Originally Posted by Direckshun:
Steelers first! Interesting.
Explain that, if you don’t mind.
What Tomlin was able to do with a team down to its third and fourth string QB's was pretty astonishing. Went all the way to week 17 fighting for a postseason spot when everyone had written them off. That team still has talent across the board with its starting 22 and a coaching staff that has postseason experience. Do NOT sleep on Pittsburgh. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Direckshun:
Steelers first! Interesting.
Explain that, if you don’t mind.
The Steelers absolutely rocked Lamar and lost to the Ravens in OT having a Matt Castle/Tyler Palko hybrid at QB. The Ravens needed 2 bail out roughing the passer penalties to get to OT. Steelers have a scary defense, and if Big Rape is anything close to his 2018 form - they'll be a force again in 2020. The Steelers seemed to force Lamar to throw outside before others followed suit. [Reply]
No team is a real threat to the Chiefs. The teams that are most likely to compete for #2, however...
1. Ravens-- Even if that run gimmick offense is a fluke, John Harbaugh has a little Andy Reid to him. He's too good of a coach to let things fall apart. The Ravens will have some easy teams they can pick off with their defense alone, and even if Lamar regresses, well-coached teams who play defense and run the ball are good bets to make the playoffs. And that's only if Lamar is actually a piece of crap
2. Chargers-- Look, I'm usually one of the first people to make fun of them for preseason hype, but I don't think it's crazy to look at their defense and say, "This team can make the playoffs even with Tyrod Taylor at QB." They frequently come up short because inexplicable act-of-God shit usually happens to them, but until those injuries actually take place, I guess here they are ranked highly in a preseason projection.
3. Steelers-- This is assuming Ben has made a recovery and they're not rolling with Duck Hunter at QB. 80% of Ben is good enough for them to play defense and win games.
4. Patriots-- The downgrade from Brady to Stidham is certainly a downgrade, but speaking of it as an insurmountable obstacle is a little ridiculous because it implies that Brady was playing at a high level last year. We see QBs come out of college all the time who get neutered by their head coaches and confuse people into thinking they're starting QB material because they can be okay game managers who should be career backups. The Patriots can absolutely win that shit division with that kind of QB play, and if it goes really wrong, I think they'll make a play for Cam.
5. Colts-- Because I'm missing an AFC South team, the Titans are poised for a let down, and the Texans imploded this offseason. Not saying they're going to be good, but I think this is the worst division in football, and somebody has to represent them in the playoffs. [Reply]
I trust the Bills about as much as I trust the Titans, Browns, Dolphins, Broncos, or any other TEAM ON THE RIZZZE!!!!
Give Josh Allen few weapons on offense, and he'll miss them by a country mile. Give Josh Allen many weapons on offense, and he'll miss them by a country mile. [Reply]
Titans - you must give credit for making it to the AFC game. Vrabel is no dummy and knows how to coach. QB will limit them in the long run.
Ravens - very athletic physical team - still a question at QB for the long run especially in big games.
Colts - Have always respected Rivers and Reich and they will be a good team together.
Bills - like their defense and McDermott - still a question at QB.
Texans - If I am Watson, I am looking to get traded to a legit team since Obrien is in self-destruct mode. Who trades away probably the best WR in the NFL ? David Johnson ain't the answer either. [Reply]