Who do you think are the chief competitors...

Can really judge much from your first regular season game either...

 

All I can tell you is that this game was putrid. Even taking into account that it was the first preseason game. I don't expect much, but I was shocked at how little I saw from both teams.

The Ravens fans who have gotten used to winning a lot are in for a long season.

 

it looked to me like a case where the defenses where night and day ahead of the offenses...which is what you'd expect this time of year.

 

I'd agree if the Ravens still had the same D. Most of it is retired or playing elsewhere now though.

 

I still think the Bears will win the division with their D play. They'll start slow and finish strong. If they fail to get any help from the offense, the Packers would be next in line.
The Vikings will NEVER field a threatening D and their offense isn't going to be enough to carry them.
The Lions...hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

 

it is the same system with Ray Lewis still being the leader. Plus, McMahon is not allowed to scramble during the pre-season. They are trying to break his habit of taking off too early....this is why you can't always beleive what you see in the pre-season.

 

100% dead on! With the Bears playing on the road all 16 games because of the renovation at Soldier Field, they will be really hungry for wins.
I've been keeping up a lot with them and they seem really hungry - especially for a 13-3 team last year. Sure, they lucked into some wins last year, but it gave them the confidence that they needed to get over the hump. They tasted regular season success but were mauled in the playoffs. They want more this year.

 

Purple People Eaters...NOT

I am not a fan of any team in that division, but how can you bet against a team with a solid defense, the best QB in the game when healthy, and a more than solid run game.

Green Bay 11-5
Chicago 10-6
Minn. 7-9
Detroit 4-12

 

Re: Purple People Eaters...NOT

Agree with your assessment of Minnesota and Detroit. However, I'd reverse your ranking of Green Bay and Chicago. Chicago's 'D' experienced zero turnover, and with another year to gell, I look for them to have the top unit in the league this year. Anthony Thomas has had a year and an offseason to grasp the offense and the pro game, and I look for him to continue on his breakout year from '01. Da Bears have good depth at wideout, with Marty Booker returning from his stellar year (although I will be the first to admit, he might have played beyond his talent level), Marcus Robinson will be back from injury, Dez White is a solid wideout, and David Terrell should really step up this year. If Chandler stays healthy (which he actually doesn't have to, the Bears have already proven they can win with Miller at QB, no small feat), the Bears will challenge the Rams and Bucs for the NFC title.

As for Green Bay, I have 2 words: Terry Glenn. This guy is a disease. I was shocked that Green Bay actually traded for him. I wouldn't have picked this guy up for minimum salary as a free agent, let alone give up draft picks to get him. They've had a whole lot of turnover at wideout, and the defense, although still solid, is getting old, especially at LB and in the secondary. That being said, they still have Favre (Brett FAV reh), and he'll get you a few wins just due to the size of his huge nuts. I see a 9-7, maybe 10-6 season for Green Bay, and 12-4 for Chicago.

 

nah...say what you will.... vikings got heart. hopefully vikes will redeem themselves this year.

you are entitled to your opinions...however wrong they maybe.