Preseason picks: Who will be the NFC Champs?

Kodos · 08-07-2003, 02:37 PM

You have one week to get your vote in. Please post your prediction in the thread. If your team is not listed, please choose "Other" and then reply with your pick. Top vote getters will go into Super Bowl champ thread.

scooper · 08-07-2003, 02:39 PM

Philly gets over the hump. I'd pick Tampa Bay, but it's hard to repeat.

cuervo72 · 08-07-2003, 02:42 PM

Eagles. Gotta support the team.

Kodos · 08-07-2003, 02:44 PM

Green Bay uses an easy NFC North schedule to claim the home field in the playoffs and advance to the Super Bowl.

TLK · 08-07-2003, 02:44 PM

Other..... I'd rather not say, but put two and two together

Butter · 08-07-2003, 02:45 PM

Eagles

JeeberD · 08-07-2003, 02:48 PM

Tampa.

Chicago? You listed Chicago? Might as well have listed the Cowboys too...

mckerney · 08-07-2003, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kodos
Green Bay uses an easy NFC North schedule to claim the home field in the playoffs and advance to the Super Bowl.

Even though they're the second best team in the NFC North?

Head to head, the Vikings were better than the Packers last year. The Vikings got better in the offseason, the Packers didn't.

Fritz · 08-07-2003, 02:54 PM

Carolina

MIJB#19 · 08-07-2003, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kodos
Green Bay uses an easy NFC North schedule to claim the home field in the playoffs and advance to the Super Bowl.

You think 5 divisional victories is enough to clinch a top spot?
They would still need 7+ victories against.
Looking at their schedule, a 5-2 starts into the bye week would not be unlikely.
But then they have a post bye week schedule of @Minnesota, Eagles, @Buccaneers and 49ers. Later on comes a season closing schedule of road games in San Diego and Oakland followed by a home game against Denver.

Masked · 08-07-2003, 03:02 PM

No love for the Saints?

And Seattle and Chicago?

Kodos · 08-07-2003, 03:03 PM

Just for the record, Minnesota sucks.

Kodos · 08-07-2003, 03:04 PM

You are now seeing why I employed an "Other" option, since some apparently wanted Detroit to be an option. My scientific method for choosing candidates was looking at PFW's predictions, and then choosing the best records.

Hands to the Face · 08-07-2003, 03:07 PM

Philadelphia

GrantDawg · 08-07-2003, 03:09 PM

The Falcons, because I'm a true fan.

vtbub · 08-07-2003, 03:18 PM

Tampa

Fritz · 08-07-2003, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GrantDawg
The Falcons, because I'm a true fan.

the georgia dome suck ass

TLK · 08-07-2003, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kodos
You are now seeing why I employed an "Other" option, since some apparently wanted Detroit to be an option. My scientific method for choosing candidates was looking at PFW's predictions, and then choosing the best records.

lol

Go Lions.....

Iceberg · 08-07-2003, 03:39 PM

WASHINGTON REDSKINS!

GrantDawg · 08-07-2003, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Fritz
the georgia dome suck ass

It is nice and comfortable, but yeah, it is an affront to all that is football in the South.

MIJB#19 · 08-07-2003, 03:41 PM

I voted Seahawks by the way.
I realize it's a long shot, but like the Chargers and Lions and what team not a team with young players on offense in their second year together.
Even though 12 wins would be a bit too much with their schedule.
(That is expecting 12 wins would be required to eventually win it all.)

mckerney · 08-07-2003, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kodos
Just for the record, Minnesota sucks.

And yet they still kicked the crap out of the Packers twice last year. Hmm...

MIJB#19 · 08-07-2003, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mckerney
And yet they still kicked the crap out of the Packers twice last year. Hmm...

Vikings AND Packers suck?

Ben E Lou · 08-07-2003, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Fritz
Carolina

First they have to score against the Falcons.

Radii · 08-07-2003, 03:58 PM

I <3 Fritz.

Panthers.

ice4277 · 08-07-2003, 04:12 PM

Philly is too easy of a pick...I think the Rams will sneak back in under the radar IF Warner is back at full-strength.

Kodos · 08-07-2003, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mckerney
And yet they still kicked the crap out of the Packers twice last year. Hmm...

What can I say? Sometimes even a crap team gets lucky, or matches up well against a superior team. The Vikings were certainly not a force to be reckoned with last year in general.

Vince · 08-07-2003, 06:18 PM

49ers...this is going to be it, if the rumors I have heard that they aren't going to re-sign (or even try to re-sign, for that matter) Owens, among other players.

Sharpieman · 08-07-2003, 06:26 PM

49ers...since I'm a homer (I actually don't think 49ers will even make the playoffs, but then again, I have never been good at predicting outcomes).

VPI97 · 08-07-2003, 08:03 PM

Dirty Birds

ISiddiqui · 08-07-2003, 08:11 PM

I vote Saint Louie. They'll come back strong this go around.

tucker342 · 08-07-2003, 08:19 PM

Tampa

AZSpeechCoach · 08-07-2003, 10:01 PM

Where the hell's Arizona? Go Cardinals!!!!

Oh wait...Bidwell's our owner. Damn!

condors · 08-08-2003, 05:49 AM

Eagles

oykib · 08-08-2003, 06:23 AM

The Giants are gonna finally put together a wire-to-wire season this year.

I'd like to say that we'll see a Giants-Jets Super Bowl. I'll pick the Jets because I'm a fan. But I think that they are a year away.

Fritz · 08-08-2003, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SkyDog
First they have to score against the Falcons.

They don't have to score against the falcons at all.

hear me now - the falcons will do no better than 3rd in the south!

Fritz · 08-08-2003, 06:48 AM

dola, its good to see the falcon bandwagoners out early

Ben E Lou · 08-08-2003, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Fritz
dola, its good to see the falcon bandwagoners out early

LOL! I KNOW you ain't talkin' about GrantDawg or Ol' SkyDog now. Don't know about the rest, but I know we've both been loyal Birds' fans since we were old enough to say "Tommy Nobis."

Fritz · 08-08-2003, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SkyDog
LOL! I KNOW you ain't talkin' about GrantDawg or Ol' SkyDog now. Don't know about the rest, but I know we've both been loyal Birds' fans since we were old enough to say "Tommy Nobis."

I have been to games down there and know first hand that the Falcons did not have any fans prior to the Superbowl season.

Don't worry, you guys can go back to root for dallas or a front runner by week 6.

GrantDawg · 08-08-2003, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Fritz
I have been to games down there and know first hand that the Falcons did not have any fans prior to the Superbowl season.

Don't worry, you guys can go back to root for dallas or a front runner by week 6.

Your full of crap, Fritz. I've been rooting for the Falcons since Steve Bartkowski was dropping bombs on Andrew Jenkins, and William Andrews was running over every linebacker in sight.

Now arguing against the fact we may end up third in the South, I'm not. That is a possibility. The defensive secondary is very suspect. The d-line (as always) is undersized and not very deep. And then there is the weak offensive line.

Then again, I can't argue against the fact they may all come together and take it the next step this year. I think the H-back offense will work well with the players we have. It will allow us to use both Duckett and Dunn in the same backfield. The recieving corps has gone from just plain ugly last year, to one of the deepest positions we have.

In other words, just like every other team in the league, the Falcons have a good shot at going 12-4, or 4-12.

Fritz · 08-08-2003, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by GrantDawg
Your full of crap, Fritz.

No arguments

Quote:

I've been rooting for the Falcons since Steve Bartkowski was dropping bombs on Andrew Jenkins, and William Andrews was running over every linebacker in sight.

You must have been the one fan that was there for the home team.

RendeR · 08-08-2003, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oykib
The Giants are gonna finally put together a wire-to-wire season this year.

I'd like to say that we'll see a Giants-Jets Super Bowl. I'll pick the Jets because I'm a fan. But I think that they are a year away.

Wow, and I thought that I was a sucker for lost causes....I've been a Bengal fan for23 years, but the jets AND the giants?

holy fumbled away football picks batman.......

Ben E Lou · 08-08-2003, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Fritz
I have been to games down there and know first hand that the Falcons did not have any fans prior to the Superbowl season.

Don't worry, you guys can go back to root for dallas or a front runner by week 6.

Well, good that you acknowledged that you're full of it. It was rare for me to miss a game on the tube when I was younger. Growing up in South Georgia, we were outside of the blackout range, but close enough that they were the regional game every single week. I doubt there was any one season from age 6-21 (1975-1990 seasons) that I missed more than 2 games on the tube. I have lived in metro Atlanta since the beginning of the '91 season, and have been a faithful follower and attendee since then, as much as I can afford (which ain't too much on a youth minstrey salary....) For blackouts, it has been the radio or a sports bar when I can't afford a ticket. Trust me, you're dealing with a loyal Bird fan here.

TroyF · 08-08-2003, 01:06 PM

I didn't pick the Falcons to go to the Super Bowl. . . but they'll be a playoff team. Take it to the bank.

TroyF

Fritz · 08-08-2003, 01:18 PM

falcons fans getting uppity

RendeR · 08-08-2003, 01:37 PM

I must say, the list is a bit lame, with teams like Atlanta, Chicago and Seattle who really have no chance at getting to the Super bowl being listed.......

*ducks*

Buzzbee · 08-08-2003, 02:08 PM

I live in the ATL and have been a Falcon fan for a long time. Not as devoted as SkyDog, but a fan nonetheless.

However, the Falcons are overrated in my opinion. Yes, they went to the playoffs last year. Yes, they added a sorely needed offensive weapon in Peerless Price. This should give defenses a little something extra to worry about when trying to prepare for the falcons.

BUT...the offensive line is basically the same as last year, and is not that good. This was ok last year because it allowed Vick to scramble, which was good. This year I don't think having a sorry OL will be as beneficial. Why? See my next point.

I believe that defenses were caught by suprise last year with Vick. They underestimated his speed and ability to scramble. That won't happen this year. As a result, you'll see defenses try to contain him and shadow him with a LB (like Tampa Bay). The result, less success scrambling, no 174 yard game, and a less potent Michael Vick. This leads me to my next point.

Michael Vick had a great season, for a QB in his first full season. I expect a "sophomore slump". As mentioned above, teams were suprised by Vick last year. This year they won't be, and as a result, I expect a worse year from Vick this year. Peerless Price helps and was a needed addition, but won't be a cure-all. I expect the offense to sputter at times. Which leads me to my next point.

During Atlanta's 8 game stretch where they didn't lose a game (1 tie) they were able to do it because of...defense. The defense was a key component in that drive. They shut down other teams and kept Atlanta in the game. Jay Feely won a few games on late field goals (and missed a few game winners as well). The defense was able to keep Atlanta in games and give them the opportunity to win. However, I don't believe the defense is as strong. The secondary is suspect with Ambrose leaving, "Big Play" Ray Buchanan getting older, and injuries affecting others. The Linebacking core is solid with Brooking as the anchor. Overstreet will hopefully be healthy this year and give them more depth. But the DL is undersized and not very deep. I look for Brooking to have a stellar year if he stays healthy, because he'll be one of the few that can tackle.

So, I expect the Falcons to finish third behind the Buccs and the Saints.

thirdandlong · 08-08-2003, 02:10 PM

I voted St. Louis... because I think it would be a nice story, but I really think Tampa will be hard to beat assuming Johnson continues to regain confidence and form.

Kodos · 08-08-2003, 02:12 PM

If only polls had 16 options. Actually, 17 so there could be the obligatory joke option at the bottom.

TroyF · 08-08-2003, 02:29 PM

Buzzbee,

This isn't anything that Falcons fans haven't heard before. Heck, I'm not even a Falcon fan, I just happen to like Michael Vick.

I believe their offense will be A LOT better this year. It isn't only Price. He's a big weapon, yes. I think Martay Jenkins is another great addition. I remember watching a game last year where the Falcons called the perfect play against the Bucs. Vick made a sweet play action fake and rolled out to the right. Both TB safties bit on the play. Atlanta split the field into thirds sending all three WR deep. The two on the outside were covered by the two Tampa CB's. Understandable. The slot WR was blanketed by TB's 4th string LB 45 yards down the field. Unbelievable.

That won't happen this year. I think Algae Crumpler will become a bigger factor in the passing game. I also think Duckett will play more giving them even more ways to exploit a defense.

You say the defense was the main cause of the 8 game unbeaten streak? Well, the offense averaged over 29 points in that stretch. The defense had 2 shutouts against the Panthers during that stretch to pad their stats.

It looks like that O was carrying their weight rather nicely. Imagine what they can do with some WR.

TroyF

View Poll Results: Who will win the NFC?
Atlanta	5	5.88%
Chicago	5	5.88%
Green Bay	10	11.76%
New York	5	5.88%
Philadelphia	17	20.00%
San Francisco	7	8.24%
Seattle	3	3.53%
St. Louis	11	12.94%
Tampa Bay	9	10.59%
Other	13	15.29%
Voters: 85. You may not vote on this poll

08-07-2003, 02:42 PM	#3
cuervo72 Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Maryland	Eagles. Gotta support the team. __________________ null

08-07-2003, 02:44 PM	#5
TLK Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Allen Park, MI	Other..... I'd rather not say, but put two and two together Last edited by TLK : 08-07-2003 at 02:44 PM.

08-07-2003, 02:45 PM	#6
Butter Coordinator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Dayton, OH	Eagles __________________ My listening habits

08-07-2003, 02:48 PM	#7
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	Tampa. Chicago? You listed Chicago? Might as well have listed the Cowboys too... __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

08-07-2003, 02:39 PM	#2
scooper College Benchwarmer Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Cinn City	Philly gets over the hump. I'd pick Tampa Bay, but it's hard to repeat.

08-07-2003, 02:44 PM	#4
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	Green Bay uses an easy NFC North schedule to claim the home field in the playoffs and advance to the Super Bowl.

08-07-2003, 02:54 PM	#9
Fritz Lethargic Hooligan Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: hello kitty found my wallet at a big tent revival and returned it with all the cash missing	Carolina __________________ donkey, donkey, walk a little faster

08-07-2003, 03:02 PM	#11
Masked College Starter Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Bay Area	No love for the Saints? And Seattle and Chicago?

08-07-2003, 03:03 PM	#12
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	Just for the record, Minnesota sucks.

08-07-2003, 03:04 PM	#13
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	You are now seeing why I employed an "Other" option, since some apparently wanted Detroit to be an option. My scientific method for choosing candidates was looking at PFW's predictions, and then choosing the best records.

08-07-2003, 03:07 PM	#14
Hands to the Face n00b Join Date: Jan 2003	Philadelphia

08-07-2003, 03:09 PM	#15
GrantDawg World Champion Mis-speller Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Covington, Ga.	The Falcons, because I'm a true fan.

08-07-2003, 03:18 PM	#16
vtbub College Starter Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Burlington, VT USA	Tampa __________________

08-07-2003, 03:39 PM	#19
Iceberg H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Kensington, MD	WASHINGTON REDSKINS!

08-07-2003, 03:41 PM	#21
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	I voted Seahawks by the way. I realize it's a long shot, but like the Chargers and Lions and what team not a team with young players on offense in their second year together. Even though 12 wins would be a bit too much with their schedule. (That is expecting 12 wins would be required to eventually win it all.)

08-07-2003, 03:58 PM	#25
Radii Head Coach Join Date: Jul 2001	I <3 Fritz. Panthers.

08-07-2003, 04:12 PM	#26
ice4277 Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Berkley, MI: The Hotbed of FOFC!	Philly is too easy of a pick...I think the Rams will sneak back in under the radar IF Warner is back at full-strength.

08-07-2003, 06:18 PM	#28
Vince Pro Starter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Willow Glen, CA	49ers...this is going to be it, if the rumors I have heard that they aren't going to re-sign (or even try to re-sign, for that matter) Owens, among other players. __________________ Every time a Dodger scores a run, an angel has its wings ripped off by a demon, and is forced to tearfully beg the demon to cauterize the wounds.The demon will refuse, and the sobbing angel will lie in a puddle of angel blood and feathers for eternity, wondering why the Dodgers are allowed to score runs.That’s not me talking: that’s science. McCoveyChronicles.com.

08-07-2003, 06:26 PM	#29
Sharpieman Greatly Missed. (7/11/84-06/12/05) Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Palo Alto, CA	49ers...since I'm a homer (I actually don't think 49ers will even make the playoffs, but then again, I have never been good at predicting outcomes). __________________ Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.

08-07-2003, 08:03 PM	#30
VPI97 Hokie, Hokie, Hokie, Hi Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Kennesaw, GA	Dirty Birds __________________ CT & Jivin - "Surprisingly Entertaining"

08-07-2003, 08:11 PM	#31
ISiddiqui Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Decatur, GA	I vote Saint Louie. They'll come back strong this go around. __________________ "A prayer for the wild at heart, kept in cages" -Tennessee Williams

08-07-2003, 08:19 PM	#32
tucker342 Pro Starter Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Iowa City, IA	Tampa

08-07-2003, 10:01 PM	#33
AZSpeechCoach College Prospect Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Phoenix	Where the hell's Arizona? Go Cardinals!!!! Oh wait...Bidwell's our owner. Damn! __________________ The dumber people think you are, the more surprised they'll be when you kill them! Visit Stewart the Wonderbear and his amazing travels http://wonderbeartravel.blogspot.com

08-08-2003, 05:49 AM	#34
condors College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000	Eagles

08-08-2003, 06:23 AM	#35
oykib College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000	The Giants are gonna finally put together a wire-to-wire season this year. I'd like to say that we'll see a Giants-Jets Super Bowl. I'll pick the Jets because I'm a fan. But I think that they are a year away.

08-08-2003, 06:48 AM	#37
Fritz Lethargic Hooligan Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: hello kitty found my wallet at a big tent revival and returned it with all the cash missing	dola, its good to see the falcon bandwagoners out early __________________ donkey, donkey, walk a little faster

08-08-2003, 01:06 PM	#44
TroyF Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000	I didn't pick the Falcons to go to the Super Bowl. . . but they'll be a playoff team. Take it to the bank. TroyF

08-08-2003, 01:18 PM	#45
Fritz Lethargic Hooligan Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: hello kitty found my wallet at a big tent revival and returned it with all the cash missing	falcons fans getting uppity __________________ donkey, donkey, walk a little faster

08-08-2003, 01:37 PM	#46
RendeR Coordinator Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Buffalo, NY	I must say, the list is a bit lame, with teams like Atlanta, Chicago and Seattle who really have no chance at getting to the Super bowl being listed....... ducks __________________ http://wotlabs.net/s...8/signature.png http://wotlabs.net/sig_dark/na/banichi18/signature.png

08-08-2003, 02:08 PM	#47
Buzzbee College Starter Join Date: Jun 2002	I live in the ATL and have been a Falcon fan for a long time. Not as devoted as SkyDog, but a fan nonetheless. However, the Falcons are overrated in my opinion. Yes, they went to the playoffs last year. Yes, they added a sorely needed offensive weapon in Peerless Price. This should give defenses a little something extra to worry about when trying to prepare for the falcons. BUT...the offensive line is basically the same as last year, and is not that good. This was ok last year because it allowed Vick to scramble, which was good. This year I don't think having a sorry OL will be as beneficial. Why? See my next point. I believe that defenses were caught by suprise last year with Vick. They underestimated his speed and ability to scramble. That won't happen this year. As a result, you'll see defenses try to contain him and shadow him with a LB (like Tampa Bay). The result, less success scrambling, no 174 yard game, and a less potent Michael Vick. This leads me to my next point. Michael Vick had a great season, for a QB in his first full season. I expect a "sophomore slump". As mentioned above, teams were suprised by Vick last year. This year they won't be, and as a result, I expect a worse year from Vick this year. Peerless Price helps and was a needed addition, but won't be a cure-all. I expect the offense to sputter at times. Which leads me to my next point. During Atlanta's 8 game stretch where they didn't lose a game (1 tie) they were able to do it because of...defense. The defense was a key component in that drive. They shut down other teams and kept Atlanta in the game. Jay Feely won a few games on late field goals (and missed a few game winners as well). The defense was able to keep Atlanta in games and give them the opportunity to win. However, I don't believe the defense is as strong. The secondary is suspect with Ambrose leaving, "Big Play" Ray Buchanan getting older, and injuries affecting others. The Linebacking core is solid with Brooking as the anchor. Overstreet will hopefully be healthy this year and give them more depth. But the DL is undersized and not very deep. I look for Brooking to have a stellar year if he stays healthy, because he'll be one of the few that can tackle. So, I expect the Falcons to finish third behind the Buccs and the Saints. __________________ Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. - Lou Holtz

08-08-2003, 02:10 PM	#48
thirdandlong Mascot Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Fresno CA	I voted St. Louis... because I think it would be a nice story, but I really think Tampa will be hard to beat assuming Johnson continues to regain confidence and form.

08-08-2003, 02:12 PM	#49
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	If only polls had 16 options. Actually, 17 so there could be the obligatory joke option at the bottom.

08-08-2003, 02:29 PM	#50
TroyF Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000	Buzzbee, This isn't anything that Falcons fans haven't heard before. Heck, I'm not even a Falcon fan, I just happen to like Michael Vick. I believe their offense will be A LOT better this year. It isn't only Price. He's a big weapon, yes. I think Martay Jenkins is another great addition. I remember watching a game last year where the Falcons called the perfect play against the Bucs. Vick made a sweet play action fake and rolled out to the right. Both TB safties bit on the play. Atlanta split the field into thirds sending all three WR deep. The two on the outside were covered by the two Tampa CB's. Understandable. The slot WR was blanketed by TB's 4th string LB 45 yards down the field. Unbelievable. That won't happen this year. I think Algae Crumpler will become a bigger factor in the passing game. I also think Duckett will play more giving them even more ways to exploit a defense. You say the defense was the main cause of the 8 game unbeaten streak? Well, the offense averaged over 29 points in that stretch. The defense had 2 shutouts against the Panthers during that stretch to pad their stats. It looks like that O was carrying their weight rather nicely. Imagine what they can do with some WR. TroyF

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