We here at ProFootballWeekly.com have learned a few ways to
guarantee getting lots and lots of e-mail.
- Insult the Rams. (Boy, did I learn that one the hard way.)
- Invite fantasy football questions. The Fantasy Doctor has a big following.
- Ask readers to pick a Super Bowl winner for the upcoming season.
Recently we tried option No. 3, and our readers came through. More than 125 readers
sent us their projected winners of Super Bowl XXXV.
Before we reveal the results, we would like to emphasize that this is by no means a
scientific experiment. Twenty-four different teams got votes, so it was pretty obvious
that some fans voted with their hearts, not their heads. But that’s OK. After all,
this is the time of year when everyone is undefeated.
The team that won our informal fan poll was the Redskins, who eked by the Rams to take
the decision. Green Bay finished third, followed by Tampa Bay. Oakland and Dallas tied for
fifth.
Here are a few of the choice comments readers included with their votes:
DEM1255, who picked Tampa Bay: "Reason: Defense. Dilfer is gone.
Defense. Keyshawn Johnson. Defense. A new offensive line. By the way, did I mention
defense?"
Reza Palizban, who picked Jacksonville: "Do you remember when the
Jags knocked the 13-3 Broncos out of the playoffs? The additions of Soward and Nickerson
bring new elements to an already championship-caliber team. … Much like the Broncos,
the Jags are poised to learn from past failures and become champs."
Eric Davis, who picked Indianapolis: "Great offense beats great
defense. The continued maturation of Indy’s Holy Trinity (Manning, James and
Harrison) coupled with an improving defense will be the difference."
Jay Wallace, who picked St. Louis: "Last year parity was evident
throughout the league except in St. Louis. The Rams were physically and mentally above the
league. They played with a mature swagger for such a young team. St. Louis brings an
attitude that dynasties are built around."
Shanu Okwesa, who picked Washington: "I predict that the Redskins
will win the Super Bowl, not just because I bleed burgundy and gold, but because of the
remarkable offseason they have had, particularly in terms of acquiring defense."
And finally, my personal favorite comment, which came from Steve Scholten,
who picked Cincinnati: "Yeah, I’m a head case, but anyone who picked St. Louis
last year woulda seemed just as nuts."
That sums up this era of parity in the NFL as well as anything. Well done, Steve. |
