Nas Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 http://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/id/40214/nfc-east-more-or-less After running the numbers, ESPN.com pro football writer John Clayton arrived at a win total for every team in the division for 2012. Is the figure too high, too low or spot-on? CLAYTON'S FORECAST 10-6 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: As disappointing as last year's Eagles were, they managed to win eight games. Upgrades to the linebacker corps, a tightening-up of the coverage schemes and an improved comfort level in the new defense all stand as reasons to believe that things will be better in Philadelphia this year. They appear to be loaded with top athletic talent at every position, and on paper (yes, we've heard those words before) they look like the best team in the division and one of the best in the league. After last year, I am far from sold, and I think a lot of this uncertainty rides on quarterback Michael Vick and his ability to limit the turnovers that were so costly during September's slow start. As for the schedule breakdown, Clayton has the Eagles going 4-2 in the division. They were 5-1 in the division last year, and I don't see any good reason to think they should do much worse. I guess the Redskins should be better, but it's hard to see how the Cowboys (who weren't in either game) or the Giants will be much tougher to beat than they were a year ago. And out of the division, Clayton has the Eagles 6-4. Tough road trips to Pittsburgh, New Orleans and Arizona loom, but road games in Cleveland and Tampa Bay don't look so tough. More or less? You guys know I don't like to make predictions this early, but because I must, I'm saying Clayton's number for the Eagles turns out to be a bit low. CLAYTON'S FORECAST 9-7 NEW YORK GIANTS: This would, of course, match the Giants' win total from last year, when they became the first team to win the NFC East and the Super Bowl with fewer than 10 wins in a non-shortened regular season. It also would be one fewer than their win total from 2010, when they missed the playoffs. With Eli Manning at quarterback, Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz back at wide receiver and all of those great pass-rushers back for another year, the Giants are strong where it counts, and that's the reason for their year-to-year consistency. But within the confines of the 2011 regular season, they were anything but consistent. They looked terrible twice against the Redskins but beat the Cowboys twice when it counted, then of course got on that January roll that carried them to their second championship in five years. Clayton has the Giants 3-3 in the division, which is a fair expectation. (I mean, we can't assume they'll beat the Redskins until we see it, right?) And he has them 6-4 outside the division, where they play at San Francisco (they were 1-1 there last year, of course, in two very close games), and have back-to-back trips to Atlanta and Baltimore in December. Free agency ate at their depth, and the Giants will need to do some work to replace the production of important 2011 pieces such as Mario Manningham and Brandon Jacobs. I guess the question is whether they'll be the playoff-tough team we saw in late December and the postseason or the team that struggled so badly in November against the tough part of its schedule. More or less? From this far out, this just doesn't strike me as a Giants team that should win as many games as it won last year. For that reason, I say John's nine-win figure is a bit high. But I fully acknowledge the folly of picking against the Giants. CLAYTON'S FORECAST 9-7 DALLAS COWBOYS: The Cowboys' defense -- particularly their secondary -- imploded completely during the final month of the season, and that and the two losses to the Giants were the reasons they finished 8-8 and missed last year's playoffs. They attacked the secondary by signing Brandon Carr and trading up to draft Morris Claiborne, and they added an inside linebacker in Dan Connor. But the rest of the team looks basically the same -- a potentially elite offense with Tony Romo throwing to Miles Austin and Dez Bryant and handing off to DeMarco Murray, but the same old questions in the middle of the offensive line and on defense. Clayton has the Cowboys going 3-3 in the division, which again seems fair for a team that looks to be around the middle of the league pack. And with out-of-division games against the Bears, Falcons, Ravens, Steelers and Saints, it's not hard to imagine that a 6-4 record outside the NFC East is possible. If the upgrades at cornerback really do help the pass rush and put less pressure on the safeties, the Cowboys could make a leap. The Romo-led offense should score more than enough points. I just don't feel as though this Dallas team has elevated itself to the top echelon of the league's defenses. More or less? Clayton's number seems about right to me. I don't think the Cowboys will go 0-2 against the Giants again. CLAYTON'S FORECAST 6-10 WASHINGTON REDSKINS: The Redskins' biggest need was, of course, quarterback, and they dealt four high draft picks to get one. Robert Griffin III carries the hopes of a desperate fan base and the promise of being better than Rex Grossman, even as a rookie. The Redskins also outfitted him with a pair of new free-agent wide receivers, Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan, and will team him with a young defense. Will it be enough to vault Washington into actual playoff contention? Clayton thinks no. And in fairness, as great as Griffin projects to be, he is a rookie, and rookies tend to struggle. Questions remain in the running game, on the offensive line, at receiver and in the secondary. There's more work to be done in Washington before the Redskins can threaten to reach the playoffs, most likely. As for the breakdown, Clayton has the Redskins at 2-4 in the division, which is what they were last year, and 4-6 outside of it. They feel as though they should have won both of the Cowboys games, and it's not ridiculous to think they can win one this year, but regardless of the joke I made earlier, it's hard to imagine them beating the Super Bowl champs twice in the same year again. I just don't think their non-division schedule looks all that terrifying. A road game in Pittsburgh and home games against the Ravens and Falcons, sure. But I think the opener in New Orleans looks ripe for a fired-up team with a new quarterback, what with the Saints' coaches all suspended and especially if the Jonathan Vilma suspension holds up. It's not too hard to squint and find five or six potential non-division wins if the Redskins play slightly better than they did last year. More or less? I think the Redskins will win more than six. But again, it's June, and I reserve the right to make my real predictions at the proper time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DayneForNoGain Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 Sheesh, are people really still expecting vick to be healthy enough to play in more than half the games and anything more than inconsistent? I wish vick would just get knocked the fuck out for good and then cut so I get back to rooting for the eagles. Hey mike! :big F-U: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackStroud Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 That's nice of Clayton to predict a barely winning season for the SB Champs.......I wonder if he noticed the Giants were surging last year and have lost nothing to speak of.......upgraded with Wilson and Terrell Thomas if you ask me......Blackburn all season, all the time this year. JPP at 295, and a TE at the same weight AND RIPPED Here is my prediction- Giants 12-4 and another trip to the SB to face Bellicheck.......another ending with Gisselle cursing up a storm waiting for the elevator "My husband can throw the ball.......he cannot catch the Fnnnnn ball too" LOL Washington 10-6 ........ I like Like Mike, the guy is a winner and now has a legit QB Eagles 6-10 as Vick gets mashed by a Blackburn JPP sandwich and is out for the season.....Andy gets shown the door Cowboys 5-11 just because they are due to totally disintegrate......I hear Ware is not well...Jerry gets another facelift and his ears meet on top of his head How you doin Nas.......how is life treating you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 That's nice of Clayton to predict a barely winning season for the SB Champs.......I wonder if he noticed the Giants were surging last year and have lost nothing to speak of.......upgraded with Wilson and Terrell Thomas if you ask me......Blackburn all season, all the time this year. JPP at 295, and a TE at the same weight AND RIPPED Here is my prediction- Giants 12-4 and another trip to the SB to face Bellicheck.......another ending with Gisselle cursing up a storm waiting for the elevator "My husband can throw the ball.......he cannot catch the Fnnnnn ball too" LOL Washington 10-6 ........ I like Like Mike, the guy is a winner and now has a legit QB Eagles 6-10 as Vick gets mashed by a Blackburn JPP sandwich and is out for the season.....Andy gets shown the door Cowboys 5-11 just because they are due to totally disintegrate......I hear Ware is not well...Jerry gets another facelift and his ears meet on top of his head How you doin Nas.......how is life treating you? Honestly, I refuse to believe that analysts actually take these things into consideration. Now, OBVIOUSLY David Wilson is going to be an improvement over Brandon Jacobs. But let's make no mention of that and focus only on the players they lost while disregarding the players they replaced them with. In my opinion, this year has been and is a cutting of the dead weight, addition by subtraction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigblue25 Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 The Giants are not gonna be tougher to beat? and they need to work hard to replace the PRODUCTION of Manningham and Jacobs? This is the worst fucking thing I have ever read in my life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigblue25 Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 That's nice of Clayton to predict a barely winning season for the SB Champs.......I wonder if he noticed the Giants were surging last year and have lost nothing to speak of.......upgraded with Wilson and Terrell Thomas if you ask me......Blackburn all season, all the time this year. JPP at 295, and a TE at the same weight AND RIPPED Here is my prediction- Giants 12-4 and another trip to the SB to face Bellicheck.......another ending with Gisselle cursing up a storm waiting for the elevator "My husband can throw the ball.......he cannot catch the Fnnnnn ball too" LOL Washington 10-6 ........ I like Like Mike, the guy is a winner and now has a legit QB Eagles 6-10 as Vick gets mashed by a Blackburn JPP sandwich and is out for the season.....Andy gets shown the door Cowboys 5-11 just because they are due to totally disintegrate......I hear Ware is not well...Jerry gets another facelift and his ears meet on top of his head How you doin Nas.......how is life treating you? welcome back friend, nice to see you in the offseason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
osi724dasack Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 Horrible thread. Why post this garbage? Who the fuck wants to read this retarded trash?? Post better things or don't post at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 The Giants are not gonna be tougher to beat? and they need to work hard to replace the PRODUCTION of Manningham and Jacobs? This is the worst fucking thing I have ever read in my life. Like I said, I think they check out the players who took off and weren't resigned in free agency and compare the teams before and after their departures. That's it. Because he doesn't even mention that we picked up a 10Xs more explosive running back and a top 3 WR at the end of the second round who will, if given the chance, be replacing Manningham's ummm....amazing production. No mention of the Eagles losing arguably the best lineman in the division and replacing him with Demetress Bell, who, despite being Karl Malone's son, struggled mightily in Buffalo for YEARS, has a history of some pretty serious injuries, and is now, somehow, all of a sudden this star left tackle that is going to replace Peters. It's ludicrous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigblue25 Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 Like I said, I think they check out the players who took off and weren't resigned in free agency and compare the teams before and after their departures. That's it. Because he doesn't even mention that we picked up a 10Xs more explosive running back and a top 3 WR at the end of the second round who will, if given the chance, be replacing Manningham's ummm....amazing production. No mention of the Eagles losing arguably the best lineman in the division and replacing him with Demetress Bell, who, despite being Karl Malone's son, struggled mightily in Buffalo for YEARS, has a history of some pretty serious injuries, and is now, somehow, all of a sudden this star left tackle that is going to replace Peters. It's ludicrous. PLus, we are much more healthier in the secondary and picked up Rivers, who is a much better pickup then DeMeco Ryans. I have no idea if this guy, even follows the NFL and ESPN's eyes, anyone who puts on a Eagles or Pats uniform is the greatest player that ever lived, no matter how bad they were before, i.e Jason Babin last year, who btw in the word's of Golfy, still sucks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UK-Giantsfan Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 ....Blackburn all season, all the time this year. Vick gets mashed by a Blackburn JPP sandwich and is out for the season Nice to hear from you Jacko ......what do you think about Chase ? regards UK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BleedinBlue Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 Preseason predictions are like trying to figure out women. No matter what you think, in the end it doesn't mean jack shit. About the only thing you really gain when reading this stuff is a chance to peak into the brain of a "sports journalist" and his personal bias'. Every year the talking heads have the Eagles going all the way (unless some writer still believes in the Cowboys) and the Giants coming in the middle of the pack or lower. Every year the Eagles flop and the Giants usually get into the playoffs and once in awhile, even win the superbowl.....and all the brilliant writers never saw it coming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackStroud Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 Chase is smart and hits harder than anyone else on D In the SB he hit "the Law Firm' so hard he bounced into JPP and nearly knocked out JPP he is the biggest and strongest LBer we have ever had period at 6'4 255 Not counting KIWI who is a hybrid thats what you need at MLB...........an enforcer not some skinny little minny who hits like a woman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nas Posted June 21, 2012 Author Share Posted June 21, 2012 That's nice of Clayton to predict a barely winning season for the SB Champs.......I wonder if he noticed the Giants were surging last year and have lost nothing to speak of.......upgraded with Wilson and Terrell Thomas if you ask me......Blackburn all season, all the time this year. JPP at 295, and a TE at the same weight AND RIPPED Here is my prediction- Giants 12-4 and another trip to the SB to face Bellicheck.......another ending with Gisselle cursing up a storm waiting for the elevator "My husband can throw the ball.......he cannot catch the Fnnnnn ball too" LOL Washington 10-6 ........ I like Like Mike, the guy is a winner and now has a legit QB Eagles 6-10 as Vick gets mashed by a Blackburn JPP sandwich and is out for the season.....Andy gets shown the door Cowboys 5-11 just because they are due to totally disintegrate......I hear Ware is not well...Jerry gets another facelift and his ears meet on top of his head How you doin Nas.......how is life treating you? I'm doing great, Jack. Thanks for coming back you were sorely missed. P.S. I take credit for bringing Jack back . stfu Osi, this is for "entertainment purposes only". The Eagles win the SB every Offseason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nas Posted June 21, 2012 Author Share Posted June 21, 2012 Preseason predictions are like trying to figure out women. No matter what you think, in the end it doesn't mean jack shit. About the only thing you really gain when reading this stuff is a chance to peak into the brain of a "sports journalist" and his personal bias'. Every year the talking heads have the Eagles going all the way (unless some writer still believes in the Cowboys) and the Giants coming in the middle of the pack or lower. Every year the Eagles flop and the Giants usually get into the playoffs and once in awhile, even win the superbowl.....and all the brilliant writers never saw it coming. I can help you in that department, Bleedin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BleedinBlue Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 I can help you in that department, Bleedin No fair naz....you married a muslim woman. It's a whole different world of circumstances when dealing with non-muslim, enlightened American women. They are a pain in the ass! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackStroud Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 Women cannot figure out women.........what hope do you have? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nas Posted June 21, 2012 Author Share Posted June 21, 2012 No fair naz....you married a muslim woman. It's a whole different world of circumstances when dealing with non-muslim, enlightened American women. They are a pain in the ass! I have experience. But again I might have had it easy since a lot of women seem to have a "thing" for Middle Eastern men Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nas Posted June 21, 2012 Author Share Posted June 21, 2012 Women cannot figure out women.........what hope do you have? There isn't a formula. It's mostly about the dick game. Then if you also have good looks and is successful and social then you have a leg up on everyone else Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allstarjim Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 The Giants have another very difficult schedule. And that's why my prediction will be something like 11-5 instead of 13-3 or 14-2. We must see how the injury thing shakes out by week 1. By the looks of it, this team is very impressive on paper. There's three aspects to winning in the NFL, I believe. 1) Roster talent (to include health of that talent when the games count), 2) Coaching (game calling, game planning, strategy, motivating), 3) Execution of by the players, which can sometimes be related to continuity and leadership of captains, as well as adjustments of the play-callers on offense and defense. This piece also includes turnovers and special teams' mistakes, don't think I forgot! If you examine roster talent, look at this depth chart, you have strong starters at every position, high ceiling potential among backups (David Wilson, Marvin Austin, Amukamara, Jayron Hosley, Jacquian Williams, Reuben Randle, Da'Rel Scott, and Adrien Robinson) and you have very good, quality veteran role players (Rocky Bernard, Osi Umenyiora, Mitch Petrus, Bear Pascoe, Chase Blackburn, Domenik Hixon, Sean Locklear). You have one of the top, cerebral quarterbacks in the NFL coming of a career year and in his prime. That alone gives you a major advantage against most teams in the NFL. And you have an unstoppable force on the cusp of putting it all together in JPP, a player that can be so dominant he can control a game on defense by himself. But with games against New Orleans, San Francisco, Green Bay, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cincinatti, Atlanta, and our always tough divisional opponents, you have to acknowledge it's a very tough road to hoe and it will be tough for the Giants to sustain some long winning streaks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackStroud Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 Chase Blackburn is our starting MLBer not a role player and stiffened the entire defense when he returned last year to take over that role What most fans and analysts miss about Chase is how hard he hits opponents, also he gets in the right position, coaches others and his ability to drop in coverage and INT are something we have not had in a MLBer forever. Its his job to lose and it will be bad news for the Giants if he is replaced with another brainless idiot who has foot speed , no brains and cannot tackle with authority. Rivers BTW is an "outside" LBer, relatively small and has been a huge disappointment for such a high draft choice..........Cincinnati did not let him go because they thought he was headed to the pro bowl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackStroud Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 The Giants have another very difficult schedule. And that's why my prediction will be something like 11-5 instead of 13-3 or 14-2. We must see how the injury thing shakes out by week 1. By the looks of it, this team is very impressive on paper. There's three aspects to winning in the NFL, I believe. 1) Roster talent (to include health of that talent when the games count), 2) Coaching (game calling, game planning, strategy, motivating), 3) Execution of by the players, which can sometimes be related to continuity and leadership of captains, as well as adjustments of the play-callers on offense and defense. This piece also includes turnovers and special teams' mistakes, don't think I forgot! If you examine roster talent, look at this depth chart, you have strong starters at every position, high ceiling potential among backups (David Wilson, Marvin Austin, Amukamara, Jayron Hosley, Jacquian Williams, Reuben Randle, Da'Rel Scott, and Adrien Robinson) and you have very good, quality veteran role players (Rocky Bernard, Osi Umenyiora, Mitch Petrus, Bear Pascoe, Chase Blackburn, Domenik Hixon, Sean Locklear). You have one of the top, cerebral quarterbacks in the NFL coming of a career year and in his prime. That alone gives you a major advantage against most teams in the NFL. And you have an unstoppable force on the cusp of putting it all together in JPP, a player that can be so dominant he can control a game on defense by himself. But with games against New Orleans, San Francisco, Green Bay, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cincinatti, Atlanta, and our always tough divisional opponents, you have to acknowledge it's a very tough road to hoe and it will be tough for the Giants to sustain some long winning streaks. Yes but all those other teams have a bigger problem.......they have to face the Giants.......GB is scared Xlesss of us.......Atlanta LOL.....We will give San Fran a spanking for running their mouths last year......bank on it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treehugger Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 Welcome back, Jack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. P Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 Chase Blackburn is our starting MLBer not a role player and stiffened the entire defense when he returned last year to take over that role What most fans and analysts miss about Chase is how hard he hits opponents, also he gets in the right position, coaches others and his ability to drop in coverage and INT are something we have not had in a MLBer forever. Its his job to lose and it will be bad news for the Giants if he is replaced with another brainless idiot who has foot speed , no brains and cannot tackle with authority. Rivers BTW is an "outside" LBer, relatively small and has been a huge disappointment for such a high draft choice..........Cincinnati did not let him go because they thought he was headed to the pro bowl rivers is one inch shorter and 5 pounds lighter than blackburn, not a big difference in size there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackStroud Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 rivers is one inch shorter and 5 pounds lighter than blackburn, not a big difference in size there. He must be a real wuss then if Jerry emphatically stated he is NOT a MLBer and no one has ever put a guy that size in the middle.........maybe he has "playbook" issues LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackStroud Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 He must be a real wuss then if Jerry emphatically stated he is NOT a MLBer and no one has ever put a guy that size in the middle.........maybe he has "playbook" issues LOL I admit I have never watched Rivers play, but going by the Giants track record of bringing in garbage free agents in at LBer I'm not expecting him to play like Mike Singletary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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