NFL '06-'07 Season Discussion/Predicitons

[schillingouttheks]

Well, the preseason is almost here. This thread will be for predictions for the upcoming NFL season, and talk for the Pats along with any other news throughout the season. Think of it as the official NFL thread for the upcoming season.

 

Anyway, my predicitons (a star designates a wild card team):

 

AFC

 

East

New England Patriots (11-5)

Miami Dolphins (10-6)

New York Jets (7-9)

Buffalo Bills (6-10)

 

North

Cincinnati Bengals (12-4)

Pittsburgh Steelers* (11-5)

Baltimore Ravens (9-7)

Cleveland Browns (3-13)

 

South

Indianapolis Colts (13-3)

Jacksonville Jaguars (10-6)

Tennessee Titans (7-9)

Houston Texans (5-11)

 

West

Kansas City Chiefs (12-4)

Denver Broncos* (11-5)

San Diego Chargers (8-8)

Oakland Raiders (7-9)

 

NFC

 

East

Dallas Cowboys (12-4)

Washington Redskins* (10-6)

New York Giants (9-7)

Philadelphia Eagles (5-11)

 

North

Chicago Bears (10-6)

Minnesota Vikings (7-9)

Green Bay Packers (7-9)

Detroit Lions (3-13)

 

South

Carolina Panthers (12-4)

Atlanta Falcons* (10-6)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)

New Orleans Saints (6-10)

 

West

Seattle Seahawks (11-5)

Arizona Cardinals (9-7)

St. Louis Rams (7-9)

San Francisco 49ers (1-15)

 

Playoffs

 

Wildcard

Patriots > Broncos

Chiefs > Steelers

Seahawks > Falcons

Redskins > Bears

 

Divisional

Patriots > Colts

Bengals > Chiefs

Redskins > Panthers

Cowboys > Hawks

 

Conference

Patriots > Bengals

Cowboys > Redskins

 

Superbowl

Patriots > Cowboys

 

Don't jump on me. It's very likely that they could win another superbowl. Everyone's healthy, Brady creates wide receivers out of what seems to be nothing, and Bill Belichick is still the head coach.

[jsinger121]

I like Pats to rebound too. If they add Law they will be even better. People are selling this team short. Miami is improved but really don't have enough to overtake the Pats.

[schillingouttheks]

Next year Miami will be a real threat. I'll give Daunte a year to rebound, and THEN be effective.

[Cocos Disciples]

Carolina will make it farther than the 1st round. They're a deep team.

[CrespoBlows]

The Patriots won't win a Superbowl. The defense isn't close to being what it once was, the running game is below average, and that offensive line isn't going to help matters either. I think 11-5 is a bit too optimistic.

 

Looking at the Dolphins, they've got a better running game, better receivers for Culpepper to throw to, and an above-average defense. They've got more then enough to overtake the Patriots.

 

Also, I don't see any team from the NFC South winning more then 10 games. That's the one of the toughest divisions in football. The Falcons suck. They can't win five games. The Wild Card team out of the NFC is going to win 9 games. The only team that's really bad is the 49ers. Everyone else could win 8 games.

[schillingouttheks]

Carolina will make it farther than the 1st round. They're a deep team.

It's called an upset. It's also the Washington f***ing Redskins. You do realize their secondary is quite possibly the best in the NFL (assuming Sean Taylor stays out of trouble), they added Antwaan Randle El AND Brandon Lloyd to go with Santana Moss, and oh yeah, that RB named Clinton Portis. The only question mark is Mark Brunell. If his age lets him stay one more year, this Redskin team could beat anybody.

 

The Cowboys will make a trip to the superbowl this year. I don't care how much of a distraction TO is, Bledsoe and Parcells will keep him in check, and he will help the get to the superbowl.

 

Crespo, I also agree with you in that that's the probable situation for the Pats. Obviously, I have some bias going into this, along with some hope. I just can't count out Belichick's mind. I can't. I will say though, it's going to be hard knowing we can't depend on our kicker as much anymore.

 

If anyone boos Vinatieri when he returns, I'll be irate. He basically won us our first 2 superbowls. I don't see this like the Damon of the Red Sox. I still love you, Adam. I blame the Patriots management for losing that one.

[MANNYHOF24]

The Patriots won't win a Superbowl. The defense isn't close to being what it once was, the running game is below average, and that offensive line isn't going to help matters either. I think 11-5 is a bit too optimistic.

 

Looking at the Dolphins, they've got a better running game, better receivers for Culpepper to throw to, and an above-average defense. They've got more then enough to overtake the Patriots.

 

Also, I don't see any team from the NFC South winning more then 10 games. That's the one of the toughest divisions in football. The Falcons suck. They can't win five games. The Wild Card team out of the NFC is going to win 9 games. The only team that's really bad is the 49ers. Everyone else could win 8 games.

 

I disagree about the Defense, last year the team was 10-6 with so many injuries. I think a healthy Rodney Harison does so much for that D. They have a great D-line with Wilfolk, Green, plus the linebacking core is so solid, with Colvin, Teddy and Vrabel. If we get Ty back our Defense will be great agian. I say 12-4 for the pats. Brady is going to have his best season, and in the regular season we wont miss Adam V. that much, however in the playoffs its really going to hurt.

[KeepTheFaith1229]

Looking at the Dolphins, they've got a better running game, better receivers for Culpepper to throw to, and an above-average defense. They've got more then enough to overtake the Patriots.

 

I agree. I really like Miami's team this year, and I think Saban is a great coach. He won them a few games last year (I cant remember if they were 8-8 or 9-7), with absolutely no quarterback at all. Now they've got their quarterback, and the rest of the team is pretty much the same except for Ronnie Brown stepping in full time at RB, which is a good thing. I see them winning the division this year.

[CrespoBlows]

I disagree about the Defense, last year the team was 10-6 with so many injuries. I think a healthy Rodney Harison does so much for that D. They have a great D-line with Wilfolk, Green, plus the linebacking core is so solid, with Colvin, Teddy and Vrabel. If we get Ty back our Defense will be great agian. I say 12-4 for the pats. Brady is going to have his best season, and in the regular season we wont miss Adam V. that much, however in the playoffs its really going to hurt.

 

Jarvis Green? Him and Wilfolk make a solid rotation, but neither of them are impact defensive linemen. Harrison is a year older, and coming off a bad knee injury. I don't expect him to be what he once was. Colvin's flaws were covered up because he played on the best defense in Chicago. He doesn't tackle well, and it showed these last two years. I don't see greatness in this defense, I see average.

 

Brady will be hard pressed to repeat another 2005. Though, the team will lean on him because their RB's aren't that good.

 

Heh, you say that now, but just wait until Gramatica lines up for his first kick for the Patriots. You'll feel like Jack the Ripper managed to get into your colon. I know firsthand. I watched Gramatica's dreadful decline.

 

This team is a decent team, they could go 10-6, but they aren't a 12 win football team.

[RedRuffing15]

I'd be happy with the Jets going 7-9. It would be a good start twards getting back to playoff form. I'd actually even perfer a non playoff season right now, to get the youth players enough time to be ready for a superbowl run when they do indeed make it, and not just a 1 and done kind of thing.

 

I excited to see how D-Brick and Mangold play out. Especially Mangold, who has huge shoes to fill. We lost Abe and Law, but all things conciderd to me, were still in good shape. We have an great D-line and excellent line backers and a powerful and youth run Defensive Backfield. I feel our defense will be the best its been since maybe even the days of the Sack Exchange.

 

Our offense is a different story though. Quarterback, as I'm sure, your all aware of our situation. Chad, hes one of my favorate guys ever, hes a great ballplayer, but I don't feel anymore he can lead, and Pat Ramseys no more, to me, than a good filler. So right now i say we gotta get Kellen Clemens ready to be a big leaguer. Curtis Martin, sad to say, proabably will never get that Ring, unless hes traded, which, too, is unlikely. But he'll still be able to run good. And Cedric Houston is one hell of a running back, so once C-Marts gone, I'm not worried.

 

But my biggest worry is WR. We have Coles, thats really it. Jerrico Cotchery is a beast, but hes a 3rd at best, same w/ Mccarines. So were pretty much have a 1 and three 3s.

 

But well have to see, and with a new coach, we'll have to see how it goes

[schillingouttheks]

You better believe that the Jets will be making a push for the playoffs this year. They'll try to do it for Martin.

[RedRuffing15]

Boy, I'd love that, especially since I'll have to pay about $35 a game in Sports Bar fees(only Bills-Jets games are televised here)

[CrespoBlows]

I'd be happy with the Jets going 7-9. It would be a good start twards getting back to playoff form. I'd actually even perfer a non playoff season right now, to get the youth players enough time to be ready for a superbowl run when they do indeed make it, and not just a 1 and done kind of thing.

 

I excited to see how D-Brick and Mangold play out. Especially Mangold, who has huge shoes to fill. We lost Abe and Law, but all things conciderd to me, were still in good shape. We have an great D-line and excellent line backers and a powerful and youth run Defensive Backfield. I feel our defense will be the best its been since maybe even the days of the Sack Exchange.

 

Our offense is a different story though. Quarterback, as I'm sure, your all aware of our situation. Chad, hes one of my favorate guys ever, hes a great ballplayer, but I don't feel anymore he can lead, and Pat Ramseys no more, to me, than a good filler. So right now i say we gotta get Kellen Clemens ready to be a big leaguer. Curtis Martin, sad to say, proabably will never get that Ring, unless hes traded, which, too, is unlikely. But he'll still be able to run good. And Cedric Houston is one hell of a running back, so once C-Marts gone, I'm not worried.

 

But my biggest worry is WR. We have Coles, thats really it. Jerrico Cotchery is a beast, but hes a 3rd at best, same w/ Mccarines. So were pretty much have a 1 and three 3s.

 

But well have to see, and with a new coach, we'll have to see how it goes

 

Something good. I loved the Jets draft. I think that Fergueson could be the next Anthony Munoz at the tackle position, and Mangold will be a solid center for the next ten years. Plus, he slides Pete Kendall back to his natural position at guard.

 

Something bad. John Abraham will be missed badly. I don't see the Jets defense being a strong point. (Perhaps, I'm missing something?) Also, I don't believe Cedric Houston will develop into an impact running back. He could be a quality backup though. Bold prediction: The Jets draft Michael Bush in '07, and he's their RB of the future.

 

If I had to guess right now, I'd say the Jets finish 6-10.

[KeepTheFaith1229]

Crespo, you seem to know a lot about football I was wondering if Peterson comes out after his junior year, would he definitely be a top 5 pick?

[jsinger121]

Gramatica is not going to make the team. Gostkowski being a 4th round pick has the edge on the job.

[RedRuffing15]

Something bad. John Abraham will be missed badly. I don't see the Jets defense being a strong point. (Perhaps, I'm missing something?) Also, I don't believe Cedric Houston will develop into an impact running back. He could be a quality backup though. Bold prediction: The Jets draft Michael Bush in '07, and he's their RB of the future.

I guess its mainly youth talent-

Justin Miller is a very fast, very strong younginhttp://img123.imageshack.us/img123/7809/justinmiller19xf.gif

Jon Vilma is very reliable and a great player

Eric Barton is great, as is Victor Hobson. Though Abe was huge, we still have Dwyane Robertson, Shaun Ellis, and Byran Thomas.

 

Ty Law did great, but we also got Andre Dyson, so we'll have to see how he does.

 

 

 

 

 

Oh yea, I'm also curious to see how Mike Nugent does, becuase were going to need him to be like 98% in a few years!!

And we have a great ex-Rugby left-footed punter, Ben Grahmn

[CrespoBlows]

Crespo, you seem to know a lot about football I was wondering if Peterson comes out after his junior year, would he definitely be a top 5 pick?

 

Adrian Peterson, when healthy, is better then Reggie Bush. (pure running skills) I'd say, if he has a good rebound season (he was hurt, and still ran for 1100 yards) he'd be a top three pick. Quinn is probably the early favorite.

[CrespoBlows]

I guess its mainly youth talent-

Justin Miller is a very fast, very strong younginhttp://img123.imageshack.us/img123/7809/justinmiller19xf.gif

Jon Vilma is very reliable and a great player

Eric Barton is great, as is Victor Hobson. Though Abe was huge, we still have Dwyane Robertson, Shaun Ellis, and Byran Thomas.

 

Ty Law did great, but we also got Andre Dyson, so we'll have to see how he does.

 

 

I remember that.

 

Anyway, I could see that defense developing into a strong core. Losing Law, and Abraham will put them back a step, but they should rebound strong in '07. Possibly, a playoff contender if Clemens shows enough his rookie year.

[CrespoBlows]

Gramatica is not going to make the team. Gostkowski being a 4th round pick has the edge on the job.

 

Forgot about him. I watched him play Akron in Memphis' bowl game. That kid's got some leg. Hit a 53 yard FG with absolute ease. He should develop into a great kicker.

 

I pray for all Pats fans that Gramatica doesn't attempt a PAT, let alone a FG.

[jsinger121]

Forgot about him. I watched him play Akron in Memphis' bowl game. That kid's got some leg. Hit a 53 yard FG with absolute ease. He should develop into a great kicker.

 

I pray for all Pats fans that Gramatica doesn't attempt a PAT, let alone a FG.

 

He also kicked a 45 yd in practice to prevent the team from running at the end of practice. if thats not clutch i don't know what clutch is.

[KeepTheFaith1229]

Adrian Peterson, when healthy, is better then Reggie Bush. (pure running skills) I'd say, if he has a good rebound season (he was hurt, and still ran for 1100 yards) he'd be a top three pick. Quinn is probably the early favorite.

 

Hmm, I dunno about better than Bush, but I already picked him for the Heisman this year. You really think he is better than Bush? He probably has more strength and running skills, I've seen him and he's pretty ridiculous when healthy, but better than Bush? I dunno about that...

[CrespoBlows]

He also kicked a 45 yd in practice to prevent the team from running at the end of practice. if thats not clutch i don't know what clutch is.

 

 

He could also help the Patriots out on special teams. He kicked a lot of touchbacks in college.

[CrespoBlows]

Hmm, I dunno about better than Bush, but I already picked him for the Heisman this year. You really think he is better than Bush? He probably has more strength and running skills, I've seen him and he's pretty ridiculous when healthy, but better than Bush? I dunno about that...

 

Peterson is so good, that he could have played in the NFL in 2004. He's a 25-35 carries per game kind of guy. The knock on Bush is that he's an outside runner. Peterson can do both. He's much stronger then Bush, and though not nearly as fast, he's got agility to turn the corners. I'm not saying Bush is going to flop, but he's going to wear down. His frame isn't going to hold up in the NFL. I'd guess that Bush gives you six superb seasons, then he'll decline. He could last longer, but that depends how he's used. He's not a 20 carry running back, so to maximize his potential, he's got to be on the field as a kick returner, and sometimes as a slot receiver. If the Saints just use him as a running back, he could last longer. Peterson, however, can take a beating. For him to come in as a freshman, and almost run for 2,000 yards really shows you how special he is. I think a favorable comparison is a slightly faster Larry Johnson. I could be wrong, but if there ever was a can't miss HOF, this guy is it.

[Cocos Disciples]

It's called an upset. It's also the Washington f***ing Redskins. You do realize their secondary is quite possibly the best in the NFL (assuming Sean Taylor stays out of trouble), they added Antwaan Randle El AND Brandon Lloyd to go with Santana Moss, and oh yeah, that RB named Clinton Portis. The only question mark is Mark Brunell. If his age lets him stay one more year, this Redskin team could beat anybody.

 

Alrighty then, let me put it this way. Carolina and Washington will not meet in the 2nd round.

[MANNYHOF24]

Jarvis Green? Him and Wilfolk make a solid rotation, but neither of them are impact defensive linemen. Harrison is a year older, and coming off a bad knee injury. I don't expect him to be what he once was. Colvin's flaws were covered up because he played on the best defense in Chicago. He doesn't tackle well, and it showed these last two years. I don't see greatness in this defense, I see average.

 

Brady will be hard pressed to repeat another 2005. Though, the team will lean on him because their RB's aren't that good.

 

Heh, you say that now, but just wait until Gramatica lines up for his first kick for the Patriots. You'll feel like Jack the Ripper managed to get into your colon. I know firsthand. I watched Gramatica's dreadful decline.

 

This team is a decent team, they could go 10-6, but they aren't a 12 win football team.

 

I think you are also forgetting Richard Seymore, who is probally the best D-line man in the NFL, so I stick by my prediction 12-4.

[KeepTheFaith1229]

I think you are also forgetting Richard Seymore, who is probally the best D-line man in the NFL, so I stick by my prediction 12-4.

 

There's no way Seymour is better than Peppers or Freeney.

[jsinger121]

There's no way Seymour is better than Peppers or Freeney.

 

He is when he gets triple teams all the time. Just because he does not pile up the sacks does not mean he is behind those two.

[MANNYHOF24]

There's no way Seymour is better than Peppers or Freeney.

 

Freeny plays on the fast track indoors, which definitly helps his sacks number. Seymore is the focal point of the pats D, and faces double teams on every down.

[DUSTINMOHR4LIFE]

peppers is the best lineman in the NFL. Last year, he had over 10 sacks without Kris Jenkins, who is arguably the best DT in the NFL. If Jenkins can stay healthy, Peppers will be MUCH MUCH better then Freeney. He is also unbelievibly athletic. Did you see when they brought him in the red zone as a WIDEOUT? He is just sick. Seymour is also better then freeney.

[DUSTINMOHR4LIFE]

One more thing. In a year or so, Ronnie Brown will be one of the best RB's in the NFL.