Falcon Fantom Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 It has been a while since I got people whipped into a frenzy and subjected myself to a good public flogging. So what better time than now to do so, right?I was asked during my NFL.com chat Wednesday to list the teams I thought had a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl in 2011. I named a few off the top of my head, but here's a more thought-out breakdown.We all know that in the NFL a contender can arise from anywhere in any given season. But still, even before free agency begins -- which I know is kinda nuts in and of itself -- we can identify the real contenders. There are a handful of teams in each division that I believe, right now, are real threats to win the Super Bowl.(And, as a disclaimer, I am sorry if I did not include your team in this list. This is merely my opinion. I don't have a crystal ball, and I'm not related to Miss Cleo.)AFCNew England Patriots: They had the best regular-season record last year, have the best quarterback in the NFL, the best coach, and an emerging young defense. Most definitely in the mix.Pittsburgh Steelers: Remember, they didn't get Ben Roethlisberger back until after the quarter pole a year ago. Always loaded on defense. Keeping Willie Colon should be a priority, but they came a few plays from a title last season, and they're still loaded.Baltimore Ravens: The Steelers have been the only thing keeping them from reaching the final game. Addressed some real needs in the draft, and if Joe Flacco can find his regular-season form in the postseason, this could be Baltimore's year. The schedule sets up quite nicely for them, too.New York Jets: Mark Sanchez has been the opposite of Flacco -- mediocre in the regular season but playing with poise in the playoffs. Plenty of star power on both sides of the ball, and I figure Santonio Holmes isn't going anywhere. No team has come closer to reaching the Super Bowl over the last two years. Maybe they finally get over the hump now.San Diego Chargers: In my opinion, the best offense in the league, and now Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil will return for a full season. They struggled on special teams but hired one of best coaches in the biz. They were a statistical monster a year ago; the emergence of Kansas City and Oakland should bring out the best in San Diego.Indianapolis Colts: I tend to think they are cycling down a bit and worry about the defense, offensive line and run game, but they're pretty automatic to win at least 11 games, win their division and, oh yeah, they have this Manning dude under center. So they're going to be a part of the conversation.NFCGreen Bay Packers: Probably don't need to say much here, right? Young team that just won it all. Stud QB. And they won the title with like 15 guys on injured reserve. The best is still to come with this bunch.New Orleans Saints: They continue to add parts on defense. Had a very strong first round in the draft, finding two immediate impact rookies in defensive end Cameron Jordan and running back Mark Ingram. Expert coaching staff will thrive despite lockout. No Super Bowl hangover this year.Philadelphia Eagles: Already a fine team, and you can expect them to be major players in free agency. If they can beef up the defensive line and add a cog like Nnamdi Asomugha to the secondary, man, all the more reason to like their chances. Keeping Michael Vick healthy will be paramount, but love the young core they have put together.Atlanta Falcons: There's a lot to like here, though I still wonder if this team is ready to take the leap in the postseason. Matt Ryan has yet to win a playoff game. Offense could be truly powerful in 2011, yet I still have questions about the defense when it comes to crunch time. Regardless, the Falcons clearly emerged as one of the league's premier teams in 2010 and, with their superb front office and coaching staff, are primed for big things to come.New York Giants: Great young group of receivers, still scary group of defensive linemen, and secondary keeps improving. Say what you want about Eli Manning, but the cat already has a ring. We know they can run the ball. They need help at linebacker, but another very strong organization that could put it all together again in 2011 after a few down years.So there you have it. I figure Cowboys and Bears fans will probably object most to their lack of inclusion here. I see them as playoff contenders for sure, but I just don't have a feeling they could really win it all. It's just a feeling, just my hunch. But, as we all know, almost anything is possible in the NFL.The beauty of this league is, no one really knows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Return of SWFT Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 Not sure team is ready for post season either or Ryan . Both times 2 very sub par performances from our defense to our QB . I think a lot of people and including our fans see a season like last of 13-3 or 12-4 area . I see more of a 9-7 / break or to 10-6 . We were very lucky last year. We played a weak conference NFC WestAlso escaping any significant injuries to any of our big players . Can we come to grips with 4 straight winning seasons and possibly no playoff successDo some of the fans start to turn on this regimen Smith, TD and even the QB ?Will there be any firing if we don't have post season success . Mike Mularkey ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metatron360 Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 Mularky may fall victim but BVG is a likely candidate if there is no play off win this year.People turn on matt and smith, doubt it heck vick played mediocre and you still got people claiming he's the truth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falcon Fantom Posted June 17, 2011 Author Share Posted June 17, 2011 Not sure team is ready for post season either or Ryan . Both times 2 very sub par performances from our defense to our QB . I think a lot of people and including our fans see a season like last of 13-3 or 12-4 area . I see more of a 9-7 / break or to 10-6 . We were very lucky last year. We played a weak conference NFC WestAlso escaping any significant injuries to any of our big players . Can we come to grips with 4 straight winning seasons and possibly no playoff successDo some of the fans start to turn on this regimen Smith, TD and even the QB ?Will there be any firing if we don't have post season success . Mike Mularkey ?It took Peyton a while to win him first playoff game. We will be okay. Have to take a few @$$ whoopins sometimes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
=abrahamburger= Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 Not sure team is ready for post season either or Ryan . Both times 2 very sub par performances from our defense to our QB . I think a lot of people and including our fans see a season like last of 13-3 or 12-4 area . I see more of a 9-7 / break or to 10-6 . We were very lucky last year. We played a weak conference NFC WestAlso escaping any significant injuries to any of our big players . Can we come to grips with 4 straight winning seasons and possibly no playoff successDo some of the fans start to turn on this regimen Smith, TD and even the QB ?Will there be any firing if we don't have post season success . Mike Mularkey ?I can't answer any of those questions.Here's something I can comment on; commitment. In my 30+ years of watching the Falcons, I've never seen the organization this committed to winning. Even more so than the Braves, which I watched grow, succeed, and finally win.We have a smart front office, an awesome coach, and an owner that spends to win. I like our chances. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uga2006 Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 I can't answer any of those questions.Here's something I can comment on; commitment. In my 30+ years of watching the Falcons, I've never seen the organization this committed to winning. Even more so than the Braves, which I watched grow, succeed, and finally win.We have a smart front office, an awesome coach, and an owner that spends to win. I like our chances.This. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UptownHardHitta Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 Not sure team is ready for post season either or Ryan . Both times 2 very sub par performances from our defense to our QB . I think a lot of people and including our fans see a season like last of 13-3 or 12-4 area . I see more of a 9-7 / break or to 10-6 . We were very lucky last year. We played a weak conference NFC WestAlso escaping any significant injuries to any of our big players . Can we come to grips with 4 straight winning seasons and possibly no playoff successDo some of the fans start to turn on this regimen Smith, TD and even the QB ?Will there be any firing if we don't have post season success . Mike Mularkey ?4 Straight winning seasons without a playoff win is a step in the right direction.....baby steps.....gotta crawl before you walk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magic Man Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 (edited) Not sure team is ready for post season either or Ryan . Both times 2 very sub par performances from our defense to our QB . I think a lot of people and including our fans see a season like last of 13-3 or 12-4 area . I see more of a 9-7 / break or to 10-6 . We were very lucky last year. We played a weak conference NFC WestAlso escaping any significant injuries to any of our big players . Can we come to grips with 4 straight winning seasons and possibly no playoff successDo some of the fans start to turn on this regimen Smith, TD and even the QB ?Will there be any firing if we don't have post season success . Mike Mularkey ?There are so many half-truths and half-brained opinions in here. There were no injuries? Roddy didn't hurt his knee at like week 10 and was never as dominant after that? We didn't lose Witherspoon for an extended period last year? Meier injured for the season in camp. And not to mention HD and Peria Jerry both coming off major knee injuries, leading to their seasons being much less productive than originally expected. But yeah, we had no major injuries. I believe you are obsessed with the Falcons doing poorly. I'm not calling for 13-3 or anything like that, but weren't your predictions in the 9-7 range, last season as well? The facts are: You never and I mean never have a positive thing to say about the Falcons. You're obsessed with Dez Bryant, to the point where the guy may need to get a restraining order, and you do your best to tear down Ryan at any opportunity you get. In all reality, you have stepped into Troll territory and may never be able to recover.BTW, the fans probably won't turn on this regimen (A prescribed course of medical treatment, way of life, or diet for the promotion or restoration of health. per dictionary.com), and I am pretty sure the Regime that brought us three straight winning seasons and getting mentioned in the same breath as Super Bowl won't bear any ill will either. Edited June 17, 2011 by Magic Man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falcon Fantom Posted June 17, 2011 Author Share Posted June 17, 2011 4 Straight winning seasons without a playoff win is a step in the right direction.....baby steps.....gotta crawl before you walkExactly. Even though three straight winning seasons are a little better than baby steps. I think we are just past the learn from an @$$ whoopin phase. Next time I think we would bob and weave instead of throwin haymakers. i.e. the packers loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyDmx Posted June 18, 2011 Share Posted June 18, 2011 4 Straight winning seasons without a playoff win is a step in the right direction.....baby steps.....gotta crawl before you walkIt's hard to decipher whether you're sincere or not when it comes to us :unsure: :unsure:. I believe we are going to have a deep Playoff run this season and all the haters will find something else to drag up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bossFALCON™ Posted June 18, 2011 Share Posted June 18, 2011 Aaron rodgers was 0-1 in the playoffs before he won a title. Brees hadn't had much playoff success before he won one and I don't think Eli had even won a playoff game (like ryan) when he won the SB.Falcons could be champs next year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grrrillapmpn Inc.® Posted June 18, 2011 Share Posted June 18, 2011 Swift stop. It's just too easy now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Return of SWFT Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 I believe you are obsessed with the Falcons doing poorly. I'm not calling for 13-3 or anything like that, but weren't your predictions in the 9-7 range, last season as well?more lies ..tell the truth MAGIC MAN ..link Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Return of SWIFT Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 It's amazing to me how many times people misquote or don't understand me. Here is what I'm all about:1.) Ryan has a lot of physical flaws, can't perform at all in a playoff game and has yet to send his mother a card on Mother's Day.2.) I was the only poster on this board who actually wanted to draft Matt Ryan so I am protected from criticism from either Ryan Haters or Huggers. They don't call me SHIFTY for nothing.3.) I routinely bet more on football in a week than most of you dweebs probably earn in a month. That's why I'm constantly breaking down film and my number is on every NFL GM's speed dial.4.) I really want to have gender-reassignment surgery and bear Dez Bryant's child. Why he would at that point be attracted to a middle-aged, ugly white woman is open to question...but we can all dream can't we?Keep the facts straight bozos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chitown2ATL_Falcon Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 It has been a while since I got people whipped into a frenzy and subjected myself to a good public flogging. So what better time than now to do so, right?I was asked during my NFL.com chat Wednesday to list the teams I thought had a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl in 2011. I named a few off the top of my head, but here's a more thought-out breakdown.We all know that in the NFL a contender can arise from anywhere in any given season. But still, even before free agency begins -- which I know is kinda nuts in and of itself -- we can identify the real contenders. There are a handful of teams in each division that I believe, right now, are real threats to win the Super Bowl.(And, as a disclaimer, I am sorry if I did not include your team in this list. This is merely my opinion. I don't have a crystal ball, and I'm not related to Miss Cleo.)AFCNew England Patriots: They had the best regular-season record last year, have the best quarterback in the NFL, the best coach, and an emerging young defense. Most definitely in the mix.Pittsburgh Steelers: Remember, they didn't get Ben Roethlisberger back until after the quarter pole a year ago. Always loaded on defense. Keeping Willie Colon should be a priority, but they came a few plays from a title last season, and they're still loaded.Baltimore Ravens: The Steelers have been the only thing keeping them from reaching the final game. Addressed some real needs in the draft, and if Joe Flacco can find his regular-season form in the postseason, this could be Baltimore's year. The schedule sets up quite nicely for them, too.New York Jets: Mark Sanchez has been the opposite of Flacco -- mediocre in the regular season but playing with poise in the playoffs. Plenty of star power on both sides of the ball, and I figure Santonio Holmes isn't going anywhere. No team has come closer to reaching the Super Bowl over the last two years. Maybe they finally get over the hump now.San Diego Chargers: In my opinion, the best offense in the league, and now Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil will return for a full season. They struggled on special teams but hired one of best coaches in the biz. They were a statistical monster a year ago; the emergence of Kansas City and Oakland should bring out the best in San Diego.Indianapolis Colts: I tend to think they are cycling down a bit and worry about the defense, offensive line and run game, but they're pretty automatic to win at least 11 games, win their division and, oh yeah, they have this Manning dude under center. So they're going to be a part of the conversation.NFCGreen Bay Packers: Probably don't need to say much here, right? Young team that just won it all. Stud QB. And they won the title with like 15 guys on injured reserve. The best is still to come with this bunch.New Orleans Saints: They continue to add parts on defense. Had a very strong first round in the draft, finding two immediate impact rookies in defensive end Cameron Jordan and running back Mark Ingram. Expert coaching staff will thrive despite lockout. No Super Bowl hangover this year.Philadelphia Eagles: Already a fine team, and you can expect them to be major players in free agency. If they can beef up the defensive line and add a cog like Nnamdi Asomugha to the secondary, man, all the more reason to like their chances. Keeping Michael Vick healthy will be paramount, but love the young core they have put together.Atlanta Falcons: There's a lot to like here, though I still wonder if this team is ready to take the leap in the postseason. Matt Ryan has yet to win a playoff game. Offense could be truly powerful in 2011, yet I still have questions about the defense when it comes to crunch time. Regardless, the Falcons clearly emerged as one of the league's premier teams in 2010 and, with their superb front office and coaching staff, are primed for big things to come.New York Giants: Great young group of receivers, still scary group of defensive linemen, and secondary keeps improving. Say what you want about Eli Manning, but the cat already has a ring. We know they can run the ball. They need help at linebacker, but another very strong organization that could put it all together again in 2011 after a few down years.So there you have it. I figure Cowboys and Bears fans will probably object most to their lack of inclusion here. I see them as playoff contenders for sure, but I just don't have a feeling they could really win it all. It's just a feeling, just my hunch. But, as we all know, almost anything is possible in the NFL.The beauty of this league is, no one really knows.I basically agree with the analysis here on all the above teams. It's nice that the consider us a Super Bowl contender, but they're right, we will only go as far our defense takes us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miller2Rison Posted June 19, 2011 Share Posted June 19, 2011 as much as i hate the bucs i wouldnt rule them out of contention,10-6 and no playoffs over a 7-9 team, the will be back with avengance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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