NFL "what-if" scenarios thread

[7DnBrnc53]

I agree, 7Dn, the Raiders would have beaten the 'Burgh as well. Every season is different from the year before or after, but I'm thinking Oakland wins in the same way they did at Pittsburgh in Wk#2 the following year. However, I don't think they play the Rams as close as you think. IMO its StL by double-digits even if its exactly by ten or maybe 13, 14 pts.

If the Rams win, Warner's legacy (and the GSOT) is much improved. Are they still in St. Louis today? It depends, but maybe another SB title improves the odds of that.

Also, Gruden would be with the Raiders, and not in Tampa (maybe we would see another Rams-Raiders SB because I think the Rams' 02 season is vastly different if they win).

[CSKreager]

What if the 1981 Giants lose at home on the final Saturday at Dallas?

And this isn't even about the 49ers having to win at New Orleans for homefield.

As it turned out, with the Packers/Lions both losing on Sunday, that would have meant............... WASHINGTON after the 0-5 start would have been win-and-in at Anaheim!

Do the Eagles fare any differently vs the Skins than NY (remember Philly lost a crippling December game at RFK on a pick 6)? If not, what if Washington with Gibbs in year one goes from 0-5 to a playoff win and going to ironically Candlestick

[7DnBrnc53]

What if the 1981 Giants lose at home on the final Saturday at Dallas?

And this isn't even about the 49ers having to win at New Orleans for homefield.

As it turned out, with the Packers/Lions both losing on Sunday, that would have meant............... WASHINGTON after the 0-5 start would have been win-and-in at Anaheim!

Do the Eagles fare any differently vs the Skins than NY (remember Philly lost a crippling December game at RFK on a pick 6)? If not, what if Washington with Gibbs in year one goes from 0-5 to a playoff win and going to ironically Candlestick

Here's another angle: Atlanta was 7-8 going into their final game against Cincinnati. They only lost by two, and Bartkowski only played in a part of that game. If they would have had something to play for, and defeated the Bengals, you would have had the Giants, Redskins, Lions, Packers, and Falcons all at 8-8. What a mess.

Also, Cincy would have been knocked down to the 2-seed, but nothing much would have changed unless Andra Franklin doesn't fumble the ball late in the game against the Chargers. Then, they have to go to Miami for the AFC Title Game.

[74_75_78_79_]

How about a what-if, involving the Redskins, in the three seasons leading up to 1981?

George Allen staying in DC thru the '80 campaign.

Do they collapse In '78? Do they get the top-seed in '79? Do they still suffer a losing season the following year?

[SeahawkFever]

How about a what-if, involving the Redskins, in the three seasons leading up to 1981?

George Allen staying in DC thru the '80 campaign.

Do they collapse In '78? Do they get the top-seed in '79? Do they still suffer a losing season the following year?

The biggest consideration I can think of is what veterans are on their team when Gibbs finally gets there.

Consider that a few of the players from the 1982 team were taken in the draft in rounds high enough that George Allen would've probably traded the pick away.

[Brian wolf]

Allen was finally comfortable with Theismann at QB, so I believe the Skins dont have the meltdowns in 78 and 79, with him as coach. That doesnt mean Pardee didnt do a good job. The Skins with Allen probably dont start 6-0 in 1978 but probably finish the season better. Could he have gotten another productive player in a trade in that time-frame till 1980? Could he have pleaded Cooke to sign Riggins in 1980? Maybe without Gibbs joining the team, he gets Dean from SD in 1981 or Hacksaw from the Rams?

[7DnBrnc53]

Also, since Allen stays in Washington past 1977, Bill Walsh would have been hired as Rams coach. They were ready to hire him when Allen became available in OTL (our timeline).