Another 'no nothing' prediction of the NFC East

dblanch66 · 08-30-2005, 03:43 PM

Found this on the AP today. No new insights.

Eagles Expected to Romp Again in NFC East
Tuesday, August 30, 2005 12:05 PM EDT
The Associated Press
By BARRY WILNER

Donovan McNabb probably could throw his passes left-handed to Terrell Owens, who could carry a mirror downfield admiring himself, and the Eagles still would win this division.

An exaggeration? Sure. But one that emphasizes how lopsided the NFC East race figures to be again this season. By Thanksgiving, Philadelphia could be celebrating a fifth straight division crown.

It isn't just that the Eagles have the best overall roster in the East, filled with leaders, and an excellent coaching staff. They also know how to win, and getting to the Super Bowl last winter will be a further boost.

Besides, the other three division members are, at best, mediocre. The Giants have questions all over on defense and on the offensive line, and a relative novice — albeit a very talented one — at quarterback. The Cowboys also have a lot of holes and leadership questions. Washington seems good enough to send Joe Gibbs back to NASCAR very soon.

The Eagles swept their divisional games in 2004 and are quite capable of a repeat. Even with the tumult Owens has caused and season-ending injuries to Todd Pinkston and Correll Buckhalter, they far and away are the class of the East.

That's most noticeable defensively. Philly's secondary, led by Brian Dawkins and Michael Lewis at safety, is the league's best. Jeremiah Trotter was sensational at middle linebacker when inserted into the lineup in midseason. Defensive end Jevon Kearse should be more of a menace in his second season with the team, and the line is versatile and deep, even without Corey Simon, who was granted free agency Sunday.

Coordinator Jim Johnson will call for blitzes and more blitzes.

"We know we are a nasty defense. We know we are a good defense, but last year we didn't have enough takeaways," Trotter said. "That's a focus for us this year, getting the ball."

When they get it, McNabb will hand it or throw it to do-everything back Brian Westbrook, a perfect player for Philly's scheme. Or he'll find L.J. Smith, a tight end ready to emerge.

And then there is T.O. Somehow, despite all the turmoil this summer, there's a belief that Owens will be as dynamic as ever — maybe if only to stick it to the organization he's upset with for not renegotiating a $49 million contract.

Few coaches could steer a team through such dysfunction, but Andy Reid is masterful handling myriad personalities. Besides, only Owens really is disruptive.

"I can't sit here and try to tell you what Terrell is going to do," said Dawkins, an All-Pro. "Only Terrell knows what he is going to do."

Whatever he does, it will make headlines.

The main headlines coming out of Dallas could be whether Bill Parcells will stick it out beyond this season if the Cowboys are losers again. Same thing for Gibbs in D.C. And from the Meadowlands, the focus will be on just how far Eli Manning has progressed.

Manning is nursing a sore elbow, robbing him of valuable practice time. He played poorly for the first four games of his stint as a starter last season, but came on in the final three to raise hopes in New York.

Unfortunately for Giants fans, this team doesn't appear ready to have a winning record, particularly if it has injuries. Other than Michael Strahan, who comes off a torn pectoral muscle that cost him half of last season, there are no defensive stars — although linebacker Antonio Pierce was a solid addition and rookie Justin Tuck has had a strong summer.

Tiki Barber, a superb all-around back in his prime, is the best offensive weapon, and WR Plaxico Burress could be a nice complement for tight end Jeremy Shockey if he has his head on straight.

Coach Tom Coughlin needs more peace between players and staff than he had last season, and he can't afford to overwork Barber. Even if the Giants don't reach .500, if Manning develops, the year will be worthwhile.

Parcells has been in midseason form this summer, bemoaning all kinds of perceived problems with his club. He has some big-time playmakers in safety Roy Williams, running back Julius Jones, tight end Jason Witten and, quite possibly, first-round pick DeMarcus Ware. He has been unstoppable as a 3-4 end or linebacker during the preseason.

Parcells also has little support for Williams in the secondary, and while Williams might be the best run defender at his position in the NFL, he's not so hot in coverage.

Also, the Cowboys have key players with lots of wear, starting with quarterback Drew Bledsoe and extending to wide receivers Terry Glenn and Keyshawn Johnson, guard Larry Allen, defensive tackle La'Roi Glover and nose tackle Jason Ferguson.

"We've got a few moving parts," Parcells says. "I wish it wasn't quite this many."

One of the major moving parts in Washington could be Gibbs, the franchise's most successful coach in his first stint. Another stinker like 2004 could drive him back to Tony Stewart and Bobby Labonte.

The Redskins have that potential, too. Their defense, coordinated by Gregg Williams, is just fine and gets back linebacker LaVar Arrington to complement linebacker Marcus Washington, cornerback Shawn Springs and, if he doesn't get sentenced to jail time for threatening someone with a gun in a dispute over an all-terrain vehicle, safety Sean Taylor.

But the offense, Gibbs' baby, has been weak. Neither Patrick Ramsey nor Mark Brunell seems to be the answer at quarterback. If that doesn't change, would Gibbs go with Jason Campbell, the rookie from Auburn he traded up to get in the draft?

Running back Clinton Portis should get 1,200 yards rushing behind an upgraded line that has a healthy tackle in Jon Jansen this year. But few teams will be as dismal throwing it, and the special teams need upgrading.

———

Predictions: Philadelphia (12-4); New York (7-9); Dallas (7-9); Washington (5-11).

Redskins_P · 08-30-2005, 03:58 PM

Talk about knowing nothing. With our upgraded line Portis will rush for less yards than last year?

What BS.

steveo395 · 08-30-2005, 04:04 PM

wow this guys a moron

GoSkins! · 08-30-2005, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redskins_P

Talk about knowing nothing. With our upgraded line Portis will rush for less yards than last year?

What BS.

Yeah and special teams need upgrading???? Has this guy looked at anything that we did during the offseason?

I guess it's just another guy writing something based solely on last years Win/Lose record.

He is a real idiot. Opinion is one thing, but mis-stating the facts are bogus.

firstdown · 08-30-2005, 04:05 PM

I had a thought the other day on Gibbs. He signed a 5 yr contract and then traded up to get Campbell. If he was thinking of leaving after two years why would he draft a rookey QB which takes a couple of years to get going. my feeling is that Gibbs is going to give Ramsey his chance and if he fails Campbell will be his guy. He will use the second half of this season to get him acclimated with the NFL and then will have three more years to make a run at the SB.I do not see Gibbs throwing in the towel after just two years he has to much pride and these guys making this prediction should know that.

scowan · 08-30-2005, 04:12 PM

This team will be better than last year. The only question to me is if the Skins can put more than 20 points on the board each game, which they could not do last year. The only scary thing is they haven't done it in preseason yet. If they can, then our defense can win us some games. You have to think that the Bears game and the 49ers game are wins, and if the Skins can just split with the Boys and the Giants, then you have 4 wins right there. If they could somehow win another 5, which won't be easy then you have 9-7 which could make the playoffs in another year of the NFC being weak. Somewhere in there the Skins have to step up and win the close one this year and not get beat down the strech. I think Gibbs will have them better prepared than other teams and that may help that happen afew times. 9-7 would thrill me right now.

SkinsRock · 08-30-2005, 04:19 PM

What an uninformed article from obviously a Philly fan. All three challengers to the NFC East crown will be tougher than this idiot thinks....even most of the "experts" say that. This guy obviously took what he has read and arranged it nicely while looking through his Eagle green glasses.

This article deserves to go here:

wolfeskins · 08-30-2005, 07:28 PM

just another dumbass to be proven wrong, it's frustrating getting all this disrespect but it's going to be that much sweeter proving all the naysayers wrong.

mooby · 08-30-2005, 08:21 PM

right now i'm focusing on the positives. i could give two shits about what this guy thinks, i don't care about his opinions, because after all, it's just his opinion. it's worthless.

STPainmaker · 08-30-2005, 08:24 PM

This guy definitely wears eagles underoos under his skirt when he goes out.

skinsguy · 08-30-2005, 08:59 PM

Well, it's a no-brainer review isn't guys? I mean, how easy is it to just pick who was best last year. I guess it falls under the category of "until I see something different." In all fairness, as long as Owens is playing for the Eagles, they'll probably be tough to be once more. I don't see them ruling the NFC for another three or four years though. As bad as our offense was last year, we should have beat them in both games last year....so even though everybody on the outside looking in feels that the rest of the teams in the NFC East are miles away from catchin' the Eagles, we all know at least one of those teams (preferrably us) is getting closer!

08-30-2005, 03:43 PM	#1
dblanch66 The Starter Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Phoenix, AZ Age: 58 Posts: 1,176	Another 'no nothing' prediction of the NFC East Found this on the AP today. No new insights. Eagles Expected to Romp Again in NFC East Tuesday, August 30, 2005 12:05 PM EDT The Associated Press By BARRY WILNER Donovan McNabb probably could throw his passes left-handed to Terrell Owens, who could carry a mirror downfield admiring himself, and the Eagles still would win this division. An exaggeration? Sure. But one that emphasizes how lopsided the NFC East race figures to be again this season. By Thanksgiving, Philadelphia could be celebrating a fifth straight division crown. It isn't just that the Eagles have the best overall roster in the East, filled with leaders, and an excellent coaching staff. They also know how to win, and getting to the Super Bowl last winter will be a further boost. Besides, the other three division members are, at best, mediocre. The Giants have questions all over on defense and on the offensive line, and a relative novice — albeit a very talented one — at quarterback. The Cowboys also have a lot of holes and leadership questions. Washington seems good enough to send Joe Gibbs back to NASCAR very soon. The Eagles swept their divisional games in 2004 and are quite capable of a repeat. Even with the tumult Owens has caused and season-ending injuries to Todd Pinkston and Correll Buckhalter, they far and away are the class of the East. That's most noticeable defensively. Philly's secondary, led by Brian Dawkins and Michael Lewis at safety, is the league's best. Jeremiah Trotter was sensational at middle linebacker when inserted into the lineup in midseason. Defensive end Jevon Kearse should be more of a menace in his second season with the team, and the line is versatile and deep, even without Corey Simon, who was granted free agency Sunday. Coordinator Jim Johnson will call for blitzes and more blitzes. "We know we are a nasty defense. We know we are a good defense, but last year we didn't have enough takeaways," Trotter said. "That's a focus for us this year, getting the ball." When they get it, McNabb will hand it or throw it to do-everything back Brian Westbrook, a perfect player for Philly's scheme. Or he'll find L.J. Smith, a tight end ready to emerge. And then there is T.O. Somehow, despite all the turmoil this summer, there's a belief that Owens will be as dynamic as ever — maybe if only to stick it to the organization he's upset with for not renegotiating a $49 million contract. Few coaches could steer a team through such dysfunction, but Andy Reid is masterful handling myriad personalities. Besides, only Owens really is disruptive. "I can't sit here and try to tell you what Terrell is going to do," said Dawkins, an All-Pro. "Only Terrell knows what he is going to do." Whatever he does, it will make headlines. The main headlines coming out of Dallas could be whether Bill Parcells will stick it out beyond this season if the Cowboys are losers again. Same thing for Gibbs in D.C. And from the Meadowlands, the focus will be on just how far Eli Manning has progressed. Manning is nursing a sore elbow, robbing him of valuable practice time. He played poorly for the first four games of his stint as a starter last season, but came on in the final three to raise hopes in New York. Unfortunately for Giants fans, this team doesn't appear ready to have a winning record, particularly if it has injuries. Other than Michael Strahan, who comes off a torn pectoral muscle that cost him half of last season, there are no defensive stars — although linebacker Antonio Pierce was a solid addition and rookie Justin Tuck has had a strong summer. Tiki Barber, a superb all-around back in his prime, is the best offensive weapon, and WR Plaxico Burress could be a nice complement for tight end Jeremy Shockey if he has his head on straight. Coach Tom Coughlin needs more peace between players and staff than he had last season, and he can't afford to overwork Barber. Even if the Giants don't reach .500, if Manning develops, the year will be worthwhile. Parcells has been in midseason form this summer, bemoaning all kinds of perceived problems with his club. He has some big-time playmakers in safety Roy Williams, running back Julius Jones, tight end Jason Witten and, quite possibly, first-round pick DeMarcus Ware. He has been unstoppable as a 3-4 end or linebacker during the preseason. Parcells also has little support for Williams in the secondary, and while Williams might be the best run defender at his position in the NFL, he's not so hot in coverage. Also, the Cowboys have key players with lots of wear, starting with quarterback Drew Bledsoe and extending to wide receivers Terry Glenn and Keyshawn Johnson, guard Larry Allen, defensive tackle La'Roi Glover and nose tackle Jason Ferguson. "We've got a few moving parts," Parcells says. "I wish it wasn't quite this many." One of the major moving parts in Washington could be Gibbs, the franchise's most successful coach in his first stint. Another stinker like 2004 could drive him back to Tony Stewart and Bobby Labonte. The Redskins have that potential, too. Their defense, coordinated by Gregg Williams, is just fine and gets back linebacker LaVar Arrington to complement linebacker Marcus Washington, cornerback Shawn Springs and, if he doesn't get sentenced to jail time for threatening someone with a gun in a dispute over an all-terrain vehicle, safety Sean Taylor. But the offense, Gibbs' baby, has been weak. Neither Patrick Ramsey nor Mark Brunell seems to be the answer at quarterback. If that doesn't change, would Gibbs go with Jason Campbell, the rookie from Auburn he traded up to get in the draft? Running back Clinton Portis should get 1,200 yards rushing behind an upgraded line that has a healthy tackle in Jon Jansen this year. But few teams will be as dismal throwing it, and the special teams need upgrading. ——— Predictions: Philadelphia (12-4); New York (7-9); Dallas (7-9); Washington (5-11).

08-30-2005, 03:58 PM	#2
Redskins_P Fight for old DC! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Aldie, VA Age: 46 Posts: 4,101	Re: Another 'no nothing' prediction of the NFC East Talk about knowing nothing. With our upgraded line Portis will rush for less yards than last year? What BS.

08-30-2005, 04:04 PM	#3
steveo395 The Starter Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,674	Re: Another 'no nothing' prediction of the NFC East wow this guys a moron

08-30-2005, 04:05 PM	#5
firstdown Living Legend Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: chesapeake, va Age: 60 Posts: 15,817	Re: Another 'no nothing' prediction of the NFC East I had a thought the other day on Gibbs. He signed a 5 yr contract and then traded up to get Campbell. If he was thinking of leaving after two years why would he draft a rookey QB which takes a couple of years to get going. my feeling is that Gibbs is going to give Ramsey his chance and if he fails Campbell will be his guy. He will use the second half of this season to get him acclimated with the NFL and then will have three more years to make a run at the SB.I do not see Gibbs throwing in the towel after just two years he has to much pride and these guys making this prediction should know that.

08-30-2005, 04:12 PM	#6
scowan The Starter Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: KY Age: 55 Posts: 1,559	Re: Another 'no nothing' prediction of the NFC East This team will be better than last year. The only question to me is if the Skins can put more than 20 points on the board each game, which they could not do last year. The only scary thing is they haven't done it in preseason yet. If they can, then our defense can win us some games. You have to think that the Bears game and the 49ers game are wins, and if the Skins can just split with the Boys and the Giants, then you have 4 wins right there. If they could somehow win another 5, which won't be easy then you have 9-7 which could make the playoffs in another year of the NFC being weak. Somewhere in there the Skins have to step up and win the close one this year and not get beat down the strech. I think Gibbs will have them better prepared than other teams and that may help that happen afew times. 9-7 would thrill me right now.

08-30-2005, 04:19 PM	#7
SkinsRock Impact Rookie Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Crofton, MD Age: 55 Posts: 907	Re: Another 'no nothing' prediction of the NFC East What an uninformed article from obviously a Philly fan. All three challengers to the NFC East crown will be tougher than this idiot thinks....even most of the "experts" say that. This guy obviously took what he has read and arranged it nicely while looking through his Eagle green glasses. This article deserves to go here:

08-30-2005, 07:28 PM	#8
wolfeskins The Starter Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: chesapeake,va. Posts: 2,160	Re: Another 'no nothing' prediction of the NFC East just another dumbass to be proven wrong, it's frustrating getting all this disrespect but it's going to be that much sweeter proving all the naysayers wrong. __________________ Hail to Allen/Shanahan .... bring in some baby hogs and load up on diesel fuel !!! (budw38)

08-30-2005, 08:21 PM	#9
mooby Hug Anne Spyder Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 20,468	Re: Another 'no nothing' prediction of the NFC East right now i'm focusing on the positives. i could give two shits about what this guy thinks, i don't care about his opinions, because after all, it's just his opinion. it's worthless. __________________ Hail to the Football Team

08-30-2005, 08:24 PM	#10
STPainmaker Impact Rookie Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 524	Re: Another 'no nothing' prediction of the NFC East This guy definitely wears eagles underoos under his skirt when he goes out. __________________ REDSKINS FOR LIFE BEEETCH!!!!

08-30-2005, 08:59 PM	#11
skinsguy Pro Bowl Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Greensboro, North Carolina Posts: 6,766	Re: Another 'no nothing' prediction of the NFC East Well, it's a no-brainer review isn't guys? I mean, how easy is it to just pick who was best last year. I guess it falls under the category of "until I see something different." In all fairness, as long as Owens is playing for the Eagles, they'll probably be tough to be once more. I don't see them ruling the NFC for another three or four years though. As bad as our offense was last year, we should have beat them in both games last year....so even though everybody on the outside looking in feels that the rest of the teams in the NFC East are miles away from catchin' the Eagles, we all know at least one of those teams (preferrably us) is getting closer! __________________ "Fire Up That Diesel!"

Another 'no nothing' prediction of the NFC East

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