upgrade. That OL is beastly, even with the new starter in Faneca’s place.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
Because the Patriots are declining
Mark Sanchez is no longer a rookie
While the defense may not get better, it will stay largely as good as it was last season
Because the Jets will overcome Santonio Holmes’s suspension like they did Calvin Pace’s last season
Just my thoughts.
Before you ask why I'm a fan of both the Cowboys and Jets, I'll just say the answer is complicated and that it just turned out that way.
I think the GIants will be back this year
For whatever reason their defense had one of the worst turnarounds I’ve ever seen last year. But they are still the same group from 07, and I think they will be much improved. I thought Eli made strides last season. I think that if we stay healthy, they are the only team that can compete with us.
Philly will be solid – I think Kolb will make them a more consistent offensive squad. No more putrid offensive games leading to losses/ties (ie Oakland, Cincinatti), but less big plays. But their defense is in transition, and I think they are too young and their secondary play will be very suspect.
Washington I see a a 7 or 8 win team. While they are always a tough out, McNabb has made a habit of playing poorly down the closely contested games, which they will be involved in often with their lack of weapons. Although he was better towards the end of last year.
I agree with the rest of you nfc picks, but I think its possible chicago knocks off Minny or GB .
In the AFC, I’ll take SanDiego, Tennessee, Indy, Baltimore, Miami, and its a tough decision between NE and the Jets but I’ll take the Pats. I can’t pick a team whose qb played as poorly as Sanchez last year.
I agree totally.
The Giants scare me the most in the division.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jul 15, 2010 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree, I felt like we whipped them both times last year and still lost them.
Ability is a poor mans wealth.
The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.
Talent is God given, Be humble. Fame is man given, Be grateful. Conceit is self-given, Be careful.
-John Wooden-
we didn't whip them the second game
and I’d prefer not to ever think about the first again.
424 yards to 337 yards
Time of possession 38.50 to 21:10. They scored 2 TDs in the last 2 minutes on a defensive melt down and a TO after being dominated the 1st half. Same old story for us though. We didnt score.
Ability is a poor mans wealth.
The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.
Talent is God given, Be humble. Fame is man given, Be grateful. Conceit is self-given, Be careful.
-John Wooden-
The Giants defensive collapse wasn't exactly unexplainable...
No MLB. No FS. No 2nd or 3rd CB. Injury to their best player, Justin Tuck (courtesy of Flozell Adams, as it happens). New defensive coordinator.
They dropped off for a reason. Many of those issues are not fixed, but some of them should be. I’m sure they’ll rebound at least a little.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
this
"With the game on the line. I want the ball in my hands."
-E
by tito (eight and oh) on Jul 16, 2010 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Gints still haven't replaced
their D-coordinator and they haven’t been the same without plaxico.
i think they stole one from us in dallas and they should have been 7-9.
they haven’t replaced stahan either.
I dont see them sweeping us again. No one talks about it, but I think NY is the team in the division most of the dallas players hate the most. they’ll be up for the rematch.
Couple things...
Perry Fewell is the Giants new D-Coordinator. He treated Buffalo to there finest statistical defensive season in history while under there employ.
Plaxico? Plaxico who? Eli had by far his best season behind center in ‘09. With young guns Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, and Mario Manningham, Eli led the Giants to there second most prolific offense in Giants history. It’s a shame the defense was their second worst…
Eli outplayed Romo week 2, and it was reflected accordingly on the scoreboard.
Osi, Tuck, and Kiwi. All are Pro Bowl caliber defensive ends. With the addition of JPP through the draft, the loss of Strahan will be felt even less this season.
I don’t see the Giants sweeping Dallas again this year either, but we certainly didn’t regress this offseason…so it’s not out of the question.
"With the game on the line. I want the ball in my hands."
-E
by tito (eight and oh) on Jul 15, 2010 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions
JPP is a reach and it will be a while before he is up to speed.
Its hard for me to argue Eli whipped Romo when Romo throws all of those picks. However I dont think the scoreboard reflects that because Romo score half of yours points too.LOL! I think Osi and Kiwi might be a little over rated. We will see.
Having said all of that, you guys seem to have our number.
Ability is a poor mans wealth.
The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.
Talent is God given, Be humble. Fame is man given, Be grateful. Conceit is self-given, Be careful.
-John Wooden-
JPP is raw, no doubt.
But to call him a reach at fifteen? I couldn’t completely agree with that. Many prognosticators who spend countless hours studying college players, and make a living trying to project draft slots had him going even earlier in most cases. With Spiller and McClain off the board, I think Jerry did right going BPA. He probably won’t make an impact right off the bat, but if we make it back to the playoffs, he’ll be fresh, and will likely be able to cause damage late in games (see Tuck, Justin).
"With the game on the line. I want the ball in my hands."
-E
by tito (eight and oh) on Jul 15, 2010 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
I said bit of a reach. He seems like either a home run or an ugly strike out.
I just think he will need a year to get his strength up(despite his speed) He will need some technique work as well.
Its not that I dont fear him down the road, just not as worried this year.
Ability is a poor mans wealth.
The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.
Talent is God given, Be humble. Fame is man given, Be grateful. Conceit is self-given, Be careful.
-John Wooden-
Osi wasn't a Pro Bowl caliber end
He’s been a turnstile when he’s not facing Winston Justice recently.
That back seven looks sieve-like. How many safeties did Jerry Reece sign and draft this year? 36?
And he still hasn’t gotten any payoff from his big money DT signings. Teams ran wild on the Giants last year.
And Eli and the WRs looked very good, just as the OL and the running backs started to look awful. When that team won it ran first and passed off that. If the Giants are a so-so run team, they’re a so-so team.
I think they peaked in late November ‘08 and haven’t figured that out yet.
by Rafael Vela on Jul 15, 2010 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Last year was Osi's first year coming off of knee surgery.
I fully expect him to make a return to ’07 form. If not, Kiwi is a physical presence who is far better suited for stopping the run (as of right now, he is the starter alongside Tuck.)
As far as safety goes, I really don’t see how addressing an area of concern could be considered a bad thing…adding Rolle and Grant to go along with a healthy Kenny Phillips (unfortunately it looks like Chad Jones won’t be around) only gives Perry Fewell that many more toys to play with, and it should go without saying how much of an uprade they are over C.C. Brown and Michael Johnson.
At the DT position the Giants, again, were hit the injury bug as Jay Alford never saw action, while Canty and Bernard barely saw significant action. With the addition of Linval Joseph, a healthy Alford and Canty will likely aid in putting an end to the defenses run-stopping woes.
As far as the offense goes…8th in points scored, 8th in total yards. If we had even a top 15 defense we’re in the playoffs last year. The running game was sub-par, but your own offensive line has many more issues than ours. With our biggest issues being the left side of the line, Diehl (pro bowler) is likely switching to his natural position at guard, and the 2nd year LT Will Beatty should be taking his place at tackle. It’s going to be a pretty damn good line considering both Snee and O’Hara are widely regaurded as some of the best at there positions.
So while Resse might have gone out and got “36” safties, at least he adressed our clear weakness…I believe your offensive line did not see any ugrade whatsoever, pretty scary considering both the Eagles and Giants went defensive line first round of the draft.
"With the game on the line. I want the ball in my hands."
-E
by tito (eight and oh) on Jul 15, 2010 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions
i see the running game as alot bigger issue than noted
jacobs was the weak link IMO. he carried too often to do so little. i guess thats partly coaching, but still.
injury bug is a huge one, especially for some key injuries on defense that really showed up late in the season. shall we both agree the eagles should get it this year :)
No doubt about it...
They swept us last year, we owe them a kick in the mouth.
"With the game on the line. I want the ball in my hands."
-E
by tito (eight and oh) on Jul 16, 2010 7:26 AM CDT up reply actions
I thought the OL did a poor job of opening holes for the backs last year
they seemed to make a transition from a running team to more of a passing one.
Their linebackers look weak, no doubt, but their secondary play (imo) will be much better, given that it sounds like Phillips will be back. If hes not, its another story. Webster was beatable lat year, but he is only one year removed from a great 2008 campaign. Their second two cbs (Ross and I forget the other guy) are pretty good.
The big questions with the Giants are
a. What to make of their Dline. The group that looked dominant in 08 absolutely sucked in 09. Doesn’t make sense. Osi is very overrated, but he wasn’t the only one who underperformed. I think this group will play much better. If the 09 version shows up, they’re in for another painful season, giving up tons of points.
Again, this is my take on the Giants, but I thought their oline was disappointing at points last season. They definitely weren’t the same group they were in 2008.the formatting could not be more obnovious
why isn’t bold specified with \b or something like that?
I'm a huge fan of making up new words
“obnovious” – a situation that is obnoxiously non-obvious.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
lol
"With the game on the line. I want the ball in my hands."
-E
by tito (eight and oh) on Jul 16, 2010 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Totally agree
Oline underachieved last year. I’m hoping that with the addition of second year left tackle Will Beatty they return to 2008 form.
Dline was bad as well, but Coefield was coming off injury, while Alford, Canty, Bernard, and Tuck were all injured to some degree. I think having even just a healthy Justin Tuck will improve this line significantly…let alone Alford, Canty, and Bernard if he even still has a spot. Also added a BEAST in Linval Joseph in the draft too.
And Terrelll Thomas was the corner you were thinking of.
Lots of questions, I just hope we stay helathy because if we do we’re miles better than 8-8 IMO.
"With the game on the line. I want the ball in my hands."
-E
by tito (eight and oh) on Jul 16, 2010 7:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Mathias and Osi are Pro Bowl caliber ends???
Based on what? This is like when Giants fans used to call Jason Sehorn a Pro Bowl caliber corner because he got a lot of publicity, even though he never made a single trip to Honolulu.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
Based on Osi having gone twice
Kiwi is more of wishful thinking, but we think the potential is there.
Homer: Aw, twenty dollars! I wanted a peanut!
Homer's Brain: Twenty dollars can buy many peanuts!
Homer: Explain how!
Homer's Brain: Money can be exchanged for goods and services!
Homer: Woo-hoo!
by bigbluethruandthru on Jul 16, 2010 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes we certainly do.
"With the game on the line. I want the ball in my hands."
-E
by tito (eight and oh) on Jul 16, 2010 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions
The only pick I'll quibble with is Denver over New England.
The rest I’ll buy as possible.
My NFC East prediction:
Dallas 12-4
NYG 10-6
Skins 9-7
Philly 8-8
I think the Boys will be the ones that others will fear to see on the schedule. The Giants will be better, but 2007 better, on defense and make the jump back to the playoffs. The Skins make a 5 game improvement with the things Raf mentioned earlier (they’ll grab a few games they shouldn’t, and drop a few they shouldn’t too). Philly’s going to melt in the secondary. I like Trent Cole, and I think Kolb will be a good one, but they won’t be able to make up for the defensive foibles in the secondary.
Predicting...
if someone can tell me if the Cowboys’ offensive line keeps Tony Romo upright, I don’t care about a proposed pecking order for Roy Williams, Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, or Patrick Crayton the least. If the offensive line goes South, the Giants have an inside motivation to a much stronger run. They, and not Philadelphia or Washington are my real worry…I know, New York and all. But from my view, their defense gets very much more on track and if Jacobs doesn’t run upright and pompous, their offense will push Dallas to the hilt for dominance in the East.
The Redskins will just have to win a one on one with Philadelphia in my books…and then have a very good run of luck through mid-season.
There is no right way to do the wrong thing. GO COWBOYS!!
Raiders
I really think the Raiders will come out ahead of Denver and will challenge for a wildcard.
by RisingSunCowboy on Jul 15, 2010 5:37 AM CDT reply actions
Raiders need 1 year removed from Jamarcus
Things will come together this year, when they remember what winning is like.
They could beat Denver (I doubt it personally) but I really dont think they can pull wildcard just yet.
Raf?
You too with the Redskins?
Formerly Bye, Dawk :(
by JimmyK on Jul 15, 2010 6:20 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
I don't like it
in fact, I hate it.
But that’s how I see it.
by Rafael Vela on Jul 15, 2010 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Fair enough. Personally, I don’t see it. I keep hearing the rhetoric about the new direction of the franchise under Shanny and Allen, but their offseason looks like any other to me (trading draft picks for older players on/near their decline). They’ll undoubtedly be better than they were last year, but they’re a year older and all 5 of their OL starters are legitimate question marks to varying degrees.
The Redskins played the Cowboys extraordinarily tough last year. In fact, the Cowboys really should have lost their first meeting, save for a nightmare game by Shaun Suisham. But that’s not the Redskin team I saw the rest of the year. This is a team that lost to the Chiefs… and the Lions of all teams… A team that squeaked by the Bucs 16-13, and the Rams 9-7. I just don’t see how they can make such a drastic leap with their current roster. TBD, I guess.
Formerly Bye, Dawk :(
I did like the trade for the Saint's tackle...
who’s name just left my brain.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jul 15, 2010 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Jammal Brown
Ability is a poor mans wealth.
The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.
Talent is God given, Be humble. Fame is man given, Be grateful. Conceit is self-given, Be careful.
-John Wooden-
Yes...
god what was wrong with me.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jul 16, 2010 8:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Pregnant wife, child, fatherhood. It kills the memory.
I started doing crosswords and suduko trying to save my brain in some way. Unfortunately its not working.
Ability is a poor mans wealth.
The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.
Talent is God given, Be humble. Fame is man given, Be grateful. Conceit is self-given, Be careful.
-John Wooden-
My Cracked crystal ball
By seed
Dallas
Packers
Atlanta
Seattle
Philly
New Orleans
Bubble: carolina and san fran
Indy
Balt
SD
Pats
Tenn
Oakland
bubble: miami nyj denver cinci
Really need to see who is seriously holding out but thats my swing at it
Really?! Really?!
Seattle winning the division huh?
That is a bold prediction my friend. I think they’re going to be better, but I think San Fran has a better offense and defense.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jul 15, 2010 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions
I think SF is being over looked a lot.
Their D is tough, Crabtree should make a big jump, Alex Smithshowed some improvement, Top notch mismatch at TE, and a good running game that added two maulers for the oline.
I also think Singletary can motivate.
Ability is a poor mans wealth.
The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.
Talent is God given, Be humble. Fame is man given, Be grateful. Conceit is self-given, Be careful.
-John Wooden-
The maulers on the o-line...
could be a HUGE part of it. Their running game was hot or cold last season. There were games where Frank Gore all but disappeared. There were other games where he broke multiple, long runs. IF they can get consistent play from those two big guys, they’re going to be very tough to stop. And this is coming from a long time 9ers hater.
Rabid and luvin' it
by lonewolfz28 on Jul 15, 2010 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Singletary is creating Ditka West in S.F.
that team is being built like the ‘80s Bears. Go for D and a big, physical running game. He’s relying on rookie OLs and that’s always a risky proposition, but I think Iuputi is going to be a masher and if Davis is even a decent player, the 49ers run game will be tough.
by Rafael Vela on Jul 15, 2010 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
i compare the niners to the cards
Remember when they were the pick to breakout every year. The niners have some decent pieces but alex smith really? Is he just going to get it what is it now year 6?
Really?! Really?!
by thebigham on Jul 15, 2010 1:00 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
the big difference is things arent changing around him
keeping offensive coordinators is generally a good thing. even if most people around these parts hate the coordinator, its better to stick with someone for at least a couple years.
plus hes got the experience and hes healthy. oh and the offense got some weapons, sorry but arnez battle wasnt cutting it.
I thought he turned/was turning the corner with Norv but he left to go to S.D. and Alexs play slipped and then he was injured
Its make or break for him but with a running game a those recievers he is in a good place to take the next step.
I think they should win the division because the other teams are weak and they have 16 games to grow and get better.
Ability is a poor mans wealth.
The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team.
Talent is God given, Be humble. Fame is man given, Be grateful. Conceit is self-given, Be careful.
-John Wooden-
Alex Smith was a top 20 QB last year statistically, and should improve a bit more this year
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
maybe it is
But that’s the parity with the nfl. I’m not saying they will be a dynasty or anything but things will go their way.you know what I mean.
Really?! Really?!
by thebigham on Jul 15, 2010 12:56 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah...
I just don’t see anything in their offense or defense that really appeals to me.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jul 15, 2010 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Is that based on Seattle starting Whitehurst or Hasselbeck?
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
does it matter
drew brees led saints where 8-8 and 7-9 before they went to the superbowl. Remember the steelers amazing run being the sixth seed. NFL is a parity league right. I just see the pieces coming together and seattle as a team will be good enough to win their division. In the NFL it doesnt matter what you did last year. So yeah thoses are my predicitons until i see who is truly holding out
Really?! Really?!
I get that you like the Seahawks chances this season
However, when you compare their roster to the 49ers, the 49ers are the better team. They have the better defense, offense, and special teams head to head and in that division overall.
Never underestimate the power of a neck brace and wheelchair. In Donnie Walsh I trust!
look where that got the 08 cowboys
last year has no affect on this year. Its just the way it is. Will pete carrol be the third coach to win a championship in college and pros?
It falls into the O ring affect haha. The whole team plays better to compensate for no superstar.
And i ask again is Alex smith just going to get it now year 6?
Really?! Really?!
Yeah it does matter...
both of those teams had alot of TALENT.
No one ever questioned that the Saints had offense or that the Steelers had defense.
Seattle doesn’t have one position that just scares the crap out of you.
That being said, they COULD creep in, but there would be nothing that they have on their team for me to justify them winning their division.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jul 16, 2010 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah maybe they dont have one position
but like OCC was explaining you are only as strong as your weakest link. Seattle is made up of alot of avg and some above avg players.
Also you are basing your justification off of last year. No one including alot of cowboy fans were scared of an undrafted wr names miles austin until week 5.
I dont know how ppl can say the niners will win the division. I just dont see it. I mean they have a proven LOSER in Alex Smith.
Apparently Hasselback has hit a second wind. Or they always have the unproven Whitehurst.
We will see:)
Really?! Really?!
My Crystal Ball
NFC
1) Dallas
2) Green Bay
3) San Francisco
4) New Orleans
5) Giants
6) Vikings
AFC
1) Indy
2) San Diego
3) Baltimore
4) New England
5) Jets
6) Miami
Never underestimate the power of a neck brace and wheelchair. In Donnie Walsh I trust!
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