OT: A little insight on your arch rivals

[la73hof]

Opening day '03 opponent: Falcons minus Vick
Opening day '04 opponen: Minnesota Vikings

Analysis: A top 3 offense vs Doug Johnson led falcons team, a game we still lost. Johnson did nothing after that game and the Falcons to to Kurt frigging Kittner Also, a QC lead '03 team vs Vinny. The Vikings have devastated us with the ofense, and nothing has changed. Advantage- Vikes

Game 2 '03 NY Giants
Game 2 '04 Cleveland Browns

Both teams were coming off opening day victories and were riding high...The Giants beat the Rams and Cleveland beat the Ravens who along with Jamal Lewis had owned the Browns. The Giants were the best of 2 opponents and if it was a gaffe by Matt Bryant, we lose that game after squandering a big 2nd half lead.

We dominated the Browns but had to squeak out a victory because of VT INTS and no running game

Advantage- Giants

Game 3 '03 Jets
Game 3 '04- Redskins

The Redkins without a doubt were the better of our 2 opponents. They had the #1 rated D going into the game...amd if it wasnt for 2 gifts we got fro the refs, we lose that game...Brunnel had 325 yards passing, Portis had 94 rushing

The '03 Jets were without Pennington, their OL was banged up which was exhibit A on why Martin was a non-factor that game. The Jets were also giving up over 160 a game on the ground...and the Jets along with the Skins (twice were the only 2 teams to give up 100+ ayrd rushing days to Troy Hambrick.

Speaks Volumes, Huh?

Advantage- Skins

Game 4 '04--Cardinals
Game 4 '04- Giants

I dont even feel the need to justify this one

Game 5 '03--Lions
Game 5 '04-- Steelers

Ditto

So, 4 of the 5 games based on SOS go to the '04 tougher schedule

I have mentioned till Im blue in the face that we were the beneficiaries of a schedule that was tough on paper going into the '03 season but wound up being soft(in '02, the Jets, Giants and Falcons were playoff teams) but because of injuries and just plain good fortune (Giants) we got off to a quick start

The Lions and Cards picked 3 and 6th overall..self explanatory

Now, the '04 schedule was a lamb on paper but has turned tough

Minny and their O was going to rough us up and that came true..Cleveland 1-0 going into the game...Redskins 1-2 but had the number 1 D going into the game..Giants 3-1 going into our game and had a league leading 13 TO's forced along with (IMHO) the 1st quarter MVP Tiki Barber and 4th running the ball coming in..

Your thoughts....