Problem in that argument is, the Falcon's receivers are pretty bad too.

Anyone else think that was a surprisingly rational column?

Anyone else think that was a surprisingly rational column?

Yeah. I blame FO's nefarious influence. After someone like Simmons reads the Prospectus, he can no longer be quite as blase about just pulling assertions out of his butt. There are some "experts" who are so thick that FO will never affect them - Prisco for example. But Simmons seems like a fairly bright guy.

That guy should start a cult. I'm reading that and thinking the Falcons could be something. As opposed to an epic implosion and free wins. Maybe I need to have my gulibility levels checked. Definately unsettling.

Quote of the Year (so far): 'As we've learned over the years, QB controversies rarely lead to playoff success unless Drew Bledsoe is the guy losing his job.'

#4

That's exactly what I was thinking.

Simmons is ripping me off, like, verbatim about the Falcons, even right down to the Joe vs. Joey thing. I was there first!

Go away, Justin Zeth.

Looks like he is going to get pwnt by his wife again...

3: i agree... two years ago he would have been all over the road. this was a little more tempered than ive come to expect.

the jokes are progressing out from 80's movies, as well.

Good article IMO, interested to see his top 11. This and a few other things are somewhat changing my mind about the Falcons (5 wins), but I think he has way too much faith in Petrino.

"Problem in that argument is, the Falcon’s receivers are pretty bad too."

I really think people are going to find out this year that the WRs weren't the problem in Atlanta.

I used many of those same arguments to almost talk myself into taking a last-round flier on Joey Harrington in my fantasy league.

Almost.

Simmons almost has me convinced too. I would say that the surprise sleeper definitely comes out of the NFC South. It will either be Tampa Bay (since FO is projecting them so high), or the Falcons exploiting a variable that FO doesn't or can't account for.

If I wasn't a Bear's fan I might like Minnesota's chances at being the 05 Bears.

Falcons receivers will be better this year.
New offensive co-ordinator was the Bengals WR coach, much more WR friendly scheme - look for the #3 and 4 guys to play way more snaps......

#14. Thank you so much. I am not saying I am crazy about our team this year, but come on, everybody has us as the bottom feeders of the NFC North. With our defense finally starting last years number one pick and Peterson in the offense, we might by pretty pesky.

14, 16.

I have hope the Vikes can be the sleeper team, since nearly everybody picks them last in the division, but they can actually play very good defense and should be able to run the ball well. My prediction isn't worth listening to (I'm admittedly biased and always too optimistic about the Purple), but I have trouble seeing a team with good defense and running game being awful (particularly in the NFC--they get to face enough shaky QBs that they have a chance to overcome their own very questionable passing game).

Nothing will surprise me, especially after seeing Patrick Reusse predict the Vikings to go 9-7. Actually, that doesn't surprise me so much: he's a contrarian that will always go against the general fan perception of the team.

Re: Vikings

I agree with the Viking fans that they are a much better sleeper than Atlanta. But their defense is going to have to be even better this year than last year to make the playoffs, and the DVOA predictions go the opposite way.

I could not agree ANY MORE than the Leonard Little comment.

good effort from Simmons- I like that he takes the time to come up w original predictions, as opposed to most columnists who basically reprint last year's standings as this year's predictions.

And Simmons name dropping PFP throughout the article, combined w the podcast, has to be the best publicity you guys have ever gotten. Sounds like he's a convert and will be mentioning FO all season. Now if we could only figure out what his commenter name is...

Quote of the Year (so far): ‘As we’ve learned over the years, QB controversies rarely lead to playoff success unless Drew Bledsoe is the guy losing his job.’

I don't know...that also might hold if Kordell Stewart is the one losing his job...

Now if we could only figure out what his commenter name is…

raiderjoe?

If Simmons turned out to be Raiderjoe, I would feel obliged to buy his book.

RE Atlanta,

I am now totally onboard the Falcons bandwagon. I was thinking they would be better than expected before reading Simmons' article. I just have a feeling that Joe(y) will turn the corner since he is with the bests team he has ever played for. Not saying he'll be in the Pro Bowl or anything, just good. I drank the Kool-ade.

Re Vikings,

That division is wide open. No way to tell what will happen right now. I think the Vikes have just as good a chance as the rest. Of course I am predicting a Bears collapse, so if they stay strong everyone else is screwed.

Reading this article reminds me of why I used to read all of his articles. That was pretty entertaining.

By the way, based on a cursory analysis Bill would have bested his wife in the pick 'em contest last year if it weren't for the fact that he kept picking against the Colts and she kept picking with them (espicially in the playoffs). I notice he took the Saints and the points last night and she went the other way.

It looks like the sports gal will retain the right to and use of his manhood as long as his Payton sized blind spot continues.

Okay, I have to say it. Every time I see a mention of Cowher returning to coach the Browns, I die a little bit inside. I don't think I'm ready for a world where Bill Cowher is coaching the Cleveland f'n Browns.

#26 - Welcome to the world of Giants fans, circa 2003-2006.