Almost halfway through the season, and as I watch the Broncos get owned, I had a thought…..never under estimate the the bad teams from last year. Any team, can beat any other team, on any given day. Question is; Did these guys bring their bollocks to the field tonight or not? I found this post and it shows a perfect example of what I’m talking about. (http://www.nflgridirongab.com/2008/08/27/potential-sleeper-and-disappointment-teams-in-2008/)
“With the new season almost upon us, everyone begins to think of which team will surprise and which will disappoint. To save your struggles, I’m here to help. Here are three sleepers, and three disappointments.
SLEEPERS:
1. Houston Texans
Yes the Houston Texans. The team that passed on Reggie Bush for Mario Williams. The team that has never played in the postseason. Well, that’s going to change. They made huge strides last year, going 8-8. And while they play in a tough division, they have the talent to overcome that. Matt Schaub, barring injury, is a solid QB, and has Andre Johnson to throw to. Steve Slaton, the rookie out of West Virginia, is the game breaker they have lacked, and he has looked good in the preseason. The offensive line is improving. But the main part of this team is the Defense. They are led by the aforementioned Mario Williams, who could be the Defensive player of the Year. Amobi Okoye, last years first round pick, is only 20, and is bound to improve. Demeco Ryans at Middle Linebacker, is the perfect leader for this team. So yes, The Texans will make the playoffs, and will surprise some people in doing it. But not you.
2. Miami Dolphins
I do know that the Dolphins went 1-15. But that was with a different regime. The Tuna is in town. Bill Parcells brought ‘his guys’ in, with head coach Tony Sparano, and GM Jeff Ireland. He brought former Jet QB Chad Pennington, who should hold the fort until Chad Henne is ready. Ricky Williams seemed primed for a big year. Their O-Line is much improved. And their D has a ton of young talent. The team has a long way to go. And 8-8 is a huge improvement. So what can we realistically expect from them? Anywhere from 7-9 to 10-6 and a playoff berth. It seems like a stretch, but Bill Parcells knows what he is doing. And that’s why they will be better.
3.St. Louis Rams
This is all contingent on them staying injury free, something that had a lot of difficulty doing a year ago. But if they do stay healthy, they have the pieces to contend. Marc Bulger is still a great QB. Steven Jackson is one of the top 5 RBs in the league. Torry Holt can still do it. And The defense, anchored by rookie Chris Long, is underrated. In a weak NFC West, look for them to make a run. Not beat out the Seahawks, but at least give Rams fans some excitement.
DISAPPOINTMENTS:
1. Cleveland Browns
Everyone’s darling is not the team they thought. Their Defense looks weak, and while the Offense is still a strength, it does not seem to be the high octane attack it was last year. Part of it is being in the national spotlight for the first time since, well, ever. And they’re not used to the pressure. But that doesn’t excuse the flaws that they do have. Is Derek Anderson an One Year Wonder? And if he is, is Brady Quinn ready to play? How will Jamal Lewis respond after a career-saving year? Will Shaun Rogers play to his abilities? There are too many questions for a team that is supposed to contend.
2. Tennessee Titans
They were a surprise playoff team from a year ago. But Vince Young can’t work his magic any longer. He needs weapons, something that he hasn’t had his whole career. Chris Johnson, the rookie scat back from East Carolina, looks impressive, but that’s about it. No receivers to speak of, and Alge Crumpler is not what he once was. Unless they get a big time target for VY, then this team will regress to .500.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jeff Garcia can only do so much. This team, with an aging defense, and limited targets will be a long shot to compete, especially with the Saints looking good. Joey Galloway isn’t getting younger, and his trademark speed will diminish. How will Earnest Graham respond to the full-time starting job? Again, a team with too many questions to have a legit shot at contending.”
This guy has his brain in a blender, or maybe a bong. Houston owns, Dolphins + Parcells (feggetaboutit), Rams suck. Browns he got right. Tennessee is 6-0; and not using Vinnie. and Tampa Bay will be in the playoffs. Long story short, here’s the “Wall Street” advice for the “Main street” FFL player:
“Coaches should be cautious about any and all player recommendations and should consider the source of any advice on player selection. Various factors, including personal or corporate bullshit, may influence or factor into an expert’s performance analysis or opinion.
All coaches are advised to conduct their own independent research into individual players before making a purchase decision. In addition, coaches are advised that past team performance is no guarantee of future point appreciation.”
Ok, I’ll give you Miami, but I’m not sure about St. Louis being any more than a lottery pick. I’m split on Houston right now as I expected more from them this year already and they’ve disappointed. As far as the other side, did you notice the Titans are undefeated? How can that be a disappointment and they’ve done it without VY, so they don’t need him and no true name weapons. AS far as the Browns, I would agree and the Bucs have been okay this year so I’m still out on them.
I agree, the Browns have been a big disappointment, but I think that much of that is due to the fact that Braylon Edwards, the Brown’s W1 wide out, has been out thus far with a foot injury. Moreover, the guy that gave him that foot injury was Donte Stallworth, their W2, who has also been out with an injury. They lost their W1 and W2 and have been struggling to make the most of what they’ve got. Braylon Edwards has been one of their best players for a long time. I’m willing to bet that the team was somewhat demoralized with him out. Now that he’s back, things could change. Also, Kellen Winslow, largely considered one of the NFL’s best tight ends, was out for a little while too; that had to hurt. Although the Browns have been a disappointment thus far, I think that offensively, they should have better games ahead.
Very good points indeed, so there is still a chance they could do some positive things this year.
Yo Edge… nice way to show that NONE of us know what’s about to happen on any Sunday! I been saying since the start of this year that I didn’t the Cowboys would factor into the Super Bowl but now I think I gave them too much credit… maybe they don’t even make the playoffs! I love listening to pundits who tell you what’s about to happen… they almost always look like fools by Sunday night. But alas… that’s why we love the game!