I will not be writing any more NFL Observations posts. I've enjoyed the process of watching all the games the last two years, posting all my thoughts, getting feedback, and repeating the next week. I've learned a ton about the NFL while improving my writing. But the whole thing takes so much time there has to be financial motivation. With the dissolution of the betting corp, that motivation is gone. Unless I find a publisher that pays more than The Exception, there will be no more Observations.
I still love watching NFL football of course - this isn't the end of football-related blogging. I'll keep posting the picks as well as weekly power rankings, and a giant season recap is already in the works.
Thanks to everyone who has read the Observations, and special thanks to all those who have posted a comment. The Observations have been an important stepping stone in my writing "career" - a career I will be talking more about in a few days. ___
Fascinating things are happening late in the season - things we thought we knew for sure are now in doubt. Contenders are coming out of the woodwork, while the perceived juggernauts are fading fast. Many teams appear to be peaking or cratering right this moment.
The power rankings reflect this. Yellow signifies a team ranked higher than they have been at any point the last six weeks, and red signifies a team ranked lower than they have been at any point the last six weeks.
32. Detroit (32) 31. St. Louis (31) 30. Kansas City (30) 29. Seattle (29) 28. Buffalo (25) 27. Tampa Bay (27) 26. Cleveland (28) 25. Oakland (24) 24. Washington (23) 23. Chicago (26) 22. Jacksonville (21) 21. New York Jets (20) 20. San Francisco (17) 19. Atlanta (19) 18. Carolina (22) 17. Miami (16) 16. New York Giants (14) 15. Tennessee (11) 14. Houston (18) 13. Denver (15) 12. Baltimore (13) 11. Pittsburgh (12) 10. Cincinnati (9) 9. Arizona (10)
The Contenders
I see no difference between #8 and #1 at this point. But if I had to rank them: 8. Philadelphia (4) just cause I don't trust Andy Reid 7. Indianapolis (1)because they have angered the Football Gods by throwing an undefeated season in the garbage. Can they really go four weeks between trying and expect to be the same team? 6. San Diego (7) is obviously going to suffer an upset loss now that everyone believes in them 5. Green Bay (5) will have to win three tough road games to make the Super Bowl 4. Minnesota (3)is not the same team without E.J. Henderson 3. Dallas(8) is getting tremendous play from its defensive line, and this is the time of the season when defensive lines take over. 2. New Orleans (2) is suffering from mass sphincter-tightening 1. New England(6) is peaking on offense and defense and is still the best-coached team of the contenders.
STEELERS -2.5 over Ravens REDSKINS +7 over Cowboys
Also like:
PATRIOTS -8 over Jaguars Chiefs +13.5 over BENGALS
If forced to choose:
NINERS -13 over Lions Panthers +7.5 over GIANTS TITANS -3 over Chargers Jets +5.5 over COLTS Raiders +3 over BROWNS Bills +9 over FALCONS BEARS +7 over Vikings DOLPHINS -2.5 over Texans Seahawks +14 over PACKERS Broncos +7 over EAGLES Rams +14.5 over CARDINALS Bucs +14 over SAINTS
Three Team Teaser of the Week: REDSKINS +17 over Cowboys plus PATRIOTS +2 over Jaguars plus NINERS -3 over Lions
Lock season record: 1-0 Really like season record: 4-8 Also like season record: 36-45 If forced to choose season record: 64-63-3 Teaser season record: 4-5 All games season record: 105-116-3
1. Peyton Manning is the greatest executioner of bad teams the NFL has ever seen. It takes a brainy, diabolical defense to take him down.
2. The Buffalo Bills have proven that no matter how talented your running backs and wide receivers are, there is nothing more important in the NFL than the quarterback and his offensive line.
3. New England's offense is nothing special without the deep strikes to Randy Moss.
4. I was happy to see Lions rookie safety Louis Delmas house one for 100 yards against the Cardinals, as he has played hard and well all season.
5. You know how people are always saying "that guy is a warrior" or "I would go to war with that guy" or "that's a guy you want in your foxhole"? Well, if I had to go to war with one NFL player, it would be Anquan Boldin. That guy is a warrior.
6. It's funny to think Jason Snelling was actually looking better than Michael Turner earlier this season. He looks very mediocre now. Turner's injury could not have been timed worse for the Falcons.
7. Atlanta OC Mike Mularkey has been a huge disappointment this season after virtuoso work in '08.
8. But not as big a disappointment as DE John Abraham, who went from Defensive MVP candidate to average pass rusher.
9. Brad Smith is an interesting player I've never discussed here. His skill set is pretty similar to that of Josh Cribbs. It's rarely a bad idea to call a play for Smith or Cribbs, especially considering their starting quarterbacks.
10. The Jets played a great defensive game for 58 minutes, then forgot to cover Tony Gonzalez on fourth down in a spot where Matt Ryan would obviously be looking his way.
11. You would think a team that scored 41 points would have had a strong performance from its quarterback, but that wasn't the case for the Browns on Sunday. Brady Quinn, who will miss the last two games of the season, has rarely looked good duringhis pro career. Cleveland basically had the exact same season from their quarterbacks as they had in 2008, and they are in the exact same position as they were a year ago.
12. A friend was asking me why Josh Cribbs has more kickoff return touchdowns than anyone in league history. I didn't have a great answer, but watching the two Cribbs TDs this week, I realized that it's the combination of everything. He isn't as fast as Ted Ginn or as balanced as Devin Hester. He doesn't have the moves of Dante Hall or the power of Maurice Jones-Drew, but he isn't lacking in any quality. It all starts with vision, fearlessness, and attitude, and it ends with speed. The difference with Cribbs is that he can break a tackle OR juke a guy if the traditional method (find a hole and run past everyone) isn't readily available.
13. I love how Kansas City traded away All-Pros at defensive end and tight end, and now they could really use a decent defensive end and tight end.
14. Although he will be a chic second round pick in 2010 fantasy drafts, there has never been a moment when I was impressed by something Jamaal Charles did on the football field. He is fast, but not Chris Johnson fast.
15. The Chief I like as a fantasy sleeper in 2010 is Matt Cassel. He's a gamer.
16. Vince Young converts a couple third downs every game with his legs. Two bonus first downs per game makes a huge difference.
17. Miami had a nice call trailing 24-6 facing a fourth and three from the 27 yard line with five and a half minutes left in the third quarter against the Titans. It's easy to panic and go for it there, but kicking the field goal is a smarter play when you have a decent kicker.
18. Tie game. Miami has the ball. Second and six from their own five yard line. 53 seconds left. Tennessee has all three timeouts left; Miami has one. Jeff Fisher didn't call timeout here, instead letting the game run out to overtime.
I thought this was the worst coaching decision of the entire season. Miami has little big play ability. The chances of the Dolphins getting the ball into field goal range in this situation cannot be good. They are just going to try to get a first down. The Titans, however, have a great shot at getting a field goal attempt of their own in this situation. All they have to do is stop the Dolphins - who are backed up in their own zone - from getting a first down and they will get the ball around midfield or better with more than thirty seconds on the clock. They will also have a timeout if they force an incomplete pass. Horrible, horrible endgame from Fisher and the Titans staff.
19. Philadelphia's offensive design is excellent. They do such an amazing job at shifting the pocket, manipulating the line of scrimmage, finding mismatches, and attacking defenses. It's a little strange because they seem to have a hard time adjusting when the plan doesn't work. Every season they have one or two games where they just cannot find any answers on offense - despite looking like world-beaters in most of their other games. Make no mistake about it - Philly can win the Super Bowl. Their A-game is as strong as anyone's.
20. Green Bay's defense is like Philly's offense in that it looks very good most of the time, but occasionally has off games where they can't stop anybody. The Pack is like Philly in that they could get hot and make a Super Bowl run, but they are clearly flawed and could never be considered elite.
21. I just want everyone to know that even though San Diego is 10-3, even though he's been making a mark on the record books lately, even though his team pays their running backs more than anyone else, LaDainian Tomlinson is the worst starting tailback in the league. You think LT could run for 286 yards in a game? I just cannot get over how wimpy his speed/power combination is. He never, ever breaks a tackle and he can't outrun anyone either.
22. The Chargers started 2-3. They have suffered numerous key injuries. They have no running back and no defensive line. Yet they have won nine games in a row and will probably get a bye the first round of the playoffs. They have one of the most innovative offenses in the league. It seems comical to even think about it, but don't we need to start considering Norv Turner for Coach of the Year?
23. Here's a classic example of clock-butchering that I see all the time. Bengals with the ball down 14-10. Carson Palmer throws a pass over the middle to Andre Caldwell, who is tackled for a Bengals first down at the seven yard line with 35 seconds left. The Bengals have one timeout left, but decide not to use it here. Instead, they get everyone to the line and spike the ball with 22 seconds left. On second and third downs, Palmer throws incompletions, and Cincy kicks a field goal with ten seconds left in the half. They go to the half with a timeout in their pocket.
The thinking behind spiking the ball on first down is to save the timeout in case of a sack. But it's so hard to convert a touchdown from the seven, you need as many cracks at it as you can get. Calling a timeout rather than spiking the ball gives you time to take three shots - passing - at the end zone, and then you can still kick the field goal on fourth down. If there is a sack on first or second down, you can spike the ball and still have time to kick a field goal. If there is a sack on third down, you will probably still have time as well.
That clock management error along with a couple punts the Bengals failed to pin and a horrifying false start/delay of game/delay of game trifecta really hurt them in this hugely meaningful game.
24. Is Kyle Orton the least mobile quarterback in the NFL? He really goes down easy, and you will never see him make an athletic play.
25. I think Michael Bush would be a major star on a lot of teams.
26. The Giants are perhaps the best example of why my NFL picks have been so bad this season. I hung with them after their losing streak began, counting them amongst the league's best teams. Then, finally I admitted my mistake and put them back in the pack of mediocrity - just as they got it together and became contenders again. I don't know what to think of these teams, I don't know if the Saints are fading or hiccuping, I don't know if the Eagles or Patriots will cruise through the playoffs or go down in round one, I don't know if the Chargers are the league's best team or ripe for an upset, and I don't know which of the eight AFC Wild Card contenders are going to make it in. I just know that anyone can win on Any Given Sunday, I really want to see a Packers/Vikings playoff game, I am excited to see playoff football in the Superdome, and luck and variance will have great impact on who walks away with the title.
Defensive Breakout Player of the Week: James Anderson, Carolina Offensive Breakout Player of the Week: Travelle Wharton, Carolina Defensive Coordinator of the Week: Ron Meeks, Carolina Offensive Coordinator of the Week: Bruce Arians, Pittsburgh Defensive MVP of the Week: Anthony Spencer, Dallas Offensive MVP of the Week: Josh Cribbs, Cleveland
Power Rankings:
32. Detroit (32) 31. St. Louis (30) 30. Kansas City (29) 29. Tampa Bay (31) 28. Cleveland (28) 27. Seattle (25) 26. Chicago (24) 25. Buffalo (27) 24. Oakland (26) 23. Washington (19) 22. Carolina (23) 21. Jacksonville (21) 20. New York Jets (22) 19. Atlanta (20) 18. Houston (18) 17. San Francisco (17) 16. Miami (15) 15. Denver (13) 14. New York Giants (16) 13. Baltimore (12) 12. Pittsburgh (11) 11. Tennessee (14) 10. Arizona (10) 9. Cincinnati (8) 8. Dallas (9) 7. San Diego (6) 6. New England (4) 5. Green Bay (5) 4. Philadelphia (7) 3. Minnesota (3) 2. New Orleans (1) 1. Indianapolis (2)
SEAHAWKS -6.5 over Bucs STEELERS -2 over Packers CHIEFS -2 over Browns PANTHERS +9 over Vikings REDSKINS +2.5 over Giants
If forced to choose:
Patriots -7 over BILLS Bengals +7 over CHARGERS RAMS +14 over Texans Falcons +5.5 over JETS LIONS +13 over Cardinals Bears +11 over RAVENS EAGLES -7.5 over Niners Colts -3.5 over JAGUARS $ Dolphins +5 over TITANS Cowboys +7.5 over SAINTS Raiders +14 over BRONCOS
Three Team Teaser of the Week:
Lock season record: 1-0 Really like season record: 4-8 Also like season record: 35-41 If forced to choose season record: 55-62-2 Teaser season record: 4-5 All games season record: 95-111-2
1. The NFL Network flashed an amazing stat during Thursday’s Pittsburgh/Cleveland game. The Steelers were the first team since the 1998 Denver Broncos to play their first twelve games without ever facing a deficit of more than seven points. Yet they lost six of those games. The Steelers this season have
beaten the Chargers, Vikings, and Broncos
lost to the Bears, Chiefs, Raiders, and Browns
lost seven games by a touchdown or less, including four by three points
lost five consecutive games
blown fourth quarter leads in five of their losses
one of the worst special teams units in the league
not used their timeouts efficiently
appeared to have little relationship between clock management and play calling
had critical assignment breakdowns on offense, defense, and special teams.
What does this tell us? It tells us the Steelers are one of the worst-coached teams in the NFL.
2. You know it’s gone bad when Hines Ward isn’t smiling.
3. The Denver Broncos kept beating their heads (and running backs) into a brick wall against the Colts, repeatedly running up the middle on third and fourth and short with no success.
4. I'm not impressed with Matt Moore.
5. Carolina had some bad luck on penalties against the Patriots. If not for that, the Panthers would have had a shot.
6. Seattle's third and fourth down checkdowns are sad to watch.
7. Seems like at least half of Jay Cutler's interceptions are miscommunications of some sort.
8. The Lions ran a fake QB sneak on third and short against the Ravens, looking for a big play. They didn't get the big play, but Daunte Culpepper was able to scramble outside for a first down. I continue to love Detroit's coaching. I just hope they can get some players in there. The talent level, particularly after the best ten players on the roster, is incredibly low. Watching Ray Rice and Wilis McGahee run circles around them was just kind of sad. With Kevin Smith out for the season, Matt Stafford fighting through an injury, and Louis Delmas banged up, the Lions would be wise to cash in their chips and look towards 2010. Ndamukong Suh could help turn things around.
9. Ryan Fitzpatrick made the best block I've ever seen by a quarterback this week against the Chiefs, springing Marshawn Lynch for a big gain.
10. For the first half of the 2007 season, the New England Patriots blew away everyone they faced. As the season wore on, teams figured out a few ways to limit the explosiveness of New England's offense and the gaps closed. The Patriots kept winning, but the games were closer. The New Orleans Saints crushed all comers the first half of this season, but have had a much harder time winning the last several weeks. They are still winning, but the games are coming down to the last minute. The difference between the Saints and '07 Patriots is on the other side of the ball. The Saints have suffered several key injuries to their defense, and they are having a hard time stopping people. The Saints are vulnerable in the playoffs, because their defense might have a hard time getting off the field. The New Orleans crowd will help.
Meanwhile, NO's offense is as unstoppable as it has ever been. The Saints attack the field short, medium, and long. They do everything right. I don't believe they can be stopped, not for long.
11. Reggie Bush played well against the Falcons, though that defense has been known to make a lot of players look good.
12. Tampa Bay had 18 plays for 15 yards in the first half Sunday against the Jets. They finished the game with 124 yards. This was a game where the offense did more harm than good.
13. Kellen Clemens is awful. He should be out of the league within a few years.
14. Miami's young corners are getting better.
15. As bad as Keith Null and the Rams are on offense, they might be worse on defense. Richie Incognito is an idiot and had his release coming for a long time, but cutting out cancers won't help the Rams. They are incredibly light on talent. It's hard to imagine this team competing in 2010.
16. A fake punt was the Rams best offensive play Sunday against the Titans.
17. The Titans have now lost a game by 59 and won a game by 40.
18. Not sure why Gary Russell returns kicks for the Raiders. They have plenty of burners.
19. Darren McFadden came to play Sunday. The Raiders don't need three tailbacks. They probably should have taken a 2008 offer of a San Diego second round pick for Michael Bush.
20. ***Guest Observation of the Week*** Before the season I said Jason Campbell was the third most intriguing player of the season and wrote "During or after the season, Campbell will become a superstar and sign a gargantuan contract to become one of the highest-paid players in the league, or he will become a second-stringer with a small contract and little hope of playing in meaningful games. There is little middle ground." My friend Zaxelrod from DC wrote "Love that you have Jason Campbell at #3 - it's certainly a big issue around Washington, but I'm not sure I agree that he becomes a huge star or nothing. I do believe, however, that he proves himself as a more than serviceable starter or nothing, and if the former, then he tries to force DC to pay too much (we're good at that); deservedly so for having to put up with Dan the Man. Point being, I think the most likely outcome is that he proves to be a good, serviceable quarterback and then fights for superstar money if the Skins want to keep him from going to a better situation."
It appears Zaxelrod hit the nail on the head. The Skins are going to have a very interesting offseason.
21. As expected, Washington/Oakland was a tough, competitive battle between two underrated teams - before Bruce Gradkowski got hurt, JaMarcus Russell came in, and the Raiders returned to laughingstock territory.
22. Washington's front seven is really playing well right now.
23. I think if Devin Thomas can step it up some more next year, it will open up more opportunities for Santana Moss.
24. San Diego's Kassim Osgood is incredible on punt coverage. He looks like the best non-returner special-teams player out there right now. My 2010 Pro Bowl ballot:
Quarterbacks
AFC: Peyton Manning Philip Rivers Carson Palmer
NFC: Drew Brees Brett Favre Aaron Rodgers
I went Palmer over Tom Brady cause of Brady's early-season struggles. Kurt Warner was also considered.
Running Backs
AFC: Chris Johnson Maurice Jones-Drew Ray Rice
NFC: Steven Jackson DeAngelo Williams Adrian Peterson
Obvious choice here, didn't consider anyone else.
Wide Receivers
AFC: Andre Johnson Reggie Wayne Brandon Marshall Vincent Jackson
NFC: Donald Driver Larry Fitzgerald DeSean Jackson Steve Smith Giants
Tough category, especially in the AFC where I left out both Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Vincent Jackson is just impossible to cover on the deep ball.
Tight Ends
AFC: Dallas Clark Antonio Gates
NFC: Vernon Davis Tony Gonzalez
I'm not sure how good Vernon Davis actually is and probably should have gone with Jason Witten because of his superior blocking, but Davis does lead the NFL in TD catches.
Centers
Honestly anyone I put down here would be because of word of mouth, not anything I saw myself.
Tackles
AFC: Michael Roos Ryan Clady David Stewart
NFC: Donald Penn Jeff Otah Bryant McKinnie
Bad year for tackles. Few had great seasons. Two Tennessee Titans, which makes me wonder if they are making Chris Johnson look good or vice versa.
Guards
See centers.
Fullbacks
AFC: Lousaka Polite
NFC: Leonard Weaver
Weaver isn't actually on the field that much, but he is a terror with the ball in his hands and has done as much for Philadelphia's offense as any of their other new additions.
Strong Safeties
AFC: Brian Dawkins
NFC: Adrian Wilson
Two stone-cold sickos. I continue to marvel at how Adrian Wilson plays the game. If he had ball skills he would be even better than Troy Polamalu.
Cornerbacks
AFC: Darrelle Revis Leon Hall Nnamdi Asomugha
NFC: Charles Woodson Chris Gamble Aqib Talib
The AFC is incredibly competitive in this category this season. I had to leaveChamp Bailey, Brandon Flowers, and Jonathan Joseph off.
Defensive Ends
AFC: Dwight Freeney Robert Mathis Aaron Schobel
NFC: Jared Allen Trent Cole Adewale Ogunleye
Tough call in the NFC, where I also considered Cullen Jenkins, Will Smith, Julius Peppers, Johny Jolly, and Calais Campbell.
Defensive Tackles
AFC: Haloti Ngata Vince Wilfork Domata Peko
NFC: Darnell Dockett Albert Haynesworth Pat Williams
Haynesworth was a tough call because he's banged up so much, but he's such a monster when he's in there.
Free Safeties
AFC: Ed Reed
NFC: Darren Sharper
It will be interesting to see if Buffalo rookie Jairus Byrd gets voted in, as he leads the league in interceptions.
Inside Linebackers
AFC: Gary Brackett David Harris
NFC: Patrick Willis Jonathan Vilma Brackett is now an All-Pro in my book.
Outside Linebackers
AFC: James Harrison Tamba Hali Clint Session
NFC: DeMarcus Ware Chad Greenway Parys Haralson
Harrison is the only Pittsburgh Steeler on my ballot - just as Hali is the only Kansas City Chief. Perhaps the Steelers are not as talented as we all assume. Sack leader Elvis Dumervil is one of the most overrated players in the league - he can't defend the run and most of his sacks sprout from Denver's incredible secondary and scheme.
Kick Returners
AFC: Ted Ginn
NFC: Percy Harvin
I love the way Darren Sproles and Eric Weems approach kick returns. They could be the best, but Ginn and Harvin have had more big plays this season.
Kickers
AFC: Sebastian Janikowski
NFC: Ryan Longwell Quietly, Longwell has only missed one field goal this season.
Punters
AFC: Mike Scifres
NFC: Andy Lee
Shane Lechler has the gaudy average, but his finesse game cannot match Scifres. Andy Lee is fantastic.
Special Teamers
AFC: Kassim Osgood
NFC: blank
25. If Larry Fitzgerald is double or triple-covered, why throw him the ball? I understand the Cardinals are trying to generate some big plays, but they’re beating a dead horse here. Throw it underneath.
26. I feel like I’ve said everything there is to say about the Arizona Cardinals. Their passing attack is very high-variance. Tim Hightower can’t run and Beanie Wells can’t block. Both fumble. Adrian Wilson is a beast. They can beat anyone or lose to anyone. But wow, that offensive line was atrocious Monday night.
Goat of the Week: Richie Incognito, St. Louis (now Buffalo) Defensive Breakout Player of the Week: Darcel McBath, Denver Offensive Breakout Player of the Week: Danny Woodhead, New York Jets Defensive Coordinator of the Week: Rob Ryan, Cleveland Offensive Coordinator of the Week: Marty Mornhinweg, Philadelphia Defensive MVP of the Week: Gary Brackett, Indianapolis Offensive MVP of the Week: Brandon Marshall, Denver
Power Rankings:
32. Detroit (31) 31. Tampa Bay (30) 30. St. Louis (29) 29. Kansas City (28) 28. Cleveland (32) 27. Buffalo (27) 26. Oakland (23) 25. Seattle (24) 24. Chicago (25) 23. Carolina (26) 22. New York Jets (22) 21. Jacksonville (21) 20. Atlanta (20) 19. Washington (19) 18. Houston (18) 17. San Francisco (17) 16. New York Giants (16) 15. Miami (15) 14. Tennessee (14) 13. Denver (13) 12. Baltimore (12) 11. Pittsburgh (7) 10. Arizona (10) 9. Dallas (11) 8. Cincinnati (5) 7. Philadelphia (9) 6. San Diego (8) 5. Green Bay (6) 4. New England (4) 3. Minnesota (3) 2. Indianapolis (2) 1. New Orleans (1)
Badly Drawn Boy - The Shining (Avalanches Good Word for the Weekend Remix)
This has to be the most obscure track on the list, stumbled upon accidentally in the Napster days while trying to download Badly Drawn Boy's Hour of Bewilderbeast album.
Rams +13 over TITANS Steelers -10 over BROWNS X COWBOYS -3 over Chargers
If forced to choose:
TEXANS -6.5 over Seahawks Eagles +1 over GIANTS NINERS +3.5 over Cardinals PATRIOTS -13 over Panthers Broncos +7 over COLTS Bengals +6.5 over VIKINGS FALCONS +10.5 over Saints RAVENS -13.5 over Lions Packers -3.5 over BEARS Jets -3.5 over BUCS CHIEFS +1 over Bills Redskins -1 over RAIDERS
Three Team Teaser of the Week: PATRIOTS -3 over Panthers plus CHIEFS +11 over Bills plus Redskins +9 over RAIDERS
Lock season record: 1-0 Really like season record: 3-8 Also like season record: 35-38 If forced to choose season record: 47-58-2 Teaser season record: 3-5 All games season record: 86-104-2
1. Thursday night football, Jets vs Bills, was a showdown of the two worst starting quarterbacks in the league. As bad as Mark Sanchez and Ryan Fitzpatrick are, Kellen Clemens is worse. The Jets would be a clear-cut playoff team if they had a quarterback.
2. Paul Posluszny is a nice young player when he’s not injured.
3. Matt Millen is a damn good color commentator. He seems to know everything about everything. You can see how he became Detroit’s GM, but you can’t see why he sucked so badly at that position.
4. In a meaningless game against the Rams, Jay Cutler played one of his best games of the season. He was kept on a short leash.
5. Meanwhile, opposing quarterback Kyle Boller played one of the worst games any quarterback has played this season.
6. I thought Tennessee's 4th down fade play to Kenny Britt was one of the worst calls of the season. They called a timeout to think it over, too. You have Vince Young's legs, you have Chris Johnson, you have capable tight ends, and you call a static finesse pass play from Young to a rookie wide receiver. Made no sense.
7. The Chiefs have at least one good player in their front seven, 26 year-old DE Tamba Hali. He had ten tackles and three sacks against the Broncos.
8. Oakland's win in Pittsburgh, the biggest upset of the season, was not a fluke. The Raiders didn't get lucky. Oakland's last drive had a few wild plays, but overall it was an even game. The Raiders with Bruce Gradkowski are just not that bad a team. All season long the Raiders were better than the truly horrid dregs of the league in every area, but their quarterback kept letting them down. Quarterback is no longer a huge weakness for the Raiders - and they are no longer a punchline.
9. Shane Lechler is overrated. His finesse punting is nothing special.
10. Ben Roethlisberger has cost the Steelers a couple games with Cutler-like bad decisions in the red zone.
11. The Saints winning in Washington, on the other hand, was one of the flukiest wins of the year (unless you are a Redskins fan and saw this one coming the whole game). The Redskins had
a dropped interception,
a punt hitting a blocker which was recovered by the Saints for a turnover
a missed 23 yard field goal,
and this - the wildest play of the season
If any of these things don't happen, the Redskins likely win the game.
12. With Fred Davis and Chris Cooley, the Skins will be a little too rich and redundant at tight end in 2010. The Skins should trade Cooley in the offseason for an offensive lineman or draft pick(s).
13. Sign me up for Devin Thomas in fantasy 2010.
14. I've always felt Sammy Morris is New England's best runner. When he's healthy, he breaks more tackles than Laurence Maroney or Kevin Faulk.
15. Davone Bess is one of my favorite players, because his game is all about smarts and hard work. Physically, he is one of the least gifted wide receivers on an NFL roster. He is neither large nor fast. But he has good balance, runs great routes, and catches most everything thrown his way. The Dolphins are in a weird situation with their wide receivers. They have four young guys with different skill sets - Bess, Ted Ginn, Brian Hartline, and Patrick Turner. Greg Camarillo is also in the mix. The problem is, none of these guys are gamechangers and it doesn't appear any of them ever will be. The Dolphins have found ways to use all these guys, but they will never be a top-flight offense without a legitimate WR.
16. Miami's management of the clock is shaky. I am leaning Sean Payton over Tony Sparano for Coach of the Year.
17. Jacksonville's crowd is officially the worst in the NFL.
18. The 7-5 Jaguars have not beaten a team with a winning record this season and have a scoring differential of -48 on the season.
19. Rex Grossman has attempted only nine passes on the season, but those were enough to cost the Texans a must-win game they should have had in Jacksonville. He could also cost Gary Kubiak his job.
20. Houston just keeps inventing new ways to lose critical games in gutwrenching fashion. A Chris Brown INT in the end zone was the latest culprit. Chris/Kris Brown have cost the Texans 2-4 games.
21. I’m telling you guys, Josh Freeman and Josh Johnson are the same player. Any talk that Freeman takes care of the ball better than Johnson was put to bed on Sunday.
22. Tampa Bay had 469 yards of offense and scored six points against the Panthers.
23. Antonio Bryant made the catch of the year against the Panthers, but nobody was watching. I can't find it on youtube.
24. Dan Fouts is driving me nuts. Please, please get rid of him, CBS.
25. Leroy Hill got away with pass interference on San Francisco's Delanie Walker on fourth and goal.
26. Linebackers can't handle Vernon Davis. This season it has become clear why Davis was one of the highest drafted tight ends in NFL history. You don't usually see underachieving "athletic" players suddenly blossom in the NFL (and Davis did drop a touchdown Sunday), but it does happen. Vernon's quarterback, Alex Smith, is another example. Both Davis and Smith will be intriguing fantasy options in 2010. The most stunningly effective fantasy players of the season:
13. Cedric Benson 12. Aaron Rodgers 11. Mike Wallace 10. Mario Manningham 9. Johnny Knox 8. Percy Harvin 7. Ricky Williams 6. Ray Rice 5. Steve Smith Giants 4. Vernon Davis 3. Mike Sims-Walker 2. Miles Austin 1. Sidney Rice
27. Frank Gore has had a high-variance season, and I'm not sure why. Usually scatbacks see big swings in their production, not hosses like Gore.
28. Julius Jones might be the least intimidating starting tailback in the league.
29. San Francisco should have beaten Seattle. They have a better team. Myriad mistakes including poor clock management in the last minute cost the Niners the game.
30. Brady Quinn puts up just good enough numbers against bad defenses (Detroit, San Diego) to make the Browns consider him for the future instead of going in a new direction.
31. There aren't a whole lot of ways to describe Philip Rivers other than "good." OK, maybe "douchebag." "Chode" works too.
32. I can't believe a team with a defensive line as bad as San Diego's is 9-3.
33. Giants 31, Cowboys 24 was an old-school Giants result, but if you watched closely, their level of play was not what it was earlier in the season. The defensive line was better than it has been in recent weeks, but the running game, specifically the running backs, are not where they were at the beginning of the year.
34. Sometimes it all comes together for the Arizona Cardinals. The finesse passing game is unstoppable when functioning properly. It's easily disrupted, which is why the Cardinals sometimes look so terrible. Arizona doesn't have a "secondary" offense to fall back on, like the Saints have developed this year, but in the right situation, they are like the Saints. Arizona has a better running game than last year as well as a better defense. It's unlikely they will make another Super Bowl run, but the chances of it happening are higher than they were last year at this time. A hot Cardinals team is capable of taking out the Saints or Vikings in the playoffs.
35. The big trend this week in the NFL was the pop-up kickoff, the high-arcing pooch that usually lands around the 30 yard line. I have no clue why so many teams went to the pop-up this week, or would ever use it. There is a chance that it could be mishandled by the blocker that has to field it, but usually it just gives the receiving team better than average field position.
36. Domonique Foxworth is having a rough year. I don’t have the numbers, but I would imagine he’s been burned more than any other corner in the league this season. Don’t feel sorry for Foxy though – he’s being paid kindly for his troubles.
37. Everybody knows Baltimore’s cornerbacks stink, so they do everything they can to attack them and avoid the front seven. They need Ed Reed back there to strike some fear into opposing quarterbacks, but they really need a good young corner to rebuild the secondary around. Trouble is, they also need wideouts. And those linebackers aren’t getting any younger. And…
38. Todd Heap’s inability to exploit AJ Hawk in pass coverage was one of the keys to Green Bay’s castration of Baltimore on Monday night. The Ravens need to get hold of a tight end as well. Ozzie Newsome will have his hands full this offseason.
39. The more I see of Ryan Grant the less I like. Expect the Packers to use a high pick on a running back in April.
40. I am no college football expert, but my from my vantage point, Ndamukong Suh is the obvious choice for the Heisman Trophy. He is the most talented player in college. He does more to change the game than anyone else. He and Nebraska's kicker/punter extraordinaire Alex Henery are the only good players on the team, yet they are top 25 and almost knocked off undefeated Texas for the Big XII Championship despite no contributions from anyone else. Suh is the consensus top prospect for the 2010 NFL Draft. There are no obvious candidates who play offense. Suh had twelve sacks as a nose tackle and led the team in tackles as a nose tackle despite constant double teams. He is the most dominant defensive player I can remember coming out of college. Everybody knows he is a better overall player than Tim Tebow, Mark Ingram, Toby Gerhart, and Colt McCoy. I mean seriously, who had a bigger impact on that Big XII Championship, McCoy or Suh? We all know Texas wins at least ten games every season no matter who their quarterback is, and Alabama might still be undefeated without Ingram. But Nebraska is just a boring also-ran without Suh. So give him the damn trophy already.
Goat of the Week: Shaun Suisham, Washington (now unemployed) Defensive Breakout Player of the Week: Jamar Williams, Chicago Offensive Breakout Player of the Week: Devin Thomas, Washington Defensive Coordinator of the Week: Bill Davis, Arizona Offensive Coordinator of the Week: Russ Grimm/Mike Miller/Ken Whisenhunt, Arizona Defensive MVP of the Week: Darrelle Revis, New York Jets Offensive MVP of the Week: Philip Rivers, San Diego
Power Rankings:
32. Cleveland (32) 31. Detroit (31) 30. Tampa Bay (30) 29. St. Louis (29) 28. Kansas City (28) 27. Buffalo (26) 26. Carolina (23) 25. Chicago (24) 24. Seattle (25) 23. Oakland (27) 22. New York Jets (21) 21. Jacksonville (22) 20. Atlanta (19) 19. Washington (20) 18. Houston (16) 17. San Francisco (18) 16. New York Giants (17) 15. Miami (15) 14. Tennessee (14) 13. Denver (12) 12. Baltimore (7) 11. Dallas (10) 10. Arizona (13) 9. Philadelphia (11) 8. San Diego (8) 7. Pittsburgh (5) 6. Green Bay (9) 5. Cincinnati (6) 4. New England (4) 3. Minnesota (2) 2. Indianapolis (3) 1. New Orleans (1)
REDSKINS +9.5 over Saints Jets -3 over BILLS $ Broncos -5 over CHIEFS Texans -1 over JAGUARS Rams +9.5 over BEARS Vikings -3.5 over CARDINALS Cowboys -1 over GIANTS Ravens +3.5 over PACKERS
If forced to choose:
PANTHERS -5 over Bucs BENGALS -13 over Lions Chargers -13 over BROWNS FALCONS +5.5 over Eagles Titans +6.5 over COLTS Raiders +14.5 over STEELERS SEAHAWKS +1 over Niners DOLPHINS +4.5 over Patriots
Three Team Teaser of the Week:
BENGALS -3 over Lions plus Chargers -3 over BROWNS plus SEAHAWKS +11 over Niners
Lock season record: 1-0 Really like season record: 3-8 Also like season record: 31-34 If forced to choose season record: 43-54-2 Teaser season record: 2-5 All games season record: 78-96-2
1. Kevin Smith is averaging 3.5 yards per carry this season and 3.8 for his career. So why do I feel like he's a good back?
2. A decent chunk of Miles Austin's 7 catch, 145 yard performance against the Raiders came against the legendary Nnamdi Asomugha.
3. Last season Arizona travelled cross-country to Philadelphia Thanksgiving night and got annihalated by a previously struggling Eagles team. Thursday night the Giants suffered the same fate in Denver. New York was completely out of it mentally and physically and didn't seem to realize this game counted in the standings.
4. Seriously what is up with the Giants? Their struggles are inexplicable. Why isn't the defensive line dominating? Why isn't the offensive line dominating? When and why did Brandon Jacobs start wearing a skirt? Watching the game, rooting for the Broncos, I was still disappointed in the Giants.
5. Here's the book on Knowshon Moreno: he's ok at everything. He's not fast. He's not powerful. He has pretty good vision. He has moves. He can catch. He can block. He has no outstanding traits unless you count them all together.
6. Matt Prater's Thanksgiving: 4/4 field goals, 2/2 PATs, 5 touchbacks, one kickoff returned to the 19, one kickoff returned to the 14.
7. Bronco rookie David Bruton is living up to his pre-draft prognostication as a special teams stud.
8. So I'm watching the Thursday night game on NFL Network and see Deion Sanders rocking a terrible salt and pepper goatee unbecoming of the usually stylish man. Then watching the postgame...the goatee is gone! He shaved it some time during the game!
9. I thought Philadelphia's decision to open the game with an onside kick was one of the worst coaching moves of the season. Why give the hapless Washington offense a short field to open the game? The Skins are the type of team that likely won't score twenty points on their own; the Eagles are explosive enough to score twenty in most games; why increase the variance?
10. Is it just me or does Donovan McNabb throw fifty yarders more accurately than twenty yarders?
11. Don't tell me the Eagles aren't going to miss DeSean Jackson. Kid might be the most explosive player in the league.
12. Let's set the record straight on Asante Samuel. He is not a "shutdown" corner. He is a gambling addict who comes up with a lot of picks and gets burned from time to time.
13. Slowly but surely those three pass catchers Washington drafted in the second round of the '08 draft - Devin Thomas, Fred Davis, and Malcolm Kelly - are emerging. I say again they would have been better off drafting offensive linemen, but maybe these guys aren't total busts.
14. Chris Redman isn't much of a dropoff for the Falcons, not with the way Matt Ryan has been playing. The issues with Redman aren't so much throwing the ball as they are things like snapcounts, handoffs, and the other usual problems a new quarterback has with the offense.
15. Redman loves Tony Gonzalez.
16. Alex Smith looks comfortable in the spread, which he ran under Urban Meyer at Utah.
17. Longtime readers of this blog know how I feel about Tim Hightower. I have to give him some props this week though - he plays hard and he knows the system.
18. Beanie Wells has too many weaknesses to warrant playing time ahead of Hightower, though he is obviously the superior runner.
19. Nate Washington hikes his skirt up a little more each week.
20. Drew Brees is a great quarterback of course, but this season it's easy to forget he struggles in inclement weather. I predicted the Saints to do well this season knowing the closest thing to a bad weather game they had this season was @Washington on Sunday. The closest thing they've had previously was @Buffalo in September. The closest thing they've got after this week is @Carolina in week 17. Then it will be Dome games.
21. There should be no question who the best team in the league is after that Monday night performance...but I don't know how the Vikings can be beat. They have no weaknesses. It's interesting - this year there are three elite teams. Last year there were none. Put the 2009 Saints, Vikings, or Colts in 2008 and they should win the Super Bowl without too much trouble. But this season at least one of the three will not make the Super Bowl, and only one can be champion.
Defensive Breakout Player of the Week: Tim Crowder, Tampa Bay Offensive Breakout Player of the Week: Quinton Ganther, Washington Defensive Coordinator of the Week: Mike Nolan, Denver Offensive Coordinator of the Week: Pete Carmichael Jr., New Orleans Defensive MVP of the Week: Brian Dawkins, Denver Offensive MVP of the Week: Drew Brees, New Orleans
Power Rankings:
32. Cleveland (32) 31. Detroit (30) 30. Tampa Bay (31) 29. St. Louis (27) 28. Kansas City (29) 27. Oakland (28) 26. Buffalo (26) 25. Seattle (25) 24. Chicago (22) 23. Carolina (23) 22. Jacksonville (21) 21. New York Jets (24) 20. Washington (20) 19. Atlanta (18) 18. San Francisco (19) 17. New York Giants (12) 16. Houston (17) 15. Miami (16) 14. Tennessee (15) 13. Arizona (11) 12. Denver (14) 11. Philadelphia (13) 10. Dallas (9) 9. Green Bay (10) 8. San Diego (8) 7. Baltimore (7) 6. Cincinnati (6) 5. Pittsburgh (5) 4. New England (4) 3. Indianapolis (2) 2. Minnesota (3) 1. New Orleans (1)
15. The Black Keys - Your Touch 14. Ray LaMontagne - Jolene 13. Johnny Clegg & Savuka - Third World Child 12. Empire of the Sun - Walking On A Dream 11. Alice in Chains - Black Gives Way To Blue
10. George Michael - Faith 9. Brandi Carlile - Dreams 8. Alice in Chains - Your Decision 7. Mark Knopfler - Border Reiver 6. Meese - Next In Line
Dolphins -3.5 over BILLS BRONCOS +6.5 over Giants $ SAINTS -1 over Patriots RAMS +4 over Seahawks
If forced to choose:
Redskins +9.5 over EAGLES Bears +10.5 over VIKINGS LIONS +11 over Packers X FALCONS -11.5 over Bucs TEXANS +3 over Colts TITANS -3 over Cardinals BENGALS -13.5 over Browns Chiefs +13.5 over CHARGERS Panthers +3.5 over JETS Steelers +9 over RAVENS Raiders +13.5 over COWBOYS X NINERS -3 over Jaguars
Three Team Teaser of the Week:
Redskins +19 over EAGLES plus FALCONS -1.5 over Bucs plus Bears +20.5 over VIKINGS
Lock season record: 1-0 Really like season record: 3-8 Also like season record: 29-32 If forced to choose season record: 40-46-1 Teaser season record: 2-4 All games season record: 73-86-1
1. All season, Ricky Williams has been one of the best backs in the league. We were watching the game and some commentator said "he needs to play like the 2002 Ricky Williams tonight" and someone I was with said "he needs to play like the 2009 Ricky Williams tonight." Ricky could be the #1 player in fantasy over the second half of the season.
2. Atlanta's Eric Weems is overdue to take one to the house on a return.
3. I was dumbfounded to see Jason Elam miss another field goal for the Falcons this week. I wasn't surprised that he missed, just flabbergasted that he was still on the team.
4. Ahmad Bradshaw looks like a guy trying to run on a broken foot.
5. Matthew Stafford showed why he was the #1 pick in April's draft on Sunday. I'm not talking about heart or tenacity but rather his arm and amazing ability to launch rockets downfield without a clean dropback. He made a couple throws in that game that only three or four people on the planet can make.
6. Even knowing Eric Mangini is one of the worst coaches in the league, I was still completely taken aback by some of the decisions he made late in Sunday's game against the Lions. The first came after the Browns scored a touchdown with 5:44 left to take a 35-31 lead. The Mangenius decided to go for two here. I don't understand this at all, as a six point lead is hardly better than a five point lead but a five point lead is significantly better than a four point lead as it would allow the Browns to tie the game with a field goal if Detroit scored a touchdown. Mangini's other curious decisions are broken down here.
7. I was stunned to see Brady Quinn bombing the ball down the field with accuracy and confidence, even if it was against a college-level defense. I was ready to close the book on Quinn but maybe there is still hope for the former Notre Damer.
8. Redskins ball, second and one from the 20, 21 seconds left in the first half. Jason Campbell throws the ball away milliseconds before running out of bounds for minus five yards, then the 'Skins take a delay of game penalty, then they decide to kick a 48-yard field goal on 3rd and 11 with 15 seconds left...then the Campbell play is reviewed and confirmed, then the delay of game penalty is reversed, then the Skins attempt a 39-yarder with the same 15 seconds left (out of timeouts)....and Shaun Suisham hooks it left.
9. The Vikings are very dangerous in the red zone with Brett Favre firing BBs at Visanthe Shiancoe, Sidney Rice, and Percy Harvin.
10. Screens and checkdowns to Justin Forsett didn't help the Seahawks beat the Vikings, but they did push me over the top in a critical late-season fantasy matchup.
11. At this point it seems doubtful the Pack can fix their coverage teams. Obviously they know they have a problem there and must be working hard to correct it, but it's not happening.
12. Donald Driver is the kind of guy you want on your NFL team, your fantasy team, your pickup team, and just maybe, your '09-'10 NFC Pro Bowl team.
13. Sadly, inevitably, Ray Lewis's career is coming to an end.
14. For some reason, legacy I guess, CBS is giving Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf their #2 game of the week. These guys are murdering the games. Colts 17, Ravens 15 could have been a classic in the right hands.
15. CBS's Dick Enberg, normally one of the best, was terrible Sunday in Denver. He has no chemistry with Dan Fouts, who is always a train wreck in the booth.
16. Another CBS play-by-play man, Kevin Harlan, is absolutely obsessed with calling out blocks on every play. It's a unique and hilarious style. Check it out the next time you watch a Harlan game. This has drinking game potential.
17. New Buffalo coach Perry Fewell cost his team forty seconds of clock failing to call a timeout late in a close game vs the Jaguars.
18. It seems to me the Saints have two general game plans on offense. The first is the classic aggressive offense with Drew Brees chucking bombs to Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem, mid-range throws to Marques Colston, and Reggie Bush screens. The second is a more conservative approach featuring a heavy dose of Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell running the ball inside with Brees taking shorter drops and throwing higher percentage passes. They have used the latter strategy against the bad teams like the Bills and Bucs to grind out simple low-variance wins. I imagine we will see the aerial assault Monday night.
19. The stunning losses of the Steelers and Bengals were flukes more than anything else. I still expect both teams as well as the Ravens to make the playoffs out of the AFC North. In fact, I just bet the Ravens at 50-1 to win the Super Bowl.
20. Watching the Pats dismantle the Jets on Sunday, it was hard to believe the Pats actually lost to them earlier this season. No team has improved as much as New England since that Week 2 matchup and no team has regressed further than the Jets.
21. Suddenly Mark Sanchez is making a run at LVP. I thought JaMarcus Russell had that one wrapped up.
22. Bill Belichick was up to his old tricks at the end of that game, ordering up bombs to Wes Welker with a seventeen point lead with forty seconds left.
23. Tom Brady's '09 continues to eerily resemble Peyton Manning's '08. Brady is basically back to his '07 form and the Patriots are damn close. The epic Monday night showdown pits the team generally accepted to be the NFL's best (New Orleans) against the team Vegas considers the best (New England).
24. Although I love the Broncos and root for them to win every game, I think I am pretty unbiased evaluating the teams. There is one exception, however: the San Diego Chargers. I despise the Chargers. I'm sick of LaDainian Tomlinson. I hate Philip Rivers. I hate Shawne Merriman more. I scoff at Norv Turner. This, week 11, was the first time all season I started to give the Chargers any credit for playing good football. As much as I hate to admit it, they have a good team. There isn't anything they're above average at other than throwing the ball and special teams, but they are so good at those two things that they should make the playoffs and may endanger the seasons of superior teams once there.
25. The Chargers now appear to be a better team than the Broncos and outplayed them Sunday, but 32-3 was not an accurate reflection of what happened at Invesco that afternoon. 28-20 would have been more indicative.
26. Bruce Gradkowski is not suitable to start in the NFL, but he plays with a lot more courage and passion than JaMarcus Russell and gives the Raiders a better chance to win.
27. There was a touching moment Sunday night when Donovan McNabb found Jay Cutler and drew him close to say some things after the game, which Cutler had just choked away for the Bears. McNabb has lost his fair share of games over the years for the Eagles and consistently drawn heat from the media and fans. Both players are consistently inconsistent, constantly winning games their teams should lose and blowing games they should win. Both are mobile, fearless, and strong-armed. McNabb has reached a point in his career where he seems immune to the criticism. He has the thickest skin in the league. I expect the same career path for Cutler.
28. I thought Vince Young taking over for Kerry Collins was nothing more than a desperate move from a desperate team, but Young is really playing well right now. His accuracy is improved and his third down scrambles are backbreaking.
29. Running the option is rarely a good idea in the NFL, but then, few teams have Vince Young and Chris Johnson to execute it.
Thanksgiving Picks:
Also like: BRONCOS +6.5 over Giants
If forced to choose:
LIONS +11 over Packers Raiders +13.5 over COWBOYS
Goat of the Week: Andre Caldwell, Cincinnati Defensive Coordinator of the Week: Leslie Frazier, Minnesota Offensive Coordinator of the Week: Scott Linehan, Detroit Defensive Breakout Player of the Week: Andy Studebaker, Kansas City Offensive Breakout Player of the Week: Tom Santi, Indianapolis Defensive MVP of the Week: Cullen Jenkins, Green Bay Offensive MVP of the Week: Brett Favre, Minnesota
Power Rankings:
32. Cleveland (32) 31. Tampa Bay (28) 30. Detroit (29) 29. Kansas City (30) 28. Oakland (31) 27. St. Louis (26) 26. Buffalo (27) 25. Seattle (24) 24. New York Jets (21) 23. Carolina (20) 22. Chicago (25) 21. Jacksonville (22) 20. Washington (23) 19. San Francisco (19) 18. Atlanta (16) 17. Houston (15) 16. Miami (18) 15. Tennessee (17) 14. Denver (14) 13. Philadelphia (12) 12. New York Giants (10) 11. Arizona (9) 10. Green Bay (11) 9. Dallas (8) 8. San Diego (13) 7. Baltimore (7) 6. Cincinnati (6) 5. Pittsburgh (5) 4. New England (4) 3. Minnesota (3) 2. Indianapolis (2) 1. New Orleans (1)
Originally written by Paul Pena, "Jet Airliner" is best in its extended version and preceded by "Threshold".
This was the defining song of my first year as a professional poker player.
Goodbye to all my friends at home Goodbye to people I’ve trusted I’ve got to go out and make my way I might get rich you know I might get busted But my heart keeps calling me backwards As I get on the 707 Riding high I got tears in my eyes You know you got to go through hell Before you get to heaven
1. Mike Shanahan to Chicago at the end of the season just makes too much sense for everyone involved, except Lovie Smith has a gigantic long-term contract that would cost the Bears to renege upon.
2. Jay Cutler plus a bad offensive line plus Ron Turner plus a n00bish corps of receivers = the most interceptions in the league.
3. I said last week the Bears would be one of the worst teams in the league if their quarterback was Kyle Orton instead of Jay Cutler, but you'd have to think Kyle Orton would have beaten the Niners last Thursday night. Either way the Bears are a bottom ten ballclub right now.
4. During the draft, the Broncos traded a 2010 first round pick for the opportunity to draft Alphonso Smith. It was assumed the Broncos could have traded either their own 2010 first rounder or Chicago's, which they had the rights to thanks to the Jay Cutler trade. The decision to use their own pick is looking wise.
5. Minnesota had 302 yards of offense in the first half against Detroit.
6. Percy Harvin is a truly incredible athlete, sort of like a taller Maurice Jones-Drew but at WR. His strength/speed/balance combination is dumbfounding.
7. Detroit's offense has regressed significantly since the early part of the season. The injuries to Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and Kevin Smith disrupted their chemistry. Johnson, in particular, is not the same player.
8. Is it just me or are field goal kickers getting worse? I should look into the numbers.
9. The defense of the New York Jets is in shambles. Their defensive line is porous. The loss of Kris Jenkins was arguably the most devastating injury of the season to any one team. In a week or two I'll compile the list of the season's most significant injuries.
10. ***Guest Observation of the Week*** This week's observation comes from NFL diehard and fantasy football rival David Hoedeman. Hoedy has an interesting theory on how to improve Buffalo's sucktastic offense. For the record, I am in total concordance with him on this one.
“When you're losing, everyone's looking for answers.” - Ryan Fitzpatrick in a Tuesday press conference after being named the Buffalo Bills starting QB for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Sage words from Fitzpatrick. We should expect nothing less from a Harvard grad. Of course, if he were actually that bright, he would know that if the question is, “Who should start at quarterback for my NFL football team?” the answer will never, ever be, “Ryan Fitzpatrick.”
Here's how I imagine the conversation between Fitzpatrick and new Bills head coach Perry Fewell transpired this week:
Coach Fewell: Ry Guy, we need to get some wins here. My ass is on the line. I've got to make a move here. Assert myself as the leader of this team. You're my guy against the Jags on Sunday.
Fitzpatrick: You are aware that our offense averages a meager 4.4 yards every time I drop back to pass this year, yes?
Coach: Hell good for you, son. That's almost half as many yards as that Manning guy, and he's damn good.
Fitz: That's actually the worst number in the entire league. Worse than any starter or backup on any team. Heck even Brady Quinn averages 4.7 yards per attempt, and he doesn't have a single NFL-caliber receiver on his team. Look Coach, I'm a competitive guy. I'm happy for the opportunity and I'll do my best, but I may well be the least talented quarterback on any NFL roster. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Coach: Well you're still my guy. That's the kind of tough decision a new head coach has to make. I've got balls, son. Don't you forget it.
Fitz: I'm completing less than 50% of my passes.
Coach: You got guts, kid.
Fitz: I was 2/7 in my cameo against Tennessee last week.
Coach: We need a spark.
Fitz: For 6 yards.
Coach: Go get ‘em son.
This is where the hapless, frustrated and frustrating Bills find themselves. Fresh off a midseason coaching change that followed a last-minute preseason offensive coordinator change—resulting in the 29th ranked offense in the NFL—Buffalo is attempting to turn things around by turning to 7th round draft pick and perennial journeyman bum Ryan Fitzpatrick.
If Fewell really had balls, if he really wanted to shake things up in a way that might actually improve the Bills atrocious offense, attract some attention and reinvigorate a passionate-yet-disenchanted fan base, then the Bills starting quarterback on Sunday would be running back Fred “Action” Jackson.*
This is not an overreaction to Jackson's one nice touchdown pass to Lee Evans in last week’s Titans game. I'm not calling for Jackson to start throwing the ball all over the field, nor do I think he should take every offensive snap at quarterback. But I absolutely think the Bills could improve on their 4.6 yards/play average if they became the first team to utilize the Wildcat as their primary offensive formation, bringing in Edwards (never ever Fitzpatrick… ever) as a change of pace about 30-40% of the time.
The reasoning for the birth of the Wildcat in Miami was simple: “We have two electric backs. Let’s get them on the field at the same time.”
The Bills can relate.
Fred Jackson is one of the most dynamic open-field runners in the league. Marshawn Lynch has a devastating combination of speed and power and the ability to be one of the league’s best all around backs. With T.O. and Lee Evans on the outside, along with the as-yet-unproductive-but-always-dangerous Roscoe Parish, the weapons are there.
What is not there is quarterback play and offensive line play.
The best way to minimize these inadequacies is to maximize the impact of their skill players.
Both Jackson and Lynch should absolutely be on the field at all times. With Jackson a threat to throw (okay so he’s only thrown one pass, but it was a really nice toss) if the defense gets too aggressive, and with misdirection coming from every angle (motion, fakes, play-action, end-arounds) to slow down opposing defenses and help out the Bills blockers, the offense would be difficult to stop, or at the very least average at least 4.7 yards per play. Which would be an improvement.
And if it doesn’t work?
They tried.
Perry Fewell would show he has some balls. The media would have a new Wildcat darling following the formation’s tragic demise in Miami on the heels of Ronnie Brown’s season-ending injury. And those poor desperate Buffalo Bills fans searching for answers would have something to get excited about, a reason to go to the stadium on Sundays.
I fail to see how even this worst-case scenario is not 400 times better than finishing the season with Ryan Fitzpatrick manning an offense that will be rivaled by only Cleveland and Oakland for utter futility.
Well, unless Cleveland and Oakland turn their offenses over to Joshua Cribbs and Darren McFadden.
Fitzpatrick gets it. He went to Harvard.
“The situation isn’t about a lack of talent. We’ve got guys on the outside, we’ve got the backs. We have the right guys to do it. It’s just a matter of getting them the ball,” he said in that same press conference. I didn’t watch the whole thing, but I’ll assume he added something along the lines of, “I’m just the worst possible guy for that job.”
*Though Fred has some competition for the official ‘Action Jackson’ nickname in the NFL, I feel his involvement in the Wild Cat gives him an edge over DeSean “Mr. Big Play” Jackson, Vincent “Touchdown” Jackson and Steven “Savage Warrior/Beast/Killer/Monster/Bulldog” Jackson.
11. Before his injury, Kyle Orton nailed Brandon Marshall on two easy touchdown bombs - the first real deep passes Denver has completed this season. But Orton also missed Eddie Royal on another easy bomb and ultimately that was one of many mistakes that cost the Broncos the game.
12. Before the season started, there was a lot of derisive talk about how old Denver's secondary was. The tune changed once it became apparent the Broncos had the best secondary in the league, but as the season progresses the mileage is starting to become apparent.
13. It's unfortunate Michael Turner sprained his ankle just as he was peaking. It's very unfortunate for my fantasy team, which was also peaking. But Atlanta's running game shouldn't take much of a hit. Jason Snelling is a more than serviceable replacement and Jerious Norwood is on his way back from a hip flexor. Atlanta's problems are their defense, special teams, and quarterback.
14. How many times do we have to watch Matt Ryan throw the ball away on that horrible roll-out to the right before Mike Mularkey stops calling that play?
15. Another play I am tired of watching is the deep ball to Ted Ginn. It's growing reminiscent of Braylon Edwards '08, except the ball just slips through Ginn's hands instead of bouncing off them like it does with Braylon. Like we saw with the Browns in '08, Ginn's inability to catch the deep ball is crippling the offense.
16. Connor Barth appears to have solved Tampa's placekicking problem.
17. I know Cincinnati swept Pittsburgh and has a better record, but I still think the Steelers are a slightly better team.
18. It's hard to do much against Cincy's D. They have arguably the best tandem of corners in the league with Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall. Jonathan Fanene has stepped up in Antwan Odom's absence, their young linebackers are playing well, and Mike Zimmer is outscheming everyone. Zimmer has overtaken Mike Nolan and Gregg Williams in the defensive coordinator of the year race and should be a hot head coaching prospect after the season.
19. I've seen some ugly games this season. The worst was Cleveland at Buffalo, but Kansas City at Oakland came close. No one deserved to win that game. It was bad on offense, bad on defense, bad on special teams and poorly coached. Normally Dantrell Savage would win the Goat of the Week award for his terrible play but Darrius Heyward-Bey would not be denied this week.
20. Matt Hasselbeck and TJ Houshmandzadeh are finally developing some chemistry.
21. Remember when Housh played for the Bengals? I thought his loss was supposed to hurt them.
22. Arizona's vaunted rush defense disappeared the last two weeks, this week against the likes of Justin Forsett and Louis Rankin.
23. Despite running the ball well, Seattle called two pass plays on the one yard line in a tie game which they failed to convert.
24. Dallas couldn't even get enough protection to run screen plays against the Pack. They kept calling screens and Romo kept having to throw it away.
25. The overrated Asante Samuel keeps getting burned.
26. The other day I was watching a classic Patriots/Colts game on the NFL Network, the game in which the Pats stuffed the Colts four times from the 1 yard-line with the game on the line. Right before that goal line stand, as Peyton Manning was running the Colts down the field in a blistering 2-minute drill, Willie McGinest went down with a mysterious injury. It resembled a soccer injury - McGinest writhing theatrically on the ground, consuming time. But two plays later McGinest was back on the field, and on fourth down he made the game-winning tackle and then sprinted down the field in jubilant celebration. I mention this because Sunday night in a similar situation with Manning carving up the defense in the no-huddle, a Patriot defender went down with a mysterious injury. The crowd booed and Cris Collinsworth made note of it.
27. My take on the controversial Belichick decision: it was the wrong choice, but only because of the psychological repercussions. From a pure strategical perspective, it was very close. The real mistake was the pass call on third down. A running play on third down made more sense for many reasons.
28. Could Brady Quinn be worse than JaMarcus Russell? These two are the Ryan Leaf/Akili Smith of their generation.
Goat of the Week: Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oakland Defensive Breakout Player of the Week: Quincy Black, Tampa Bay Offensive Breakout Player of the Week: Brandon Gibson, St. Louis Defensive Coordinator of the Week: Dom Capers, Green Bay Offensive Coordinator of the Week: Clarence Shelmon, San Diego Defensive MVP of the Week: Charles Woodson, Green Bay Offensive MVP of the Week: Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville
32. Cleveland (32) 31. Oakland (31) 30. Kansas City (30) 29. Detroit (29) 28. Tampa Bay (27) 27. Buffalo (26) 26. St. Louis (28) 25. Chicago (22) 24. Seattle (23) 23. Washington (25) 22. Jacksonville (24) 21. New York Jets (17) 20. Carolina (21) 19. San Francisco (19) 18. Miami (16) 17. Tennessee (20) 16. Atlanta (14) 15. Houston (15) 14. Denver (9) 13. San Diego (18) 12. Philadelphia (10) 11. Green Bay (13) 10. New York Giants (12) 9. Arizona (11) 8. Dallas (8) 7. Baltimore (7) 6. Cincinnati (6) 5. Pittsburgh (2) 4. New England (5) 3. Minnesota (4) 2. Indianapolis (3) 1. New Orleans (1)
