Your "In or Out"

[Gordo52]

Floyd looks like he'll breakout. Housler has steadily been breaking out. They just drafted Jon Cooper and he looks fantastic. They have a decent center with a RT who looked really good at the end of the year. Potter even started to look good. In my personal opinion I think you're making an uninformed opinion on a team you don't seem to entirely understand.

Agree with this. I still gotta see everything come together first, but until they prove it I can't think of them being any where near as good as the 49ers. It's a tough division though. They look a lot better then last year as well as STL & SEA like you said earlier. Just gotta see em do it first. I also think the niners look weaker but are still the team to beat in the NFC.

[SecretAgentMan]

Arizona is going to be a good team

 

Fitz, Housler, Roberts, Floyd are all nice to have

 

If Mendenhall returns to old form they'll be fun to watch

[SecretAgentMan]

They won't be a playoff team, but they'll be a very solid team year round

[flaccopoe]

They won't be a playoff team, but they'll be a very solid team year round

 

That's what everyone thought when they went 4-0 and beat NE.  And then they get get shut out by 58 pt to SEA...

[GrimCoconut]

Everyone knows AZ's O-line was the laughingstock of the league. Even if they substantially improve this season, they'll still be ranked in the high teens at best. Factor in all their chaos at RB and they will have a huge struggle moving down the field again.

Yeah it was the laughingstock but what about the players who were injured? How about the fact that they had to dig deep and use second string players? How about how they had to use two rookie bookend tackles? You don't seem to account for this. As I said I think your opinion is unfounded and based off of reputation and your comment seems to vindicate that.

They lost their starting LT Levi Brown. They lost their starting center and captain Lyle Sendlein. That's a massive injury. Do you think we would've done great if we lost Oher and Birk last year? That's just two guys.

This bad Cardinals team beat the Seahawks week 1 last year. They best the Patriots week 2. They bested a weak Eagles team in week 3. They squeaked by Miami in week 4. Now I'm not making them out to be contenders but let's not pretend they suck. I know all about the beating they took against other teams but there's a lot that goes into those losses.

[GrimCoconut]

That's what everyone thought when they went 4-0 and beat NE. And then they get get shut out by 58 pt to SEA...

lol so you're comparing a late season loss where quite a few of their key players were injured and they were mentally done as an indication that this team clearly won't do anything with an upgrade at QB? If anything that dealer beating proves that they need a change in coaching. That's their issue IMO.

[flaccopoe]

Yeah it was the laughingstock but what about the players who were injured? How about the fact that they had to dig deep and use second string players? How about how they had to use two rookie bookend tackles? You don't seem to account for this. As I said I think your opinion is unfounded and based off of reputation and your comment seems to vindicate that.

They lost their starting LT Levi Brown. They lost their starting center and captain Lyle Sendlein. That's a massive injury. Do you think we would've done great if we lost Oher and Birk last year? That's just two guys.

This bad Cardinals team beat the Seahawks well 1 last year. They best the Patriots week 2. They bested a weak Eagles team in week 3. They squeaked by Miami in week 4. Now I'm not making them out to be contenders but let's not pretend they suck. I know all about the beating they took against other teams but there's a lot that goes into those losses.

 

If their O-line doesn't improve significantly, then their QBs and RBs will once again be dropping like flies.  We'll have to wait and see the outcome, but it doesn't hep them that they play in the most balanced division in the NFL.

[flaccopoe]

lol so you're comparing a late season loss where quite a few of their key players were injured and they were mentally done as an indication that this team clearly won't do anything with an upgrade at QB? If anything that dealer beating proves that they need a change in coaching. That's their issue IMO.

 

I remember when everyone here was clamboring for Wisenhunt to come here as OC. :p

[GrimCoconut]

If their O-line doesn't improve significantly, then their QBs and RBs will once again be dropping like flies. We'll have to wait and see the outcome, but it doesn't hep them that they play in the most balanced division in the NFL.

Yes the OL is the key to their success and every other team in the NFL. You can't win if nobody blocks but they have the talent to do it. To say they don't makes no sense. They have the best receiving weapon in the entire division with another one that looks really really good in Floyd. They have a very good TE who looks really impressive. Not the best but he's really good. They have great CB. They have some excellent DT. This team isn't a joke. They're not the Raiders. That team is good as well but come on. Palmer might be the best QB this team had had since Warner.

[GrimCoconut]

I remember when everyone here was clamboring for Wisenhunt to come here as OC. :p

Coordinating and coaching are different. I realize that both do coach but being an OC and being a HC are very different.

[Gordo52]

Yes the OL is the key to their success and every other team in the NFL. You can't win if nobody blocks but they have the talent to do it. To say they don't makes no sense. They have the best receiving weapon in the entire division with another one that looks really really good in Floyd. They have a very good TE who looks really impressive. Not the best but he's really good. They have great CB. They have some excellent DT. This team isn't a joke. They're not the Raiders. That team is good as well but come on. Palmer might be the best QB this team had had since Warner.

Without a doubt.

[flaccopoe]

Yes the OL is the key to their success and every other team in the NFL. You can't win if nobody blocks but they have the talent to do it. To say they don't makes no sense. They have the best receiving weapon in the entire division with another one that looks really really good in Floyd. They have a very good TE who looks really impressive. Not the best but he's really good. They have great CB. They have some excellent DT. This team isn't a joke. They're not the Raiders. That team is good as well but come on. Palmer might be the best QB this team had had since Warner.

 

How would you assess STL while we're at it?

[SecretAgentMan]

That's what everyone thought when they went 4-0 and beat NE.  And then they get get shut out by 58 pt to SEA...

With what? A third string QB with two RBs on IR. Along with a bunch of injuries on the oline?

[flaccopoe]

With what? A third string QB with two RBs on IR. Along with a bunch of injuries on the oline?

 

Duly noted.  However, if AZ's O-line had been more seasoned, there would have been a lot less injuries to begin with.  Thyoughts on STL?

[GrimCoconut]

How would you assess STL while we're at it?

lol well I'm going to release my NFC predictions later but I like that team. I think these four teams are so very close. I'll analyze this one division. You already know how I feel about Arizona.

Seattle has question marks on the OL. I'm not a big fan of their right side but their left side is one of the best in the hanger. I'd put it top 10. They have a terrific RB and some nice depth there with Turbin. I like weapons at WR with Rice, Tate and Harvin. Problem is two of them have injury histories. I like Miller at TE but he's really disappointed. I for the rest of the offense it doesn't amaze me. On defense everyone knows this is their bread and butter but we all know it takes more than an elite defense to win. They have an excellent secondary with Browner and Sherman and of course Chancellor with Thomas. They have some ridiculous pass rushers with Avril and Bennett and Bryant. They have nice DT especially Mebane. They got some great LB. My issue with this team is depth. I'm not sure how they will respond with a key player injury.

As for the Rams I like this team a lot. They fought well against their division. I like the coaching here as well as SF and SEA. They have weapons for Bradford. They got him Cook and Givens and Quick and Pettis while drafting Bailey and Austin. I also really like Lance Kendricks. They got him Long to block with Saffold at RT. We'll see what happens with Wells the center. I'm not sure what to think about Watkins and Dahl. One is old and one only played one hanger lol. I also believe very firmly in solid OG play. Considering that they entire OL is injury prone at this point except Dahl I got some big concerns due to the DT these guys will face. This team has a great secondary though. One of the best in the division and league. It's really underrated. It's a secondary prone to penalties though. Really prone. This yam has a terrific pass rusher in Long. I like depth here but the quality of depth is a concern as much as the other teams. Btw I love Daryl Richardson. I think he's perfect for this OL because the tackles are strong.

[gabefergy]

Keep in mind I'm not sure what happens. u can see the Niners miss the playoffs then again I can see them win the group. There is such a small margin. Don't forget not long ago they were struggling. The only thing that's changed is the HC. Granted they have a new QB and I get that but they had success eyeglasses Smith.

The coaching is the biggest thing. That's honestly sometimes all you need. I'm a firm believer in that. I think that's the greatest margin of separation between most teams.

Their team has been remarkably healthy the last two seasons. They are not a deep team, but they have an outstanding starting unit. Losing Crabtree was a blow. If the lose a piece or 2 on defense as well they could easily miss the playoffs. I think Seattle is a better team right now and St Louis matches up well against SF as well. If they don't win their division in a very competitive NFC a WC is far from being guaranteed.

[GrimCoconut]

Their team has been remarkably healthy the last two seasons. They are not a deep team, but they have an outstanding starting unit. Losing Crabtree was a blow. If the lose a piece or 2 on defense as well they could easily miss the playoffs. I think Seattle is a better team right now and St Louis matches up well against SF as well. If they don't win their division in a very competitive NFC a WC is far from being guaranteed.

Yep. I entirely agree with this. I think their entire division is very competitive right now. Their lack of depth is a concern. They have a great starting unit as you said

[cursona pirate]

2013 AFC Playoff Teams: 

AFCN: Baltimore Ravens

I'm not going to go into this too much on a Ravens forum. I think everyone knows why. If not, just ask me and I'll explain. 

 

WILD CARD1: Pittsburgh Steelers

Not as weak as people think & their 2012 & 2013 draft picks should make an impact. Last year their draft class was kind of banged up. Getting DeCastro back & having Adams another year should make big improvements for their OL. Despite the loss of Wallace, I don't think they'll lose too much. I like their RB pick, and Dwyer & Redman are both good. Can't discount Big Ben and the LeBeau defense. They also were the 3rd seed in the division last year and thus play all 3rd place teams, which are the Titans (at home) & Raiders (in Oakland) in addition to the AFCE & NFCN. I really like their chances. 

 

AFCS: Tennessee Titans

Going to get flack here but I really like this Titans team. They built a great OL with Roos, Levitre, Velasco, Warmack & Stewart. It's actually really dominant. CJ2K & Locker should be able to run with this. They also boast one of the very best WR corps in the entire league from top to bottom. I think their OL can withstand JJ Watt, and they have a very good blocking TE in Walker who should do wonders. Their defense isn't as bad as people think, and it got better with the additions Gooden, Wreh-Wilson & Edwards. This division is pretty weak, but I like the Titans' chances here. I think they surprise people by beating the Texans. 

 

AFCE: Buffalo Bills

After thinking about this long and hard (and it wasn't easy) I'm going with the Bills and here's why: I think they're the most complete team in this division at this moment. They don't have Tom Brady, but they have a QB with potential in Manuel and a decent QB in Kolb who can possibly be a game manager with the OL the Bills have, which is very underrated. They have some good weapons on offense and I really like their defense. In terms of a blend of offense & defense, I like their team the best. It was close between the Dolphins and the Bills for me. I really wanted to go with the Dolphins and they may still surprise. I ended up not choosing the Dolphins because of the mess their OL is in right now. 

 

AFCW: Denver Broncos

I don't believe their losses are enough to knock them out of playoff contention, but losing Dumervil will hurt. Fortunately, they sacrificed their defense to improve their offense with Welker. They have a very good OL with Manning as a QB with a lot of potential & proven commodities at RB. Good TE, a good secondary, with a very good pass rusher in Miller and a nice DL makes them a good team this year. I think they will have struggles against the Chiefs, but the Raiders & Chargers will keep the Broncos ahead this year. 

 

WILD CARD: Kansas City Chiefs

Gosh, this was the hardest one. I really wanted to go with a few other teams for the WC spot, such as the Dolphins, Bengals, Texans, & Colts. They're all such good teams. Really, any of those teams could get the wild card. I'm going with the Chiefs because I like what they have in game manager Alex Smith and a very good OL with a great RB in Charles with Bowe & an awesome defense. Reminds me of the SF Niners to an extent. I think this team is very underrated to be perfectly honest. Reid knows how to make a QB look good, so I do like him here. 

 

I'll have to do NFC another time.

I would love if the Bills won the division. Living in Bills country all my life makes me feel bad for them. They have very passinate fans 

[GrimCoconut]

I would love if the Bills won the division. Living in Bills country all my life makes me feel bad for them. They have very passinate fans 

I really think they can do it. They challenged a lot of their divisional foes recently in the games they did lose. They've had blowouts. I won't hide that, lol. I'm just saying this team has a lot going for it. I wouldn't be surprised to see them steal some wins from their division, possibly split the division 3-3 and squeak into the playoffs. I don't think they'll win a game in the playoffs but I think this is a rising team. I also like the Dolphins a lot, but their OL troubles me so I just can't crown them yet. I like the Jets, but their QB situation is a concern and their skill players are as much of a concern. 

 

That's why I gave the edge to the Bills. 

[K-Dog]

I am a closet Bills fan.

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

Interesting how many people have wrote the Patriots off. Can never count that team out unfortunately.

[SecretAgentMan]

Interesting how many people have wrote the Patriots off. Can never count that team out unfortunately.

With the crappy division they play in. Yep

[GrimCoconut]

Interesting how many people have wrote the Patriots off. Can never count that team out unfortunately.

How are they written off? Just because someone such as myself thinks that because these teams have stolen some games from them recently and with their loss in Hernandez in addition to Gronkowski starting almost definitely on the PUP? No they're not a bad team or even a team that won't make the playoffs. They just have a very tough challenge to surmount.

They can win the division but it won't be easy at all and I think the Bills with their OL and run game have the best shot of winning that division because their defense is also good. I think they're the most well rounded team. I think it's between the Bills and Patriots.

[easternshore97]

As fans we get upset when we hear sports analyst give their account on their playoff scenarios when our team isn't given its due respect.

I'm interested in knowing what 12 teams you guys think will make the post-season for this upcoming season... here's mine.

NFC
1. Niners - IMO they are the most complete team in the league
2. Packers - they have the best QB in the game today & I expect their D to be healthier
3. Falcons - Difficult to beat in that dome and they might have the best arial attack next season
4. Giants - The NFC east is a funny division and I believe the Giants have the best chance at winning that division
5. Bucs - A young offense that is making strides in the right direction and they've got youth and talent on that defense especially in their secondary.
6. Seahawks - I had them out at first b/c of the PED's but Wilson got better each game last season and I don't expect him to have a sophomore slump.

I would say not so fast with the Packers. How good is their defense? Will it be good enough to not get bullied around by the Bears and the Vikings? What about the Lions?

[flaccopoe]

Interesting how many people have wrote the Patriots off. Can never count that team out unfortunately.

 

Between the trainwrecks that are the Jets and Bils and the questions circling the 'Phins, I would have to stil put NE as the favorites.

[ravensdan]

Between the trainwrecks that are the Jets and Bils and the questions circling the 'Phins, I would have to stil put NE as the favorites.

I agree with this. Imo pats,broncos,ravens,steelers are locks. Some will disagree but that's the afc squads I would put money on to make it.

[flaccopoe]

I agree with this. Imo pats,broncos,ravens,steelers are locks. Some will disagree but that's the afc squads I would put money on to make it.

 

Steelers, locks?  Hardly.  That team is an old mess, especially on offense.  They'll be lucky to squeak a WC this year, with the improved 'Phins, Colts and Chiefs.

[ravensdan]

Espn's Collin cowherds nfl predictions. This guys picks are fantastic he went 75% correct on his 'blazin 5' picks last year. Alot of you will not like where he has the ravens who he is normally very high on he usually misses a few of these early predictions. Thought you all might find I interesting anyway...
1. Seattle
2. Green Bay
3. New Orleans
4. Dallas
5. San Fran (by tie break w/st Louis)
6. Atlanta

1. Denver
2. Indianapolis
3. Pittsburgh
4. New England
5. Cincinnati(by tie break w ravens)
6. Houston

[flaccopoe]

Espn's Collin cowherds nfl predictions. This guys picks are fantastic he went 75% correct on his 'blazin 5' picks last year. Alot of you will not like where he has the ravens who he is normally very high on he usually misses a few of these early predictions. Thought you all might find I interesting anyway...
1. Seattle
2. Green Bay
3. New Orleans
4. Dallas
5. San Fran (by tie break w/st Louis)
6. Atlanta

1. Denver
2. Indianapolis
3. Pittsburgh
4. New England
5. Cincinnati(by tie break w ravens)
6. Houston

 

Seatte is ranked way too high.  DAL probably won't get in at all.  IND struggled to get a WC with a very weak schedule.  PIT is NOT winning the AFC North. :ravensquote:

[FinFan]

How are they written off? Just because someone such as myself thinks that because these teams have stolen some games from them recently and with their loss in Hernandez in addition to Gronkowski starting almost definitely on the PUP? No they're not a bad team or even a team that won't make the playoffs. They just have a very tough challenge to surmount.

They can win the division but it won't be easy at all and I think the Bills with their OL and run game have the best shot of winning that division because their defense is also good. I think they're the most well rounded team. I think it's between the Bills and Patriots.

As you can probably tell by the name I'm a Dolphins fan  :bye:. Just browsing around.The Bills are an underrated squad imo but not better than the Dolphins (of course I think like this). Saying they are the most well-rounded team when they lost their three leading tacklers (two decent players and one developing) on D and their best guard in Andy Levitre this off season  :229031_rofl:. They are bringing in a completely new coaching staff with a an emphasis of playing in a 3-4 which I don't think fits their players. Let's not mention they are torn between Kevin Kolb and rookie EJ Manuel at QB. CJ Spiller and their OL are good no doubt but they won't be able to hang with the Pats with just a good running game.  Just a comparison between the Dolphins and Bills; QB: Dolphins, RB: Bills, WR/TE: Dolphins, OL: Bills, D-Line: Dolphins, LB: Dolphins, CB: Dolphins, S: Dolphins, ST: Dolphins.