SuperAINTSfan Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 What five new teams will make the playoffs in 2015? By Conor OrrAround The NFL Writer We still have the draft to go, but there is nothing more enjoyable than re-setting our perception of the league over the last month, especially after one of the best free agency periods in league history. What is the best way to do so? According to NFL Media research, at least four new teams have made the playoffs every year since the NFL adopted the 12-team format back in 1990. Over the past 10 seasons, that average has climbed to more than five teams per season, with the Steelers, Ravens, Cowboys, Lions and Cardinals all making the leap after missing the playoffs in 2013. It's ridiculously early, but we've got you covered: 1. New Orleans Saints: A stronger offensive line and a stronger running game mixed with another year of learning under defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. This team's mediocrity a year ago still feels so much like a fluke and after some simple adjustments, the Saints are a prime candidate to reach the postseason again. Unless the Panthers make some serious strides, or a top quarterback steals the show in Tampa Bay, Drew Brees and Co. have us believing that a refreshed roster can make another run. Dan Hanzus, on the Around The NFL Podcast, thinks the Saints will go 12-4. 5. Atlanta Falcons: What if the Lions take a step back next season and leave a playoff spot out there for the taking? Do the Carolina Panthers inspire much confidence at the moment? Are the Vikings ready to make a serious climb in their division? Do we think that the Giants can finally rebound? If the answer to all of these questions is no, than why can't a team with a phenomenal wide receiver and great quarterback get back into consideration and finish right behind the Saints in the South? Dan Quinn brings a new flavor to a defense in desperate need of some help and Matt Ryan finally gets his rebound season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DD: Objective Elite Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Great Quarterback* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints4life25 Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 He makes fairly good points about both teams, however, the division crown still goes through Carolina. And yes, that defense should inspire confidence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PantherWake Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Not surprised. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
End zone Jones Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Homer!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe horn Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Tickets:booked Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SyCo Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Greatest roster of all time2.0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintsFanInLA Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 ...than why can't a team with a phenomenal wide receiver and great quarterback get back into consideration and finish right behind the Saints in the South? A writer that doesn't know the difference between "then" and "than"... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlien 404 Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 It's official panthers 3 Pete .....see tall in 16 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trouble Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 crown Them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevo Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Great Quarterback*Does that make you feel better? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DD: Objective Elite Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Does that make you feel better?Just pointing it out, Mr. Feels. If the writer's prediction that the Saints win 12 has merit, so does his opinion that Ryan is a 'great quarterback', yes?If no, RCDS!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nola90 Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Carolina is the team to beat.This is gonna be a fun draft I must say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treefiddy Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 A new center, a hole, rookie and a turn style and no actual depth = stronger OL...CROWN 'EM! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shredman Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Saints will not win 7 GamesBookmark it.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
st. diehard Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Saints will not win 7 GamesBookmark it....And still finish ahead of the Falcons? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperAINTSfan Posted March 31, 2015 Author Share Posted March 31, 2015 Saints will not win 7 GamesBookmark it....Done. A new center, a hole, rookie and a turn style and no actual depth = stronger OL...CROWN 'EM!What.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audiotom Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 remember when the Los Angeles Lakers Pat Riley patented the term three-peat? The pistons blew out of his finely tuned machine Fans of a team with a losing record, that couldn't win a game in 6 weeks sure have their chests pumped out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe horn Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Panthers fans... hard to blame them. They don't have the history...yknow? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nola90 Posted April 1, 2015 Share Posted April 1, 2015 A new center, a hole, rookie and a turn style and no actual depth = stronger OL...CROWN 'EM!after that atrocity of goodwin, any one of us RC'ers would be better. Holy **** he was bad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe horn Posted April 1, 2015 Share Posted April 1, 2015 Yeah, Unger has some health concerns, but "new center" is plain ole incurious Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treefiddy Posted April 1, 2015 Share Posted April 1, 2015 Yeah, Unger has some health concerns, but "new center" is plain ole incuriousHe's not new to the team huh?Wiley ol' veteran with nothing but knowledge of the Saints, Brees and the offense... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nola90 Posted April 1, 2015 Share Posted April 1, 2015 smart old veterans pick up QB tendencies fast.I'd be more worried about the rookie coming into LG than Unger.I'm still worried about the line though, don't get me wrong on that. It can't be any worse than last year, but it could be as bad still. Not likely, but still possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audiotom Posted April 1, 2015 Share Posted April 1, 2015 Panthers fans... hard to blame them. They don't have the history...yknow?You do have a very good point JoeWhen a losing record reverts to bragging rightsWe were a half game behind and admit our team completely sucked last year Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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