Posted on 09/20/2006 11:09:37 AM PDT by Dysart
Whereas last weekend’s college football slate gave us “Separation Saturday”, this weekend’s NFL schedule should provide us with a “Shakedown Sunday.” Or, if you include the Monday night game, which you should — a “Shakedown Sunday (and Monday).” Catchy, right? Every winning slogan should have parentheses. The 2-0 Colts play the 2-0 Jaguars; The 2-0 Vikings play the 2-0 Bears; and the 2-0 Saints play the 2-0 Falcons. Three divisions — six undefeated teams — tons of excitement! Cue the Grateful Dead’s Shakedown Street!
As for this week’s rankings, the big movers are the Jacksonville Jaguars who jumped 8 spots from No. 11 to No. 3. With convincing wins over Dallas and Pittsburgh on national TV, the Jags are making folks notice them. It’s not like they’re coming out of nowhere. After all, they did go 12-4 last year. Another team on the rise is the Atlanta (No. 9 to No. 7), whose rushing attack has been so dominant that it can be compared to those mid-90’s Nebraska squads with Tommie Frazier, Ahman Green, and Lawrence Phillips. The Niners (No. 30 to No. 22), Vikings (No. 14 to No. 13), and Bills (No. 27 to No. 19) also saw some significant bumps in their rankings.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.foxsports.com ...
... Well, at least things can't get any worse.
I agree. I wouldn't bet against the Steelers this week. They were humiliated and their offense looked horrible. As bad as the Raiders did the day before.
I'd never bet anyway just because I am broke as it is. Also, even if I did have some funds I don't think it prudent to bet on a game involving your team.
Ha ha. True.
And just 4 years ago, that was the AFC championship game.
It's amazing to consider the turnaround in the NFL.
It's too bad Tennessee treats its players the way it does. First McNair, then Volek. And both are going to better organizations. I hope they treat VY better.
I doubt this will help me with my picks. Weeks 3 and 4 look monstrous!
yeah I'm so done in my leagues it's not funny. :)
They've had some early luck this year. I've been impressed with B Johnson's game management skills; he doesn't attempt any phenomenal plays but just move the team down the field. Don't figure, in the end, the Vikings have the ability to compete for an NFC Championship but they have a shot for a wildcard slot. BTW, this is bad news for the NFC east who many expected to field both wildcards.
If Grossman performs at anywhere near the level he has the last two weeks I think the Bears will win. Johnson will not last long if he does not get better protection than he did last week. If he doesn't get better blocking against the Bears he may not survive this game. Our defense takes no prisoners.
I would expect to see the wild card come out of the West since Atlanta and Carolina will probably have better record than any of the other Divisional runner ups. Although it may be so balanced that all the teams have a similiar record.
At this point, the Raiders don't need one or two key players here or there, but a complete make-over. It will be years before the Raiders are competitive, and I suspect it will take the passing of Al Davis, or his willingness to sell the team to an owner who isn't stuck in the 1970s, to start moving this franchise foward.
The Vikings are waaaaayyyy more due than da Bears. I've been waiting for a Lombardi in Minnesota for too many years to count.
I had to put up with Ditka, that ridiculous Bears music video, Refrigerator Perry, "the eyes of Mike Singletary", and all the other Bears hype when they won it in '86.
Now, it's looking at the smug prick "Lovie" with his nose in the air on the sidelines and hearing about Urlacher non-stop. Being in the same division as da Bears is almost, not quite, but almost, as bad as being in the same division as the now gloriously inept Packers. God, how I hate those guys.
I think da Bears are definitely better than the Vikes this year (how can one argue with 60-7 through two games), but as far as who is "due", it's no contest. The Vikes are in a rebuild mode and I think it's the Bears time to shine in the NFC North. Watch out in 2008-9 though. We should be loaded and ready by then, and Tarvaris Jackson will hopefully be leading our offense with some experience under his belt.
I just hope Bill Maas is fired before Sunday so I don't have to listen to that moron gab all game.
They can outscore most teams. Those teams won't be around come January.
Yep. Let everyone pick the pretty teams now in the second week of the season. Let them have their time in the sun now. When it counts, the 'Hawks will be ready. I salivate at the fact everyone is ignoring them now, and hope it continues for as long as possible.
With you on the overdue bit. It kind of irritates me in a small way that a couple of new teams can come join the league and within a couple of years be in the championship or the superbowl, while fans of teams like the Cardinals (if they have any fans) and Vikings have waited decades paying their dues.
NFL.com has the Pats #2. I like that poll better.
The Saints only need to win 1 more game this year to equal last year's total. Amazing what a good QB and some attitude can do. And playing the Clowns and the Hackers.
35-year Viking fan here .. the Giants are better. We have NO offense to speak of.
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