The training Camps are set to open--let the optimism begin. Every year around this time, we see more and more football articles. Peter King’s Monday morning QB has returned. This is the time of year where predictions of the upcoming season can hold the key to the day’s happiness. The buzz is created by training camp articles, and the feel good stories get us rooting again for the underdog. And then there is Brett Farve.
As fans, we search the internet for news for our favorite team. We await a report from a national reporter visiting a favorite team’s training camp. The predictions from people who get paid to know the game and hope our team is mentioned as a playoff contender.
Every year there is much speculation on which team will be the year’s surprise team. Last year, it was the Cardinals, and the year before, it was the Panthers. Every year, one team comes out of nowhere and this is because the NFL has a first and last place schedule. The Patriots and Colts can handle a tougher schedule. The real test is which last place team can take advantage of their schedule.
As a Jets fan, I am well aware of these quirks in the schedule. This is what helps us get back to the playoffs every couple of years. The Jets pattern has been to make the playoffs, and then stink for a few years. Of course, after making the playoffs, the Jets get a harder schedule, and their performance suffers, proving that they are not ready for prime time.
I believe the above pattern is a league-wide trend, though I have no numbers to support this. I am sure if I looked them up I will be able to quantify this. I need an ESPN stat geek assistant to help me out.
My prediction for this year’s team that will suffer this trend is The Cleveland Browns.
My prediction for this year’s team to make the jump from last place to the playoffs is The Philadelphia Eagles.
I actually did a little research here. I looked at the Cowboys schedule and the Eagles schedule. The Eagles play two last place teams from last year that the Cowboys do not. The two last place teams I noticed the Bears, and the Falcons (both last place teams), where Dallas plays Green Bay, and Tampa Bay (Both first place teams). That is where my research ended.
When the Circus comes to town
Mr. Farve annoys me. He is a great player but the circus he creates around himself is ridiculous. Play or get out of the way and let some one else play. See also: Aaron Rodgers. This has been going on for a couple of years now. Will he play, won’t he play?
After finally “retiring,” he wants back in, but the Packers may or may not want him back.
I think if he plays, he will play in Green Bay. The Packer organization does not have the balls to trade Farve. I think they will force his hand and he will stay retired, because he may feel as though he is not wanted. This will trigger the national fans to clamor for him to play for some team.
Brett, please, make a decision and live with it. Until this happens expect a summer circus rivaled only by Ringling Brothers.
By the way, I am still bitter that the Falcons traded up over the Jets and took Brett. The Jets took the next guy on their board, Browning Nagel. I should get over it, huh?
