My Search for a New Favorite NFL Team (Vol. 3)
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by user I am a cpcp
In a sea of NBA articles (which I don't mind at all), it's time to talk a little football. I'm down to the seven teams that made my “major possibilities” list. Because these are so high up on my list, I’m going to do some deeper analysis and explanation based on five categories: Bandwagon, Personnel, History, Future and Wildcard.
Here we go, once again in no particular order.
Seattle Seahawks
Bandwagon – The ‘Hawks have been to a Super Bowl in the last few years, so that loses them points here. Although they were one of the most disliked Super Bowl teams of the past decade, so it might not be too many points.
Personnel – I’m a big fan of Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander. I also like Mike Holmgren. There are a lot of stand up guys in this franchise and I appreciate that fact.
History – Not too much of a history here, outside of the Super Bowl run, which is good for a new fan.
Future – The Seahawks are in a weak division, have a solid foundation and could be a contender for years to come.
Wildcard – The fact that Pittsburgh was handed a bogus Super Bowl title by the referees really gave me a bond with this team.
Kansas City Chiefs :
Bandwagon – None to really speak of.
Personnel – They’ve turned over a lot of guys I liked. I’m not really familiar with their roster at this point. I do know I don’t think that Herman Edwards can win a title.
History – Nothing overly significant to my knowledge.
Future – This is a team in transition and that’s a bonus for me.
Wildcard - I lived in Kansas City for a summer a few years ago and kind of got into the Chiefs then.
Carolina Panthers :
Bandwagon – Pretty middle of the road I’d say.
Personnel – I like Jake Delhomme and Steve Smith. I also like that they have Chris Gamble and a handful of other former Buckeyes. I could put my hope in John Fox as well.
History – Short, but pretty sweet.
Future – I think the Panthers will be solid for years to come.
Wildcard – My wife and I would like to live in the Carolinas at some points (like 95% of the people in Ohio) so it would make sense to start following the Panthers.
Dallas Cowboys :
Bandwagon – I’d say this is middle of the road at this point. The Cowboys aren’t really “America’s team” any more, but since they’re looking better more people are jumping on again.
Personnel – I’m not huge on Tony Romo, but he’s a good QB. I’m not a Tuna or TO fan, so that takes some big points away.
History – There are few histories richer than the Cowboys.
Future – Decent young quarterback, new stadium on the way. The Cowboys future looks bright.
Wildcard – My wife’s uncle has season tickets, so I could have access to some amazing seats if I’m willing to fly to Texas.
Arizona Cardinals :
Bandwagon – I don’t think that wagon’s even been designed yet.
Personnel – Matt Leinart could be a great QB. The Edge has lost some Edge. The have fantastic WRs. The addition of former Steelers coach Ken Whisenhunt is a major downer.
History – A little less exciting than the history of Wyoming.
Future – Who knows, on paper they should have been good last year.
Wildcard - I have feeling rooting for the Cards would be a lot like rooting for the Browns, so it would be a smooth transition. They're basically the same franchise without Brady Quinn.
New York Giants :
Bandwagon – Not really an issue here.
Personnel – I like Eli Manning (someone revive Pean). He can be someone of a douchebag off the field, but I think given some experience he'll be a good quarterback.. Not really into Shockey. Coughlin’s not really my favorite style of coach.
History – Honestly, I don’t really know. Is there much to know?
Future – It would be brighter if they handed rushed Eli as part of the Play QBs Two Seasons Too Early Era.
Wildcard – I’m currently using the Giants on Madden (via a Fantasy Draft) because I wanted to move them to Manhattan.
San Diego Chargers :
Bandwagon – This is probably the biggest bandwagon issue on the final list because they won so many games last year and they have one of the most marketable players in the league.
Personnel – Who doesn’t love LT (despite is nickname). Drew Brees is a great story (the story that could have been for Eli Manning, Charlie Fry and about twelve other QBs that should have sat out longer). Shawn Merriman is a drawback for me. I don’t like their off-season coaching moves. That was ridiculous.
History – Other than one of the most boring Super Bowl losses of all time, not much.
Future – As long as the new coaching staff works out, should be good.
Wildcard – San Diego is the home of Ron Burgundy. Who wouldn’t want to support a team in the place called A Whale’s Vagina?
There are the final seven, although a reminder that those on list two aren't excluded from consideration. I'm going to think about this over the weekend and I hope to make a decision early next week.
