New Orleans Saints among four regal teams who could claim NFC crown

SmashMouth · 08-04-2011, 06:58 AM

If the NFL has taught us anything over the years, it's to expect the unexpected.

Newly signed Nnamdi Asomugha is greeted by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick on Sunday. Philly has added so many big names, Asomugha included, in the past week that they're comparing themselves to the Dream Team.

Rarely do preseason predictions prove prescient.
Pete Rozelle's Theory of Parity has long since been proven to be law. Worst-to-first leaps in the NFL are the rule rather than exception.
This year, though, looks different.
This year a few superpowers have emerged from the pack of contenders.
This year the NFL looks a lot like the SEC. There are a few bad teams, a cluster of good ones and a handful of bona fide, certified title contenders.
One week into the most hectic free agent period in history, the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons tower helmet and shoulder pads above the rest of the NFC.
Maybe the Cowboys finally will put it all together and fulfill their potential. Perhaps the Lions will mature more quickly than anyone expected. And the Bears, Giants, Seahawks and Cardinals have always proven to be dangerous.
But barring a barrage of injuries, it looks like a four-team race in the NFC.
The conversation starts with the defending champion Packers.
The Packers were the second-youngest team in the NFL last season. They also were one of the most unlucky. Sixteen players finished the season on injured reserve. And yet they still won the Super Bowl.
There's no reason to think they'll take a step back this season. The Packers don't look like team headed for a hangover. They look they're steam-rolling to the afterparty.

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08-04-2011, 06:58 AM	#1
SmashMouth I donated, did you? Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Mandeville, LA Posts: 38,477 Blog Entries: 29	New Orleans Saints among four regal teams who could claim NFC crown If the NFL has taught us anything over the years, it's to expect the unexpected. Newly signed Nnamdi Asomugha is greeted by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick on Sunday. Philly has added so many big names, Asomugha included, in the past week that they're comparing themselves to the Dream Team. Rarely do preseason predictions prove prescient. Pete Rozelle's Theory of Parity has long since been proven to be law. Worst-to-first leaps in the NFL are the rule rather than exception. This year, though, looks different. This year a few superpowers have emerged from the pack of contenders. This year the NFL looks a lot like the SEC. There are a few bad teams, a cluster of good ones and a handful of bona fide, certified title contenders. One week into the most hectic free agent period in history, the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons tower helmet and shoulder pads above the rest of the NFC. Maybe the Cowboys finally will put it all together and fulfill their potential. Perhaps the Lions will mature more quickly than anyone expected. And the Bears, Giants, Seahawks and Cardinals have always proven to be dangerous. But barring a barrage of injuries, it looks like a four-team race in the NFC. The conversation starts with the defending champion Packers. The Packers were the second-youngest team in the NFL last season. They also were one of the most unlucky. Sixteen players finished the season on injured reserve. And yet they still won the Super Bowl. There's no reason to think they'll take a step back this season. The Packers don't look like team headed for a hangover. They look they're steam-rolling to the afterparty. read more Attached Thumbnails