As promised, one of the giants today. No, not the Sears Catalog-Away-Jersey-wearing New York Football Giants, but one of the league's studs:
New England
Branch or no Branch, kudos to Belichick for letting Tom Brady throw up and down the field in preseason. That's a better way than the $14,000-a-day fine to show a player who's calling the shots. Speaking of Brady, I predict he will throw for about 80 TD's this year, thus securing the championship for all who have him on their fantasy team. 😛
I understand the business of the game, but you gotta wonder if losing the heart and soul of the defense is going to leave a mark. No, I'm not talking about ESPN's glamour boy Teddy Bruschi (though I do respect the guy), but Willie McGinest to, of all teams, the Cleveland Clowns. Some say he's too expensive for the level of play, but I wonder what Byron Leftwich would say to that reasoning.
Corey Dillon's getting older, and I've always wondered how Patrick Pass kept making the roster all these years. He has made the shift to fullback with relative ease. Losing Christian Fauria isn't a positive around the goal line, and Reche Caldwell isn't any good. I think Chad Jackson has the potential to be a superstar in this league.
But it doesn't matter. The offense won't struggle. Not with Brady at the helm. Defensive Line is great as always, and Randall Gay is probably the best nickel back in the league. Martin Grammatica was just cut, opening the biggest pressure valve for rookie Stephen Gostkowski to follow in Viniateri's footsteps-literally.
Prediction: 11-5 AFC East Champs once again
New England
Offense: Will do well. Brady is the second best QB in the league. Dillon on the other hand, well, sooner or later age will catch up to him. The rookie might be better than Dillon this year. If Branch doesnt sign, the Pats will miss him when it comes to key games like against Indy or the playoffs.
Defense: Great d-line, ( I think a tad overrated), LB core is solid but has no depth at all. They're gettind up there in age which could mean injuries throughout the year. I dont know why they pick Seau, but never know. Decent secondary, but nothing special, Harrison, well he could be the same, or he could not be the same. Other than that, the Pats can be beat in the air.
Overall, the Patritos are still the Pats, but this isnt the team it once was. They can be beat, and the defense looks like the weakness (small weakness). I still think a young team like Miami could come out underneath and take away that division very easy.
Prediction: 10-6 (or 8-8) if miami wins both games.
The Eagles are trying to get Branch. I hope they do. They are also trying to get Duce Staley.
For some reason, I believe the Eagle will be a lot better than everyone thinks they will be. I definatley don't see them in last place. I don't know about the playoffs, but I tihnk they will be close. Also, I don't think the Cowboys are as great as everybody think they will be too.
Yea Branch is aparantly talking with Denver, Seattle, and Philly. and aparantly NE thinks he will realize they made him a good offer and he will be happy in NE who knows. Branch really isnt needed in seattle though I dont want us wasting anything on him. (assuming darrell jackson will be ready for the regular season...) If someone was to get hurt in Seattle im fairly confident in DJ to step up though.. although with Stevens being out until like week 6 now it does make me worry more so additional depth is always comforting.
I agree about the cowboys dont see how everyone thinks they are better than the skins or giants.