Power Rankings

[mweb]

This is how I see the teams as of right now:

1. Pats: Were obviously the best team last year despite the SB defeat, the loss of Samuel hurts, but they should still be a dominant team with a tremendous offense.
2. Cowboys: With the addition of Pac Man along with CB Mike Jenkins from USF, their secondary should be much improved. Not sure this team has a weakness, and with Barber now starting and Felix Jones replacing Julius Jones, the running game should be even stronger this year.
3. Colts: Coming off another very strong year, my only real concerns with this team are health related. Marvin may very well be done as a big time receiver, Gonzalez may be able to help fill the void though. Plus, they obviously did quite well without much help from him last year.
4. Chargers: I've been very high on this team for awhile as some of you know, but don't have them higher due to Merriman's injury, plus LT is getting to that age where things may start going down hill, not to mention he's coming off a knee injury.
5. Jaguars: Obviously continue to have a weakness at WR, but otherwise this is a very good team all around, and their new DE's that they drafted should help get more pressure off the edges.
6. Steelers: I'm expecting Big Ben and Santonio Holmes to take their games to a new level this year, that along with a good running game and defense makes them a dangerous team this year.
7. Vikings: A very good D should get even better with the addition of Allen, and the passing game should improve some, although I expect that to continue to be what holds this team back.
8. Eagles: With a healthy Donovan along with some good offseason additions, this team should be able to get back to the playoffs, at least if McNabb stays healthy.
9. Packers: Despite the loss of Brett, this is a very talented team that could end up being a SB contender or out of the playoffs depending mostly on how Rodgers does.
10. Seahawks: They've been relatively consistent for quite some time now, and I expect them to continue to be a good team. Even though their RB situation doesn't look great, it should be an improvement over last year.
11. Saints: I think they're better than they showed last year, but not as good as they were two years ago, the additions of Vilma and Ellis should help out the D a lot.
12. Browns: Still should have a great offense, I expect a similar year from them overall.
13. Giants: Yes, I know this seems really low for the defending SB champs, but with their injuries along with the loss of Strahan, I just don't see this team being better than a 10-6 team, and I wouldn't at all be surprised if they miss the playoffs. But of course 10-6 was good enough for them last year.
14. Redskins: I was much more excited about this team until they got destroyed in their last two preseason games. They bring back a similar team to the one that made the playoffs last year, except they added Taylor and some bigger receiving options through the draft.
15. Titans: I won't be sold on them until I see better play out of Vince Young. They should still be a very respectable team even without that improvement though.
16. Texans: Saw solid improvement last year as Mario Williams answered the critics(me included) who question his selection of Bush's. If they were in a weaker division, I'd have higher hopes for them, but they're probably in the best conference in the league.
17. Jets: [/B]I'm not sold on Favre doing well with a new offense and team to adjust to, plus, last season may have been his last hoorah as a top notch QB anyway. They should be improved due to a better O-line along with Brett, but I'm obviously not predicting a playoff appearance.
18. Cardinals: With Warner at the helm, this is a dangerous team. That's more of a indication of how I feel about Leinart than Warner.
19. Bucs: I don't expect a return to the playoffs for them since the Saints should be better this year, but another respectable year for the Bucs is likely.
20. Bengals: Another 7-9 season is quite possible, but this is a team that has the potential to do better as they have shown in the past. They at least added Keith Rivers in the draft to help their beleaguered defense.
21. Broncos: Now that Cutler knows he has diabetes, and how to manage it, he should have a much better season.
22. Ravens: Still a great D, but one of the worst QB situations bring this team down significantly.
23. Panthers: I'm not much of a believer in Delhomme, so I don't think he's going to give them that much of a boost, but I do like Stewart to help their running game quite a bit.
24. Bills: Not really a bad team, but nothing that really makes me a believer in them either.
25. Bears: See Ravens except with worse offensive skill position players to surrount their poor QB.
26. Lions: Could be a breakout year for Calvin Johnson, but otherwise this team still figures to struggle.
27. Raiders: Should have a very strong running game, and I would think they'll have some better QB play, could be a team that rises to respectability.
28. Chiefs: At least LJ is healthy and Dorsey is a big addition.
29. 49ers: Martz doesn't really have that much to work with, plus his offense has lost a lot of its luster.
30. Rams: With Jackson and Pace back, and the addition of Chris Long, this team may be able to get back to being solid.
31. Dolphins: Ricky Williams seems to be a good story, and along with Brown should help the running game, but I'm not seeing how they can be good this year.
32. Falcons: The Matt Ryan era begins, never a good sign when a rookie QB is the starter.

Tiers:
Elite: 1-3
Just a notch below: 4-5
Playoff caliber: 6-13
Can make the playoffs if things break right or simply come together: 14-19
Darkhorses: 20-23
Could be respectable: 24-27
Bad: 28-32

[NJOriolesFan]

This is how I see the teams as of right now:

1. Pats: Were obviously the best team last year despite the SB defeat, the loss of Samuel hurts, but they should still be a dominant team with a tremendous offense.
2. Cowboys: With the addition of Pac Man along with CB Mike Jenkins from USF, their secondary should be much improved. Not sure this team has a weakness, and with Barber now starting and Felix Jones replacing Julius Jones, the running game should be even stronger this year.
3. Colts: Coming off another very strong year, my only real concerns with this team are health related. Marvin may very well be done as a big time receiver, Gonzalez may be able to help fill the void though. Plus, they obviously did quite well without much help from him last year.
4. Chargers: I've been very high on this team for awhile as some of you know, but don't have them higher due to Merriman's injury, plus LT is getting to that age where things may start going down hill, not to mention he's coming off a knee injury.
5. Jaguars: Obviously continue to have a weakness at WR, but otherwise this is a very good team all around, and their new DE's that they drafted should help get more pressure off the edges.
6. Steelers: I'm expecting Big Ben and Santonio Holmes to take their games to a new level this year, that along with a good running game and defense makes them a dangerous team this year.
7. Packers: Despite the loss of Brett, this is a very talented team that could end up being a SB contender or out of the playoffs depending mostly on how Rodgers does.
8. Seahawks: They've been relatively consistent for quite some time now, and I expect them to continue to be a good team. Even though their RB situation doesn't look great, it should be an improvement over last year.
9. Eagles: With a healthy Donovan along with some good offseason additions, this team should be able to get back to the playoffs, at least if McNabb stays healthy.
10. Vikings: A very good D should get even better with the addition of Allen, and the passing game should improve some, although I expect that to continue to be what holds this team back.
11. Giants: Yes, I know this seems really low for the defending SB champs, but with their injuries along with the loss of Strahan, I just don't see this team being better than a 10-6 team, and I wouldn't at all be surprised if they miss the playoffs. But of course 10-6 was good enough for them last year.
12. Browns: Still should have a great offense, I expect a similiar year from them overall.
13. Saints: I think they're better than they showed last year, but not as good as they were two years ago, the additions of Vilma and Ellis should help out the D a lot.
14. Redskins: I was much more excited about this team until they got destroyed in their last two preseason games. They bring back a similiar team to the one that made the playoffs last year, except they added Taylor and some bigger receiving options through the draft.
15. Titans: I won't be sold on them until I see better play out of Vince Young. They should still be a very respectable team even without that improvement though.
16. Texans: Saw solid improvement last year as Mario Williams answered the critics(me included) who question his selection of Bush's. If they were in a weaker division, I'd have higher hopes for them, but they're probably in the best conference in the league.
17. Cardinals: With Warner at the helm, this is a dangerous team. That's more of a indication of how I feel about Leinart than Warner.
18. Bucs: I don't expect a return to the playoffs for them since the Saints should be better this year, but another respectable year for the Bucs is likely.
19.

Will finish later.

Obviously I'm a Vikings fan so this coming from my angle but how is it that the 8-4 Tarvaris Jackson who finished very good statistically (65% and 187 yds/per game over final 7) is what will hold the Vikings back yet the totally untested Aaron Rodgers is better positioned to win the NFC North? I don't get this logic but I'm a Viking fan and we shall see.

[mweb]

Obviously I'm a Vikings fan so this coming from my angle but how is it that the 8-4 Tarvaris Jackson who finished very good statistically (65% and 187 yds/per game over final 7) is what will hold the Vikings back yet the totally untested Aaron Rodgers is better positioned to win the NFC North? I don't get this logic but I'm a Viking fan and we shall see.

Ah, first defense against a homer, good times.

Well you probably don't get the logic of most people regarding Rodgers and Jackson. I think the vast majority of people would go with Rodgers. But like I said, he could struggle and then they'd fall off, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the Vikings win the division, I do rank them closely.

Concerning the record, lets consider the competition for a moment. ATL, @CHI, SD(he threw for 63 yards, so not much to do with that one), OAK, @NYG, DET, @SF, CHI. So one good win that he had much of anything to do with, and that game was more due to the defense, or Eli's poor play, whichever way you want to look at it.

Concerning the stats, he did have a great 3 game stretch, but he also only threw the ball 61 times in those 3 games. The run setting up the pass if there was ever an example. He played poorly two of his last 3 games.

Also lets consider that the Vikings themselves obviously wanted to upgrade the position this offseason.

[Camden_yardbird]

Wait...I thought this was the Ravens Schedule?

[geschinger]

3. Colts: Coming off another very strong year, my only real concerns with this team are health related. Marvin may very well be done as a big time receiver, Gonzalez may be able to help fill the void though. Plus, they obviously did quite well without much help from him last year.

Health and trying to withstand a brutal schedule and a brutal division... All of the teams in the division in the top half of your Power Poll speaks to how good the AFC South is.

I'm not worried about Marvin, I think he's going to have a very good year. I think AG is going to have a breakout season and Jacob Tamme is going to be an impact rookie. The key to their season is health and Howard Mudd getting the OL ready to play at a competent level.

[mweb]

I like a lot of your rankings, but I think you overranked each of these teams...

While I agree with you on the Steelers skill position talent, they have problems on both lines, and in their secondary... they might win the division at 9-7, but I do not think they are an upper echelon team.

Seattle benefits from a weak division, and might only be challenged if Kurt Warner can somehow stay healthy... but I don't find them to be an overly talented team...

I'm nitpicking on Tampa, because you already have them out of the playoffs... but I see them having a long-year... defense has a ton of former 1st rounders, but Gaines Adams would have to be a monster this year, for that defense to make up for the offensive short-comings.

If I were to break down into tiers, 6-13 would likely be a tier, not much difference there imo. So maybe that makes my ranking of the Steelers and Seahawks look better, I agree that they could easily be a few spots lower. I just wanted the Steelers at #6 so I wasn't accused of being anti AFC.:D

[mweb]

Despite what I said regarding the Vikings, I have decided to move them up, their just so good other than QB, so if Jackson can just be decent, that will be enough for them to contend.

Made some other adjustments as well.

I'm not at all confident in these rankings though, quite a bit of parity after the first 5 teams until the last 5 or so teams.

[ccbird]

This is how I see the teams as of right now:

1. Pats: Were obviously the best team last year despite the SB defeat, the loss of Samuel hurts, but they should still be a dominant team with a tremendous offense.
2. Cowboys: With the addition of Pac Man along with CB Mike Jenkins from USF, their secondary should be much improved. Not sure this team has a weakness, and with Barber now starting and Felix Jones replacing Julius Jones, the running game should be even stronger this year.
3. Colts: Coming off another very strong year, my only real concerns with this team are health related. Marvin may very well be done as a big time receiver, Gonzalez may be able to help fill the void though. Plus, they obviously did quite well without much help from him last year.
4. Chargers: I've been very high on this team for awhile as some of you know, but don't have them higher due to Merriman's injury, plus LT is getting to that age where things may start going down hill, not to mention he's coming off a knee injury.
5. Jaguars: Obviously continue to have a weakness at WR, but otherwise this is a very good team all around, and their new DE's that they drafted should help get more pressure off the edges.
6. Steelers: I'm expecting Big Ben and Santonio Holmes to take their games to a new level this year, that along with a good running game and defense makes them a dangerous team this year.
7. Vikings: A very good D should get even better with the addition of Allen, and the passing game should improve some, although I expect that to continue to be what holds this team back.
8. Eagles: With a healthy Donovan along with some good offseason additions, this team should be able to get back to the playoffs, at least if McNabb stays healthy.
9. Packers: Despite the loss of Brett, this is a very talented team that could end up being a SB contender or out of the playoffs depending mostly on how Rodgers does.
10. Seahawks: They've been relatively consistent for quite some time now, and I expect them to continue to be a good team. Even though their RB situation doesn't look great, it should be an improvement over last year.
11. Saints: I think they're better than they showed last year, but not as good as they were two years ago, the additions of Vilma and Ellis should help out the D a lot.
12. Browns: Still should have a great offense, I expect a similar year from them overall.
13. Giants: Yes, I know this seems really low for the defending SB champs, but with their injuries along with the loss of Strahan, I just don't see this team being better than a 10-6 team, and I wouldn't at all be surprised if they miss the playoffs. But of course 10-6 was good enough for them last year.
14. Redskins: I was much more excited about this team until they got destroyed in their last two preseason games. They bring back a similar team to the one that made the playoffs last year, except they added Taylor and some bigger receiving options through the draft.
15. Titans: I won't be sold on them until I see better play out of Vince Young. They should still be a very respectable team even without that improvement though.
16. Texans: Saw solid improvement last year as Mario Williams answered the critics(me included) who question his selection of Bush's. If they were in a weaker division, I'd have higher hopes for them, but they're probably in the best conference in the league.
17. Jets: [/B]I'm not sold on Favre doing well with a new offense and team to adjust to, plus, last season may have been his last hoorah as a top notch QB anyway. They should be improved due to a better O-line along with Brett, but I'm obviously not predicting a playoff appearance.
18. Cardinals: With Warner at the helm, this is a dangerous team. That's more of a indication of how I feel about Leinart than Warner.
19. Bucs: I don't expect a return to the playoffs for them since the Saints should be better this year, but another respectable year for the Bucs is likely.
20. Bengals: Another 7-9 season is quite possible, but this is a team that has the potential to do better as they have shown in the past. They at least added Keith Rivers in the draft to help their beleaguered defense.
21. Broncos: Now that Cutler knows he has diabetes, and how to manage it, he should have a much better season.
22. Ravens: Still a great D, but one of the worst QB situations bring this team down significantly.
23. Panthers: I'm not much of a believer in Delhomme, so I don't think he's going to give them that much of a boost, but I do like Stewart to help their running game quite a bit.
24. Bills: Not really a bad team, but nothing that really makes me a believer in them either.
25. Bears: See Ravens except with worse offensive skill position players to surrount their poor QB.
26. Lions: Could be a breakout year for Calvin Johnson, but otherwise this team still figures to struggle.
27. Raiders: Should have a very strong running game, and I would think they'll have some better QB play, could be a team that rises to respectability.
28. Chiefs: At least LJ is healthy and Dorsey is a big addition.
29. 49ers: Martz doesn't really have that much to work with, plus his offense has lost a lot of its luster.
30. Rams: With Jackson and Pace back, and the addition of Chris Long, this team may be able to get back to being solid.
31. Dolphins: Ricky Williams seems to be a good story, and along with Brown should help the running game, but I'm not seeing how they can be good this year.
32. Falcons: The Matt Ryan era begins, never a good sign when a rookie QB is the starter.

Tiers:
Elite: 1-3
Just a notch below: 4-5
Playoff caliber: 6-13
Can make the playoffs if things break right or simply come together: 14-19
Darkhorses: 20-23
Could be respectable: 24-27
Bad: 28-32

Even though everyone does it, doing a preseason power rankings is tough and rather useless. I'm not going to debate any rankings as you could probably make an argument to have 90% of the teams in wide range of spots. Besides, I'm sure we'll debate enough as the year goes on. Props for subjecting yourself to this for another year.


I'll just make some general observations about some potential suprises and disappointments in relation to where you have teams ranked.

Disappoitments:

Chargers- A team I think could be battling for a playoff spot come Dec. Injury concerns, LT is starting to get some mileage, I'm not sold on Phillip as a good QB and a suspect receiving core outside of Gates who had offseason surgery. Defense will still be good with or without Merriman but the offense could be below average. An 8-8 season in an improving AFC West wouldn't suprise me.



Seahawks- They've been just good enough in a poor division recently and this is the year I think they miss the playoffs. Questions all over the offense from Hasselbeck to WR to RB. Defense while good was a little overrated last year from playing such poor teams. Tougher schedule this year and an improved division has 7 -9 written all over this team.

Giants- For now you can't argue putting them any lower than you have them but I think they will end up lower. Playing in a brutal divison, devestating injury already and Super Bowl hangover and this team has .500 written all over them. Last year was a fluke plain and simple. They got hot at the right time, played over there heads, and got some help along the way from choking Cowboys and Packers teams. Honestly if this team backs last year up with another playoff bid I'll be shocked and give this group a lot more respect.


Suprises:

Cardinals- If Warner starts form the beginning last year they probably win the division. This year he will and they will as well. A lot of weapons and an improving line. Still question marks at RB and on defense but I think they have the firepower to overtake Seattle in what will probably be the weakest overall division in football.

Broncos- If San Diego falls this is the team that will pounce. I love Cutler and his WR core. Selvin Young is a good RB who could have a breakthrough year and the defense, at least in the secondary should still be very good. Then you got Shanahan who does some strange stuff at times but is still a good coach. I wouldn't be suprised to see them win the division and I expect them to make the playoffs.

Panthers- So this is the team I get hung up on every year. I guess that Super Bowl run 4 years ago really impressed me and I just keep waiting for them to be good again. I'm just the opposite on Delhomme, I think he is underrated and is a very solid QB. Stewart is going to be a beast and while I'm resigned to the fact that the defense will never be as good as it was 4 years ago I think they can still be above average. Combine that with the Saints not overwheming me and the expected drop off of Tampa Bay and I think Carolina gets back to the playoffs this year and maybe knocks off New Orleans for the division.




Few other quick predictions:

-Oakland will turn some heads this year and could end up around .500.

- NFC North is up for grabs. I personally won't rule anybody out in that division right now. Each team has positives but each has huge question marks.Jon Kitna is the most proven QB in the division. Scary stuff.

-Sorry beltway football fans it's gonna be a long year. Redskins have solid but overrated talent. They play in a brutal division and have a big question mark at QB. They will be the better beltway team but that's not saying much. I woud be quite suprised if they finish 8-8. Baltimore might not win 5 games. A rookie QB with very little offensive talent around him. What's worse is the vaunted D could be nearly as bad. Half the defensive stars haven't played or practiced much in preseason because of injuries and overall they are getting very old very fast. It's going to be pretty clear it's time to cut bait and rebuild after this year.

[mweb]

Even though everyone does it, doing a preseason power rankings is tough and rather useless. I'm not going to debate any rankings as you could probably make an argument to have 90% of the teams in wide range of spots. Besides, I'm sure we'll debate enough as the year goes on. Props for subjecting yourself to this for another year.


I'll just make some general observations about some potential suprises and disappointments in relation to where you have teams ranked.

Disappoitments:

Chargers- A team I think could be battling for a playoff spot come Dec. Injury concerns, LT is starting to get some mileage, I'm not sold on Phillip as a good QB and a suspect receiving core outside of Gates who had offseason surgery. Defense will still be good with or without Merriman but the offense could be below average. An 8-8 season in an improving AFC West wouldn't suprise me.



Seahawks- They've been just good enough in a poor division recently and this is the year I think they miss the playoffs. Questions all over the offense from Hasselbeck to WR to RB. Defense while good was a little overrated last year from playing such poor teams. Tougher schedule this year and an improved division has 7 -9 written all over this team.

Giants- For now you can't argue putting them any lower than you have them but I think they will end up lower. Playing in a brutal divison, devestating injury already and Super Bowl hangover and this team has .500 written all over them. Last year was a fluke plain and simple. They got hot at the right time, played over there heads, and got some help along the way from choking Cowboys and Packers teams. Honestly if this team backs last year up with another playoff bid I'll be shocked and give this group a lot more respect.


Suprises:

Cardinals- If Warner starts form the beginning last year they probably win the division. This year he will and they will as well. A lot of weapons and an improving line. Still question marks at RB and on defense but I think they have the firepower to overtake Seattle in what will probably be the weakest overall division in football.

Broncos- If San Diego falls this is the team that will pounce. I love Cutler and his WR core. Selvin Young is a good RB who could have a breakthrough year and the defense, at least in the secondary should still be very good. Then you got Shanahan who does some strange stuff at times but is still a good coach. I wouldn't be suprised to see them win the division and I expect them to make the playoffs.

Panthers- So this is the team I get hung up on every year. I guess that Super Bowl run 4 years ago really impressed me and I just keep waiting for them to be good again. I'm just the opposite on Delhomme, I think he is underrated and is a very solid QB. Stewart is going to be a beast and while I'm resigned to the fact that the defense will never be as good as it was 4 years ago I think they can still be above average. Combine that with the Saints not overwheming me and the expected drop off of Tampa Bay and I think Carolina gets back to the playoffs this year and maybe knocks off New Orleans for the division.




Few other quick predictions:

-Oakland will turn some heads this year and could end up around .500.

- NFC North is up for grabs. I personally won't rule anybody out in that division right now. Each team has positives but each has huge question marks.Jon Kitna is the most proven QB in the division. Scary stuff.

-Sorry beltway football fans it's gonna be a long year. Redskins have solid but overrated talent. They play in a brutal division and have a big question mark at QB. They will be the better beltway team but that's not saying much. I woud be quite suprised if they finish 8-8. Baltimore might not win 5 games. A rookie QB with very little offensive talent around him. What's worse is the vaunted D could be nearly as bad. Half the defensive stars haven't played or practiced much in preseason because of injuries and overall they are getting very old very fast. It's going to be pretty clear it's time to cut bait and rebuild after this year.


Well at least it looks like I don't have to worry about defending my ranking of the Ravens to you, if anything it seems like you might have them lower than I.

I don't think Campbell is a big question mark, but Zorn is. Those last two preseason games really scared me.

I obviously agree with the Giants being a likely dissapointment this year. The Chargers, not so much, at least not to the tune of 8-8, I do think they might slip some due to the reasons I listed.

Seahawks could slip some, and yes, the Cards are the team that may overtake them. I also think the Broncos could be good this year, not so high on the Panthers though. Although, if the Saints don't return to playoff form like I expect, that division can easily be had.

[Sports Guy]

Well, if Brady is done for the year, so are the Pats.

The Colts look horrible tonight but they will be fine I am sure.

The Chargers lost a game they should have and the Jags did nothing.

The Cowboys, Eagles and Steelers all looked great...It will be interesting to see how the Steelers O-line holds up throughout the season.

[geschinger]

Well, if Brady is done for the year, so are the Pats.

The Colts look horrible tonight but they will be fine I am sure.

The Chargers lost a game they should have and the Jags did nothing.

The Cowboys, Eagles and Steelers all looked great...It will be interesting to see how the Steelers O-line holds up throughout the season.

Don't underestimate the (lack of) strength of the Pats schedule and their talent. If they get even avg QB play, they'll make the playoffs.

The Colts will be fine... This is kind of like what happens in the playoffs when they take weeks off - they aren't ready to play. The price a team pays for not playing so many guys all preseason.

Chargers have the talent and will be fine. I think the Jags are way overrated and will not make the playoffs.

[backwardsk]

Big weekend for the NFC with wins by Dallas, Chicago, and Carolina.

Huge letdown for the Patriots obviously.

Steelers look tough.

Big rookie QB debuts by Flacco and Ryan.

Should be a fun season.

[Sports Guy]

Don't underestimate the (lack of) strength of the Pats schedule and their talent. If they get even avg QB play, they'll make the playoffs.

The Colts will be fine... This is kind of like what happens in the playoffs when they take weeks off - they aren't ready to play. The price a team pays for not playing so many guys all preseason.

Chargers have the talent and will be fine. I think the Jags are way overrated and will not make the playoffs.

Well, as we know, it is all about how the QB plays when you are in the NFL...Teams are going to key on Maroney and make Cassel beat them...Can he do it? He did go to USC and the Pats have trusted him as the back up, so I am sure he has talent but he has to prove it.

Also, their dvision isn't as weak as it was last year...Buffalo and the Jets are much better IMO.

They have 4 west coast trips, including SD and at Indy.

Hell, it doesn't matter who they play...If Cassell isn't any good, they are going to struggle to beat anyone.

So, I guess the fair thing to do is to have him go out there and play and see what he can and can not do.

The good thing for the Pats is he got a lot of time with the first team in the preseason, so he should be in sync with them.

I agree the Colts will be fine but this was an awful display of football tonight.

[TinCup]

Also lets consider that the Vikings themselves obviously wanted to upgrade the position this offseason.

Source(s)??

[mweb]

Source(s)??

Haha, that's funny. You happen to miss the Brett Favre story this offseason?;)

[TinCup]

Haha, that's funny. You happen to miss the Brett Favre story this offseason?;)

My response...."and?"

That was a concoction of the national media and even some outlets in MN. Minny was always set on TJack, for good or bad, right or wrong. Aside from the Favre circus, what else do you have?

[TinCup]

It's obvious they were trying to get Favre...He has connections with the Vikings and they were his first choice other than the Packers. If Favre had played for the Steelers or any other team outside the NFC North for his whole career 95% he'd be a Viking instead of a Jet IMO.


So sayeth the national media. Again, all just speculation in my book.

[mweb]

My response...."and?"

That was a concoction of the national media and even some outlets in MN. Minny was always set on TJack, for good or bad, right or wrong. Aside from the Favre circus, what else do you have?

MN was Brett's first choice, he spoke to Childress, I'm quite confident his first choice was a place that wanted him.

If you want to ignore the obvious that's on you.

I will give you that other than Favre, they didn't seem to try to get a new starter, not that there was much available.

[TinCup]

MN was Brett's first choice, he spoke to Childress, I'm quite confident his first choice was a place that wanted him.

If you want to ignore the obvious that's on you.

I will give you that other than Favre, they didn't seem to try to get a new starter, not that there was much available.


Obvious as the nose on my face I suppose. Come on mweb, you are better than this. You and others are making conclusions based on what? An ESPN report that Brett spoke with Childress? Based on a SI report that Favre would love to play with MN to open against his old team on Monday night football?

It was all just speculation. Favre spoke with his friends Childress and Bevens, but had there been any real talk about his playing for the Vikes, I am quite certian the league would have found them guilty of tampering.

Listen, it made a great story but there was no meat to it. The Vikes could have made a run for McNabb but they did not. They could have made a run at Anderson but they did not. They could have made a run for Favre but they did not, and yes, I know the Pack would never have traded inside the division, but the Vikes made no attempt.

Am I ignoring the obvious? :scratchchinhmm:

[TinCup]

So in your eyes, Brady wasn't hurt and out for the season last night, Lance Armstrong is going to stay retired forever, Vince Young is pefectly healthy, and Jon Gruden and Chris Simms are weekly dinner buddies.

It's ironic how you say that we are taking the 250 ESPN reports a day too far then you come out and say "the Vikes made no attempt." So you're the only person in America that thinks that Favre and the Vikings didn't try to get that done yet everyone else is wrong when they have much, much, much information than you do unless you are related to someone within either organiation.

Jeez, ya don't have to get all snippy and sarcastic on me. So go ahead and blow my statement that the Vike smade no attempt way out of proportion. What do you say about the league investigating the Vikes for tampering and finding nothing? You keep citing all of this information?


Agree to disagree is all i can say.

Oh yeah, Brady was NOT hurt last night.

Oh, and Lance is NOT coming back.

And so on... :rolleyes:

I'll add this, and allow that the Vikes should have gone for a QB. Tonight's first half is showing that TJack is not getting it done.

[mweb]

Obvious as the nose on my face I suppose. Come on mweb, you are better than this. You and others are making conclusions based on what? An ESPN report that Brett spoke with Childress? Based on a SI report that Favre would love to play with MN to open against his old team on Monday night football?

It was all just speculation. Favre spoke with his friends Childress and Bevens, but had there been any real talk about his playing for the Vikes, I am quite certian the league would have found them guilty of tampering.

Listen, it made a great story but there was no meat to it. The Vikes could have made a run for McNabb but they did not. They could have made a run at Anderson but they did not. They could have made a run for Favre but they did not, and yes, I know the Pack would never have traded inside the division, but the Vikes made no attempt.

Am I ignoring the obvious? :scratchchinhmm:

Yes, you're ignoring the obvious. If the Packers were willing to trade Favre to the Vikings, the Vikings would have went after him, I'm quite sure of that. You can live in the fantasy world where the Vikes have tons of confidence in Tavaris Jackson.

You should be better this Tin Cup, and by this, I mean showing your Vikings bias.

[mweb]

Obviously I'm a Vikings fan so this coming from my angle but how is it that the 8-4 Tarvaris Jackson who finished very good statistically (65% and 187 yds/per game over final 7) is what will hold the Vikings back yet the totally untested Aaron Rodgers is better positioned to win the NFC North? I don't get this logic but I'm a Viking fan and we shall see.

Well I did change my stance on who would win the division, but I think my original logic is looking pretty good so far. Yes, Rodgers is likely better than Jackson.

Edit: Of course, after I say that, Jackson starts playing better. I'll still go with Rodgers over him though, just think the rest of the Vikings team is better than the rest of the Packers. It should be a close division race, and now the Bears might be good again, so who knows.

[TinCup]

Yes, you're ignoring the obvious. If the Packers were willing to trade Favre to the Vikings, the Vikings would have went after him, I'm quite sure of that. You can live in the fantasy world where the Vikes have tons of confidence in Tavaris Jackson.

You should be better this Tin Cup, and by this, I mean showing your Vikings bias.

Guilty as charged.

And, I do readily admit that I don't have confidence in TJack. I've said this before. :)

[glenn__davis]

I'll add this, and allow that the Vikes should have gone for a QB. Tonight's first half is showing that TJack is not getting it done.

How about the 2nd half? Once Childress actually opened up the book and let his playmaker make plays, Jackson looked a lot better. I don't have much confidence in him either, but I do think he'll be light years better than last year.

Pretty encouraged by tonight's game. Certainly would've been nice to get a win at Lambeau, but the Vikes did a good job other than the big plays. Certainly looks to me like at least a playoff team.

[sportsfan14]

My response...."and?"

That was a concoction of the national media and even some outlets in MN. Minny was always set on TJack, for good or bad, right or wrong. Aside from the Favre circus, what else do you have?

If you want to sit here and act like there was no fire despite enormous amounts of smoke, fine. No-one cant prove you wrong.

I just want to make sure you remember that the Packers certainly were plenty worried abut the Vikings, considering the provision they put in the Jets trade (http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&q=If+the+Jets+turn+around+and+deal+Favre+to+the+Vi kings%2C+New+York+would+have+to+send+Green+Bay+thr ee+first-round+picks.&btnG=Google+Search).

Do you think the Packers would have put that provision in if:
a) they didn't think Favre wanted to be a Viking
and
b) the Vikings didn't have serious interest

Afaik...
There weren't any provisions like that regarding the Bears or Lions--> it was not a divisional thing.
There weren't any provision like that regarding the *insert any other good teams w/ muddled QB situations* either.

[mweb]

If you want to sit here and act like there was no fire despite enormous amounts of smoke, fine. No-one cant prove you wrong.

I just want to make sure you remember that the Packers certainly were plenty worried abut the Vikings, considering the provision they put in the Jets trade (http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&q=If+the+Jets+turn+around+and+deal+Favre+to+the+Vi kings%2C+New+York+would+have+to+send+Green+Bay+thr ee+first-round+picks.&btnG=Google+Search).

Do you think the Packers would have put that provision in if:
a) they didn't think Favre wanted to be a Viking
and
b) the Vikings didn't have serious interest

Afaik...
There weren't any provisions like that regarding the Bears or Lions--> it was not a divisional thing.
There weren't any provision like that regarding the *insert any other good teams w/ muddled QB situations* either.

Also do you think that Favre would say trade me to the Vikings if there was a chance the Vikings weren't interested? That would be quite embarrasing for him.