NFL 2009

Posted by: JamieL_v2 on 15 September 2009

I know a lot of people here will not be fans, but I know there are a few who are, so I though a thread for the new season would get some interesting contributions.

Not quite seen all the week one results, but Pittsburgh looked strong, as did Tennessee, great opener.

Here are some predictions I posted on another (small) forum:

NFC
The NFC has few stand out teams, a lot falling back, and a few rebuilding. The South is strong, as is the East, the North competitive, only the West has a number of weak teams. New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers I think will be in the play-offs, the rest will be very close, with a handful of poor teams at the bottom.

NFC East:
New York Giants
Dallas Cowboys
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Redskins

Close division, but they are all tough. The Giants will probably be the most consistent team. Dallas still have a lot of talented players, it is just whether they will gel into a team. I just don't believe that Phildelphia will be anything special, McNabb is getting old. Washington will find it a hard division to compete in, but we not be bad.

NFC North
Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions

I think Green Bay will build on last year, Minnesota's running game will be good. I don't think Jay Cutler is the final piece needed for Chicago, I think he will be disruptive, I do think that Detroit will win more games than last year (they lost all 16 for those who do not know).

NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
New Orleans Saints
Carloina Panthers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I think that each team has won this division at least once in the last five years. Tampa might be rebuilding under a new coach, but the other three are all competitive.

NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Seattle Seahawks
San Francisco 49'ers
St Loius Rams

Arizona will not take teams by suprise this year, but will be good, and do not have a lot of competition in the division.

Division winners: New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals
Wild Cards: Minnesota Vikings, and one of Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, Carloina Panthers - it is that even.
Weak teams: Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49'ers, St Loius Rams

AFC
Steelers, Patriots, Chargers are the class of the AFC, an awful lot of other good teams, and oh dear, how the AFC West has fallen. San Diego can book their playoff birth now (you don't know how that pains me to say)

AFC East:
New England Patriots
Miami Dolphins
New York Jets
Buffalo Bills

With Brady back The Patriots will be the class of the division again, Miami will be good, the Jets are rebuilding, will have as lot of pieces though, and Buffalo will probably start strong and fade as they often do. Strong division.

AFC North:
Pittsburgh Steelers
Baltimore Ravens
Cleveland Browns
Cincinnati Bengals

The Steelers are just a great consistent team, brilliantly run, a coach who has the confidence that he will be backed, a quarterback who is just a winner. I know they won last year, but hard to pick against them. The Ravens will be tough, play hard football and give Pittsburgh a run for the division. Cleveland and Cincinnati are so, so.

AFC South:
Tennessee Titans
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Houston Texans

A lot of talent in this division, I think the Titans will remain good, Jeff Fisher is such a good coach, the Colts are still very strong. Jacksonville will be much stronger than last year's disarray, and Houston have a tough job to complete against such strong teams.

AFC West:
San Diego Chargers
Kansas City Chiefs
Denver Broncos
Oakland Raiders

The AFC Worst as it was known last year, San Diego are head and shoulders above the rest, who are all rebuilding, or in the case of Oakland, just a mess. Denver so long a contender have fallen apart since the sacking of Shannahan, good riddance to Cutler, but they do not have a replacement, a long season ahead.

Division winners: New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, San Diego Chargers
Wild cards: Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts (Dolphins could be there too).

The NFL looks more open and even than it has for years, there are few teams that can be pencilled in division winners, last years winners Pittsbugh are hard to pick against, and San Diego are very good in a division with no opposition. New England will be back, but the Dolphins are a good team to challenge. Indianalpolis will be strong, but have a new coach, so it might not gel as under Dungy. The NFC is grown stranger over the last few years, and the best teams are on a par with the AFC's best.

Looking back at my picks for last year, they were so wrong, this year will be no better. Some teams who looked like no-hoper's will rise, and some team who look like winners will get key injuries, or fall apart. Remember how Dallas looked sure to win the Superbowl this time last year, but didn't even make the playoffs.

If I had to pick a Superbowl it would be New York Giants vs Pittsburgh Steelers, but that is a dull pick, as it is the last two winners against each other. They are both the team to beat in their conference, but a lot of teams will run them close.

Teams in italic are weak and will not compete.

Since writing that, I must add that Green bay look like a very strong contender for the Superbowl too. I may also have under-rated Seattle who have gained some good players. I wrote this before Favre joined Minnesota, he might be a good fit there as the running game should stop him from having to try win in the 4th quarter, but I still think is gambles too much, and will throw a lot of interceptions.

Speaking of interceptions, I did see jay Cuttler's first half at Chicago. Ha, ha, not so great without the rest of the Denver offense. (I am now going to catch the second half, and will probably have to eat my works - but I don;t think so really).

There are teams I have disliked in the past, but this year there is one I am saving nearly all my spleen for, I will not forgive what I consider unforgivable, and I neither like the coach or the incumbent QB, let alone the animal torturer they have taken on:
Posted on: 17 January 2010 by MilesSmiles
I did not expect Dallas to go down like this. Vikings D was good but they didn't look as strong as the Saints yesterday.
Posted on: 17 January 2010 by JamieL_v2
Well we just one more game and we will see if it s 1 & 2 seeds in each conference in the championship games.

Dallas looked bad, but the lines could not hold up on either side.
Posted on: 17 January 2010 by MilesSmiles
Well, at half time it sure looks like it - the Jets are outclassed in every aspect but they're only down by 7.
Posted on: 17 January 2010 by Jet Johnson
Oh for pity's sake ...not a good week-end for a Sunderland AFC / Dallas Cowboys fan ...I can't work out who was worse!
Posted on: 17 January 2010 by JamieL_v2
The Jets were never outclassed in defense, and they hung in there.

Sorry for the loss Clay, I hope it was an enjoyable day at the game though.

Not a pretty win, but exactly the kind of game Rex Ryan would have wanted. There would be some justice if The Jets can do it again next week, as The Colts could have ended their season a few weeks ago, and could not be bothered.

Roll on next Sunday, I think those two games will both be close.
Posted on: 17 January 2010 by Clay Bingham
quote:
Sorry for the loss Clay, I hope it was an enjoyable day at the game though.


Thanks Jamie. The day began very close to what I described in my original comments and It had it's moments but the loss just leaves a dull hole in your stomach. Bus ride home was one of mostly silence, with a few very quiet conversations along with some texting from the younger riders.

I had been worried about New York and it turned out rightly so. Our defense played excellently, good enough to win, especially given all the time they were on the field. Offense had a rough fitful day but still did enough(barely) to win if three field goals had been made but.....but....the game was lost. Jets pass defense was superb. They seemed to be able to cover anything. New York's defensive line push was also notable....the pressure was always there and runs didn't go far. It will be very interesting to see how they do against Peyton Manning. That could be a real donnybrooke. Peyton can carry a team with his arm but the Jets will give him a test. There are definitely no gimmies in the remaining games.

In the NFC, the Saints look their old formidable selves and Bret Favre was just marvelous. Next weeks games could be real fun to watch.
Posted on: 18 January 2010 by JamieL_v2
Sorry to hear losing the game was such a depressing affair. I suppose that is part of what the highs and lows of sport are about, and without one, you cannot have the other.

If it is any consolation San Diego probably have the youngest of the current elite quarterbacks, and you may just be going through a period like The Colts did when everyone was debating if and when Peyton Manning would win the big one, which he soon did.

As Manning, Brady, Favre and Brees fade and retire, Rivers will be left as the best and most experienced quarterback, and will both lead with greater experience, and continue to attract free agents who see him as pivotal to winning the big one.

Obviously divisional rivals will continue to berate him and the team. I can't say that I find him likeable, but then last year I was prepared to support Jay Cuttler, who is very dislikeable, and not such a good quarterback (Jeff George was a very good comparison made recently, all arm and no sense).

I might be rather brash in my divisional rivalries, but it is not serious, the game is more fun with good and bad guys to love and loathe. If Philip Rivers and the team around him were not so good I would not get excited about their progress.

I do find it exciting to watch a defence like The Jets, but I would curse them were they ranged against my team. In a time when the offence in the ascendency, I am really enjoying seeing Buddy's son Rex fashion a defence that echoes the power of those created by his father in the 80's.

I do remember when AFC quarterbacks used to look at the NFC pro bowl teams with defences drawn from The Giants (Lawrence Taylor), Philadelphia (Reggie White) and New Orleans (Sam Mills) and many others, and politely decline to play the game.

Anyway if it is any consolation, having been an England cricket fan for quarter of a century I am quite well aware of the pain of losing a major game, or even most games, and I have a bit of a suspicion that if Denver do not look for a better quarterback, or get their coach to stop annoying the players, I might be experiencing the same with football.

Well done for yet another divisional championship, and good luck (with obvious reservations) for next year.
Posted on: 18 January 2010 by MilesSmiles
quote:
Originally posted by JamieL_v2:
The Jets were never outclassed in defense, and they hung in there.



True, but it will take a lot more against the Colts.

Jets 13, Colts 27 Winker
Posted on: 24 January 2010 by u5227470736789524
It is time for FOOTBALL - where is JamieL's pre-game ?

Unscientific picks from me - Minnesota and Indianapolis - just wild guesses.

Hope they are competitive, enjoyable games.

Jeff A
Posted on: 24 January 2010 by JamieL_v2
Sorry for no pre-game waffle, just really excited, Jets have already sacked Manning, hope to see more of that.

I really can not call these games, too close, I don't understand why The Jets are such underdogs, they have the No1 defense and running game, that sounds like a receipe for success to me.

Until a few weeks ago I was a fan of Indianapolis, but they threw that away, and there would be so much poetic justice if they lost to the team they let in, although it is still possible that the Jets could have won that anyway.

Go Saints later.

Back to the game.
Posted on: 24 January 2010 by rega1
quote:
Originally posted by JamieL_v2:
Jets have already sacked Manning, hope to see more of that.


you will, Jets "D" is really good, but you may not like the final outcome anyway. Just saw big pass play from Manning to Pierre G.

Peyton will figure out the defense which is unfortunate for Jets fans. The Jets need TURNOVERS, a fumble or interceptions will yield the Jets defense some points.

And the Colts are now on the board with 3 pts.....

That didn't tske long, Jets add 7 to the board. This could be a shoot out now that they have settled in.

rega1
Posted on: 24 January 2010 by JamieL_v2
This is a fun game, but the longer it stays close the more I think The Colts have an edge with their offense. I must say that I do find good defense fun, not just high scoring games.

One turnover was good for The Jets, but they need more.
Posted on: 24 January 2010 by rega1
quote:
Originally posted by JamieL_v2:
This is a fun game, but the longer it stays close the more I think The Colts have an edge with their offense. I must say that I do find good defense fun, not just high scoring games.

One turnover was good for The Jets, but they need more.


Manning to Clark for 7 just now, I think it is over. GREAT GAME though. Looking forward to tonights game. Will it be the 2 veterans head to head, or the Veteran vs the seasoned some what rookie.???? LOTS of air time for the football tonight. I guess they throw for a combined 800 yds, but I could be wrong. That stadium will be loud in New Orleans.

The colts found a way to keep the defense on the field long enough to tire them out. The Jets offense is cold and rattled now.

rega1
Posted on: 24 January 2010 by MilesSmiles
Manning and the Colts deserve to go to the big one, congrats.

The Jets played a great post season, I expected a strong D but Sanchez played great as well, another congrats.
Posted on: 24 January 2010 by MilesSmiles
PS: My prediction Colts vs Saints is still alive. Smile
Posted on: 24 January 2010 by JamieL_v2
Good game. I would have been surprised if someone had told me I would be supporting The Jets over The Colts at the beginning of the season, but the more I see of them, the less I can forgive their not playing to have a perfect season.

I think The Jets have an awful lot of pieces in place, and a great head coach. They will be back in the playoffs before long.

For the next game, I think it is experience in The Vikings, not just Favre, but a team who have been close for a few years, against homefield advantage, and an incredibly explosive offense.

I will be supporting The Saints, but again too close to call for me.
Posted on: 24 January 2010 by MilesSmiles
Will be a close game, some D after all. Could be decided by turnovers in the second half.
Posted on: 24 January 2010 by JamieL_v2
OVERTIME!!!!!!! This is fun!
Posted on: 24 January 2010 by MilesSmiles
I picked the right two teams to go through this time and overall they deserve it IMHO.

I'll go for the Colts in the big one.
Posted on: 24 January 2010 by Clay Bingham
Saints and Vikings played a great game. It's a cliche but you do hate to see anyone lose. Vikings played well enough to win but that last minute of regulation time was their opportunity and their undoing. To have been so close after so many turnovers says something about the power of the team.

As for the Super Bowl, it's hard to tell. The Colts and Saints belong there. Both quarterbacks are at the peak of their respective careers. Manning's peak is a bit higher in terms of skill, but Brees is good enough and has the better character under duress. Both are great leaders. The Colts are a much stronger team overall than they were just a couple of years ago. When the Saints are in the groove they can destroy a team, just ask New England. This Super Bowl might actually be super.
Posted on: 25 January 2010 by JamieL_v2
I felt a little sorry for Brett Favre having another The Superbowl so close, but in the end both he and Adrian Peterson were both The Vikings' strength and weakness. They both made great plays, but Peterson fumbled three times, and all Favre had to do on his last play was to scramble forward a few yards with a fairly open field ahead, instead he tried to do way too much, and lost the game with that interception.

The Saints offense was kept pretty well under control by The Vikings defense, but in the end you can't win with six (I think) turnovers.

I am very pleased to see The Saints finally get to the big game, and I will be supporting them. Up until a few weeks ago I was a big fan of The Colts, but like an awful lot of other people, they have lost many fans sympathies.

I thin The Colts are the stronger team going into the final game, but I would just like the see The Saints added to the list of Superbowl winners, but they are both good teams, and well deserving of their places in the final.
Posted on: 27 January 2010 by rega1
Prediction....

Colts gain possession last due to a 3 and out or fumble by the Saints, Peyton organizes a 2 minute drill drive for 70 yds, they score and win 28-21. Just a guess.



rega1
Posted on: 27 January 2010 by MilesSmiles
Colts 31 - Saints 24
Posted on: 05 February 2010 by MilesSmiles
... just wanted to bump this thread, I'm ready for Super Bowl Sunday. Cool
Posted on: 05 February 2010 by JamieL_v2
Me too, chicken and salad will be cooked Sunday evening. My partner is making a big bowl of humus, and the beers will be chilled.

I think there are two very exciting teams playing in the game, at the start of the season this is one of the matchups I would have dreamed of.

Still rooting for The Saints, partly so they can be a champion for the first time, and of course partly for The Colts stopping playing at the end of the season.