RiggoReincarnated Posted May 5, 2006 Share Posted May 5, 2006 Nice to read something thats fairly objective about the Redskins for a change. May 4, 2006 By Clark Judge CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer Tell Clark your opinion! The best division in the NFL is its most complete, and would the NFC East please step forward? There are four teams capable of winning it, and tell me where else that's possible. OK, I'm with you on the NFC South, but, despite all the offseason moves New Orleans made, you still get the feeling the Saints serve another year as the anchor. The AFC West? Sorry, I don't trust Oakland. The AFC North? Cleveland still is lagging. Besides, who's the quarterback there, anyway? The NFC North? No, thanks. That takes us back to the NFC East. There are two of the league's three most successful active head coaches. There are marquee quarterbacks. Star running backs. Pro Bowl receivers. Aggressive defenses. And balance. More than anything, there is balance. Give me a room of six people, and I guarantee four different responses when I ask for a division winner. That's because there's no weak link here. Philadelphia was the division doormat a year ago, but there were what you'd call extenuating circumstances. Translation: There was Terrell Owens. Now he's gone. All I know is that the last time the Eagles went into a season without Owens, they wound up in the conference championship game. The New York Giants are the defending champions, and Eli Manning is another year older. That means better results, which is good when you look at a bell curve that had him tailing off at the end of last season. Washington made its usual slew of offseason moves, and while I'm not a big fan of some of them, I am of the team's coaching staff. These guys know how to get the most from their players, and they did during the Redskins' late-season charge in 2005. Then there's Dallas. The Cowboys added Owens, and that can be positive ... for a season. But let's forget about Owens for a moment. The Cowboys have Bill Parcells, and when was the last time he failed to make the playoffs in three consecutive seasons? I'll tell you when. Never. So there you have it. Four teams; four reasons to win. Picking them is hard; playing them is harder, and this just in: The division the NFC East faces this season? The NFC South, and let the hammering begin. For the moment, this is the league's most complete group: New York Giants Why they will win: Because they have balance. Good offense, good defense. Don't tell me about their 24th-ranked defense. They allowed only six more points than Dallas and Philadelphia and only 21 more than Washington. So which of those clubs produced more takeaways? None of them. The Giants were second in the NFC and third in the league with 37. They were also third in the conference and first in the division in rushing and committed fewer turnovers than only Tampa Bay and Seattle in the NFC. Why they won't: Because, at some point, someone other than Tiki Barber has to carry the load. The burden falls on the shoulders of quarterback Eli Manning, and it's time he assumed it. There were times last year when he did, and skeptics are urged to rewind videotape of that fourth-quarter win over Denver. But there were too many times, especially late in the season, when he didn't. He has the weapons, especially in the remarkable Barber, who not only gets better as he gets older but who last year got better as the season got older. He produced six 100-yard games in his last seven starts and two 200-yard games in his last three. That can't go on forever. Key to it all: Eli Manning. He looked like a franchise quarterback the first half of the season, then he struggled down the stretch and was horrible in the playoff loss to Carolina. Over his last six games -- including the playoffs -- he threw four TDs and 10 interceptions. Manning has the experience and talent to start thinking about a move into his brother's neighborhood. Now is the time Biggest offseason move: Pass rushers LaVar Arrington and Mathias Kiwanuka drew the headlines, but cornerback Sam Madison shores up a vulnerable spot. So he's 32. He's also a four-time Pro Bowl choice and he's an upgrade over the inconsistent Will Allen. Safety Will Demps will help, too, if he's healthy. Demps, who suffered a knee injury last season, was terrific in 2004 for Baltimore. Washington Redskins Why they will win: Because they have the best coaches out there. Not only is Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs back, but the club retained defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and hired Al Saunders away from Kansas City. Sure, the Redskins overpaid for them, but there's a reason: They're two of the game's best. If you can't beat 'em, buy 'em. Why they won't: Because quarterback Mark Brunell is worn down, and Jason Campbell is not ready to assume control. Brunell was one of last year's feel-good stories, but he faded into the playoffs -- with the Redskins producing two offensive touchdowns in two postseason games and Brunell throwing one TD pass. Key to it all: The quarterbacks. Look for Washington to try to get a read on Campbell in preseason, with the second-year quarterback expected to play a lot. Brunell is experienced and was there for the second-half rush last year, but he also turns 36 and seemed worn out by the end of last season. Remember: Brunell wasn't the starter entering last year; Patrick Ramsey was. Biggest offseason move: Retaining Williams and hiring Saunders. Williams' defense was the backbone of this club, with it suffocating opponents down the stretch. It wasn't the offense that beat Tampa Bay in the playoffs; it was a defense that scored a touchdown, produced three sacks and three turnovers and allowed an average of 3.7 yards a play. The offense was another story, which is where Saunders comes in. He had remarkable success at Kansas City, with the Chiefs ranked first in offense the past two years and second in 2003. The biggest beneficiary is running back Clinton Portis. Under Saunders, the Chiefs had 115 rushing TDs the past four seasons -- an average of 28.7 a year. Dallas Cowboys Why they will win: Because Terrell Owens pushes them over the top. The guy's a playmaker and the second home-run threat in a balanced offense. The Cowboys always could beat you with the run. But they can do it with the pass now, too, thanks to Owens' arrival. Team him with Terry Glenn, and tell me who you double-team. Yeah, I think it's Owens, too, but all Glenn did a year ago was lead the team in yards (1,136), TD catches (7) and average yards per catch (18.3). Plus, he has a history with Drew Bledsoe. Why they won't: Terrell Owens. He's a time bomb, set to go off at any minute and in any locker room. Bledsoe has a history with Glenn, which means the two have a rapport. What do you think happens when Owens isn't getting what he believes is his fair share of the attention? Let me put it another way: What happens when they don't throw him the damn ball! You might wish Keyshawn was back when this is all over. Key to it all: The offensive line. A year ago Bledsoe was sacked more than anyone outside of Houston's David Carr. Dallas addressed that shortcoming by signing free-agent offensive linemen Kyle Kozier and Jason Fabini, but do you really think they plug the leaks? I don't. And another thing: Which Marco Rivera shows up this year? The star at Green Bay or the stiff (and I'm talking about that back) from last year? It doesn't matter how open Owens and Glenn are. If the Cowboys don't protect Bledsoe, nobody gets the ball. And I can think of one wide receiver that will infuriate. Biggest offseason move: It's all T.O., all the time. The Cowboys took a risk here, but look at it this way: Owens should be a lock for one productive, pain-free year, and this could be Bill Parcells' last season with the Cowboys. So, Parcells gets the best of Owens. If the worst is to follow, the coach might not care. He could be down the road. Philadelphia Eagles Why they will win: Because Donovan McNabb is healthy, and Terrell Owens is gone. That means Donovan McNabb should be happy, too. One thing about happy, healthy quarterbacks: They're usually successful, and McNabb took this team to four consecutive conference championship games before last year's meltdown. Philadelphia isn't predicated on its offense; it's built around a defense that last year was crippled and couldn't reach the quarterback. Getting defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley with the 14th draft choice was a steal and the addition of free-agent defensive end Darren Howard will sure up the defensive line. Together, they should take heat off a beleaguered secondary -- and off McNabb. Why they won't: Because McNabb can't carry the club alone. Brian Westbrook is the star running back, and he's not designed to carry 20 times a game for 16 starts. Someone find these guys a short-yardage back. I'm equally concerned about their receivers, wondering if Reggie Brown becomes the playmaker Philadelphia envisions. Apparently, the Eagles don't share my concern. They passed on opportunities to trade for Eric Moulds and Javon Walker. Key to it all: Donovan McNabb. The last time he played a complete season, he threw a career-best 31 touchdown and set franchise records for completion percentage, passer rating and passing yards. He also became the first quarterback in league history to throw 30 or more touchdowns and fewer than 10 interceptions. But that was with Owens on board, and, I'm sorry, there's no one like Owens on the outside now. That's good for the locker room, but not good for the scoreboard. McNabb must find other targets, other means of scoring and producing yards. You saw what happened in Minnesota when Daunte Culpepper lost Randy Moss; let's see what happens here. Biggest offseason move: Getting rid of Owens. He was the best and worst thing that ever happened to these guys. He was the impact wide receiver they didn't have and the distraction they didn't want. In the end, he did what the rest of the division could not: He buried the club and rattled the quarterback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewCliche21 Posted May 5, 2006 Share Posted May 5, 2006 Washington Redskins Why they will win: Because they have the best coaches out there. Not only is Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs back, but the club retained defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and hired Al Saunders away from Kansas City. Sure, the Redskins overpaid for them, but there's a reason: They're two of the game's best. If you can't beat 'em, buy 'em. Let me get this straight: They're worth the money, but we overpaid for them. . . . right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Weirdo Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 Let me get this straight: They're worth the money, but we overpaid for them. . . . right. Didn't take long for someone to find something wrong with this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 Then there's Dallas. The Cowboys added Owens, and that can be positive ... for a season. But let's forget about Owens for a moment. The Cowboys have Bill Parcells, and when was the last time he failed to make the playoffs in three consecutive seasons? I'll tell you when. Never. and he never lost after leading by 13 points in the 4th.... 77-0 UNTIL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 Let me get this straight: They're worth the money, but we overpaid for them. . . . right. typical media logic :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NavyDave Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 Yeah our division will be exciting to watch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terpfan Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 I miss the Cardinals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 I miss the Cardinals. Well, we do get to play the NFC South and the AFC South. (Both of whom, I'm sure, are thrilled to have drawn the NFC East.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
computerclone Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 Why do these blow hards have to bring up the money thing... Thank god its still a game.... lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vi Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 Oh come on guys, this is nothing to complain about. It's a good article! The guy doesn't like us and admits it right up front but proceeds on giving great credit to our coaching staff and a chance to win the division. This is not a bash, this is an opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redman Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 Let me get this straight: They're worth the money, but we overpaid for them. . . . right. I think it's fair to say that we paid (and pay) more for our coaching staff than anyone else in the league does. It's neither Clark Judge's nor my money, so who really cares? We got them, and other teams don't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The 12th Commandment Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 Frankly this article gets me pumped. You're damn straight we overpaid for them...who cares? We can overpay for everybody and the only people it's gonna bother when we win is the mediots. I would like nothing better than to bother those sobs. It doesn't matter, I don't loose one minute of sleep over us paying people too much. As long as they are right players, and they are this time, it's all good. Hail to Danny and his caash! :point2sky And I agree with him in general too, the East is gonna be fearsome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Sick Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 I actually wrote him a note to say that I appreciated someone writing a fairly balanced account of NFL goings-on without stooping to the level of yellow journalism. He sounds like one of the good guys. Do we have a list of the NON-Skin hating writers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRay Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 and he never lost after leading by 13 points in the 4th.... 77-0UNTIL :laugh: :laugh: Bubba strikes again :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedskinInExile Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 This season is gonna have some amazing games... but I think I'd perfer blowouts. Stupid rest-of-the-East, getting all good on us... Haha, I miss the Cardinals too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fifty Gut Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 Why they will win: Because Terrell Owens pushes them over the top. The guy's a playmaker and the second home-run threat in a balanced offense. The Cowboys always could beat you with the run. But they can do it with the pass now, too, thanks to Owens' arrival. Team him with Terry Glenn, and tell me who you double-team. Yeah, I think it's Owens, too, but all Glenn did a year ago was lead the team in yards (1,136), TD catches (7) and average yards per catch (18.3). Plus, he has a history with Drew Bledsoe. not true, even with Adams in the lineup, they were averaging only 3.pathetic something a carry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pjfootballer Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 Happy Cinco de Mayo. Buenes Dias Muchachos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 I actually wrote him a note to say that I appreciated someone writing a fairly balanced account of NFL goings-on without stooping to the level of yellow journalism.He sounds like one of the good guys. Do we have a list of the NON-Skin hating writers? :doh: Clark Judge is a hater, go read some of his rants last season Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptimeskins-11 Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 and he never lost after leading by 13 points in the 4th.... 77-0UNTIL Amen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiggoReincarnated Posted May 6, 2006 Author Share Posted May 6, 2006 :doh: Clark Judge is a hater, go read some of his rants last season True, I think his colleague Prisco is alot worse though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LD0506 Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 :doh: Clark Judge is a hater, go read some of his rants last season I agree, but don't you think it says something when even he is FORCED to admit that the Skins improved and will be in contention? Personally I kinda like the thought that he was cringing as he wrote this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GibbsFactor Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 He was forced to write it because its so damn apparent. Everyone knows the Skins will be good this year. Mediots admit it. Panther fans are scared of us. NFC East wants nothing to do with us. I can admit that the other three teams will be good and that we have a tough schedule with the NFC East, South and half of the AFC South on the future scoreboard. But that just makes me ecstatic since by playoff time, we will be hardened and battle tested. Who's gonna stand in our way? The Seasquawks? The run-less NFC South (excluding the passless fall-cons)? The Redskins will be as good as the next team, and I do think Raljon will be a rockin in January! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskeypeet Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 About the $$ issue. I think the best question is why that is even relavant for purposes of evaluating who will win the division....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FootballGuy2677 Posted May 6, 2006 Share Posted May 6, 2006 He was forced to write it because its so damn apparent.Everyone knows the Skins will be good this year. Mediots admit it. Panther fans are scared of us. NFC East wants nothing to do with us. I can admit that the other three teams will be good and that we have a tough schedule with the NFC East, South and half of the AFC South on the future scoreboard. But that just makes me ecstatic since by playoff time, we will be hardened and battle tested. Who's gonna stand in our way? The Seasquawks? The run-less NFC South (excluding the passless fall-cons)? The Redskins will be as good as the next team, and I do think Raljon will be a rockin in January! Uh the runless NFC South? Cadillac Williams, Duece MCallister, Warrick Dunn, Reggie Bush, Micheal Pittman, Jerious Norwood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bricucci Posted May 7, 2006 Share Posted May 7, 2006 Key to it all: The quarterbacks. Look for Washington to try to get a read on Campbell in preseason, with the second-year quarterback expected to play a lot. Brunell is experienced and was there for the second-half rush last year, but he also turns 36 and seemed worn out by the end of last season. Remember: Brunell wasn't the starter entering last year; Patrick Ramsey was. If these guys actually followed Redskin football they would the two reasons why Mark's game fell of at the end of the year. 1. David Pattens injury. Patten went down after the 1st Tampa/Skins game and Brunell never did put up the numbers after that, we became a 1 wr team and Moss was seeing double and triple coverage the rest of the year. Really has to excite you about our prospects in 06 with Patten as our 4th receiver. 2. Brunnell was playing on 1 leg the last 3 games of the year. I'm sure everyone remembers the shot he took in the legs in the Giants game (it will be a 15 yard penalty this year). Brunnell needs to have his legs to be a complete QB, we all learned that at after the 04 season. I have no argument with people questioning if Campbell is ready or not, but please get off of the Mark Brunnell carousel, if he stays healthy I look for him to have best year of his career and lead this team back into the SuperBowl. :2cents: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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