AFC North
Cincinnati Bengals
Predicted Record: 11-5
Final Record: 4-12
Another first to worst team? How does that happen? Honestly, the Bengals were a mystery to me this season. They were actually getting players back from injury and they put up a worse record. Part of it can be blamed on Carson Palmer, but this is a team that at times looked like they just did not want to win.
Cleveland Browns
Predicted Record: 5-11
Final Record: 5-11
Hey, right on the money, what do I win? Of course, I did predict they'd finish last and not third, and I'm sure the games I thought they'd win did not coincide with the games they did win, but hey how often does someone hit a number dead on like that? Things are looking good for Cleveland if they can keep up the forward momentum.
Baltimore Ravens
Predicted Record: 13-3
Final Record: 12-4
I was damn close with a lot of these AFC North teams. What surprised me about this season wasn't necessarily anything the Ravens did, it was what the Steelers did. The Ravens' season played out just about exactly as I envisioned.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Predicted Record: 7-9
Final Record: 12-4
I didn't think the Steelers had improved that much from last season, I was wrong. I was surprised that they went 3-1 in the games that Ben was absent, and after that I was even more surprised that a team that went 3-1 during that stretch actually lost some of the games they did once they got their starting QB back. Pittsburgh was an enigma to me this season.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Predicted Record: 0-16
Final Record: 4-12
I will admit this was a bold prediction from the start, but for a while it looked like it just might come true. The Bills actually surprised me a bit by playing all their games hard and winning against some teams I thought would steamroll them, notably Detroit. They still have a huge lack of talent, though, and they need an impressive offseason to keep pace in a competitive division.
Miami Dolphins
Predicted Record: 8-8
Final Record: 7-9
Actually not too shabby here. I think I actually had higher expectations for the team going in as far as how competitive they'd play, but their schedule was killer.
New York Jets
Predicted Record: 14-2
Final Record: 11-5
I think I both underestimated New England and overestimated the Jets. The Jets had the superior team on paper going in, it goes to show big names don't always translate into the best team on the field. They have some major questions on offense going forward, and getting a big receiver would definitely be a boon.
New England Patriots
Predicted Record: 12-4
Final Record: 14-2
Again, early in the season it looked like I might be right. The Pats turned their up and down season around extremely fast, though, and emerged as one of the favorites headed into the postseason. Their success can probably be attributed in part to the contributions of their rookies. Say what you want about Belichick, he's doing something right.
AFC South
Tennessee Titans
Predicted Record: 7-9
Final Record: 6-10
I think most people saw this coming. Tennessee's defense has dropped off considerably from three years ago and their offense simply can't keep up. They have some work to do on both sides of the ball.
Houston Texans
Predicted Record: 10-4
Final Record: 6-10
The Texans looked impressive going into the season and through the first few weeks. What a major disappointment the season turned out to be, however, after they beat the Colts on opening day. Injuries were a factor, but you cannot let your defense drop off that much because of one player going down. They have a lot to prove after this past season.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Predicted Record: 5-11
Final Record: 8-8
This team was a surprise. I knew they had talent between David Garrard and Maurice Jones-Drew, but what surprised me was how the other players helped them succeed. Their receiving corps especially didn't look like anything special going in, but proved to be a fairly strong spot. Their defense also looked a little thin, and while they do still have problems they kept the team in a lot of games. The biggest surprise, at the end of the season, was that they had the Colts dead to rights and simply let the division crown slip away.
Indianapolis Colts
Predicted Record: 10-6
Final Record: 10-6
Right on the money again. I think what this season proved is that Peyton Manning is human after all, especially when he has inexperienced receivers on the field. It also proved that the run game is still vital even with an elite QB on the field, even more so. Indy's opponents ran the ball to keep Peyton off the field and Indy could not run the ball when their opponents locked down the passing game. This is a passing league? Please.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
Predicted Record: 4-12
Final Record: 4-12
I should find some way to make money off of this. I thought from the start that McDaniels was going about running this team all wrong. I'll give him credit, I think the amazing stats that Orton put up were due in part to him, quarterbacks just have huge stats with McDaniels' system. Still, he wasn't ready to run a team, and his failures running the ball and on defense show that. Again, passing league?
Oakland Raiders
Predicted Record: 9-7
Final Record: 8-8
The Raiders were hard to get a handle on this season. Some games they would come out and amaze me, then next week they'd put up a stinker, then the next they'd pull off an upset. Still, this season was an improvement and the firing of Tom Cable is just another indicator of Al Davis' inability to run a team.
San Diego Chargers
Predicted Record: 10-6
Final Record: 9-7
Given the way they got manhandled by their division opponents this season, I'm surprised the Chargers won as many games as they did. There's no reason they shouldn't have taken the division, they have the talent. Frankly, I think Turner should be gone after how this season played out, but at the very least he should be in a hotseat position this upcoming year.
Kansas City Chiefs
Predicted Record: 4-12
Final Record: 10-6
Now I will grant that I was way off on the record here, but I was about the only person talking up the Chiefs in the offseason. I was saying how good their defense looked, how they had an amazing running game. The things that surprised me, first off how well their areas of weakness played, notably receivers. Like Jacksonville, what appeared to be a weak spot going in turned out to be an area of strength with Dwayne Bowe having an amazing season. Two, how much their division rivals fell off. I knew the Broncos were on a downslide, but I thought the Chargers would at least hold on to their division crown another season. I can't take this as a complete told-you-so, but it's close enough for me.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
NFL 2010 Season Wrap-Up Part One: The NFC
This is actually long past due as the season ended quite a while ago. However, I have been in a football funk since the Packers won the Super Bowl (damn Packers), so now I have finally gotten over it and around to getting this post done. I swear, as soon as I get my next post up (I should really be focusing on the Bulls a lot more with the season they're having) I'll get the background changed.
Anyways, before the season started I put up predictions of the records I thought each team would finish with, and the playoff picture. Records, in my opinion, are damn near impossible to predict, so seeing how wrong I was about those will be a humorous endeavor to me. The playoffs and how some teams finished, however, is a different story. Personally, there were a lot of surprises here for me.
Pre-Season Predictions:
NFC North
Minnesota Vikings
Predicted Record: 10-6
Final Record: 6-10
The biggest surprise here was the Vikings. How does a team with Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson put up a sub-.500 record? Did you know they technically finished in last place because they tied with the Lions and the Lions owned the tiebreaker? From first to worst without a lot of personnel subtractions, that's disappointing. Injuries played a part, but I think the big story here is that Favre was on his way out even near the beginning of the season.
Detroit Lions
Predicted Record: 4-12
Final Record: 6-10
The Lions were also surprising. Ndamukong Suh was a standout, and the Lions got great production from Jahvid Best. I knew at the beginning of the season that the Lions would improve, but how much they improved is what surprised me most. They moved out of the cellar, and if not for injuries I think would have been even better. If they can stay healthy and have an offseason half as good as last year's then they will be a force.
Green Bay Packers
Predicted Record: 8-8
Final Record: 10-6
Oh, you're crazy predicting the Packers to go 8-8 everyone said at the beginning of the season. 13-3 everyone said they would go, easily. Oh really, you want to know how much I was off by? Two games, the same amount I was off by when I said the Bears would go 9-7 and get a wild card. Look, I've said all season that you are what your record says you are and I stand by that. Green Bay was a winning team, even without the Super Bowl 10-6 is nothing to snuff at. The way people have been talking about the Packers, though, and continue to talk about them you'd think they were the greatest thing to hit the field since the forward pass was invented. You know what this season proved to me? This is still the NFL, things are always going to be close and competitive, and no team is ever going to be as good as Green Bay's sycophants have made them out to be. But don't say I don't give credit where credit is due, they won the Super Bowl, they won four playoff games. It's hard to overestimate a team that does that, but somehow the sports media has managed to do just that.
Chicago Bears
Predicted Record: 9-7
Final Record: 11-5
And then we get to da Bears! Here's my big told you so moment, they were predicted to be third place at best, AT BEST. I said they would make the playoffs this year, I said they were going to go 9-7, and instead they went 11-5. If anything, I was listening to what other people were saying too much by making them the wild card pick. I took an attitude of tempering my expectations for each team against the general consensus, I think in the future I'll ease up on that, although I won't do away with it completely.
NFC East
Washington Redskins
Predicted Record: 8-8
Final Record: 6-10
Okay, I'll admit it, the NFC East has proven to be a big embarrassment for me this season. In my defense, a lot of things changed between when I made these predictions and when certain teams' fortunes began to change. The Redskins were looking good at times during the season. Ryan Torrain was looking like a beast of a running back, if he and Portis can stay healthy a full season the Redskins will be in good shape. They've got a lot of holes to fill, but they aren't as far removed from being competitive as many people make them out to be. Of course, if they could find some stability at quarterback they might look a lot better to more analysts.
Dallas Cowboys
Predicted Record: 10-6
Final Record: 6-10
I was pretty surprised by the Cowboys this season, but in my defense so was everybody else. Specifically, how did that defense fall off like it did? They retained a lot of the same players that played well for them the year before, but for some reason they just came apart. It looks like Jason Garrett has that unit back in line, though, so Cowboys fans have reason for hope. Frankly, I'd be more concerned about the offense. Their three-headed monster of a run game didn't get anywhere for most of the season, though that can be attributed in part to Wade Phillips. I think their biggest issue going into next season is the line, both in run blocking and protection.
New York Giants
Predicted Record: 14-2
Final Record: 10-6
I stand by prediction here for a number of reasons. Okay, maybe 14-2 was a bit unrealistic, but hear me out. One, the Eagles looked downright sorry at times, specifically before Vick was named the starter. Even after that they lost some close games, but my point is the Eagles had a great turnaround in large part because of a move that was made during the course of the regular season. Two, the Eagles won the division by tiebreaker, one more game and the Giants would have been champions. In fact, one more Bears' win and the Giants are in the playoffs while the Packers are out. I predicted the Giants would win the division because of their defense, and I wasn't wrong. Their defense played lights out, but injuries on offense kept them from winning some big games. A lot of teams can talk about injuries, but when a few points can mean the difference between a postseason berth and sitting at home I think injuries become much more of a legitimate excuse.
Philadelphia Eagles
Predicted Record: 3-13
Final Record: 10-6
Okay, like the Giants I was way off with the record. however, I still think the Eagles looked like a third or fourth place team without Vick. Their defense was, again, very underwhelming. They struggled at times stopping teams, and if not for Vick's ability to drive his team upfield they might not have won many of those games. A lot of people like Kevin Kolb, but with him under center I doubt that Philly makes the playoffs.
NFC South
Carolina Panthers
Predicted Record: 3-13
Final Record: 2-14
Wow, was I close on this one. To be fair to the Panthers, injuries did play somewhat of a role. Still, they were playing with basically nothing but young, unproven players. Even if DeAngelo stays healthy all season, you're still a one-dimensional team.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Predicted Record: 2-14
Final Record: 10-6
I attribute my mistake here to thinking that the Saints and Falcons could not be toppled by the Bucs. I was wrong, and I admit I underestimated this team. That being said, I did say they would finish in third place.
New Orleans Saints
Predicted Record: 14-2
Final Record: 11-5
I'll admit I might have underestimated Atlanta a little, but I sincerely thought New Orleans was going to be better, especially on defense. They showed flashes, Alex Brown and Will Smith are a great tandem, but needed a little more consistency. If they had stayed healthier at Running back they would have won more games, but enough to topple Atlanta? Who knows.
Atlanta Falcons
Predicted Record: 9-7
Final Record: 13-3
I'll admit they surprised me this season, especially their pass rush. Still, just when I was becoming sold on just how good they were, they go and put up a stinker at home against the Pack. I was right to have reservations, wrong on when and how strong.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Predicted Record: 8-8
Final Record: 5-11
Here is another case of me listening too much to other people. Still, their defense was impressive again this season. I guess I imagined Derek Anderson doing slightly better than he did. This team is still one QB away from the playoffs.
San Francisco 49ers
Predicted Record: 13-3
Final Record: 6-10
I'm calling this my biggest blunder of the offseason predictions. I still think this team had the talent to do a lot more, I just don't think Singletary was doing an effective job coaching. Don't give up on any of these players yet, not even Alex Smith. He's never going to be a franchise QB, but he's one that can win games, especially with a decent coach like Harbaugh behind him.
St. Louis Rams
Predicted Record: 2-14
Final Record: 7-9
How about those Rams? I never thought they would see a turnaround like that, my days of underestimating them are done.
Seattle Seahawks
Predicted Record: 5-11
Final Record: 7-9
I don't like calling teams lucky, again you are what your record says you are, but I really feel like the Rams had a good chance of knocking Seattle out on a couple of occasions. Pete Carroll had better not rest on his laurels this offseason because the Rams are itching to restore some credibility to this division.
Anyways, before the season started I put up predictions of the records I thought each team would finish with, and the playoff picture. Records, in my opinion, are damn near impossible to predict, so seeing how wrong I was about those will be a humorous endeavor to me. The playoffs and how some teams finished, however, is a different story. Personally, there were a lot of surprises here for me.
Pre-Season Predictions:
NFC North
Minnesota Vikings
Predicted Record: 10-6
Final Record: 6-10
The biggest surprise here was the Vikings. How does a team with Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson put up a sub-.500 record? Did you know they technically finished in last place because they tied with the Lions and the Lions owned the tiebreaker? From first to worst without a lot of personnel subtractions, that's disappointing. Injuries played a part, but I think the big story here is that Favre was on his way out even near the beginning of the season.
Detroit Lions
Predicted Record: 4-12
Final Record: 6-10
The Lions were also surprising. Ndamukong Suh was a standout, and the Lions got great production from Jahvid Best. I knew at the beginning of the season that the Lions would improve, but how much they improved is what surprised me most. They moved out of the cellar, and if not for injuries I think would have been even better. If they can stay healthy and have an offseason half as good as last year's then they will be a force.
Green Bay Packers
Predicted Record: 8-8
Final Record: 10-6
Oh, you're crazy predicting the Packers to go 8-8 everyone said at the beginning of the season. 13-3 everyone said they would go, easily. Oh really, you want to know how much I was off by? Two games, the same amount I was off by when I said the Bears would go 9-7 and get a wild card. Look, I've said all season that you are what your record says you are and I stand by that. Green Bay was a winning team, even without the Super Bowl 10-6 is nothing to snuff at. The way people have been talking about the Packers, though, and continue to talk about them you'd think they were the greatest thing to hit the field since the forward pass was invented. You know what this season proved to me? This is still the NFL, things are always going to be close and competitive, and no team is ever going to be as good as Green Bay's sycophants have made them out to be. But don't say I don't give credit where credit is due, they won the Super Bowl, they won four playoff games. It's hard to overestimate a team that does that, but somehow the sports media has managed to do just that.
Chicago Bears
Predicted Record: 9-7
Final Record: 11-5
And then we get to da Bears! Here's my big told you so moment, they were predicted to be third place at best, AT BEST. I said they would make the playoffs this year, I said they were going to go 9-7, and instead they went 11-5. If anything, I was listening to what other people were saying too much by making them the wild card pick. I took an attitude of tempering my expectations for each team against the general consensus, I think in the future I'll ease up on that, although I won't do away with it completely.
NFC East
Washington Redskins
Predicted Record: 8-8
Final Record: 6-10
Okay, I'll admit it, the NFC East has proven to be a big embarrassment for me this season. In my defense, a lot of things changed between when I made these predictions and when certain teams' fortunes began to change. The Redskins were looking good at times during the season. Ryan Torrain was looking like a beast of a running back, if he and Portis can stay healthy a full season the Redskins will be in good shape. They've got a lot of holes to fill, but they aren't as far removed from being competitive as many people make them out to be. Of course, if they could find some stability at quarterback they might look a lot better to more analysts.
Dallas Cowboys
Predicted Record: 10-6
Final Record: 6-10
I was pretty surprised by the Cowboys this season, but in my defense so was everybody else. Specifically, how did that defense fall off like it did? They retained a lot of the same players that played well for them the year before, but for some reason they just came apart. It looks like Jason Garrett has that unit back in line, though, so Cowboys fans have reason for hope. Frankly, I'd be more concerned about the offense. Their three-headed monster of a run game didn't get anywhere for most of the season, though that can be attributed in part to Wade Phillips. I think their biggest issue going into next season is the line, both in run blocking and protection.
New York Giants
Predicted Record: 14-2
Final Record: 10-6
I stand by prediction here for a number of reasons. Okay, maybe 14-2 was a bit unrealistic, but hear me out. One, the Eagles looked downright sorry at times, specifically before Vick was named the starter. Even after that they lost some close games, but my point is the Eagles had a great turnaround in large part because of a move that was made during the course of the regular season. Two, the Eagles won the division by tiebreaker, one more game and the Giants would have been champions. In fact, one more Bears' win and the Giants are in the playoffs while the Packers are out. I predicted the Giants would win the division because of their defense, and I wasn't wrong. Their defense played lights out, but injuries on offense kept them from winning some big games. A lot of teams can talk about injuries, but when a few points can mean the difference between a postseason berth and sitting at home I think injuries become much more of a legitimate excuse.
Philadelphia Eagles
Predicted Record: 3-13
Final Record: 10-6
Okay, like the Giants I was way off with the record. however, I still think the Eagles looked like a third or fourth place team without Vick. Their defense was, again, very underwhelming. They struggled at times stopping teams, and if not for Vick's ability to drive his team upfield they might not have won many of those games. A lot of people like Kevin Kolb, but with him under center I doubt that Philly makes the playoffs.
NFC South
Carolina Panthers
Predicted Record: 3-13
Final Record: 2-14
Wow, was I close on this one. To be fair to the Panthers, injuries did play somewhat of a role. Still, they were playing with basically nothing but young, unproven players. Even if DeAngelo stays healthy all season, you're still a one-dimensional team.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Predicted Record: 2-14
Final Record: 10-6
I attribute my mistake here to thinking that the Saints and Falcons could not be toppled by the Bucs. I was wrong, and I admit I underestimated this team. That being said, I did say they would finish in third place.
New Orleans Saints
Predicted Record: 14-2
Final Record: 11-5
I'll admit I might have underestimated Atlanta a little, but I sincerely thought New Orleans was going to be better, especially on defense. They showed flashes, Alex Brown and Will Smith are a great tandem, but needed a little more consistency. If they had stayed healthier at Running back they would have won more games, but enough to topple Atlanta? Who knows.
Atlanta Falcons
Predicted Record: 9-7
Final Record: 13-3
I'll admit they surprised me this season, especially their pass rush. Still, just when I was becoming sold on just how good they were, they go and put up a stinker at home against the Pack. I was right to have reservations, wrong on when and how strong.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Predicted Record: 8-8
Final Record: 5-11
Here is another case of me listening too much to other people. Still, their defense was impressive again this season. I guess I imagined Derek Anderson doing slightly better than he did. This team is still one QB away from the playoffs.
San Francisco 49ers
Predicted Record: 13-3
Final Record: 6-10
I'm calling this my biggest blunder of the offseason predictions. I still think this team had the talent to do a lot more, I just don't think Singletary was doing an effective job coaching. Don't give up on any of these players yet, not even Alex Smith. He's never going to be a franchise QB, but he's one that can win games, especially with a decent coach like Harbaugh behind him.
St. Louis Rams
Predicted Record: 2-14
Final Record: 7-9
How about those Rams? I never thought they would see a turnaround like that, my days of underestimating them are done.
Seattle Seahawks
Predicted Record: 5-11
Final Record: 7-9
I don't like calling teams lucky, again you are what your record says you are, but I really feel like the Rams had a good chance of knocking Seattle out on a couple of occasions. Pete Carroll had better not rest on his laurels this offseason because the Rams are itching to restore some credibility to this division.
Friday, February 18, 2011
R.I.P. Dave Duerson
Former Bears Safety and member of the 1985 Championship Dave Duerson was found dead in his home today. Duerson was drafted by the Bears in 1983 and went to four consecutive Pro Bowls from 1985-1988. In 1986 he set a then NFL record seven sacks by a defensive back and had six interceptions. In addition, Duerson played on two Super Bowl winning teams, the Bears in Super Bowl XX and the Giants in Super Bowl XXV.
Career Stats
Games Started: 160
Sacks: 16
Interceptions: 20
Comb. interception and fumble return yards: 264
Career Stats
Games Started: 160
Sacks: 16
Interceptions: 20
Comb. interception and fumble return yards: 264
Quarterback Controversies
I'll start off by saying that I don't have all that much to say about the Super Bowl. In fact, I've been almost completely avoiding football since the Super Bowl, I just can't take all the hype surrounding Green Bay. It's hard to overhype a Super Bowl Champion team, but somehow the sports press is managing to do it. Green Bay's already the favorite by many to win the Super Bowl next year, and Chicago is already being predicted as a flash in the pan. Wait and see, though, wait and see. Frankly, in my mind, the favorite to win our division is neither team, it's Detroit (you heard it here first). They have a lot of explosive playmakers on offense, and if they can stay healthy on that side they'll be dangerous. Their defense looks to be absolutely dominant. Suh had an amazing rookie season, Vaden Bosch was as good as ever, and the other ends they rotated in performed above expectations as well. Not to mention, they came very close to beating Green Bay once and actually did beat them in the second game. They'll be dangerous next year, count on it.
So if you want to crown the Packers' asses then crown their asses, but Rashard let them off the hook. Sorry to hate on the hometown man, but he is the goat of that game. A win is still a win is still a win, but next time a Green Bay fan complains about the Packers losing because of penalties or turnovers I'll be quick to point out how Green Bay has won some big games the same way. Anyways, enough about the wet dream team. A big issue for many teams this offseason is quarterback and every analyst is throwing around speculation about this team and that team. I'll break down the individual teams, but I'll first say that a change might not be a good thing. There are a couple of teams, Cleveland and Carolina in particular, that have some young quarterbacks who show potential. They may not be performing at the same level as, say, Sam Bradford, but not every QB coming out of college is going to take a sub-.500 team from the previous season on a playoff run in their first season. Maybe this isn't the in vogue opinion in the NFL right now, but spending high-round draft picks on quarterback year might not be the greatest idea. Developing young quarterbacks and focusing on positions of need in the draft may not be the flashy move, but in many cases it's the right one. Enough of the generalities, though, and let's get to specific teams.
Arizona Cardinals
This is one team that I don't think has a viable option at quarterback right now. Anderson's best years are behind him, and Skelton and Hall still have a lot to prove, even if they are at least a step up from Matt Leinart. Arizona is a team that is built to win now, so if anyone should go for a solution via trade or free agency it should be them. Two names they should consider are Donovan McNabb and Kevin Kolb, either would be a big boost to their team. Marc Bulger is another possibility, but honestly, considering how long its been since he's been relevant in St. Louis, I'd prefer one of the former two. The draft is also a possibility, but I think Arizona is in a better position to acquire a QB elsewhere as opposed to taking a chance in the draft. Kolb and McNabb are simply safer bets.
Buffalo Bills
This team should consider every option. If McNabb is available, get him. If the asking price for Kolb isn't too high, get him. Hell, maybe even Vince Young is a possibility here. Ryan Fitzpatrick probably has enough trust now to be considered a starting quarterback, but his hold on that title is tentative. Bringing in another quarterback who can compete for the job might be the best option, and if VY doesn't work out you can cut him loose. I did say the draft is an option, but they should try to look at it as a last resort. They have, frankly, one of the least filled-out rosters in the league next to Carolina and need desperately to upgrade at a wealth of positions. The only reason the draft is an option is because if they can't find a quarterback any other way, they at least need to draft one to keep Fitzpatrick on his toes and have some insurance on hand. Brian Bohm and Levi Brown would certainly spell another season of disaster if Fitz went down or had to be pulled.
Carolina Panthers
Why spend draft picks trading for or drafting a quarterback? You took Jimmy Clausen int he second round last year, do you really want to draft a quarterback in back to back years, especially with so many holes on both sides of the ball? You need your picks for other positions, take this year off at quarterback. Give Clausen a full season as starter, put all your support behind him, and if he fails, well, you probably weren't going to win too many games anyways and you can draft a QB next year. If he succeeds and develops into a solid starter, though, you just went from possibly going through years of trying to find the right quarterback to having a starter for years to come. Patience, my young failure of a team, you must learn patience.
Miami Dolphins
You're a wildcat team, how about acquiring a wildcat quarterback? Vince young or Donovan McNabb might do well here, although McNabb is getting less mobile with age. He still knows how to throw it, though, and their offensive line isn't half bad. With a decent running game behind him again, McNabb could do some impressive things. Cam Newton is also intriguing, though he probably won't drop that far.
Minnesota Vikings
They're in trouble. Forgive me for asking, but what about Tavaris Jackson? He seemed to perform well at the end of the season before getting injured, and with the rest of the QBs on the roster you would think keeping him would be a good short-term move. Picking up other teams' scraps might also be a decent move until they can get their hands on another franchise guy. Chad Henne and Marc Bulger could fit well if they're available. Kevin Kolb is another possibility, but do the Vikings have the guts to pull that kind of trade off? Drafting might be out of the question, as many of the big names could be off the board by then. One plus for them is that they don't have a lot of gaping holes at other positions, and therefore can afford to invest in the position.
San Francisco 49ers
What's wrong with Alex Smith? Yes, I know he has struggled at times, but this is one situation where I think standing pat, while unpopular, may be the right move. Can you build a successful team around Alex Smith? Yes. Do you have all the right parts? Yes. Is he going to be a quarterback who pulls it all together? Probably not, but that doesn't matter because you have a pretty good coach coming in who can. I blame last year more on Mike Singletary than Alex Smith and I think Smith has to be given one more chance, if only for the fact that I don't see a whole lot of other viable alternatives out there. Kolb might fit int heir system, but do you really want to pay the asking price for him?
Seattle Seahawks
Either hope that Hasselbeck can stay healthy for another season or try to find a QB somewhere else. Not a lot of options for a team picking as low in the draft as them.
Tennessee Titans
One thing with Tennessee, they don't need a great QB but they could definitely use a mobile one. Of course, they may be plotting to change their offense after the failures of last season, but a mobile QB still seems the best way to complement Chris Johnson. The person who makes the most sense to me, Cam Newton. He might fall to number ten, but if I were the Titans I'd do everything I could to get him on my team. If that means giving up a few later picks to move up, then so be it. Like the Vikings, they can afford it as they don't have a ton of gaping holes at other positions.
Washington Redskins
I know that everyone says the sky is falling, But I say slow down. Frankly, I think they should Keep Donovan, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. In that case, go with Grossman for a year. Like Alex Smith and Jimmy Clausen he's had problems, but he's also shown some potential. Look, no one is a bigger Grossman detractor than me, but the 2006 season really says everything about him. in some of those games he was amazing, and in some he was downright horrible. If you can get some stability out of him he can at least be a competent starter. Granted, he probably isn't the best suited to a west coast offense, but I don't see a lot of alternative for the Redskins. They have too many other holes to fill to be drafting a quarterback or trying to trade for one, they need every pick they can get. Like Clausen, at the very worst you have one bad season and go for a quarterback next year.
So if you want to crown the Packers' asses then crown their asses, but Rashard let them off the hook. Sorry to hate on the hometown man, but he is the goat of that game. A win is still a win is still a win, but next time a Green Bay fan complains about the Packers losing because of penalties or turnovers I'll be quick to point out how Green Bay has won some big games the same way. Anyways, enough about the wet dream team. A big issue for many teams this offseason is quarterback and every analyst is throwing around speculation about this team and that team. I'll break down the individual teams, but I'll first say that a change might not be a good thing. There are a couple of teams, Cleveland and Carolina in particular, that have some young quarterbacks who show potential. They may not be performing at the same level as, say, Sam Bradford, but not every QB coming out of college is going to take a sub-.500 team from the previous season on a playoff run in their first season. Maybe this isn't the in vogue opinion in the NFL right now, but spending high-round draft picks on quarterback year might not be the greatest idea. Developing young quarterbacks and focusing on positions of need in the draft may not be the flashy move, but in many cases it's the right one. Enough of the generalities, though, and let's get to specific teams.
Arizona Cardinals
This is one team that I don't think has a viable option at quarterback right now. Anderson's best years are behind him, and Skelton and Hall still have a lot to prove, even if they are at least a step up from Matt Leinart. Arizona is a team that is built to win now, so if anyone should go for a solution via trade or free agency it should be them. Two names they should consider are Donovan McNabb and Kevin Kolb, either would be a big boost to their team. Marc Bulger is another possibility, but honestly, considering how long its been since he's been relevant in St. Louis, I'd prefer one of the former two. The draft is also a possibility, but I think Arizona is in a better position to acquire a QB elsewhere as opposed to taking a chance in the draft. Kolb and McNabb are simply safer bets.
Buffalo Bills
This team should consider every option. If McNabb is available, get him. If the asking price for Kolb isn't too high, get him. Hell, maybe even Vince Young is a possibility here. Ryan Fitzpatrick probably has enough trust now to be considered a starting quarterback, but his hold on that title is tentative. Bringing in another quarterback who can compete for the job might be the best option, and if VY doesn't work out you can cut him loose. I did say the draft is an option, but they should try to look at it as a last resort. They have, frankly, one of the least filled-out rosters in the league next to Carolina and need desperately to upgrade at a wealth of positions. The only reason the draft is an option is because if they can't find a quarterback any other way, they at least need to draft one to keep Fitzpatrick on his toes and have some insurance on hand. Brian Bohm and Levi Brown would certainly spell another season of disaster if Fitz went down or had to be pulled.
Carolina Panthers
Why spend draft picks trading for or drafting a quarterback? You took Jimmy Clausen int he second round last year, do you really want to draft a quarterback in back to back years, especially with so many holes on both sides of the ball? You need your picks for other positions, take this year off at quarterback. Give Clausen a full season as starter, put all your support behind him, and if he fails, well, you probably weren't going to win too many games anyways and you can draft a QB next year. If he succeeds and develops into a solid starter, though, you just went from possibly going through years of trying to find the right quarterback to having a starter for years to come. Patience, my young failure of a team, you must learn patience.
Miami Dolphins
You're a wildcat team, how about acquiring a wildcat quarterback? Vince young or Donovan McNabb might do well here, although McNabb is getting less mobile with age. He still knows how to throw it, though, and their offensive line isn't half bad. With a decent running game behind him again, McNabb could do some impressive things. Cam Newton is also intriguing, though he probably won't drop that far.
Minnesota Vikings
They're in trouble. Forgive me for asking, but what about Tavaris Jackson? He seemed to perform well at the end of the season before getting injured, and with the rest of the QBs on the roster you would think keeping him would be a good short-term move. Picking up other teams' scraps might also be a decent move until they can get their hands on another franchise guy. Chad Henne and Marc Bulger could fit well if they're available. Kevin Kolb is another possibility, but do the Vikings have the guts to pull that kind of trade off? Drafting might be out of the question, as many of the big names could be off the board by then. One plus for them is that they don't have a lot of gaping holes at other positions, and therefore can afford to invest in the position.
San Francisco 49ers
What's wrong with Alex Smith? Yes, I know he has struggled at times, but this is one situation where I think standing pat, while unpopular, may be the right move. Can you build a successful team around Alex Smith? Yes. Do you have all the right parts? Yes. Is he going to be a quarterback who pulls it all together? Probably not, but that doesn't matter because you have a pretty good coach coming in who can. I blame last year more on Mike Singletary than Alex Smith and I think Smith has to be given one more chance, if only for the fact that I don't see a whole lot of other viable alternatives out there. Kolb might fit int heir system, but do you really want to pay the asking price for him?
Seattle Seahawks
Either hope that Hasselbeck can stay healthy for another season or try to find a QB somewhere else. Not a lot of options for a team picking as low in the draft as them.
Tennessee Titans
One thing with Tennessee, they don't need a great QB but they could definitely use a mobile one. Of course, they may be plotting to change their offense after the failures of last season, but a mobile QB still seems the best way to complement Chris Johnson. The person who makes the most sense to me, Cam Newton. He might fall to number ten, but if I were the Titans I'd do everything I could to get him on my team. If that means giving up a few later picks to move up, then so be it. Like the Vikings, they can afford it as they don't have a ton of gaping holes at other positions.
Washington Redskins
I know that everyone says the sky is falling, But I say slow down. Frankly, I think they should Keep Donovan, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. In that case, go with Grossman for a year. Like Alex Smith and Jimmy Clausen he's had problems, but he's also shown some potential. Look, no one is a bigger Grossman detractor than me, but the 2006 season really says everything about him. in some of those games he was amazing, and in some he was downright horrible. If you can get some stability out of him he can at least be a competent starter. Granted, he probably isn't the best suited to a west coast offense, but I don't see a lot of alternative for the Redskins. They have too many other holes to fill to be drafting a quarterback or trying to trade for one, they need every pick they can get. Like Clausen, at the very worst you have one bad season and go for a quarterback next year.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Super Bowl XLV Predictions
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Green Bay Packers
Of all the Superbowl matchups I didn't want to see, this is probably highest on my list. The hated Packers go up against a team that has won twice in the course of the past five years. As much as I hate seeing another dynasty, the hype for the Packers is once again sickening. It seems like anyone who has played them goes into the game as underdogs. Forget that Pittsburgh has the best run defense and one of the best running attacks in the league, plus a fairly decent safety in the backfield as well. James Starks still doesn't impress me as much as he seems to impress everyone else, and Green Bay's run defense has been spotty at times. Green Bay has also had line troubles, and they could have problems against a high-powered blitzing attack. Defense and running win Superbowls, no matter what anyone says, and Pittsburgh has the better of both.
Prediction: Steelers
Of all the Superbowl matchups I didn't want to see, this is probably highest on my list. The hated Packers go up against a team that has won twice in the course of the past five years. As much as I hate seeing another dynasty, the hype for the Packers is once again sickening. It seems like anyone who has played them goes into the game as underdogs. Forget that Pittsburgh has the best run defense and one of the best running attacks in the league, plus a fairly decent safety in the backfield as well. James Starks still doesn't impress me as much as he seems to impress everyone else, and Green Bay's run defense has been spotty at times. Green Bay has also had line troubles, and they could have problems against a high-powered blitzing attack. Defense and running win Superbowls, no matter what anyone says, and Pittsburgh has the better of both.
Prediction: Steelers
NFL Playoffs: Conference Round Thoughts
Green Bay Packers def. Chicago Bears
It was a good game for Green Bay, but I also thought it illustrated once again how wrong the people who overstate their talent are. Green Bay was the better team, there's no denying that, but the way most people talk you'd think they blew the Bears out by fifty points, but it was only a seven point game.
Pittsburgh Steelers def. New York Jets
I don't know if I should be more impressed with the Steelers or surprised by the Jets, but given how the Jets played in the Divisional Round I'll go with the former.
It was a good game for Green Bay, but I also thought it illustrated once again how wrong the people who overstate their talent are. Green Bay was the better team, there's no denying that, but the way most people talk you'd think they blew the Bears out by fifty points, but it was only a seven point game.
Pittsburgh Steelers def. New York Jets
I don't know if I should be more impressed with the Steelers or surprised by the Jets, but given how the Jets played in the Divisional Round I'll go with the former.
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