Nfl 2004/2005

[JBSLJames]

With the playing of the Hall of Fame Game last night, the NFL season has officially begun. Sure, it was just the first pre-season game, but with the live telecast, the NFL will now be higher up on the talk shows.

That being said, how will your team do this year?? I know there are alot of Philly Fans on this site that talk up their team quite a bit and I am sure we will here from them.

As for the Bengals, I think they will be a better team than last year, but I have doubts that they will improve on the 8-8 record of last year. If Carson comes along quickly, this team could put up some impressive offensive numbers.

How about your team(s)?

 

[Wilt Dasney]

My Broncs downgraded the offense by trading Clinton Portis and beefed up the defense with UGA product Champ Bailey. We'll see how that tradeoff goes. I have faith in Mike Shanahan, but trading away a potential future superstar is risky, even though the team (for the moment) isn't hurting for running backs. This was a playoff team a year ago who got spanked by Indy in the first round. Maybe a tougher defensive secondary will help keep those opposing numbers down.

An another note: It will be interesting to follow the Patriots this year, who may have been the least impressive 17-win team ever a year ago. Can they "just barely" their way to another great season, or will the addition of Corey Dillon and the confidence of having won another Super Bowl make them a more imposing team this year?

 

[JBSLJames]

No doubt Dillon is an above average back, maybe even a superstar in the right setting, but he is a clubhouse cancer. It will be interesting to see how his personality meshes with a proven team with players already in place.

Any Vikings fans out there?

 

[tigsmom]

The Jets dumped Testaverde & now he is Dallas' problem.
I'll still be suprised if they win.

 

[Wilt Dasney]

You're right that Dillon could amount to subtraction by addition. Great talent and equally great ego could disrupt the "all for one" mentality they've shown over their two title runs. We'll have to wait and see.

(I know Brian will have a thing or two to say when he finds this.)

 

[Pioneer Hall]

Colts All The Way!!!

 

[Number_6]

Well, being from Massachusetts I am of course a Patritos fan. I will be excited to see how they do this year with the addition of Corey Dillon. I think part of his problem was that with only about two or three options for the Bengals as far as how to score points, he probably felt he was doing most of the work and it still wasn't getting them anywhere. I know I've felt that way at work before. Maybe being on a team that has alot of depth and therefore everyone carrying closer to an equal lode will calm him down a bit, maybe not. Who knows?

As far as the other teams I like, yes I am a Vikings fan. I would love to see them go really far and reach a Super Bowl this time, but I'm not sure if they are going to. I think the Seahawks have done nothing but get better and may be there at the very end, at least into the NFC Championship game.

And now to bring up my poor, beleaguered Dolphins. I love the Dolphins. Everything looked like they were going to have a decent year this year and maybe make it past the first round of the playoffs. Now I'll be surprised if they reach the playoffs with the retirement of Ricky Williams and the loss for the season of David Boston, they are now left with the servicable talents of RB Travis Minor, WR Chris Chambers and TE Randy McMichael. I love those three players, but it really isn't enough and I think 'Fins fans are in for a rough year. I hate to say it, but I think they may even finish last in the AFC East depending on what Buffalo does this year.

 

[CaptainMichael]

I think the New Orleans Saints will have a better this year and might even make it in to postseason. This is a make or break year for the Saints. Jim Haslett's job is on the line, Quarterback Aaron Brooks' job is on the line, and a new stadium is on the line. Go Saints!!

 

[WDWFREAK53]

An another note: It will be interesting to follow the Patriots this year, who may have been the least impressive 17-win team ever a year ago. Can they "just barely" their way to another great season, or will the addition of Corey Dillon and the confidence of having won another Super Bowl make them a more imposing team this year?

*spits out water*

"least impressive 17-win team" Umm...how many have there been? :lol: (Doesn't that say anything??!?!?!)

*shakes head* Never will get any respect on the grand level *shakes head again*

Ok...I'd love to see them win it all again...thus making them a true dynasty...but frankly, I'd like to see a team that has never won it...win this year.

All the sports announcers are predicting a repeat...the only thing that would make me happy...is if they went perfect this season.

I'm excited to see Dillon on the team...but you're right, he could be a "cancer" but I don't think Bill will allow that to happen.

There are really no "superstars" on that team...the team as a whole is a superstar...and that's what makes them so good. We don't have the strongest players...the fastest players (ok, maybe with Bethel Johnson :lol: ), the most talented players...we have that as a team.

Herb Brooks said (paraphrased)...All Star teams don't work...because they rely solely on the individual's talent...a winning team takes what they have and integrates it into a system that works.

 

[Wilt Dasney]

*spits out water*

"least impressive 17-win team" Umm...how many have there been? :lol: (Doesn't that say anything??!?!?!)

*shakes head* Never will get any respect on the grand level *shakes head again*

I had a feeling that might bring you running.

Basically what I mean is that while they were good, they just didn't possess that intimidating aura you expect from a team that wins 14 games and then takes it all. The 49ers had at least one 17-win season, as I recall, and that team was stacked with firepower on both sides of the ball. Surely you'll admit that the Pats had a very different, "workmanlike" style of play instead of just blowing everybody away, and that luck played a part in a good few of those wins. Not to take credit away from them, but they weren't your average 16 win+ SB champ.

 

[MKCP 1985]

My Jacksonville Jaguars will probably finish 8-8 or worse this year. Their coach (Jack Del Rio) is still learning how to coach and their quarterback (Byron Leftwich) is in his second year so will probably throw a lot of interceptions to go along with a string of touchdown passes. Fred Taylor will rush for 1,400 yards or more if he stays healthy, but we don't have a proven field goal kicker. On defense the interior will be strong but the defensive ends and cornerbacks will be shaky. Indianapolis remains the team to beat in the division, but we should make up some ground against the Titans, and hope to stay ahead of the Texans.

 

[dxwwf3]

Well I certainly hope the Bills can improve. We've got the most underrated player in the league, IMO with Travis Henry and now we have another wide reciever in Lee Evans who should help Drew Bledsoe out. That paired with a top 5 defense SHOULD equal playoffs for this year. A 9 or 10 win season could be in the cards.

I also would like to see the Colts win the Super Bowl this year (Unless the Bills turned into this years Panthers, of course). I would love to see Peyton Manning win a NFL championship. Of course the AFC is much tougher than the NFC, so the Colts will have a tough road ahead of them.

My early season prediction would be:

Indianapolis over Philladelphia in the Super Bowl
MVP - Peyton Manning (No bogus split MVP this year)
Surprise Team - Buffalo (Sure a homer pick, but nobody is talking about that Defense)
Bust Team - Dallas (Too much termoil in a super tough division)
Rookie of the Year - Larry Fitzgerald (Especially if Boldin is seriously injured)

 

[Mia's Daddy]

My Saints will go 9-7, get a wild card birth, lose in the first round, and Hasslet will get fired. WHOO HOO!!! Geaux Saints

 

[Foolish Mortal]

I know there are alot of Philly Fans on this site that talk up their team quite a bit and I am sure we will here from them.

Yes we will talk up our Eagles. We were excited when the Eagles picked up Kearse then Big Andy dropped the big one and got us that go to receiver we Eagles fans have been screaming for for years. Eagle fans are flocking up to training camp in record numbers. Pressure is definitely on this year. No more excuses, all the pieces are there. Anything less than the Super Bowl is a disaster. We love our Birds and have been so close a few years now. Every non Philly sports network will say how critical we are and make comments on our boo-bird reputation, but believe me, if you live'd in this area you'd understand.

Right now it looks like it might come down to the Eagles and Seahawks in the NFC. Not sure about the AFC yet. But you have to give the nod to the Patriots until somebody can knock 'em off.

E-A-G-L-E-S.....EAGLES

 

[WDWFREAK53]

I had a feeling that might bring you running.

Basically what I mean is that while they were good, they just didn't possess that intimidating aura you expect from a team that wins 14 games and then takes it all. The 49ers had at least one 17-win season, as I recall, and that team was stacked with firepower on both sides of the ball. Surely you'll admit that the Pats had a very different, "workmanlike" style of play instead of just blowing everybody away, and that luck played a part in a good few of those wins. Not to take credit away from them, but they weren't your average 16 win+ SB champ.

You don't think that coming to play the Pats at home was intimidating? :lol:

I do understand what you mean though...but I think that they were very intimidating on the defensive side of the ball...

If not...ask Peyton (ok, low blow...sorry guys :wave: )

 

[dxwwf3]

If not...ask Peyton (ok, low blow...sorry guys :wave: )

Yes he had a bad game. A very bad game. It was almost like another Florida game, except in the snow :lol:

I think he'll rebound in a BIG way this year though.

 

[rainfully]

The Rams seem to be falling apart at the seams. We finally picked a quarterback to go with... but I don't think he's really proven himself yet. I don't feel the outlook is too good for this year... :-(

 

[dxwwf3]

The Rams seem to be falling apart at the seams. We finally picked a quarterback to go with... but I don't think he's really proven himself yet. I don't feel the outlook is too good for this year... :-(

It ALL depends on Marshall Faulk. If he's healthy and gets back close to his old form, then the Rams will be fine. If he struggles again with either his play or injuries, then it could be a long season. Great pick with Stephen Jackson though.

 

[GoofyFan1]

My Patriots are looking strong to repeat. Belichick had a great off season making key acquisistions. :sohappy:

Go Patriots!

 

[dxwwf3]

Belichick had a great off season making key acquisistions.

You just have to hope that the changes aren't THAT big. Dillon could be the key to an unthinkable (in the free agency years) dynasty or he could cause alot of problems. I can't remember any defending Super Bowl champions making such key additions. They might be too good for their own good :lol: