Today's post about the Patriot beat writers liking the Cowboys brings up an interesting question: What teams will challenge the Cowboys for NFC supremacy?
Contenders... Giants, Eagles, Packers, Vikings, Saints, Seahawks
Surprises?... Redskins, Lions, Panthers, Buccaneers, Cardinals, Rams
Pretenders... Bears, Falcons, 49ers
CONTENDERS:
GIANTS - You cannot rule out the Super Bowl Champions. Especially given the fact that this team beat up on our very own Cowboys last time they met. Strahan is a loss, but this team has a solid D... the question remains whether Manning is for real.
EAGLES - This is a proud team that is always contending. The question mark here is how much gas McNabb has left in the tank. Defensively, they continue to look tough.
PACKERS - The Rodgers watch is on. The nucleus of a 13-3 team returns with a chip on it's shoulder after a tough playoff loss to the Giants. If healthy, Al Harris and Charles Woodson anchor a tough D.
VIKINGS - The Williams brothers anchor a monster defensive front that will keep Minnesota in games. The big Q: Can AP make up for Tavaris Jackson's short-comings?
SAINTS - This is the team that scares me. They were to hot pick to go all the way last year, only to lay an egg. A loaded offense, a solid defense, and Sean Patton at the helm. After the beating they put on us in '06, I can see some good hype for a Cowboys - Saints NFC Championship game.
SEAHAWKS - This team almost belongs in the Surprise category, except it's hard to count out any Holmgren-led team. JJ as the featured back can't be worse than last year's efforts, but spells trouble for their playoff hopes.
SURPRISES?...
REDSKINS - This team played inspired ball just to make the playoffs last year. I don't expect the same this year, as the loss of Taylor will show it's affects. This is yet another team banking on mere "potential" when it comes to QB. I like Campbell, but much is being put on his shoulders this year. Prediction: Portis is this year's S. Alexander = bust.
LIONS - The greatest 10-6 preseason team ... ever.
PANTHERS - It is hard to get excited about a team that looked so consistently horrible last year. Depth chart at QB = Moore, Testaverde, Carr. Say no more.
BUCCANEERS - The Bucs QB depth chart is approaching mythic status. Translate: mediocrity rules. I have always liked Garcia, but I don't think he's the answer for the Bucs this year. Last year's playoff run was more a lack of competition.
CARDINALS - This is the easy "surprise" pick... but until the Cardinals prove it on the field, they remain the "Lions of the West"
RAMS - Getting Steven Jackson back makes Bulger a better QB... the team that had a hard time winning a game without Jackson will be back in contention this year.
Pretenders... Bears, Falcons, 49ers
The not ready for prime time teams have one thing in common - unproven leadership at QB. Doesn't it always seem to be the case that weak teams somehow have decent defenses. Watch for these teams to keep games close with solid D.