Why are people still picking the Colts (1 Viewer)

[The Little Man on the Boat]

I have heard a couple of people on ESPN and other broadcasts predict the Colts to go to the Super Bowl. Honestly, how can anyone pick them anymore? The got weaker by losing James, Triplett and Thornton. Rhodes and Addai have looked like crap so far. Harrison is getting older and Manning will be getting even more scruteny in the playoffs.

They couldn't do it when they were stacked, why would they do it when they are weaker and the conference is so strong (New England, Pittsburgh, Cincy, Baltimore, KC, Denver, etc.).

Too many idiots are allowed to be in front of a camera and pretend they know football.

 

[jurb26]

I have heard a couple of people on ESPN and other broadcasts predict the Colts to go to the Super Bowl. Honestly, how can anyone pick them anymore? The got weaker by losing James, Triplett and Thornton. Rhodes and Addai have looked like crap so far. Harrison is getting older and Manning will be getting even more scruteny in the playoffs. They couldn't do it when they were stacked, why would they do it when they are weaker and the conference is so strong (New England, Pittsburgh, Cincy, Baltimore, KC, Denver, etc.).Too many idiots are allowed to be in front of a camera and pretend they know football.

Have you seen how many people around here are too? It's awful. Every year we see the same picks... Indy vs Car in the SB.

 

[BoltzNBrew]

A blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.

 

[JohnnyU]

They couldn't do it when they were stacked, why would they do it when they are weaker and the conference is so strong (New England, Pittsburgh, Cincy, Baltimore, KC, Denver, etc.).

Too many idiots are allowed to be in front of a camera and pretend they know football.

The Colts were never "stacked" on defense. Yes, they scored some FF points, but everyone could run on them. Big difference.

 

[Illmatic]

A blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.

Reminds me of a story from the 70s involving Mama Peens.

 

[diesel7982]

What great AFC team has gotten stronger this year? The Steelers have fallen back, the Pats have fallen back, Cinci has alot of questions, Jax seems like a 1 yr wonder.

DEN is the only legit challenger on paper right now, and Indy has owned them the past few years.

Indy has lost some personnel, but they still have an overpowering offense, and an adequate defense that will play well with a lead.

They're still my favorite to be in the SB for the AFC. Still like the Panthers for the title though.

 

[Steelers4Life]

They couldn't do it when they were stacked, why would they do it when they are weaker and the conference is so strong (New England, Pittsburgh, Cincy, Baltimore, KC, Denver, etc.).

Too many idiots are allowed to be in front of a camera and pretend they know football.

The Colts were never "stacked" on defense. Yes, they scored some FF points, but everyone could run on them. Big difference.

Actually, the Steelers knocked them out last year by passing on them early and smacking the Colts' offense around all day. They only averaged 2.7 yards per rush.Assuming they make the playoffs again, it might just come down to what team(s) they match up against.

 

[jurb26]

What great AFC team has gotten stronger this year? The Steelers have fallen back, the Pats have fallen back, Cinci has alot of questions, Jax seems like a 1 yr wonder. DEN is the only legit challenger on paper right now, and Indy has owned them the past few years.Indy has lost some personnel, but they still have an overpowering offense, and an adequate defense that will play well with a lead.They're still my favorite to be in the SB for the AFC. Still like the Panthers for the title though.

I don't agree with any of this.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I have heard a couple of people on ESPN and other broadcasts predict the Colts to go to the Super Bowl. Honestly, how can anyone pick them anymore? The got weaker by losing James, Triplett and Thornton. Rhodes and Addai have looked like crap so far. Harrison is getting older and Manning will be getting even more scruteny in the playoffs.

They couldn't do it when they were stacked, why would they do it when they are weaker and the conference is so strong (New England, Pittsburgh, Cincy, Baltimore, KC, Denver, etc.).

Too many idiots are allowed to be in front of a camera and pretend they know football.

There's a big difference between couldn't and didn't.Maybe the Colts had a 12% chance of winning the SB the past two seasons, and maybe that made Indianapolis the prohibitive favorites. Of course, they were still a long-shot to win it all, so it shouldn't be too surprising that they didn't. Maybe they're only 8% favorites to win it all now (with the loss of James, Triplett and Thornton), but that doesn't mean some other team has a greater than 8% chance.

In the end, the Colts have the league's best QB and one of the league's best coaching, along with a cupcake division and tons of playoff experience. They've also got a young an improving defense. I'd put Indy, Pittsburgh and Denver on one tier at the top of the AFC (SD has moved out of there with some bad breaks the past few weeks, but I could see them being back there soon).

 

[Tarkin]

What great AFC team has gotten stronger this year? The Steelers have fallen back, the Pats have fallen back, Cinci has alot of questions, Jax seems like a 1 yr wonder.

DEN is the only legit challenger on paper right now, and Indy has owned them the past few years.

Indy has lost some personnel, but they still have an overpowering offense, and an adequate defense that will play well with a lead.

They're still my favorite to be in the SB for the AFC. Still like the Panthers for the title though.

Namely?

 

[Illmatic]

What great AFC team has gotten stronger this year? The Steelers have fallen back, the Pats have fallen back, Cinci has alot of questions, Jax seems like a 1 yr wonder.

DEN is the only legit challenger on paper right now, and Indy has owned them the past few years.

Indy has lost some personnel, but they still have an overpowering offense, and an adequate defense that will play well with a lead.

They're still my favorite to be in the SB for the AFC. Still like the Panthers for the title though.

Namely?

Where ya at 85?

 

[cantrell]

To paraphrase Joey Porter, "The whole world loves Peyton Manning."

 

[pizzatyme]

They couldn't do it when they were stacked, why would they do it when they are weaker and the conference is so strong (New England, Pittsburgh, Cincy, Baltimore, KC, Denver, etc.).

Too many idiots are allowed to be in front of a camera and pretend they know football.

The Colts were never "stacked" on defense. Yes, they scored some FF points, but everyone could run on them. Big difference.

Actually, the Steelers knocked them out last year by passing on them early and smacking the Colts' offense around all day. They only averaged 2.7 yards per rush.Assuming they make the playoffs again, it might just come down to what team(s) they match up against.

Colts homer here who agrees whole heartedly! I think that was the case last year for the Steelers. I think that is the case this year or the Colts.I am worried about the Steelers/Ravens only this year for the Colts, They are the 2 most physical teams on both sides of the ball who the Colts could see on the way to the Superbowl.

Teams I have less concern about are NE and Denver. NE due to a continual decline in their talent level at key positions IMO. and Denver due to Plummer being more of a headcase than P. Manning in the playoffs.

Teams I have little worry against: Cincy and KC. Neither of these teams can outscore the Colts in Indy, which is where either of these teams would be playing the Colts in the playoffs.

 

[jon_mx]

Edgerrin was not that big of a loss. James is not the same back he was before his injury, he has lost speed. An effective short yardage runner playing the role of a feature back. He will not go well in Arizona. That said, Addai looks like a flop and Rhodes is not a feature back either. The Colts will have more speed in the backfield which will make them a better draw and screen team. Rhodes/Addai will be only a slight downgrade if any at all. The Colts will still end up with one of the best records in football, but what they do in the playoffs, who knows. They have just a good of a shot as anyone.

 

[Bad_Mo]

What great AFC team has gotten stronger this year? The Steelers have fallen back, the Pats have fallen back, Cinci has alot of questions, Jax seems like a 1 yr wonder. DEN is the only legit challenger on paper right now, and Indy has owned them the past few years.Indy has lost some personnel, but they still have an overpowering offense, and an adequate defense that will play well with a lead.They're still my favorite to be in the SB for the AFC. Still like the Panthers for the title though.

And how has NE fallen back?

 

[Buckna]

What great AFC team has gotten stronger this year? The Steelers have fallen back, the Pats have fallen back, Cinci has alot of questions, Jax seems like a 1 yr wonder. DEN is the only legit challenger on paper right now, and Indy has owned them the past few years.Indy has lost some personnel, but they still have an overpowering offense, and an adequate defense that will play well with a lead.They're still my favorite to be in the SB for the AFC. Still like the Panthers for the title though.

And how has NE fallen back?

Take a look at the WR's lately?I know your response is going to be "who were our WR's when we won our SB's" but to even suggest the WR's haven't gotten significantly worse since last year is folly. Maybe the Pats can function without them, but on paper the team has certainly got big ???'s on offense. I still think you're the favorite to win your division, but you won't be doing much in the post-season.

 

[jurb26]

What great AFC team has gotten stronger this year? The Steelers have fallen back, the Pats have fallen back, Cinci has alot of questions, Jax seems like a 1 yr wonder. DEN is the only legit challenger on paper right now, and Indy has owned them the past few years.Indy has lost some personnel, but they still have an overpowering offense, and an adequate defense that will play well with a lead.They're still my favorite to be in the SB for the AFC. Still like the Panthers for the title though.

And how has NE fallen back?

Take a look at the WR's lately?I know your response is going to be "who were our WR's when we won our SB's" but to even suggest the WR's haven't gotten significantly worse since last year is folly. Maybe the Pats can function without them, but on paper the team has certainly got big ???'s on offense. I still think you're the favorite to win your division, but you won't be doing much in the post-season.

Taken a look at the healthy D and running game lately?

 

[Buckna]

What teams other than the Colts, Steelers, or Bronco's look good enough to be in the Superbowl for the AFC this year?

Cinci I think can do it, but only if Palmer is as healthy as he seems and he stays that way all season.

The Pats will be in the postseason due to their weak division, and although it's possible, I just don't see them getting past any of the above teams in the playoffs.

 

[Buckna]

What great AFC team has gotten stronger this year? The Steelers have fallen back, the Pats have fallen back, Cinci has alot of questions, Jax seems like a 1 yr wonder. DEN is the only legit challenger on paper right now, and Indy has owned them the past few years.Indy has lost some personnel, but they still have an overpowering offense, and an adequate defense that will play well with a lead.They're still my favorite to be in the SB for the AFC. Still like the Panthers for the title though.

And how has NE fallen back?

Take a look at the WR's lately?I know your response is going to be "who were our WR's when we won our SB's" but to even suggest the WR's haven't gotten significantly worse since last year is folly. Maybe the Pats can function without them, but on paper the team has certainly got big ???'s on offense. I still think you're the favorite to win your division, but you won't be doing much in the post-season.

Taken a look at the healthy D and running game lately?

Did I mention either of those as falling back? (Pats' secondary is still suspect though.)

 

[menobrown]

In the end, the Colts have the league's best QB and one of the league's best coaching, along with a cupcake division and tons of playoff experience.

I could not disagree more with your above statement, especially come playoff time. Manning is not as good as Brady anytime and especially anytime around the playoffs. In fact in a big playoff game I'd rather have at least 5 other QB's than Peyton. As for Dungy he's one of the biggest playoff chocking HC's this side of Marty. The Dungy/Peyton combo is never, I repeat never, going to win a SB.

 

[djcolts]

Who cares who the experts pick - it doesn't help the teams that are picked, anyway.

 

[JohnnyU]

In the end, the Colts have the league's best QB and one of the league's best coaching, along with a cupcake division and tons of playoff experience.

I could not disagree more with your above statement, especially come playoff time. Manning is not as good as Brady anytime and especially anytime around the playoffs. In fact in a big playoff game I'd rather have at least 5 other QB's than Peyton. As for Dungy he's one of the biggest playoff chocking HC's this side of Marty. The Dungy/Peyton combo is never, I repeat never, going to win a SB.

Got a link to your crystal ball? I'd love to use it all the time. You think I could use it to get advice on who to start weekly during the season? If it can predict permanent Dungy / Manning failure, I'm sure it knows who is going to do well on weekly basis.

 

[menobrown]

In the end, the Colts have the league's best QB and one of the league's best coaching, along with a cupcake division and tons of playoff experience.

I could not disagree more with your above statement, especially come playoff time. Manning is not as good as Brady anytime and especially anytime around the playoffs. In fact in a big playoff game I'd rather have at least 5 other QB's than Peyton. As for Dungy he's one of the biggest playoff chocking HC's this side of Marty. The Dungy/Peyton combo is never, I repeat never, going to win a SB.

Got a link to your crystal ball? I'd love to use it all the time. You think I could use it to get advice on who to start weekly during the season? If it can predict permanent Dungy / Manning failure, I'm sure it knows who is going to do well on weekly basis.

I don't need a crystal ball when I can simply look at past performance as an indicator of future success but if you do need to know who to start on a weekly basis than sure I can help.

 

[JohnnyU]

I don't need a crystal ball when I can simply look at past performance as an indicator of future success but if you do need to know who to start on a weekly basis than sure I can help.

Oh, I didn't know it was a guarantee that past performances dictate future events. Thanks for clearing that up for me

 

[menobrown]

I don't need a crystal ball when I can simply look at past performance as an indicator of future success but if you do need to know who to start on a weekly basis than sure I can help.

Oh, I didn't know it was a guarantee that past performances dictate future events. Thanks for clearing that up for me

No problem and let me know when you need help with your lineup.

 

[bostonfred]

In the end, the Colts have the league's best QB ... and tons of playoff experience.

 

[JohnnyU]

I don't need a crystal ball when I can simply look at past performance as an indicator of future success but if you do need to know who to start on a weekly basis than sure I can help.

Oh, I didn't know it was a guarantee that past performances dictate future events. Thanks for clearing that up for me

No problem and let me know when you need help with your lineup.

Just give me a link to your crystal ball, I really don't want to trust someone who joined in June of this year.

 

[menobrown]

I don't need a crystal ball when I can simply look at past performance as an indicator of future success but if you do need to know who to start on a weekly basis than sure I can help.

Oh, I didn't know it was a guarantee that past performances dictate future events. Thanks for clearing that up for me

No problem and let me know when you need help with your lineup.

Just give me a link to your crystal ball, I really don't want to trust someone who joined in June of this year.

Sorry man no crystal ball as I told you already but I did just join this site in July. I sure hope it helps me, I could use it. 2 out of my 4 years in WCOFF I did not win my league and I'm currently ranked 35th in some WCOFF all-time scoring system and I think I'm really better than that.

 

[Joe Sixpack]

Call me crazy, I like the Bungles in the AFC, with the Colts a close second. Carolina looks tough to beat in the NFC- but there are teams that might beat them- Seahawks, Bears, maybe even the Cowboys or Giants.

A lot depends on Steve Smith's hammy- Hamstring injuries tend to linger, and without Smith the Panthers offense looks quite ordinary.

 

[SSOG]

In the end, the Colts have the league's best QB and one of the league's best coaching, along with a cupcake division and tons of playoff experience.

I could not disagree more with your above statement, especially come playoff time. Manning is not as good as Brady anytime and especially anytime around the playoffs. In fact in a big playoff game I'd rather have at least 5 other QB's than Peyton. As for Dungy he's one of the biggest playoff chocking HC's this side of Marty. The Dungy/Peyton combo is never, I repeat never, going to win a SB.

Got a link to your crystal ball? I'd love to use it all the time. You think I could use it to get advice on who to start weekly during the season? If it can predict permanent Dungy / Manning failure, I'm sure it knows who is going to do well on weekly basis.

I don't need a crystal ball when I can simply look at past performance as an indicator of future success but if you do need to know who to start on a weekly basis than sure I can help.

Abso-f'in-lutely. It's like I've always said- some QBs and coaches are just chokers. Guys like Peyton Manning, John Elway, Tony Dungy, Bill Cowher... these guys are regular-season wonders who simply choke under the bright lights of the playoffs. Only an idiot could keep fooling himself into believing that any of those guys could ever win a superbowl after they were given so much evidence to the contrary.

 

[Steelers4Life]

In the end, the Colts have the league's best QB and one of the league's best coaching, along with a cupcake division and tons of playoff experience.

I could not disagree more with your above statement, especially come playoff time. Manning is not as good as Brady anytime and especially anytime around the playoffs. In fact in a big playoff game I'd rather have at least 5 other QB's than Peyton. As for Dungy he's one of the biggest playoff chocking HC's this side of Marty. The Dungy/Peyton combo is never, I repeat never, going to win a SB.

Got a link to your crystal ball? I'd love to use it all the time. You think I could use it to get advice on who to start weekly during the season? If it can predict permanent Dungy / Manning failure, I'm sure it knows who is going to do well on weekly basis.

I don't need a crystal ball when I can simply look at past performance as an indicator of future success but if you do need to know who to start on a weekly basis than sure I can help.

Abso-f'in-lutely. It's like I've always said- some QBs and coaches are just chokers. Guys like Peyton Manning, John Elway, Tony Dungy, Bill Cowher... these guys are regular-season wonders who simply choke under the bright lights of the playoffs. Only an idiot could keep fooling himself into believing that any of those guys could ever win a superbowl after they were given so much evidence to the contrary.

Niiiiiiiiiice.

 

[BoltBacker]

The Colts were never "stacked" on defense. Yes, they scored some FF points, but everyone could run on them. Big difference.

They gave up the second fewest points a game last season.

 

[David Yudkin]

Edgerrin was not that big of a loss.

Edge has averaged more yards from scrimmage per game than any player in the history of the league. I would not be so fast to dismiss his loss so matter of factly.

 

[Steelers4Life]

Edgerrin was not that big of a loss.

Edge has averaged more yards from scrimmage per game than any player in the history of the league. I would not be so fast to dismiss his loss so matter of factly.

Edge was that threat on the Colts' offense that prevented teams from blitzing Manning into oblivion on a consistent basis. The Steelers disregarded that and did it anyways in the playoffs last year, and if you get to Manning enough, he does get rattled.Without him, even more burden will be on Manning, and come playoff time it'll be exploited again if they face a team capable of putting consistent pressure on him.

 

[Significant Shrinkage]

I don't need a crystal ball when I can simply look at past performance as an indicator of future success but if you do need to know who to start on a weekly basis than sure I can help.

Oh, I didn't know it was a guarantee that past performances dictate future events. Thanks for clearing that up for me

No problem and let me know when you need help with your lineup.

Just give me a link to your crystal ball, I really don't want to trust someone who joined in June of this year.

Not this crap again

 

[David Yudkin]

The Colts were never "stacked" on defense. Yes, they scored some FF points, but everyone could run on them. Big difference.

They gave up the second fewest points a game last season.

In 8 games against bottom half of the league scoring wise, the Colts gave up an average of 9.8 ppg. That included games againt BAL, CLE, TEN, TEN, SF, HOU, HOU, and ARI.In their 8 other games against teams in the top half of the league in scoring, the Colts allowed 21 ppg. That included games with JAC, JAC, STL, NE, CIN, PIT, SD, SEA.IMO, beating up on scrubs doesn't get you more than a decent record. This applies to all teams, not just Indy.

 

[Whizzinator]

Actually, the Steelers knocked them out last year by passing on them early and smacking the Colts' offense around all day. They only averaged 2.7 yards per rush.

This is what the Pats did to the Colts in the playoffs each time, too. The Colts remain a VERY soft team.Peter King or someone had a great article after one of the Colts playoff losses to the Pats....they quoted a GM who said, basically, the Pats have eight or ten guys who will rip your head off to get the football from you. The Colts don't have one guy like that.And a couple years later, I'm not sure much has changed on that front. The Colts need to win with finesse, and while they have the talent to do it, in the playoffs its tough to win if you can't match other teams toughness on the line and at your LB spots.

 

[BigRed]

Dave nice to see at least one other person gets it re. the inflated D stats vs weak Os last year.

Edgerrin was not that big of a loss.

Colts have whizzed away too many chances for me to get even mildly fired up. I know they coulda done worse for sure, but GDB hiring no playoff-winning Dungy. I said when he was hired he could make/keep them good but never take the next step. Unfortunately he's good enough that Irsay will never get rid of him either. It's like some kind of football limbo. "Nice" but never the ultimate.

 

[pizzatyme]

Actually, the Steelers knocked them out last year by passing on them early and smacking the Colts' offense around all day. They only averaged 2.7 yards per rush.

This is what the Pats did to the Colts in the playoffs each time, too. The Colts remain a VERY soft team.Peter King or someone had a great article after one of the Colts playoff losses to the Pats....they quoted a GM who said, basically, the Pats have eight or ten guys who will rip your head off to get the football from you. The Colts don't have one guy like that.And a couple years later, I'm not sure much has changed on that front. The Colts need to win with finesse, and while they have the talent to do it, in the playoffs its tough to win if you can't match other teams toughness on the line and at your LB spots.

Not that the Colts defense is fixed by any means, but I venture to guess that Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis, and Bob Sanders would disagree with the comment about no Colt willing to "rip your head off" for the ball.

 

[SSOG]

I know they coulda done worse for sure, but GDB hiring no playoff-winning Dungy. I said when he was hired he could make/keep them good but never take the next step. Unfortunately he's good enough that Irsay will never get rid of him either. It's like some kind of football limbo. "Nice" but never the ultimate.

I'm sure many Pittsburgh fans would have said the same thing about Bill Cowher as recently as 9 months ago. Lots of Broncos fans were starting to say the same thing about Shanahan a couple of years ago, which is absolutely insane. If Bellichick goes 8 years without a SB appearance, I promise you that Pats fans will start saying the same thing (which will be equally insane).In my opinion, the playoffs are a big crapshoot, since they're 1-and-done. The best team usually doesn't win. Really, all you can hope for is a coach who will get you into the playoffs every season and then hope to catch lightning in a bottle- and as far as making the playoffs goes, NO ONE has been as good as the Colts at it in recent seasons. Only 4 teams have made the playoffs for 3 straight seasons (Denver, Seattle, New England, Indy). Only Indy has made it for 4 straight seasons.

 

[jurb26]

What great AFC team has gotten stronger this year? The Steelers have fallen back, the Pats have fallen back, Cinci has alot of questions, Jax seems like a 1 yr wonder. DEN is the only legit challenger on paper right now, and Indy has owned them the past few years.Indy has lost some personnel, but they still have an overpowering offense, and an adequate defense that will play well with a lead.They're still my favorite to be in the SB for the AFC. Still like the Panthers for the title though.

And how has NE fallen back?

Take a look at the WR's lately?I know your response is going to be "who were our WR's when we won our SB's" but to even suggest the WR's haven't gotten significantly worse since last year is folly. Maybe the Pats can function without them, but on paper the team has certainly got big ???'s on offense. I still think you're the favorite to win your division, but you won't be doing much in the post-season.

Taken a look at the healthy D and running game lately?

Did I mention either of those as falling back? (Pats' secondary is still suspect though.)

No you didn't. You did omit it from your responce however. I feel that the gains in the running game (2 good backs now) and a healthy D are far more important than a few questions at WR. Especially seeing that NE has several great TEs who can still catch the ball anyway. If there is 1 thing that we should have learned over the years, it's that BB will find the way to best utilize the players he does have. Not worry about the ones he doesn't.

 

[Buckna]

What great AFC team has gotten stronger this year? The Steelers have fallen back, the Pats have fallen back, Cinci has alot of questions, Jax seems like a 1 yr wonder. DEN is the only legit challenger on paper right now, and Indy has owned them the past few years.Indy has lost some personnel, but they still have an overpowering offense, and an adequate defense that will play well with a lead.They're still my favorite to be in the SB for the AFC. Still like the Panthers for the title though.

And how has NE fallen back?

Take a look at the WR's lately?I know your response is going to be "who were our WR's when we won our SB's" but to even suggest the WR's haven't gotten significantly worse since last year is folly. Maybe the Pats can function without them, but on paper the team has certainly got big ???'s on offense. I still think you're the favorite to win your division, but you won't be doing much in the post-season.

Taken a look at the healthy D and running game lately?

Did I mention either of those as falling back? (Pats' secondary is still suspect though.)

No you didn't. You did omit it from your responce however. I feel that the gains in the running game (2 good backs now) and a healthy D are far more important than a few questions at WR. Expaecially seeing that NE has several great TEs who can still catch the ball anyway. If there is 1 thing that we shoudl have learned over the years, it's that BB will find the way to best utilize th eplayers he does have. Not worry about the ones he doesn't.

The lack of vertical threat is going to hurt this team more than people are thinking, but by virtue of the positives you've already mentioned and a soft schedule, the Pats will still be in the thick of things come January. I still can't see them getting past one of the powerhouse teams in the playoffs though (except maybe Indy who has a history of choking against them.)

 

[jurb26]

What great AFC team has gotten stronger this year? The Steelers have fallen back, the Pats have fallen back, Cinci has alot of questions, Jax seems like a 1 yr wonder. DEN is the only legit challenger on paper right now, and Indy has owned them the past few years.Indy has lost some personnel, but they still have an overpowering offense, and an adequate defense that will play well with a lead.They're still my favorite to be in the SB for the AFC. Still like the Panthers for the title though.

And how has NE fallen back?

Take a look at the WR's lately?I know your response is going to be "who were our WR's when we won our SB's" but to even suggest the WR's haven't gotten significantly worse since last year is folly. Maybe the Pats can function without them, but on paper the team has certainly got big ???'s on offense. I still think you're the favorite to win your division, but you won't be doing much in the post-season.

Taken a look at the healthy D and running game lately?

Did I mention either of those as falling back? (Pats' secondary is still suspect though.)

No you didn't. You did omit it from your responce however. I feel that the gains in the running game (2 good backs now) and a healthy D are far more important than a few questions at WR. Expaecially seeing that NE has several great TEs who can still catch the ball anyway. If there is 1 thing that we shoudl have learned over the years, it's that BB will find the way to best utilize th eplayers he does have. Not worry about the ones he doesn't.

The lack of vertical threat is going to hurt this team more than people are thinking, but by virtue of the positives you've already mentioned and a soft schedule, the Pats will still be in the thick of things come January. I still can't see them getting past one of the powerhouse teams in the playoffs though (except maybe Indy who has a history of choking against them.)

Fair points. I think that the rookie C. Jackson can certianly develop into a nice deap threat for them. You are probably right in that it won't likely be early in the year. If NE can make it inot the playoff hunt though, as they say... rookies are no longer rookies come playoff time.

 

[SSOG]

Fair points. I think that the rookie C. Jackson can certianly develop into a nice deap threat for them. You are probably right in that it won't likely be early in the year. If NE can make it inot the playoff hunt though, as they say... rookies are no longer rookies come playoff time.

Chad Jackson missed most of the preseason, so he's well behind the learning curve. I'm also a huge UF fan, and I can honestly say that I never once thought of Chad Jackson as a deep threat until he posted that incredible 40 time at the combine. The guy averaged less than 10 yards per reception last year.I hope Jackson succeeds and ends that stupid "Florida WRs are busts in the making" myth that sometimes surfaces, but I have to say, reasonably, I don't expect him to have much impact this season- playoffs or otherwise.

 

[jurb26]

Fair points. I think that the rookie C. Jackson can certianly develop into a nice deap threat for them. You are probably right in that it won't likely be early in the year. If NE can make it inot the playoff hunt though, as they say... rookies are no longer rookies come playoff time.

Chad Jackson missed most of the preseason, so he's well behind the learning curve. I'm also a huge UF fan, and I can honestly say that I never once thought of Chad Jackson as a deep threat until he posted that incredible 40 time at the combine. The guy averaged less than 10 yards per reception last year.I hope Jackson succeeds and ends that stupid "Florida WRs are busts in the making" myth that sometimes surfaces, but I have to say, reasonably, I don't expect him to have much impact this season- playoffs or otherwise.

The playoffs are a looooooong time away. Missing the preseason will mean virtually nothing by then. Sure, that will impact his learning curve for earlier in the year, but we are talking about 4 solid months of football between now and then. I too saw Jackson play in college. That UF O just didn't take advantage of his deap abilities IMO. The kid posses great seperation skills (in college at least) and adjusts well to the ball. He has the second gear to maintain his speration and or extend it. You can't alwasy look at numbers, which undoubtably were not those of a deap threat in Jackson's for college. There's very little doubt in my mind that this kids got the ability to stretch the field in the right system.

 

[Wadsworth]

Someone help me out and explain to me why it looks like the Jags were a 1 year wonder last season?

In 2004 they still had a shot at the playoffs in the last week and only missed the post season because Indy threw their last game. But they were 9-7 that year. It's not like they came from nowhere in 2005. The D is still good, maybe better, the offense is young but has a lot of talent. Yet almost no one thinks they'll be back in the postseason. Am I just a homer with delusions of granduer or are the Jags once again the small market bias poster children?

 

[jurb26]

Someone help me out and explain to me why it looks like the Jags were a 1 year wonder last season? In 2004 they still had a shot at the playoffs in the last week and only missed the post season because Indy threw their last game. But they were 9-7 that year. It's not like they came from nowhere in 2005. The D is still good, maybe better, the offense is young but has a lot of talent. Yet almost no one thinks they'll be back in the postseason. Am I just a homer with delusions of granduer or are the Jags once again the small market bias poster children?

They're not a 1 year wonder. I don't think those saying they are really know what they are talking about or looked at the facts.

 

[metoo]

Call me crazy, I like the Bungles in the AFC, with the Colts a close second. Carolina looks tough to beat in the NFC- but there are teams that might beat them- Seahawks, Bears, maybe even the Cowboys or Giants. A lot depends on Steve Smith's hammy- Hamstring injuries tend to linger, and without Smith the Panthers offense looks quite ordinary.

I can't see how at this point, they are not the favorite. I can only go by what I've seen in preseason, Colts can't run the ball. No running game equals no SB.

 

[pizzatyme]

Call me crazy, I like the Bungles in the AFC, with the Colts a close second. Carolina looks tough to beat in the NFC- but there are teams that might beat them- Seahawks, Bears, maybe even the Cowboys or Giants. A lot depends on Steve Smith's hammy- Hamstring injuries tend to linger, and without Smith the Panthers offense looks quite ordinary.

I can't see how at this point, they are not the favorite. I can only go by what I've seen in preseason, Colts can't run the ball. No running game equals no SB.

Yes, I would base everything off of the pre-season! With what we saw in the pre-season, the Skins and Steelers will be terrible this year! Both 0-4!!! Lookout below!

 

[Irish]

What great AFC team has gotten stronger this year? The Steelers have fallen back, the Pats have fallen back, Cinci has alot of questions, Jax seems like a 1 yr wonder. DEN is the only legit challenger on paper right now, and Indy has owned them the past few years.Indy has lost some personnel, but they still have an overpowering offense, and an adequate defense that will play well with a lead.They're still my favorite to be in the SB for the AFC. Still like the Panthers for the title though.

The Colts have lost a lot more talent than the Steelers.