Contender/Pretender thoughts after week 3

[westcoastO]

Just a small list and it's all just opinions, so if my opinion on your team pisses you off, keep the personal attacks to a minimum.

This is not whether or not a team could win a division, but actually make some noise in the playoffs.

New York Jets - Pretender. They barely beat Miami, who has improved, but since then they've looked inept. They have a fairly easy schedule, including games against the Cardinals, Bengals, Raiders, Chiefs, & St. Louis, but if they were to tiptoe into the playoffs, they would be anything but battle tested and more than likely would be playing away from home.

Buffalo Bills - Contender. We all know they are 3-0. They have a lot going for them right now, though. The emergence of Trent Edwards is the biggest thing. If he can open things up with the throwing game, then Marshawn Lynch is going to come on even stronger. They made Seattle look laughable defensively, and held them to just 10 points (I understand Seattle had 0 WRs), knocked off a playoff team in the Jags on the road, and showed grit by coming from behind against the Raiders last week.

San Diego Chargers - Contender. I wouldn't base too much on last night because I don't think the Jets are that great. The defense finally forced some turnovers, but that's what Brett Favre does, he throws picks. Rivers is coming into his own. He's maturing on the field as well as off, and that's exactly what San Diego needed. They can't continue to lean on LT as the wear and tear will start to catch up to him. Jackson and Chambers compliment Gates very well, and the biggest question mark for me is their defense right now. They've given up 26, 39, and 29 points respectively, though the Jets scored more during mop up time. If LT can get 100%, this team will not need their defense to be anything more than above average, because their offense is top-notch (with Gates/LT healthy)

Carolina Panthers - Pretender. I know guys, they won 2 games without Steve Smith. I also know, that Jonathan Stewart might be emerging as a feature, every down type back. I also know that their defense has played well. Bottom line, though, is they could very easily be an 0-3 team. They won by the skin of their teeth against the Chargers, needed a late 4th quarter rally to beat Kyle Orton and the Bears, and their offense looked lost against the Vikings. This is another team that plays a rather soft schedule, so I would question their pedigree going into the playoffs. I wouldn't put the Panthers on the same tier as such teams as Dallas, Green Bay, Philadelphia, or the Giants. Having said that, I'd have to call them pretenders.

Indianapolis Colts - Contender. This is probably where I'll catch the most heat. They haven't even won a game in their new stadium yet (even in the preseason), but this team is banged up. I'll be the first to say that they, too, can easily be 0-3, but they could also be 2-1. Can't base too much on the "if" arguments I guess. Manning is still not 100%, they have plenty of offensive line problems, Dallas Clark is hurting and once Bob Sanders dropped, their defense went WAY south. The Colts might fall under the radar, but I'm not willing to bet against Peyton Manning turning the team around. He's not playing very well this year, but when it's counted he has. He led what looked like a game winning drive against the Jaguars last week but ended up watching scobee win it with a 51 yarder. He willed them to a win against the Vikings too late in the 4th quarter. He hasn't been his normal self, but he's played well when it's counted (for the most part). When they are healthy, they are good enough to beat anybody, but I think their reign at or near the top of the AFC is coming to an end very soon. This might be their last crack at it as Manning is getting no younger, and I'm sure they're aware of it.

Just a few thoughts of the top of my head.

Would like to see some of your guys opinions on some other teams or even opinions on these teams.

Oh, by the way, Bears - Pretenders. Can't hold a 4th quarter lead for their lives. Should easily be 3-0 and their inability to close games out has shown them to be pretenders.

Thoughts?

[captaincapper]

Dallas Cowboys - Pretender. Won't make any noise in the playoffs. They're like the A-Rod of the NFL. They'll choke in a clutch situation.

[wal66]

Tennessee..........Contender..............Might be one of the most complete teams on both sides of the ball right now. Not explossive by any means but consistant steady offense and solid physical deffense. Tennessee is for real.

[captaincapper]

Philadelphia - Contender. Donovan McNabb playing like pre-injury Donovan McNabb. Defense tightening up holding Pittsburgh to a couple of field goals and completely neutralizing Big Ben.

[Pap]

dallas definitely a contender what are you smoking

[cuse_man]

Originally Posted by captaincapper

Dallas Cowboys - Pretender. Won't make any noise in the playoffs. They're like the A-Rod of the NFL. They'll choke in a clutch situation.

My preseason offer stands

1,000$ says cowboys win playoff game as long as romo doesn't pull a brady

[westcoastO]

i avoided dallas because I haven't made up my mind. they are a great regular season team, but they still wouldnt get me to bet on them to win anything just yet. nothing to do with their talent, just their track record.

[captaincapper]

Originally Posted by The_Only_Papowski

dallas definitely a contender what are you smoking

They'll make the playoffs, but I don't think they'll go far from there. They definitely won't make it to the Super Bowl like a lot of people think. Their defense is questionable and Romo is over-rated IMO.

[westcoastO]

lol hoping this doesnt turn into a 1 team thread.

[captaincapper]

Originally Posted by cuse_man

My preseason offer stands

1,000$ says cowboys win playoff game as long as romo doesn't pull a brady

I bet they'll win one playoff game.

[Jahred]

solid post westc0

[westcoastO]

Originally Posted by Jahred

solid post westc0

[cuse_man]

they will be in the super bowl unless there are some major injuries

[westcoastO]

so, thoughts on any other teams cuse? lol

[cuse_man]

Originally Posted by westcoastO

so, thoughts on any other teams cuse? lol

Had denver improved this year and it looks like they are on schedule. so no pretender there


Knew bmore was going to be much better this year with billick gone, and mccnair out of the picture. The defense is amazing and ray lewis might be one of the MVPs of all time


giants are pretenders..... solid team but will not make superbowl. 1-2 round exit prob

was never sold on viking and think they are mediocre at best, but with jackson out of the picture they are worth watching.

surprised the browns are 0-3 and while I didn't ride them that much last season I think they are a much better team than 0-3 and their defense is much better this year. Worst thing they can do is jack anderson, and put brady in.... im not around practice, but I doubt that is the right thing to do unless your giving up on the playoffs


had jags as contenders preseason, and so far they are making me look bad. Still not ready to sell them off ,but will have to monitor the situation


had jets as improving with farve, but I don't think he is comfortable there yet... had them as possible contenders, but he needs to get on the same page w/ cotchery and coles


packers are solid, but not much better than last year. however if they line up with the gmen in the playoffs for a rematch the pack will get the win this time it looks like.