Who Will Be The 05-06 NFL Power House?

[cuetheflames]

i like the NFL so much more then the NCAA because each year it seems to change so much year to year. a team that had a 2-13 one year can go all the way to the big show the next year.

idk im really hoping that the patriots get ass pirated this year.

i got my eye on the panthers again for 05-06 and the broncos as well.

what do you think?

[still_life]

a team that had a 2-13 one year can go all the way to the big show the next year.

Exactly why you can't predict next season's "power house" with any certainty.

[imirish06]

The Eagles.

[followtheformat]

Philadelphia will win the super bowl

[still_life]

No way, the Madden curse is going to hit McNabb if they get that far.

[followtheformat]

fuck I forgot about that. Fuck EA games, they had to buy out ESPN because they went and made a better game then them. I will of course still be first in line when Madden 06 comes out

[Lozin_It]

I'm hoping it's the Colts. They are my favorite team. You'd think from where I live I'd go for the Cheifs(eeewww) or the Rams. But I choose the Colts. I don't like the patriots, they are to good. I don't like a team that you can predict if they are going to win or not.

[afk999]

Eagles

[aminorthreat55]

Ravens maybe.

[whitelines]

GIANTS BABYYYYYYYY.
It could happen :)

[NetNerdsRevenge]

Dolphins

[cuetheflames]

eagles are definitaly strong.

hopefully they dont start to fold because of the previous upsets the past few years. but if they do good. ill be pulling for them even tho they arent my team because mcnabb is fucking sweet.

[ActorInThisPlay]

I'm hoping the Colts actually go all the way this year and the Eagles will make it to the championship game again, and lose again. My favorite team is the Bucs though, but I honestly don't see them going to the Super Bowl so I'm rooting for the Colts and maybe the Lions...

[mat1419]

i've seen a lot of the good teams get better...but none really made themselves the favorite over last years best teams in my opinion. i expect an even closer season, much closer playoffs, but probably the same super bowl.

[julius]

Go Lightning!!! i mean bucs...

[Fullcollapse3k]

I'll go with the best D in football. Baltimore.

It's a total crapshoot though. Any one of like 10 teams could end up with the best record in football.

[still_life]

What makes Baltimore's defense the best?

Carson Palmer and TJ would disagree.

[mat1419]

What makes Baltimore's defense the best?

Carson Palmer and TJ would disagree.
i agree that baltimore's isn't the best. i'm an avid "ray lewis is way overrated" fan...ed reed is quality, and the defense is top 5, but i wouldn't put them at number 1. i people only say that because the team depends so much on the defense to win, but if the defense was really the best, they wouldn't be missing the playoffs.

[Fullcollapse3k]

What makes Baltimore's defense the best?

Carson Palmer and TJ would disagree.

Fluke and no legit #2 corner.

And they've added in the off-season. Who's better? The Pats?

[still_life]

Steelers, Redskins, Tampa Bay, Buffalo (maybe). Maybe even the Jets and Dolphins.

You can't be the best when a Bengals QB is throwing 200 yards and 3 TDs in the 4th quarter against your defense.

And NE's defense is better at coming up with the big turnovers than Baltimore's is now. It's kind of like how Baltimore's defense was in 2000 at causing turnovers. 2000 defense, seems like no one can forget that they haven't been nearly as good as they were that year.

McAlister is the only CB I've ever seen that made Plaxico Burress look like an all star. Samari Rolle is better, but he's not a Champ Bailey or Surtain. Deion, irrelevant. Ed Reed is by far the best player on that defense, but they can't rely on him to be a part of their scoring every week.

[Fullcollapse3k]

Steelers, Redskins, Tampa Bay, Buffalo (maybe). Maybe even the Jets and Dolphins.

You can't be the best when a Bengals QB is throwing 200 yards and 3 TDs in the 4th quarter against your defense.

And NE's defense is better at coming up with the big turnovers than Baltimore's is now. It's kind of like how Baltimore's defense was in 2000 at causing turnovers. 2000 defense, seems like no one can forget that they haven't been nearly as good as they were that year.

McAlister is the only CB I've ever seen that made Plaxico Burress look like an all star. Samari Rolle is better, but he's not a Champ Bailey or Surtain. Deion, irrelevant. Ed Reed is by far the best player on that defense, but they can't rely on him to be a part of their scoring every week.

I could make a case for the Steelers and the Bills, but not the rest.

They definitely aren't as good as they were in their Super Bowl season, but I still think they're the best D in football. Chris McAlister is a great #1 and Samari Rolle's gonna make a great #2. I agree Ed Reed's the best player on that D. Their LB corps is sick. I could make cases for other D's, but I think Baltimore takes the top spot. Plus the offense can only get better with Jamal Lewis not facing any legal problems and acquiring Derrick Mason.

[still_life]

The Redskins finished second in defense, an amazing feat when you consider how shitty their offense was, who went 3 and out a lot. They did lose Smoot, and have some more secondary problems with Taylor and the law, Rogers and injury. A healthy LaVar Arrington helps a lot.

Tampa Bay has ranked in the top 10 defense something like 8 out of the past 10 seasons. They were just above Baltimore last year. They're very interested in Ty Law, so adding him would make them even better. Brooks is still one of the best LBs, Simeon Rice is a great DE, and they have Barber at corner. Still one of the best d-coordinators in the league too.

Jets got a lot out of their rookie Vilma last year. I expect him to have a huge season. Abraham will try to have a big season so he can make big money in free agency next year. Also a team that might snag Ty Law and add him to the secondary. The defense was a big part of this team and was much better from 03 to 04, I think they'll make another leap.

Dolphins have a defensive minded coach now and just an all around better, healthier team. Zach Thomas is one of the better ILBs in the league, and Jason Taylor is one of the best d-linemen in the game. They did lose half the secondary to KC, but having a more efficient offense than last year's pathetic one means less time on the field, less plays to defend.

Baltimore has no amazing players on their line, Ray Lewis is decreasing while still being good, Suggs is a one trick pony, it's all about the secondary led by Ed Reed.

[the rog]

if the eagles keep T.O. they have a decent chance. something seems to happen when T.O. leaves a team (see S.F.) they were really fun to watch. it'll also be interesting to see how roethlisberger does in his second year.

[mat1419]

if the eagles keep T.O. they have a decent chance. something seems to happen when T.O. leaves a team (see S.F.) they were really fun to watch. it'll also be interesting to see how roethlisberger does in his second year.
problem is, the eagles were just fine before TO, and haven't lost as much as the niners did if TO leaves..and it became fairly obvious during the end of the season that big ben hasn't proven himself as anything more than a game manager. he'll need to be a lot better this year, especially without his favorite target.

[the rog]

yeah, i basically said something like that in the "should the eagles keep T.O." thread but there seems to be some sort of demoralizing effect to T.O. leaving a team. i don't know what it is... (obviously this is just dealing in the abstract concept of team chemistry, which, i'd like to think in football, doesn't really mean as much as in certain other sports with smaller teams.)

big ben, by the way, has the biggest head i've ever seen on a human being.

[still_life]

Roethlisberger hit the rookie wall, and might have had an injury covered up by the team. And they don't need Burress. It might look like they do because of Ben's numbers in the games without him, but look at his options. Ward, Randle El, then Lee Mays (blah). Now he has Wilson, Gibson, and Cobb in addition to Ward and Randle El as WRs. And he has a legit pass receiving TE in Heath Miller to work with as a security blanket. He has a lot more options to throw to, and more command and experience of the playbook. In those games late in the season, he lacked the options and plays to perform well. Last season was invaluable to him. Ben still has a solid team all around him, and he had many great experiences in that first season (playing through injury, cold weather, tough road games, playoff games, 10 point deficits, two minute drill, primetime games, etc.) He'll be fine.

[mat1419]

big ben, by the way, has the biggest head i've ever seen on a human being.
i had sex with his ex girlfriend last new years...she said he thinks he's black

[thesecondplace]

Early early early predictions...

The Lions will make the playoffs, the Vikings will not.
Colts v Panters Superbowl

[cuetheflames]

yeah.. colts V panthers..

i could see that happening. :ditto:

[thesecondplace]

i had sex with his ex girlfriend last new years...she said he thinks he's black
HAH! That's funny. There's always been something about that guy that I didn't like, but couldn't quite put my finger on.

This may be out of line, but I'm going to say it anyway.
You had sex with his ex, I'd like to think the post-coital coversation went something like this-
Her: ...he thinks he's black.
You: so does he have a good reason to think he's black?
Her: You mean like the 24 inch rims on his Escalade?
You: No, I mean like a 12 inch cock in his pants...
Tell me any guy in that same situation wouldn't want to know if his cock was bigger than some rookie sensation stud professional athlete. Yes,no? I said it was probably out of line.

[afk999]

yeah.. colts V panthers..

i could see that happening. :ditto:
not going to happen

[takingback98]

Chargers

[Mercy Medical]

Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oo Seahawks! Hahahaha, just kiddin'.

[Crocodile Logic]

as long as losman isn't absolutely terrible, the bills should be pretty good this year.

[thesecondplace]

not going to happen

...so who are your pre-pre-season favorites?

[BigD]

Bengals

Im not saying they will dominate the AFC, but I think they should make the playoffs. I'm excited for the season, hopefully the D can be respectable.

[MThompson]

As much as I hate to say it I personally think the Patriots are going to be one of the unstoppable teams of 05'-06'.

[yeknom]

Detroit

[Fullcollapse3k]

Bengals

Im not saying they will dominate the AFC, but I think they should make the playoffs. I'm excited for the season, hopefully the D can be respectable.

I don't think it happens this year for Cincy, but they're on their way. The offense is tough but they're in a nice division.

[afk999]

i think the bengals have the potential to be a surprise power

[still_life]

Colts will always be a power house in the regular season, but Manning will never make it to the Super Bowl if the rush defense keeps giving up an average of 172.1 yds/game.

[mat1419]

as long as losman isn't absolutely terrible, the bills should be pretty good this year.
he will be...awful move by the front office

Detroit
based on....?

I don't think it happens this year for Cincy, but they're on their way. The offense is tough but they're in a nice division.
somewhat agree...but people were saying the same thing last year...

Colts will always be a power house in the regular season, but Manning will never make it to the Super Bowl if the rush defense keeps giving up an average of 172.1 yds/game.
true...the only major move i see in the afc is the steelers going down as big ben falls apart...colts pats in the afc championship will be the same...no team in the nfc can beat either...(eagles prove me wrong)...pats win again via lack of competition.

[afk999]

Colts will always be a power house in the regular season, but Manning will never make it to the Super Bowl if the rush defense keeps giving up an average of 172.1 yds/game.
yeah i know they wont be able to go far without major upgrades on defense

[Crocodile Logic]

he will be...awful move by the front office

yeah, oh well, i'm gonna keep on wishing. i'm used to being disappointed by the bills anyways.

[still_life]

the only major move i see in the afc is the steelers going down as big ben falls apart

Uhh, what? Why would anyone expect a 2nd year QB to actually get worse? All 11 starters on defense are back, they have the same great depth at RB, and he has more options to throw to. Only question is if Starks will fill in the RT position well.

[mat1419]

Uhh, what? Why would anyone expect a 2nd year QB to actually get worse? All 11 starters on defense are back, they have the same great depth at RB, and he has more options to throw to. Only question is if Starks will fill in the RT position well.
why? because he was an unimpressive "game manager" as you call it...he shit the bed at the end of last season, lost his best receiver, bettis is 1 year older, and i screwed his ex girlfriend last new years which i am super proud of

[still_life]

Do me a favor and type a long list of rookie QBs that were playing in January, let alone the AFC championship game. He might not be 98.1 PR good, but to assume he's going to be terrible doesn't make sense.

And Hines Ward is by far a better WR than Burress.

[thesecondplace]

Detroit

I said it earlier in this thread. Detroit is going to surprise a lot of people this year. Kevin Jones impressed everyone the last half of last season. The recieving core has seemingly unlimited potential. Well, I guess they are limited by the man under center. I'm not a Harrington hater, I really hope he has his break out year, but if he's not producing by week 5 I hope he's on the bench the rest of the season. The defense is still suspect, but they are continueing to improve. It's going to be fun!

And Hines Ward is by far a better WR than Burress.

That's true, but Plax was still a big-time weapon to be respected. Have the Steelers signed anyone to take over his role?

[still_life]

Burress only caught 35 balls, and he had to drop at least 15. It's not a matter of replacing him with someone just like him, it's adding more options to throw to (Miller, Wilson, Gibson, Cobb).

[asianxcore]

Burress only caught 35 balls, and he had to drop at least 15. It's not a matter of replacing him with someone just like him, it's adding more options to throw to (Miller, Wilson, Gibson, Cobb).
but the pats basically have the same team too...im seeing a three peat...(ithink). the only other team that is threatening is the niners. but on a serious note, the bears are looking sharp.

[still_life]

NE doesn't have the same team. And they no longer have what's been there the past few years, and that's the same coaching staff. Belichick without Crennel and Weis isn't that impressive (see Cleveland years).

[afk999]

NE doesn't have the same team. And they no longer have what's been there the past few years, and that's the same coaching staff. Belichick without Crennel and Weis isn't that impressive (see Cleveland years).
yeah but you still cant count them out

[mat1419]

Do me a favor and type a long list of rookie QBs that were playing in January, let alone the AFC championship game. He might not be 98.1 PR good, but to assume he's going to be terrible doesn't make sense.

And Hines Ward is by far a better WR than Burress.
i don't think he'll be terrible by any means. the steelers are defense first, run second, pass third. other teams can't do much about the D, but they can take the run away forcing ben to win the game on his own. that's what teams did last year and he came back to earth. i see nothing that shows, despite the talent around him, that he's ready to strap the offense on his shoulders and win games on his own for them if he has to. and no argument that ward is better than burress...i think randle el is more productive too...but burress was a friend and a safety blanket that he knew that is now gone.

[drudo182]

Chiefs. No doubt in my mind. CHIEFS ALL THE WAY.

[still_life]

i don't think he'll be terrible by any means. the steelers are defense first, run second, pass third. other teams can't do much about the D, but they can take the run away forcing ben to win the game on his own. that's what teams did last year and he came back to earth. i see nothing that shows, despite the talent around him, that he's ready to strap the offense on his shoulders and win games on his own for them if he has to. and no argument that ward is better than burress...i think randle el is more productive too...but burress was a friend and a safety blanket that he knew that is now gone.

I heard people say Burress was becoming a bad influence on him (oddly enough Burress had two arrest warrants already this off-season).

A Steeler QB should never have to go out there and win the whole game. You're right, it's about the defense and running game. But he did make the plays last year in the passing game that won games for this team that would have been losses without them (Dallas, Cincy, Jacksonville, NYG). If he could play the way he did for 3/4 of the year all year, they'll be back in the playoffs. Going into the season prepared as the starter will be a big help. Last year he thought he was going to have the year easy and obviously wasn't ready for the long, tough season.

[cuetheflames]

buress is a dick face but he gets the job done.

minus the time he was showboating and some guy smacked the ball out of his hands.

[still_life]

He doesn't get the job done. If he did, he wouldn't have dropped the ball three different times in the endzone against NE.

[Trainsaw]

Steelers.

[Im Not Scene]

Ok, so lets take the powerhouses of each division from last year.
AFC: Pats
Colts
Steelers

NFC: Eagles
Falcons


Surprise teams for this year
AFC: Bills
Jaguars

NFC: Panthers
Arizona


Superbowl:
AFC: INDY
NFC: Atlanta

Champs: Atlanta (extremely good defense, and that guy... Michael... Michael somthing... Oh, Vick. Michael Vick.)

Most of this, I pulled out of my ass because I'm tired... but this is how I'd like to see it. Well, I'd actually like to see Miami pull one off, but this is the year that I'm gonna have to say that we're gonna blow.

[mat1419]

Champs: Atlanta (extremely good defense, and that guy... Michael... Michael somthing... Oh, Vick. Michael Vick.)


I'm hoping this is the year people realize that Vick just isn't as good as the world thinks he is.

[Trainsaw]

Champs: Atlanta (extremely good defense, and that guy... Michael... Michael somthing... Oh, Vick. Michael Vick.)
Mexico, Ron Mexico

[b e L I E v e]

im going to have to say arizona as my surprise team...

warner will give the starting WRs some good looks