USA Today predicts us 5-11

[deanpet21]

It is fascinating to see how non-followers see other teams, ours included. How many times have people here posted that Dallas is going to take a step back, the Giants don't impress and/or Philly won't be a threat, all as a means to justify the rise of our team in the division? Anyone want to bet that fans of those teams aren't using our team as fodder to justify finishing ahead of us?

You have to respect @Terry Rode for coming in and verifying what we already know about fandom.It seems that the argument using stats are as valid or useless only to the extent as one wants to use them in that regard. Although there's the back and forth specifically about this team, the longer view is about the end game. So here's my suggestion:

Based on everything that we now know, I emphasize NOW KNOW, list the order of finish and the records in this division as you currently predict them to be.

AS I mentioned in post #259, Terry didn't even mention the guys I brought out. That means he doesn't follow this team closely and just basing his opinions on last year.

 

[Yo Tee]

You discount the fact that the defense added coaches DC Maunsky and D line Tomsula. Plus you never mentioned Glaette which is an elite pass rusher when healthy and having a great camp. Plus we added the best d lineman in college football last year in Allen. If drafted by any other team the media would of went nuts. So adding a Pro Bowl LB in Brown doesn't mean anything? lol.

As for the WR's you don't put Docston into the equation? He is having a great camp and has 1st round WR talent. If you are going to praise the Giants rookie TE you have to do the same for Docston. Jackson and Garcon were grossly overpaid in FA. Jackson cant stay healthy for a 16 game season. Garcon got crazy money in his first year in SF. So yea, Pryor and Docston for Jackson and Garcon is actually an upgrade with way more upside.

McClain and Mcgee were solid signings. They are basically one year deals. Hood can now be a rotational d lineman. Where he should belong. He was forced to start last year b/c of injury. So now the dline has actually good depth.

I'm not discounting the additions of Manusky and Tomsula, I don't like them as coaches. I don't think they bring anything different to the table, at least nothing better. I'm not mentioning Gallette because he's missed the last two years with Achilles injuries that will more than likely affect his play, which was good at beast. Two good years out of 5 and he's missed the last two with the same injury.

If you are depending on Jonathan Allen to turn your defense around then you're foolish in my opinion. He was a great college talent but he's not gonna change the defense by himself. The Redskins, as brought up by another Skins fan, has cost themselves games and that doesn't change because of one rookie DE.

I am forgetting about Doctson so you're right about that. However, I personally would rather have Jackson or Garcon than Doctson. With the season Garcon had last year, I'd say his contract is worth the stats. Bucs might of overpaid for D-Jax, but he's consistent. 2015 he was hurt for more than half the season. He only missed 1 game last year and have over 1,000 yards. 2014 he missed a game but also had over 1,100 yards. Arguably, he would've had over 1,000 yards in 2015 had he not gotten hurt. I think it's hypocritical to say D-Jax can't stay healthy but in the same sentence boast about Josh Doctson who, in his only season, got hurt.

And there's no way you are convincing me that McClain and McGee are worth what they were paid. No way in hell I'm sorry. When your defense is one of the worst in the league and you go and sign 2 scrubs and resign another? I did say that Zach Brown and D.J Swearinger were the only decent additions but like I've also said, you're banking on Swearinger, Brown and 2 Bama rookies to turn the entire defense around. I don't see that happening.

 

[Yo Tee]

AS I mentioned in post #259, Terry didn't even mention the guys I brought out. That means he doesn't follow this team closely and just basing his opinions on last year.

I've mentioned everyone you mentioned except for Josh Doctson and Galette. Both who have been injured, by the way. When you miss two full seasons, your play usually takes a hit.

 

[j_y19]

I really don't get the love for the Giants and, to some extent, the cowboys. Clearly the Boys are the favorites to win the division. But their defense is suspect and if elliot loses time to suspension (or injury) that offense just doesn't produce like it did last year. Their WR Corps is OK, but aging. Dak played very well last year in a very vanilla offense for him. He did what was asked of him, but rarely was the pressure for him to win put on his shoulders.

As for the Giants, I just don't get it. Their defense is superior. But their offense might very well be the worst in the division. Eli is getting up there in age and really hasn't had a good year in a few. He is on his downside. They have no running game to scare anyone. They do have one great WR (Beckam but a head case) and one good WR who has never lived up to his potential consistently (Marshall). I won't be surprised if the Giants end up in the cellar in the division. I realize this goes against conventional wisdom.

As for the Skins, I just don't know. On paper, we have improved. Especially the defense. But translating that into on the field improvement doesn't always happen. But Id bet that the defense does improve (really can't get worse) to maybe middle of the pack or so. I am not worried about any WR drop off. Pryor is an up and coming stud. Doctson is injury free and is tearing it up in camp. Crowder and Reed round out a very potent receiving squad. The big question will be Cousins. How does the contract situation and his relationship with the FO affect his play? Does he press as he knows now that FA is most certainly in his future? Is that good or bad? It will be an interesting year and we should have a good idea after the first 4 games or so. Like most, I see us any where between 7-9 and 10-6. My guess right now is we will be in the 9-7 range fighting for a WC spot. As always and with every team, injuries are the wildcard.

 

[Stymietee]

AS I mentioned in post #259, Terry didn't even mention the guys I brought out. That means he doesn't follow this team closely and just basing his opinions on last year.

OK, but isn't it equally true that fans here don't follow other teams as closely as their fans do? Other than opinion, who's to say that Dallas, the Giants and Philly won't be better than last year's teams? At this time of year, it's ALL, just speculation/opinion....Right?
This I BELIEVE, is going to be a tough division, where splits are a real possibility, top to bottom. I also believe that the difference in finishing 2nd and last will be one game.

 

[deanpet21]

I'm not discounting the additions of Manusky and Tomsula, I don't like them as coaches. I don't think they bring anything different to the table, at least nothing better. I'm not mentioning Gallette because he's missed the last two years with Achilles injuries that will more than likely affect his play, which was good at beast. Two good years out of 5 and he's missed the last two with the same injury.

If you are depending on Jonathan Allen to turn your defense around then you're foolish in my opinion. He was a great college talent but he's not gonna change the defense by himself. The Redskins, as brought up by another Skins fan, has cost themselves games and that doesn't change because of one rookie DE.

I am forgetting about Doctson so you're right about that. However, I personally would rather have Jackson or Garcon than Doctson. With the season Garcon had last year, I'd say his contract is worth the stats. Bucs might of overpaid for D-Jax, but he's consistent. 2015 he was hurt for more than half the season. He only missed 1 game last year and have over 1,000 yards. 2014 he missed a game but also had over 1,100 yards. Arguably, he would've had over 1,000 yards in 2015 had he not gotten hurt. I think it's hypocritical to say D-Jax can't stay healthy but in the same sentence boast about Josh Doctson who, in his only season, got hurt.

And there's no way you are convincing me that McClain and McGee are worth what they were paid. No way in hell I'm sorry. When your defense is one of the worst in the league and you go and sign 2 scrubs and resign another? I did say that Zach Brown and D.J Swearinger were the only decent additions but like I've also said, you're banking on Swearinger, Brown and 2 Bama rookies to turn the entire defense around. I don't see that happening.

Tomsula is a good defensive coach. Manusky is a qualified D coordinator. The defense is different from last year philosophy wise. Trent Williams is saying how good Galette has been in camp so yes he should be mentioned.

Im depending on Galette, Allen, Brown, and Sweringer changing this defense this year. Plus dline and CB depth.

d-Jax is a one trick pony. His best days are behind him. Yes is very injury prone. The money was insane for him. With Doctson waiting you don't sign back those guys at all.

Mclain and Mcgee are not scrubs. NO starts but offer the Redskins dline depth and great run defense. So yea that is an improvement from last year.

 

[j_y19]

That's fine with me man. I welcome the debating. What I don't like is the "Again - you're wrong", "Again - ", "Again - ", it's so arrogant. You might as well just say, re-read my previous statement as to why you're wrong.

With that being said, with all these "amazing improvements" made on both sides of the ball, and the $74.5 million dollars they will shell out to improve this team, 1 more win is all you guys are expecting? 9-7 is not gonna be good enough this year. I really don't see it. With teams like the Packers, Falcons, Seahawks, Giants and Cowboys being better, the improvements made by the Panthers and Bucs who have improved more so than the Redskins and with the constant contention of the Lions and Cardinals, it's not as much of a lock as many think it is that they will be in the hung for a WC spot. Their schedule looks rough. Especially in November.

Jus curious. What have the Cowboys done to improve since last year?

 

[deanpet21]

I've mentioned everyone you mentioned except for Josh Doctson and Galette. Both who have been injured, by the way. When you miss two full seasons, your play usually takes a hit.

I gave you 4 new guys plus new d coaches that will change the defense this year. Every defensive position has been upgraded this year.

 

[Yo Tee]

It is fascinating to see how non-followers see other teams, ours included. How many times have people here posted that Dallas is going to take a step back, the Giants don't impress and/or Philly won't be a threat, all as a means to justify the rise of our team in the division? Anyone want to bet that fans of those teams aren't using our team as fodder to justify finishing ahead of us?

You have to respect @Terry Rode for coming in and verifying what we already know about fandom.It seems that the argument using stats are as valid or useless only to the extent as one wants to use them in that regard. Although there's the back and forth specifically about this team, the longer view is about the end game. So here's my suggestion:

Based on everything that we now know, I emphasize NOW KNOW, list the order of finish and the records in this division as you currently predict them to be.

Cowboys 12-4
Giants 10-6
Redskins 7-9
Eagles 5-11

Like I've said before, in order for the Redskins to have 9 wins, I feel like they need to sweep finish 4-2 in the division because their non-division schedule is tough. Raiders, Chiefs, Seahawks, Vikings and Saints could all be losses. Rams, 49ers and Chargers are probably locks for a win and the Cardinals and Broncos are a toss up. Could win, could lose. Once again, at best, I see 7-9 at best.

 

[deanpet21]

I really don't get the love for the Giants and, to some extent, the cowboys. Clearly the Boys are the favorites to win the division. But their defense is suspect and if elliot loses time to suspension (or injury) that offense just doesn't produce like it did last year. Their WR Corps is OK, but aging. Dak played very well last year in a very vanilla offense for him. He did what was asked of him, but rarely was the pressure for him to win put on his shoulders.

As for the Giants, I just don't get it. Their defense is superior. But their offense might very well be the worst in the division. Eli is getting up there in age and really hasn't had a good year in a few. He is on his downside. They have no running game to scare anyone. They do have one great WR (Beckam but a head case) and one good WR who has never lived up to his potential consistently (Marshall). I won't be surprised if the Giants end up in the cellar in the division. I realize this goes against conventional wisdom.

As for the Skins, I just don't know. On paper, we have improved. Especially the defense. But translating that into on the field improvement doesn't always happen. But Id bet that the defense does improve (really can't get worse) to maybe middle of the pack or so. I am not worried about any WR drop off. Pryor is an up and coming stud. Doctson is injury free and is tearing it up in camp. Crowder and Reed round out a very potent receiving squad. The big question will be Cousins. How does the contract situation and his relationship with the FO affect his play? Does he press as he knows now that FA is most certainly in his future? Is that good or bad? It will be an interesting year and we should have a good idea after the first 4 games or so. Like most, I see us any where between 7-9 and 10-6. My guess right now is we will be in the 9-7 range fighting for a WC spot. As always and with every team, injuries are the wildcard.

I don't buy the Giants hype either. Two head case WR's plus bad oline and run game.

 

[Yo Tee]

Jus curious. What have the Cowboys done to improve since last year?

Nothing but they really didn't need to either. Their offense is solid minus the loss of Leary which will hurt but not enough to keep them from contending for the division title.

 

[Yo Tee]

I gave you 4 new guys plus new d coaches that will change the defense this year. Every defensive position has been upgraded this year.

And I gave you reasons why they don't impress me much aside from Zach Brown and D.J Swearinger, who I've mentioned numerous times as the only two additions on the defensive side of the ball that impress me.

 

[deanpet21]

Cowboys 12-4
Giants 10-6
Redskins 7-9
Eagles 5-11

Like I've said before, in order for the Redskins to have 9 wins, I feel like they need to sweep finish 4-2 in the division because their non-division schedule is tough. Raiders, Chiefs, Seahawks, Vikings and Saints could all be losses. Rams, 49ers and Chargers are probably locks for a win and the Cardinals and Broncos are a toss up. Could win, could lose. Once again, at best, I see 7-9 at best.

Cowboys have the same schedule as we do but they have the PAckers and Falcons. We have Minn and NO. 12-4?? wow. Raiders, Chiefs, Falcons, and Packers are losses for the Boys. That is 4 right there. They are not sweeping the division this year. lol

 

[deanpet21]

And I gave you reasons why they don't impress me much aside from Zach Brown and D.J Swearinger, who I've mentioned numerous times as the only two additions on the defensive side of the ball that impress me.

So a healthy Galette makes no difference?

 

[j_y19]

Nothing but they really didn't need to either. Their offense is solid minus the loss of Leary which will hurt but not enough to keep them from contending for the division title.

I agree. In your post you had the listed as a team that got better. So I was curious.

Having said that, if you aren't getting better while the competition around you are, that makes it a bit hard to produce to the same level as last year. I have the cowboys finishing anywhere between 8-8 and 11-5. Elliot is the key. If he loses significant time, it could be a long year for the Cowboys.

 

[Yo Tee]

Cowboys have the same schedule as we do but they have the PAckers and Falcons. We have Minn and NO. 12-4?? wow. Raiders, Chiefs, Falcons, and Packers are losses for the Boys. That is 4 right there. They are not sweeping the division this year. lol

I have Dallas losing to Green Bay, Atlanta, Oakland and the Redskins in Washington. You always gotta plan for an upset.

 

[j_y19]

And I gave you reasons why they don't impress me much aside from Zach Brown and D.J Swearinger, who I've mentioned numerous times as the only two additions on the defensive side of the ball that impress me.

What about Allen and Anderson? You telling me Allen won't improve that DL over last year?

 

[Yo Tee]

So a healthy Galette makes no difference?

Not in my opinion. The guy has missed the last two full seasons with the same injury. His play will reasonably be affected. He's not gonna be the pro bowler you are expecting him to be right away. He will improve, naturally, as the season progresses but it's not gonna be enough. Their schedule is the toughest in the league for a reason. From week 8 to week 13, you could arguably see the Redskins going 0-6. But even I think that's not right.

 

[deanpet21]

I have Dallas losing to Green Bay, Atlanta, Oakland and the Redskins in Washington. You always gotta plan for an upset.

plus Seattle and NYG. You like the Giants this year. NYG will get them one game. 10-6. Plus Kc will give them a go.

 

[Yo Tee]

What about Allen and Anderson? You telling me Allen won't improve that DL over last year?

Like I've said numerous times, if you are banking on a rookie DE and LB to fix your defense's inevitable mistakes and natural issues, you're being foolish. Who's to even say those guys play that much to even make a difference.