5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][FONT=Arial]This year has been a really interesting season full of surprises and many disappointments, from the resurgence of the Baltimore Ravens to the continued failure of the Oakland Raiders. Although the season isn’t quite over, here’s my list of surprises and disappointments. [/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]

[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][FONT=Arial][B]5 Surprises[/B][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][B]1.[/B] [B][B]The [/B][/B][/FONT][/FONT][B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][B]New Orleans[/B][/FONT][/FONT][/B][B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][B] Saints. [/B][/FONT][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial]When the season first began, I thought the Saints would simply be Reggie Bush left and Reggie Bush right. Can you say Drew Brees? And Sean Payton is probably leading the pack for coach of the year. The Saints started the season flying below the radar, but they are flying high right now.[/FONT][/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][B]2.[/B] [B][B]LaDainian Tomlinson. [/B][/B]He was great before the season started, but I never expected him to post these kind of numbers. The man is unbelievable and definitely has one foot in [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial]Canton[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial].[/FONT][/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][B]3.[/B] [B][B]The [/B][/B][/FONT][/FONT][B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][B]Dallas[/B][/FONT][/FONT][/B][B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][B] Cowboys. [/B][/FONT][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial]At the start of the season the Redskins in me would have told you the Cowboy were, at best, a wild card team. I credit Bill Parcells for making tough personnel decisions as the season progressed, fielding a nasty 3-4 defense, and managing T.O. as well as anyone expected. Unless they stumble the rest of the way, the Cowboys should lock up the division.[/FONT][/FONT][/SIZE]

[FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][B]4.[/B] [B][B]The disparity between the AFC and NFC[/B][/B]. I can’t personally remember a year when I’ve seen the AFC so competitive as supposed to the NFC being so mediocre during the same season. Even the Titans are feasting on the NFC this year.[/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][B]5.[/B] [B][B]The emergence of young QBs in the NFL[/B][/B]. It certainly seems to be the trend these days in the NFL, that if you’ve been around for at least 3 yrs, it’s time to turn in your clip board and get under center. It’s been a pleasant surprise to see so many young QBs take their teams by the reigns.[/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT]




[B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][B]5 Disappointments:[/B][/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][/B]


[SIZE=3][B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][B]1. The Officiating[/B][/FONT][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial]: I know these guys do their best, but the new anti-celebrating rules and the protecting of quarterbacks is getting out of hand. When these rules determine the outcome of games, it’s time to re-visit what’s really important.[/FONT][/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][B]2. Randy Moss: [/B][/FONT][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial]Not only is he having a most disappointing year, but in many ways, he’s indicative of what’s wrong with today’s athlete that are paid millions only to give the finger (no pun intended Mike Vick) to the very fans that fight through traffic and pay good money to see them on Sundays. Thanks for nothing! [/FONT][/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][B]3. Bill Mass: [/B][/FONT][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial]Do I really need to go there?[/FONT][/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][B]4. The [/B][/FONT][/FONT][/B][B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][B]Washington[/B][/FONT][/FONT][/B][B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][B] Redskins: [/B][/FONT][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial]No need to re-hash everything since this is a Redskins forum. But to a man, the expectations couldn’t have been higher coming into the 2006 season. A disappointing season to say the least, but there is light at the end of the tunnel and there are yet more games to build on this year.[/FONT][/FONT][/SIZE]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][B][B]5. Priest Holmes[/B][/B]: He is/was a very special running back who will probably go to the [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial]HOF[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial] one day, but I wonder if he should finally call it quits and not risk further injury.[/FONT][/FONT][/SIZE]


[B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][B]*The NFL’s love affair with Peyton Manning: [/B][/FONT][/FONT][/B][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]I’m all for a brother getting paid, but I don’t need to see him on one out of every three commercials while I’m watching a football game. [/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT]


[B][I][FONT=Arial][SIZE=1][FONT=Arial][B][I]* I know I said 5 things, but this one really bugs me.[/I][/B][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/I][/B]

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

why are you suprised about LT? the man is a freak of nature

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

[quote=dall-assblows;252938]why are you suprised about LT? the man is a freak of nature[/quote]

Agreed, but he keeps bringing it every single game.

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

well that is true

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

What about the Steelers? They have to be considered a disappointment right? Plus, considering all the hype surrounding them this summer-the Cardinals and Dolphins as well.

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

Yeah, and I would disagree as well that Parcell's has done well handling TO. TO has been worse than anyone expected. He seems okay now but wait until they lose another game. He has been an incorrigible disaster.

I really agree with your point about young QB's though. That is exciting to see. In a post-Roethlesberger world it seems like their has been a paradigm shift regarding coaches attitudes towards young QB's, and their willingness to trust them with the game. I am excited to see what kind of careers guys like Young, Leinert, Rivers, and of course Campbell end up having.

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

how can priest holmes be considered a dissapointment when he hasnt even played due to injury?

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

[quote=djnemo65;252947]Yeah, and I would disagree as well that Parcell's has done well handling TO. TO has been worse than anyone expected. He seems okay now but wait until they lose another game. He has been an incorrigible disaster.

I really agree with your point about young QB's though. That is exciting to see. In a post-Roethlesberger world it seems like their has been a paradigm shift regarding coaches attitudes towards young QB's, and their willingness to trust them with the game. I am excited to see what kind of careers guys like Young, Leinert, Rivers, and of course Campbell end up having.[/quote]


You would? I think TO has done very well. Maybe some media attention before the season but hes been very quiet lately. He seems to really enjoy the new QB and has taken a humble role with Terry Glenn as the two main WR weapons. I don't think you could have expected him to be any better, he knows he's peaked as a player and he doesn't want to end up another Randy Moss somewhere.

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

biggest disappointment in the NFL this year is our Washington Redskins. No one really selected us for the super bowl, but 4-7 is horrible at this point in the season.
2nd would be Pittsburg steelers. Losing randel el and Bettis hurts, but they still have the same people at the skill positions.
3rd - Miami. I thought they would be contending for the division this year as did a lot of people.
4th - the "personal fouls" called on roughing the passer are ridiculous. Put a skirt and red shirt on them for crying out load.
5th - the widely ranging interpritations of the NFL rules by the officials on instant replay. All the refs interpret them differently, leading to a lot of blown calls even after review.

Surprises
1- New Orlean Saint / Drew Breese. - How much does Nick Saban want to go back and do that whole thing over!!?? (breese or culpepper)
2 - Tony Romo - hate to admit it, but he has been all most perfect with exception to the fluke win by ours truly.
3 - Jets - no way I thought Mangini would have these guys playing at the level they are.
4 - 49ers - Norv Turner has really turned the offensive side of the ball around. He has Frank Gore looking like an all pro
5 - Philip Rivers - never thought he would step right in and play the way he has. San Diego never lost a step switching from breese to him. (LT helps, but still)

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

I don't think we're the biggest disappointment. I'd put the Steelers and Dolphins ahead of us, maybe even Carolina and the Giants depending on how the rest of the season goes for them.

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

I think the Steelers grew content after they won the Super Bowl. They don't have that same intensity anymore.

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

maybe I should have titled it "My" 5 Surprises....

But given the fact that historically the Super Bowl winner rarely returns to have a dominate season, the Steelers were never thought of as a disappointment to me. Also, I've never been a big Roethlesberger fan.

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

Gibbs inability to make on the spot corrections and waiting until it's to late is very dissapointing!

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

[QUOTE=djnemo65;252947]Yeah, and I would disagree as well that Parcell's has done well handling TO. TO has been worse than anyone expected. He seems okay now but wait until they lose another game. He has been an incorrigible disaster.[/QUOTE]

TO may be an complete ass but the following would indicate that you are very wrong:

61 recs, 831 yards, 8 TDs.

"Incorrigible disaster?" I'd say more like "possible pro bowl performer". If only the skins had a few "incorrigible disasters" with stats like that.

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

[quote=TAFKAS;252945]What about the Steelers? They have to be considered a disappointment right? Plus, considering all the hype surrounding them this summer-the Cardinals and Dolphins as well.[/quote]
doesnt it seem like the cardinals and the dolphins are hyped up every season? and the same old teams keep on showing up. addios dennis green, and maybe saban

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

Saban appears to be making another late season run with the Dolphins, he won't get fired regardless of what happens the rest of the way.

I say Denny Green is out in AZ.

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

[quote=Mattyk72;253136]Saban appears to be making another late season run with the Dolphins, he won't get fired regardless of what happens the rest of the way.

I say Denny Green is out in AZ.[/quote]


I was going to say the same, I think Nick will stay but Denny may be out in AZ. I don't know what it's going to take to get that franchise jump started.

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

[quote=12thMan;253138]I was going to say the same, I think Nick will stay but Denny may be out in AZ. I don't know what it's going to take to get that franchise jump started.[/quote]

I thought I heard something about Pete Carol and the Cards. Dont see that happening especially if they play for the title this year. USC will be loaded again next year. They a ton of underclass man starting on both sides of the ball this year. If he has a shot at another title, he will stay at USC. Plus, he is a god in southern Cal. he has a great gig, why leave for the sorry ass Cardinals.

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

[quote=#56fanatic;253164]I thought I heard something about Pete Carol and the Cards. Dont see that happening especially if they play for the title this year. USC will be loaded again next year. They a ton of underclass man starting on both sides of the ball this year. If he has a shot at another title, he will stay at USC. Plus, he is a god in southern Cal. he has a great gig, why leave for the sorry ass Cardinals.[/quote]

Why leave?

That's simple, money and the challenge of the NFL.

He doesn't have much left to prove in the college ranks.

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

[quote=12thMan;252934][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][B]5.[/B] [B][B]The emergence of young QBs in the NFL[/B][/B]. It certainly seems to be the trend these days in the NFL, that if you’ve been around for at least 3 yrs, it’s time to turn in your clip board and get under center. It’s been a pleasant surprise to see so many young QBs take their teams by the reigns.[/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT][/quote]

This one is pretty big for me too. I'm usually in favor of replacing the underperforming old vet with the young gunslinger, but even I am surprised at how well the majority of them have played.

I heard a segment on Mike & Mike this morning about this subject. Of the four quarterbacks that replaced uninjured vets, Leinart is the only one with a losing record. Romo is 4-1, Young is 4-4, and Campbell is 1-1. I guess that kind of goes against the belief that putting in a young quarterback is a give up move.

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

[quote=Mattyk72;253170]Why leave?

That's simple, money and the challenge of the NFL.

He doesn't have much left to prove in the college ranks.[/quote]

it would be hard to make me leave. Living in Souther Cal, all the perks that comes with being "the man" at USC. and he is all ready making millions.

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

[quote=Mattyk72;253170]Why leave?

That's simple, money and the challenge of the NFL.

He doesn't have much left to prove in the college ranks.[/quote]
maybe Pete Carrol realized after his first go round in the NFL that he prefers boys to men. that doesn't quite sound right

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

I preferred All4One, but to each his own I guess.

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

[quote=djnemo65;252947]Yeah, and I would disagree as well that Parcell's has done well handling TO. TO has been worse than anyone expected. He seems okay now but wait until they lose another game. He has been an incorrigible disaster. [/quote]

I agree - TO is always content when he is getting what he wants. The team is winning, and he is getting the ball. Remember, he was manageable in Philly his first season. I also agree that if they hit another skid he is going to be the first one mouthing off and keeping that team from recovering its focus.

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

I could see Mike Martz getting another shot as a head coach, with the Cardinals. Wouldn't be the move I'd make but I can see it happening

Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

[quote=#56fanatic;252952]biggest disappointment in the NFL this year is our Washington Redskins. No one really selected us for the super bowl, but 4-7 is horrible at this point in the season.
2nd would be Pittsburg steelers. Losing randel el and Bettis hurts, but they still have the same people at the skill positions.
3rd - Miami. I thought they would be contending for the division this year as did a lot of people.
4th - the "personal fouls" called on roughing the passer are ridiculous. Put a skirt and red shirt on them for crying out load.
5th - the widely ranging interpritations of the NFL rules by the officials on instant replay. All the refs interpret them differently, leading to a lot of blown calls even after review.

Surprises
1- New Orlean Saint / Drew Breese. - How much does Nick Saban want to go back and do that whole thing over!!?? (breese or culpepper)
2 - Tony Romo - hate to admit it, but he has been all most perfect with exception to the fluke win by ours truly.
3 - Jets - no way I thought Mangini would have these guys playing at the level they are.
4 - 49ers - Norv Turner has really turned the offensive side of the ball around. He has Frank Gore looking like an all pro
5 - Philip Rivers - never thought he would step right in and play the way he has. San Diego never lost a step switching from breese to him. (LT helps, but still)[/quote]
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[COLOR=black][COLOR=black] [/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]I hate the new "no taunting" rule. COME ON! If you’re a sissy, then sit on the bench. It's football and you should be allowed to scream at a guy and get in his head! I HATE THAT RULE![/COLOR]
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Re: 5 Surprises and 5 Disappointments This Year
 

[quote=12thMan;252940]Agreed, but he keeps bringing it every single game.[/quote]

He'll kill Alexander's TD record from last year.

The one that really sticks out to me is the AFC/NFC difference. The NFC is embarrassing this year.