Just got off the phone with Tony Dungy, so I thought I'd turn today's "Four Downs" over to a man who has won one more Super Bowl than moi (warning to Cowboy hate-ahs: Our former Gopher likes Dallas to win the NFC) ...
First down:
Q: The Cowboys seem to be a popular pick to win the NFC this season. What are your thoughts?
A: "I like what the Cowboys have done, and they've got a lot of people back and in place. They finished the year pretty strong last year, had a good December. They probably have the best balance in terms of offensive and defensive personnel. And then I think you have to look at the divisions. That's why I kind of picked the Cowboys when someone asked me. The Giants, with some of their injuries, have taken a step back. I think Philly has taken a step back. So the Cowboys look like the favorite in their division. Minnesota, if everybody is back, you still GreenBay, whichis coming on and playing better. Thefirst thing you have todo is win your division. I think Minnesota will have as good ashot as any in the NFC, given the fact Favrecomes back. I think theCowboys have the easiest shot of anybody in winning their division."
Second down:
Q: What about thereigning champs, the Saints?
A: "Ijust think it'stough to repeat. From what we'veseen the last six, seven years withteams such as NewEngland and us[Colts]. We had a very good team coming back in '07, but it wastough for us toachieve. Even though New Orleans had momentum and they got great players,I just hesitate in picking a team to repeat. I just think it's too hard. You get the tough schedule and everybody circles you. You have to battle through all the offseason hoopla and everything.I think they got agood team, but I don't think they'll repeat."
Thirddown: