BucNup

It is my opinion that any team reaching the playoffs, or going further; are the early season favorites to repeat their actions in the following year. Considering they can hold a team together. Keep in mind that I'm speaking from a NFC South perspective....

Bucs - We are proving that for whatever the reason, maintaining a championship form is tough to do for many teams, with hopes of repeating. Our off-season problems surrounding Walker, Smith and (wife beater) Pittman has echoed this point further. Coaches and players are walking a fine line on the Pittman issue, trying to show their support in a matter that is clearly over shadowed by stupidity. It will be interesting to see how the team can respond come September. IMO, the outcome of the Philly season opener, will set the tone and shed plenty of light on our quest for another title, regardless to it being the 1st game of the season. Gruden's "pound the rock" mentality will be put to the test by a hungry, pissed-off football team, coming fresh off the heels of the biggest upset in their existence (arguably?)

ATL - The coaching back drop of Gruden allows a perfect starting point, for what I think will be the Falcons biggest problem.

I don't think Dan Reeves is the answer in Atlanta, or anywhere else in the NFL when it's all said and done. His time has passed and his way of thinking about the game is widely known, and preparations can be made to combat them, readily. Many people know about his dealings with former NFL great QB Elway, and some of the problems later revealed after the two parted ways.

Now, he is being asked to direct the teachings of the greatest young QB potential I have seen since..... (Hell, I can't say that I've seen anyone of Vick's magnitude.) I think we did not see a full Elway playing days, just as I think we won't see the true ability of Vick until their is a change in philosophy on your offense and that change inevitably starts with Reeves.

I respect what Reeves has done for the game, but I think he's gone past his usefulness, in my opinion.

N.O - We got a taste of you guys last year, and I know we haven't played you nearly as many times as the Falcons. But trust me when I tell you; the down right "hate & loathing" each of you have towards each other, has made its way to the forefront, in just 1 season with us.

The Saints have some horses on that team and players who love touching the football, which makes them tough to beat. But how do you explain their consistent self-destruction year in and year out? Actually, they remind me of the 1999-2000 Bucs team. The Super Bowl was being held in Tampa and everything was looking great for us to be the first team to play in a Super Bowl hosted by their hometown. Only, we talked our way in and out of the playoffs.....

Until the Saints learn to shut up and stop looking at numbers they will continue to be their own worst enemies....

CAR - I won't be stupid and under-estimate this team. They have a strong defense and everyone seems to be buying into the techniques of Fox. But they have too many holes in their suit of armor to even speak seriously about at this point. They made some off-season moves that will prove beneficial, more specifically, the addition of Davis. I'm not sure about much else and this bunch. This is a work in progress and perhaps the single greatest thing about the NFL...... YOU NEVER KNOW.

This is the hump, as I see it. Thoughts?



[Edited on 13/6/2003 by BucNup]