10-09-2015, 12:57 PM
(10-09-2015, 10:43 AM)djs7685 Wrote: I see a few people in each of these threads say that we look better than the 2005 team. It may seem that way now, but how well does everybody actually remember what we looked like after 4 games in 2005? I mean, I remember that season pretty well, but I can't say that I can recall my exact feelings after week 4 a decade ago and I doubt anyone else would say that either. My point is, maybe the 2015 team just seems "better" because it's fresh in our minds? I even think I've agreed with people in the past about this 2015 group looking like the best Marvin led team, but now I'm looking at the box scores for a refresher.
2005
Defense: 296.5 YPG, 9.5 PPG, 17 turnovers, 9 sacks (7 in one game though, and 2 games with zero sacks)
Offense: 384.75 YPG, 26 PPG, 4 turnovers
3 blowout wins, Carson over 100 rating each game and seen as one of the best in the league
2015
Defense: 364.75 YPG, 19.25 PPG, 7 turnovers, 11 sacks (zero against BAL)
Offense: 422 YPG, 30.25 PPG, 4 turnovers
2 blowout wins, Dalton over 100 rating each game and seen as one of the best in the league
I'm not trying to say that 2005 was clearly better or anything, but maybe it's closer than some believe, including myself. I really think that 2015 is just so fresh in our memories that we're giving them the edge for that reason alone, when I'm not so sure that's the case. Through 4 games, the 2005 team was damn good, especially that defense.
Nope. I don't give that kind of praise without much thought. I do remember how I felt about the Bengals in 2005, even after week 4. Everyone was super pumped about Carson because he was in the process of tying the NFL record for most consecutive games with a 100+ passer rating.
Despite some pretty skewed early season stats, I'm pretty sure most rational people will conclude that the current defense is better than the 2005 version. That defense was great at forcing turnovers (18 int's came against the NFCN), but I'd trust this D in key moments over that one. Wouldn't you?
The offenses are a push, imo.
This team is more mature, more tested, and more experienced than 2005 as well. So yes, I feel they are better, and no, it's not because they're the shiny new object. I'm not one to just blindly say this every year. I've never said a team was better than 2005 or 2013.
The training, nutrition, medicine, fitness, playbooks and rules evolve. The athlete does not.
