Most underrated team in football right now (1 Viewer)

[mcnabbmcnow]

I think New England and Philly will be back. A lot of their problems had to do with injuries, and Philly beefed up their defensive line, which was a big problem last year. Mcnabb is healthy. The Eagles start off with an easy schedule and the Pats have an easy schedule all the way through. Everyone points to the fact that the Eagles were 0-6 in the division last year, but in 3 of those games, missing Mcnabb, Westbrook, and a host of others, the Eagles actually almost won the game anyway.

I like the Chargers. I know, rookie QB, but last year they had one of the toughest schedules in the NFL last year. This year, they have one of the easiest. Rivers isn't exactly your typical rookie, as he has been playing awhile behind Brees.

 

[ImTheScientist]

Seahawks

They only improved the team that went to the superbowl last year. They should be the #1 team on everyones list to return to and win the superbowl

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Minnesota Vikings

The defense is going to surprise a lot of people.

And Brad Johnson is without a doubt THE most underrated QB in the league.

And Chet Taylor doesn't even have to be good to run behind the left side of McKinnie/Hutchinson/Birk with Tony Richardson leading the way.

And Jermaine Wiggins is the most underrated TE in the league.

And Troy Williamson has shown flashes of #7 overall pick potential.

 

[mcnabbmcnow]

Minnesota VikingsThe defense is going to surprise a lot of people.And Brad Johnson is without a doubt THE most underrated QB in the league.

Good sleeper pick, especially their defense. Still have some doubts about their offense, but when you have four games against the Bears and the Lions....

 

[Billy Ball Thorton]

AZ CARDS

 

[Gr00vus]

Eagles, Chargers

 

[Stashy]

The most underated has to be the Steelers. Two years ago they go 15 - 1 Last year Ben misses some games in the middle of the season and they lose a couple of games. They make it to the playoffs and run the table. The same team is just about intact for this year minus short yardage back Bettis, Kimo on the D line and Chris Hope at saftey. They have young talent at the skills postions who are only going to get better. The media not only has them out of the Super Bowl hunt, they have them out of the division race. Is there something I'm missing here because I'm a Homer. Please let me know.

 

[jon_mx]

I say the Detroit Lions. Well they certainly are not overrated.

 

[Stashy]

Minnesota VikingsThe defense is going to surprise a lot of people.And Brad Johnson is without a doubt THE most underrated QB in the league.And Chet Taylor doesn't even have to be good to run behind the left side of McKinnie/Hutchinson/Birk with Tony Richardson leading the way.And Jermaine Wiggins is the most underrated TE in the league.And Troy Williamson has shown flashes of #7 overall pick potential.

I like Minny to win the division.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Minnesota VikingsThe defense is going to surprise a lot of people.And Brad Johnson is without a doubt THE most underrated QB in the league.And Chet Taylor doesn't even have to be good to run behind the left side of McKinnie/Hutchinson/Birk with Tony Richardson leading the way.And Jermaine Wiggins is the most underrated TE in the league.And Troy Williamson has shown flashes of #7 overall pick potential.

I like Minny to win the division.

If Chicago's QB controversy explodes, they have a pretty good chance.

 

[mcnabbmcnow]

The most underated has to be the Steelers. Two years ago they go 15 - 1 Last year Ben misses some games in the middle of the season and they lose a couple of games. They make it to the playoffs and run the table. The same team is just about intact for this year minus short yardage back Bettis, Kimo on the D line and Chris Hope at saftey. They have young talent at the skills postions who are only going to get better. The media not only has them out of the Super Bowl hunt, they have them out of the division race. Is there something I'm missing here because I'm a Homer. Please let me know.

I know very few media who didn't pick the Steelers to win the division. As for why they might falter, I think Bettis was a HUGE psychological advantage they had over opponents. It didn't show last night, and it probably won't for a few games, but knowing those 3rd and 4th and 1's are not automatic anymore will cause defenses to be less intimidated.

 

[incubus0]

As much as it pains this life long Patriots fan to say, the Jets will surprise many people this year.

Most people have them as one of the lowest ranked teams right now, with the addition Mangini as the head coach, and a lot of talent added to the defense, they should be solid on that side of the ball.

Chad Pennington get's very little respect with all his injuries, but when healthy he is a very good, if not great QB. His career QB rating is 92.1, not too shabby. He also gets back Coles and has some potential at RB. Their schedule isn't that tough either, more middle of the road.

Probably not a playoff team, but I wouldn't be surprised to them at 9-7.

 

[Stashy]

The most underated has to be the Steelers. Two years ago they go 15 - 1 Last year Ben misses some games in the middle of the season and they lose a couple of games. They make it to the playoffs and run the table. The same team is just about intact for this year minus short yardage back Bettis, Kimo on the D line and Chris Hope at saftey. They have young talent at the skills postions who are only going to get better. The media not only has them out of the Super Bowl hunt, they have them out of the division race. Is there something I'm missing here because I'm a Homer. Please let me know.

I know very few media who didn't pick the Steelers to win the division. As for why they might falter, I think Bettis was a HUGE psychological advantage they had over opponents. It didn't show last night, and it probably won't for a few games, but knowing those 3rd and 4th and 1's are not automatic anymore will cause defenses to be less intimidated.

Most media outlets have Cinncy winning a few picked Baltimore.

 

[zamboni]

This may sound bizarre, but I'm going to say the 49ers.

Everyone is down on them, but I think Alex Smith and the offense will improve this year with Turner as OC, and I think Nolan has them on the right track.

Nothing too great, but I can see a nice step up from last year, maybe even 7 or 8 wins.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

As much as it pains this life long Patriots fan to say, the Jets will surprise many people this year.

Most people have them as one of the lowest ranked teams right now, with the addition Mangini as the head coach, and a lot of talent added to the defense, they should be solid on that side of the ball.

Chad Pennington get's very little respect with all his injuries, but when healthy he is a very good, if not great QB. His career QB rating is 92.1, not too shabby. He also gets back Coles and has some potential at RB. Their schedule isn't that tough either, more middle of the road.

Probably not a playoff team, but I wouldn't be surprised to them at 9-7.

I'd take that bet.However, this shocking stat was on benmaller.com today:

Few quarterbacks have been better in the red zone than the Jets' Chad Pennington. He has yet to throw an interception inside the opponents' 20-yard line in his career. He has 41 red-zone TD passes.

That's astounding.

 

[fred_1_15301]

The most underated has to be the Steelers. Two years ago they go 15 - 1 Last year Ben misses some games in the middle of the season and they lose a couple of games. They make it to the playoffs and run the table. The same team is just about intact for this year minus short yardage back Bettis, Kimo on the D line and Chris Hope at saftey. They have young talent at the skills postions who are only going to get better. The media not only has them out of the Super Bowl hunt, they have them out of the division race. Is there something I'm missing here because I'm a Homer. Please let me know.

I know very few media who didn't pick the Steelers to win the division. As for why they might falter, I think Bettis was a HUGE psychological advantage they had over opponents. It didn't show last night, and it probably won't for a few games, but knowing those 3rd and 4th and 1's are not automatic anymore will cause defenses to be less intimidated.

Actually I think those 3rd and short situations can become automatic with FWP as long as the steelers utilize his strength (speed) as they did yesterday.....

 

[QUEZILLA]

BUCCANEERS

Last years division champs, that most media sources don't even have making the playoffs. Same exact team as last year with improved depth. Pretty much a lock to be a top 5 D thats why I am so why nobody has them ranked high. And the young offensive players can only get better.

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Eagles, Chargers

I like your thoughts, both are definitely flying under the radar(also my 2 favorite teams but honestly think both can WIN their divisions)

 

[Andy Dufresne]

This may sounds bizarre, but I'm going to say the 49ers.Everyone is down on them, but I think Alex Smith and the offense will improve this year with Turner as OC, and I think Nolan has them on the right track.Nothing too great, but I can see a nice step up from last year, maybe even 7 or 8 wins.

Not bizzare at all.Antonio Bryant seemed to mature quite a bit last year and is emerging as a true #1. They finally got rid of the anchor known as Kevan Barlow. It all does hinge on Smith though.

 

[shredhead]

Minnesota VikingsThe defense is going to surprise a lot of people.And Brad Johnson is without a doubt THE most underrated QB in the league.

Good sleeper pick, especially their defense. Still have some doubts about their offense, but when you have four games against the Bears and the Lions....

Uhhh? Did you mean Packers and Lions?

 

[dickey moe]

Panthers, Falcons, Chargers, Vikings

 

[jurb26]

Eagles

Falcons

Dolphins (after that tough Steelers loss)

 

[WhoDat]

Browns

I am not saying they are going to win it all this year but that team is about 16-32 games away from being very, very good especially on the defensive side of the football.

Their defense will be solid this year. Their offense is going to struggle a little but should see a spike in performance over the last 4-6 games.

Next year they get into the playoffs.

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

Chiefs

 

[PsychoMan]

EAGLES & RAVENS

 

[billsfan222]

This is going to make a lot of people laugh. However the Bill's I think will shock some teams this year. I know I am a Homer, but that said I would not be surprised if they went 8 -8 and beat some good teams this year.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

This is going to make a lot of people laugh. However the Bill's I think will shock some teams this year. I know I am a Homer, but that said I would not be surprised if they went 8 -8 and beat some good teams this year.

You'd be the only person in America.

 

[incubus0]

However, this shocking stat was on benmaller.com today:

Few quarterbacks have been better in the red zone than the Jets' Chad Pennington. He has yet to throw an interception inside the opponents' 20-yard line in his career. He has 41 red-zone TD passes.

That's astounding.

That ain't bad.Doing a little digging, I looked up his redzone number since 2001, and his career redzone rating is 110.9

Att	Comp	Pct	Yds	TD	Int	Rate2005	12	 7	58.3	 28	 2	0	102.82004	44	27	61.4	144	12	0	106.42003	26	18	69.2	 90	 7	0	113.82002	54	34	63.0	255	18	0	113.82001	 2	 2	100.0	16	 1	0	139.6   	138	88	63.8	533	40	0	110.9

 

[Banger]

Chargers

 

[Chase Stuart]

However, this shocking stat was on benmaller.com today:

Few quarterbacks have been better in the red zone than the Jets' Chad Pennington. He has yet to throw an interception inside the opponents' 20-yard line in his career. He has 41 red-zone TD passes.

That's astounding.

That ain't bad.Doing a little digging, I looked up his redzone number since 2001, and his career redzone rating is 110.9

Att	Comp	Pct	Yds	TD	Int	Rate2005	12	7	58.3	28	2	0	102.82004	44	27	61.4	144	12	0	106.42003	26	18	69.2	90	7	0	113.82002	54	34	63.0	255	18	0	113.82001	2	2	100.0	16	1	0	139.6	138	88	63.8	533	40	0	110.9

I think Pennington's underrated, but that stat is a bit misleading (if you take it to mean that Pennington's great in the red zone). He was nearly intercepted a few times the last two years, with the ball literally hitting an opposing defender's hands. And Strahan picked him off on an absolutely ugly pass in the end zone last pre-season. The Jets offensive philosophy the past few years really makes it hard to get intercepted in the end zone, too.

 

[zamboni]

The Jets offensive philosophy the past few years really makes it hard to get intercepted in the end zone, too.

True, you have to get there in order to be in a position to be intercepted. :(

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I think Pennington's underrated, but that stat is a bit misleading (if you take it to mean that Pennington's great in the red zone). He was nearly intercepted a few times the last two years, with the ball literally hitting an opposing defender's hands. And Strahan picked him off on an absolutely ugly pass in the end zone last pre-season. The Jets offensive philosophy the past few years really makes it hard to get intercepted in the end zone, too.

Regardless of almosts and close calls, the td to int ratio of 41-0 is pretty amazing by any criteria.

 

[Chase Stuart]

The Jets offensive philosophy the past few years really makes it hard to get intercepted in the end zone, too.

True, you have to get there in order to be in a position to be intercepted. :(

Not at all what I was going for, but

 

[Chase Stuart]

I think Pennington's underrated, but that stat is a bit misleading (if you take it to mean that Pennington's great in the red zone). He was nearly intercepted a few times the last two years, with the ball literally hitting an opposing defender's hands. And Strahan picked him off on an absolutely ugly pass in the end zone last pre-season. The Jets offensive philosophy the past few years really makes it hard to get intercepted in the end zone, too.

Regardless of almosts and close calls, the td to int ratio of 41-0 is pretty amazing by any criteria.

True. Some other impressive onesonovan McNabb (Since 2002): 57/2Jake Delhomme (Since 20020: 48/1

 

[incubus0]

I think Pennington's underrated, but that stat is a bit misleading (if you take it to mean that Pennington's great in the red zone) . . . The Jets offensive philosophy the past few years really makes it hard to get intercepted in the end zone, too.

When you couple it with a completion percentage of 63.8, it looks pretty damn good.

 

[BGP]

Buccaneers.

They get no respect simply because the Panthers are in the same division.

This is a very, very strong team. They were ranked #1 in yards allowed last year. The offense should improve with some young guys now a year older.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I think Pennington's underrated, but that stat is a bit misleading (if you take it to mean that Pennington's great in the red zone). He was nearly intercepted a few times the last two years, with the ball literally hitting an opposing defender's hands. And Strahan picked him off on an absolutely ugly pass in the end zone last pre-season. The Jets offensive philosophy the past few years really makes it hard to get intercepted in the end zone, too.

Regardless of almosts and close calls, the td to int ratio of 41-0 is pretty amazing by any criteria.

True. Some other impressive onesonovan McNabb (Since 2002): 57/2Jake Delhomme (Since 20020: 48/1

Wow. And Delhomme's even doing it in a timewarp no less. Impressive.

 

[Rovers]

I think it's the Jets and SF. Neither team will win 9 games, but they won't be the doormats most people expect them to be either. I think they both win at least 6 games, 7 would not surprise me. 8 wins is the upside, but they aren't as bad as so many people seem to think they are. I've even seen so called "sports writers" say the Jets defense has been bad in the preseason.... and that's just factually incorrect. Both teams have rookies starting at key spots, and will continiue to improve as the season wears on.

Players like Manny Lawson, M Robinson, Brad Smith and Leon Washington (not to mention Mangold and D'B Ferguson) will all make an impact on these two teams.

 

[CrossEyed]

According to Joey Porter it's the Steelers.

 

[Trey]

Miami.

They were beating the defending Super Bowl champs at their house with under 7 minutes left to go in the game.

They have a bad 7 minutes and suddenly Saban can't coach, Pepper can't QB, and the entire team sucks.

They lost to the SB Champs people. Get real.

 

[Sea Bass]

The most underated has to be the Steelers. Two years ago they go 15 - 1 Last year Ben misses some games in the middle of the season and they lose a couple of games. They make it to the playoffs and run the table. The same team is just about intact for this year minus short yardage back Bettis, Kimo on the D line and Chris Hope at saftey. They have young talent at the skills postions who are only going to get better. The media not only has them out of the Super Bowl hunt, they have them out of the division race. Is there something I'm missing here because I'm a Homer. Please let me know.

 

[lborges]

If the offensive line gets their act together, Arizona

 

[Rovers]

Miami.They were beating the defending Super Bowl champs at their house with under 7 minutes left to go in the game.They have a bad 7 minutes and suddenly Saban can't coach, Pepper can't QB, and the entire team sucks.They lost to the SB Champs people. Get real.

If you are a Phins fan, I'd say better get used to this.... a poor running game because the O line isn't very good, and CPep... well, I guess we've all heard that in 5 of his last 8 games he's thrown 2 INT's. That is what I expect to see a continuation of.... looks good for a quarter at a time, blows up, and looks good again...

 

[Bristol]

Eagles and 49ers

 

[zanti8]

eagles

raiders

 

[ArcticEdge]

Minnesota VikingsThe defense is going to surprise a lot of people.And Brad Johnson is without a doubt THE most underrated QB in the league.And Chet Taylor doesn't even have to be good to run behind the left side of McKinnie/Hutchinson/Birk with Tony Richardson leading the way.And Jermaine Wiggins is the most underrated TE in the league.And Troy Williamson has shown flashes of #7 overall pick potential.

 

[TCFF]

Eagles

 

[cws3030]

before last night i would've said the steelers... many had them as the trendy pick for the team to not make the playoffs

 

[Liquid Tension]

Minnesota VikingsThe defense is going to surprise a lot of people.And Brad Johnson is without a doubt THE most underrated QB in the league.And Chet Taylor doesn't even have to be good to run behind the left side of McKinnie/Hutchinson/Birk with Tony Richardson leading the way.And Jermaine Wiggins is the most underrated TE in the league.And Troy Williamson has shown flashes of #7 overall pick potential.

I like Minny to win the division.

This is the reason I say the Bears are underrated. They are better and healthier than they were last year. It is comical how little respect they are getting. They had OL injuries and defensive injuries as well as playing Kyle Orton at QB and they finished 11-5. With that defense and a solid two RB's they will have a top 3 record in the NFC. I put down a bunch of shekels on the over and I recommend you do the same.

 

[Billy1x]

PACKERS