Risers and Fallers for the 2010 NFL Season
by urnext on Aug 23, 2010 2:00 PM PDT
in National Preview/Review
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You have to love the preseason. It's a time when every fan believes the best about their teams. Fans have high hopes for deep playoff runs or at the very least they have hopes of seeing their teams make a turn for the better. But then the regular season comes and a lot of those dreams come crashing down to reality. Remember when the 49ers pulled off their biggest come from behind victory in playoff history when they beat the Giants in '02? Dennis Erickson then came in to help them take the next step, but a few missed FG's later (Damn you Owen Pochman) and the 49ers were finishing the season at a disappointing 7-9.
Every year it seems at least half the teams that made the playoffs the previous year seem to miss it the following season. So with that in mind I thought I'd try to guess which 3 NFC teams and which 3 AFC teams that made the playoffs last season will miss it this one, and subsequently which teams will take their place. However, before I make the list I just want to say one thing. If you do disagree with one of my choices could you please give an alternate choice to replace it. Instead of saying, "You're an idiot! How can anyone with with basic football knowledge ever think team X won't make the playoffs?" Say something like this instead, "You're an idiot! How can anyone with basic football knowledge ever think team X won't make the playoffs when it's clear team Y has far less chance of making it." So with that in mind, here's my list placed in descending order from most likely to least likely.
NFC playoff teams that will fall short:
Yes, I'm a 49ers fan so this is somewhat of a homer pick. But it's more than just my love for the 49ers that has me picking against the Cardinals. They lost Karlos Dansby, Antel Rolle, Anquan Boldin, and the biggest loss of all, Kurt Warner. That means Matt Leinart is now their starting QB and the last time the Cardinals went into the season with Leinart as their starting QB, he lost his job to a journeyman QB who many believed had his best years behind him. Of course that journeyman was Warner, but you get the idea. The Cardinals just don't seem to have a lot of confidence in Leinart's ability. Who knows, maybe undrafted rookie QB Max Hall will surprise everyone much in the way Tony Romo did in Dallas. But I wouldn't bank my playoff hopes on it.
I like the Eagles. They're a well run organization that's been able to put a perennial Super Bowl threat on the field for most of the last decade, or at the very least, a perennial threat to lose in the NFC title game. But like the Cardinals, they just lost their star QB with Donovan McNabb now in Washington. Unlike the Cardinals I believe they have a QB in Kevin Kolb who can star in this league for some time. I compare the Eagles situation to what happened in Green Bay recently. They replaced Brett Favre with Aaron Rodgers, and while Rodgers was great, they went from just missing the Super Bowl, to a 6-10 record, to making the playoffs again the following season. Look for the Eagles to take a small step back before returning to the playoffs after a 1-2 year absence. Also look for the fickle Philly fans to start calling for Andy Reid's head if the playoff drought does reach 2 seasons.
You read that right. I'm picking against the Vikings. Not that I don't think the Vikings have a good chance of reaching the playoffs this season. It's just that I think the Saints, Cowboys, and Packers have a better chance. Plus, their hopes are pinned largely on a soon to be 41 year old QB who actually had his best seasons ever last year. His 107.2 QB rating and 7 interceptions were both career bests and his 4,202 passing yards were just short of his best ever. Can the Vikings really count on him to put up similar numbers? Six of the Vikings first eight games are against teams that made the playoffs last year. If Favre starts to show signs of his age and the Vikings get off to a rough start, look for the Vikings to fall short of the fans lofty expectations. And if Favre does put up numbers similar to last season while leading the Vikings to a Super Bowl victory, look for the Catholic church to canonize Favre as the Saint of football.
The NFC teams that make it back to the playoffs and my AFC picks are after the jump.
NFC teams back in the playoffs:
49ers
Again, yes I'm a homer. But we all know the NFC West is weak. The Rams have a long way to go before they're good again, the Seahawks still need another year or two, and the Cardinals are going in the opposite direction. It's the perfect combination for the 49ers who have slowly been building. They finished 8-8 last year and actually finished with a +49 point differential. If that isn't a sign from the football gods, I don't know what is. The wild card is Alex Smith. But as the Jets showed us last season, if a team has a staunch defense and great running game, they can overcome sporadic playfrom their QB. And if Smith does take that next step, look for the 49ers to do more than just make the playoffs.
With their 9-7 finish las year the Falcons finally managed to have back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. Maybe that's karma for the unrealistic success of their baseball team that no one in Atlanta seems to care about. The Falcons have one of the best young QB's in the league with Matt Ryan, and if Michael Turner can stay healthy look for the Falcons to be a real threat to win the NFC. Even if Turner does miss a game or two, they have a solid backup in Jason Snelling. Now if they could just get M.C. Hammer to put them in another video, they could really get back to the big time.
Giants
I don't actually feel very confident about this pick, but I wasn't about to pick the Bears, and I'm still not sold on the team that's named after someone with a rudy complexion. The Giants still have Eli Manning, even if they secretly would rather have his brother, and Steve Smith stepped up last season to be a big time play maker. The key to the Giants success will rest with their defense. In their Super Bowl winning season they had one of the top defenses in the NFL, while at times last year they looked like a sieve. Seven times last season they gave up at least 31 points. If they play like the team that started last season 5-0, look for them to make it back to the post season. If not, it will probably be the end of the Tom Coughlin era in NY.
AFC playoff teams that will fall short:
This was my easiest pick. When was the last time any professional sport team in the state of Ohio had any amount of continued success. The Cavaliers probably came the closest and look where they are now. The Bengals finished with a 10-6 record but that was a little deceiving as they only had a +14 point differential. The key to the Bengals will be their offense. If they can improve on their 24th ranked offense, and in particular their 26th ranked pass offense, they might be able to prove my pick wrong. Not that I think they're going to lose any sleep over what I think about their chances.
Jets
I can hear the complaining already. Picking against Saint Favre and the Vikings was bad enough, but picking against the Jets? But why not? The strength of the Jets last year was their top ranked defense and triple headed monster running game. But that triple headed monster is down to one. Shonn Greene is still there but Thomas Jones and Leon Washington are both gone and have been replaced by the aging LaDainian Tomlinson. Fans love Mark Sanchez but the coaches were trying to do everything in their power last season to limit the number of times he threw the ball and thus limiting the amount of times he could lose the game for them. That means a lot will depend on Greene who has had injury problems in the past. If he were to get injured you can bet the Jets playoff hopes would all but go down with him.
Now I can really hear the screaming. Look, I honestly believe the Colts will make the playoffs this season, but I had to pick a 3rd team and look who's left: Patriots, Chargers, and Ravens. So I picked the Colts for one reason and one reason only. The Super Bowl losers curse. Of the last 11 teams to lose in the SB, 8 of them have not even made the playoffs the following season, and that list includes the Patriots after falling just short of a perfect 19-0 season. Did anyone expect the Patriots not to go back to the playoffs after their surprise loss to the Giants? Yes I know Tom Brady got injured, but it just goes to show you never know. So which teams were able to buck the curse? They were the Titans '00, Seahawks '06, and Cardinals '09. Hurray for the NFC West!
AFC teams back in the playoffs:
The Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger have had a tumultuous off season to say the least. It was so bad I no longer have to double check to make sure I spelled Roethlisberger's name correct. But rather than tearing the team appart, I think this will bring them together. They're not that far removed from winning the Super Bowl and they still have every QB's best friend, a great running game led by Rashard Mendenhall. You also can't underestimate the impact of newly acquired free agent Arnez Battle. OK, that last bit was just a joke for the handful of 49er fans that are still reading this post, but the rest of it I believe will be proven true.
The Texans have been just like the 49ers of late, making small strides every year. Last season they finished 9-7 which was their first winning season in franchise history. Since the Colts are going to miss the playoffs as a result of the SB curse, someone has to take their place. So why not the Texans? With Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson leading on offense, and Brian Cushing who looks like a really ugly fat girl in his picture leading on defense once he gets back from his 4 game suspension, the Texans seem like the most logical choice to threaten the Colts. Although the Titans are close on the Texans heels.
Just as Rex Ryan has gotten things turned around in NY, Tony Sporano has done the same thing in Miami. The only difference is he's done it with a lot less fan fair and poster board material. They still have Ronnie Brown running their Wildcat, Chad Henne has finally given their fans a QB to get excited about for the first time since Dan Marino, but the biggest key to their success was the addition of Brandon Marshall. The addition of Marshall alone might be enough to leap frog the Jets as the second best team in the AFC East behind the Patriots. Now if they could only get Bill Belichick to stop cheating, or misunderstanding the rules according to him, they just might have a chance to actually win the East themselves one day.
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Solid piece
Definitely agree about the Cards. It isn’t just the Niners homer-ism. You don’t lose 4 Pro-Bowlers and get better. And thinking Joey Porter is going to replace Dansby is a joke. He might get after the QB, but Porter is nothing but a liability against the run.
I think the Bengals make it. They have the best cornerback tandem in the NFL, and with Ochocinco and TO, they will lead the league in “fun-to-watchness.”
Agree on the Jets. I think that they don’t make the playoffs DESPITE Shonn Greene having a monster year. I have that little faith in Sanchez, and it’s very unlikely they repeat as the #1 defense and #1 running game in the NFL.
Finally, you should have picked the Chargers instead of the Colts. I’m not sure if McNeil is still holding out, but if he is, they are in serious trouble. Like with the Cards, you don’t get better for losing a stud WR (Jackson) and arguably the best tackle in the league.
"My father's name is art, and my name's pride, and while my destiny reads a recipe for confusion I'm looking for whoever writes, so empty inside." -Slug
I agree with the 49ers and Falcons making the playoffs, and I agree that the Eagles and Cardinals will miss the playoffs. With or without #4, the Vikings are a playoff team, that defense is too good and so is the run game.
It’s very bold of you to say that the Colts and Jets won’t make the playoffs, and I think you’re crazy. I also think the Bengals will be back in the playoffs, along with the Ravens leaving Pittsburgh out of the playoffs. The Dolphins always have a season that they surprise, so you could be right about that, but I doubt it only because the Patriots and Jets are so strong. I’d love to see Houston make the playoffs, but that team always finds a way to come up short.
No crow for me thanks, Brandon Jones cut.
by Andrew Davidson on Aug 23, 2010 2:19 PM PDT reply actions
Seems all good except the Colts
but you never know manning can get hurt…what I really am looking forward to is the few teams that suprise everyone. Who in your opinions are the teams that could blow some minds. I hate the raider franchise with a passion but since there from the3 bay and they have some decent pick ups this year I would love to see them make the play offs.
Vikings are a good team but I can see them failing a little bit…but they will make the playoffs.
My boldest prediction this year is that
Without JaMarcus “Purple Drank” Russell, the Raiders will make the playoffs, if not win their division. I thought they made a good move getting Kamerion Wimbley, and he backed up my thought process by sacking Jay Cutler four times in their preseason game, although, we all know that a QB getting used to Mike Martz’ system can be exposed to high sack totals.
On the other side of the ball, Michael Bush is a legit every-down back in the NFL, and Cable seems just about ready to give up on McFalldown. Zach Miller is also a beast, and I expect a break-out, Pro Bowl year from him this year with Campbell under center. There’s talent in Raider-land. It’s very possible they surprise everyone this year.
"My father's name is art, and my name's pride, and while my destiny reads a recipe for confusion I'm looking for whoever writes, so empty inside." -Slug
Good question
I wouldn’t go so far as to say either of these teams will make the playoffs, but I think both Raiders and Chiefs could surprise this year. The Raiders proved they could win last year when they had a QB that knew what he was doing. Campbell taking over for Russell will make the whole offense better and their defense already has some real star power.
As for the Chiefs, I love Jamaal Charles. The guy had 968 yards rushing just over the last 8 games of the season. Now Thomas Jones is there and they’re going to combine for one of the best 1-2 punches in the NFL. Matt Cassell might also start to put up better numbers having such a solid runing game to rely on.
Don't trust this guy. He lies.
Good points about those two teams....
and the AFC West plays the NFC west, so they could get extra wins there (of course, not against our beloved Niners)
by sanfranfanmdk on Aug 23, 2010 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Good point
I really hope we own the AFC West teams, and they could end up doing us more favors by beating our divisional teams as well.
Max Hall
reports from there camp are saying he has been very sharp in Cardinals TC. He’s been outplaying Skelton there 5th round draft pick.
Max Hall=Drew Brees
Dont understand why he went undrafted. And i doubt they will let an undrafted FA makes the 53 seeing as how they invested a draft pick for Skelton. He’s likely going PS and someone is going to pick him up.
And the Colts not making the playoffs I dont see that happening…. 7+ years of 12 wins with Manning that division is there’s again this year
Dude played for BYU
is the only reason he went undrafted. BYU QBs don’t get much love in the NFL these days because of the offense that they run but if you’ll remember I was high on the kid all last season and thought he was worth a 5th round pick.
Logic merely enables one to be wrong with authority
BYU runs the most sophiscated offense in college
They have really smart QB’s that can diagnose a Defense and exploit there weaknesses.
And him going undrafted is not because he went to BYU. IMO it’s because he is undersized. Just look at Bree’s and what he can do. The Chargers were willing to let him go for another QB that fit the mold of how an NFL QB should look like in Rivers. It’s all good tho 4 years from now the Cougars will have the BEST QB come out of the draft in Jake Heaps
It might be because he's undersized
but the dude has incredible skills. With this weak QB class I thought for sure he’d go in the 4th or 5th.
Logic merely enables one to be wrong with authority
For how deep this draft was everywhere else
The QB class took a massive hit when Locker stayed in school. There really wasn’t the depth compared to the rest of the class.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Aug 25, 2010 12:02 AM PDT up reply actions
Locker could've gone #1 overall had he come out
And had he come out I think the Browns go with him instead of Haden.
Logic merely enables one to be wrong with authority
Peter King says the Seahawks makes he playoffs!
You are just being a homer by picking the 49ers! Their training camp is so hard that Balmer and Coffee quit! Peter King said so! He is the King of football, get it? Check out his article today about Brett Favre on si.com. It is so heavenly…
F’’k king he’s jerk, he talks out of his a’s most of the time.
by bmcrae83@yahoo.com on Aug 23, 2010 2:58 PM PDT reply actions
Not a bad rundown...
I honestly think there will only be turnover at 2 of the 6 playoff spots in the NFC…the Niners will make it (with AZ falling out) and Philly will fall out, although I think Washington could surprise and make it into that 6th spot. They have a good defense, an improved line, good RBs, and Shanahan. And they added McNabb, who could potentially turn Santana Moss into this year’s DeSean Jackson. They have the weapons, I think they could surprise. Minnesota is probably the 3rd team for this exercise, but I just don’t see them falling short. I’d be very happy if they did, though!
So, my two out for the NFC are the Cards and the Eagles, and my two in would be the Niners and the Skins. If I have to pick a third, I’d pull the Vikings out and put in the Falcons like you had…although I still don’t see it happening.
In the AFC, I’d replace the Jets with the Patriots (I just don’t see NE making the playoffs…Welker won’t be the same, their OL, which was the reason they were so dominant is not the same, and Brady is going to get rushed quite a bit). The Jets are too good to miss the playoffs, IMO. Obviously I have issue with the Colts on your list…I think they’re going to win the super bowl this season. I’d replace them with the Chargers. With the issues they’ve had off the field this offseason I could see them regressing. And Oakland will be better, and Denver could surprise. I still think SD wins the division, but I think it’s much more likely that they will miss out than the Colts will. The Bengals seem like a decent choice too…only because of how hard a division they play in. I still think they make the playoffs too, but I could see Pittsburgh, Houston, Tennessee, Jacksonville, or Oakland taking them out. The Titans have a good defense, a great running attack, and showed something on offense with VY in there late in the season. They could be very good. the AFC South is a tough division. The 6th spot in the AFC should be an interesting race.
So for the AFC my three out are the Patriots, the Chargers, and the Bengals. And my three in would be the Steelers, the Texans, and the Titans.
Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tweet Tweet.
I knew I'd get panned on the Colts pick
Like I said, I think the Colts really will make the playoffs and there’ll be a turnover of only 2 in the AFC. But I had to pick a 3rd so I went with the Super Bowl losers curse. And honestly, if Manning gets hurt, they probably will miss the playoffs if Painter has to lead them.
Don't trust this guy. He lies.
Many teams, if they lose their starting QB, are at a greater chance of missing the playoffs
But I think you did a good job with the NFC picks…and the Vikings pick is bold, but I just get a weird feeling about there being a huge letdown compared to last years Vikings. The AFC is difficult, like you mentioned, but I don’t think the Steelers will make it. I see the Colts, Pats, Bengals, Chargers, Texans and Ravens
by sanfranfanmdk on Aug 23, 2010 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions
NO way Pittsburgh makes it over Miami
NO WAY.
"Bears are crazy, Willie. They'll bite your head off if you're wearing steak on it."
The Eagles
I think i am the only one not Kevin Kolb’s bandwagon. i just dont get it, sure does he have all the tool and from everything that I have read he has an accurate arm but people he has two starts, one against the Chiefs (Please) and the other against the Saints (He lost that game).
He hasnt played in bad weather, he hasnt played any meaningful time against the Cowboys, Skins and Giants. He hasnt played in December where its do or die, he’s played in garbage time and against a meaningless opponent (The Chiefs not the Saints) , he hasnt played against the Niners D who will punish him all day long so how about we hold off on anointing him as a future star.
The Eagles wont make the playoffs because the Boys are the best team in that division and the Giants and Skins will be better so will the Falcons who will be pushing for a wild card spot
John Clayton doesn’t think Kolb will make the Eagles a winner either. I’m actually shocked the Eagles have been able to keep up this PR hype that they are still a contender. If you look at their roster they went into complete rebuild mode for this season but have everyone believing they aren’t.
Clayton is probably right, though he's still a joke as an analyst.
Dude thinks Matt Ryan is an elite QB. And I believe he’s a NDIOF member.
I survived the David Carr Press Conference Thread 3/06/2010
Credit to iaalexeeff
The New and Improved Bay Area Connections:
Alex Smith to Michael Crabtree
Stephen Curry to David Lee
Madison Bumgarner to Gerald Buster "Jesus" Posey
by Hoopers Judge on Aug 23, 2010 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Matt Ryan has the potential to be elite. I think he's better than Flacco and even Schaub.
Haven’t seen enough of Kolb to make any sort of judgment. Eagles won’t make it because their defense is completely beatable now.
Coach Boone: And who's team is this, Gary? Is this your team? Or is this your daddy's team?
Bertier: Yours.
Coach Boone: Now get on the bus. Put on your jacket first and then get on the bus.
You aren't alone
I think he will be average at best. I haven’t seen enough of him to really validate my opinion but that’s what I’m going with.
"If you don't love it, leave it! USA, number one!" - Ricky Stanzi
by Haggardninja on Aug 23, 2010 6:55 PM PDT up reply actions
.
Ur tweaking if you think the colts wont be the #1 seed in the AFC going into the playoffs. Let alone, fall short of the playoffs.. Not a chance that hapens
Watching the Arizona game.
Their offense does not look too good. I think Leinart has a quite a few questions to answer.
Haha I was just coming on here to say basically the same thing lol
I mean Fitzy isn’t playing, but I am not sure how much that would be helping them right now…but it is preseason, so we can’t look too much into it (but it does make me happy, watching them struggle)
by sanfranfanmdk on Aug 23, 2010 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Now their defense is quasi-crumbling. I get that it is preseason, but I don’t really see a spark of potential on this team. The don’t seem to be playing hard.
Nope, barely any effort
I love just as Gruden was drooling all over their secondary, Young completes a nice pass to get them inside the redzone lol
by sanfranfanmdk on Aug 23, 2010 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Young’s not even a stellar QB either. They are getting picked apart. Their defense is missing those few Pro-Bowlers.
And this supposedly deadly rushing attack all of these Cards fans are spouting off about...
looks like it is a bunch high school business out there lol
by sanfranfanmdk on Aug 23, 2010 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah. How can you not sit behind Warner and get better? Was he not paying attention these last two years?
Nope, he thought he was good enough and should have started lol
by sanfranfanmdk on Aug 23, 2010 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Ha!
He really needs to put in some serious work before he is NFL ready. I’m not saying it isn’t possible, but if I were a Cardinals fan, I would be worried. You would think he would have done the work when Warner was around to mentor.
What will suck is that the Cards will finally realize what a waste Leinart is by the time the Niners play them...
and Anderson will be starting (a definite improvement)
by sanfranfanmdk on Aug 23, 2010 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Well he isn't the best in the league...
but he did make it to the Pro Bowl with the freaking BROWNS and he was playing with back ups last night, so he won’t look as good as he can….still an improvement over Leinart lol
by sanfranfanmdk on Aug 24, 2010 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions
I can't think of any other word than fluke
He has come no where near matching that season again and couldn’t even hold his job over a guy as bad as Quinn. I don’t like the looked bad against backups argument for QB’s, that doesn’t fare well at all. If you are decent at all, you should be cutting up second and third defenses. Anyway..I’m happy it’s the Cards, screw them, hope this plays out horrible for them.
Anderson
is looking pretty bad too.
"If you don't love it, leave it! USA, number one!" - Ricky Stanzi
by Haggardninja on Aug 23, 2010 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions
I know you’ve been smacked around for picking against the Colts even with the pick your poison, but honestly every year Peyton plays and is healthy they go to the playoffs.
I would definitely pick them over the Chargers if I had to choose one.
But if Peyton goes down, that’s probably a sub-.500 team
Dashon, Mays, and Bamm Bamm will get the record for most decapitations in one season
by MichaelClutchtree on Aug 23, 2010 5:34 PM PDT reply actions
You don't have to pick them against the Chargers
because both will more than likely win their division. I can see the Chargers possibly falling off this year though, in which case, I’m saying make way for Denver or Oakland.
I think the Chargers may be........
the biggest disappointment in football this year. Whether there is someone in the AFC west that can take them is a big question. Maybe the Chargers win with a 6-10 record.
by remembertheCATCH on Aug 23, 2010 5:35 PM PDT reply actions
Does This Mean Pittsburgh Makes it Over Indianapolis?!?
I honestly just do not see that. Nor do I see the Giants making it over Minnesota.
First off, even if Big Ben were to play the entire season (which he isn’t) there is absolutely no way they are better than Indianapolis. Now I do understand that the colts must play Houston (twice), Tennessee (twice), Dallas, both New York teams, Philadelphia and Cincinnati. I just see no way that Pittsburgh finishes with a better record.
Secondy, the Giants really haven’t improved a great deal in the off-season. We have all seen the downside (coverage) liabilities of Antrel Rolle, that reallý wasn’t a MAJOR upgrade. Additionally, the team just doesn’t have the talent that Minnesota possesses on the D-line, at LB, at), RB, and at Linebacker
I do agree that Philadelphia misses the playoffs in 2010, but they will be the ones replaced by Atlanta or New York.
"He who lives on hope will die fasting" Benjamin Franklin was a fool
"If we are thinking playoffs, why not look towards the mountaintop"
I like my quote better
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 23, 2010 6:36 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Giants fan here
Have to defend my team a little. First, thanks to the thread starter for putting us in your teams back in the playoffs this year. We’ve really been overlooked since going 8-8 last year, but that was the 1st year in the last 5 that we’ve missed the playoffs. This is largely the same team that we won the super bowl with, and the division the following year.
As to our off season changes, you don’t seem to think we made major changes in the offseason, which is your opinion, and that’s fine. You say Rolle has liabilities, and is not a major upgrade – well then you didn’t see our secondary first hand. ANYBODY is an upgrade from CC(Can’t Cover) Brown. And in 2 preseason games, Rolle has already shown that he is a G, compared to anyone in last years secondary. Add to that that our potential pro bowl safety Kenny Philips is back, and so far healthy, and a wily vet Deon Grant that we signed in the offseason, I’d say we are majorly improved in that aspect of the game.
You also fail to mention Keith Bullock, who when healthy, is a beast, as any football fan knows. The giants have bought him along slowly, but there have been no setbacks with his knee yet, and when he was in the game sat., he was stout, popping mendenhall hard!
Finally ill go ahead and disagree that we don’t have as much talent as Minn on the DL, LB, and RB. For one, we have 2 all pros at the ends, and Osi looks like he’s back to his ‘06, ’07 form. Our tackles don’t compare to there’s, that’s true. They probably have a better LB core, but as I said, Bullock if healthy, is a huge improvement an upgrade, and watching the Minn. Game last night, ej Henderson doesn’t look fully recovered. And RB, well let’s be honest. No one on our team compares to AP. But overall, ill take big boy, ahmad bradshaw, and andre brown over AP and an unproven Toby gerdhardt.
My opinion, but I just wanted to share my thoughts. Here’s to hoping were all right on the Eagles! Cheers!
IMPEACH DOLAN!!!!
by wilddre22 on Aug 23, 2010 7:30 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Let Me Clear This Up
I didn’t say that the Giants weren’t going to make the playoffs, I just said not over the Vikings! Under the posters theory the Giants, Falcons and Niners are in instead of the Vikings, Eagles and Cardinals. Now I agree that neither Arizona or Philadelphia are going to miss the post season. By virtue of unseating Arizona the 49ers are one team in. This leaves Atlanta and New York for the final spot and I am up in the air on that
In regards to the Giants “upgrade” at safety. Well I have had the ability yo watch Rolle twice a season over the last couple seasons, and altbough he is a good player; he does lack in coverage skills. C.C. Brown also lacked in coverage skills. So what I am saying is that you didn’t replace a lackluster coverage safety with an premiere coverage safety. Therefor, it must be concluded that it wasn’t a MAJOR upgrade in an areas you lacked; at least that is my observation. I also do like Grant, I think he will be a welcomed addition to your poor secondary. In regards to Bullock, he is past his prime right now and from what I have heard is that your looking at more of a situational player rather than a FT LB in that scheme, again I could be wrong, also his injuries should be of concern.
Additionally, I never said you didn’t have a good D-line, I just said it doesn’t compare with the Vikings (Jared Allen, Kevin Williams, Pat Williams and Ray Edwards), not many teams can matchup against that. This doesn’t mean that Tuck, Osi etc.. Aren’t good, they just don’t compare to the Vikings. Also look at Greenway, Leber and Henderson and tell me that Giants have a better LB corp.
I do enjoy when other teams fans come on here an “respectfully” disagree, it makes for a nice conversation. Keep it up :)
"He who lives on hope will die fasting" Benjamin Franklin was a fool
"If we are thinking playoffs, why not look towards the mountaintop"
I like my quote better
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 23, 2010 8:16 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Here's what you're not taking into consideration
It seems on average, half of the playoff team are new every year. Based on that premise, that means 3 teams in the AFC and NFC will miss out from the previous year. I have no problem with you disagreeing with me. But could you please tell me who you think should take their place. You say you don’t think the Vikings will miss the playoffs. So you think the Cowboys, Packers, or Saints will miss it instead of them? Maybe you think only 2 teams that made it from the previous year will miss it this season. That’s fine. But the idea of the article was I had to pick 3. So if you disagree with one, who would you replace it with?
Don't trust this guy. He lies.
If I HAD To Pick Three This Is What I Would Say
2010 NFC Playoff Teams
West: San Francisco
North: Minnesota
South: New Orleans
East: Dallas
Wild Card 1: Atlanta
WIld Card 2: New York
In: San Francisco, Atlanta and New York
Out: Arizona, Green Bay and Philadelphia
Of course i created this before i found out that Rice was gone for at least half the season. However, no matter how much i dislike Favre, it is hard to go against him when it comes to predictions. In my opinion O-line and D-line means everything and at this point the Packers just aren’t there when it comes to either. Even minus Rice the Vikings are a better overall team than Green Bay. That said, i honestly doubt that your 3-3 theory will come to pass.
AFC
West: Oakland
North: Baltimore
South: Indianapolis
East: Miami
Wildcard 1: Houston
Wildcard 2: New England
In: Oakland, Miami and Houston
Out: San Diego, Cincinnati and New York
Yes Oakland, i know its not a popular pick here, but with all the issues San Diego is having and the relatively calm camp Oakland has had this would be a sleeper pick. Plus Campbell will improve the Raiders offense to the point that they can compete on a weekly basis
My Predictions without using the 3-3 theory
NFC
West: San Francisco
North: Minnesota
South: New Orleans
East: Dallas
Wild Card 1: Green Bay
Wild Card 2: Atlanta
AFC
West: San Diego
North: Baltimore
South: Indianapolis
East: Miami
Wildcard 1: New England
Wildcard 2: New York
"He who lives on hope will die fasting" Benjamin Franklin was a fool
"If we are thinking playoffs, why not look towards the mountaintop"
I like my quote better
by nocal81(Vincent) on Aug 24, 2010 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Youre right
I didn’t acknowledge that you did say we would still have a chance at making the playoffs. I, as a big blue fan, actually think we will fight for the division, as I don’t buy the (yearly) hype surrounding the ‘Boys. But I digress.
Ill respect your opinion on Rolle, as you probably have watched him more than I have, and I wholeheartedly agree that we got the wrong safety from the Cards. But I think you really don’t understand the plight of the Giants secondary last year, and just how BAD they were. That’s why I’m saying, even with a mediocre upgrade, being that we were so bad, its a MAJOR upgrade. And from what I’ve seen in the past from Rolle(including last years game winning pick of Eli) and this preseason, I’m gonna go out on a limb and say Rolle>Can’t Cover Brown. But that’s not the only reason I was saying we got better back there, as you and I both mentioned a solid safety in Grant, and the hopefully healthy return of Kenny Philips. Too bad our 3rd round pick out of LSU Chad Jones almost tore his leg off in a car accident, he wouldve added even more depth.
Ill be honest with you, you could be absolutely right with Bullock. I’m not gonna argue you down on him when it comes to what his role will be. Quite honestly, ill even be surprised if he sees all 16 games. My point is, if we can get even 80% of KB, ill call that a win. You say he’s past his prime, but last season, didn’t he have something like 108 tackles in 14 games? Ill take that anyday of the week. I also think Boley is better than given credit for, and he’s excellent in coverage. Sintim is our weak point, so how he goes, is how our LB core goes I guess. Not big on Leber, but Greenways a beast. But just like Bullock came off a major injury, so did Henderson. His mightve been worse. And when I watched there game, I watched him on one play running at half speed. I’d be a little concerned that he may not immediately turn back to form.
I do concede the line to the vikes. Although with Percy harvin passing out with migraines, Sidney Rice out for at least half the season, and a gimpy favre, I’d be a little more concerned about the vikes now. Good debate tho, keep it up. And your team looks good btw, I hope yall do make the playoffs, I’d like to renew the old giants/niners rivalry from the 80’s.
IMPEACH DOLAN!!!!
by wilddre22 on Aug 24, 2010 8:07 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Good call on the Vikings. Hard for me to see them having as successful a season as last year. 8-0 at home while sweeping your biggest division competition will be difficult to duplicate, especially with such an aged QB. The miracle win vs the Niners and lucky win when Baltimore missed the FG at the end kept them from being a 10-6 WC team. GB looks ready to win at least one of their match ups and take that division.
I respect you picking the Colts to miss the playoffs. It’s not impossible, especially if the remainder of that division is just slightly improved.
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
Here's my predictions for the playoffs this year
I thought about doing a FanPost about this, and just leave out the “3 out, 3 in” aspect, and just go for broke and pick your 6 teams in the NFC and AFC
Here’s my predictions
NFC East – Dallas Cowboys
NFC North – Green Bay Packers
NFC South – New Orleans Saints
NFC West – San Francisco 49ers
NFC WC1 – Minnesota Vikings
NFC WC2 – Atlanta Falcons
AFC East – Miami Dolphins
AFC North – Baltimore Ravens
AFC South – Indianapolis Colts
AFC West – San Diego Chargers
AFC WC1 – Cincinnati Bengals
AFC WC2 – Houston Texans
Just my opinion.
"Bears are crazy, Willie. They'll bite your head off if you're wearing steak on it."
I don't know about the Falcons pick
I think Panthers take that WC2 spot. Matt Moore is still unproven, but I think he has at least shown he can fight against the best teams in the league. Their record last year would have improved a few games if Fox had benched Delhomme sooner.
Falcons success depends a lot on Michael Turner’s success with the run game.
Coach Boone: And who's team is this, Gary? Is this your team? Or is this your daddy's team?
Bertier: Yours.
Coach Boone: Now get on the bus. Put on your jacket first and then get on the bus.
Great post. I love preseason predictions.
Here’s how i see it
NFC East – Dallas Cowboys
NFC North – Green Bay Packers
NFC South – Atlanta Falcons
NFC West – San Francisco 49ers
NFC WC1 – Minnesota Vikings
NFC WC2 – New York Giants
Sorry, i just think the Saints had some freaky voodoo going on last year. So many games that they won where they had no business winning. Well, the voodoo will be flipped around this year starting with Drew Brees being on the cover of Madden ;-) Plus, it’s the NFC South, the most inconcistent division in all of football. Worst to first, every year. Carolina might surprise also. I see a 3 team battle going on here and i just see Atlanta squeaking by and winning the division by 1 game and eliminating the other 2 from playoff contention.
I like what’s going on in Green Bay, they had O-line issues at the beginning of the year, along with adjusting to the switch from 4-3 D to a 3-4, but shored them up and went 7-1 to end the year. I see a first round bye for this team.
I agree on the Giants getting back to their fearsome ability to rush the passer with a proper defensive coordinator and i see them getting back to the Giants we know as last year was just an abberation due to injuries and a coordinator that was waaayyyy over his head. Eli is coming off his best year statistically over 4000 yards, now they just need Giants defence to catch up, and i think they will.
AFC East – New England Patriots
AFC North – Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC South – Indianapolis Colts
AFC West – San Diego Chargers
AFC WC1 – Miami Dolphins
AFC WC2 – Titans
It’s amazing how easily people forget that the Jets had no business even getting in the playoffs last year and that it was the Patriots with a gimpy Brady and rebuilding defence that still won their division. Now, because San Diego’s kicker choked again and the Jets got to the conference championship, and because loud mouthed Rex Ryan is dominating our television sets during the summer, everybody’s jumping on the wagon. The Jets are gonna be in for a slaughter with that schedule, a crappy qb, and that infamous new york apocalyptic media.
Patriots OWN the division as long as a healthy Brady and Belichick are there just like Manning and the AFC South.
Steelers are in because Troy Polomalu is back and Big Ben has his act together. The Steelers are at their best when everyone has written them off. Yes, Big Ben will miss the first 4 games and everyone seems to focus on that but what about the other 12 games? Plus, Troy is what makes Pittsburgh the best defence in the league and that’s what people should be focusing on. I see this division just destroying each other like the NFC South with Pittsburgh squaking in and eliminating the others.
I might be wrong about the wildcards in the AFC as i’m going more on a hunch than logic as both Cincy AND Baltimore are better than the Titans and the Dolphins, but i feel pretty confident about the division winners.
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