Toro Times Roundtable: Which 0-3 team can make playoffs?
Sep 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass as Carolina Panthers defensive end Wes Horton (96) defends in the fourth quarter. The Carolina Panthers defeated the New York Giants 38-0 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
This week the Toro Times asked the editorial staff spoke about which team that is currently 0-3 they felt had the best opportunity to make the playoffs in the NFL and why?
Unlike last week, there wasn’t a sweep of the answers.
Here are their answers.
Graham Rogers, staff writer
New York Giants are my choice. In the past, Eli Manning has overcome great obstacles to make magic happen. If any team can do it, it’s them. However, that being said, I don’t believe any of the 0-3 teams will so much as get close to a wild card berth this year. This season is shaping up to be a wild ride, teams not on their ‘A’ game will be left in the dust.
Bruce Matson, staff writer
I have the New York Giants as the best 0-3 team. They have the most talent of all the 0-3 teams.
They have three really good wide receivers that can be a match up nightmare for a lot of defenses. Currently, he offensive and defensive line units are injury plagued, but head coach Tom Coughlin will make adjustments. The Giants will be able to put together a productive season and competes in a weakened NFC East.
Sep 22, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) runs with the ball past Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley (98) in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Lions won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Stephen Forsha, editor
My choice is the Washington Redskins. They did win the NFC East last season, plus my feeling is if Robert Griffin III can heal up and get used to the pace of playing in the NFL once again. The Redskins, playing in that division (for the third straight year it will come down to the final week of the season), has just a good of chance as anyone to reach the postseason.
Also by playing in the NFC East, there is a good chance an 8-8, 9-7 overall record will get a team into the playoffs as the division champion this season.
Richard Perez, staff writer
I’d have to give that nod to the New York Giants, simply because their division is weak despite all of the hype it has been given. Their schedule after their week nine bye is favorable with plenty of home games.
Facing only two potential playoff teams in that half (Seattle and Green Bay), at home. Those two opponents are arguably the toughest teams the Giants will have to go up against.
Going into the bye week, they could be at .500 if they play their cards right. I favor this team so much because they’ve pulled miracles out of their hats before. I’m not saying they’ll make a miraculous Super Bowl run like they did in 2011, but they could make a postseason run.
I’m also factoring in the Cowboys’ choke potential. Dallas is synonymous with choking when on the verge of victory. All of these factors combining with a hot-hand late in the season gives the Giants the best chance to slip by Dallas and be a threat when January rolls around.