Way-Too-Early 2009 Standings Predictions

[rayzor]

Disagree. I have read players in the league comment about their home fans calling them names or whatever or being booed. There are some who do care when that happens.

the players are all human and very much affected by the vibes of the fans surrounding them.

why is it that they spend so much time trying to get pumped up before a game? players feed off energy for better or worse. it is an emotional game and the players are either pushed or repressed by the attitude of the fans towards them. that is why playing away from home is so much harder than playing at home. in one instance you have the fans yelling against you and in the other you have them yelling for you.

it seems obvious but apparently it isn't. teams do better when the fans are pushing them to do better and believe they can. very few are going to be like smitty and feed off the doubts that come from other people.

[MadHatter]

The NFCS is going to be interesting this year. In a division that has long been dominated by defenses, 3 of the 4 teams should field very good offenses in 2009.

Saints: Always had a very good offense and should remin that way.

Atlanta: Alot hinges on teh sophomore season of Ryan. However, I do not expect a sig sophomore slump. They have two very good RB's in turner and Norwood. White has emerged a a very good #1 threat...and they have depth at WR. Throw Gonzales in at TE and their offense if potent and well balanced.

Carolina: Great young OL....two outstanding RB's....one of the best WR's in the game (along with Moose, Jarrett, etc.). Offense will not be a problem next year.

TB: They are relying on a rookie QB...and aging RB (Dunn)....offensively they are a distant 4th.

Should be a very interesting division race to say the least.

[Fireball77]

Well said, rayzor. Also I do think that negative vibes can motivate them...when they are ON THE ROAD. It's US AGAINST THEM. I know I have heard some players comment that way.