A Foolish NFC Preview
Published September 01, 2007
Even when Kitna connects and racks up some points we can count on the bottom-of-the-barrel defense to keep it a close game. Godawful.
Green Bay Packers 40/1
You know I was going to write something mildly negative about Brett Favre and company, but then I did something I so rarely do. I gave the issue some thought.
I've come to terms with Favre continuing to play. Statistically, he balances out to an average QB, which is nothing to sneeze at, but he needs to understand that he can no longer do what he did ten years ago. If he chilled out and took the more secure option, instead of giving John Madden a chance to call him a gunslinger for nine millionth time, he would not only be a decent QB, but he would push his team higher. And that could happen. The Packers are not a bad team. In a very short time they have built a solid defense and an improving young O-line. If Favre would become a game manager instead of a gunslinger, this team could make the playoffs.
And besides, what are they going to do, fire him? The owners — that would be the community of Green Bay — wouldn't stand for it. It would result in the first known instance of a GM being cheesed and feathered.
Minnesota Vikings 50/1
The question that will be haunting Minnesota all year is whether the Vikes will sail off to warmer climes — Los Angeles specifically. The bridge collapse means infrastructure will get money before a new football stadium (rightly), and a decidedly lame team means that few people will care. Other than geographically, these guys are going nowhere.
I am convinced Tarvaris Jackson got his name off the R&B charts from the '80s.
New Orleans Saints 14/1
I will admit it. Last year I was a hater. I was so turned off by all the feel-good wankery surrounding the Saints that I turned on them. This year, I can be more objective. There is no reason Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, and the rest of the offense won't be even better than last year, but a word of caution: the Saints have a substandard defense that overachieved last year. Trying to promote them as heroes and saviors again will be like living in the bayou without flood insurance. They'll take the division, but won't dominate.
New York Giants 30/1
Ah yes, the team that put the "fun" in "dysfunctional." The Giants' locker room is bitchier than a Desperate Housewife's Tupperware party. You could argue that the Giants thrive on catty snipes and petty disputes, but their best offensive player has retired, their best defensive player keeps talking about retiring, their coach is hated and ignored, and the QB has a Slow Children Playing sign over his locker and he's not sure why. Enjoy the drama Giants fans, 'cause that's all you'll have.
- A Foolish NFC Preview
- Published: September 01, 2007
- Type: News
- Section: Sports
- Filed Under: Sports: Football (American)
- Part of a feature: NFL Picks of a Thoughtful Fool
- Writer: David Mazzotta
- David Mazzotta's BC Writer page
- David Mazzotta's personal site
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"All Calvin Johnson is going to learn this year is how to tell when he can quit on his route by the sound of the fan's boos."
If he does it that way, he'll never leave from his set position on the line of scrimmage.
Haze, I think I see what you're getting at. It amazes me that no one in the press takes a deeper look at this. Older, "wiser" players are always finding ways to cruise during the pre-season. I am completely convinced that T.O. does this all the time. And though they don't say so, I'm sure the coaches are cool with it.
Push the philosophy to it's limit and you get Roger Clemens signing contracts for half the year so he can keep playing well into middle age.
"Have I mentioned you shouldn't be betting on futures?"
You bet. Just penny stocks and options. Duh.
The Iggles give me the giggles. They will hunt and kill the inefficient and the weak - like the Cowgirls. Giggle.
To a certain degree David,I see their(older players)point,to an extent. The "way" the game is played today is different than how it was "back in the day"(remember when it was a game?),everything is so f**king skilled that it kills me sometimes,but yet,it is. On the other hand though,what was gained in skill and art form,disguised as entertainment,a certain degree of character and loyalty was just shucked out the proverbial window in the name of....what?,money? I don't know. It seems sometimes that sports individuals thrive on adulation like a junkie thrives for his next hit. and don't forget,"and the crowd goes wild!" The fans of sports in this country has changed more than the athletes themselves!! I swear the violent tendencies of the sports base in this country has reached new lows.Their lust for more,more,more is comical at times but yet,under the surface there is a fine line that is being trampled under foot. This behavior + time is gaining ground on the way we as a society functions. I fear the future looks bleak.Where have you gone?
Hey David, it's week 7, where are you?? I enjoy your column ever week and always hate waiting until week 6 to read it... are you throwing in the towel this year?
Not throwing in the towel. First set of picks should come roughly Wednesday-ish. In few weeks you'll be sick of me. ;-)
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Is Michael Strahan's act that transparent or is it just me? Bet money on this: real soon the NFL shortens or does away/ modify the preseason. not so as to lose money now,thank you very much, but to insure the safety of our product to bring you the fan the full enjoyment that you so richly deserve.Oh yeah,don't forget that dumbass pro bowl. now there's a game that we would miss,huh? too much money involved now though. tell me how many people can toss 500,000 dollars out the window because they don't feel like working? God, I love America!