I did pretty badly with this last year, predicting that the Giants and Eagles would go into the post-season as winners and wildcard respectively. In the end, the Cowboys surprised and the Giants disappointed to swap places from my predictions. Unfortunately the ‘Skins did no better than I thought they would and were propping up the division.

Let’s see what’s happening for 2010…

New York Giants

The Giants started so promisingly last season, but then it all went wrong as the compiled an 3-8 record in the final 11 weeks. Although they scored good victories against the Redskins and Cowboys, after three easy games (Bucs, Chiefs and Raiders) it was a slippery slope that saw them unable to compete with any serious competition. On the bright side, they did sweep the Cowboys.

The off-season and draft saw the Giants make some steady, augmenting steps. This was not a rebuilding process, but plenty of attention – including 6 of the 7 Draft picks – being spent on the defence. DE Jason Pierre-Paul has great potential, but will need to be coached carefully to get the best out of him. Other picks included linebackers Phillip Dillard and Adrian Tracy that will look to replace the departing Antonio Pierce. Antrel Rolle came in as a free agent, becoming the most expensive Safety in history in in the process. Jim Sorgi also came in from the Colts, continuing his fine career of backing up a Manning.

With only a ‘tweaking’ of the offence, this is a team that feels they can compete on that side of the ball and with the new players coming in on the D, they’ll hope to improve of their middling 13th rating.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys surprised us all last year by turning up and playing when it mattered, and by getting the proverbial monkey of their backs in crunch games. They closed out the regular season with consecutive divisional shut-outs. Beating Washington and then Philadelphia to take the NFC East title. A rematch with the Eagles in the wildcard round saw them finish a three-game sweep against the divisional rivals and set up a game in Minnesota. This win was the first Cowboys’ playoff victory since 1996 and there was a real feeling that the tide had turned. Of course, it wasn’t to be but this is a team that’s looking strong for 2010.

Dez Bryant has come in, and he looks good so far. He’s certainly a rookie to watch. Roy Williams is making the right noises and the D has been deepened with the rest of the draft. They need to improve on takeaways, but it was overall a solid unit last year.
Tony Romo skipped golf for voluntary OTAs! You can’t say much more than that from a guy who looks more and more like a real leader of the team. For me, at the moment… and I hate saying it… the ‘Boys are the team to watch in this division next year.

Philadelphia Eagles

For too many years to remember the offence in Philli has been lead by Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook. Not any more. Westbrook hit that age, and also suffered with injuries a lot last year. Rather amusingly, his official page hasn’t had its stats updated since the 2007 season. McNabb is of course in Washington now.

Last season the Eagles ranked 11th in offence and 12th in defence overall, which is not bad really but this team was all over the place for the first half of the season before making real strides in the second half before it wall went wrong against Dallas.

9 of the Eagles’ whopping 13 draft selections were on defence and the offence is being put in the hands of Kevin Kolb. Kolb was drafted behind Brady Quinn and JaMarcus Russell back in 2007, and he’s been steady if unspectacular so far. All the right talk is coming out of the Eagles’ camp, but it remains to be seen if can lead a young team onwards.

Washington Redskins

I’ve spoken a lot already about some of the changes that the Redskins needed to make, and those that they have made. I won’t dwell too much on this team, as I’m sure I’ll be talking more about them soon enough, but there’s a real sense of optimism coming out of the team. Lots has changed, and that might take a while to bed in but there’s not one player who thinks that the changes aren’t a good thing. OK, there is one player who thinks that and I hope Big Albert gets back on side soon.
Could they take the division? Who knows at this point, but I guess you’re here to find out my opinion. I would say no, but think we’ll be competing up until the final week… Best case is a play-off spot coming the way of Burgandy and Gold.

Predictions (made 20th May 2010)

Thumbnail Credit: lil robs

Yesterday we reported that the Eagles had released Hank Baskett, well the Colts have now snapped him up as cover for Gonzalez.

Philadelphia Eagles
Injured quarter back Donovan McNabb has still not been ruled out of playing against the Saints on Sunday.

While McNabb has played with injuries before a broken rib might have quite a detrimental effect on his game!

San Diego Chargers
LaDainian Tomlinson, Nick Hardwick and Louis Vasquez all missed practice on Thursday after picking up injuries against Oakland.  This might leave them a little light when they face Baltimore in week 2.

Detroit Lions
Sad news that former coach Monte Clark has passed away.  Clark led them to the play-offs twice.  He was 72.

Philadelphia Eagles
Donovan McNabb suffered a broken rib during the game against Carolina. It is not yet known how long he will be out for, but Michael Vick must be getting on edge now.

New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees equalled the Saints single game record throwing six touchdown passes and 358 yards.

New York Jets
We didn’t have the Jets down to win in our predictions, but they proved us wrong. Rookie quarter back Mark Sanchez put in a wonderful performance which might make us have a rethink on the Jets season hopes.

These are based on what we’ve been watching, what we’ve been following, some blind faith and our guts. These are are our predictions for the 12 post-season teams of the 2009 season.

This topic and tables will be locked and not edited once it is published. It will then be used for mocking, gloating, fighting (and probably crying) throughout the course of the season. We’ll come back to this every few weeks to carry out at least one of the above acts.

Andrew’s Predictions

NFC
If you’ve been following my First and Second look articles, then there shouldn’t be any surprises here.

In the NFC, I have the Giants topping the east. I’m hoping that the Redskins can surprise me here and edge a playoff spot, but I don’t really see it. In the west, I’m calling Seattle after a lot of deliberation. I’m also giving a wildcard spot to the Arizona Cardinals, in one of the divisions I’ve struggled with the most. The North is just as bad, I’m going with Green Bay. I’d really have liked longer to make a call on the Vikings’ prospects but here we are…

Finally from one of the hardest to one of the easiest: The Panthers to win in the south.

The final NFC wildcard is very tricky. It’s between the Falcons and the Eagles and as much as I hate to go against the Falcons, I can’t see the NFC East not sending at least two teams. So I’m going with the Eagles.

AFC
Things are easier in the AFC. A little bit, anyway – I see all four divisions as two-horse races

The Pats to take win the AFC East. I’m taking a gamble here (of a sort) that Brady is back to something like his best, but I’m confident with it. I see the Titans edging out the Colts in the south, though I’m putting the Colts in the wildcard mix and they can never be counted out.

The north will see the Ravens as winners, beating the Steelers into second – this will be a close division though. Finally the west will crown the Chargers, because… well, because there’s really no-one else there who can mount a serious challenge.

The wildcard spot is a three-way battle (sorry Denver) between the Steelers, Dolphins and Colts. Like last year, I see a valiant AFC East team being left out – the Steelers and the Colts going into the post-season. I’m sorry Graham, I don’t see the Dolphins there… but at least the ‘Skins won’t be there either!
I wish there was room for the Texans, but I don’t see it this year.

Graham on Andrew’s Predictions…
Not much to disagree with here (other than the Dolphins not making the play offs). I have gone with some different choices, but it is difficult to predict at this early stage.  It will be interesting to see what our readers think, I am sure there are a few who could beat us hands down.

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Graham’s Predictions

NFC
In the East I can see the Dallas Cowboys being bouyed by their new home and looking for a good season to overcome the tragic events at their practice facility. Can they beat the NY Giants in the NFC East? Well I don’t think so, but I do see them taking one of the wildcard spots.

Heading to the North I am going with the Green Bay Packers.  I also think the arrival of Jay Cutler at the Bears will bring some improvement, but not enough for a wildcard.

In the south I have to agree with Andrew on the Panthers.  I am hoping for a good season from Tampa Bay though as I am hoping for a great game at Wembley Stadium this year.  It is a Bucs’ home game so – sorry Pats fans – I will be supporting them.

Finally to the NFC West.  I am going with Arizona.  I am looking for some 49ers improvement this season and was tempted to pick them as my second wildcard, but I think it will be out of reach this time.

With the above in mind, my second wildcard pick goes to the Atlanta Falcons.

AFC
Starting in the East, I am going to upset Pats fans again here.  I would agree that Tom Brady is the best, but he is not Superman.  A year off will leave him hungry but maybe a bit rusty.  Miami will be looking to build on last years amazing improvement and now have a team strong enough to do even more damage.  Yes they have a tough schedule, but I still see them taking the AFC East again with the Pats in a wildcard spot.

In the North I am also going with the Ravens. I also think the South will be as Andrew predicted with the Titans winning and the Colts taking the second wildcard.

In the West the Raiders should storm it… only joking. Sadly I can see the Raiders taking the Lions’ place as also-rans this season, things seem far from settled in Oakland.  The Chargers should wrap the West up without too much trouble.

Andrew on Graham’s Predictions…
I think you’re letting your heart rule your head re: Miami and I think the Steelers won’t make the mistakes of a few years ago and will be in the post-season in some way.

I’m glad you’ve picked Atlanta though. I only just left them out

I have Dallas battling the Washington for 3rd place in the NFC East too, so I’m not sure about that. Otherwise it’s hard to argue with your picks. Like you said: I bet there are readers who could beat us. They should be writing these articles!

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In the QB battles…

Matthew Stafford struggled against Cleveland, being out-performed by Daunte Culpepper and also by Drew Stanton. On the other side of the field, Derek Anderson was given more attempts and moved the ball well but threw an interception. Brady Quinn only had a handful of attempts, so it’s hard to judge him.

So Culpepper moves in front in Detroit, but probably still too early to call in Cleveland yet.

The Indianapolis Colts did well against an under-strength Eagles. The question of how they’d adjust to the coaching changes seems to be being answered with “Just fine, thanks.”

Matt Cassel looked like a starter again against the Vikings, but most people were watching for another new QB: Brett Favre didn’t play much, but just seeing him in purple was strange. Tarvaris Jackson had a great game, and with rumours circulating that he could be released he reminded everyone out there that sometimes, he’s a decent option.

Elsewhere…

Miami looked good all around against the Carolina Panthers too. Our favourites Ronnie Brown and DeAngelo Williams both did well.

San Diego looked very good against the Cardinals, besting them on both sides of the ball. Of course it’s hard to read too much into these games, but our predictions looked true from this game. The same could apply to the Seahawks who also looked very nice against the Broncos. Kyle Orton looked better – a lot better – than he did last week. So did Jay Cutler in his Soldier Field debut.

The Redskins looked better, but still not great. The 17-13 win over the Steelers papers over the cracks a bit but still… no panic yet.

Chad Ochocinco is the star this week. The frankly bonkers receiver performed some kicking duties this week against the Patriots. He converted a PAT, and also kick-off that went at least a par distance. Watch it at nfl.com.

It’s great to see him enjoying himself.

Wait, Vick is an Eagle?
At an apparent $1.5m for the season, Vick is probably a bargain as long as the Eagles’ PR machine can cope with any backlash that will come. And it will come. The ethical question is one that I thought about last week when I was asked how I’d feel if he signed for the Redskins, and the honest answer was that I don’t know.

Whilst he does have gifts, and can add something to a team, and whilst he’s been found guilty and served his time accordingly and subsequently said the right things whenever asked. Whilst in theory he should be allowed a second chance, I think I’d have struggled to root for him. There’s something about the nature of his crimes that doesn’t sit right to me. No, it’s not PETA-style reaction to cruelty to animals, it’s something more basic than that: The cruelty and deliberation of the whole affair.

But anyway, I can stop worrying as he’s now an Eagle. Well, I might worry twice a season if he turns out on the pitch. Especially as he’s on at the same time as McNabb, which has been suggested by the big guy himself. If one of them starts scrambling, you wouldn’t have a clue what was going to happen next and the defense would have to be 100% alert to prevent a big play against them.

Donovan McNabb is apparently happy with the whole situation and is even claiming some credit for the idea. With his new deal in place, he’s obviously feeling fairly secure in his place and rightly so.

We don’t know how much Vick has lost in his time out from the game. He’ll still be fit, but may be lacking in stamina. He might be half a step behind and will have a new playbook to learn too. We don’t really know where his place is going to be, though it’s thought he’ll compete for the 3rd QB spot. If we do see him play, it’ll be interesting how the the notoriously outspoken Eagles’ fans react to him: In particular, his first appearance and any good plays that he makes.

Wait, Favre is a Viking?
Brett Favre… I really thought we were finished talking about him, and celebrated as much when it was first said he wouldn’t be joining the Vikings’ training camp. Turns out I’d missed the “not yet.” part of that statement.

“If you’re a true Packer fan, you understand.” – Brett Favre, on signing for the Vikings.

No, I’m not sure what this means either. I can think of several interpretations, but none of them seem to ring true at this point. So I’m going to assume that it’s an attempt to not damage his legacy in Green Bay by making a call to be “true Packer fans” and stick with the team ahead of individual players who’ve moved on. Or something.

Favre goes into Minnesota as the starter, and Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels are now officially competing for the backup position. That’s tough on those guys, but something they were presumbably prepared for.

At a reported $12M for the first year, bring him in is a risk. He’s going to be 40 by the time he next plays at Lambeau Field and there were many – me included – who thought he ran truly out of steam last season. Whether he’s got another year in him is a big question. He’s ably assisted though, and will get to hand off to Adrian Peterson and to throw to a receiving core that has been steadily improved over the last few seasons to the point that they look pretty strong now. Of course, last year’s Jets team looked pretty sharp on paper too…

But like or him or hate him (or just be bored with him at this point) there’s no doubting that he’s a news cycle all by himself. And there is the added bonus that a match that is already looked forward to has gained all new significance for this season: November the 1st is when Favre will run out again at Lambeau Field… dressed in purple. That is now a truly must-watch game.

The Redskins still have Jason Campbell at QB, despite showing interest at several other options, none of which came off. Campbell is entering the last year of his contract looking to improve on last year’s showing, and establish himself as the leader and starter for the next few years.
James Thrash has been released, and will probably retire.
Long standing Tackle Jon Jansen has been released (and snapped up by the Lions). There are ongoing rumours of a rift between coach Jim Zorn and Clinton Portis, but rumour only and probably not worth worrying about… yet.

Donovan McNabb is getting paid! Yessir, the Eagles are sending some money his way, putting to rest the controversy that surrounded him last season: he’s their starter, end of discussion. Who he’s going to throw to is something else though. This looks like an offense that might struggle if Westbrook doesn’t show up.

The Cowboys’ new stadium has been officially opened, and the enormous screen has had an Xbox 360 hooked up to (something we all thought off when seeing it, I’m sure). There is a feeling of unity coming out of the camp, and they’ll be hoping that leads to good things on the field. Roy Williams is fighting fit, and has been working with Romo to develop a relationship. He needs to do well, and Patrick Crayton and Miles Austin will have to do their part too.

The Giants have been very quietly going about their business. Osi Umenyiora looks well after missing 2008, and first round pick Hakeem Nicks is also looking promising, though is still without a contract in place. Something to watch.

Summary
There’s not much to change from my initials thoughts. If anything, I could edge the Redskins past the Cowboys, but I’m going to leave them as is for now.

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The lovely Kendra Wilkinson

Kendra likes to drive them balls...

It’s unlikely that losing either one will make a huge difference to my predictions but personally I’d like to see the Eagles with as few weapons as possible. It has been pointed out that Hank would be a cheaper option than Reggie… if that becomes a factor.

But, I hear you say, surely this article is a thinly-veiled premise to post Kendra pics… well, maybe.

However, there are odds posted and it’s worth getting our thoughts together at this stage, so let’s check them out!

The Giants have lost Burress – probably Toomer too – but have drafted well, including using their first round pick to take Hakeem Nicks at WR. They also have a new defensive co-ordinator as Spagnola has gone to coach the Rams. But there is no real reason to assume that the D will fall off from last year when they were most impressive. They are certainly one of 3 or 4 teams that are genuine contenders, and I’ll keep an eye out as the off-season progresses.

I can’t buy the Cowboys this year, not for anything more than early post-season disappointment at best. Not only because I’m a Redskins’ fan, but there are too many questions surrounding them. Romo has yet to prove himself in a clinch… in fact, the entire team fell apart in the final game last season. Roy Williams didn’t establish himself at all, and needs to step up with T.O. gone, but like I mentioned… too many questions.
However, since the Cowboys always have strong support and strong optimism a lay bet on NFC Champions is worth it if you can get a price you like.

The Eagles have added a lot of personnel to their offense. They may take time to settle in, but are looking more potent than they did last season, and they were by no means feeble in 2008. What they were though, was inconsistent and careless with the ball. They’ll need to sort both of those issues out before they can be considered serious contenders. I fancy them to be strong in this division, probably 2nd, but I’m not sure about beyond that. However, a good start could see me revise my opinion. I’ll be keeping an eye on them.

Redskins… I’m preparing myself for a similar season to last – a good start, then fading away to a 8-9 or 7-9 record. The NFC East is always tough, but it hurts me to say that the ‘Skins are by far the poor relative in this rich division. But you just don’t know what twists and turns there are going to be!
Orapku was a great pickup with the limited picks they had, and they’ve taken steps to address receiver issues in free agency, but there are still questions about Campbell who, along with the rest of the team, seemed to take a big step backwards the end of last season (Skins were 2-6 in the second half of last year). We could really go either way, but I’d like to see Zorn given this season at least without anything hanging over him… whether that will be the case or not remains to be seen.

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