FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Porkins: Catches bullets said 07/23, 07:39 AM
Almost nobody is a lock.

Everybody expected the Saint to make it last year and what happened?They lost their first 4 games, Deuce got hurt, Reggie got hurt, and they couldn't quite recover.

That alone proves why there are no locks in the NFL- too many unpredictable variables.

What if it's Brees who goes down this year? Or Will Smith? Or what if it's not injury, but some other unexpected development?

Calling a 7-9 team a lock is too much.

You say it's because of Shockey? You mean the loudmouth hothead coming off of an injury? The guy who creates clubhouse and chemistry problems? Yeah...that's just what I'm looking for if I'm a team on the edge of playoff contention.

He's a good TE, and he'll probably be a good contributor, but I don't see him being the final piece of anyone's puzzle.

The passing game was the LEAST of the Saints' problems last year. Brees had the most attempts in the history of the NFL. They should be worrying about the running game and defense.

The Saints ranked 26TH in total D last year. 26TH! Their scoring D was 25TH! You can't win giving up points like that. They need to PROVE that the D is A LOT better before I crown them.

Porkins: Catches bullets said 07/23, 08:08 AM
There's no doubt the Saints improved the D. But like I said...26th out of 32 teams means that they need to implement some major changes. The fact is, you can add personnel but until you get them out on the field, you don't know for sure what they can do.

And be careful about counting on Ellis. Rookies need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL. I'm sure he'll be a good player, but it's not reasonable to think he'll be an impact guy immediately.

In the South, the Bucs and Panthers are both contenders. If Carolina can stay healthy they have some of the best weapons in the NFC.

You said: "They only have to win 8, 9 games MAX to get in! "

Really?

Last year, the worst NFC playoff team was 9-7. I don't think 8 wins is going to get you in. And you ignore the fact that other teams have improved as well.

The Vikings are expected to be significantly better. The Eagles will likely have McNabb back. Even the Cards were 8-8 last year and have a ton of young talent. There's going to be a lot of competition for the Wild Card.

So many teams competing for so few spots means that declaring a "lock" is almost impossible.

Porkins: Catches bullets said 07/23, 08:43 AM
So not only do you have them as a "lock" for the playoffs, but you also have them as division champs?

Bold.

But they finished 2 games behind the Bucs last year TIED with Carolina.

Let's focus on that for a minute- The Panthers and Saints BOTH finished at 7-9...except the Panthers did it without a real QB!

Do you realize that Carolina had the 29th ranked offense last year and STILL managed 7 wins? Imagine what they can do if they stay healthy. They have the deepest group of receivers in the division and a balanced overall offense.

Plus, Peppers barely showed up last year. Trust me, this team has a lot of potential for improvement.

And don't forget Tampa. Their offense may be average, but that #2 defense keeps them in every game.

You simply can't assume that the Saints will run roughshod over these two on their way to a division title. Sure, they CAN do it, but whether or not they WILL depends on a lot of things going right for them.

The bottom line is that you're guaranteeing a playoff spot for a team with a LOSING record and MAJOR holes to fill. Yes, they have the ability to get there, but they have a lot to prove before they can be deemed a sure thing