At one point, as I was cheering the Falcons, the guy in front of me turns around, then spots my shirt.......and goes, "A Falcons AND a Ducks fan?!"...then just rolled his eyes and turned back around. I laughed.
Saints have had the most quiet good year that I've seen by a defending champ ever. Nobody talks about them.
They're talking more about Atlanta than they have NO's this year. Easily. The Saints are the defending.
I don't hear about either of 'em, but I am from the northeast, so that probably explains why all I hear about is Philly. (Used to hear about NYG until 2 weeks ago)
This is why the NBA needs to go to the NFL system of running the collective bargaining agreement. Who doesn't like the fact that a team can turn it around in as short as time as a couple of seasons. Players say they don't like the no guaranteed contracts. But the fact is, talented players, if they are still talented, will be picked up by other teams immediately with a need to fill. The fans would love an NBA with the ability to retool as fast as the NFL does. You could have the shittiest season, and the next season still be able to turn it around with the freedom that cutting and signing players as needed would allow.
The NBA is watered down, and the season is way too long. The NFL has it right in every way. Less games may bring in less money, but it makes each one a lot more important and exciting. I would love to see the NBA regular season cut in half, and the postseason series' cut down to 5 games. It would never happen, but it would be so much better that way. When the NFL season is over, football fans still want more. When the NBA season is over, fans are exhausted and ready for a break.
They were pretty banged up on offense after they lost both Thomas and Bush. Ivory filled in admirably, but without Bush that offense lost a dynamic weapon in the passing game that put a ton of pressure on the LBs. Without Bush, the LBs were able to drop deeper and cover the intermediate routes. Now that Bush is back, their offense is clicking again. I think the Saints & the Eagles are the ones to beat in the NFC. The Pats & Brady have that look in their eye again like they did back when they went 18-1. I think New England is going to win the Super Bowl again.
I don't think the Falcons are true contenders. With home field just about locked up, they've got that going for them. Maybe it's because they're very solid, yet unspectacular, but I'm not buying that they're ready for a Super Bowl run.
Man, if the Hawks are able to get by the Saints this Saturday (yes, big, big if...), then they may end up be playing the Falcons on the 15th!