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Football Digest, Oct, 2004 by Neil Lindstrom, Kevin Cartwright, Jess Wallings, Greg Anderson, Allan Quinn

I agree with your prediction that the Philadelphia Eagles will win the Super Bowl this season [September 2004]. As you said, they've been really close the past three years. This year, though, they're better than ever. The addition of Terrell Owens will push the offense over the top. Plus, Brian Westbrook is one of the most underrated running backs in the league. If he stays healthy, watch out. There are a lot of good teams in the NFC this year, but the Eagles are the best

Neil Lindstrom

Via e-mail

How could you not pick the New England Patriots to repeat as Super Bowl champions? They're every bit as good as they were last season, maybe even better. Last year, they didn't have a running game. This year, they have Corey Dillon, one of the best running backs in the NFL. He'll give the offense a dimension it didn't have last year. Another thing working in favor of the Patriots is their quarterback, Tom Brady. He gets better every year. Now that he has Dillon behind him, he's going to be that much better. You guys are going to live to regret your doubts of the Patriots. By the way, where did you pick the Patriots to finish in 2003? I'm sure it was low.

Kevin Cartwright

Camden, N.J.

Actually, we were one of the few media outlets that thought the Patriots would be formidable following their disappointing 9-7 season in 2002. Not only did we pick them to win the AFC East, but we said they would reach the Super Bowl, where we predicted they would lose to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We all know what really happened in Super Bowl 38. The Patriots won, and they beat the Carolina Panthers, not the Buccaneers. But, hey, we were close.

I think the St. Louis Rams are in for quite a fall this season. They missed their chance last year. Marc Bulger is not a Super Bowl quarterback the way Kurt Warner was when he was in his prime. And Marshall Faulk is nearing the end. I guarantee he won't play anywhere close to 16 games. Mike Martz is another problem. He hasn't been half the coach Dick Vermeil was when he was on the Rams. You guys picked them to finish second this year in the NFC West, but I think the Arizona Cardinals will be better. With Dennis Green as their coach, they'll improve immediately. They also have the makings of a great offense.

Jess Wallings

Via e-mail

Look out for the Buffalo Bills. I've been a lifelong fan of the Bills, and I haven't been this excited in a while. There's a new optimism with new coach Mike Mularkey. He is just what Drew Bledsoe needed. Bledsoe had a terrible year in 2003, but he'll come back strong this season. The defense also is great. Don't be surprised if these Bills win the AFC East title and then go deep into the playoffs, maybe even to the Super Bowl.

Greg Anderson

Elmira, N.Y.

The Green Bay Packers aren't going to win the NFC North this season. They had their last great shot in 2003, and they blew it. I think this will be the year that Brett Favre starts to fall apart. He's been a great quarterback--one of the best ever--but not even he can keep going forever. By the way, in your "Five Players to Watch" section, you had Favre listed as the quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings. That's as big a mistake as it gets.

Allan Quinn

Via e-mail

You're not the only one who noticed that we listed Favre with the Vikings. We've been deluged with letters pointing that out, and justifiably so. We regret that typographical error. As for Favre's future, we think he may have a season or two left in him, as evidenced by the fact that we put him on the cover of this issue. And as long as Favre continues to play at a high level, the Packers will be a factor Don't count Favre out yet.