04/16/24
May 31, 2006
Cowboys and Patriots Super Bowl Bound?: Peter King sure knows how to stir things up. The SI columnist tossed out Dallas and New England as his early Super Bowl picks. Who do you think will be there at the end of the 2006-2007 season in the NFL's biggest game?
posted by donnnnychris to football at 06:23 AM - 56 comments
I am surprised that the Broncos are not included as a good bet. Good solid team.
posted by slbyers at 07:49 AM on May 31, 2006
The afc north will be the best division in football this year. New England is past their prime. they will be lucky to make the playoffs. Arizona will win a bunch this year but is they play like they were Pittsburgh has a solid chance to go again. watch the Giants too.
posted by Debo270 at 08:04 AM on May 31, 2006
At least we can email HJJ the caps lock jpg. It's called an opinion, H - like most pundits predicting before the season Mr King will probably be hideously wrong, but that's ok, because we can mock him afterwards. Especially when my picks Cleveland beat Phoenix in the Superbowl next January.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 08:08 AM on May 31, 2006
AFC north huh?
posted by everett at 08:09 AM on May 31, 2006
New England is past their prime. they will be lucky to make the playoffs. /updates profile
posted by yerfatma at 08:11 AM on May 31, 2006
AFC north pittsburgh and cinncy will be good again. the browns picked up alot in the offseason and if charlie frye doesnt stick his head up his ass they will be good too. Baltimore has a shot to be respectable if mcnair is healthy
posted by Debo270 at 08:12 AM on May 31, 2006
Being a Pats fan myself, I totally agree with Peter King. I think it would be great to see the Pats in the Super Bowl against the Cowboys. I mean really, can you think of a better story line than Master VS Protege? Think about it. Belechick taught Parcels everything that he knows!
posted by grabofsky74 at 08:16 AM on May 31, 2006
""""belichak taught parcelles everything he knows""" Are you on crack
posted by Debo270 at 08:21 AM on May 31, 2006
if mcnair is healthy Thats a big freakin if, he also has to remeber how to play football... With the exception of one Amazing season and a couple of ok seasons, Steve Mcnair has always seemed mediocre at best to me.
posted by everett at 08:23 AM on May 31, 2006
i think if he had ever had a healthy career he would be a hall of famer. no one plays hurt more or has a bigger set of balls and i dont even like him
posted by Debo270 at 08:29 AM on May 31, 2006
I see cincy vs seattle...if Palmer's ok
posted by scottyooooo at 08:31 AM on May 31, 2006
seattle is still crying over the super bowl and the refs. they dont have the heart to go back.
posted by Debo270 at 08:33 AM on May 31, 2006
Don't know about the heart...all i know is they have the nfc's best qb,rb,o-line,and argueably the best coach. Put them in the afc and i might agree with ya, but the nfc doesn't seem to require a heart.
posted by scottyooooo at 08:42 AM on May 31, 2006
I can't see Dallas getting to the superbowl. The offensive line is the weak link in Dallas and the asset that determines the winner in most football games.
posted by jaygolf at 08:44 AM on May 31, 2006
seattle had a great o line. they traded half away
posted by Debo270 at 08:45 AM on May 31, 2006
With TO, the O-Line will strengthen up a bit I think. They were damn good last year, and he is type of offensive threat that can seriously push a team over the hump.
posted by everett at 08:46 AM on May 31, 2006
Debo, I'm not trying to be rude, but you are killing me with the sentence fragments. Sorry if I seem anal, but I really feel like it brings down the level of discourse when people don't take the time to make quality posts.
posted by everett at 08:48 AM on May 31, 2006
I give TO 5 weeks before he calls drew bledsoe a no talent ass clown and parcelles a fat old man that doesn't understand the game. everett, me so sorry me no write good
posted by Debo270 at 08:51 AM on May 31, 2006
I don't think he's that far off base, though his homerism for the Boston teams is really starting to annoy me lately. The Pats upgraded significantly on offense with their draft (watch... Maroney will be the best RB taken), but I do expect their defense to be a little bit worse. That's OK though, because the Dolphins still have another year before they're really a huge threat to the Pats. They're a wild card contender for sure though. In the north, of course you have the Steelers in the mix, and the Bengals, but I still don't trust the Bengals to go deep in the playoffs yet, though I'd love to be proven wrong. Like the Colts, who they remind people of on offense, they too need to improve on defense. And they will, but they could end up being just like the 05 Colts. I do predict that Palmer will be back in time, and it'll be a much huger story than it should be. I don't think the Steelers will miss Randle El (nor do I think he'll be useful to the Skins at all), and they'll improve. (At least over their regular season mark last year. Hard to play any better than they did in the postseason.) Speaking of the Colts, they'll be fine without Edge because Addai is awesome, though Peyton will be on his back more often in the first half of the season while 29 adjusts. There'll be an adjustment period but they're still a 11-5 and 12-4 team since they get Tenn twice and Houston twice. But the Jags can sneak in and take the division if they play as well as they did last year and can handle the NFC East. Out west I see Denver running away with it. I think people who pick the Chargers, with a new QB, are insane. Letting Brees go was the right move, money-wise, but they're not going to get better this year with a brand new QB. Larry Johnson might single handedly carry the Chefs to the playoffs. I hate them, but I'm taking the Broncos right now, unless Plummer folds under the pressure of the fact that Cutler is already better than he is, but Shanahan sticks with him too long. In the NFC, I don't really know. I like the Panthers. I'm a Giants fan but see them dropping off and going 7-9 this year in that division. I don't take the Skins seriously, don't think the Cowboys can really win the conference with Bledsoe as the QB, and don't think the Eagles will be a legitimate contender (better but not there yet). The Bears will have the same problems as last year, plus a tougher schedule, the Vikings will be surprisingly good, The Cardinals will make the playoffs, and the Seahawks will continue to whine about the refs in the Super Bowl. (And we'll see a sharp decline in Alexander's production). I'll take Carolina for now. So... AFC: same 6 as last year (Miami and KC just miss out, Pittsburgh takes the north by a game) NFC: Boys, Bears, Panthers, Seahawks, Cards, Vikes It's May though. What the hell do we know?
posted by Bernreuther at 09:11 AM on May 31, 2006
It's better to be alive.
posted by yerfatma at 09:22 AM on May 31, 2006
Are you on crack posted by Debo270 at 8:21 AM CDT on May 31 Apparently, some people can't understand sarcasm.
posted by grabofsky74 at 09:58 AM on May 31, 2006
Apparently not!
posted by Debo270 at 10:00 AM on May 31, 2006
The Eagles will be back this year. Now I am not saying superbowl, but they will have a strong playoff run. Donovan is out to set the world on fire. They have revamped both lines(offense and defense). As far as Dallas goes. They're o-line weakened in the off season. With a statue standing back there, watch how productive T.O. is. What everyone forgets is T.O. has won one playoff game in his career. Donovan being hurt ALL year last season was the reason for the drop off. Plus, T.O. has to make it out of Philly alive in Oct. They are gonna have a target painted on him like no other, and T.O. has never produced against Philly. Dallas has to make the playoffs first.something they did not do last year.
posted by phillygator at 10:04 AM on May 31, 2006
Not to mention Philly returns, count them, 10 starters from injury last year (5 of them probowlers). Their 2nd string went 6-10 last year. Their defense will be in the top 5 against the run and the pass. Their double tight-end set, with westbrook in the slot will be unmatched. Philly is going back.
posted by Bishop at 10:22 AM on May 31, 2006
Dallas vs. New England couldn't be more wrong. When your best player is team cancer youre not gonna make the playoffs. New England will still be good cause of their great coach but they lost too much in the offseason. Don't count out the Colts, who still have a good defense and Peyton Manning's arm can win a lot of games on its own. But at this point it looks like Denver is the most solid team, they may meet Carolina in Super Bowl XLI.
posted by tim at 10:22 AM on May 31, 2006
When your best player is team cancer youre not gonna make the playoffs. You know... I can't really remember... Does anyone remember how the Eagles did the last time they had good ol' team cancer playing with them, I can't really recall how far they made it...
posted by everett at 10:27 AM on May 31, 2006
Instead of speculating let's see how it plays out. I am a big Steeler fan, but I still think the Super Bowl was fixed for Bettis to go out on top.
posted by rickburns1 at 10:35 AM on May 31, 2006
Grammar sight, heh heh... I'll boldly predict that my Jets won't get within a whiff of the Super Bowl...
posted by ajaffe at 10:41 AM on May 31, 2006
Instead of speculating let's see how it plays out. Uhhh... its a sports blog, speculate is what we do... I am a big Steeler fan, but I still think the Super Bowl was fixed for Bettis to go out on top. Fixed in what way? are you saying the Seahawks sandbagged, or would you seriously try to argue that the officials botched the game on purpose?
posted by everett at 10:42 AM on May 31, 2006
green bay packers all the way! to a top 5 draft pick.
posted by ninjavshippo at 11:23 AM on May 31, 2006
One other thing: If it really did turn out to be Dallas-New England, I think King is crazy for picking Dallas. Sure, it's teacher-student and that whole media wet dream, but the student surpassed the teacher long ago. By a lot. Belichick would embarass Parcells in a super bowl with two evenly matched teams, and the Pats will almost certainly be a better team than the Cowboys.
posted by Bernreuther at 11:25 AM on May 31, 2006
the Pats will almost certainly be a better team than the Cowboys What makes you think that?
posted by everett at 11:29 AM on May 31, 2006
As far as Dallas goes. They're o-line weakened in the off season. I guess what your talking about is letting Larry Allen go to the 49'ers. While Larry was one of the greatest Cowboys ever his time was over. To replace Larry - Dallas picked up Rob Petitti from the Steelers. Add the fact that they drafted 2 -300# plus lineman that they expect to compete for a starting spot and I think they have undoubtably improved thier O-line. And....Don't forget we drafted big, strong, smart, Linebacker Bobby Carpenter out of Ohio State to play right behind the O-line. All in all this has been a great off season for the Cowboys.
posted by Termite at 01:23 PM on May 31, 2006
And....Don't forget we drafted big, strong, smart, Linebacker Bobby Carpenter out of Ohio State to play right behind the O-line. Did I miss something here?
posted by everett at 01:39 PM on May 31, 2006
seattle had a great o line. they traded half away One guy, and his replacement, has quality starts under his belt. They will be fine. seattle is still crying over the super bowl and the refs. they dont have the heart to go back. F.Y.I. Holmgren signed an extension, that shows heart! He is a rich man with a couple rings. He quits now he still goes to Canton. I havn't heard any player say anything other than we'll just have to go get it next year. Holmgren made 2 remarks and it got blown up! They don't have to whine to show me anything, all I have to say is......Illegal block below the waist on Hasselbeck Hmmmmm.......!
posted by BigSpizznizzle at 02:56 PM on May 31, 2006
NE has a chance, but all they did was get worse over the offseason. They won't be as indestructible in close games without Vinatieri and they lost a huge presence in their locker room with McGinest. Dallas is just caught up in T.O. hysteria as is anyone who thinks they will play in the Super Bowl. T.O. is good , but I don't remember him playing defense. Dallas ranked 10th last year and thats not bad , but they lost the best DT in the NFL La'Roi Glover. Drew Bledsoe is still an average QB. Not to mention the fact that they dont play in the NFC North, they have Philly twice, NYG twice, Washington twice, Carolina in Carolina, Tampa Bay, and Indianapolis.
posted by Clevelander32 at 03:17 PM on May 31, 2006
Wow, post a thread and go to sleep and boom, it explodes. Nothing like good old football predictions to stir up the opinions. Being a 49er fan I'm in perpetual depression these days (God, why didn't Leinert come out a year early?). As for Mr. King's supposed to bias to Boston teams, I would wholeheartedly agree with that statement. I read his Monday Morning Quarterback column every single week and have been for a long time and when in doubt he always goes with the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, Bruins...it's almost embarassing sometimes. It's particularly evident when talking about the Patriots. I love his column for the most part but that is really starting to get old. As for my Super Bowl picks? I would go with Denver if it wasn't for Cutler making Plummer nervous by waiting in the wings. Plummer has never had a solid psyche and this can't be good for him. I'm playing a wait-and-see game with Peyton and the Colts, especially with Edgerrin gone. The Patriots will be good, if only because Tom Brady and Tedy Bruschi won't let them be bad. And Pittsburgh and Cincy (especially if Palmer is healthy) will duke it out for the division, so whoever is left standing from that one will be strong. My thought is that if Palmer is back to normal the Bengals go to the Super Bowl. They would've last year if he hadn't gotten hurt. If Palmer isn't up to par, well, I like the Patriots by a fraction over the other teams, mainly due to the Brady factor. In the NFC, Carolina is always a trendy pick and they always stumble so who knows with that bunch. The Cowboys are intriguing but I've never really liked Bledsoe and he's more immobile now than ever. My choice will be either Seattle or Philly. They have the best players and solid coaching and well, it doesn't take much more than that in the NFC. So if I have to choose, I say Seattle goes back. Whew, that was fun
posted by donnnnychris at 03:53 PM on May 31, 2006
I guess what your talking about is letting Larry Allen go to the 49'ers. While Larry was one of the greatest Cowboys ever his time was over. To replace Larry - Dallas picked up Rob Petitti from the Steelers Is this guy supposed to be a Cowboy fan? Know your team, please. Rob Petitti was a 7th round draft pick of the Cowboys in 2005 who happened to start every game last year at right tackle as a rookie. As for any offensive lineman Dallas drafted this year, none are expected to compete for starting time as they were 6th and 7th round picks. The Cowboys did aquire Kyle Kosier from Detroit and hope he is an up and coming lineman who can help ease the loss of Allen. One thing he (Kosier) does bring to the table is the ability to play 4 of 5 O-line positions as well as improved quickness and the ability to move on outside runs. They also expect to have a fully recovered Flozell Adams returning on the left tackle as well as Fabini at right tackle who may have seen his best days years ago but could add depth to what can be a very good line. They also have former Bear Marc Columbo, a back-up tackle who has been a dissappointment to date, he was a prior 1st round pick of the Bears in 2002 or 2003 but had not been able to stay healthy. Dallas hopes with the year off they gave him last year he is now healthy and getting back to the form that earned him first round draft status. Look at Bledsoe's stats from the first five games last year before "Flo" went down and you'll see what he can when given time. Now when Flozell was injured and lost for the season, it meant you had a true rookie covering one side and a 2nd year guy playing the left side, and he had only previously played right tackle in the NFL. So I believe Dallas will be improved up front for the reasons above. I also think Dallas has a great chance of making the Super Bowl this year. One point of interest about the Cowboys team last year was the number of close games decided by 7 or less points and their record in those games. Dallas could have easily been either 4-12 or 12-4 given a few breaks one way or the other. Add to that the acquisition of Vanderjagt (say what you will about the playoff miss he is still one of the best IMHO) and they'll compete with the top dogs in the NFC. If Dallas had a decent kicker last year they would have beat Washington, Seattle and AFC power Denver. The Cowboys also beat the Giants and Panthers last year so they can play with anyone in the NFC.
posted by ampto11 at 04:23 PM on May 31, 2006
What everyone forgets is T.O. has won one playoff game in his career. Dec 29, 1996 SF 14 PHI 0 Owens 1 reception, 7 yds Jan 3, 1998 SF 38 MIN 22 Owens 4 receptions, 49 yds, 1 TD Jan 3, 1999 SF 30 GB 27 Owens 3 receptions, 73 yds, 1 TD (the game winner) Jan 5, 2003 SF 39 NYG 38 Owens 9 receptions, 177 yds, 2 TD
posted by The_Black_Hand at 04:24 PM on May 31, 2006
Bah, TBH, you can prove anything with facts.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 04:41 PM on May 31, 2006
I love the optimism shown by Philly fans. After so many years of saying, "They don't have any receivers for McNabb to throw to" they finally get him one, and it proceeds to blow up in their face. Now it's back to the old question: Who will McNabb throw to? His choices are Reggie Brown, Jabar Gafney, Greg Lewis, Todd Pinkston....yawn.......zzzzzzzzzzzzz.
posted by dyams at 04:56 PM on May 31, 2006
Dallas will be good. And not because of Owens. Dallas will be better this year because of improvement on defense. The Cowboys switched to a 3-4 and gave 3 rookies major time (D. Ware, C. Canty, and M. Spears). Plus 2nd year LB Bradie James was inserted as a starter. Dallas has the entire D returning (less L. Glover) so expect it to be greatly improved (and they were good last year). Dallas will be a typical Parcells team. Play field position, strong running game, strong defense. Take a shot with a trick play once a game. With a strong defense they'll be tough.
posted by Mike McD at 05:58 PM on May 31, 2006
Now it's back to the old question: Who will McNabb throw to? His choices are Reggie Brown, Jabar Gafney, Greg Lewis, Todd Pinkston....yawn.......zzzzzzzzzzzzz. Sure, I'm a homer, however, Philly went to 4 NFC championship games with "no one to throw to". You didn't list Westbrook, league leading 73 catches out of the backfield the year before and you didn't list TE L.J. Smith who was leading all TE's (including Gates and Tony G.) in receptions until just around the time that Mcnabb went down. While I'm not a big fan of Pinkston's, all he did was lead the league in yards per catch in 04'. According to different draftniks, Philly had about the 3rd or 4th best draft this year. Maybe they won't see the superbowl, but they're right back on top of the NFC easy.
posted by Bishop at 10:39 PM on May 31, 2006
Before King's column, I wasn't even thinking about Dallas in the Super Bowl. I had Carolina and Chicago in the NFC championship game (if the defense had just double teamed Steve Smith in their playoff game last season...well, Seattle still would have been in the Super Bowl, but Chicago wouldn't have looked like posers.) But now, I'm thinking Carolina and Dallas. It'll come down to which team plays the best playoff defense. But New England. I don't think so. The team will make the playoffs, but I think it is in a down cycle. Two more seasons to rebuild and it will be back to a Super Bowl. Right now I'm thinking Denver and Indianapolis in the AFC championship game. I like the addition of Vinatieri, but not the subtraction of Edgerrin James. I'll go with Denver...even though Plummer makes me nervous. Cincinnati and Miami can ruin things for everyone if their injured quarterbacks can come back and turn it on again. Chicago and Washington can do the same in the NFC if they can get above average quarterback play. But right now, I'm going to say it's Carolina and Denver in the big name.
posted by forrestv at 11:15 PM on May 31, 2006
HERESY ALERT I think Parcells has lost the magic. I have no real reason, no real proof, I just don't think he can cut it anymore.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 04:43 AM on June 01, 2006
You know... I can't really remember... Does anyone remember how the Eagles did the last time they had good ol' team cancer playing with them, I can't really recall how far they made it... Yes we did get as far as you recall, but do you recall how many of those playoff wins T.O. contributed in? 0 Like I said, Dallas needs to make the playoffs first. How many people and teams does T.O. have to ruin for people to get it? The boy is great. I was all excited when he came here as well. I have a jersey I am waiting to burn in Oct. But he is a cancer. The very definition of it. Wow, looking back in hindsight he won us 17 REGULAR SEASON games. Big whoop. Look at the effect of those wins. It is all about T.O. I can't wait to get a bowl of popcorn and sit back and watch him go at it with Parcells. A philly fan is going to have fun again this year. That is why we will be back!
posted by phillygator at 09:14 AM on June 01, 2006
As a long time Dallas fan, I appreciate Mr. Kings optimism for the home team, but remain unconvinced myself. The defensive line play needs to step WAY up, a dependable, capable running back needs to emerge, and the offensive line is unproven. I do take exception to Clevelander32's remark that Bledsoe is still an average QB, and not because I am, or have been, a huge fan of his. (Pats and Bills players just aren't held in high regard around here, ha ha) Look at his place on the all-time passing list, and realize that he has never had great wheels or a great ability to avoid a heavy pass rush. Given time, he can make any throw on the field, and he still has a very accurate and powerful gun. I wish they had kept Keyshawn as a #2 receiver, for cryin' out loud, because with teams doubling up on Owens, I think Keyshawn would have become much more of a threat. And as the above HERESY ALERT alerted us, I think the fire in Bill Parcels' belly does not burn as hot as it once did, and although I respect him a great deal, he has definitely been out-coached on game day more than once the last couple of years.
posted by mjkredliner at 10:17 AM on June 01, 2006
Can't wait to see Dallas implode and the Eagles soar. Football will be fun to watch again this year and my self imposed ban will be lifted. They probably don't win the whole shebang but definatley give the rest of the NFC east a run for their money. Fuck TO.
posted by GoBirds at 11:33 AM on June 01, 2006
Love it GoBirds! That is the whole thing here in Philly. T.O. took our birds from us last year. I am really excited about all the positive reports this year. I just want to see them have fun again. And I believe Donovan will make that happen. Fly Eagles Fly on the road to victory........E.A.G.L.E.S....Eagles.
posted by phillygator at 01:33 PM on June 01, 2006
I need all of you to continue being non-believers in Seattle. Your doubt will magically increase the teams chances for success. I know it sounds strange, but a nation wide lack of faith will align their stars and set the karma right
posted by THX-1138 at 05:14 PM on June 01, 2006
I can't help but recall how the Dallas fans let the eagles have it when it came to TO. Then they let the eagles have it when they lost 10 starters to injury. The eagles 2nd string almost beat the cowboys 1st string last year until the turnover late in the game. I'm waiting for Dawk and M.Lewis to ring TO's bell early and often. It really is funny though to see dallas fans respond to TO the way they have. It reminds me of us Philly fans a little while back. If TO couldn't get a team that went to 3 straight NFC championship games over the hump, how the hell is he going to get a team that hasn't seen the 2nd round in years over the hump. Dallas fans really think he is going to do something. They are really happy to have him. Who knew all that bitching and moaning they did the past 2 years was hidden envy. I spent some time looking back at old threads and I found a comment that kind of says it all. I replaced the word Philly with dallas. "Dallas fan's deserve TO, he's an asshole's asshole".
posted by Bishop at 08:50 PM on June 01, 2006
You guys are going to be really surprised when the Niners win the Super Bowl. Of course, it will only happen because of freak injuries and illnesses that force the other 31 teams to sign has-beens and never-will-bes to replace the regular players.
posted by billsaysthis at 04:29 PM on June 02, 2006
You guys are going to be really surprised when the Niners win the Super Bowl. A truer statement has never been made. I assume this is supposed to happen sometime this century, yes?
posted by The_Black_Hand at 04:59 PM on June 02, 2006
You guys are going to be really surprised when the Niners win the Super Bowl. lmao. Seriously, people should be talking about the G- Men. They signed Arrington, Madison, and have a terrific offense. They added some other guys too, and they'll all make good contributions towards the team. They have no glaring weaknesses on offense, defense or special teams. I think that they have a good chance at the Super Bowl this year.
posted by redsoxrgay at 09:23 PM on June 03, 2006
My goodness, I'm a Niners fan and even I don't have that big of an imagination. Alex Smith couldn't lead a Pop Warner team, let alone the Niners. Let's just say it was a sad, sad day last year when Matt Leinart decided to stay in school.
posted by donnnnychris at 12:56 AM on June 04, 2006
Seems reasonable... I really like the boys with TO, and the Pats underachieved all year last year. Really the AFC seems Kind of weak to me this year; Steelers will not repeat, and Miami might, might might have a good season. I think San Diego and the Pats are the best bets there. NFC however, I think is going to rock this year. Dallas is cold, Seattle is awesome, Giants, Panthers, etc...