What do you think will happen

[Vampiro69 0]

I think that we should start making predictions for the new NFL season. Mine goes as follows.

 

1. Arizona Cardinals make the playoffs

2. The Raiders still manage to miss the playoffs

[Guest Vitamin X]

I think it's still a bit too early to call who makes the playoffs and who doesn't. I'd rather keep my "preseason predictions" for the uh, you know.. preseason.

 

However, there are a few things that stand out. For one, the top teams in each conference haven't really changed much.. I still expect the Colts and Pats to be in the playoffs, though things look better for the Colts at this point than for New England, but Belichick will probably find a way around all the turnover this offseason and still give them a chance. Can't forget about Pittsburgh or the Jets, either. In the NFC, we'll probably see the Eagles there again (sigh), with Atlanta coming down to earth after last year's 12-4 run, but still in it, with the Panthers in it as well. NFC North and NFC West will probably be way too competitive (Although in the case of the West, it'll be more along the lines of "Who'll suck less than the others?") , and the Cowboys and Redskins have too many questions out east.

 

Raiders might sneak into the playoffs, again it depends on how the top teams in the AFC shake out.

[smh810 0]

A lot can change obviously between now and the end of preseason but here are some thoughts on teams percieved to make an impact this season. I'll do the AFC tonight and the NFC sometime with in the next couple of days:

 

AFC

 

Buffalo- Some people think based on their run last year that they might be a threat to dethrone New England in the division, dont look for it. The Bills went 2-6 against teams with winning records, lost their best offensive lineman and handed the QB job to someone in JP Losman who was known for slow decision making in the college level. I'm sorry folks but this guy has Rob Johnson II written all over him. Sure McGahee is a stud and the defense is solid but dont look for miracles from the Bills. Min. wins 6 Max. wins 9

 

NY Jets- The Jets are an interesting case. The defense showed massive improvement last year and that along with Curtis Martin carried them to a 10-6 season and the divisional round of the AFC playoffs. They would have had enough to go to the AFC Championship game had Doug Brien not gagged under pressure. The question for the Jets is can they duplicate last years success. That will come down to how quickly Chad Pennington recovers from his shoulder surgery. With a healthy Pennington the Jets are a Super Bowl contender especially with what should be a much improved offense under Mike Heimerdinger. Without Pennington they struggle to make it to the postseason. Offense not with standing the defense has the potential to be in the top 5 of the league even with Donnie Abrahams retirement on John Abrahams holdout (Bryan Thomas showed he can play last year) All in all the Jets are a very intriguing team to keep an eye on. Min wins 8 Max wins 12

 

New England- The SB Champs have a lot of questions going into this year some of which are valid (replacement for Bruschi) some are overblown media hype (loss of coordinators). First the overblown stuff, Eric Mangini is ready to become a defensive coordinator in this league it was he as much as Crennel who helped devise the week-to-week schemes that had a seemingly weak secondary play extremely well especially in the playoffs. Secondly, do onot make such a big deal about Bill Belichick being the offensive coordinator he is simply going to be a consultant for Brady to call his own plays (a la Peyton Manning). I see very little dropoff in the Patriots on offense especially with a true top-flite running back to carry the load. Now, the loss of Bruschi will hurt the defense because whoever replaces him will not have the same superior ability to make adjustments like Bruschi did. Another area where they will be hurt is more intangible. The team will simply wear out in my opinion. They've had two consecutive runs to the Super Bowl with many of the same players and I dont think they have the juice to go again. Min wins 10 Max. wins 11

 

Pittsburgh- The Steelers went on an incredible 15-1 run to the AFC championship game last year with a rookie quarterback. Will the Steelers come close to that this year. All signs point to no. They lost some players to free agency and lack the depth at LB and DB (which has been a weak spot for them for several years) to match the run they had last year. Combine that with the inevitable bumps and bruises Roethlisberger will take and the inability of the Steelers running backs to stay healthy for a full season and a pullback seems inevitable. Min wins. 8 Max. wins 10

 

Baltimore- This team is a very serious threat to win the Super Bowl in my opinion. Their already strong defense will be even stronger with a return to the 4-3 (with the occasional 46 thrown in) freeing up Ray Lewis to make even more plays than he already does. In fact this team is incredibly deep at all defensive levels (lineman, LB's and DB's). Where the Ravens are really come through this year is on offense. Jim Fassel may be an average head coach who got lucky one year but he is a very good offensive playcaller and will get the most out of Kyle Boller who already showed signs of improvement towards the end of last year. Derrick Mason and rookie Mark Clayton will help the recieving corps and should free up Jamal Lewis to have a big year (provided he shakes off the jailhouse rust). A healthy Todd Heap will also benefit from the added weapons. This team deserves serious consideration for winning the Super Bowl Min wins 10. Max. wins 13

 

Indianapolis- The team with the most exciting offense in the league came up short last year and will come up short again this year. They are still too green on defense and you dont know if Edge will be a flat out cancer and as an underrated factor the trip to Japan will kill them. Look at the teams that have gone to Japan in the past and look at their season for the most part its not pretty. Plus, I will never have faith in Tony Dungy. He is the epitome of a plateau head coach and I dont seethis year being any different. Min. wins 7 Max wins. 10

 

Jacksonville- When I think about the Jacksonville Jaguars one word comes to mind "ready." This team was so close to making the playoffs last year and at times looked outstanding but couldnt put it all together to make it in the very strong AFC. I think in spite of the injury question surrounding Fred Taylor this team is gonna make a lot of noise this year. They have changed the offensive scheme to fit Byron Leftwich and those changes will land him in the Pro Bowl. Reggie Williams from all accounts is ready to step up and Jimmy Smith is still productive but I am a big believer in Matt Jones and the impact he will have. While he is a converted QB he has a natural knack for running routes and has raw speed to boot. Combined an improved offense with a healthier and already solid defense you have one very strong team that while too green to contend for the Super Bowl will make a lot of noise. Min. wins 9 Max. wins 12

 

San Diego- The team that was left for dead by everyone this time last year. A bunch of also rans and young players that were too green to anything right? Well one 12-4 season later people are wondering if the Chargbers can follow it up. If they avoid the injury bug there is no reason why they shouldn't There offense will be stronger with Kenan McCardell getting a full season in the San Diego system and combine that with Brees, Gates and Tomlinson and you have one potent attack. Also watch for Darren Sproles to be an impact rookie spelling Tomlinson and keeping him fresh throughout the season. The defense plays very well as a unit with a lot of young guys that should be better this year. Personally I think this is one of Schottenheimer's best (and maybe) last chances to bust his playoff slump. Min wins 9 Max Wins. 13

 

Overall AFC Power rankings:

1. Baltimore

2. San Diego

3. New England

4. Jacksonville

5. NY Jets

6. Pittsburgh

7. Indianapolis

8. Denver

9. Buffalo

10. Cincinatti

11. Houston

12. Kansas City

13. Oakland

14. Cleveland

15. Miami

16. Tennesee

[Fuzzy Dunlop 0]

The Bears will finish 8-8, and somehow that'll be good enough for a Wild Card spot.

[Spaceman Spiff 0]

Miami will be better than people expect.

[LaParkaMarka 0]

Matt Jones has a natural knack for running routes? That's nice. Too bad most receivers train for years to actually get route-running down. I'd be pretty surprised if he made any kind of impact this year.

[Gert T 0]

Chargers 2nd best record in the AFC? I just don't think it'll happen now that they play a 1st place schedule with crossover games against the AFC East, I don't think they make the playoffs.

 

I think we should make August 1st predicitions, it would be interesting to look back since there will be pre-season injuries that will affect standings.

[Hektik 0]

There is no such thing as first place schedules anymore. Other than two games, all schedules are made years in advance.

 

After last year, I reserve judgment on the toughness of a teams schedule. One of the reasons that people thought the Chargers would be so bad was because of their "tough" schedule. They were supposed to be destroyed by playing the Chiefs twice, and playing other playoff teams like the Titans, Panthers, and Colts. It turned out that the Chargers were good and those other teams were bad (except the Colts).

[Gert T 0]

Whatever, those are still against first place teams, so it is a first place schedule.

 

I have nothing against the Chargers, but I think playing the Patriots, Steelers & Colts will make a difference.

 

Here's a question for Chargers fans, check out the schedule, will you have a winning record when you get to your bye week (Week 10)?

[Matt Young 0]

The Bears will finish 8-8, and somehow that'll be good enough for a Wild Card spot.

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HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I'm drunk, and I still don't even halfway believe that.

 

Also, ranking Baltimore or anyone above New England despite their losses is insanity. I don't like the team, but I've learned not to pick against them.

 

Of course, my Packers will end up languishing in medicority if their defense doesn't notably improve alongside Brett pulling out a miracle, both in team performance and QB/WR chemistry.

[UseTheSledgehammerUh 0]

The Philadelphia Eagles will go 12-4 and return to the Super Bowl.

 

Divison Winners:

 

Philadelphia

Minnesota

Atlanta

Seattle

 

Wildcard:

 

Dallas

Green Bay

___________________________

 

The Kansas City Chiefs will go 7-9.

 

New England will go 12-4.

 

Randy Moss will be out for the season by Week 12.

[Art Sandusky 0]

The Texans will play in, and win, their first playoff game this year.

[Guest Agent of Oblivion]

1. Someone figures out how to beat the Pats consistently.

 

2. The Chicago Bears go 9-7 and win the division.

 

3. The Detroit Lions will play like champs and lose close games on penalties, turnovers, and poor special teams play.

 

4. The Miami Dolphins make a run at (but don't get) a wildcard spot after an abysmal season.

 

5. The Niners will still blow donkeys.

[Crimson Platypus 0]

I see Miami winning 7-8 games this year.

 

Detroit should make the playoffs after winning their division.

 

NY Jets are going to be in trouble if the reports about Pennington's shoulder are true. Apparently he said that it is at about 85% right now. Which probably means closer to 50% in reality. Jay Fiedler is the backup. Yeah, the same guy who wasn't good enough for a team that won 4 games last year.

 

Cinncinnati will make the playoffs as a wildcard.

[smh810 0]

Matt Jones has a natural knack for running routes? That's nice. Too bad most receivers train for years to actually get route-running down. I'd be pretty surprised if he made any kind of impact this year.

 

Completely know where youre coming from La Parka and had I not seen this guy's workout on NFL Network I would extremely skeptical about the hype myself but some guys are just naturally gifted and he's one of them. My main concern with him would be injuries.

 

Chargers 2nd best record in the AFC? I just don't think it'll happen now that they play a 1st place schedule with crossover games against the AFC East, I don't think they make the playoffs.

 

I think we should make August 1st predicitions, it would be interesting to look back since there will be pre-season injuries that will affect standings.

 

Everything is subject to injuries and I will most definitelty revise my predictions based on that before the season starts. Again, San Diego is not a fluke team, theres a lot of mostly young talent there that should be better this year. They were probably too green to know how to win the playoffs last year but I think that works to their advantage even with the tougher schedule this year.

 

Also, ranking Baltimore or anyone above New England despite their losses is insanity. I don't like the team, but I've learned not to pick against them.

 

Theyre ready for a slide this year it wont be a big one mind you but I just cant see them sustaining that level of play 3 years in a row. Baltimore's defense could be close to 2000 levels this year only this time theyre gonna have an offense

[Brett Favre 0]

NY Jets are going to be in trouble if the reports about Pennington's shoulder are true. Apparently he said that it is at about 85% right now. Which probably means closer to 50% in reality. Jay Fiedler is the backup. Yeah, the same guy who wasn't good enough for a team that won 4 games last year.

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Uh no. It actually means it's 85%. He said he was aiming to be 100% by opening day, not training camp.

[Crimson Platypus 0]

NY Jets are going to be in trouble if the reports about Pennington's shoulder are true. Apparently he said that it is at about 85% right now. Which probably means closer to 50% in reality. Jay Fiedler is the backup. Yeah, the same guy who wasn't good enough for a team that won 4 games last year.

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Uh no. It actually means it's 85%. He said he was aiming to be 100% by opening day, not training camp.

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Right, because athletes never lie about injuries and progress rehabbing them to the press. Sure.

[Guest Vitamin X]

Baltimore-  This team is a very serious threat to win the Super Bowl in my opinion.  Their already strong defense will be even stronger with a return to the 4-3 (with the occasional 46 thrown in) freeing up Ray Lewis to make even more plays than he already does.  In fact this team is incredibly deep at all defensive levels (lineman, LB's and DB's).  Where the Ravens are really come through this year is on offense.  Jim Fassel may be an average head coach who got lucky one year but he is a very good offensive playcaller and will get the most out of Kyle Boller who already showed signs of  improvement towards the end of last year.  Derrick Mason and rookie Mark Clayton will help the recieving corps and should free up Jamal Lewis to have a big year (provided he shakes off the jailhouse rust).  A healthy Todd Heap will also benefit from the added weapons.  This team deserves serious consideration for winning the Super Bowl Min wins 10. Max. wins 13

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What the fuck are you on? Ravens are, AT BEST, a 10-6, 9-7 team. Don't forget losing Duane Starks, Peter Boulware, as well as defensive coordinator Mike Nolan will hurt the defense quite a bit. They may be deep, but they're not nearly as talented as they had been in recent years.

 

And Kyle Boller still blows donkey dick, and will continue to do so this year. With or without Heap and Mason (who will probably have a decent season himself).

 

3. The Detroit Lions will play like champs and lose close games on penalties, turnovers, and poor special teams play.

I could see that. Detroit will be this year's version of last year's Seahawks.

[smh810 0]

What the fuck are you on? Ravens are, AT BEST, a 10-6, 9-7 team. Don't forget losing Duane Starks, Peter Boulware, as well as defensive coordinator Mike Nolan will hurt the defense quite a bit. They may be deep, but they're not nearly as talented as they had been in recent years.

 

And Kyle Boller still blows donkey dick, and will continue to do so this year. With or without Heap and Mason (who will probably have a decent season himself).

 

Willing to make a wager on that? Seriously the team is incredibly deep on defense, no Peter Boulware for sure but Terrell Suggs is just about as good and is showing progress in stopping the run (though the way will use him this year they wont need too). Just because you run back an INT for a TD doesnt make you an elie CB such is the case for Duane Starks. He was never that great and I'll take Rolle, McAllister, Sanders, Carter any day of the week. Combine that with Ed Reed and Will Demps, my god I look at this defense and the potential is downright frightening.

 

As far as Boller goes he showed a lot of progress at the end of last year and doesnt need to be a superstar for the Ravens to go far. He has a much better play caller with in Jim Fassel and Mason , a healthy Heap and maybe Mark Clayton will have an impact. The bottom line, the Ravens are a major player to win it all this year.

[Damaramu 0]

Hey Mark Clayton got injured during mini-camp. He might not even be ready to go by the beginning of the season. They still claim he was the most polished reciever and best route runner of the entire draft but I mean he needs to get his NFL workouts in and he hasn't been able to thus far. Not to mention someone needs to throw the ball to him and Mason and I'm pretty sure most people still don't trust Kyle Boller.

[smh810 0]

CRAP Didnt know that about Clayton but he was down the list of key players/factors (Defense, Defense, Defense Fassel, Lewis, Mason then maybe Clayton) anyway on that team and I still think they're gonna make a major run this year but thanks for letting me know cant believe I missed that.

[Damaramu 0]

CRAP Didnt know that about Clayton but he was down the list of key players/factors (Defense, Defense, Defense Fassel, Lewis, Mason then maybe Clayton)  anyway on that team and I still think they're gonna make a major run this year but thanks for letting me know cant believe I missed that.

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I think Clayton was going to be a major factor. Most NFL GM's were creaming themselves over his speed and route running ability but hated his size. If any of the Sooners taken were to make an immediate impact then it was him. But yeah he injured his shoulder during Mini-Camp. They say it's getting better and he can practice but they're afraid to make him practice in pads.

[smh810 0]

Actually Dama this an update posted a few days on KFFL.com:

 

Adam H. Beasley, of BaltimoreRavens.com, reports Baltimore Ravens rookie WR Mark Clayton stopped by team headquarters Wednesday, July 27. He brought with him a large suitcase, a clear indication that he planned to be back in town for a while. "From talking to (agent Ben Dogra), we're knocking on the door, as far as getting it done," said Clayton, the team's first-round draft pick about his contract. "It's cool. I'm not worried about it. I just want to play. I'm excited about going to camp." Training camp opens Sunday, July 31, and it appears Clayton will be there when it starts. Clayton also said he's recovered from an earlier hamstring injury. "It's all the way back," Clayton said. "I haven't gone like full-speed, but its real good. As far as endurance, I'm sure it will be good. That's one thing that we really worked on."

 

And this update from today:

Ravens: Clayton missing as camp opens

 

by Fanball Staff - Fanball.com

Monday, August 1, 2005

 

News

Wide receiver Mark Clayton was the only Raven missing from Sunday's training camp reporting deadline. The first-round pick has yet to agree on a contract. "Hopefully, he'll get in quickly," Ravens coach Brian Billick told the Baltimore Sun. "With a quick, short camp, this is like the summer school class where you condense eight weeks into four. If you miss one of these workouts, you're going to miss a lot."

 

Views

The good news is, Clayton's agents represent two other first-round picks and both agreed to terms within hours of their team's first workout. Clayton is in the Baltimore area and would be able to be on the field before the ink is dry on his new deal, but if he intends to grab a starting spot in time for the regular-season opener he'd better get into camp soon.

[Brett Favre 0]

NY Jets are going to be in trouble if the reports about Pennington's shoulder are true. Apparently he said that it is at about 85% right now. Which probably means closer to 50% in reality. Jay Fiedler is the backup. Yeah, the same guy who wasn't good enough for a team that won 4 games last year.

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Uh no. It actually means it's 85%. He said he was aiming to be 100% by opening day, not training camp.

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Right, because athletes never lie about injuries and progress rehabbing them to the press. Sure.

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Why would he lie? They signed a backup QB for a reason. Heck, he said he was feeling giddy and shit, and is right where he wants to be in his recovery.

 

Even Herm's kid said his passes were fine, when Chad was throwing to him.

[Damaramu 0]

Oh ok. It was his hamstring. I don't know why I thought shoulder. Maybe it's b/c 2 OU players had shoulder surgery on the offseason so I just thought of shoulder.

I read it at like 4 AM last night in the USA Today Sporting Weekly or whatever and it said it was still nagging him. He says it's not. We'll see I guess.

[Crimson Platypus 0]

Why would he lie? They signed a backup QB for a reason. Heck, he said he was feeling giddy and shit, and is right where he wants to be in his recovery.

 

Even Herm's kid said his passes were fine, when Chad was throwing to him.

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Maybe so that his opponents don't know the extent of his injury and plan accordingly?

[Brett Favre 0]

Plan what? They've never seen Fielder play under the Jet offense. We haven't even seen Heimerdinger use his offense with the Jets. It wouldn't make a difference (in terms of him having to lie).

[Crimson Platypus 0]

Plan to smack his shoulder around so he can't throw and Fiedler is thrown in there. Come on, this is basic sports mentality here, when someone has an injury, you target it. It happens all the time.

 

 

edit to add:

 

Also, if he can't throw then they can focus on Curtis Martin/the running game.

[Brett Favre 0]

If he's not healthy, he wouldn't play. He's not going to play unhealthy (the point of the signing). The reason he had to play through it last year, was because they had no backup QB. Quincy Carter went crazy.

[Crimson Platypus 0]

You know that how? I didn't realize you were one of the Jets coaches now in addition to writing Cena's material.