The Panthers have gone with youth at QB and I think a shake-up is what that team needed. Shipping incumbent starter, Jake Delhomme, to the Browns might have seen like an ignominious parting of ways with the man who led the franchise to its only Superbowl, but he had been far from his best for many years. Matt Moore offers the team a vitality that the talented cast was lacking.
To make matter worse for Brees and co, the Atlanta Falcons, marshalled by Matty Ryan, look to be making strides.
After Ryan’s stellar first season, last season was a letdown, but an expectable sophomore-slump. This year, however, they will be eager to claim the scalp of last year’s victors.
So can New Orleans hold off the challenge and make it out of their division? Yes, I think they can. To be honest, I think both the Falcons and the Saints will get out of this one and make it to the playoffs along with the Cowboys, Packers, Vikings and 49ers.
Who knows what will happen over 17 weeks of regular season action, but expect this: New Orleans will not relinquish their status as No. 1 without a fight. For years they languished in the doldrums; existing in a pit of despair; passions fuelled by false dawns aplenty… And then it happened – they won! And now they’ve got a taste for it, don’t imagine they’ll fade into obscurity.
Sean Peyton is an awesome coach – his influence cannot be overstated. He gets the best out of a group of players, many of whom playing out of their skins just to thank him for giving them a shot. We’re yet to see Reggie Bush perform at the level of which we know him to be capable. Maybe this is his year?
If it is, watch out…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
No comments:
Post a Comment