The 1st half of the 2011 is complete. How did your favorite NFC team do? Did they improve or not? Give it a read and see how they did.
NFC East
NY Giants 5-2 (+1) PF 174 PA 164 Div 1-1 Conf 3-2
Analysis: After 7 games in eight weeks the G-Men are in sole possession of 1st place. And if they are to stay on top, they will have to play their best. Despite laying an egg against the Seahawks to start the second quarter (25-36), the Giants had a great game against the Bills (27-24) and avoided an upset against the winless Dolphins (20-17). If they can improve on their rushing attack (85.4 ypg-30th) and rush defense (130.1 ypg-28th), they could be a team to watch for.
Next 4 weeks: @NE (5-2), @SF (6-1),PHI (3-4),@NO (5-3)
What to expect: This is doesn't look good for the Giants. Their next games are against teams who are in the top 20 in rushing this season (NE 18th, SF 6th, PHI 1st, NO 12th). And these teams are not going to be easy to come back on in the 4th quarter. Nobody knows what to expect from the Giants. If they can continue to play up to the level of these next four, can you say playoffs?
Philadelphia 3-4 (+1) PF 179 PA 152 Div 2-1 Conf 3-3
Analysis: The Eagles have managed to close out this quarter with a two game winning streak. Even more impressive, they did it against the Redskins (20-13) and Cowboys (34-7). That's a start. While Michael Vick threw 5 interceptions, he has completed around 65.6% of his passes for 821 yards and 5 touchdowns. He's also attempted 20 rushes for 144 yards. Their defense has done better as well. Looks like they're ready to soar.
Next 4 weeks: CHI (4-3), ARI (1-6), @NYG (5-2), NE (5-2)
What to expect: This looks like an easy way to say that the Eagles are going to go 2-2 easy. But this could be easily 3-1 as well. With the way their defense is playing, Jay Cutler might be running for his life all game long. The Cardinals are ____? The Giants could be struggling by then and we all know about the Patriots.
Dallas 3-4 (-1) PF 156 PA 162 Div 1-1 Conf 3-2
Analysis: Forget the bye week and forget the Patriots game (16-20), the Boys could've done better. But if it's any consolation, they are in a 3 way tie for second. Yes, averaging 279.9 yards passing (6th) and 114.7 yards rushing (15th) is a good thing, allowing over 23.1 points per game while scoring on average 22.3 points isn't going to assure any team of a winning record anytime soon.
Next 4 weeks: SEA (2-5), BUF (5-2), @WAS (3-4), MIA (0-7)
What to expect: Three struggling teams should be an easy 3rd quarter for the Cowboys. The Seahawks did beat the Giants and the Bills are looking like they are for real. The Redskins on the road could be troublesome and the Dolphins might get their first win. Long story short, the Cowboys are going to be in deep trouble if they don't pull 3 out of 4 at the very least.
Washington 3-4 (-3) PF 116 PA 139 Div 1-2 Conf 3-3
Analysis: The Skins look like they are regretting that bye week. They have helped the Eagles (13-20) get back on track. Not forgetting to mention getting embarrassed by the Panthers (20-33) and Mike Shanahan getting shut out for the 1st time in his coaching career (23-0 loss to the Bills in Toronto). While Rex Grossman may not be the answer at quarterback, John Beck hasn't fared much better (58.8% completions for 604 yards and 1 touchdown with 3 picks). And the offensive line allowing 22 sacks doesn't bode well for anyone.
Next 4 weeks: SF (6-1), @MIA (0-7), DAL (3-4), @SEA (2-5)
What to expect: Assuming the O-Line's struggles continue, the Skins could have an even worse 3rd quarter. With Tashard Choice being cut by the Cowboys, the rivalry will definitely have some sizzle. Unlike Chris Cooley's bashing of Tony Romo earlier this season. Just wait and see how this all plays out for them.
NFC North
Green Bay 7-0 (+3) PF 230 PA 141 Div 2-0 Conf 6-0
Analysis: The Pack is the only undefeated team in the NFL. And while there are 9 games remaining, it looks like the Cheeseheads might have a chance to join the 1972 Dolphins as the second team to have a perfect season. But with only 9 games to go, there are some good teams that lie ahead that can ruin it for them.
Next 4 weeks: @SD (4-3), MIN (2-6), TB (4-3), @DET (6-2)
What to expect: Aaron Rodgers still is doing is his thing (171-239, 2372 yards and 20 touchdowns). But with their pass defense ranked near last in yards allowed (288.9 ypg), 16-0 can be in serious jeopardy. And if the Lions can maintain momentum, there could be a loss in their future.
Detroit 6-2 (Even) PF 239 PA 147 Div 2-0 Conf 4-2
Analysis: The upcoming bye week came on a positive note via the hapless Broncos (45-10). If people can put to rest the "hard handshake" of Jim Schwartz and Jim Harbaugh (25-19 loss to the 49ers) and the loss to the Falcons (23-16), you all can realize that the Lions are in great shape. Especially since they haven't faced the Packers yet.
Next 4 weeks: BYE, @CHI (4-3), CAR (2-6), GB (7-0)
What to expect: Will the Bears get their revenge? Can the Panthers pull off the upset? Will the Lions be the ones to knock the Packers from the rank of the undefeated? All questions aside, if Matthew Stafford stays healthy, this could be a much better 3rd quarter. Especially with their defense allowing under 20 points a game during the previous quarter.
Chicago 4-3 (+1) PF 170 PA 150 Div 1-2 Conf 4-3
Analysis: With a so-so 1st quarter, the Bears have responded with a slightly better 2nd quarter winning their last two games (39-10 over the Vikings and 24-18 over the Buccaneers).Also an interesting fact, they are only one of the two NFC teams not to play an inter-conference game at this point. The other team... keep reading.
Next 4 weeks: @PHI (3-4), DET (6-2), SD(4-3), @OAK (4-3)
What to expect: Don't be totally shocked that the Bears 2 game win streak will not be extended. Even with their 1st two AFC matchups, they could pull it off. But which team is going to show up? And with the resurgent Eagles and the hungry Lions, it wouldn't be shocking to see the Bears in a difficult position for the wild card race.
Minnesota 2-6 (Even) PF 172 PA 199 Div 0-3 Conf 2-4
Analysis: The good news, the Vikes got their first two wins of the season in the 2nd quarter. Sadly, they are no better off than where they started from. With Donovan McNabb getting benched in favor of Christian Ponder (40-77,554 yards and 3 touchdowns) things are starting to look up in the land of 10,000 lakes.
Next 4 weeks: BYE, @GB (7-0), OAK (4-3), @ATL (4-3)
What to expect: At this point, this 3rd quarter looks like a complete toss up. Maybe the Vikings can go 2 out of 3. Or go 0-3 or 1-2. I don't know the outcome, but the switch to Ponder is looking to be a very wise choice.
NFC South
New Orleans 5-3 (Even) PF 260 PA 189 Div 1-1 Conf 2-3
Analysis: Things in the Big Easy have not been as such. Despite averaging the best passing offense in the NFL (326.8 ypg), the Saints have dropped their last 2 out of 3 this quarter. While they beat down the Colts on Monday night (62-7), they were not expected to drop one against the Rams. By virtue of the Rams first win and the Buccaneers having a bye week , the Saints are below .500 in the conference. Yet still in first place.
Next 4 weeks: TB (4-3), @ATL (4-3), BYE, NYG (5-2)
What to expect: The Buccaneers have proven they are no pushovers this season. Don't expect anything to be different when the rematch takes place in the Superdome. And when the Saints play their first game with the Falcons... again, another team that will keep the score close. And Eli Manning paying a visit to New Orleans should be interesting as well.
Tampa Bay 4-3 (-1) PF 131 PA 169 Div 2-0 Conf 3-3
Analysis: Despite that 45 point blowout to the 49ers, the young Bucs have done quite good actually. Knocking off the Saints is always a good sign (26-20), but Josh Freeman throwing 6 picks in his last 3 games is not. Their mettle will definitely be tested after this bye week for sure.
Next 4 weeks: @NO (5-3), HOU(5-3), @GB (7-0), @TEN (4-3)
What to expect: For a young team coming off a pretty lackluster looking second quarter, the Buccaneers could be winless. But they can split this coming quarter. Especially if the Texans and Titans don't take them too seriously.
Atlanta 4-3 (+1) PF 158 PA 163 Div 1-1 Conf 4-3
Analysis: Yep, the Falcons are the other team. The second quarter has been pretty good for them. With an impressive win over the above .500 Lions to close out the first half of the season (23-16), the Dirty Birds will be ready to have back to back winning playoff appearances for the first time in franchise history.
Next 4 weeks: @IND (0-8), NO (5-3), TEN (4-3), MIN (2-6)
What to expect: This upcoming schedule screams split. But the Falcons have looked good in their last two games. Just allowing 16.5 points and scoring 27 points, they might come out of this sitting on top of the division.
Carolina 2-6 (-2) PF 187 PA 207 Div 0-2 Conf 1-6
Analysis: Cam Newton is still a front runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Yes the, rush defense has improved from 31st (143.8 yards allowed) to 29th (133.3), but the second quarter is more like the first one. It's definitely looking like it's going to be a year or two before they are in the playoff discussion.
Next 4 weeks: BYE, TEN (4-3), @DET (6-2), @IND (0-8)
What to expect: Against more established teams like the Titans and the Lions, the Panthers maybe able to stay competitive throughout the contests. Maybe they'll win, maybe they won't. Ditto for the Colts game.
NFC West
San Francisco 6-1 (+3) PF 94 PA 75 Div 1-0 Conf 4-1
Analysis: The last time a coach from Stanford came and turned the Niners' around was when Bill Walsh took the job in 1978. Granted he didn't have the same turn around as Jim Harbaugh has now (6 games won last season. Won 2 games at the first half of the season). With that kind of success they could be in a few Super Bowls in the near future. Just sayin'.
Next 4 weeks: @WAS (3-4), NYG (5-2), ARI (1-6), @BAL (5-2)
What to expect: With their wide margin on the division lead, they can easily win this division hands down. Does anyone wonder what's going to happen in the postgame between the brothers Harbaugh when the 49ers take on the Ravens? It should be a good game regardless.
Seattle 2-5 (-1) PF 109 PA 162 Div 1-1 Conf 2-2
Analysis: Despite the fact that the Seahawks have not had an individual rush for over 100 yards this season, but they did rush for 145 yards in their lone victory over the Giants this past quarter (36-25). But in their last two losses versus the Browns and Bengals they rushed for a combined 160 yards. If they don't improve in this coming quarter, the 12th Man can forget about a second straight playoff appearance.
Next 4 weeks: @DAL (3-4), BAL (5-2), @STL (1-6), WAS (3-4)
What to expect: With their offense ranked 24th in the pass (206.3 yds) and 31st in the rush (77.7 yds), it's not a surprise that the Hawks are where they are now. Even though they are in the top 20 in two defensive categories, the fact that they have given up over 30 points four times this season and lost is typical of a team that is going to miss the playoffs.
Arizona 1-6 (-3) PF 143 PA 183 Div 0-1 Conf 1-4
Analysis: In the second quarter, the Red Birds have allowed over 30 points in every contest. And the fact that they have averaged 19 points over the last 3 games is proof that the Cardinals are in this current state. And you would think the Kevin Kolb-Larry Fitzgerald tandem would be enough to keep them competitive?
Next 4 weeks: STL (1-6), @PHI (3-4), @SF (6-1), @STL (1-6)
What to expect: Will Kolb's return to Philly be productive? Probably not with the way the Eagles are playing right now. And the 49ers.. it's a 50/50 proposition. With the Rams at both ends of the schedule... at least they have a chance to end their 6 game skid at home.
St. Louis 1-6 (-1) PF 87 PA 192 Div 0-0 Conf 1-5
Analysis: After knocking off their former division rivals the Saints on Sunday (31-21), they are the last NFC team to collect a victory. With the acquisition of Brandon Lloyd from the Broncos, it gives some hope for functionality for Josh McDaniels' system. And with Sam Bradford possibly coming back from his ankle injury, should help breathe some new life into this dismal season.
Next 4 weeks: @ARI (1-6), @CLE (3-4), SEA (2-5), ARI (1-6)
What to expect: This looks like a perfect opportunity for the Rams to get back to .500.But 3 out of 4 games that are going to be played within the division is going to be a rather daunting task. Could the Rams do what their baseball counterparts the Cardinals do and make the postseason? It could happen.
And you can follow both posts on Twitter. Follow @the_rtp_blog
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