I was watching NFL Live earlier today as they were talking about the Philadelphia Eagles. They were discussing the “Dream Team” label that was placed on them last year and the lack of success they had on the field. This got me thinking about the team that won the Super bowl, The NY Giants. It also got me thinking about the Panthers.

Now I am one of the many who have scratched their heads this offseason when the Panthers seemed to pass on quality CB and DT talent. Some would also argue that we passed on starting caliber DEs and Safety’s. Though the one that sticks out the most is Cornerback. Knowing we have to face Brees, Freeman, and Ryan twice a year you would think the backfield would be a major focus point. Especially knowing we were torched last year by a lot of teams.

So as I was watching all the talk about the “Dream Team” it got me thinking that big names and players with large contracts don’t win you Super Bowls. Which turned my focus to the NY Giants. This team is not short on talent but the players they do have fit their system to a T. The players that are “superstars” are the QB and DEs. However other than that there are players that are very solid. Players like CB Corey Webster, FS Antrel Rolle, SS Kenny Phillips, DT Chris Canty, WR Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, and RB Bradshaw.

Now none of these players are arguably in the top 10 at their position, maybe Antrel Rolle. So what does this have to do with anything? Well looking at are roster and the rosters of both the Eagles and Giants, it is clear we are closer to the Giants than the Eagles. What this tells me is, going out and getting the star players and big names doesn’t work in the NFL like it does in other sports.

To be successful in the NFL you need guys who fit a certain system or getting young players who you can mold into your system. This model of success has worked well for teams like the Packers, Patriots, Steelers, and Giants. So with that being said I think I need to calm down on drooling over big names like Asante Samuel and Terrance Newman and start trusting the FO and are coach to bring in guys they think will be successful in our system.

We are not a bad team. With a rookie coach and a rookie QB we played the SB champs and hung with them until late in the 4th. We also had chances to beat quality teams. If it wasn’t for big plays late in the game and our kicker choking, we could have easily won 9 or 10 games. So I am excited about this team and looking forward to see who will step up this year. I think there are some players who will go from being a liability last year to being a staple this year and years to come.