The Dynamic Schedule

[CouchCoach]

Every year when the schedule comes out, we make these assumptions based on the previous season and incorporate some changes teams made into that thinking but we are seldom correct. Didn't the analysts go gaga over the Browns? Reminds me of the Dream Team.

Some go through the schedule with the W-L exercise to devise their prediction and I will bet if everyone who did that were to go back, the assumptions made, particularly about GB, PHL, BUF and DET, are different.

When the schedule came out and I saw BUF as the TDay game, I yawned...no more. The only teams left on my W-L list that I feel fairly sure about are NYJ, NYG and WAS and those last two being divisional any given Sunday games, not 100% on those.

When CHI-GB opened the season, I wondered 'are they really this bad'? The answer is no, they had the "First Game Blues". The Cowboys were one of the few teams not to look like they were knocking the rust off on the offense and still, offenses that should not be struggling are.

I agreed that the schedule did look rough but I think it's gotten rougher and the saving grace is that PHL is banged up or there would be few breaks in this schedule and we don't know what shape they'll be in when we get them next.

When we discuss the schedule, when it comes out in the future, we should keep the only real fact we can count on, some are going to disappoint and some are going to surprise and it looks like we've got a few surprise teams on the schedule.

I like the rougher schedule because I like seeing the team go up against the better teams and they've still got LA and NE to go as well. We'll find out soon enough if this team is what most seem to think it is and the one thing we did get lucky about was these three teams to start off the season.

The real bugaboo about the schedule are the injuries like to Brees and PHL and what's in store for the Cowboys that might make them a better target for these teams left on the schedule?

 

[zrinkill]

Every year is different ....... Except with the Pats.

 

[robjay04]

Every year is different ....... Except with the Pats.

and the Commanders

 

[zack]

Every year is different ....... Except with the Pats.

And the same goes for the rest of that division........for the past 25 years...

 

[J-man]

It's always like that. "Oh man that's gonna be a tough game!" By the time we get to there that team is 2-8 and we crush them. Or the opposite, "easy win" now they're 11-2 yikes!
Just goes to show we don't know jack**** compared to what we think we know! And you never count your chickens before...

 

[big dog cowboy]

Prejudging the schedule when it comes out in April is always a mistake.

Not exactly new news I know.

 

[CouchCoach]

Prejudging the schedule when it comes out in April is always a mistake.

Not exactly new news I know.

No but it bears repeating. The only constant is change from year to year. And after 3 games, we think we know but do we? PHL gonna crater? BUF and DET for real?

 

[blueblood70]

Every year when the schedule comes out, we make these assumptions based on the previous season and incorporate some changes teams made into that thinking but we are seldom correct. Didn't the analysts go gaga over the Browns? Reminds me of the Dream Team.

Some go through the schedule with the W-L exercise to devise their prediction and I will bet if everyone who did that were to go back, the assumptions made, particularly about GB, PHL, BUF and DET, are different.

When the schedule came out and I saw BUF as the TDay game, I yawned...no more. The only teams left on my W-L list that I feel fairly sure about are NYJ, NYG and WAS and those last two being divisional any given Sunday games, not 100% on those.

When CHI-GB opened the season, I wondered 'are they really this bad'? The answer is no, they had the "First Game Blues". The Cowboys were one of the few teams not to look like they were knocking the rust off on the offense and still, offenses that should not be struggling are.

I agreed that the schedule did look rough but I think it's gotten rougher and the saving grace is that PHL is banged up or there would be few breaks in this schedule and we don't know what shape they'll be in when we get them next.

When we discuss the schedule, when it comes out in the future, we should keep the only real fact we can count on, some are going to disappoint and some are going to surprise and it looks like we've got a few surprise teams on the schedule.

I like the rougher schedule because I like seeing the team go up against the better teams and they've still got LA and NE to go as well. We'll find out soon enough if this team is what most seem to think it is and the one thing we did get lucky about was these three teams to start off the season.

The real bugaboo about the schedule are the injuries like to Brees and PHL and what's in store for the Cowboys that might make them a better target for these teams left on the schedule?

I didnt realize we played BUFF at all and on Thanksgiving..huh..well lie your post said, thats ways away, so maybe they are back to being Buffalo by then so maybe you will yawn but I know I caould use an asy less stress game on Holidays..theyve layed some eggs on Thanksgiving enough times that made me drink a lot more then usual..

 

[blueblood70]

Every year is different ....... Except with the Pats.

the Pats actually find new way to win each year they arent the same offense and defense year to year..they devise their plans by what talent they have and who they are playing..crazy how that works..

 

[doomsday9084]

In baseball, games frequently come down to 1/8 of an inch. A little bit different contact on a bat on a single swing and the outcome changes. They play 162 games though and when you have that large of a sample size, the best teams rise to the top.

In football, you only play 16 games. A tremendous number of the games are tight and one bounce of the ball can change the outcome of the game. The difference between a 10-6 team and a 6-10 team might only be 4 plays. The media goes out of its way to justify and overhype that 10-6 team and OTOH, criticize the 6-10 one.

In reality, most of the teams in the middle of the NFL are so close they might as well be the same. There are a handful of teams on top and a few on the bottom. What to look at is point differential. The teams that are winning by a lot are the ones that should scare you.

Right now, point differential by teams:
> +50 = 2 (Dallas and NE)
+25 to + 50 = 5
0 to +25 = 7
0 to -25 = 11
-25 to -50 = 6
< - 50 = 1 (Miami, its odd that the top 3 point differential teams played them. Either Miami isn't that bad or Dallas, NE and Bal aren't that good.)

That's just a normal bell curve distribution. It will take a few weeks to sort out but a team that has championship aspiration shouldn't be worrying about average teams. Take them serious but you don't think "sheesh, this is 50/50 here". I would submit that the only teams Dallas should be really concerned about are +25 or more. Rams, Niners, Vikes, Chiefs, Ravens and Patriots. Dallas plays 3 of them.

 

[JD_KaPow]

When the schedule came out, we thought NYG, WAS and MIA would be bad. They are.
We thought NO would be tough. Sure looks that way. Obviously, no Brees hurts them, but all preseason expectations come with the knowledge that teams can end up worse because of injuries.
GB is playing well but they don't look like world-beaters, which is kind of in line with expectations.
Next up, the Jets. Bad expectations and, yup, bad reality.
So yeah, the Bills may be better than we thought, but their opponents are 0-9 combined. The Eagles might be worse than expected, but we'll see what they look like when they get a little healthier.
Minnesota and Detroit looked middle-of-the-pack, and that's about where they seem to be (yes, Detroit is undefeated, but every one of their games has been within 3 points).
The Patriots are the Patriots, only more so.
The Bears and Rams have scuffled a little bit, but they're 5-1.

To me, the schedule looks just about where we thought it would be.

There are teams that look really different from preseason expectations (I'm looking at you, Pittsburgh), but we don't play them.

 

[JD_KaPow]

Right now, point differential by teams:
> +50 = 2 (Dallas and NE)
+25 to + 50 = 5
0 to +25 = 7
0 to -25 = 11
-25 to -50 = 6
< - 50 = 1 (Miami, its odd that the top 3 point differential teams played them. Either Miami isn't that bad or Dallas, NE and Bal aren't that good.).

What's odd about it? Play the Dolphins, pump up your point differential. Early in the season, that will jump you to the top. Later in the season, it will be washed out by more games.

Actually, it is a little odd that the three teams to play the Dolphins so far have had such cupcake schedules apart from that game (the BAL-KC game is the obvious exception).

 

[Diehardblues]

Every year when the schedule comes out, we make these assumptions based on the previous season and incorporate some changes teams made into that thinking but we are seldom correct. Didn't the analysts go gaga over the Browns? Reminds me of the Dream Team.

Some go through the schedule with the W-L exercise to devise their prediction and I will bet if everyone who did that were to go back, the assumptions made, particularly about GB, PHL, BUF and DET, are different.

When the schedule came out and I saw BUF as the TDay game, I yawned...no more. The only teams left on my W-L list that I feel fairly sure about are NYJ, NYG and WAS and those last two being divisional any given Sunday games, not 100% on those.

When CHI-GB opened the season, I wondered 'are they really this bad'? The answer is no, they had the "First Game Blues". The Cowboys were one of the few teams not to look like they were knocking the rust off on the offense and still, offenses that should not be struggling are.

I agreed that the schedule did look rough but I think it's gotten rougher and the saving grace is that PHL is banged up or there would be few breaks in this schedule and we don't know what shape they'll be in when we get them next.

When we discuss the schedule, when it comes out in the future, we should keep the only real fact we can count on, some are going to disappoint and some are going to surprise and it looks like we've got a few surprise teams on the schedule.

I like the rougher schedule because I like seeing the team go up against the better teams and they've still got LA and NE to go as well. We'll find out soon enough if this team is what most seem to think it is and the one thing we did get lucky about was these three teams to start off the season.

The real bugaboo about the schedule are the injuries like to Brees and PHL and what's in store for the Cowboys that might make them a better target for these teams left on the schedule?

Yep .
We have 5 of the undefeated teams left on our schedule ; GB, Det, LA, NE and Buff. Everyone in the North has a winning record. Saints without Brees looks like our easiest 1st place team we’ll face.

And while I’d agree with there’s always a few surprises on the schedule it’s mostly who we thought we had with LA, GB, Chi, NO and NE all at top their divisions. Most likely a Detroit , Minn or Buff will fade some . Minn and Buff have great defenses basically just needing a QB. Det always had the QB.

If we look at the stretch beginning in Week 10 those defenses will be our test. .4-2 could be good in those 6 games. Good news is our division appears to more winnable that we thought. But our brutal schedule down the stretch might keep us on the road in divisional and championship rounds if we make it.

I think we need to win at least one of these next 2 with Egirls coming in be at 5-1. That should set us up pretty well to finish with at least 10 wins even with brutal schedule barring any major injuries.

 

[Doomsday101]

I just know every year some teams will start off slow and then pull off some wins, some teams will start hot and cool off. Injuries well that is part of the game god knows Dallas has had their share of them in recent years but as people hear love to say injuries are not an excuse. Currently Dallas is missing some starters as well. Best thing for this team to do is look at this schedule 1 game at a time.

 

[jazzcat22]

Can never be sure of how the schedule turns out. Many say we have an upcoming brutal schedule. But if we are that good, is it really that brutal. Depends if we win or lose.
I don't think fans of those teams are sitting back and saying, well it's only Dallas, their own fans don't think they have a shot saying they have a brutal schedule.
They are probably saying the same thing, we have a tough schedule coming up and Dallas is on it.

Just play the games and see how it comes out.

 

[charron]

We should know all about change as the NFC East and NFC South rarely have back to back same team champions.

 

[CouchCoach]

How old are you and how long have you been a fan?

72, a co-fan since 60 and an exclusive since 68, the Ice Bowl. Why do you ask?

 

[xwalker]

Every year when the schedule comes out, we make these assumptions based on the previous season and incorporate some changes teams made into that thinking but we are seldom correct. Didn't the analysts go gaga over the Browns? Reminds me of the Dream Team.

Some go through the schedule with the W-L exercise to devise their prediction and I will bet if everyone who did that were to go back, the assumptions made, particularly about GB, PHL, BUF and DET, are different.

When the schedule came out and I saw BUF as the TDay game, I yawned...no more. The only teams left on my W-L list that I feel fairly sure about are NYJ, NYG and WAS and those last two being divisional any given Sunday games, not 100% on those.

When CHI-GB opened the season, I wondered 'are they really this bad'? The answer is no, they had the "First Game Blues". The Cowboys were one of the few teams not to look like they were knocking the rust off on the offense and still, offenses that should not be struggling are.

I agreed that the schedule did look rough but I think it's gotten rougher and the saving grace is that PHL is banged up or there would be few breaks in this schedule and we don't know what shape they'll be in when we get them next.

When we discuss the schedule, when it comes out in the future, we should keep the only real fact we can count on, some are going to disappoint and some are going to surprise and it looks like we've got a few surprise teams on the schedule.

I like the rougher schedule because I like seeing the team go up against the better teams and they've still got LA and NE to go as well. We'll find out soon enough if this team is what most seem to think it is and the one thing we did get lucky about was these three teams to start off the season.

Every year when the schedule comes out, we make these assumptions based on the previous season and incorporate some changes teams made into that thinking but we are seldom correct. Didn't the analysts go gaga over the Browns? Reminds me of the Dream Team.

Some go through the schedule with the W-L exercise to devise their prediction and I will bet if everyone who did that were to go back, the assumptions made, particularly about GB, PHL, BUF and DET, are different.

When the schedule came out and I saw BUF as the TDay game, I yawned...no more. The only teams left on my W-L list that I feel fairly sure about are NYJ, NYG and WAS and those last two being divisional any given Sunday games, not 100% on those.

When CHI-GB opened the season, I wondered 'are they really this bad'? The answer is no, they had the "First Game Blues". The Cowboys were one of the few teams not to look like they were knocking the rust off on the offense and still, offenses that should not be struggling are.

I agreed that the schedule did look rough but I think it's gotten rougher and the saving grace is that PHL is banged up or there would be few breaks in this schedule and we don't know what shape they'll be in when we get them next.

When we discuss the schedule, when it comes out in the future, we should keep the only real fact we can count on, some are going to disappoint and some are going to surprise and it looks like we've got a few surprise teams on the schedule.

I like the rougher schedule because I like seeing the team go up against the better teams and they've still got LA and NE to go as well. We'll find out soon enough if this team is what most seem to think it is and the one thing we did get lucky about was these three teams to start off the season.

The real bugaboo about the schedule are the injuries like to Brees and PHL and what's in store for the Cowboys that might make them a better target for these teams left on the schedule?

The real bugaboo about the schedule are the injuries like to Brees and PHL and what's in store for the Cowboys that might make them a better target for these teams left on the schedule?

I never care about the schedule when it's released other than I don't want to face the Pats in game 1 and preferably not anytime early in the season.

 

[Batman1980]

No but it bears repeating. The only constant is change from year to year. And after 3 games, we think we know but do we? PHL gonna crater? BUF and DET for real?

Buffalo the 3-0 team I see getting pantsed this weekend. Detroit struggled to TIE the underwhelming Cardinals. Not impressed with them, either.

 

[CouchCoach]

I never care about the schedule when it's released other than I don't want to face the Pats in game 1 and preferably not anytime early in the season.

I'd take them in game 1 because he uses that as his extended preseason game.