Try NFL Sport Channel Seach:
Selected searches:
NFL Football Players Draft Injuries Rookies Season Superbowl
Items by
2009 NFL Season: Week 17
Published: January 6, 2010
No Comments
This week, instead of going through all the games I watched, I am just going to make observations and mention the games along the way.
This really has been one of the strangest seasons. I think mostly because there were are so many mediocre teams vying for playoff spots at the end of the season, and the teams I thought were elite, like the Vikings and Saints, clearly faltered.
But before I go into that, let’s move to the most important topic to me.
The New England Patriots
Week 17 could not have been much more disastrous for the Patriots. Wes Welker went down with a torn ACL and MCL in the first quarter. If you had to name the Most Valuable Player on the team this year, you would not say Tom Brady, you would not say Randy Moss, and would you not say Vince Wilfork, or Jerrod Mayo. You would say Welker.
Any true football fan has to respect and admire what Welker brings to the team in the slot position, and what he brings off the field. He’s a small, fast, tough, hard working, receiver who is admired by fans and teammates alike. He takes a pounding week in and week out, catching those passes over the middle. My heart sank when I realized how badly Welker was hurt, but as my wife said, “That’s football.”
What are the Patriots chances in the playoffs without Welker? Not nearly as good as they were with him. In fact, New England’s offense diminished greatly, I would say, with the heartbreaking injury.
I like Julian Edelman. He’s impressed since the preseason and played well in Welker’s place in a few games this season. But as a rookie, at this point in his career, I don’t seem him truly replacing what Welker brings to the table. But thankfully, Bill Belichick was smart enough to steal a seventh-round Wes Welker clone.
Frankly, I thought the starters should have played only a quarter, then pulled off the field since it was a meaningless game. I’m not sure why Belichick was even playing the starters the entire game, besides trying to keep momentum and continuity.
Reports say that Brady played with a broken finger and broken ribs. I find it extremely hard to believe Belichick would be stupid enough to expose Brady if he really had broken ribs. That would be insane, and Belichick should be checked into a mental facility immediately if so. But those reports have been disputed.
I don’t fault him for playing the starters, though. That’s a coaches call as to what his team needs most to be successful in the playoffs. But those who say that Belichick “plays to win no matter what” are flat wrong, too. He has benched his starters very early before in previous seasons where the Patriots wrapped up a playoff spot, except for 2007 when they were going for 16-0.
But let’s face it, the Patriots problems run far deeper than Wes Welker. The defense has been so woefully inadequate on the road and in the passing game it’s sometimes just embarrassing. We can’t seem to hold a lead and the defense seems mostly bewildered at times.
And the offense is inconsistent. I completely disagree with commentators who say Brady struggled after Welker went out, implying that it was the absence of Welker that caused the offense to stumble at the end of the game and lose it. Edelman played a fine game. Brady just played poorly. Maybe it was the emotions of losing Welker? Maybe it was the broken finger? But he played poorly down the stretch.
And the defense gave up the ghost.
I think we’ll find a way to beat the Baltimore Ravens this weekend. I am not confident we can compete with the offenses of the Chargers or Colts.
But I am always hopeful. Will I be depressed for a month or more if we get knocked out the playoffs this year? Probably, even though I keep telling myself I won’t.
I’m still not over Super Bowl XLII, and never will be.
Sorry Games from Playoff-Bound Teams
The Cincinnati Bengals played most of their starters against the New York Jets, but didn’t show up for the game. That was an embarrassing excuse for a professional football game. The whole point of playing your starters is to keep momentum going. Well, the Bungles made it look like amateur night, while the Jets were fighting for their playoff lives. They just didn’t have to fight that hard.
And while I’m on that topic, the Jets did what they needed to do to get into the playoffs, and the Colts and the Bungles basically forfeited their games to them. So the Jets go into the playoffs basically having been given two games in the standings. That’s just how it is.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals laid down against the Green Bay Packers and looked like the doormats they were of yesteryear. The starters played awful in this game, too, although they started Matt Leinart, who stunk the joint up.
I think the Jets and the Packers beat these two teams next week in the playoffs. Why bother starting your best players if they aren’t going to show up?
Resting Your Starters and the NFL’s Comments on the Lousy End of Season Games
This leads me to my next point. Yes, the final week of the season saw some pretty sorry games that made the preseason look entertaining. But how can the NFL talk about “doing something” to make playoff-bound teams start their best players? That is so idiotic. It’s hard to believe the topic came up.
First, that would just open up all kinds of shenanigans where one team would claim, “Well, our starting quarterback has a bruised shin,” while another loses their starting quarterback in a meaningless game. What is the NFL going to do, medical inspections on all the “key players” of teams that have wrapped up playoff spots?
And even if the starters do start, the two games above pretty clearly show that if they have nothing to play for, they may not show up anyway.
Even though I find it ironic the Jets were gifted a playoff spot by the Colts and Bengals while other deserving teams weren’t, I have no problem with the Colts, or any other team, not playing their starters in meaningless end of season games. If they lost Peyton Manning, their chances of a Super Bowl would be almost zero. They earned the right to rest their starters by having the best regular season record. The mediocre teams that didn’t—who cares? It’s not their problem. Win your regular season games and you won’t have to worry about what other teams are doing.
The Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens only beat the Oakland Raiders because Charlie Frye. Yes, believe it or not, Charlie Frye was playing a good game but got injured.
In the second half, JaMarcus Russell came in and his two stupid turnovers handed the Ravens the game and a playoff spot. Had Frye stayed in the game and played as well as he had the first half, there is a very good chance that the Ravens would have lost the game.
Ironically, I think the Ravens are more talented than their record. Cam Cameron should be fired. His game plan is predictable. For the Patriots’ sake, though, I hope it is next week, too.
The MVP of this game would be Willis McGahee, who stiff armed a Raider defender to the ground on the way to a long touchdown run.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Like the Ravens the Steelers can just shut up, too. While the Dolphins-Steelers game was one of entertaining contests of the weekend, Miami were hanging in tough against the Steelers until quarterback Chad Henne was hurt and out of the game. Had he been able to play, the outcome might have been different. Pat White was awful, and unfortunately completely knocked them out of the game. The Dolphins may have fared better had Tyler Thigpen been the backup all along.
Other Sorry Games
And what about the Denver Broncos being run out of the stadium by the Kansas City Chiefs ? The Broncos did have something to play for, and flat-out embarrassed themselves.
And Josh McDaniels benching their best offensive threat Brandon Marshall? Unbelievable. I’m not sure who is at fault here, but I’m sure Marshall is gone after this season. Reports are that Shanahan was planning to get rid of this punk himself had he stayed on as head coach. If I see Marshall getting fawned over on NFL Network again, I am going to puke.
And while the New Orleans Saints sat Drew Brees, they put up a sorry performance on defense against the Carolina Panthers. Does Minnesota, who finally played well at the end of the season, have the edge in the postseason, despite being the No. 2 seed?
Final Observations
Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans became the sixth player to rush for 2,000 yards in a season with 2,006 on the ground and broke Marshall Faulk’s decade old record of most yards from the line of scrimmage with 2,254 yards. Congratulations.
Rex Ryan is a moron if he thinks the Jets should be Super Bowl favorites after being handed a playoff spot. Makes me root against them even more, but unfortunately, I will root for them if they play the Colts. Ryan’s shtick has already worn thin on me. He is a buffoon.
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Offensive Player: Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs (256 yards rushing)
Defensive Player: Derrick Johnson, LB, Kansas City Chiefs
Offensive Lineman: Alan Faneca, G, New York Jets
Special Teams: Shane Lechler, P, Oakland Raiders
Rookie of the Week: Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots
Posted in AFC East, National Football League, New England Patriots, NFL, Sports Tagged: AFC East, Baltimore Ravens, National Football League, New England Patriots, NFL, Sports 
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
Mike Shanahan’s First Order Of Buisness: Get Rid Of Clinton Portis
Published: January 6, 2010
No Comments
Clinton Portis is one of the least likable players in the league. He is a “me first” player who has constantly called out his teammates instead of looking in the mirror at himself.
Just a short list from my feeble memory:
-
He criticized Joe Gibbs for playing him too long in a preseason game when he hurt his shoulder.
-
He criticized his offensive line and then got into a war of words with Redskin great Brian Mitchell.
-
He tried to get fullback Mike Sellers benched and then had a confrontation with him in the locker room.
-
He got into an exchange with Jim Zorn when he decided to take himself out of a game last year—without bothering to tell anyone.
And now, a player who it has been reported is not respected by his teammates because he never practices and gets preferential treatment by the owner, has called out Jason Campbell for not being a leader?
And you are, Mr. Portis? These actions demonstrate team leadership?
Mike Shanahan’s first order of business should be to rid the team of cancers like Portis who not only shows no team leadership, but is a divisive force on the team. He sets a poor example for young players, and he’s getting old and washed up and doesn’t seem to really want to play anymore anyway.
And of course, Portis was a malcontent in Denver, and Shanahan already ridded himself of this annoyance once. I will be suprised if he does not do it again.
Throw on your clownish outfits and head out of town, you clown.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
The NFL’s All Decade Defensive Team: 2000-20009
Published: January 4, 2010
No Comments
Following is the definitive defensive team of the decade for the years 2000-2009.
The defense was much more difficult to choose than the offense because there are so many deserving players and statistics are not as helpful in evaluating the impact of a player on the game. For example, a shut down cornerback does not get many interceptions because nobody wants to throw the ball his way and a stout defensive tackle doesn’t get credit for the havoc he wreaks allowing other players to get to the quarterback or ball carrier.
As for the offense, in some cases I am choosing several players for a position, for example I have four defensive ends, because all deserve to make the team. But I rank them in the order I would place them from starters to backups.
In other cases I name just one set of starters if those making the cut are deemed to be clearly better than their counterparts.
I only use statistics where needed when players are fairly close and it helps differentiate between contenders for key spots.
Fact checking was done using the following: NFL.com, 2009 NFL Record and Fact Book, Pro-Football-Reference.com, and Wikipedia.com.
Doug Baker’s NFL All Decade Team 2000’s: Offense
Published: January 1, 2010
No Comments
Following is the definitive offensive team of the decade for the years 2000-2009. In some cases I name two players when it is a particularly close call and the second player deserved a prominent mention on the team.
Mostly I name one player for each position.
I only use statistics where needed when players are fairly close and it helps differentiate between contenders for key spots.
Fact checking was done using the following: NFL.com, 2009 NFL Record and Fact Book, Pro-Football-Reference.com, and Wikipedia.com.
New England Patriots: History Review of The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly
Published: December 31, 2009
No Comments
Triumph Books 2009
There are many books now available detailing the history of the New England Patriots. Having read many of them, I find that nobody has really come up with anything new to say. The typical “stories of” books essentially tell the same tales and I am not sure why the recent ones are even published because they have nothing new to say. And that is certainly the case here. There really isn’t anything new that hasn’t already been published elsewhere.
That said, this book, for the most part is fairly good. Most of it focuses on the team of the 2000’s, walking through the dynasty years and some of the pivotal moments of this decade. Not that it completely ignores the past, there are chapters talking about that as well, but it is more upbeat and positive than similar books that dwell on all the bad things that have gone on with the Patriots in its history.
The book briefly talks about all the bad things too, of course, like Darryl Stingley getting paralyzed in 1976, the Lisa Olson incident, Super Bowl XX, the horrible ownership of the 1990’s, and Spygate. I have to say, even though I’m sick of hearing about it personally, the author gives pretty short shrift to Spygate.
The author does a good job of talking about the resurgence of the Patriots under Bill Parcells, his most critical decision being the choice of Drew Bledsoe as the number one draft pick, who lead the franchise to winning records and a Super Bowl, over Rick Mirer, who was bust for the Seattle Seahawks. And it goes on to rightly praise the virtues of coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft.
There are also vignettes about some of the greatest Patriots players like Adam Vinatieri, Troy Brown, Drew Bledsoe, Tom Brady, Steve Grogan, Tedy Bruschi, and John Hannah, to name a few.
The one area I disagree with the author is when he discusses the pivotal moments of the 2003 season which lead to the Patriots second Super Bowl win in three years. He identifies a tough, gutty win over the Tennessee Titans in week five as being the turning point in the season because the team showed a toughness and ability to win that it failed to show the previous season when it missed the playoffs (in that season Tennessee clobbered the Patriots physically in a dismal Monday Night Game).
To me one play defines the 2003 season. In week 13 after taking a commanding lead against the Indianapolis Colts at halftime, the Colts came back in the second half and had the ball first and goal from the one yard line with little time left on the clock. After three stops, on fourth and goal from the one, Willie McGinnest stones Edgerrin James on a run attempt to seal the win. Had McGinest not made that play at the end of the game, the Colts, not the Patriots, would have had home field advantage in the playoffs. And that, to me, was not only the most critical game of the season, but one of the most critical plays in Patriots’ history.
I can’t imagine a non-Patriots fan wanting to read this book, especially if you’ve read similar accounts or histories of the teams. For Patriots fans I would say, reading anything about the Patriots is enjoyable, but this book did not provide any new insights that haven’t been discussed elsewhere and I would not recommend it.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
Weekly NFL Observations for the 2009 Season: Week 16
Published: December 30, 2009
No Comments
Other than the multiple playoff implications set up for next week, the biggest story of Week 16 was the Indianapolis Colts eschewing a chance to go undefeated in the regular season by pulling their key starters out in the third quarter against the New York Jets.
The Colts ultimately lost the game. The look on Peyton Manning’s face as he saw the backups give up the lead and the game were quite revealing. He was a true solider, though, of course, and after the game said he was fine with the coach’s decision.
Colts fans were not on board with the decision, however. Coach Jim Caldwell has taken a bit of a whacking the press. All I will say is that going 16-0 means nothing if you don’t win the Super Bowl, as I so painfully know as a Patriots fan.
Without Manning, the chances of the Colts winning the Super Bowl would be close to nil, so I have no real problem with playing it safe. It’s the psyche and momentum of a team that has historically choked in the playoffs that is the real question. They really have nothing to play for next week, so they’ll definitely get some rest.
There are so many mediocre teams in the AFC it’s comical. Despite shooting themselves in the foot repeatedly, the Baltimore Ravens have avoided a shot to the head and are still alive!
Unbelievable, until you consider all the other teams vying for a playoff spot have done the same.
Right now, the Ravens and the New York Jets control their fates next week. Wins and they are in.
I am not going to worry or care about who wins and how it shapes up. Whoever the Patriots play in the playoffs will be a tough matchup.
The New York Giants are finally out of the playoff hunt. They laid down against the Carolina Panthers. Good riddance to one Manning.
And speaking of the Panthers, what would this team look like going into the playoff race had Matt Moore been starting all season long? GM Marty Hurney and coach John Fox seem to have made a big mistake at the quarterback position early in the year.
You can say the same for Jeff Fischer of the Tennessee Titans. While I don’t fault Kerry Collins for the Titans 0-6 start like some do, clearly Young should have come in sooner to add a spark to the team.
I am ready for the playoffs!
GAMES I WATCHED
New England Patriots over Jacksonville Jaguars, 35-7
The Patriots seem to be hitting on all cylinders the past few weeks and are poised to make some noise in the playoffs. Brady played an outstanding game against the Jaguars, and the defense has shown up and played well the past few weeks.
Being the pessimist I am, and that it’s looking like a No. 4 seed in the playoffs, the Pats will probably end up facing the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the playoffs (assuming they beat their first playoff opponent, which I think they will). But I guess that might be easier than facing the Chargers in San Diego, who are hitting on all cylinders (and then some) themselves.
Patriots fans will basically be praying the Pats come out of this Sunday’s game healthy and ready to roll into the playoffs.
MVP: Tom Brady, QB
San Diego Chargers over Tennessee Titans, 42-17
While I thought the Chargers would win this game, I did not expect them to win so easily.
Right now I think San Diego is the team to beat in the playoffs. They are playing the best football in the league as of Week 16. I hate to say that because they have to rank as one of my least favorite teams. I expect them to easily get to the AFC Championship game against either the Patriots or the Colts.
I’d sure like to see the Pats dance on their logo again and make LaDainian Tomlinson cry, though.
MVP: Philip Rivers, QB
Pittsburgh Steelers over Baltimore Ravens, 23-20
How many times can a team shoot itself in the foot, blow game after game after game, and still control its destiny for making a playoff spot? It’s really unbelievable.
Having seen the Ravens squander games so many times this year, I want to say they don’t really deserve to be in the playoffs, but neither do any of the of other mediocre teams they are vying against.
Once again, big mistakes at the worst moments cost the Ravens the game. Derrick Mason dropped a touchdown pass in the end zone in the fourth quarter that would have sealed the win, so he has to be the goat of this game. But Joe Flacco didn’t do much to help matters at the end of the game either.
If the Ravens win Sunday they should be a dangerous team in the playoffs. They do have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball and really should be looking at a better record than they have now. If they had a true No. 1 receiver they could be really dangerous, but they don’t.
Pittsburgh still has a heartbeat left too, and again, if the Steelers make the playoffs, despite their recent poor play, who knows what could happen?
MVP: LaMarr Woodley, LB
Philadelphia Eagles over Denver Broncos, 30-27
After the Eagles took a 20-7 lead into halftime, I thought the game was basically over, but the Broncos gave them a real run for it in the second half. That the Broncos didn’t fold and fought back must be a bit gratifying to Broncos fans.
They still have a good chance to make the playoffs. Even though they are listed as a wild card team as of today, they need help to get in. Like many of the other AFC teams vying for playoff spots, if they make it in, they will be a scary opponent for whoever they play.
I am not a big believer in the Philadelphia Eagles, frankly, but right now they seem to be playing the best football in the NFC. I still think that the faltering Saints and Vikings are the teams to beat in the NFC, but Philadelphia right now is looking poised to make a real run.
MVP: Brent Celek, TE
Dallas Cowboys over Washington Redskins, 17-0
I really don’t have a lot to say about this game. I originally was not going to bother watching it, but I did. It was a nondescript game. Everyone knew Dallas would win, and they did so rather easily. As usual, the Redskins offense looked awful.
Dallas goes to Philadelphia next week for a huge game which will decide the NFC East champion.
MVP: Tony Romo, QB
Chicago over Minnesota, 36-30 OT
What is going on with the Minnesota Vikings? They suddenly have faltered badly on both sides of the ball.
This was an exciting game and the Vikings did come back from a 17-point deficit to almost win the game. I have to admit being a bit stunned most of the game. I was waiting for Jay Cutler to throw up some interceptions, but he actually played a decent game. Instead of folding under pressure, the Bears hung in and barely pulled out a victory.
Adrian Peterson and his fumbles are really a problem, and he essentially gave this game away by fumbling after a nice catch-and-run in overtime. The fumble handed the ball right back to the Bears, who scored on a nice pass play to end the game. Peterson, hold on to the ball!
While I still think the Vikings and Saints are the teams to beat despite faltering of late, maybe they have seen their best days and the rising Eagles and Cowboys will eat their lunch. We’ll see.
MVP: Devin Aromashodu, WR
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Offensive Player: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers, 206 yards rushing
Defensive Player: Brian Cushing, LB, Houston Texans
Offensive Lineman: Kris Dielman, G, San Diego Chargers
Special Teams: Sebastian Janikowski, K, Oakland Raiders (61 yard field goal)
Rookie of the Week: Brian Cushing, LB, Houston Texans
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
Doug Baker’s 2009 NFL All Pro Team: Offense
Published: December 26, 2009
No Comments
Now at the end of the season is time to name the definitive NFL All Pro Teams.
In the end of season all pro list, I only name starters and then who else was considered. I don’t pick backups. There’s only one ultimate prize for each position.
Now on with the show.
NFL Week 16: Picks From Patriots Fans’ Perspective Holiday Edition
Published: December 24, 2009
No Comments
Last week was a crazy week with so many upsets and games closer than expected. I personally did woeful against the spread. I don’t even want to talk about it.
But the Patriots won, while the Jets and the Dolphins lost. So we couldn’t be happier about the outcome of last week, can we?
This week could be another wild one as we head into the playoff stretch.
Joining me in prognosticating this week are your old favorites: EA and TR .
Steve and Glenn had to take a break this week. They seem to think family and holiday shopping are more important than doing their picks! They need to get their priorities straight! We forgive them, this time. 🙂
Seriously, these fellows make the BS we often see on BR tolerable, along with our faithful fans.
Now on to the show.
Christmas Day Special
San Diego @ Tennessee
EA: The Titans have pulled off the Christmas miracle by coming all the way back to being a .500 team, but I can’t see them beating the red hot Chargers.
DB: Tennessee has had a remarkable turnaround this year on the legs of Chris Johnson, and really the legs of Vince Young. But they lost some key defensive players for the year last week, including linebacker Keith Bullock, the emotional heart of that defense. He was one of the few Titans who did not quit against the Patriots in their debacle earlier this year. San Diego, on the other hand, is hot, hot, hot. San Diego will handle Tennessee. San Diego.
TR: Strange as it seems, if Tennessee wins these last two games, they could back into the 6th seed in the AFC. I imagine Jeff Fisher is kicking himself for playing Kerry Collins for as long as he did. Vince Young has proven a lot of people wrong, and is my comeback player of the year. San Diego has played banged up all season, but they have been on a mission and seem pretty secure. They don’t quite have that two seed locked up yet, but Chris Johnson has been piling up the yards, and the Titans have more at stake here. I’m going on out on my usual limb here, Titans upset the Bolts in Nashville.
Sunday, December 27
Tampa Bay @ New Orleans
EA: I’m glad the Cowboys knocked off the Saints, because the Bucs aren’t even going to come close. Saints by a landslide.
DB: Tampa Bay does not have a prayer of winning this game. Well, maybe a very, very, very slim one . Never say never. But I say never this week. New Orleans.
TR: New Orleans hasn’t got home field wrapped up just yet, so they will play all starters for as long as it takes to put away a Bucs team that is so bad, their mamas can’t even bear to watch them play. Gotta geaux with the Saints.
Houston @ Miami
EA: Miami Dolphins.
DB: Houston is just the strangest team this year. But, I guess there are a lot of strange teams this year. I can’t figure out the Texans. I really can’t. Both of these teams are in the playoff hunt but my gut tells me Miami is slipping a bit and the Texans will pull this out. Houston.
TR: These are two of about a half dozen teams who could finish 9-7, but I’m not getting involved in that mess just yet. Suffice it to say that both the Texans and the Dolphins have a shot at the 6th seed, with a little help from their enemies. They will both come to play, and despite their respective levels of mediocrity, it could be an interesting game. The typically inconsistent Texans have a two-game winning streak going into this one, and I have this weird feeling they will make it three.
Seattle @ Green Bay
EA: Really won’t even be close. Green Bay.
DB: Green Bay should really lay the smack down on the Seahawks. They really lost a heartbreaker last week but now they are back home and angry. Green Bay.
TR: Green Bay needs this game if they are interested in clinging to the four seed. Is Deion Branch active? How would anybody tell? Seattle sucks, and they suck more with him on the field. Yes, I’m still dogging him. Green Bay will make the Lambeau crowd happy, for now.
Carolina @ New York Giants
EA: Giants.
DB: I really want to call an upset on this game. Giants fans should not get overly excited about the win over the toothless Redskins last week. But I have a hard time picking Carolina to win on the road. New York Giants.
TR: The Panthers are officially my Disappointment of the Year. A case could be made for Pittsburgh, of course, but we can also chalk that up to Super Bowl jinx. I’ll get to them later.
For the sake of the folks back home, I was happy to see the Cats wake up last week and cause Favre to have one of his little hissy fits. But it was too little, too late, and I wish they could have played that well from the beginning of the season. The alleged injury to Delhomme’s finger has done wonders for them, but the G-Men are fighting to make the playoffs. The Cats don’t have a chance.
[Editor’s note: I so wanted to change that to G-string men.]
Oakland @ Cleveland
EA: Game of the week…not really. Oakland is the best of the worst teams, so expect them to get an easy win in Cleveland and get that unheard of sixth win. Could they end up doing the incredible and moving to 7-9 next week? I never thought I’d see the day.
DB: These bottom feeder games have sometimes been rather entertaining this year. Does anyone really care who wins this game other than Oakland and Cleveland fans? I have no idea who is going to win this game. Both have shown glimpses of competence the past few weeks. I am going with Oakland in this game, only because I think they are less unstable right now. Oakland.
TR: Oakland’s 32nd ranked offense (ouch) going up against Cleveland’s 31st ranked defense will be unbearable to watch. This game doesn’t mean much to anybody, but I love to see Fredo Mangini on the verge of an aneurysm. I’ll predict Oakland just for the hell of it. See ya later, Fredo.
Jacksonville @ New England
EA: Just to keep the pressure off, this one’s a must win. Brady & Co. might be able to rip the Jags apart in the passing game, but this Jacksonville team is no slouch either. They almost pulled off a win against the Colts last week, so I expect them to hang in this one for a while with the Patriots ultimately pulling away in the fourth quarter.
DB: This game, as many New England opponents do, scares me. With a banged up defensive line and Maurice Jones-Drew facing us, it could be a long, long, long day for our defense. I think our offense will be fine and can score against the Jags. Ultimately, I think we prevail at home in a close game. New England.
TR: The first week of the season, somebody asked in a comment to our picks, “Would you guys ever pick against the Patriots?” I honestly believed at the time that I might, but it hasn’t happened yet. I’m not going to start now, especially since their playoff seed is so unsettled. Run the table, hope for the Bolts to falter down the stretch, and the Patriots could take that No. 2 seed away from San Diego. Fail in this one, and all sorts of things could happen. That’s an article in itself. I’m taking the Pats, again.
Kansas City @ Cincinnati
EA: A much needed win for the Bengals.
DB: Kansas City should not be much of a match for the Bengals at home. Cincinnati.
TR: The Bengals are folding, as expected, but their two-game losing streak isn’t nearly as bad as the Chief’s chaotic season. Cincinnati’s defense should stop KC at every turn for the home win.
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh
EA: Big Ben won’t be having any 500-yard performances against this Baltimore defense. I’ll take the Ravens for a huge win to keep them in the playoff picture, delivering the final blow to Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes.
DB: Wow, what I big rivalry game. These two teams always smack each other in the mouth from kickoff to the last second ticks off the clock. Despite the Steelers’ woes this season, they would love nothing more than to drag the Ravens into postseason doldrums with them. Pittsburgh.
TR: More complex playoff implications involving multiple teams. Regardless of the playoff picture, the Ravens would love to sweep Pittsburgh, and they have played well enough to do it but for a couple of things: Big Ben was on the shelf when last they met, and he’s back with a vengeance, having passed for more than 500 yards last week, and this one is not in Baltimore. I expect both teams to come out fighting, but the Steelers walk off with the win.
Buffalo @ Atlanta
EA: Both of these teams are out of the playoff picture, but this should still be a big win at home for the Falcons.
DB: Despite injuries and being out of the playoffs, the Falcons have put up a fight against middling teams like the Jets. Buffalo, not so much. Atlanta should take this one at home. Atlanta.
TR: Two teams going nowhere as far as I can see. Atlanta gets the win at home.
St. Louis @ Arizona
EA: Here’s a nice stat-padder for the Cardinals. I expect huge games from Warner, Boldin, Beanie, and Fitzgerald. Arizona in a home-field blow out.
DB: This is one of those weird games that I could actually see St. Louis winning because Arizona has a tendency to throw up some really stinkers . But in the end, I just don’t see it happening this week. Arizona.
TR: The St. Louis battleship sank before it got out of harbor, and Arizona has played marginally better than I expected after losing the Super Bowl. I can’t expect much from St. Louis as the Cardinals win a boring game.
Detroit @ San Francisco
EA: This should be a win for the 49ers. Should be. You never know which team is going to show up, though. Sometimes they look like a playoff team, but sometimes they look as bad as the Lions
DB: San Francisco’s defense is too tough for Detroit on the road. San Francisco.
TR: Oy vey, who cares? There was a time when San Fran looked like they “coulda been a contenda”, but at this point, they’ll be playing for pride, at home. No sweat for the Niners.
Denver @ Philadelphia
EA: If the season ended today, New England would be playing Denver in the playoffs. With Denver being the lower-seeded AFC Wild Card, the expected loss here COULD knock them out of the playoffs in favor of Tennessee, Miami, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, Houston, or the Jets. The Eagles are the better team, but I think Denver wins because of the motivation to wrap up that playoff spot. If they lose, they might not have a chance to get it back.
DB: Denver has just flat out collapsed the second half of the season as they fight for a playoff spot. The Eagles, on the other hand, are on a bit of a roll and fighting for a playoff spot. Will Brian Dawkins stick it to his old team and try to knock Brian Westbrook back into la la land and maybe retirement? Or will the Eagles show him a thing or two with the speedy DeSean Jackson? I think Denver chokes just like they did last year. Philadelphia.
TR: Another one with a ton of playoff implications. Denver needs to win both of their last two games to keep hope alive, and the Eagles could land in one of any number of situations. I don’t see the Broncos winning in Philly, or more accurately, I don’t see the Eagles losing.
New York Jets @ Indianapolis
EA: What I really hate about this game is that I hate both teams. Ultimately, I have to cheer for the Jets to end perfection. For who I have to support in this game, I’ll self-induce vomiting on Monday, but if the Colts win, I’ll puke right then and there. Either way, on Sunday I will be the biggest [closet] Jets fan on the planet.
DB: I would give the Jets a fighting chance to pull off the upset if they run, run, run the ball and use a short passing game. This is a matchup where they will sorely miss the injured Leon Washington. He is the type of change of pace, pass catcher out of the backfield, along with the thumping Thomas Jones, that gives the Colts trouble. But alas, Sanchez is simply not playing well enough for the Jets to pull this one out. Indianapolis.
TR: The Colts have their spot sewn up, but there will be no sitting on hands in Indy. The Jets have a surprising defense and could give Manning and the boys some difficulty, leaving themselves with an unlikely shot at the 6th seed. At the end of the day, however, Rex Ryan will be kissing Manning’s ring.
Dallas @ Washington
EA: Should be a piece of cake for Dallas.
DB: NBC must be kicking themselves in the head for not getting this game switched weeks ago. This will be the first prime time NFL game that I will not watch. I cannot stomach seeing the Redskins again this season. This should be an easy win for Dallas against a team that has quit (except for Jason Campbell, London Fletcher, and Santana Moss). Dallas.
TR: This is one of those historic rivalries that I would love to see played out competitively, but I don’t expect to see that happen. Their first meeting this year was about as boring as they come, but the ‘Boys have more on the line here. The Redskins looked dismal last week against the resurgent G-Men, and I expect more of the same. Dallas has a way of choking along about now, but I’m giving them the edge.
Monday Night, December 28
Minnesota @ Chicago
EA: The only reason this game is mildly interesting is the rivalry. No matter how bad teams suck (cough Chicago), most are able to step it up for these rivalry games. The Vikings should win, but they may be surprised if they underestimate the Bears too much.
DB: The only question in this game is how many interceptions will Jay Cutler throw? And will Brett Favre and Brad Childress kiss and make up? Should be an easy win for Minnesota, but the way they played last week, it may not be. Minnesota.
TR: The Vikings suffered a meltdown against the Panthers last outing, culminating in Favre’s little bitch fest with his coach, but everybody says things are smoothed over now. I’m not convinced of that, but Chicago is so bad, it might not matter. Besides, Minnesota could get bumped out of that No. 2 seed if they don’t rebound here and keep it going next week, so I’m pickin’ ‘em.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
Vinnie Cerrato out and Bruce Allen in: Has Dan Snyder Learned Anything?
Published: December 23, 2009
No Comments
Bruce Allen has been formally named the General Manager.
Dan Snyder has finally hired a football guy to run the football team.
And certainly in the near term there will be a lot of changes taking place within the organization, with the first order of business—hiring a new head coach.
But the real question is, will Dan Snyder quit his meddling ways and let the football people run the football team while he handles the business side of the operation?
I for one will be very interested to see what happens in the long run. I have not heard one good thing about working for Dan Snyder and the Redskins. In fact, all I hear is what an awful meddler he is.
My prediction is that Danny boy will find a way to ruin the team again. He just can’t resist the urge.
Look at what he is has done so far.
He gave Marty Schottenheimer one year after Schottenheimer turned the team around with a bare cupboard as far as players were concerned.
He fell in love with Steve Spurrier who turned out to be an atrocious pro football coach, as he tried to turn failed pro quarterbacks from the University of Florida—Danny Wuerfful and Shane Matthews—into pass-happy starting quarterbacks. Ditto with the lousy receivers he brought in.
He then tried to resurrect Joe Gibbs, who sadly did not seem to have real control of the team or the organization, which turned into a brief flash of promise but ultimately failure.
And worse, after Gibbs retired Snyder and Cerrato hired offensive and defensive coordinators and THEN tried to hire a head coach.
What self-respecting, top-notch head coaching candidate is going to come in when he can’t hire his own team of coaches who fit his philosophy?
None.
So they end up stuck with an obviously over-his-head Jim Zorn.
Snyder has lost two years in rebuilding the Redskins into a perennial contender with the Zorn experiment.
In fact, he’s lost a decade, through poor hiring, and trying to buy a team by overpaying for big-name veterans like Deion Sanders, Bruce Smith, Jason Taylor, and Albert Haynesworth to big contracts.
None of these players lived up to their contracts, but of course Haynesworth is an unknown. He’s been hurt much of the year.
In this decade the Redskins have had five head coaches.
How can any team gain continuity with five head coaches in a 10-year-span?
What will happen in the long term is anyone’s guess.
If Snyder lets Bruce Allen do his job, the Redskins will probably turn into a playoff contender within the next three to five years, or even sooner if Allen is shrewd enough.
Allen has somewhat of a mixed record, since he was mostly on the business side in Oakland, and was fired in Tampa Bay after he helped build the team into a contender that fell on its face last year.
But continuity is necessary for the Redskins to be successful. I, for one, doubt Snyder will be patient enough to let it happen.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
Jason Campbell: Class Act
Published: December 22, 2009
No Comments
Washington Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell is a high character player and a real class act. I have been extremely impressed with his demeanor and attitude over the course of his career with the Redskins, often in less that ideal circumstances.
Last night, in what was an embarrassing and unprofessional performance by his teammates in a 45-12 loss to the New York Giants, Jason Campbell was one of the few players to show up for the game.
After getting pounded and pounded and pounded in the first half because his offensive line couldn’t block anyone, Jason Campbell went out of the game with an injury. Jim Zorn was going to pull him out of the game in the second half because of the beating he was taking.
But with the season long over for all practical purposes, in a hopeless situation on the scoreboard, injured, and while his teammates on offense quit, especially the offensive line, he insisted on playing in the second half.
All he had to look forward to was more of the same; a beating. But he came out to play anyway and for that, my admiration for Campbell soared for being the kind of football player with the heart and character that we can all look up to and respect.
Now don’t get me wrong, I do not think Campbell is a great quarterback or will ever be an elite quarterback in the NFL. His defenders will point out that he is in a different offensive system every year and that his offensive line has been porous. But the Redskins have had numerous coaching changes over his five year career. That’s all true and certainly has stunted his development.
And maybe I’m wrong. Maybe in a different situation he would be an elite quarterback in the NFL today. But that’s not the point of this article and it does not matter to me whether or not he’s a great quarterback. The thing that I highly respect and admire in Jason Campbell is his class and character.
I’ve long been impressed by Campbell’s character. Let’s just take a look at what happened to him in the offseason. The Redskins were publicly courting Denver and Jay Cutler trying to get a trade to replace Campbell. Then they tried to move up in the draft to get Mark Sanchez of the University of Southern California who is now with the Jets.
Obviously this had to hurt Campbell given all the time and effort he has given the Redskins with little in return. Instead of whining, moaning and calling out management and the coaches, Campbell simply said he couldn’t control these things and just had to work hard to keep getting better and help the team.
Contrast that with the whinny Jay Cutler who got bent out of shape when the Denver Broncos fired Mike Shanahan and contemplated trading him for Matt Cassel. He created a huge rift with new head coach Josh McDaniels and the organization, eventually leading to Cutler being traded to the Chicago Bears, where is has had a miserable season and is an interception machine.
You also never hear Jason Campbell call out his teammates for poor play. This year his offensive line has been horrible. Granted, injuries have had a lot to do with that, but you never heard Campbell complain about them.
Nor do you hear him complain about his receivers, who have been a disappointment with the exception of Santa Moss who has continually plagued by hamstring injuries. Nor have I hard Campbell complain about his coaches. HE just goes out and plays the best he can and keeps the dirty laundry in house.
Contrast that with one of the biggest jerks in the NFL, the Redskins own Clinton Portis. On more than one occasion, he has called out his offensive line when he plays poorly and needs someone to blame it on. This year, he tried to get fullback Mike Sellers benched and had a confrontation with him.
He blamed Joe Gibbs for leaving him in a preseason game where he hurt his shoulder tackling on an interception. The prima donna got into a tussle with Jim Zorn last year when he pulled himself out of game without bothering to inform the coaches of it. He whines when he doesn’t get the ball enough. Great teammate, right? Of course he was a malcontent in Denver too; I have zero respect for Portis.
And then we come to last night. In a hopeless situation, taking a beating, on a team that doesn’t want him, a lame duck coach, and new management, Campbell comes out in the second half and does his best.
That’s what I call a class act.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
