Rams, Saints, and Eagles (1 Viewer)

[Doctor Detroit]

How are these teams doing it? At the beginning of the season none were predicted to be in a playoff hunt and all are now 4-1.

I liked the Eagles from day one and thought they would finish second in the tough NFC East behind the Giants but McNabb, Westbrook, and those WRs have looked great thus far. Add in a defense that brings an aggressive game-plan and you have a good looking team that looks like they are a contender.

We all knew the Saints would be better and inspired but 4-1? Come on. Brees has been very good and the two headed monster of McCallister and Bush seems like it's the real deal. The defense is playing far beyond expectation and may be the most surprising unit in the NFL thus far.

Rams? Still can't figure them out. They haven't played a rough schedule but beating Denver at home and calm 4th quarter wins against the Lions, Packers, and Cards looked impressive. Is the defense good enough to hold? We'll find out this week vs Seattle.

So how will these teams fare from here? What makes them contenders or pretenders at this point? What chance does each have to make the playoffs and what are these squads Achilles heals? Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[Black Box]

I have to admit I am impressed by these teams.

I was expecting the Eagles to not be doing as well has they have been due to a lack of a running game. But McNabb is a gamer... I underestimated the effect he has on his team when he is playing healthy. Though I think their achilles heal will continue to be the lack of a power running game to put a game away when they have a lead. Passing so much with a lead can come back to bite you. Contender.

Saints are a much improved from last year. Having a running game, plus a vet, poised QB, plus having a home field seems to make a huge difference for a team I think Brees keeps them poised enough to be a contender. Achilles heal is the defense. It seems to me the def's improved play is due to the offense's improved play.

I also don't know what to make of the Rams. Having a normal coach calling plays seems to have evened them out a bit... I'm not entirely convinced, though, and will say pretender for now. Especially since the Niners seem to own them

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Anyone who didn't think the Eagles would be a contender in the NFC was a zombie of the media anti-hype. This team threw in one stinker season because of a cancerous WR and 50 different injuries and all of a sudden they were in the bottom tier of the NFC? I see one team in the NFC that is clearly better than them, Chicago.

The Saints are playing on emotion right now. They'll come back to earth next week vs. Philly.

The Rams are a product of the weak West. It Seattle isn't careful, the Rams could beat them out this year (not likely though).

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I have to admit I am impressed by these teams. I was expecting the Eagles to not be doing as well has they have been due to a lack of a running game. But McNabb is a gamer... I underestimated the effect he has on his team when he is playing healthy. Though I think their achilles heal will continue to be the lack of a power running game to put a game away when they have a lead. Passing so much with a lead can come back to bite you. Contender.Saints are a much improved from last year. Having a running game, plus a vet, poised QB, plus having a home field seems to make a huge difference for a team I think Brees keeps them poised enough to be a contender. Achilles heal is the defense. It seems to me the def's improved play is due to the offense's improved play.I also don't know what to make of the Rams. Having a normal coach calling plays seems to have evened them out a bit... I'm not entirely convinced, though, and will say pretender for now. Especially since the Niners seem to own them

Eagles and McNabb are always fast starters and I agree that when you throw 70 percent of the time (maybe not 70) you will be up against it if your offense isn't clicking that day which will happen to the Eagles. I'm rooting for the Saints and I think everyone else is also. GB a homefield advantage for that team.I'm a Seahawks fan so the Rams accent concerns me most. Seattle travels to St Louis this weekend and it has become a very big game for the Seahawks. If the Rams win they just get more confidence and probably make this NFC West a race. I'm hoping the Seahawks are pissed off enough to come out and hand the Rams a nice beating.

 

[Lehigh98]

Anyone who didn't think the Eagles would be a contender in the NFC was a zombie of the media anti-hype. This team threw in one stinker season because of a cancerous WR and 50 different injuries and all of a sudden they were in the bottom tier of the NFC? I see one team in the NFC that is clearly better than them, Chicago.

All ESPN pointed to was "they lost TO so they're not as good as last year".

They overlooked all the upgrades (the lines in particular) and players coming back from injury.

Eagles have a cake schedule to start though, second half will be tough...

8 Sun, Oct 29 Jacksonville

9 BYE WEEK

10 Sun, Nov 12 Washington

11 Sun, Nov 19 Tennessee

12 Sun, Nov 26 at Indianapolis

13 Mon, Dec 4 Carolina

14 Sun, Dec 10 at Washington

15 Sun, Dec 17 at NY Giants

16 Mon, Dec 25 at Dallas

17 Sun, Dec 31 Atlanta

Need to build up wins, that self implosion to the Giants bothers me more every week.

The offense is "explosive" but means the D is out there way too much.

Seems each drive is a few plays and out because of a 3 (or 6) and out or a quick score.

I think people focus a little too much on the ability to run, but this is one area where I think it will be trouble.

 

[Wu-banger]

with the Eagles early season schedule ..4-2 was the worse start possible, 5-1 is not that big a surprise.

St Louis was the team that had the most to gain if the S'Hawks stumbled and are taking advantage of the situation.

The Saints added a good QB and a playmaker and has McCallister another year healtier.. they have also been a big benefactor of the Panthers / Bucs injuries. I think, they will have a tough 2nd half but still be competitive.

 

[Pygmy Marmoset]

Saints Schedule has been very favorable thus far. Having Atlanta on that emotional Monday Night was the best thing that could've happened - gave them confidence and a real win on the board for the 1st quarter of the season.

Philly, Baltimore, Pitt, Cincinnati and the rematch with Atlanta are all coming up soon. Then we'll see.

 

[RedRaiders]

The Rams have been pretty fortunate so far. Warner's fumble gave them the game when Arz was lining up to win it. Favre's fumble prevented overtime or a possible TD to win it late.

 

[guderian]

The Saints are playing on emotion right now. They'll come back to earth next week vs. Philly.

LOL...we've heard that for the past two weeks. The Saints' achilles heel is their schedule. One could argue that they'll lose to Philly, Baltimore and Cincinnati. That would put them at 4-4. Then, we can mark SF down as a win--putting them at 5-4. Then they have always tough games against their 3 divisional rivals (Atlanta, Carolina and TB) and then they face Pittsburgh, Dallas, Washington and the Giants. If they go 3-4 over this stretch they'll be 8-8. 4-3 puts them at 9-7. I don't see how they can do much better than that. Regardless, I'll be happy with either outcome. They also don't have the depth on defense to handle the normal injuries that occur during the season. However, on offense, they have too many weapons--which will keep them in most games. Brees has played nearly flawlessly over the past 3 weeks against 3 pretty good defenses (Carolina, TB and Atlanta) completing 70% of his passes with no INTs. Deuce is averaging 4.8 ypc and grinding it out on first and second downs while Bush has proved adept in 3rd down situations. Heck, their RBs are averaging 171 total yards per game.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Anyone who didn't think the Eagles would be a contender in the NFC was a zombie of the media anti-hype. This team threw in one stinker season because of a cancerous WR and 50 different injuries and all of a sudden they were in the bottom tier of the NFC? I see one team in the NFC that is clearly better than them, Chicago.

All ESPN pointed to was "they lost TO so they're not as good as last year".

They overlooked all the upgrades (the lines in particular) and players coming back from injury.

Eagles have a cake schedule to start though, second half will be tough...

8 Sun, Oct 29 Jacksonville

9 BYE WEEK

10 Sun, Nov 12 Washington

11 Sun, Nov 19 Tennessee

12 Sun, Nov 26 at Indianapolis

13 Mon, Dec 4 Carolina

14 Sun, Dec 10 at Washington

15 Sun, Dec 17 at NY Giants

16 Mon, Dec 25 at Dallas

17 Sun, Dec 31 Atlanta

Need to build up wins, that self implosion to the Giants bothers me more every week.

The offense is "explosive" but means the D is out there way too much.

Seems each drive is a few plays and out because of a 3 (or 6) and out or a quick score.

I think people focus a little too much on the ability to run, but this is one area where I think it will be trouble.

I don't think any of those games are clear losses that you listed. I think JAX will play them tough, I think they'll beat Indy outright, they have a good recent history vs ATL but the NFC teams will be a dog fight. I see maybe 3 losses in that stretch.

 

[Lehigh98]

Anyone who didn't think the Eagles would be a contender in the NFC was a zombie of the media anti-hype. This team threw in one stinker season because of a cancerous WR and 50 different injuries and all of a sudden they were in the bottom tier of the NFC? I see one team in the NFC that is clearly better than them, Chicago.

All ESPN pointed to was "they lost TO so they're not as good as last year".

They overlooked all the upgrades (the lines in particular) and players coming back from injury.

Eagles have a cake schedule to start though, second half will be tough...

8 Sun, Oct 29 Jacksonville

9 BYE WEEK

10 Sun, Nov 12 Washington

11 Sun, Nov 19 Tennessee

12 Sun, Nov 26 at Indianapolis

13 Mon, Dec 4 Carolina

14 Sun, Dec 10 at Washington

15 Sun, Dec 17 at NY Giants

16 Mon, Dec 25 at Dallas

17 Sun, Dec 31 Atlanta

Need to build up wins, that self implosion to the Giants bothers me more every week.

The offense is "explosive" but means the D is out there way too much.

Seems each drive is a few plays and out because of a 3 (or 6) and out or a quick score.

I think people focus a little too much on the ability to run, but this is one area where I think it will be trouble.

I don't think any of those games are clear losses that you listed. I think JAX will play them tough, I think they'll beat Indy outright, they have a good recent history vs ATL but the NFC teams will be a dog fight. I see maybe 3 losses in that stretch.

Wow, you're even more optimistic than I am. I just think its a tough stretch and who knows with Westy, Donte, etc injuries and the D eventually wearing down.

 

[packersfan]

Anyone who didn't think the Eagles would be a contender in the NFC was a zombie of the media anti-hype. This team threw in one stinker season because of a cancerous WR and 50 different injuries and all of a sudden they were in the bottom tier of the NFC?

Agreed. I didn't get the anti-Philly thing either. Great head coach. Great QB who's proven he can lead a team with crap at WR and a defensive coordinator regarded as one of the best in the game. I didn't see a good reason to be down on Philly and far too many reasons to believe they were going to bounce back.

 

[Futility]

Anybody who's wondering why the Rams are playing well should look up the Rams turnover differential. Through 5 games, they have 15 takeaways and only THREE giveaways. All 3 are fumbles, by the way. The +12 differential is top in the NFL. Chicago is +10 and Baltimore is +8. No other team is more than +6. Marc Bulger has still not thrown an interception. Every other QB who had played weeks 1-3 had thrown one by week 3.

 

[the rover]

Anyone who didn't think the Eagles would be a contender in the NFC was a zombie of the media anti-hype. This team threw in one stinker season because of a cancerous WR and 50 different injuries and all of a sudden they were in the bottom tier of the NFC? I see one team in the NFC that is clearly better than them, Chicago.

The Saints are playing on emotion right now. They'll come back to earth next week vs. Philly.

The Rams are a product of the weak West. It Seattle isn't careful, the Rams could beat them out this year (not likely though).

odd analysis, since 3 of their 4 wins weren't against division opponents. the Rams' next 5 games will show whether they're for real or not.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Anyone who didn't think the Eagles would be a contender in the NFC was a zombie of the media anti-hype. This team threw in one stinker season because of a cancerous WR and 50 different injuries and all of a sudden they were in the bottom tier of the NFC? I see one team in the NFC that is clearly better than them, Chicago.

The Saints are playing on emotion right now. They'll come back to earth next week vs. Philly.

The Rams are a product of the weak West. It Seattle isn't careful, the Rams could beat them out this year (not likely though).

odd analysis, since 3 of their 4 wins weren't against division opponents. the Rams' next 5 games will show whether they're for real or not.

I'll admit I didn't look real closely at the Rams schedule.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Anybody who's wondering why the Rams are playing well should look up the Rams turnover differential. Through 5 games, they have 15 takeaways and only THREE giveaways. All 3 are fumbles, by the way. The +12 differential is top in the NFL. Chicago is +10 and Baltimore is +8. No other team is more than +6. Marc Bulger has still not thrown an interception. Every other QB who had played weeks 1-3 had thrown one by week 3.

Interesting. Rams certainly are playing well and they look much more loose than they did under Martz. The game this weekend becomes HUGE for the Seahawks not wanting to get a game and a half behind.

 

[Tiger Fan]

We'll find out this week how good the Saints really are. I don't think there was any way they were going to lose the Monday night game against the Falcons. The Browns, Packers, and Bucs are all bad teams, so it will be interesting to see how the Saints fare against the Eagles.

Not sure what the spread is, but I'd have to think Philly might be favored by a few points here

 

[Kleck.]

The Rams have been pretty fortunate so far. Warner's fumble gave them the game when Arz was lining up to win it. Favre's fumble prevented overtime or a possible TD to win it late.

Good teams find a way to win close games, but in the Rams case it's more of bad teams finding a way to lose close games.

 

[Ghost Rider]

The Rams have been pretty fortunate so far. Warner's fumble gave them the game when Arz was lining up to win it. Favre's fumble prevented overtime or a possible TD to win it late.

Um, the Rams defense forced that fumble yesterday. It wasn't like Green Bay just gave the game away to them at the end.

 

[acefootball]

Rams schedule gets much more difficult in the coming weeks: Seattle, S.D., K.C., Seattle again, then Carolina.

They must start getting six in the RZ more often if they want to have a chance in these next 5 games. Right now I am not sold on them being a playoff team, but I will say that if they can keep the turnovers to a minimum like they have been, that they will still have a chance to win some of these games. Keep the games close and yanevaknow. As a homer I'm not drinking the Kool-aid just yet, but if we can somehow win 3 of these upcoming games, I will start slammin.

 

[saintfool]

We'll find out this week how good the Saints really are. I don't think there was any way they were going to lose the Monday night game against the Falcons. The Browns, Packers, and Bucs are all bad teams, so it will be interesting to see how the Saints fare against the Eagles.Not sure what the spread is, but I'd have to think Philly might be favored by a few points here

Eagles are only favored by 3 right now.

 

[Assani Fisher]

How are these teams doing it? At the beginning of the season none were predicted to be in a playoff hunt and all are now 4-1.

Anyone who looked at the Eagles schedule would've predicted it. They've been gift wrapped that record.

 

[Assani Fisher]

Anyone who didn't think the Eagles would be a contender in the NFC was a zombie of the media anti-hype. This team threw in one stinker season because of a cancerous WR and 50 different injuries and all of a sudden they were in the bottom tier of the NFC? I see one team in the NFC that is clearly better than them, Chicago.The Saints are playing on emotion right now. They'll come back to earth next week vs. Philly.The Rams are a product of the weak West. It Seattle isn't careful, the Rams could beat them out this year (not likely though).

They've played 2 home division games and then played SF, Houston, and Green Bay.If any of the other 3 teams in their division started off with that schedule, do you doubt that they'd also be at least 4-1?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

How are these teams doing it? At the beginning of the season none were predicted to be in a playoff hunt and all are now 4-1.

Anyone who looked at the Eagles schedule would've predicted it. They've been gift wrapped that record.

I didn't say they have had a tough run and actually they should be 5-0. That meltdown vs the Giants may come back to hurt them later.

 

[bostonfred]

antibumping this to fix the time zone issue

 

[mcjc4]

Anyone who didn't think the Eagles would be a contender in the NFC was a zombie of the media anti-hype. This team threw in one stinker season because of a cancerous WR and 50 different injuries and all of a sudden they were in the bottom tier of the NFC? I see one team in the NFC that is clearly better than them, Chicago.

All ESPN pointed to was "they lost TO so they're not as good as last year".

They overlooked all the upgrades (the lines in particular) and players coming back from injury.

Eagles have a cake schedule to start though, second half will be tough...

8 Sun, Oct 29 Jacksonville

9 BYE WEEK

10 Sun, Nov 12 Washington

11 Sun, Nov 19 Tennessee

12 Sun, Nov 26 at Indianapolis

13 Mon, Dec 4 Carolina

14 Sun, Dec 10 at Washington

15 Sun, Dec 17 at NY Giants

16 Mon, Dec 25 at Dallas

17 Sun, Dec 31 Atlanta

Need to build up wins, that self implosion to the Giants bothers me more every week.

The offense is "explosive" but means the D is out there way too much.

Seems each drive is a few plays and out because of a 3 (or 6) and out or a quick score.

I think people focus a little too much on the ability to run, but this is one area where I think it will be trouble.

WOW, that is a tought 6 week span. Figured I would add the other 3 games in there. They will be road dogs at Indy, Carolina is no cakewalk for anyone and Atlanta will come to Philly after 3 straight road division games? Probably would prefer the Cards or Browns after that 3 game stretch.

 

[Sidewinder]

... They are a couple of injuries away from average....

But can't you say that about almost every team in the league ?

 

[hobbes4]

The Saints have been an NFC average team for the past 5 years. The QB play and unprovoked penalties(i.e. lack of discipline) held them back during the Haslett years. Payton has the team cutting down on mental errors, and Brees is light years better as a QB than Aaron Brooks. They WILL beat Philly this week!!!

 

[Jedimaster21]

How are these teams doing it? At the beginning of the season none were predicted to be in a playoff hunt and all are now 4-1.

Anyone who looked at the Eagles schedule would've predicted it. They've been gift wrapped that record.

They have definitely had a fairly easy schedule thus far. However, it is the nature of the victories that is impressive. They dominated the Texans, Packers, and 49ers. They beat an excellent team on Sunday in the Cowboys. They dominated the Giants for three quarters, and IMO are clearly a more complete team than NY. I think it is clear that they are a top 5 team in the NFL regardless of who they have played. They have an excellent, aggressive defense, a great, young offensive line, solid WRs, and an elite QB and RB. They are the team to beat in the East.

 

[ffwebster]

Anyone who didn't think the Eagles would be a contender in the NFC was a zombie of the media anti-hype. This team threw in one stinker season because of a cancerous WR and 50 different injuries and all of a sudden they were in the bottom tier of the NFC? I see one team in the NFC that is clearly better than them, Chicago.The Saints are playing on emotion right now. They'll come back to earth next week vs. Philly.The Rams are a product of the weak West. It Seattle isn't careful, the Rams could beat them out this year (not likely though).

The Rams are 1 - 1 in their division, the weak west, the other wins are against the nfc north and afc west.. hardly a procduct of being in the weak west....

 

[Voice Of Reason]

I don't find Philly and St. Louis to be surprises at all.

Philly has the best QB in the NFC, one of the best 2 defensive coordinators, added a very good DE, and more importantly got healthy. This Eagles rosters is not much different than the one that they went to the Super Bowl with 2 years ago. They are the top team in the NFC.

St. Louis always had one of the best offenses in the NFC and any improvement on the defensive side of the ball (adding Witherspoon, Glover, and Haslett) would make them a playoff contender in a weak division. This team is also very similar to the one that pulled a 3 game sweep of Seattle, two on the road.

As a Saints fan, I really did not see this coming at all. Both lines, the linebackers, safeties, and the recievers have played much better than anticipated. Their rookie class has been unbelievable this year, Bush, Colston, and Roman Harper have very good and the coaching staff has done a great job of getting everyone to play diciplined, even the young players.

The 3 teams all play in some of the most important games this week.

New Orleans - Philly will give one team a nice lead in its division and knock the other back to the pack and the

Seattle - St. Louis 2 game series will likely determine who wins the NFC West.

 

[renesauz]

With the early season schedules of all three teams, anyone could have predicted these records. The trick is determining whether any of these teams can SUSTAIN their winning ways.

Saint Louis has struggled to win close games against sub-par competition. Yes, they've won the turnover battle, but barring continued luck, will almost certainly fall back to average.

New Orleans has been the feel good story of the year, but probably loses to Atlanta on a different day of the year. They have enough weapons on offense to give anybody fits, but have little depth. They are a couple of injuries away from average. They'll need to stay healthy to stay on top.

Philly is a different story. More then a few people predicted Philly to regain dominance, and I'm not sure I can remember any other team in recent memory with such disparate pre-season predictions. If McNabb stays healthy, the offense should remain a potent force all year. They don't have top-flight receivers, but they seem to have depth there and McNabb has always produced well with below average receivers, let alone average ones. The offensive line is strong. They need to develope a little better running game to take a title, but they have another 10+ weeks to find it. The defense is aggressive, with might be the deepest d-line in the NFL. If they have a weakness, it's in the secondary, where they are thin at CB. INjuries to Brown and Hood exposed the lack of depth there, and Eli Manning tore Joselio Hanson apart to lead the Giants to a win, but that same Hanson stood tall against Dallas. Bledsoe was bad under pressure, but even when he was on target the CB's were making a lot of plays. Yes, TO dropped a couple of easy passes, but Hanson or others were often right on top of him breaking up those plays. If Hanson can keep improving......

If that secondary can avoid any more significant injuries, the D-line will keep enough pressure on opposing QB's to win a lot more games, even with Philly's brutal schedule. Of the 3 mentioned in this thread, Philly is the only real deal.

 

[renesauz]

... They are a couple of injuries away from average.

...

But can't you say that about almost every team in the league ?

Tell that to the Patriots. Many teams can fall from the playoff bubble to middle of the pack with a couple of key injuries. Philly has already lost one all-pro player in Kearse, and could lose one or two other big players (excepting McNabb) and STILL be a force to be reckoned with. They have depth almost everywhere...N.O. doesn't. If N.O. stays healthy, they will make the playoffs, and maybe even make it deep in them...but they'll have to stay healthy.

 

[pizzatyme]

... They are a couple of injuries away from average.

...

But can't you say that about almost every team in the league ?

Tell that to the Patriots. Many teams can fall from the playoff bubble to middle of the pack with a couple of key injuries. Philly has already lost one all-pro player in Kearse, and could lose one or two other big players (excepting McNabb) and STILL be a force to be reckoned with. They have depth almost everywhere...N.O. doesn't. If N.O. stays healthy, they will make the playoffs, and maybe even make it deep in them...but they'll have to stay healthy.

The Pats are just the best of the waekest division in the NFL. Buffalo? Juts? Dolphins? Gimme a break.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

St. Louis always had one of the best offenses in the NFC and any improvement on the defensive side of the ball (adding Witherspoon, Glover, and Haslett) would make them a playoff contender in a weak division. This team is also very similar to the one that pulled a 3 game sweep of Seattle, two on the road.Seattle - St. Louis 2 game series will likely determine who wins the NFC West.

St Louis' schedule will get quite a bit tougher from here but if their OL holds up I think they have a chance. The defense seems a little soft but they did play well against Denver. I can see them becomming a wierd team to gage as the season progresses but if they can win this week vs Seattle, they look pretty good going forward in that division which to me is almost shocking.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Philly has the best QB in the NFC, one of the best 2 defensive coordinators, added a very good DE, and more importantly got healthy. This Eagles rosters is not much different than the one that they went to the Super Bowl with 2 years ago. They are the top team in the NFC.

The Eagles roster is very different then the 2004 team. Here are the starters and major contributors still on the team from 2004QB: McNabb RB: Westbrook and BuckhalterOL: Runyan and Tra ThomasTE: LJ SmithDL: Darwin Walker and Jevon KearseLB: Dhani Jones and TrotterDB: Sheppard, Brown, Lewis and Dawkins.2004 starters were:QB: McNabbRB: WestbrookOL: Runyan, Thomas, Hicks, Fraley, MayberryTE: Lewis/SmithWR: Owens, Pinkston, MitchellDL: Kearse, Simon, Walker, BurgessLB: Nate Wayne, Marc Simoneau/Trotter, JonesDB: Sheppard, Lewis, Brown, Dawkins

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I watched the Rams today and I'm sold. Seattle played terrific in the second half and the Rams still almost won.

Saints and Eagles played and I was quite surprised the Saints held McNabb that long. That was a huge win for them and they also are for real. I love the way the distribute the ball and the defense might just be good enough for them to get to the playoffs. Very nice story in New Orleans.

Eagles? Schedule is about to get very tough. We'll see how they respond but the D seems a little off kilter.

 

[Tiger Fan]

The Saints are for real.

Philly was handed that last TD when the Brees INT was tipped. Also Brown scored on the long TD on pretty much a busted play.

The Saints dominated the game.

 

[Pygmy Marmoset]

The Saints are for real.Philly was handed that last TD when the Brees INT was tipped. Also Brown scored on the long TD on pretty much a busted play.The Saints dominated the game.

Agreed. Numbers are skewed by a few big plays, but the Saints deserved to win this one.