one readers opinion - Walter's Football Site

Date: Jul 21, 2004

one readers opinion

Date: Jul 21, 2004

He does suck up to the Packers, but take a look at the Ravens. They were a fraud and only seemed impressive because of their easy division, he picked them to go to the Conference Championship and barely lose to the Patriots. That is a bit of an exaggeration. Walt is one of the smartest football analysts, Ive ever heard anything about. But he is obviously tilted towards the Packers and Ravens.

Walter · Status: Offline

Thanks guys, but I try to stay unbias with every team in the league. If it sounds like I'm a fan of a certain team(s), it's because I actually think they're going to perform well the upcoming season. The Packers and Ravens have both been perennial playoff teams the past couple of years.

Baltimore may play in a weak AFC North, but they were 6-4 out of their division (4-2 within their division) in 2003. They nearly beat Kansas City and St. Louis with a rookie quarterback. I think they're definite championship contenders if Jamal Lewis' legal problems don't come into play.

Date: Jul 26, 2004

CAUGHT! They were 5-1 in the division, and 5-5 against everyone else.

Walter · Status: Offline

Nope. In 2003, here are their non-divisional results:

Baltimore 24, San Diego 10 (1-0)

Kansas City 17, Baltimore 10 (1-1)

Baltimore 26, Arizona 18 (2-1)

Baltimore 26, Denver 6 (3-1)

Baltimore 24, Jacksonville 17 (4-1)

St. Louis 33, Baltimore 22 (4-2)

Miami 9, Baltimore 6 (4-3)

Baltimore 44, Seattle 41 (5-3)

Baltimore 44, San Francisco 6 (6-3)

Oakland 20, Baltimore 12 (6-4)

They lost to Pittsburgh and Cincinnati once each, making them 4-2 in their own division.

Date: Jul 28, 2004

Well, good job. You were correct. But, I could have sworn they swept Pittsburgh. But still out of that, look at what an easy schedule they had! The only good quality teams that they beat were Seattle and Denver. And the Seattle game is irrelivant because if it wasnt for some terrible referree calls, Seattle would have won. But I will give the Denver game to them, they annihlated them. But still that was the only good team that they truly defeated.

Walter · Status: Offline

True, you can look at it that way, but you can look at it another way as well...

They took 13-3 Kansas City down to the wire. It was tied at ten until Dante Hall returned a KR for a TD late in the 4th quarter. They almost beat KC with a rookie QB.

They were winning in St. Louis until Boller went down with an injury. Chris Redman stepped in and stunk it up, throwing multiple interceptions.

They were also three points within the Dolphins, at Miami, where it is very difficult to win.

Date: Jul 29, 2004

They also got clobbered by Oakland.

Walter · Status: Offline

They did, but that was in between division games on the West coast. I don't think Baltimore had much interest in winning that game.

Date: Jul 30, 2004

Well, if Cincinnati won and Baltimore would have lost that final game that Oakland game could have cost them the division.

Walter · Status: Offline

It would have, but there are certain games in the regular season that teams just don't care about. It happens all the time. During this upcoming season, look for games that I label "Look-Ahead Games" or "Sandwich Games". It's why the Packers lost to the Cardinals, the Rams almost lost to the Cardinals, Colts lost to the Jaguars, etc. Teams in this league are so close with parity, that if one team isn't focused, they could lose to a team that they should definitely beat.

Date: Jul 31, 2004

Bad coaching to let them do that. That is why I like Jimmy Johnson so much, he did not let the Cowboys or the Dolphins overlook anyone.

Walter · Status: Offline

Even Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick (Houston almost beat them) lets it happen. It's almost impossible not to.

Joey · Status: Offline

It was no fluke that Houston almost beat New England. Houston is almost unstoppable at home. But they had some pretty tough home games this year. I would really not be surprised at all if they were 8-0 at home. But on the other hand, I would not be surprised if they were 0-8 on the road.

Walter · Status: Offline

You're right, Houston was nearly unstoppable at home last year and will be again this season. Once they learn to win on the road, they'll qualify for the playoffs.

Joey · Status: Offline

For once, we completely aggree. I think now that this is a 3 year old team, they should be able to be at least 2-6 on the road.

Walter · Status: Offline

They have a lot of tough road games this season. Which ones do you think they'll win?

Joey · Status: Offline

Jacksonville and Tennessee.

Walter · Status: Offline

I don't think so. I think they'll split with both of those teams, winning at home against them. They're one year and a few players away from being a playoff team.

Joey · Status: Offline

I agree.

Joey · Status: Offline

I dont aggree about them splitting I aggree that Jacksonville is one year away from being a great team.

-- Edited by Joey at 06:42, 2004-09-04

Walter · Status: Offline

I was talking about Houston being one year away from being a playoff team.

Joey · Status: Offline

Yeah. After seeing the Pre Season I am about to take Houston out of my Playoff picture and put Oakland, Buffalo, or Tennessee in it. I am leaning towards Tennessee. But I say they are Superbowl threats next year.

Walter · Status: Offline

I agree with that. They'll be Super Bowl contenders in 2005. Meanwhile, they'll continue to defeat teams at home. Run defense is a problem, however. It looks like they'll be weak in that department once again this year. Kind of makes you hesitate taking them as five point home favorites against San Diego.

Joey · Status: Offline

LT will have one of the greatest games of his career, but with San Diego's 'D' I have to say Houston will stop Tomlinson more than the Chargers stop the Texans.

Walter · Status: Offline

Looking at last year's statistics, both defenses were about equal. But, the Texans signed Robaire Smith and drafted Dunta Robinson and Jason Babin.

What concerns me about the Chargers and Texans is the fact that Houston's largest victory in 2003 was by 4 points. Yet, the line is 5. From a handicapper's persepective, one would have to take the Chargers +5.

Joey · Status: Offline

Yeah, but the Texans are not the same team they were last year. If it is in Sand Diego I like the Texans by 10, if its in Houston I like them by 25.

Walter · Status: Offline

It's in Houston but how can you like them by 25 if they've never won by more than four? I think LaDainian Tomlinson keeps it close. He could get 200 rushing yards in against the Texans.

Joey · Status: Offline

Ive already answered that. They are 50x better than they used to be.

Date: Sep 10, 2004

I don't think they are good enough to beat anyone by 25, even the Chargers. If they do somehow make the playoffs this year, I think it'll be in the same manner that the Panthers made it last year. They'll win close games because they aren't experienced enough to put any team away yet.