How are your NFL and EPL teams looking for the new season?

[TheCoach]

My Skins are a LOCK..... For an 8-8 season.... After a 3-13 campaign a winning record would be stretching expectations... I would be thrilled for a .500 season. RGIII has yet to show he can produce as a consistent passer. His decision making in the pocket is worrisome at best, and after having joint practices with New England, reports from Patriots staff is that Kirk Cousins is clearly the best quarterback on our roster. Moreover, Kirk added to those rumblings by putting together a VERY solid pre season game in FedEx. RGIII is learning his second offense in 3 years and has a lot on his plate to show he actually can learn the offense. Now that Coach Shannahan isn't there to shoulder most of the blame (which he should have when he was our head coach) I'm very interested on how the Skins are going to spin reports coming out that have anything to do with RGIII be exactly what he is: A young very talented athlete who needs drastic polishing at the quarterback position. I just haven't seen anything worth getting excited over from the pocket. Also, his durability is always a concern. Let's hope he can finish his first season. I love the Colt McCoy addition.

The offensive line is actually the most promising unit to bounce back from a horrible year. I love the new additions of Luavao and rookie Spencer Long. Moving Kory Lichtensteiger to center is HUGE for the line, the positions move protects him from some deficiencies he has (Slower feet, struggles in space, has trouble with shifty defensive linemen) he also gained about 15-20 lbs , which has happened just about across the board with all our linemen. Spencer along was a steal for where we drafted him, before he was injured he was one of the top gaurds in his draft class, but missing over half of his senior season in Nebraska changed all of that. Morgan Moses is a huge work in progress, his leverage, pad level, strength, hand placement, and overall tenacity need a thorough polishing. Some of those attributes are just flat out non existent. But he has great size , AMAZING feet and agility, and that's a great base for man his size, let's hope he's ready to get on the field I a year or two. Trent Williams is, well Trent Williams, I a. Vey pleased with his role of leadership on the line as well as the entire team. Simply put, he gets it, Will Compton, Mo Hurt, Josh Leribeus all have showed adequate skill in a reserve compacity. I watched Compton closely last week and he's a different player, for the better, he's noticeably bigger and much more aggressive than in past years, let's hope that it lasts.

Our backfield is Alfred Morris and then everyone else. If it's not injuries then it's horrible pass blocking. And that's across the board. Roy Helu has to prove he can go a game without an naggin lower body injury. Same thing goes with Chris Thompson and now the latest addition the the "ice wagon brigade" Lache Seastrunk. Needless to say I'm very agitated with the health of our backs. I loved Coach Grudens latest press conference. He really made it clear that the battle at Runnng back is a tough and competitive one, and those who can't stay healthy won't be here. Simply put Get Healthy or Get Cut! Silas Redd looks prime for a push into the discussion to make the 53. And he'll get plenty of reps and game time to make his case, especially since we seem to have a running back corps who can't make it out of bed without a sprained ankle.

Our Receiving Corps should be Better than last year. Additions of Desean Jackson, Andre Roberts, and Rookie Ryan Grant (who I LOVE) we SHOULD be better. Look for spotty production out of Santana Moss and Aldrick Robinson (who seems to look great in preseason then disappears in the regular season). This is another unit where health will play a major factor. In theory, Desean Jackson will help us out tremendously, he'll catch nuclear bomb passes from our all world QB and score a gazillion touchdowns this year right, or something to that effect, which is what all skins fans are predicting. I have a more pragmatic assessment to adding him to our roster. I just hope he stays healthy which he has yet to do. I'm counting 3 injuries since we've signed him (Hamstring in mini camp, "cleated" chin injury during a walk through, and now sore calf) this kids hasn't even made it to week one yet. Having this kid is like using a Ferrari Enzo to go mudding. Looks pretty, has a ton if speed, but with out the perfect track and weather conditions mashing the pedal to the metal is unlikely. Pierre Garçon is sidelined with injury as well but I've see. Pierre play hurt and PRODUCE. Let's hope he's ready for week one and gives us re if the same from last season. He's earned my benefit of the doubt, still keeping my fingers crossed. Ryan Grant has been a very pleasant surprise in camp. He's been cited for having "surgical" route running and steadfast hands, and I saw nothing to the contrary in his first time out this pre season. Aldrick Robinson is coming into his own as receiver, his route running is the biggest evidence of that, he seems to have shed the "droppapotomus" monicker, let's hope it stays that way. Andre Roberts is SOLID SOLID SOLID! That's no typo, I meant to type solid 3 times, lol. He'll be a huge part of what we do, and I love the chip he has on his shoulder about being penciled in as the slot receiver. I read his first quotes on Desean Jackson being acquired and I yelled at my phone, "That's right baby!!!! You better not give his ass anything!!!" he's playing like a man with something to prove. I like it. Santana Moss is just savy, it's pretty safe to say he's made the team about 2 yrs in a row when he shouldn't have, it looks like he's going for the hat trick but I think this is the year we bid Santana a due. Great athlete, and a awesome person, by I think it's time for ole 89 to ride off into the sunset.

Tight ends are going to an interesting unit to watch. Jordan Reed has yet to put in a real camp. He had an "upset tummy" and couldn't practice for the past week. So who knows when he'll play. He flashed at different periods of the season last year. And showed some actual promise. Remember when we drafted him and the entire football world was about to come crashing down, because we had the amazing FRED DAVIS? Yea, I'll wait.......... Coach Shannahan and his staff don't look so "crazy" now do they? Still and yet his blocking needs work, but he actually got better as the season progressed. I'm actually excited to see if he added on to that improvement. Logan Paulson is like a faithfull oak tree, consistent, strong, solid. He's a very big part of what we do as a team. He virtually on every specials teams unit we have and he does his job. He's my guy. Niles Paul has come a long way since his switch from receiver. I've always watched with anticipation of his break through. I think he's close, just my opinion.

Well that's the offense, I'll do another post for defense. In a nutshell if we stay healthy we MIGHT. Earn the opportunity to be a good team. Chemistry, hard work, and perseverance are all things this team needs/has the opportunity to be great.

[Skyfall]

sorry, even with your divided loyalties as mentioned, am i to understand that a cowgirls fan has endorsed the skins for the superbowl win?

i would have thought there was more chance of me not throwing up again when the waratahs win something.

Are you trying to get me killed??????????/

[Ken Gargett]

welcome back, coach. really interesting thoughts and i look forward to your post on defence.

a few thoughts. i read the stuff on cousins and rg3. no question rg3 has a lot to prove after the knee and the shennigans off last year but a lot of people forget how stellar he was first year, before the knee. if fully fit again, and he seems to be, surely no reason not to expect good things. if he doesn't produce this year, then serious questions do need to be asked. he has better weapons than ever.

but the cousins/rg3 thing. surely a beat-up. why wouldn't an opposing team throw confusion into the enemy camp with comments like that. all the reports i've seen suggest cousins has been good in camp, but up and down. ditto rg3. but no real suggestion cousins is exceeding rg3 and absolutely no hint of concern for any sort of challenge. the positive thing for the skins with this is it might bump up the trade value.

in reality, 8-8 would be a good season after 3-13, but the talent is such that if it clicks, then even better is possible. and with this division, 10-6 or even 9-7 a good chance to get you top spot and into the playoffs. and from there???? realistically, probably not much but if you are there...

remember the playoff game v seahawks? skins well ahead and in control till rg3 went down. you have to think that this is a better team than two years ago. lost very few players - fletcher, but he was past his best. have added well.

injuries will play a huge role. we seem to have plenty of small ones but the only players gone for the season were probably going to be cut anyway. touch wood that continues.

eagles should be good but i think questions over foles and losing jackson...

giants i think will be better than expected but eli has to have a hell of a better season. he may well be past his best.

dallas? you have to think they are stuffed with that defence. i see they just lost their cornerback for 4 games. who's left? and if romo goes down???

i like to think we could go 4 or 5 out of 6 in the division which would be a long way to getting us over 8-8. then 4-6 of the other 10? but if it all implodes, just as likely.

agree with the little i've seen of roberts. huge addition. then jackson. if hankerson gets fit, i think moss could go. sad but they way of the world. the offence could be dynamite.

running backs. alfred is just so reliable. love him. i think thompson likely to dip out due to injuries.

reed the big concern for me. so impressive when fit but we need a full season, not a game and a half.

look forward to the thoughts on the defence.

[Ken Gargett]

Are you trying to get me killed??????????/

well isn't that what ditto means?

[TheCoach]

I believe so Ken.... Own your squad Skyfall! Lol...

[Skyfall]

I believe so Ken.... Own your squad Skyfall! Lol...

[Skyfall]

I will always be a Cowboys fan, good weather and bad (even though I despise Romo!) I mean, they ARE God's team, who am I to disagree. That being said. I have a personal relationship with RG3 and Lache, and Sweet Feet Reese, and I have a vested interest in the Broncos, but now my Cowboys have brought more Bears on the team (Williams, Dixon, Najvar), so science dictates we will be better than last year. I'm torn

But Go Cowboys!

Sic'em Skins!

[El Presidente]

Careful Coach.

I have been to kens house and he has full size posters on the ceiling of his bedroom...one of "The Boss" and one of "RGIII"

.....manlove...a powerful thing

[Ken Gargett]

I will always be a Cowboys fan, good weather and bad (even though I despise Romo!) I mean, they ARE God's team, who am I to disagree. That being said. I have a personal relationship with RG3 and Lache, and Sweet Feet Reese, and I have a vested interest in the Broncos, but now my Cowboys have brought more Bears on the team (Williams, Dixon, Najvar), so science dictates we will be better than last year. I'm torn

But Go Cowboys!

Sic'em Skins!

as a serious question (while i keep trying to poke my eyes out after that tatt), do you really see them better this year?

romo a year older and more injury questions.

demarcus ware gone.

hatcher gone (to us!!)

lawrence. possible 3 months gone. not good for a rookie.

sean lee. season. terrific player, sad loss.

scandrik. banned 4 weeks.

all but romo on defence and that defence was already epicly bad (even worse than ours).

new players. melton/martin (who had the great start of falling on lee). so the ledger hardly balanced.

also, eagles will have had a year under kelly should be better thiss year.

eli must be better this year and the giants have recruited well.

even the skins must also be better with jackson, hatcher, roberts etc. a fit rg3.

so how the hell can they hope to be better? i'm asking seriously. perhaps they can use the number one draft pick to get that baylor qb you mentioned.

[Ken Gargett]

Careful Coach.

I have been to kens house and he has full size posters on the ceiling of his bedroom...one of "The Boss" and one of "RGIII"

.....manlove...a powerful thing

you are an idiot.

like i'd ever let you near my bedroom.

[Skyfall]

as a serious question (while i keep trying to poke my eyes out after that tatt), do you really see them better this year?

romo a year older and more injury questions.

demarcus ware gone.

hatcher gone (to us!!)

lawrence. possible 3 months gone. not good for a rookie.

sean lee. season. terrific player, sad loss.

scandrik. banned 4 weeks.

all but romo on defence and that defence was already epicly bad (even worse than ours).

new players. melton/martin (who had the great start of falling on lee). so the ledger hardly balanced.

also, eagles will have had a year under kelly should be better thiss year.

eli must be better this year and the giants have recruited well.

even the skins must also be better with jackson, hatcher, roberts etc. a fit rg3.

so how the hell can they hope to be better? i'm asking seriously. perhaps they can use the number one draft pick to get that baylor qb you mentioned.

ohhhhhhhh you mean Bryce??????????

[Skyfall]

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11334449/robert-griffin-iii-washington-redskins-gets-autographs-cancer-survivors

[Ken Gargett]

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11334449/robert-griffin-iii-washington-redskins-gets-autographs-cancer-survivors

saw this. good on him. he is always doing stuff like that. sadly, in the end, whether he is loved by all will come down to how many superbowls he wins us. three or more and he'll be more popular than god.

[MIKA27]

Go Patriots!

[in0gravity]

Broncos look good. If they stay healthy and the defense plays to the hype a Super Bowl appearance should be a lock. With a different result than in February of course

[El Presidente]

you are an idiot.

like i'd ever let you near my bedroom.

I went their once to use the ensuite as the guest bathroom was blocked with cases of wine.

The newspaper stack next to the "privy" almost reached the ceiling. it was nice to read about the 1974 Brisbane floods again

[TheCoach]

you are an idiot.

like i'd ever let you near my bedroom.

Lol!!!!!

[TheCoach]

I'll sign off with this:

[Ken Gargett]

I'll sign off with this:

my new screensaver!!

[AlastairE]

skins a cert to win the superbowl. no, seriously. but then as long as we beat the cowgirls, it is a good season.

gunners an absolute lock for 4th place. they own it. actually, i think they might come in 2nd behind chelski.

Where's the Community Shield post Ken? We can't go trophy-less this season and the league hasn't even started! One game, one trophy/shield (albeit a poor excuse for a trophy)

--

Arsenal look good for a European spot this year... again. But I think a title push might be beyond us. I just don't see the squad depth. A couple of injuries to key players will see us looking stretched. Chelsea and City could each field 2 quality XIs from their squads, and that's going to help them through the 38 weeks. United, well, they got rid of Moyes. Anything is possible this year for them. LVG is a good manager, and they'll definitely improve.

Best case scenario Arsenal finish in 2nd, most likely behind Chelsea. If someone offered me that right now, I'd take it.

[Ken Gargett]

Where's the Community Shield post Ken? We can't go trophy-less this season and the league hasn't even started! One game, one trophy/shield (albeit a poor excuse for a trophy)

--

Arsenal look good for a European spot this year... again. But I think a title push might be beyond us. I just don't see the squad depth. A couple of injuries to key players will see us looking stretched. Chelsea and City could each field 2 quality XIs from their squads, and that's going to help them through the 38 weeks. United, well, they got rid of Moyes. Anything is possible this year for them. LVG is a good manager, and they'll definitely improve.

Best case scenario Arsenal finish in 2nd, most likely behind Chelsea. If someone offered me that right now, I'd take it.

agree with all that but re the community shield, i was actually hoping for a big big win by city. then wenger would know we really still need a player or two and more depth. now, bit worried he'll sell half the squad.

but i'll be disappointed if we are not top two. and as i said, i think chelski likely first. but injuries...

[cns187]

Guess I am the only 49ers fan on this forum? Ah well, they are the only team who has drastically made an already good team even better. Superbowl champs, calling it right now. F the Shehawks!

[littlepea]

United looking revitalised under LVG. Good pre-season playing a new formation. People will do well to remember this is a squad of many PL winners, who just had a poor season last season after a big adjustment at the club and being led by someone who failed to motivate the players. Though we are thin for CB's (especially when looking to play 3 at the back) and quality CM's. You'll see us back in the top 4 this season, I've got no doubts about that. Wether we challenge or not is dependant on other teams. However, City will go through bad patches as they are just a team of mercenaries...too few players that really care about the club or their other team mates. I also think that Pellegrini is quite poor when it comes to managing his team during games that aren't going well. Chelsea look very strong, however I think they are over rated at CB...Terry and Cahill had a half decent season last year, but the are very slow and only really highly rested because they are English...top centre forwards will have them on their arses. Arsenal can't seem to sustain good starts to the season, though I think they will be much improved since last season. My hate for Liverpool means I can't really give anything even close to a balanced opinion...but for me they can not win the premier league with a team built around a 34 year old Steven Gerrard. They are going to smash some teams as they have some quality attacking players, but I also think they will get beaten a lot by teams they should be beating...not a hallmark of title winners.

So to sum up...UNITED! UNITED! UNITED!

[Hugomarink]

Guess I am the only 49ers fan on this forum? Ah well, they are the only team who has drastically made an already good team even better. Superbowl champs, calling it right now. F the Shehawks!

I posted about the 49ers earlier in the thread, but said I'm still not convinced they can unseat the Seahawks. I certainly think they have a good shot to make the Super Bowl, but it all comes down to a couple of things. They need to stay healthy at key positions and Kaepernick has to better develop his skills as a passer. If he doesn't, it won't matter much that they've finally got a credible bunch of WRs. Kaepernick is still very young and he's still developing so I think he can do it, but that could be the difference between them getting over that final hurdle. One thing about the Niners that may help them tremendously is that they'll get a fresh Aldon Smith for the second half of the season (after he serves his 7 game suspension for all his shenanigans) and Navarro Bowman should be back for the stretch run in November/December. If their defense can hold up and play well in the first half of the season without those guys then they'll be that much better late in the season.

[AlastairE]

Guess I am the only 49ers fan on this forum? Ah well, they are the only team who has drastically made an already good team even better. Superbowl champs, calling it right now. F the Shehawks!

I'm a 49ers fan too mate

We will need our receiving corps to stay fit and injury-free. If that happens, Kaepernick could be a top 5 QB this year and it'll serve us well. If our passing games becomes more dangerous, the less pressure in the box, and the more dangerous his read option becomes.

What's the verdict on Carlos Hyde from you NCAA followers? Injuries could bump him up to 2nd behind Gore on the depth chart, and he had a relatively impressive debut...