Dave2112
Level of Cherry Feather
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2001
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Well, it's that time again. With the lockout taking over most of the offseason, teams are scrambling to get through free agency, trades and manage to muster something of a training camp.
Before I start with my Fearless Predictions, I'd like to mention the Vikings. Again. And for the same reason I always do. I have been on record here and many other places for years uncountable stating that Minnesota seems to be that one team that does not build around a quarterback, but builds a great team (usually) and thinks QB last. Either drafting poorly at the last minute or taking other teams' cast-offs or near-retirees.
They've done it again. Donovan McNabb is now a Viking. Now, perhaps this won't be so bad. I've always considered McNabb a better QB than he's given credit for, and he'll be behind an offensive line 100 times better than the one he had in Washington and many times better than Philly's. When the Vikes drafted Christian Ponder, many scratched their heads, but I think the kid will be the franchise QB of the future...something the Vikes have not had since Fran Tarkinton. He's got that X Factor you can't measure in a timed 40 or in bench reps. Learning under McNabb for at least one season can only help. And Joe Cobb ain't all that bad, either.
Losing Sidney Rice to Seattle was a dumb move, though. Percy Harvin may be one of the best WR's out there, but his durability is an issue. However, the Vikes are fairly deep at WR and Shiancoe is a TE that is like another WR.
Now...onto some predictions, starting with the aforementioned Vikings.
- I unbiasedly picked the Vikes to miss the playoffs last year and was right. On their usual on-again-off-again schedule, they'll make the playoffs behind McNabb and a new head coach who isn't a flaming moron.
- Tavaris Jackson will finally shine in Seattle. He was never a bad QB, but never fit Minnesota's scheme. Seattle is his team alone now, and with Rice and a strong O-line, he'll do very well.
- Plaxico Burress will be the final piece of the puzzle that gets the Jets to the Super Bowl.
- The Rams will make the playoffs.
- The Chiefs were a one season wonder and will slide back quickly.
- The Eagles will look Super Bowl bound for the first half of the season, then fade. Making the playoffs, perhaps....but not by much.
- New England will quickly regret the signing of Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco. I don't see them as a good fit for this disciplined, no-bullshit team.
- The Saints are in for a bad year.
- The Dolphins and Bills will still suck.
- Surprise sleeper team of the year: Cleveland Browns.
And, since Peter King correctly predicted the Super Bowl teams in the preseason last year...I gotta give it a try, so this is on record...
Falcons over Jets.
Before I start with my Fearless Predictions, I'd like to mention the Vikings. Again. And for the same reason I always do. I have been on record here and many other places for years uncountable stating that Minnesota seems to be that one team that does not build around a quarterback, but builds a great team (usually) and thinks QB last. Either drafting poorly at the last minute or taking other teams' cast-offs or near-retirees.
They've done it again. Donovan McNabb is now a Viking. Now, perhaps this won't be so bad. I've always considered McNabb a better QB than he's given credit for, and he'll be behind an offensive line 100 times better than the one he had in Washington and many times better than Philly's. When the Vikes drafted Christian Ponder, many scratched their heads, but I think the kid will be the franchise QB of the future...something the Vikes have not had since Fran Tarkinton. He's got that X Factor you can't measure in a timed 40 or in bench reps. Learning under McNabb for at least one season can only help. And Joe Cobb ain't all that bad, either.
Losing Sidney Rice to Seattle was a dumb move, though. Percy Harvin may be one of the best WR's out there, but his durability is an issue. However, the Vikes are fairly deep at WR and Shiancoe is a TE that is like another WR.
Now...onto some predictions, starting with the aforementioned Vikings.
- I unbiasedly picked the Vikes to miss the playoffs last year and was right. On their usual on-again-off-again schedule, they'll make the playoffs behind McNabb and a new head coach who isn't a flaming moron.
- Tavaris Jackson will finally shine in Seattle. He was never a bad QB, but never fit Minnesota's scheme. Seattle is his team alone now, and with Rice and a strong O-line, he'll do very well.
- Plaxico Burress will be the final piece of the puzzle that gets the Jets to the Super Bowl.
- The Rams will make the playoffs.
- The Chiefs were a one season wonder and will slide back quickly.
- The Eagles will look Super Bowl bound for the first half of the season, then fade. Making the playoffs, perhaps....but not by much.
- New England will quickly regret the signing of Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco. I don't see them as a good fit for this disciplined, no-bullshit team.
- The Saints are in for a bad year.
- The Dolphins and Bills will still suck.
- Surprise sleeper team of the year: Cleveland Browns.
And, since Peter King correctly predicted the Super Bowl teams in the preseason last year...I gotta give it a try, so this is on record...
Falcons over Jets.
