Biggest division threat to the Skins (Sponsored by the boring offseason)

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Originally Posted by BrudLee

I don't think any team is as prepared as we are. That being said, I'd say the Cowboys are the biggest threat.

The Giants will be forced to rely on Tiki again, and while I don't think he even close to being done, he's on the wrong side of 30 coming off his largest workload ever. Burress ran out of juice in the end last year, with only 1 TD in his last 6 regular season games, and a big oh-fer in the playoffs (with two attempts to him getting picked off). Shockey is... Shockey - he's very good if you let him be, but can be taken out of his game.

The Eagles are the Eagles of 2003, when they won the conference title. Unfortunately for them, they're three years older and slower where they can't afford it. Westbrook got exposed as one-dimensional last year, the defense looked atrocious, and McNabb is coming off of a season-ending injury - with no one of substance to throw to. The aura of Andy Reid took a big hit last year, when the coach didn't have the likes of Dave Campo, Jim Fassell, and an overmatched Steve Spurrier to push around.

That leaves the Cowboys, and while I'm not convinced they made themselves dramatically better in any position (except WR, which chemistry-wise may not be an overall gain), they have a coach that won't tolerate mediocrity. I expect them to either contend, or implode. I hope for the latter, of course.

I'm also thinking the latter because just like last year's Arizona Cardinals, the Cowboys are the "en vogue" pick for this year.

[SKINSDUDE]

It was a hard decision for me, but I went with the Giants. They have more talent than, the Cowgirls. However, you can't deny that TO's presence could have a positive effect on things for them. Look what he did for the eagles in one year. On second thought, the eagles had Mcnabb at the time and the Cowgirls have Bledsoe. I guess I got a little ahead of myself....

[freddyg12]

Don't the giants & cowboys signings remind anyone of the Skins in 2000?
Both teams signed vets that on paper appear to improve their team. But just like us in 2000, you can't buy chemistry & you need leadership & good coaching. I have more questions about NY's new additions & how they'll play & get along w/coughlin, than I do w/TO in Dallas. I think TO's gonna behave for most of the year. Of course he's always a second away from stirrin things up. I wonder how Lavar will play in Coughlin's system & how those old d-backs will hold up. Names don't mean anything if your best years are well behind you. We'll have to see w/those guys. Plaxico is another dude that has the potential to disrupt the team too.
While I have serious doubts about bledsoe holding up the whole year, I still picked the cowpokes cause I think parcells will manage his new players well.

[skindogger47]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

I'm also thinking the latter because just like last year's Arizona Cardinals, the Cowboys are the "en vogue" pick for this year.

What's funny is that the Cardinals are going to have a better record than the Cowboys this year.

I picked the Giants, because their improved secondary will really compliment their outstanding pass rush. Their interior defensive and offensive lines are suspect though, and I think the Skins have the best overall team in the conference.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

I'd agree with that. The Cardinals always fail to live up to expectations. They can have Edge or Barry Sanders running behind that line and still not do well. Too bad for them they didn't invest in great offensive line players like the Browns. That being said, if they people they drafted pan out for their offensive line, watch out.

[skindogger47]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

I'd agree with that. The Cardinals always fail to live up to expectations. They can have Edge or Barry Sanders running behind that line and still not do well. Too bad for them they didn't invest in great offensive line players like the Browns. That being said, if they people they drafted pan out for their offensive line, watch out.

The thing is I don't think expectations are nearly as high as they were last year since this is Leinhart's "grooming" year. But they will probably win more than a few games in that sorry divsion, especially now with Edge in the backfield. What's funny about the 2nd part of your comment is that last year, they did invest in their offensive line, and it was a Brown, Elton is his name, and I think he'll be paving a lot of holes for Mr. James this season.

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by BrudLee

The Eagles are the Eagles of 2003, when they won the conference title. Unfortunately for them, they're three years older and slower where they can't afford it. Westbrook got exposed as one-dimensional last year, the defense looked atrocious, and McNabb is coming off of a season-ending injury - with no one of substance to throw to. The aura of Andy Reid took a big hit last year, when the coach didn't have the likes of Dave Campo, Jim Fassell, and an overmatched Steve Spurrier to push around.

First, I can tell by the results of the poll that I'm not going to have many in agreement with me on the Eagles. But I still think they're a lot better than people realize.

First, Westbrook isn't one-dimensional. I think people forget how great he is at returning punts, which he did an amazing job of two years ago. Of course the Eagles won't use him there because he's too valuable. But it is testament to his abilities. I think Westbrook only seemed one-dimensional last year because TO was out much of the season, McNabb was either coming up lame or out last season, Tra Thomas was out last season, and the interior linemen sucked last season. Westbrook was basically dealing with one of the worst surrounding casts in football last year. Now is he the kind of guy that's going to rush for 5 yards per carry? No. But he can be quite effective with a solid line and better support.

And Andy Reid got a bad rap for last year. None of that stuff was his fault last year, it was almost completely attributable to injury. The players who were injured for the Eagles last year practically reads like a pro bowl roster. They'll be so much better just because of players returning from injury. Carolina had a down year after making the Super Bowl, but they bounced right back to the NFC title game last year. I expect the Eagles to be our main competition.

But I also think we'll beat them.

[Riggo44]

I would have to go with the G-Men.

[monk81]

I voted for the Gints...........Tiki still a killer at RB, Eli will continue to mature and improve....they made some improvements to their defense.

The Cowboys, they still have some holes to fill, one receiver does not a Super Bowl Champion make.....I just loved what I read in the papers here in Texas about T.O. and the Cryboys...if T.O. doesn't get the ball enough.....T.O. will bypass Parcells, and will complain directly to Bledsoe...and oh dear--get out the tissues ...sniff, sniff...Bledsoe has a sensitive psyche....poor poor Drew...... :grin:

Iggles-do they have a decent runningback?????????? Will teammates rally around McNabb, or was there damage done to his leadership on the field in the T.O turmoil?

[GTripp0012]

People keep saying that the Giants made improvements to their defense, but did they really? Their starting DT's are Fred Robbins and bust 1st rounder William Joesph, and rookie Cofield from NU may have to start. He played on the lowest ranked D in college football last year. And this is the most important position on D we are talking about, though not the hardest to play. They got Will Demps and Sam Madison and RW McQuarters, but those guys have been playing in the shadows of others their whole careers. I just don't but this vast G-Men defensive improvement.

Offensively, they should be strong early on...you fill in the rest.

[Giantone]

Originally Posted by Riggo44

I would have to go with the G-Men.

Smart man ,I got to agree with him !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LBrown43]

I have a mixed marriage. My wife is a Giants fan as well as my daughter and my son and I are Skins fans. Year in and year out, the Giants are the team that can give us the most trouble. Are they that team this year? Too early to tell, but just out of past experiences, they get my vote. Plus, me and my son are still smarting from being present at the drubbing we took at Giants Stadium this year. The worst live game of any sport I have ever been at.