In no way shape or form can I envision NYG winning the Division. With its' original cast maybe - too many injuries and this was an not a dominant team to begin with.
RE: I happen to agree with him, but his opinion means nothing.
One of them is Beckham sees the ball a lot more. That's a good thing for the team.
You also use Donnell in more ways including splitting him out wide. Bring in Robinson or Fells to block a little more. He can make plays outside.
When Jennings comes back they need to get him the ball more in the pass game. He can help pick up the slack.
They can overcome the loss of Cruz. He is not the type of player that ends a season especially since they have Beckham to take over the main pass catching role.
If they win this week, get Schwartz and Jennings back soon, we go at it with a running game with Jennings/Williams and bigger roles for Beckham and Donnell.
We just weren't able to exploit them like almost every other team they played did. Dallas has a better OL, a better QB the best WR in the division, for my money, the best RB in the division and their defense has been far better than people expected.
I would be willing to bet that the Cowboys finish ahead of the Eagles.
is that like saying the Giants were a couple plays away from losing two super bowls?
whatever fits your argument.
Dallas D was supposed to be their Achilles heel -they were "supposed" to be historically be bad and they've been MUCH better than anticipated. They've been middle of the pack. Their running game and OL have been lights out. 160 yds per game avg on the ground, certainly opens things up offensively.
if the continue to play that well they will be hard to beat - for anyone.
the SB favorite in their house where they lost like twice in three years.
I don't think you need an outside of seattle who have they beaten answer.
but reality is they're 5 - 1 and not getting blown out by a team who was struggling to run the ball and play defense.
I can't speak for everybody. But I knew the Cowboys was going to win. Seattle struggled with the Redskins(A team the Giants destroyed). Granted The Redskins lost by 10. But they were in the game, until late. I'm not taking anything from the Cowboys. But I'm not sold on them just yet. One more thing. How many Cornerbacks did Seattle have out that game ? And if I'm not mistaken, 2 more got hurt during the game.
We just weren't able to exploit them like almost every other team they played did. Dallas has a better OL, a better QB the best WR in the division, for my money, the best RB in the division and their defense has been far better than people expected.
I would be willing to bet that the Cowboys finish ahead of the Eagles.
Agree to a point about the Eagles defense as to being horrible. But are they? Or the Giants just putrid for one night. However, anytime you shutout an opponent in a offensive friendly league this day and age, then you cannot be as horrible.
but it's a downgrade going to a rookie. Will beckham be a top flight WR? Possibly, but going from Cruz to Beckham who has played in 2 career games is most certainly a downgrade. Also, going from Beckham as the #3 to Corey Washington or whoever fills that role is a bigger downgrade. Stop trying to sugarcoat it just because you have a hard-on for Beckham.
the Texans, Redskins, and Falcons have proven to not be top half of the league teams.
the ones the Giants played who are they have lost to.
I agree with the beat writer. Murray should be able to run, and the Cowboys should be able to get to Eli.
Anything else is probably denial on the part of fans.
Furthermore, the Giants will probably struggle to get to Romo, something they historically seemingly were always able to do.
So, outside of Seattle, who have the Cowboys beat ? All The Cowboys wins came down to the wire.
LOL! that's what we said about Philly last week and they beat the shit the Giants of us and sent them home crying to their mothers. So throw that logic out the window.
Now that being said, as a fan I want to believe that they WILL bounce back!
..and they executed it perfectly. I still don't buy that defense overall, I think their secondary is garbage and I think any team that can pass protect can shred them.
After 6 games in EVERY NFL season there are teams that are clearly ready to roll with a record of 5-1 and teams that are lucky to be sitting there with a 5-1 record.
You see it every year.
And after more games, the teams that caught a couple of games are usually exposed. This is your 2014 Dallas Cowboys.
In comment 11923911 Bleedin Blue said:
[quote] In comment 11923862 Arcanum said:
Quote:
In comment 11923822 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
the Texans, Redskins, and Falcons have proven to not be top half of the league teams.
the ones the Giants played who are they have lost to.
I agree with the beat writer. Murray should be able to run, and the Cowboys should be able to get to Eli.
Anything else is probably denial on the part of fans.
Furthermore, the Giants will probably struggle to get to Romo, something they historically seemingly were always able to do.
So, outside of Seattle, who have the Cowboys beat ? All The Cowboys wins came down to the wire.
LOL! that's what we said about Philly last week and they beat the shit the Giants of us and sent them home crying to their mothers. So throw that logic out the window.
Now that being said, as a fan I want to believe that they WILL bounce back!
[/quote
The Eagles have been kicking the Giants ass for how many years now ? They're just that one team, the Giants can't fuck with. Or at least, struggle to beat
and Mclain's violent tackling will be the difference. Is that what the Dallas writer said? That's a joke. What will be the difference is his lack of speed along with the awful pass rush in Dallas.
Check out that roster on the Dallas D. There isn't much there. It will be exposed.
Take romo out and backup is 90% less productive...
fewell has to take a few blitzes somewhere and
hit romo...he is injury prone...got hurt last week
a little...will also fumble easy...got to rush 1 or
2 xtra guys like eagles do
After 6 games in EVERY NFL season there are teams that are clearly ready to roll with a record of 5-1 and teams that are lucky to be sitting there with a 5-1 record.
You see it every year.
And after more games, the teams that caught a couple of games are usually exposed. This is your 2014 Dallas Cowboys.
I am not discounting that, but this is not team unity, they splinter easily when anything goes south and it will. Romo usually falls on his face after Thanksgiving, in large part because he's beaten to a pulp. He's on the same track and he's coming off of back surgery, he's on borrowed time.
I don't buy Dallas, their secondary is a joke and Rod Marinelli is not fucking Belichick, it is going to take some tape on the new guys he has in there and the wheels will come off. McClain is going to nosedive, book it. He will get hurt or do something idiotic and if not him you KNOW Bryant will, or Witten will finally give out, or Romo and the team will collapse. They are on thin ice when they play this well, they are not a top to bottom stacked team talent wise and they will not survive the 17 game endurance test and be the best team wire to wire.
Their history is marked with failure because of this owner, QB and head coach. They are all there, they are all NOT going to be perfect for 17 weeks. This team is like a sportscar you just finally got out of the garage that is flying down the road. That unreliable piece of pretty garbage will be in a ditch before it changes into super reliable super car. Fuck the Cowboys, and Jerry Jones and dickface Romo and that Ginger fuck coach. They will tank, TRUST ME.
I am going to have the biggest fucking grin on my face if we beat them
Losing Cruz is going to mean more Beckham. That won't be a downgrade.
The issue is the Giants OL. Not Cruz. If the OL plays better we have a shot to win the NFC East. It all changes with a win this week.
That will be a downgrade this year, a rookie who didn't even get his feet wet in training camp, as talented as he is, there's going to be some catching up. Cruz will be missed greatly, especially this week.
After 6 games in EVERY NFL season there are teams that are clearly ready to roll with a record of 5-1 and teams that are lucky to be sitting there with a 5-1 record.
You see it every year.
And after more games, the teams that caught a couple of games are usually exposed. This is your 2014 Dallas Cowboys.
I'd love to be wrong, I'd would love to see a Giants win, I'm just telling you based on how the Giants have played on the season as a whole, not one specific game and how the Cowboys have played om the season so far as a whole it's hard to argue with the beat writers assessment.
If you disagree fine, if you think the Giants will win, great. I hope they do, but I don't think they will and it doesn't make me any less of a fan for not thinking they're going to win.
We dominated the Texans, albeit they were without A. Foster. Dallas pulled out a win in overtime against the Texans in a game where JJ Watt should have ended Romo's season but whiffed and Romo hit a ridiculous bomb to T. Williams.
I can understand the critics, however, I don't understand how so-called Giants fans continue to discount our play against a common opponent as a win against weak team for us and Dallas only having one loss. It's a long season and I feel like Dallas, as they're prone to do, are using up their magic in the early part of the season. Just remember how many times we were 6-2 in the first half of the season only to collapse in the second half.
I am not discounting that, but this is not team unity, they splinter easily when anything goes south and it will. Romo usually falls on his face after Thanksgiving, in large part because he's beaten to a pulp. He's on the same track and he's coming off of back surgery, he's on borrowed time.
I don't buy Dallas, their secondary is a joke and Rod Marinelli is not fucking Belichick, it is going to take some tape on the new guys he has in there and the wheels will come off. McClain is going to nosedive, book it. He will get hurt or do something idiotic and if not him you KNOW Bryant will, or Witten will finally give out, or Romo and the team will collapse. They are on thin ice when they play this well, they are not a top to bottom stacked team talent wise and they will not survive the 17 game endurance test and be the best team wire to wire.
Their history is marked with failure because of this owner, QB and head coach. They are all there, they are all NOT going to be perfect for 17 weeks. This team is like a sportscar you just finally got out of the garage that is flying down the road. That unreliable piece of pretty garbage will be in a ditch before it changes into super reliable super car. Fuck the Cowboys, and Jerry Jones and dickface Romo and that Ginger fuck coach. They will tank, TRUST ME.
Couldn't agree more.....you had me at "Romo...beaten to a pulp"!
getting what we deserve after that disgrace last week, Giants fans were running their mouths as well after the three wins in a row. Just the way it is. Talk is cheap, you are how you play the next game in this league.
And the way the Giants played the game last week, if the
West Coast offense allows the quarterback to get rid of the ball in two seconds, the Giants are going to have to find an offensive system that allows the quarterback to get rid of it in one second.
BBI (as well as the useless media) is worse than a menstruating female. The extremes are a freakin joke. The Giants are either Super Bowl contenders or the worst team in the league. It changes week to week.
So, if the Giants beat Dallas, will they be favorites again? Prolly, but derailing the locomotive that is the Cowboy love affair will be difficult. Dallas is looked as the most talented team in the league every single year, regardless of results and reality. Now, with the hot start...ugh. It is all so predictable. And intolerable.
I am as optimistic a fan of the Giants there is, but this is going to be a monumental task to beat them right now. On the road of back to back, coming off a shutout, losing Cruz, Dallas big win, maybe no DRC, etc, etc
They have run the ball on everyone thus far. If you are running on 1st and 2nd and facing 3rd & 2, they are not getting off the field.
The 1st down defense will be the big key. Can the get the Cowboys into 3rd and long or not.
Can their offense stay out of 3rd and a mile unlike in Philly
This was mentioned above but I need to do it again.
This may be the dumbest damn statement I have ever read.
Quote:
Romo normally fades in the end of the season when he starts the season at 100 percent health. Now with him less than 100 percent to start things and building strength he might be OK in December.
haven't beaten anybody good, which minimizes any criticism of Dallas that they won some close games against poor opponents. The Cowboys also beat Seattle at their place, although Seattle isn't the same team that won the SB. Like most SB winners, they lost a lot of players off their team. We also lost our last game 27 - 0.
This is a home game for Dallas, their OL is dominant even without Free, our secondary is banged up, and of course, we have no LBs or safeties that can cover.
Two keys:
(1) Our DL has to find someway of controlling their OL. I would definitely activate Bromley. He's fresh, and his speciality is getting pressure. This will also take pressure off the secondary.
(2) We have to control the ball. We need to get some production from an unexpected source, maybe Robinson. The Cowboys are going to be gearing up to stop our run, thinking they can just double Beckham and Randle, and live with whatever Donnell gives us.
Dallas will probably win, but if anyone can help us win a game like this, it's Eli.
Can these fucking Cowboys start by winning a playoff game? Seriously, its like the Jets when ever they go on a win streak and all of the sudden they're stomping around talking about how "they're the best team in NY".
As Giants fans, we measure our success by winning Super Bowls. Eli's got a pair. How about Blomo? Oh, that's right, he fucking chokes every single time the pressure is on.
Dumb ass Cowboys fans, here's a little quip to keep in your cowshit brains, "they only remember what you do in December".
but some blunt, honest truths, especially regarding Cruz. He was the one guy defenses had to account for on every play. Now looking at this offense and the OLs inconsistency in pass pro and opposing defenses can more or less feel safe playing whatever they're comfortable with, whatever they do best. And if a D finds early success that way and starts dictating what the offense can do instead of the opposite, that's when games get ugly. Lots of Coughlin 3 yards on the field, arms raised in bewilderment and plenty of Eli Face.
I have hope that they'll respond with some fire after being embarrassed in front of a national audience but the above is a very possible outcome.
...think otherwise? Dallas is soon to put us out of our misery, and come next week, its going to be all about next year.
After several years of everybody thinking the Giants just can turn that SB switch on (and go from being a team not worthy of being called an NFL team)...to a division champion is insane.
I assure you the media here is convincing the Cowboys they don't have to show up to win this game. It's the classic TRAP GAME for the Cowboys and I just hope we are mad enough to take advantage of that and beat them.
That said, the Cowboys are the better team. Ouch that hurts!
hack, but we are talking about a no-heart, no-balls team that failed to show up against its biggest rival last week.
they went on their 3-game win streak against bad teams and reverted right back into that laughingstock, unlikable pushover. screw these guys, they deserve everything they get
let's see a smart, well-executed gameplan against a quality opponent. it's been since we flew out to SF in 2012 - 2 years ago - since we've done that. its not so much how great DAL is, its how much of a joke we are after what happened last week.
Washington is a non-factor. The Giants are what they are - a wildly inconsistent fringe playoff contender that can certainly play spoiler.
I also don't see how you can dismiss Dallas's record, especially as it includes a win in the toughest stadium in the league. I know there have been 5-1 teams that have sputtered in the past but the odds are still overwhelmingly high that if you're 5-1 through 6 games, you're a legitimate contender.
hack, but we are talking about a no-heart, no-balls team that failed to show up against its biggest rival last week.
they went on their 3-game win streak against bad teams and reverted right back into that laughingstock, unlikable pushover. screw these guys, they deserve everything they get
let's see a smart, well-executed gameplan against a quality opponent. it's been since we flew out to SF in 2012 - 2 years ago - since we've done that. its not so much how great DAL is, its how much of a joke we are after what happened last week.
LOL.. this time last week you were talking about how this was the best team in the NFCE and should win the division.
but I used to feel in a spot like this that we'd pull it together and come up huge. However the past 2+ years has started to condition me otherwise. Starting with the late season debacles in Atlanta/Baltimore, then last year in Carolina/KC. Seems like when these Giants get in this scenario they crumble like a cheap suitcase. I really hope I'm wrong. I do refuse to believe that the way the offense turned it around the previous 3 weeks was just a mirage based on 1 performance in 1 week vs. Philly.
A week ago before the game I said that this team's 2014 season will be defined by how they play in Philly. I believed that both teams had much riding on that game and would finally see what our Giants were made of.
I was wrong thinking the Giants would win. I still feel like the game revealed a lot about this team and an 8-8 finish looks like reality. With Cruz gone for the year, it would be almost miraculous to finish 10-6.
Here's a Gosselin article this week BBB. Not pertaining to this one
link - ( New Window )
If they can do that, they might be in a position to be a factor down the stretch.
TC was going to ride off after his third SB.
Now Dallas is as good as the 3-timers from the 90's.
Give it a few weeks, and the Rams will get a comparison to The Greatest Show on Turf.
Make it stop.
You also use Donnell in more ways including splitting him out wide. Bring in Robinson or Fells to block a little more. He can make plays outside.
When Jennings comes back they need to get him the ball more in the pass game. He can help pick up the slack.
They can overcome the loss of Cruz. He is not the type of player that ends a season especially since they have Beckham to take over the main pass catching role.
If they win this week, get Schwartz and Jennings back soon, we go at it with a running game with Jennings/Williams and bigger roles for Beckham and Donnell.
My guess is this Dallas writer knows nothing of Beckham or what he will bring to an NFL field.
I would be willing to bet that the Cowboys finish ahead of the Eagles.
whatever fits your argument.
Dallas D was supposed to be their Achilles heel -they were "supposed" to be historically be bad and they've been MUCH better than anticipated. They've been middle of the pack. Their running game and OL have been lights out. 160 yds per game avg on the ground, certainly opens things up offensively.
if the continue to play that well they will be hard to beat - for anyone.
I don't think you need an outside of seattle who have they beaten answer.
but reality is they're 5 - 1 and not getting blown out by a team who was struggling to run the ball and play defense.
I can't speak for everybody. But I knew the Cowboys was going to win. Seattle struggled with the Redskins(A team the Giants destroyed). Granted The Redskins lost by 10. But they were in the game, until late. I'm not taking anything from the Cowboys. But I'm not sold on them just yet. One more thing. How many Cornerbacks did Seattle have out that game ? And if I'm not mistaken, 2 more got hurt during the game.
I would be willing to bet that the Cowboys finish ahead of the Eagles.
Agree to a point about the Eagles defense as to being horrible. But are they? Or the Giants just putrid for one night. However, anytime you shutout an opponent in a offensive friendly league this day and age, then you cannot be as horrible.
Quote:
the Texans, Redskins, and Falcons have proven to not be top half of the league teams.
the ones the Giants played who are they have lost to.
I agree with the beat writer. Murray should be able to run, and the Cowboys should be able to get to Eli.
Anything else is probably denial on the part of fans.
Furthermore, the Giants will probably struggle to get to Romo, something they historically seemingly were always able to do.
So, outside of Seattle, who have the Cowboys beat ? All The Cowboys wins came down to the wire.
LOL! that's what we said about Philly last week and they beat the shit the Giants of us and sent them home crying to their mothers. So throw that logic out the window.
Now that being said, as a fan I want to believe that they WILL bounce back!
You see it every year.
And after more games, the teams that caught a couple of games are usually exposed. This is your 2014 Dallas Cowboys.
[quote] In comment 11923862 Arcanum said:
Quote:
In comment 11923822 pjcas18 said:
Quote:
the Texans, Redskins, and Falcons have proven to not be top half of the league teams.
the ones the Giants played who are they have lost to.
I agree with the beat writer. Murray should be able to run, and the Cowboys should be able to get to Eli.
Anything else is probably denial on the part of fans.
Furthermore, the Giants will probably struggle to get to Romo, something they historically seemingly were always able to do.
So, outside of Seattle, who have the Cowboys beat ? All The Cowboys wins came down to the wire.
LOL! that's what we said about Philly last week and they beat the shit the Giants of us and sent them home crying to their mothers. So throw that logic out the window.
Now that being said, as a fan I want to believe that they WILL bounce back!
[/quote
The Eagles have been kicking the Giants ass for how many years now ? They're just that one team, the Giants can't fuck with. Or at least, struggle to beat
Check out that roster on the Dallas D. There isn't much there. It will be exposed.
fewell has to take a few blitzes somewhere and
hit romo...he is injury prone...got hurt last week
a little...will also fumble easy...got to rush 1 or
2 xtra guys like eagles do
You see it every year.
And after more games, the teams that caught a couple of games are usually exposed. This is your 2014 Dallas Cowboys.
Exactly!!
I don't buy Dallas, their secondary is a joke and Rod Marinelli is not fucking Belichick, it is going to take some tape on the new guys he has in there and the wheels will come off. McClain is going to nosedive, book it. He will get hurt or do something idiotic and if not him you KNOW Bryant will, or Witten will finally give out, or Romo and the team will collapse. They are on thin ice when they play this well, they are not a top to bottom stacked team talent wise and they will not survive the 17 game endurance test and be the best team wire to wire.
Their history is marked with failure because of this owner, QB and head coach. They are all there, they are all NOT going to be perfect for 17 weeks. This team is like a sportscar you just finally got out of the garage that is flying down the road. That unreliable piece of pretty garbage will be in a ditch before it changes into super reliable super car. Fuck the Cowboys, and Jerry Jones and dickface Romo and that Ginger fuck coach. They will tank, TRUST ME.
Losing Cruz is going to mean more Beckham. That won't be a downgrade.
The issue is the Giants OL. Not Cruz. If the OL plays better we have a shot to win the NFC East. It all changes with a win this week.
That will be a downgrade this year, a rookie who didn't even get his feet wet in training camp, as talented as he is, there's going to be some catching up. Cruz will be missed greatly, especially this week.
You see it every year.
And after more games, the teams that caught a couple of games are usually exposed. This is your 2014 Dallas Cowboys.
I'd love to be wrong, I'd would love to see a Giants win, I'm just telling you based on how the Giants have played on the season as a whole, not one specific game and how the Cowboys have played om the season so far as a whole it's hard to argue with the beat writers assessment.
If you disagree fine, if you think the Giants will win, great. I hope they do, but I don't think they will and it doesn't make me any less of a fan for not thinking they're going to win.
I can understand the critics, however, I don't understand how so-called Giants fans continue to discount our play against a common opponent as a win against weak team for us and Dallas only having one loss. It's a long season and I feel like Dallas, as they're prone to do, are using up their magic in the early part of the season. Just remember how many times we were 6-2 in the first half of the season only to collapse in the second half.
I don't buy Dallas, their secondary is a joke and Rod Marinelli is not fucking Belichick, it is going to take some tape on the new guys he has in there and the wheels will come off. McClain is going to nosedive, book it. He will get hurt or do something idiotic and if not him you KNOW Bryant will, or Witten will finally give out, or Romo and the team will collapse. They are on thin ice when they play this well, they are not a top to bottom stacked team talent wise and they will not survive the 17 game endurance test and be the best team wire to wire.
Their history is marked with failure because of this owner, QB and head coach. They are all there, they are all NOT going to be perfect for 17 weeks. This team is like a sportscar you just finally got out of the garage that is flying down the road. That unreliable piece of pretty garbage will be in a ditch before it changes into super reliable super car. Fuck the Cowboys, and Jerry Jones and dickface Romo and that Ginger fuck coach. They will tank, TRUST ME.
Couldn't agree more.....you had me at "Romo...beaten to a pulp"!
So, if the Giants beat Dallas, will they be favorites again? Prolly, but derailing the locomotive that is the Cowboy love affair will be difficult. Dallas is looked as the most talented team in the league every single year, regardless of results and reality. Now, with the hot start...ugh. It is all so predictable. And intolerable.
They have run the ball on everyone thus far. If you are running on 1st and 2nd and facing 3rd & 2, they are not getting off the field.
The 1st down defense will be the big key. Can the get the Cowboys into 3rd and long or not.
Can their offense stay out of 3rd and a mile unlike in Philly
This is a home game for Dallas, their OL is dominant even without Free, our secondary is banged up, and of course, we have no LBs or safeties that can cover.
Two keys:
(1) Our DL has to find someway of controlling their OL. I would definitely activate Bromley. He's fresh, and his speciality is getting pressure. This will also take pressure off the secondary.
(2) We have to control the ball. We need to get some production from an unexpected source, maybe Robinson. The Cowboys are going to be gearing up to stop our run, thinking they can just double Beckham and Randle, and live with whatever Donnell gives us.
Dallas will probably win, but if anyone can help us win a game like this, it's Eli.
As Giants fans, we measure our success by winning Super Bowls. Eli's got a pair. How about Blomo? Oh, that's right, he fucking chokes every single time the pressure is on.
Dumb ass Cowboys fans, here's a little quip to keep in your cowshit brains, "they only remember what you do in December".
its really that simple, defense will get better as year goes on, normally does anyway.
all is not lost gentlemen.
I have hope that they'll respond with some fire after being embarrassed in front of a national audience but the above is a very possible outcome.
After several years of everybody thinking the Giants just can turn that SB switch on (and go from being a team not worthy of being called an NFL team)...to a division champion is insane.
See the definition of insane.
Actually, that's moronic. Insane is thinking that way is valid.
Actually, that's moronic. Insane is thinking that way is valid.
You're dealing with silverfox, inarguably the biggest idiot on here and that's saying a lot
That said, the Cowboys are the better team. Ouch that hurts!
they went on their 3-game win streak against bad teams and reverted right back into that laughingstock, unlikable pushover. screw these guys, they deserve everything they get
let's see a smart, well-executed gameplan against a quality opponent. it's been since we flew out to SF in 2012 - 2 years ago - since we've done that. its not so much how great DAL is, its how much of a joke we are after what happened last week.
I also don't see how you can dismiss Dallas's record, especially as it includes a win in the toughest stadium in the league. I know there have been 5-1 teams that have sputtered in the past but the odds are still overwhelmingly high that if you're 5-1 through 6 games, you're a legitimate contender.
they went on their 3-game win streak against bad teams and reverted right back into that laughingstock, unlikable pushover. screw these guys, they deserve everything they get
let's see a smart, well-executed gameplan against a quality opponent. it's been since we flew out to SF in 2012 - 2 years ago - since we've done that. its not so much how great DAL is, its how much of a joke we are after what happened last week.
LOL.. this time last week you were talking about how this was the best team in the NFCE and should win the division.
Who's a hack again?
Check out that roster on the Dallas D. There isn't much there. It will be exposed.
I agree. Marinelli has done a great job so far, but it's with smoke and mirrors. Teams will catch up to his schemes. Hopefully it starts this week.
I was wrong thinking the Giants would win. I still feel like the game revealed a lot about this team and an 8-8 finish looks like reality. With Cruz gone for the year, it would be almost miraculous to finish 10-6.