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Bigalke said 12/05, 04:49 PM
Arguing the best 5-7 teams is like arguing the best strains of the flu: it is all fun and games until you are stuck with 'em. But, seeing as Sr. Bodyguard has taken the Eagles, I feel it is in my duty to argue for the topic team, the Houston Texans.

With a young defensive core starring DeMeco Ryans and Mario Williams, and an exciting offense led by Falcons castoff Matt Schaub (the best backup in the NFL over the past three seasons finally getting his starting chance) and Pro Bowler Andre Johnson, this Texans team is far better than their 5-7 record indicates. They have played tight games against division rivals Indianapolis and Tennessee and could easily be 7-5 right now. They play in the toughest division in the AFC and have nothing but upside.

Whereas Philly is getting older (McNabb and Westbrook won't last forever), the Texans are a team gaining valuable experience as it learns how to create a winning environment.

Bigalke said 12/06, 12:10 PM
As I said below in the comments, if Green Bay were 5-7 I would probably be voting them as the best 5-7 team... just as I crowed to anyone I could find that they were the best 4-8 team last year at the three-quarter point. It is highly unlikely that either Houston or Philadelphia are going to make the playoffs... so we need to evaluate from the standpoint of who will make the greater leap next season, I would think...

On that basis, it becomes readily apparent that the Eagles will almost certainly be much weaker next season. McNabb will undoubtedly be headed out of town... and the defense, while Johnson has done an admirable job keeping it effective, continues to get older with no significant new parts. Unless they shore up that issue, they are destined to remain mid-pack NFC...

Houston, on the other hand, has a young defense that continues to come together. Injuries have blighted the Texans offense, and a healthy Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson will serve to make the unit much better as they gain comfort in the system. A running back still is needed -- Ahman Green doesn't look to stop getting injured -- but can be easily remedied. Houston will make more of a leap next season.

Bigalke said 12/07, 11:23 AM
Once teams either have their postseason spot locked up or guaranteed not to come, it is natural to begin looking forward to next season. Crowning a 5-7 team as the best reeks of the macabre, but it must be done here... as I did take the challenge.

Further, I was bold enough to take the topic AS WRITTEN and at least give an argument for its veracity. For a team that has nothing except four more games where they have the potential to play spoiler, all there really is to look forward to is the hope of next season. The Texans have an offense that, once healthy next season, should on paper be much better than a Philly team slated to lose its franchise QB. With young defensive studs like Williams and Ryans, the Texans are growing together into a unit that looks more formidable than the Eagles' defense, and are younger to boot.

Of course an athlete wants to win every one... that is what they get paid to do, and what they have tried to do since childhood. I would be more likely to expect Houston than Philadelphia to have a Green Bay-like turnaround next season. And, in the end, isn't it future success that defines quality for those who can't have success right now?