Very soon training camp will start for the NFL. We will get our first real feel for what is now undisputedly America's game. I know that there are a lot of "experts" and "real" sports writers out there who have already made some predictions as to which teams will be in the superbowl this year. Well, it's my turn. I'm going to write one for the NFC and the AFC. My format will be simple, 5 teams I'm sure will be in the playoffs, a 6th that I'm not so sure so I'm just picking them and the team I feel will represent that conference in the big game. So without further delay, here are my picks from the NFC in no particular order.
1. New York Giants
Here is a team that trusts the age-old belief that defense wins championships. They used a stifling defense to make up for a marginal offensive attack to win the superbowl 2 years ago. Unfortunately for them, it was proven that you still need the best piece of your marginal offense to win in the post season. Without Plaxico Burress, they simply didn't have a safety valve for Eli Manning to throw to. I've always said that Eli is not as good as advertised and without Burress he was exposed more than usual. Let's see what the rookies they drafted at WR can do for him. Also, I believe that if Mario Manningham has a good year, they have a strong chance to be back in the big game and have a chance to have everyone else earn Eli another MVP trophy. I kid, I kid, he deserved his MVP, just like Peyton deserved the one his running game and defense earned for him.
2. Carolina Panthers
So they didn't make it far in the playoffs last year. Okay, no problem. So they are having problems with their star DE wanting the kind of money paid to a certain Albert Haynesworth. Again, no problem. The panthers will be back in the playoffs for another try at the Lombardi trophy. The Panthers have always been a feast or famine kind of team and I believe that this year shall be neither. They will just be consistent. Losing to the Cardinals last year when everyone expected them to destroy them probably is all the motivation this team will need to get back to the post season.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
Happy quarterback, new offensive weapons, and a younger, faster defense. This year I don't think that the birds will need all the stars to align and a miracle from above to make the playoffs this year. Forget all the hyperbole about the NFC East being the toughest division in football. It very well may be, but they have consistently been putting multiple teams in the playoffs recently and this year will be no different. The Eagles made the most of their good fortune last year and almost punched their ticket to the superbowl. I'm sure that alone will drive them back to that stage. If that's not enough then knowing that their star QB is on a 2 year leash to get this thing done. The front office has given him what should be strong receivers and a strong offensive line. Hey, the Phillies broke the championship drought in Philly last year. That alone might make a difference.
4. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikes are obviously desperate to get back in the playoffs. That's evident by their pursuit of his highness, Brett Favre. The Vikings don't need him to get to the playoffs or his vendetta against Green Bay. They have possibly the best pure running back in the league, and a line that makes sure he gets open holes to run through. To top it off, they can stop anyone else's run game. Any quarterback who can manage a game would fit their system. Try to do too much and they will lose. If they get Favre, they will not make the playoffs. That's not being said to hate on Favre, it's simply the truth. Look at how many games he's cost his teams either by trying to do way too much or by throwing careless passes. They don't need someone who's "love for the game" is so high that he won't tell when he's badly injured just to keep playing.
5. Arizona Cardinals
Hey, you read this blog for our honest opinions and thoughts. I think the Cardinals will be in the playoffs because someone has to win their pitiful division and they are clearly the best team in that division. Someone has to rise up and prove that the can make some noise in that division. Matt Hasselbeck, I'm looking at you. Although the Cards do have a very explosive offense, which looks to be staying intact with Boldin still on the team, I still find their defense suspect. That will be the key to making another run through the playoffs like they did last time. They are the defending NFC champs, and as Ric Flair said; "to be the man, you got to beat the man". I can't keep the champs off this list, especially in that weak division they plan to dominate.
6. Dallas Cowboys
They boys are the team in the NFL I can't stand the most. Frankly, I hate them. It's a matter of principle because I'm an Eagles fan. However, this year they have no choice but to make the playoffs. Jerry Jones is opening a new stadium that is supposed to make every other one look like a slum. Tony Romo just lost his scapegoat his biggest offensive weapon and has to prove that he's not robbing the Cowboys blind. Wade Phillips has to prove that he's a deserving head coach, not just a guy happy to have a job on the sidelines. "America's team" has been dropping the ball as far as the playoffs for more than 13 years now by either not making it or by literally dropping the ball when it's snapped to them with a chance to win the game. Wait, my bias is really starting to show now. Let me stop here. Hey, I did pick them to make the playoffs so all you cowboy supporters should smile. I'm an Eagles fan, but I'm still a fair man.
There you have my 5 teams, plus my 1 dark horse. So who do I think will represent the NFC in the superbowl this year? Drum roll please...The Philadelphia Eagles will go back to the superbowl. Your thoughts? I know I'm missing some teams that others think will be in the playoffs from the NFC this year. Who and why do you think they should be there?
no bears?
Docksquad,
Well, I thought about including the Bears. But I wasn't moved by them getting Cutler mainly because of their aging defense and the fact that besides Hester, he needs legit receivers. Hester himself is still developing as a receiver. He'll miss Marshall and Royal very much this season.
A couple of points of contention:
First, how are you going to put Carolina in the playoffs over the Saints? Everyone in the NFC South has made moves to try to get separation from the pack with the excpetion of Carolina who seems content with their offseason losses and for all intent and purposes seems satisfied with staying pat. Further the Saints were a mediocore safety and kicker away from an 11-5 season last year, had the number 1 offense in the league despite their starting rb, te, and wr missing significant time last year. This year they have addressed most of their defensive woes and will
be poised to make a deep playoff run if they remain healthy.
Secondly, I don't think Dallas will make the playoffs, although I believe that they will be a formidable team. Their division is too deep and schedule is too tough. I think the Giants and with the additions the Eagles have made on the offensive side will do enough to separate themselves from the rest of the division.
Lastly, I see Green Bay and Chicago coming out of the North. The Farve situation will backfire on the Vikes regardless if he suits up or not. I think the longer it drags out will continue to divide their lockerroom.
Here are my 6 (in no order):
1) Saints
2) Eagles
3) Giants
4) Cardinals
5) Bears
6) Packers
First off, not only are the Cowboys not making the playoffs, they will be lucky to win six games...yeah I said it. Secondly, there is nothing scary about the Panthers offensively other than Steve Smith.
Here is the breakdown of the top teams most likely to make the playoffs.
1. Chargers
2. Giants
3. Saints
4. Steelers
5. Cardinals
6. Atlanta
I agree with the above post...I don't see the cowboys making the playoffs and the Saints did address needs that made them barely miss the playoffs. I o.k. Saints team playoffs...a healthy Saints team maybe superbowl material.
hey shon how do you not have philly on there. they will represent the nfc in the superbowl. the got the fastest offense. healthy westbrook. a great line. and a great secondary. so watch out for them
hey shon how do you not have philly on there. they will represent the nfc in the superbowl. the got the fastest offense. healthy westbrook. a great line. and a great secondary. so watch out for them
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