Predicted Teams On The Decline

[jmb1099]

All speculation and such but at this time of year what isn't?

Six teams on the decline

[psubills62]

In terms of records, I believe he's correct. The only one I might disagree with is the Chargers because honestly, the other three teams in that division just plain stink.

The Broncos traded away their franchise QB and the coach just comes across as an arrogant guy who won't get along well with the players. They loaded up on RB's while almost entirely ignoring the DL trying to transition to a 3-4. The Chiefs traded away Gonzalez, have two QB's that are really only effective running the spread, and may not have a true NT. The Raiders...are always the Raiders.

[OpIv37]

I agree with the assessments, but the one flaw I see in his argument is that some of those teams will benefit from a lack of competition.

The AFCW blows. The NFCE could be tough but Philly lost some guys on D, and Washington and Dallas never seem to play up to their potential on paper. The NFCW also blows.

So he makes good points about all those teams but I think at least two of them will sneak back into the playoffs.

[jmb1099]

Tis the season for predictions. He does make some solid points, it will be interesting to see how it pans out. I am surprised the Giants haven't made a serious play for Boldin at this point. Then again maybe they have and the asking price is too high.

[Mike13]

Speculation from Florio? why not just print out the article and wipe your ass with it?

The '08 Dolphins also benefited from the absence of injuries. This season, chances are the Dolphins will be dealing with many more major and minor sprains and strains and snaps and cracks.

Yeah because we never lost our starting guards. Oh and kindly shove that crystal ball up your ass.

[Hyperion]

Agree on Miami simply because their schedule is brutal next season. They could honestly have a better team in 2009 and go 8-8.

I have to laugh at this logic with the Titans. Still one of the best O-lines if not the best in the game, numerous players playing for big contracts. Will they win 13 again, probably not. I do see 10 or 11 wins as realistic. His logic is flawed. Why are Jacksonville and Houston going to be better? Because he says so. That sounds foolproof.

I also disagree on the Chargers. Denver wins 8 at best, KC is in serious rebuild mode and the Raiders are the Raiders. SD looks like a 10 win team to me.

I could see the Giants sliding some. I wouldn't think any decline would be severe because they have a good FO.

Minnesota is going to win 12 games next year. Their schedule is probably the most favorable of any team in the NFL.

This looks like an article that was written for the sake of writing an article.

[OpIv37]

This looks like an article that was written for the sake of writing an article.

ding ding ding! we have a winner!

[Mike13]

ding ding ding! we have a winner!

Thats Florio for you

[LtFinFan66]

Agree on Miami simply because their schedule is brutal next season. They could honestly have a better team in 2009 and go 8-8.

I have to laugh at this logic with the Titans. Still one of the best O-lines if not the best in the game, numerous players playing for big contracts. Will they win 13 again, probably not. I do see 10 or 11 wins as realistic. His logic is flawed. Why are Jacksonville and Houston going to be better? Because he says so. That sounds foolproof.

I also disagree on the Chargers. Denver wins 8 at best, KC is in serious rebuild mode and the Raiders are the Raiders. SD looks like a 10 win team to me.

I could see the Giants sliding some. I wouldn't think any decline would be severe because they have a good FO.

Minnesota is going to win 12 games next year. Their schedule is probably the most favorable of any team in the NFL.

This looks like an article that was written for the sake of writing an article.

While Miami may not match their record from last year, I completely disagee with the notion that they are "on the decline"

[Hyperion]

While Miami may not match their record from last year, I completely disagee with the notion that they are "on the decline"

Agreed. Miami will likely take a step back next year but their long-term prospects are solid if Henne pans out.

[TigerJ]

Like others, I disagree on the Chargers mostly because of their AFC West competition. I agree that Norv Turner is a loser coach who always loses more games than he should for the talent he has on his team. I think Florio's definition of teams on the decline is very short term. If he's just talking about this year, then it's valid to suggest Miami could take a step back. It's a very tough schedule for AFC East teams, and it's never a bad bet to suggest a Patriot rebound, even if Bill Belichick is a scumbag and we all hate him.