NFC in 2014

[Johnnydollaz89]

Watch for my Falcons to make a big bounceback, injuries killed us all year. Healthy, we'll be right back on top of the NFCS.

 

[cdumler7]

Watch for my Falcons to make a big bounceback, injuries killed us all year. Healthy, we'll be right back on top of the NFCS.

I wouldn't even try to begin to guess who will win the NFC South next year. Every year it looks like some team has finally risen to the top to stay for a bit then next thing you know they finish 4th in the division. Wouldn't surprise me one bit if Atlanta returned to the top. The other 3 teams though wouldn't surprise me either (maybe Tampa Bay).

 

[Scooby-Doo]

I said Okung was huge but Giacomini is an average tackle. I don't think replacing him was that big of a deal. Okung yes. I said you had 2 significant injuries in Okung and Harvin. You had both of those back for the Super Bowl though and somewhat both back for the playoffs. The Broncos lost 2 All-Pro players (that means best at their position) in Clady and Miller for the season. That would be like Seattle losing Thomas and Sherman for the year. Not saying you can't overcome those but losing that high quality of player is tough to deal with.

I'm sorry, but losing Clady and Miller is NOTHING like losing Thomas and Sherman. Thomas and Sherman are arguably the two best players at their respective positions in the entire league. Miller is a great linebacker, but he is not the best. And Clady is a great OT, but he is not the best. With Clady out, Manning was still one of the least hit QB's in the league. The injuries were a wash, the Broncos were simply exposed by a much better team. Mannings amazing stats and the Broncos easy playoff schedule overshadowed the fact that they were an overrated team.

 

[cdumler7]

I'm sorry, but losing Clady and Miller is NOTHING like losing Thomas and Sherman. Thomas and Sherman are arguably the two best players at their respective positions in the entire league. Miller is a great linebacker, but he is not the best. And Clady is a great OT, but he is not the best. With Clady out, Manning was still one of the least hit QB's in the league. The injuries were a wash, the Broncos were simply exposed by a much better team. Mannings amazing stats and the Broncos easy playoff schedule overshadowed the fact that they were an overrated team.

So I guess them being BOTH voted All-Pro the year before means nothing even though that is given to the players that are the best at their respective positions? At Clady being gone was huge. 9 of the sacks the Broncos gave up this year were because of the Left Tackle that replaced him. Now Clark did a serviceable job but he also was the worst pass blocking OL for the Broncos this past season. He got torn apart by some of the better pass rushers he went up against.

Von graded out as the best OLB even though he only played a handful of games on PFF. That should show just how much this guy impacts the team. His last healthy season he finished 2nd in DPOY voting and even the NFL players voted him as a top 10 overall player in the NFL. So again not sure how you can say these two guys were overrated when they both are All-Pro talent. Again this would be like Seattle losing both Thomas and Sherman.

 

[Johnnydollaz89]

I wouldn't even try to begin to guess who will win the NFC South next year. Every year it looks like some team has finally risen to the top to stay for a bit then next thing you know they finish 4th in the division. Wouldn't surprise me one bit if Atlanta returned to the top. The other 3 teams though wouldn't surprise me either (maybe Tampa Bay).

With Smith in at HC, TB can be good. Healthy and improved year from Revis, maybe add a WR in the draft to go alongside of VJax. I just don't see Glennon as the answer at QB for them. Our division is always interesting, never know what team will rise to the top, much like Carolina this year after that miserable start and fans calling for Rivera's head. Only for him to win coach of the year.

 

[Scooby-Doo]

So I guess them being BOTH voted All-Pro the year before means nothing even though that is given to the players that are the best at their respective positions? At Clady being gone was huge. 9 of the sacks the Broncos gave up this year were because of the Left Tackle that replaced him. Now Clark did a serviceable job but he also was the worst pass blocking OL for the Broncos this past season. He got torn apart by some of the better pass rushers he went up against.

Von graded out as the best OLB even though he only played a handful of games on PFF. That should show just how much this guy impacts the team. His last healthy season he finished 2nd in DPOY voting and even the NFL players voted him as a top 10 overall player in the NFL. So again not sure how you can say these two guys were overrated when they both are All-Pro talent. Again this would be like Seattle losing both Thomas and Sherman.

Maybe you didn't read my post. I never said Miller and Clady were overrated. I said the Broncos were. Here you can read it again:

Originally Posted by Scooby-Doo View Post
I'm sorry, but losing Clady and Miller is NOTHING like losing Thomas and Sherman. Thomas and Sherman are arguably the two best players at their respective positions in the entire league. Miller is a great linebacker, but he is not the best. And Clady is a great OT, but he is not the best. With Clady out, Manning was still one of the least hit QB's in the league. The injuries were a wash, the Broncos were simply exposed by a much better team. Mannings amazing stats and the Broncos easy playoff schedule overshadowed the fact that they were an overrated team.

I'm simply making the point that:

1. Losing Sherman and Thomas would be more of a blow than losing Clady and Miller.
2. The injuries were a wash

You don't have to make excuses for the Broncos. They simply played a far superior team. It happens.

 

[Scooby-Doo]

I think that the Eagles emerge as a real power. I was unsure of how Chip Kelly would do at the NFL level but he has been impressive so far. Nick Foles run was surprisingly underrated despite coming from an east coast team that has been hyped to no end by ESPN in the past. Foles was a guy I actually liked a lot for the Seahawks to draft when we were looking for a QB but I had no idea he would have this much success.

The Eagles went 9-3 in their final 12 games. Their defense was bad, if they can improve the secondary I think they take a step to becoming one of the top 4 teams in the NFC. They have everything to be the NFC's best offense, if they can improve on defense I think they can be an extremely dangerous team.

Obviously not including free agency this is how I'd rank the NFC teams going into 2014 as of right now:
1. Seahawks
2. 49ers
3. Panthers
4. Saints
5. Eagles
6. Green Bay
7. Arizona
8. Chicago
9. Detriot
10. Dallas
11. Rams
12. Giants
13. Falcons
14. Vikings
15. Tampa Bay
16. Redskins

Honestly it was pretty difficult to rank those teams. I feel like there is a ton of potential in the NFC and there are not any perennial stinkers like the Bills, Raiders, Jags, Browns etc. I'd take my lowest ranked team over the 5 worst AFC teams. Each team in the NFC has at least something going for them that gives them hope going into 2014. I could see any of those NFC teams going .500 or better in 2014. I cannot say the same for the AFC.

I agree with everything but the Eagles. Gimmick offenses never work for the long haul. Defenses will be more prepared this year.

 

[cdumler7]

Maybe you didn't read my post. I never said Miller and Clady were overrated. I said the Broncos were. Here you can read it again:

Originally Posted by Scooby-Doo View Post
I'm sorry, but losing Clady and Miller is NOTHING like losing Thomas and Sherman. Thomas and Sherman are arguably the two best players at their respective positions in the entire league. Miller is a great linebacker, but he is not the best. And Clady is a great OT, but he is not the best. With Clady out, Manning was still one of the least hit QB's in the league. The injuries were a wash, the Broncos were simply exposed by a much better team. Mannings amazing stats and the Broncos easy playoff schedule overshadowed the fact that they were an overrated team.

I'm simply making the point that:

1. Losing Sherman and Thomas would be more of a blow than losing Clady and Miller.
2. The injuries were a wash

You don't have to make excuses for the Broncos. They simply played a far superior team. It happens.

I understand your point just fine...You are trying to say that Thomas and Sherman are far superior players to that of Clady and Miller and think that losing Harvin and Okung for parts of the season compares to that of losing Clady and Miller for the year. That is fine if you believe it...don't think you would find a single NFL personnel person that would agree with you. Like I said there is a reason they were voted All-Pro and after the Broncos lost both that many said the Broncos season was over. Didn't hear that with the loss of Harvin or Okung. Broncos overcame it and you are right they met up with a better team in the Super Bowl and just couldn't get to where they needed to.

Now again when it comes to this actual topic this is why trying to figure out who will be on top come next year is hard to do. Say Seattle does lose those two very good players in Sherman and Thomas. That changes the expectations of the team and the dynamic of who is considered the top team in the NFL next season. Throw in they will be playing a 1st place schedule next year and playing in a very competitive division. One injury to a key player could be the difference. I just think right now it is tough to tell how the NFC AFC will play out for this next season.

 

[Clayton]

Obviously not including free agency this is how I'd rank the NFC teams going into 2014 as of right now:
1. Seahawks
2. 49ers
3. Panthers
4. Saints
5. Eagles
6. Green Bay
7. Arizona
8. Chicago
9. Detriot
10. Dallas
11. Rams
12. Giants
13. Falcons
14. Vikings
15. Tampa Bay
16. Redskins

Cause the same things from last season will happen this next season, as well.

 

[WizardHawk]

I'm not even saying that there won't be surprises and I don't know if Seattle even makes the playoffs. I mean they should be favored to do so, but injuries and attrition from FA could leave things very different next season. Hell, I'd give their chances of making the SB again next season at no more than 25% and that is probably way too high. We have such parity in the league with the FA rules that it is hard to become a dynasty by design. The last time a team has gone back to back was over a decade ago.

The next SB winner could be from the AFC, but that wouldn't mean it had the overall power advantage. I believe in my opinion that there are more dangerous and physical teams at the top of the NFC than the AFC. I expect that to change at some point, but that's how it is right now today.

 

[Jakology]

People are just going to dismiss the Ravens and Steelers? I don't understand. Both of these teams are 10+ wins teams next season. At the end of free agency and the draft, everyone will be on the Ravens and Steelers as potential SB contenders. And what about the Bears? If they get healthy, watch out. Tampa Bay's roster is loaded with talent. Lovie Smith is a great coach. They will be a tough out for anyone next season. And what about the Texans? Last season, they were a sexy SB pick. They'll be a solid team again next year with at least a smart game manager playing QB.

*Puts on a flame proof jacket* I know I'm going to get crucified for this, but I'm going for it. The AFC East is a young talented division. The Dolphins, Jets, and Bills all 3 have a lot of pieces on defense, and some nice youth on offense. All 3 teams are building O lines and adding depth overall. Next year is going to be a wild ride in the division. Though the Patriots will more than likely win with 11+ wins. Its not going to be easy. Don't be surprised to see any of these teams in the playoffs.

There's really only 1 hopeless team I see in the NFL right now. And that's the Jags. The Browns have a defense that can play with anyone. The Redskins' have an electric offense with a healthy RGIII. The Vikings are a QB away from being competitive again. The Raiders are in the same boat as the Vikings. So there it is. I'm prepared for any flak I'll get. Lets see. If I had to predict the top 10 for next year:

1. Seahawks
2. 49ers
3. Broncos
4. Patriots
5. Saints
6. Packers
7. Steelers
8. Ravens
9. Eagles
10. Bears

Its honestly a crap shoot for now, until we see what happens in free agency and the draft. But I know one thing for sure. The Ravens and Steelers will be back. Those teams are too good, too disciplined, etc. to miss the playoffs again.

 

[Doublejive]

Personally i feel the Eagles are going to move up with the Bears.

Other teams the Jet's and Cleveland (Bernard is the real deal imo) will start being becoming playoff teams imo,but the Bengals yah know, and the Raiders have a ton of money to spend,will they blow the bank and mess up? i dunno.

Another team and i was having a conversation about them (With three friends) two day's ago is Houston a very good team that just kinda imploded that can bounce back very easily.

 

[Doublejive]

I know i am talking AFC too but to those that say NFC will take it i disagree,timing,injury's,this whole off season etc and sometimes teams just sleep and then BAM! they click.

 

[Jakology]

I gave a top 10 spot to the Eagles out of respect, but I can't trust that team. Chip Kelly doesn't believe in time of possession. He has said before,"Time of possession means nothing to me." I just can't trust a team with that philosophy. Time of possession will come back to bite them. They better build a lot of depth on defense. I just don't see this philosophy working long term. You need A LOT of good players to rotate on defense since they'll be out there so long. Chip needs to slow down and realize that this isn't ideal.

 

[WizardHawk]

I'm not sure anyone is saying the NFC is 'going to take it'. In fact I said the outcome of the Super Bowl is irrelevant to which conference has the most power. It is about how all of the top teams stack up. It is about how at least 2-3 of the worst teams in football are all in the AFC. It is that right now Seattle and SF appear to be better than any club in the AFC and you might argue even more than those two.

We all know the SB can be won by even a team not as good as the team they beat. Any team can have a better day and beat a better team.

Again, what lead to this thread was the thought of where the NFC will be when the Eagles face year two under Kelly, GB has a healthy Rogers, and a couple of the teams that had dangerous seasons last year perhaps find a piece or two to put them over the top. There is so much power in the NFC right now, especially on defense.

 

[Jakology]

I'm not sure anyone is saying the NFC is 'going to take it'. In fact I said the outcome of the Super Bowl is irrelevant to which conference has the most power. It is about how all of the top teams stack up. It is about how at least 2-3 of the worst teams in football are all in the AFC. It is that right now Seattle and SF appear to be better than any club in the AFC and you might argue even more than those two.

We all know the SB can be won by even a team not as good as the team they beat. Any team can have a better day and beat a better team.

Again, what lead to this thread was the thought of where the NFC will be when the Eagles face year two under Kelly, GB has a healthy Rogers, and a couple of the teams that had dangerous seasons last year perhaps find a piece or two to put them over the top. There is so much power in the NFC right now, especially on defense.

I understand your premise. You just make it sound like the NFC is a mile better than the AFC, and that's just not true. Yes, the Seahawks and Niners are head and shoulders above every team in football, but the AFC is very deep with talent as well.

 

[WizardHawk]

I understand your premise. You just make it sound like the NFC is a mile better than the AFC, and that's just not true. Yes, the Seahawks and Niners are head and shoulders above every team in football, but the AFC is very deep with talent as well.

Pretty sure I said somewhere on page one the gap isn't that large. Said it wasn't a mile wide, but if that's how you are taking it.

Not sure why so many are upset over it anyway. I also said this is entirely subjective and pure opinion. I have no problems with someone else having a different one.

 

[Jakology]

My bad that I misunderstood you. But yeah, just what I've noticed by some NFC fans that they think the entire AFC sucks and is inferior.

 

[Doublejive]

My bad that I misunderstood you. But yeah, just what I've noticed by some NFC fans that they think the entire AFC sucks and is inferior.

That would be a foolish assumption.

 

[WizardHawk]

As we already said, it was only a few short years ago where the Seahawks won the NFC west with a record of 7-9 which means the entire division sucked. This year we had 3 teams with 10 or more wins. Things can change in a hurry. We don't know who will grow and who will decline next year and I was thinking about some of those teams in the NFC before I made this thread. The thought of an improved GB and Eagles on top of what we had last year is frightening.