Half Season Check-Up: NFC Outlook
Oct 28, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) runs after a catch in the third quarter against New York Giants safety Stevie Brown (27) at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE
We’re halfway through the season So we are in a great position to take a look at where the Ravens have been, where they are at, and where they might be going. Today I am going to take a look at the state of the NFC to take an early look at who might emerge to face the Ravens in the Super Bowl if they were to make it that far.
Contenders
In the AFC I had just three contenders, in the NFC….well lets just say I have a couple more. The List starts with the reigning superbowl champion Giants. I think they are better than the Falcons right now and significantly better than the 49ers (though if Alex Smith keeps going 18/19 with 3 TDs then all bets are off). As far as I am concerned the Giants should be NFC favorites right now. Right behind them are the Falcons and 49ers. I like the Falcons right now, but I still question their Super-Bowl hopes until Matt Ryan can prove he can win a playoff game. He has been absolutely terrible in the playoffs so I need to see it before I believe it. The 49ers have the NFLs best defense and are easily the most fundamentally sound team in the league. I also want to throw in the Bears and the Packers. I am not even going to take the time to explain about the Packers, but as far as the Bears are concerned, they can go as far as Jay Cutler can take them. I am not convinced that he is a playoff winner either, but I am willing to take a chance on him. Rounding out my list is the Seahawks. I love their defense and I think they can beat any team on any week if they play well. They are a very sound team and I wouldn’t be surprised if they challenge for the division and make a deep playoff run.
Near Contenders
The Only two teams I have here that I think are knocking on the door of contention are the Vikings and the Cardinals. I do not think that either of these teams will be serious championship contenders, but both are dangerous enough to win a playoff game if they get in, and potentially de-rail a contenders playoff dreams.
Could Make A Run
The Redskins lead this group because of the dangerous mix of players they have on offense, starting with RGIII. RGIII is a legitimate MVP candidate if he can carry the Skins to the playoffs. The Eagles and Lions were just too talented to leave off this list. They are both among the most talented teams in the league and will at least be competitive in any game they play. The last team I threw on here was the Buccaneers. I love the way they play football and I am a big fan of Greg Schiano. I think he is an excellent coach and he has changed the culture in Tampa in a very short period of time.
Totally Out of Contention
Starting with the Panthers. I have never been on the Cam Newton bandwagon, I don’t think particularly highly of him because in the last 6 games of last season he struggled mightily and he has never returned to form, in addition to that he has taken on a terrible attitude (No player should ever refer to a female media member as “sweetheart” it is extremely disrespectful) and seems to have worked himself into a funk that I don’t know if he has the mental toughness to get out of. Next up is another NFC South team, the Saints, they are 2-5 and they have completely fallen apart without Sean Peyton. Anyone who thinks coaching doesn’t matter or is over-rated, just watch the saints….case and point. I also am going to put the Rams and Cowboys here. I don’t think the Cowboys are tough enough to dig themselves out of this hole they are in. The Rams aren’t talented enough, they will upset some contenders down the stretch, but they won’ ever be a real threat for the playoffs.