With the NFL season just around the corner, the results of our first annual LOW preseason poll are in. The poll provides a sampling and analysis of exactly which teams we most like and dislike. The outcome reveals that it’s now safe to state the obvious. That being, LOW is definitely Washington Redskins territory.
47% – REDSKINS – To clear up all confusion for LOW residents who have migrated here from outside the area, HTTR does not stand for “hater”. To wit, HAIL TO THE REDSKINS! As a matter of fact, when asked, most Skins fans don’t simply reply with “I like the Skins”. Oh no. You’re much more likely to hear “HTTR” or an emphatic “I’m a diehard Skins fan!”. This is passionate Redskins territory, rich and deep-rooted in history and tradition.
11% – STEELERS – Steeler fans step up. You are the second most liked team in LOW, acquiring 11% of the vote. Those terrible towels can be spotted on Lakeview Parkway, but more often it seems like the Steeler spare tire covers on rugged Jeeps and SUVs that capture the eye. Not surprisingly, for those of you who voted for the Steelers, your most disliked teams are your AFC Central rival Baltimore Ravens, followed by the New England Patriots (most likely attributed to recent playoff battles including the AFC Championship game loss to the Patriots in January). If you haven’t already, Steeler fans mark your calendar for Ravens matchups, October 1 and December 10.
MOST LIKED:
1. Washington Redskins – 47%
2. Pittsburgh Steelers – 11%
3. Cleveland Browns – 7%
4. Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots (tie) – 5%
5. Dallas Cowboys – 4%
6. Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, and New York Giants (tie) – 3%
7. Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks (tie) – 2%
8. Chargers, Raiders, Colts, Bears, Lions, Jets, 49ers (tie) – 1%
7% – BROWNS – Really?!?! Or were those just sympathy votes? Hey, Browns fans stepped up, at least during this survey. Then again, who doesn’t like dogs? Apparently, 7% really like them. But is this the same 7% of Skins fans loyal to Robert Griffin III when he moved to Cleveland? If so, could it end up being the same 7% that will move their loyalty back to Washington with the Terrell Prior move this preseason from Cleveland? We hear Prior’s a beast. In any case, the shock in this inaugural year’s survey is Cleveland landing the third most liked team. Analogously, perhaps this is the year of the new “Dawg Park” in LOW and an occasional Sunday where the Fairways Café is transformed into a dawg pound. Remember though, Brown’s fans. There is a leash law (tongue-in-cheek).
5% – EAGLES and PATRIOTS – Where were you during this survey, Eagles and Patriots fans? A measly 5% for each? Are Super Bowl Champion Patriots fans too proud to participate in such a paltry and insignificant survey? Hey rough and rowdy Eagle fans, at least you can stand proud for collecting more favorites votes than your Redskin-territory-NFC East-competitors Dallas and New York (Giants).
4% – COWBOYS – Perhaps America’s team, but certainly not LOW’s. This leaves Skins fans wondering though, with only 4%, does Dallas just send up droves and droves of their fans during Skins vs Cowboys week to harass, heckle and wreak havoc? Honestly, do they not seem to be everywhere?
Rest of the Pack:
Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, and New York Giants (tie) – 3%
Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks (tie) – 2%
Chargers, Raiders, Colts, Bears, Lions, Jets, 49ers (tie) – 1%
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MOST DISLIKED:
- Dallas Cowboys – 46%
- New England Patriots – 17%
- Pittsburgh Steelers – 10%
- Washington Redskins – 8%
- Baltimore Ravens – 6%
- Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants (tie) – 3%
- Seattle Seahawks – 2%
- Browns, Raiders, Packers, Bengals, Jets – 1%
46% – COWBOYS – Is it any coincidence that as much as everyone loves the Skins, a nearly exact equal amount dislikes the Cowboys? This storied rivalry is arguably the best in football. Mark your calendar for this year’s showdowns, Sunday, October 29 at 4:25 PM, and the Thanksgiving classic Thursday, November 30 at 8:25 PM.
17% – PATRIOTS – Success breeds contempt, especially among the rest of the NFL. The Patriots enter this season attempting to win three Super Bowls in a four-year span, for the second time since 2001. Let’s face it, everyone likes an underdog and Patriots, you are certainly no underdog.
10% – STEELERS – Loved and hated in nearly equal amounts. Not much movement in free agency this year for the Steelers, and the wait and see is out on T.J. Watt as first round pick.
8% – REDSKINS – Consists mostly of NFC East rivals that have invaded LOW. 😊
6% – RAVENS – These are all Steeler fans. 😊
Rest of the Pack:
Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants (tie) – 3%
Seattle Seahawks – 2%
Browns, Raiders, Packers, Bengals, Jets – 1%
Surprisingly, there were a few teams that did not receive any votes. Those teams are: Dolphins, Cardinals, Rams, Buccaneers, Panthers, Jaguars, Falcons, Texans, Chiefs, Vikings, Saints and Titans.
Last thoughts on the NFC East and the upcoming season: The NFC East is a great conference to watch and in recent years the title appears to be up for grabs again and again. Looking towards 2017, the Skins are the first team to lose two 1,000-yard receivers in the same off-season as DeSean Jackson signed with the Buccaneers and Pierre Garcon is gone to the 49ers. The Cowboys took quite a hit to their defense from free agency. In New York Eli Manning has a new target opposite Odell Beckham Jr. in Brandon Marshall, and Carson Wentz has a year of experience under his belt after being thrown in the fire in Philadelphia. But the big change and big question this year is, can we all bear to imagine Tony Romo in the broadcast booth?
Survey Note: Results are based on 112 “most liked” and 108 “most disliked” replies, with a reasonable level of assurance that all who replied are LOW residents (survey conducted via Facebook “Lake of the Woods CommUNITY VA” group, which is administered exclusively for LOW residents). Thanks to all who responded!
