FOX Sports Adam Schein prediction's
My predictions for the 2006 NFL season
Adam Schein / FOXSports.com
Posted: 12 hours ago
It is once again prediction time. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year as we countdown to kickoff.
And of course, with the competitive balance era in full swing in the NFL, there is an excellent chance to be wrong.
NFC East
1. Eagles 10-6
2. Giants 10-6*
3. Cowboys 8-8
4. Redskins 7-9
Eagles: After finishing in last place in the division in 2005, the Eagles get to face Houston and Green Bay this season. It sounds crazy, but that could be a huge difference maker in winning the division in the best division, bar none, in the NFL. Plus, and most importantly, the Eagles clearly have the best quarterback in the NFC East in Donovan McNabb. Playing behind an enormous and skilled offensive line, McNabb will succeed with five solid receivers, led by Reggie Brown, who is primed for a big season. Brian Westbrook needs to stay healthy for 16 games. The Eagles defense, all healed up from a year ago and vastly improved with sack artist Darren Howard on board, will be back among the NFL's elite.
Giants: The Giants have the most balance in this division, factoring in talent and depth across the board. The key for New York is consistency week to week from quarterback Eli Manning. And after watching his decision-making improve in the preseason, you truly believe he is ready in year three for a steady and highly productive season, taking advantage of the Giants' plethora of weapons in the passing attack. Tiki Barber is one of the NFL's best players, and doesn't get the attention for being just that. The Giants defense is flat-out loaded, with Lavar Arrington, Sam Madison, and first round pick Mathias Kiwanuka joining Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, and Antonio Pierce. The Giants will transform into a play-making defense.
Cowboys: The Cowboys' talent on defense is incredible. Look for Chris Canty to become a star at defensive end. The linebackers are stout with second year star DeMarcus Ware, former lineman Greg Ellis, and the vastly underrated Akin Ayodele. And the talent oozes in the secondary with Roy Williams, Anthony Henry, Terence Newman, and rookie safety Pat Watkins. But you wonder about the health and chemistry on this team, specifically on offense. Flozell Adams has battled injuries in the preseason. Tackle Marc Colombo looks great in the preseason, but can he endure a full campaign? Julius Jones needs to develop into a back Bill Parcells can rely on. And I don't trust Drew Bledsoe in the big spot or Terrell Owens to behave. And kicker Mike Vanderjagt has endured a horrendous preseason.
Redskins: The Redskins are loaded with talent on defense. Gregg Williams' unit will once again frustrate the opposition. And while the Washington offense has talent and new direction under Al Saunders, I don't think Mark Brunell can hold up for a season. Jason Campbell, to me, remains the better option for the 2006 and 2007 Redskins. And everyone in Washington is very concerned about the health of Clinton Portis.
Adam Schein / FOXSports.com
Posted: 12 hours ago
It is once again prediction time. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year as we countdown to kickoff.
And of course, with the competitive balance era in full swing in the NFL, there is an excellent chance to be wrong.
NFC East
1. Eagles 10-6
2. Giants 10-6*
3. Cowboys 8-8
4. Redskins 7-9
Eagles: After finishing in last place in the division in 2005, the Eagles get to face Houston and Green Bay this season. It sounds crazy, but that could be a huge difference maker in winning the division in the best division, bar none, in the NFL. Plus, and most importantly, the Eagles clearly have the best quarterback in the NFC East in Donovan McNabb. Playing behind an enormous and skilled offensive line, McNabb will succeed with five solid receivers, led by Reggie Brown, who is primed for a big season. Brian Westbrook needs to stay healthy for 16 games. The Eagles defense, all healed up from a year ago and vastly improved with sack artist Darren Howard on board, will be back among the NFL's elite.
Giants: The Giants have the most balance in this division, factoring in talent and depth across the board. The key for New York is consistency week to week from quarterback Eli Manning. And after watching his decision-making improve in the preseason, you truly believe he is ready in year three for a steady and highly productive season, taking advantage of the Giants' plethora of weapons in the passing attack. Tiki Barber is one of the NFL's best players, and doesn't get the attention for being just that. The Giants defense is flat-out loaded, with Lavar Arrington, Sam Madison, and first round pick Mathias Kiwanuka joining Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, and Antonio Pierce. The Giants will transform into a play-making defense.
Cowboys: The Cowboys' talent on defense is incredible. Look for Chris Canty to become a star at defensive end. The linebackers are stout with second year star DeMarcus Ware, former lineman Greg Ellis, and the vastly underrated Akin Ayodele. And the talent oozes in the secondary with Roy Williams, Anthony Henry, Terence Newman, and rookie safety Pat Watkins. But you wonder about the health and chemistry on this team, specifically on offense. Flozell Adams has battled injuries in the preseason. Tackle Marc Colombo looks great in the preseason, but can he endure a full campaign? Julius Jones needs to develop into a back Bill Parcells can rely on. And I don't trust Drew Bledsoe in the big spot or Terrell Owens to behave. And kicker Mike Vanderjagt has endured a horrendous preseason.
Redskins: The Redskins are loaded with talent on defense. Gregg Williams' unit will once again frustrate the opposition. And while the Washington offense has talent and new direction under Al Saunders, I don't think Mark Brunell can hold up for a season. Jason Campbell, to me, remains the better option for the 2006 and 2007 Redskins. And everyone in Washington is very concerned about the health of Clinton Portis.
posted by The Gryphon at 7:46 PM
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