An Elephant in the Room

[Jangler]

I'd rather have them playing the toughest schedule than the most cupcake schedule. If they get through it they are ready for anything and will win it all.

Like Detroit this year. I won't be surprised one bit if the Lions go 8-8 at least. But still it's the same thing, an easy shedule. Doesn't matter both teams want to win. There is a fine line between the best and the worst teams. It's about who wants it the most. And I believe this 2009 Panther team wants it the most!

[PantherRush]

The Steelers had a brutal schedule last year and they won it all. My point is I'd rather play a tough game every week so there are no off weeks.

The Steelers are in the top tier of the NFL in terms of current talent and franchise history.

They have a history of rising to the occasion of tough games. We have, well.... did you see our last playoff appearance?

[dksmith17]

The reason why our schedule is overrated is not because any reasons stated.

It's overrated because our division has roughly the same schedule that we do.

[CatMan72]

It was Davidson's first time in the playoffs. Hopefully he learned something from it and calls a better game next time. Experience isn't the easiest teacher but sometimes it is the best.

I don't think Davidson's play calling caused Jake to throw 5 interceptions... watched that game on NFL replay and it was like Jake was playing blindfolded. I didn't see this the first time around (because I was busy comtemplating suicide) but it's clear that Jake was staring down his receivers and that's why Arizona was able to jump the routes and pick the ball off so many times.

We've got a tough schedule on paper, but like others have said there is so much flux in the NFL that I don't buy into the "strength of schedule" business. Example: last offseason, did anyone think the Falcons were going 11-5?

[pstall]

Since the season has NOT started, has the elephant been able to enter the room?

After game 3, you should have a pretty good idea of how the rest of the season is going to be.

[joemac]

I don't think Davidson's play calling caused Jake to throw 5 interceptions... watched that game on NFL replay and it was like Jake was playing blindfolded. I didn't see this the first time around (because I was busy comtemplating suicide) but it's clear that Jake was staring down his receivers and that's why Arizona was able to jump the routes and pick the ball off so many times.

We've got a tough schedule on paper, but like others have said there is so much flux in the NFL that I don't buy into the "strength of schedule" business. Example: last offseason, did anyone think the Falcons were going 11-5?

Boooooooooooooo......

Yes, Jake poo the bed terribly, BUT......Davidson, Trgovac and Fox choked big time IMO. We marched down the field, and scored more easily than we did just about all season in the first drive, and then Fitzgerald started doing his Superman impression and they thought that they needed to pass it the whole time to come back, when in reality they could have kept the game much closer if they would have just stuck to the game plan....no one really stopped our running game at all last season, except for the play calling. When the other team knows that you are for sure going to do one of the 2 options, it really makes it much easier. The offense is predicated off of the run game and play action bombs down the field. If they have to try to pass it down the field all game we are in trouble....no matter what. I think that goes for most teams. Take away what they do best and even the most talented teams become ordinary. See the 2007 Super Bowl for an example.

[QuasiYoda]

Well done!

I will say that our franchise record against the NFC East teams (we face the whole division this year) is atrocious but then again, the team shouldn't let something like be an excuse.

Unless you're looking at our playoff record against NFC East teams! Where we have beaten Dallas, New York & Philadelphia all in the playoffs. Washington just hasn't made it to the playoffs too often of late.

Jan. 5, 1997 NFC Divisional Carolina 26, Dallas 17

Starting years of Dallas Playoff futility. They HATE us. Monday game will be a big one for both teams.

Jan. 3, 2004 NFC Wild Card Carolina 29, Dallas 10

Ditto

Jan. 18, 2004 NFC Championship Carolina 14, Philadelphia 3

Sorry Philadelphia no Super Bowl for You

Jan. 8, 2006 NFC Wild Card Carolina 23, New York Giants 0

Ooo that musta hurt

Yeah, for relatively new franchise we have a lot of history with the NFC East.

[outlaw4]

Unless you're looking at our playoff record against NFC East teams! Where we have beaten Dallas, New York & Philadelphia all in the playoffs. Washington just hasn't made it to the playoffs too often of late.

Jan. 5, 1997 NFC Divisional Carolina 26, Dallas 17

Starting years of Dallas Playoff futility. They HATE us. Monday game will be a big one for both teams.

Jan. 3, 2004 NFC Wild Card Carolina 29, Dallas 10

Ditto

Jan. 18, 2004 NFC Championship Carolina 14, Philadelphia 3

Sorry Philadelphia no Super Bowl for You

Jan. 8, 2006 NFC Wild Card Carolina 23, New York Giants 0

Ooo that musta hurt

Yeah, for relatively new franchise we have a lot of history with the NFC East.

Nice! That makes me feel a bit better.

I seriously don't expect us to sweep the 'Bowys, Giants, and Skins this season but we can't go 0-4 like we did in 2006 and expect us to be in the playoffs. At least, we'll probably be fighting with those teams for playoff spots and it would be better for tiebreakers to go our way.

[PantherRush]

Unless you're looking at our playoff record against NFC East teams! Where we have beaten Dallas, New York & Philadelphia all in the playoffs. Washington just hasn't made it to the playoffs too often of late.

Jan. 5, 1997 NFC Divisional Carolina 26, Dallas 17

Starting years of Dallas Playoff futility. They HATE us. Monday game will be a big one for both teams.

Jan. 3, 2004 NFC Wild Card Carolina 29, Dallas 10

Ditto

Jan. 18, 2004 NFC Championship Carolina 14, Philadelphia 3

Sorry Philadelphia no Super Bowl for You

Jan. 8, 2006 NFC Wild Card Carolina 23, New York Giants 0

Ooo that musta hurt

Yeah, for relatively new franchise we have a lot of history with the NFC East.

Yes, we do. But you seem to have a pretty selective memory.

Actually we are 8-18 vs. the NFC East since the inception of our franchise in 1995.

Over the past 5 seasons, we are 0-8.

The last time we had a regular season slate against the NFC East (2006) we were swept: 0-4.

Ouch.

[Gman was right]

Yes, we do. But you seem to have a pretty selective memory.

Actually we are 8-18 vs. the NFC East since the inception of our franchise in 1995.

Over the past 5 seasons, we are 0-8.

The last time we had a regular season slate against the NFC East (2006) we were swept: 0-4.

Ouch.

How dare you use facts when you correct people!

Remember, schedules mean nothing! Just because the NFC East has a history of smacking us around doesnt mean anything since we were 12-4 last year.

[QuasiYoda]

Yes, we do. But you seem to have a pretty selective memory.

Actually we are 8-18 vs. the NFC East since the inception of our franchise in 1995.

Over the past 5 seasons, we are 0-8.

The last time we had a regular season slate against the NFC East (2006) we were swept: 0-4.

Ouch.

If you look at the quote on top of my post you will see I making my post toward someone who was saying we have tough time against the NFC East. I was pointing out the positive side of the equation.

So you seem to read selectively

[PantherRush]

If you look at the quote on top of my post you will see I making my post toward someone who was saying we have tough time against the NFC East. I was pointing out the positive side of the equation.

So you seem to read selectively

The positive side of the equation equals picking a few rare wins out of an 8-18 record. Can't wait to see what it is after this year.

:rolleye:

[PantherRush]

How dare you use facts when you correct people!

Remember, schedules mean nothing! Just because the NFC East has a history of smacking us around doesnt mean anything since we were 12-4 last year.

LOL

All I'm saying is let's be honest. This is a very difficult schedule, and one that is unlikely to result in a W/L record anywhere near as good as last year's 12-4 that was built with wins against some of the league's weakest teams.

We are going to be in a tough fight to win our division. If we win it, then great. If not, it's unlikely that we will get a wildcard slot. Those will likely go to the NFCN and NFCE teams.

[QuasiYoda]

LOL

All I'm saying is let's be honest. This is a very difficult schedule, and one that is unlikely to result in a W/L record anywhere near as good as last year's 12-4 that was built with wins against some of the league's weakest teams.

We are going to be in a tough fight to win our division. If we win it, then great. If not, it's unlikely that we will get a wildcard slot. Those will likely go to the NFCN and NFCE teams.

I agree, I posted a month ago we could win this division with a 9 and 7 record though if we end up with a better record I won't be surprised either.