Another SI.com prediction
Here's how Don Banks see it...
Key question: Can Drew Bledsoe be a Super Bowl quarterback again 10 years later?
Answer: Yes, but there are several obvious qualifiers that go along with that premise. Dallas has a defense that could be dominating, but this is the year that all that young talent must mature into a unit that consistently puts the Cowboys in a position to win. Give Bledsoe some improved protection (49 sacks in 2005), a defense that leads the way and a big-play threat in Terrell Owens, and the Cowboys could reign in a conference devoid of great teams. After all, Bill Parcells took teams to the Super Bowl in both 1986 and '96. He's due.
1. Dallas (10-6): In a division dominated by quality coaching, the Cowboys get the nod based on defense. Dallas' two-year streak of missing the playoffs is the NFC East's longest.
2. Washington (9-7): The Redskins' terrible preseason has shaken my faith. Could it be that Washington has again assembled an all-star roster but an underachieving team?
3. Philadelphia (7-9): The Eagles could be a surprise team early, but that three-game December road trip will be a playoff-drive killer.
4. New York (7-9): Last year's overachievement will only deepen the disappointment in Gotham this season. So much will ride on Eli Manning's shoulders.
And his playoff picture....
NFC division winners: Dallas, Chicago, Carolina, Seattle
NFC wild cards: Minnesota, Washington
NFC champion: Carolina
AFC division winners: New England, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Denver
AFC wild cards: Miami, Cincinnati
AFC champion: Indianapolis
Super Bowl champion: Indianapolis
Key question: Can Drew Bledsoe be a Super Bowl quarterback again 10 years later?
Answer: Yes, but there are several obvious qualifiers that go along with that premise. Dallas has a defense that could be dominating, but this is the year that all that young talent must mature into a unit that consistently puts the Cowboys in a position to win. Give Bledsoe some improved protection (49 sacks in 2005), a defense that leads the way and a big-play threat in Terrell Owens, and the Cowboys could reign in a conference devoid of great teams. After all, Bill Parcells took teams to the Super Bowl in both 1986 and '96. He's due.
1. Dallas (10-6): In a division dominated by quality coaching, the Cowboys get the nod based on defense. Dallas' two-year streak of missing the playoffs is the NFC East's longest.
2. Washington (9-7): The Redskins' terrible preseason has shaken my faith. Could it be that Washington has again assembled an all-star roster but an underachieving team?
3. Philadelphia (7-9): The Eagles could be a surprise team early, but that three-game December road trip will be a playoff-drive killer.
4. New York (7-9): Last year's overachievement will only deepen the disappointment in Gotham this season. So much will ride on Eli Manning's shoulders.
And his playoff picture....
NFC division winners: Dallas, Chicago, Carolina, Seattle
NFC wild cards: Minnesota, Washington
NFC champion: Carolina
AFC division winners: New England, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Denver
AFC wild cards: Miami, Cincinnati
AFC champion: Indianapolis
Super Bowl champion: Indianapolis
posted by The Gryphon at 8:11 PM
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