As a Dolphins fan and ex-WVU alum this poses a very difficult question. The Phins already have Wes Welker who is a very good return man, maybe not as much of a gamebreaker as Pacman, but gets the job done. On defense, Jones has become a very solid cover corner, but can still look silly at times against bigger WR’s and open field tackling. A lot of people forget he gained a majority of his notoriety in the Giants game against a very poor Eli Manning. As much as I’d love him on the field, I’m not sure the excess baggage is worth it.
As much as I would hate to have a human being of Pacman’s caliber on my team, on the field for 60 minutes every Sunday for 16 weeks, I would absolutely take him as the next CB on the giants. Not only can he play corner but hes also a more then valuable and extremely dangerous return man. I would sign him to a contract just like the Giants did with Lavarr Arrington. You must play to get paid. The giants signed him to a 7yr deal, with essentially was a 1 yr deal w/incentives. He got hurt, he got cut. Simple as that. I’m sure any team could work out a similar deal w/Pacman regarding his off the field nonsense. Hes worth the gamble.
I don’t think that Pac Man is as good as his persona is. I think that he has some pretty sick skills in the return game, but I wouldn’t say that he is a shutdown corner or anything like that. I was actually stunned, albeit pleasantly, that the Titans took Pac Man instead of Antrel Rolle, who wound up in Arizona.
Nevertheless, I think that I might be able to deal with his antics because a lot of that kind of crap doesn’t bother me all that much. And if I thought that he could play for my team, then why not?
I think Pac Man really came on as a cornerback and a player this year. So far i think he’s the best of the Rolle, Rogers and Pac Man CB class from that draft, but regardless, they’re all promising players. Pac Man is a big play waiting to happen. Always was at WVU and still is. And his head looks extremely big for his body. But he’s also a murder waiting to happen. I think I could put up with Pac Man because everything he does negatively is off the field (although i imagine he’s not a peach to coach). However, you have to start factoring things in like him hanging out with other players on your team. Those players might have previously stayed out of trouble, and are now hanging out with Pac Man. He could have a negative influence and really get some people into trouble. Those players might not be able to handle themselves to thug life as well and who knows what would happen. He has become the biggest thug in all of sports. I think it’d be tough for the Titans to cut him but if they do I think it’d be tough for someone else to pick him up. But the nice thing about a team picking him up is they could have a contract to suit him, and basically have no pressure to keep him. Wells will be mad that I didn’t answer the question, and quite frankly, I don’t know if I’d take him or not.
I guess if Plummer doesn’t want to go to Tampa then retiring would be his next option. At this stage in his career, I could see being mad you weren’t just cut, thus having your choice as to where to sign. Didn’t Tampa do any research (make one phone call) to realize Plummer wouldn’t go there?
Steelers won’t have much money in free agency so they won’t be a player. I thought Adalius in San Francisco was perfect but he’s going to New England (scary thought). I enjoy NFL free agency bein before the draft, so teams can go after needs now and best player available in the draft.
Looks like Garcia to the Bucs. I like this better than the Raiders. I thought Garcia would just be best staying in Philly where you know you have a good situation. But I guess he still wants to start and how can you blame him? As we’ve seen in the past (example-Jets this past season) good QB play can really turn your team around. Chris Simms sucks and Gradowski just shouldn’t be playing yet. Gruden has to play to Garcia’s strengths and realize how good and bad he’s been in different situations. I’d like to see the Bucs add some offensive line, but all of a sudden with Garcia and if they can land Calvin Johnson, the team could turn things around. Gotta look at adding some young defensive players, though.
Plummer: Nothing that Jake Plummer does really surprises me, and, if he wants to retire, then I say go ahead (just as I did to Tiki and others).
My Team: I would love to see the Steelers go after someone, but they don’t have enough money to do so. As for the Free Agent crop, I’d love to see Kevin Curtis get a chance to start somewhere, and I am of course interested in seeing where former Pitt starts Reuben Brown and Antonio Bryant end up.
Garcia: It looks like Tampa Bay is the answer, and I actually think it makes a lot of sense with the uncertainty surrounding Simms and the apparent displeasure with Gradkowski.
New Head Coach: I think that Ken Whisenhunt is going to experience a great deal of success in Arizona. The Cardinals are a team just waiting to take off, and I think that the experience of Whiz and OL Coach Russ Grimm are going to put this team over the top and into the Playoffs. I mean, Whisenhunt gets to work with Leinart, Edge, Fitz, and Bouldin for crying out loud!
Here’s hoping that Mike Tomlin, despite what I have written about him, experiences some major success, too, for my beloved Steelers.
Falcons: Great Trade! The Falcons seem content to let Vick be the man (although you gotta love that Petrino went out and signed former Louisville star Chris Redman shortly after trading Schaub), and I am in the corner that believes that Vick is indeed better than Schaub. To boot, the Falcons add a couple of draft picks.
Texans: I think that David Carr was the least of their problems, so I don’t like the trade at all for Houston. If they wanted a QB, they should have drafted Vince Young with the #1 pick last year! Furthermore, they give up some draft picks to bring in a guy who has yet to prove that he is capable of being a solid NFL starter. Matt Schaub has all of the makings of a Rob Johnson or Drew Henson in my eyes.
Draft: I am not sure if it does a whole lot to the Draft as I think that Russell and Quinn are going #1 and #2 to the Raiders and Lions, respectively. Rumor has it that Carr may be on his way to Miami after the Dolphins balked at the Chiefs’ trade demands for the old Trent Green.
Falcons-Similar thinking as Raible, even though I think Michael Vick is absolutely horrible, I think the fact of the matter is he’s going to be the QB there. So it’s a smart move to get rid of Freidly’s boy Matt Schaub to avoid controversy while also adding assets. Your best bet with Vick is have as much as possible around him. Joe Horn should be a nice veteran addition at WR to go with their youngsters. Alge is a top second tier TE. I know Adrian Peterson could go 3rd but if the Browns pass he could fall to 8th. Maybe the Falcons feel comfortable enough with Norwood and Dunn, but could you imagine if they added Peterson?!? Even if they don’t they’re going to get a great player at 8. I think they’ll miss Patrick Kerney on defense and need a top defense to go with Vick. Bottom line is great move to get as much as they got for an unproven backup QB.
Texans-I do think they needed to get rid of Carr. And I don’t agree that they should have taken Young last year if they were going to cut Carr this year. Charlie Casserly was fired shortly after the draft. They had some new management in this year. New or old I’m sure they were hoping Carr took a step up this year with a little more around him. Maybe it’s a shame they couldn’t have figured this out a year ago but they didn’t. After this year I think they realized Carr wasn’t their man. I don’t like the trade because I agree, it’s too much to give up. The Texans need a lot of help and will not have a 2nd rounder over the next two years. In addition to Johnson and Henson you can throw A.J. Feeley’s name into the mix. Of course, I’m sure the Texans are thinking more along the lines of Steve Young and Brett Favre. It will be interesting to see if they would have had a chance at Brady Quinn at 8. I think I’d rather have Quinn and two second rounders than Schaub and a first rounder, but it’s not really as lopsided of a deal as one might think. Bottom line is how good Schaub turns out will make or break the Texans.
Outcome-Rather than look at draft, I think this will help David Carr. Houston was not the place for him. Look around the NFL and see how QB’s have thrived in some systems and been busts in others. He’ll turn 27 in the offseason and can choose where he ends up. Dolphins seem like the hottest name but what about the Lions? Could use a nice young QB, have some talent at the skill positions, and an offensive genius in Mike Martz.
I think that Goodell will end up being commish for as long as he wants to, much in the same respect as Paul Tagliabue. Because Goodell is relatively young, however, that could be a long time. Nevertheless, the NFL seems to always know what it is doing, and I am sure that Goodell will do a fine job leading the league for the next 15-20 years.
I really see no reason Goodell won’t last a long time either. When I first read this question I thought maybe I missed something he did erroneously. The commissioner of the NFL seems to have as much job stability as anyone in the country. The NFL might be the best run sport of all the main sports making the commissioner job almost easy.
I’ll combine this question with the Pac Man and Henry question. I don’t agree that Goodell had to make a statement with these two but I feel like he did and ultimately I think it will be a good thing. I point to a guy like Joey Porter ironically being all over the TV the same day as the ruling to publicly apologize for his acts in Las Vegas. Porter didn’t want to go to the principal’s office (even though he’s your pal!). At first I hated the ruling. Possibly biased being a WVU alum but I don’t think it was. I simply hate when you get in trouble for something when a rule isn’t in place. There was no rule in place therefore I personally would have liked a warning or lesser penalty first, implement a rule and threaten if they do anything else, they’ll receive a long penalty. With that said, the head of the Player’s Union Gene Upshaw, the Cincinnati Bengals’ and Tennessee Titans’ organizations and the whole player’s union in general wanted the punishments. As soon as that happened, it gave Goodell the go ahead to make the strict penalties. If the commissioner AND player’s union wants something, regardless of whether I disagree or not, it’s tough to disagree with the ruling.
Here’s hoping they come back sweeter than ever!!!!
WVU Players Moving signing free agent deals so far:
Dan Mozes, C, Vikings
Jeremy Scheffey, OL, Chargers
Brandon Myles, WR, Giants
Boo McLee, LB, Rams
On a side note: how funny/not funny is it that just days after talking about being a tutor to Dwayne Jarrett, Keyshawn was let go because they drafted him?
I don’t think that the Dolphins should even bother with Trent Green; I actually think that the Dolphins should have drafted Brady Quinn, but that is neither here nor there. They have the kid from BYU now, and I would rather see him or Culpepper play for Miami than Trent Green, who is still probably more immobile than Culpepper…and Daunte has a bum knee!
As for Ricky, I don’t think it could hurt to give him a shot before simply letting him go. For all of his weed smoking and what not, Ricky Williams was a top-tier NFL RB not that long ago, and you need as many weapons as possible in today’s NFL.
I think Green would be a better fit to hold down the position until Beck is ready. If Culpepper bounces back and has an average year or slightly better, you might have a bit of a lockeroom issue. Even if Green plays decently, as I would say is fair to expect, it’s gonna be easier to ask him to step aside. Green is definitely less mobile than Culpepper, but so was Marino.
If I were Brett Favre, I would not request a trade out of Green Bay. Not only is Favre my favorite football player of all time, but he is, in my opinion, the best QB to ever play the game. He has his ring, he will soon break nearly every record, and he has the respect and admiration of an entire Packer Nation. If I am Brett, I am either playing for the Pack or not playing at all.
With that being said, the following are the Top 5 Teams I would bolt to if I believed that Favre should be traded (I attempted to consider the 5 teams that I think would make the most sense for both Favre and the team he would be going to):
1. Jacksonville – It appears that the Jaguars aren’t all that happy with Byron Leftwich or David Garrard. The Jags have a great defense and several good weapons on offense; adding Favre could push them over the top and into Super Bowl contender status.
2. Kansas City – As much as I dislike him, the Chiefs do have a feature RB (LJ). Add to that the fact that Favre could play catch with arguably the greatest TE in history (Gonzo), and KC might not be a bad option.
3. Miami – A solid defense would surely keep Favre on the field more often than not; an offense with the likes of Ronnie Brown, Chris Chambers, and Ted Ginn Jr. is intriguing.
4. Washington – The Redskins certainly seem to have some pieces in place on offense and a coach in Joe Gibbs that needs to win now, which is good for a QB enterting the final year(s) of his career.
5. Tampa Bay – An opportunity to reunite with his old pal Jon Gruden, although Tampa is an old NFC Central rival.
The biggest Brett Favre fans reside in New Jersey, and they share my last name. In their minds, Brett Favre got ripped off when he wasn’t Oscar nominated for his role in There’s Something About Mary. Talking to my brothers about football can be quite amusing. Amusement of this kind around these parts is usually provided by Giant fans. So it is somewhat refreshing to get the Green Bay perspective in New Jersey.
It can be difficult to get a rational conversation started with these Packer fans when the topic is Favre. I must admit, it was beginning to look like his fans were ready to let him go as the season approached the final game. Then they spanked the Bears to end the season.
How could he even consider playing for anyone else? Although, wouldn’t it be funny if he ended up in Chicago, Minnesota, or Detroit?
The funny thing about Favre is, I think he’s done. Seriously, I think he continues to play because he can’t let it go. So whether he stays in GB or goes to one of the aforementioned teams, it doesn’t make a difference because I don’t think he’s got the tools to lead any team to a super bowl let alone a championship game. He’s not even a top 10 QB at this point. Now don’t let my thoughts here stray you from the fact that I think Favre was a great QB, I just think at this point he’s beginning to hurt his legacy, more than help it.
I like Favre only somewhat but I think he can still be a decent player. Top tier? Probably not, but I think he will look a lot better when he believes the Pack can win without him carrying them. I think that attitude gives him the internal excuse he needs to force the goofy plays he wants to make deep down. I don’t think he’d be so foolish if they were playing with something to lose. I think Favre needs that pressure and responsibility.
Green Harbour needs to grab Keyshawn to team with Driver and Jennings. I thought a trade for Turner or another decent back would have been smart too. I thought it was great that Favre was so cranky when they didn’t get Moss. What team in their right mind would risk putting Moss on a potentially losing team at this point?
The moves the team has made has me wondering if they don’t just wish he’d just quit so they can move on. In that respect he may have set the team back by not quitting three years ago. However I think the failure to adapt is on the front office not Favre. It’s like “he should have retired, so we should be rebuilding, so I guess let’s rebuild?”
Try to win with him or get him out of there. I realize that there are local politics involved since Favre is a legend, but some owners would have either shit or gotten off.
Art Rooney for one, or for a more recent example Dan Rooney.
I personally think that Roger Goodell is perfectly justified in handing out the harsh punishments so far. For to long, all athletes, not just in the nfl get away with absolutely anything they want. If they have the money, it basically just goes away with a slap on the wrist and some community service.
Guys like Pacman jones for example, I don’t care if hes never actually been convicted or found guilty, when you arrested 10 times in a matter of 4 years for all sorts of crimes, your doing something wrong and something has to be done. If police departments r not gonna do anything about it, your god damn right Roger Goodell has to.
But to really answer the question at hand, the nfl is really in a state of delinquence right now. I think in another 6 months to a yr, the arrest rate is going to go down big time. Especially if Goodell continues to not beat around the bush and hand out these punishments. I think and im sure so does everyone else, that if these players know whats going to happen if they break the law, that they might not get convicted outside the nfl, but they will be punished big time within the NFL.
3 current players to start a NFL franchise with (I stuck with guys under 30 whose best football, I believe, is in front of them):
Ben Roethlisberger: Say what you want about him, but I would have taken Big Ben to start my franchise over any other QB in the NFL before his crazy year last season. I think you need to find a franchise QB, and with Peyton and Brady each hitting 30, I think it comes down to Ben and Carson Palmer for this spot. I am going with my hometown guy.
Shawne Merriman: Next on my list is a pass rusher, someone who can completely dominate the game on the defensive side of the field. Merriman, in my opinion, fits this role better than anyone else in the league.
Champ Bailey: Some think he is the best player in the league, capable of shutting down an entire defensive side of the field. Teams won’t even try to throw at this guy. He seems like he has been around forever, yet he just turned 29 yesterday.
3 former players (what former means to me is retired, so guys like Favre, Manning, and Brady were not considered):
Dan Marino: My franchise QB, I choose Marino because I think that he could have achieved the same kind of team success that Montana, Elway, and others achieved had he played on better teams. With that being said, Danny Boy still managed to set nearly every passing record known to man and turn the Dolphins into a perennial contender. It should be noted that the pick here would be Brett Favre, in my opinion the best QB to ever play the game, had I not made the notation above.
Lawrence Taylor: Simply put, LT was the most feared defensive player in the history of the league. He had speed, strength, and intimidation, and was one of the few defensive players consistently capable of making a game-deciding play.
Mel Blount: If there has ever been a cornerback better than Mel Blount, I would love to see him (and don’t bring that Deion Sanders shit into this house!). In 1972, Blount didn’t allow a TD for the whole year! Blount was an imposing physical specimen, and not only could Blount run with smaller speedier receivers, but could outmuscle and intimidate nearly any receiver he crossed paths with throughout his career.
The thing that stands out the most to me here is that Raible chose the exact same positions as I was thinking. QB, Pass Rusher, CB. For what it’s worth, as I’m interested in hearing anyone else’s thoughts, the next 3 positions I also thought about were (in no order) LT, MLB, DT.
LT-A LT can lead to domination in your running and passing game. Can make an average RB good and give an average QB a minute to throw. Needing 4 other solid performers beside him and not really being able to have any impact what-so-ever if nothing is around him would be my negatives.
MLB-Go ahead, try to ask my dad this question without him having Jack Lambert and Jack Ham on the team. I know Ham was an OLB but his 25 career sacks indicate he wasn’t a pass rusher. An all-around linebacker can impact every play. I’d be careful I wasn’t selecting a system guy that needed blockers in front of him, but give me that all around animal that strikes feer in the opponents in the running and passing games.
DT-Stopping the running game is as important as anything. A stud DT can plug the middle, command double teams, open up holes for LB’s and even get a little pressure on the QB.
You know what, as I’m typing this up I’m starting to go away from a CB in my top 3 and lean towards one of my other 3, specifically MLB. While I feel like Champ Bailey is incredible and perhaps not only the best in the game today but heads and shoulders the best, he’s only on one side of the field, mainly impacts only the passing game, and honestly if you watch him or any other CB play (not named MEL) CB’s get beat. At the end of the day for my 3rd spot (QB and Pass rusher are musts) I choose between the other 4 I have listed depending on what types of players are available.
CURRENT
Tom Brady-I think you have to go with a slam dunk here. While I also love Big Ben (Roethlisberger and Raible) I don’t think you can call him that right now. Basically 4 groups I see here.
A. QB’s just too old to overlook age. While I can’t think of any that currently fit this category, think Favre a few years ago or Brady/Manning in a few years.
B. Manning and Brady’s-The guys that aren’t spring chickens but still have some time left.
C. Palmer and Roethlisberger’s-Have been around a few years but still have their best days ahead of them
D. Rookie’s and 2nd year players-Incredibly young with the world at their fingertips.
Ideally you’d want someone from C. or D. first and basically can’t even consider group A. While Leinert, Young and Cutler had nice rookie seasons I don’t think they showed enough to put your entire franchise on their shoulders. No way you can take JaMarcus Russell or Brady Quinn without ever seeing them step on the field. That leads me to the Palmer and Roethlisberger category but honestly I feel more comfortable guaranteeing myself 3 amazing years than 8 good ones. Brady is my selection.
Shawne Merriman-A beast. Until someone blocks this guy, he’s my choice.
I’ve confused myself by writing this, so I’m gonna unveil my other 4 after more thought. Actually, let me announce right now that Steve Young is my quarterback. Last year at some point Raible questioned who the best QB of all time was. After researching and thinking, my answer was Steve Young. How can I not go with my best of all time? He can run, pass, win and is incredibly smart and savvy. Ok, will unveil my other 3 spots asap.
I think QB will be on everyone’s list- I’ll take Brady if I want the best shot at a title (if I’m a fan) and Palmer if I’m thinking about consistency over the long run (I’m a GM/Owner)
I also think pass rush is the #2 priority, and I’ll actually take two defenders here- Adalius Thomas and Merriman.
Other guys I considered were Richard Seymour and Troy Polamolu. I love versatility on D.
Historically speaking I can see taking Young, Montana, Marino, Favre, Brady, and I don’t really have a preference.
I’ll take Reggie White for sure, and probably Deion Sanders since he would contribute on special teams and shut down half the field. LT would be right there too.
CURRENT
QB-Tom Brady-He’s only 2 years older than Palmer. Palmer is actually more than 2 years older than a guy like Roethlisberger, who is closer to Leinart’s age than Palmer’s. For those reasons I don’t even consider Palmer. I want the slam dunk here and Brady is the most authoritative throw down.
DE/OLB-Shawne Merriman-He’s big, mean and 23 years old. I thought it was an old article when I saw he was 23. Then I thought he probably turns 24 in 2 days. Merriman’s birthday is 5/25/1984. Ridiculous.
MLB-Brian Urlacher-Still tough for me to pick a 3rd guy. Was very tempted to go with an idea Raible brought up last night in Julius Peppers. Never tough to convince me on Peppers but I think with Merriman on one side you could get away with a different type of DE on the other side that will exceed his talent level anyway. Looks like Dean was thinkin along the same lines in stacking a position grabbing Adalius. Adalius compliments Merriman pretty well but I’ll pass. Champ is also a great selection but I’ll pass on CB’s for my reasons above. Peppers is 2+ years younger than each of the other guys I mentioned but in the end, I’ll take a 29-year-old MLB that is all over the field impacting every play (including 107 yard missed field goal returns).
FORMER
QB-Steve Young-I agree with Dean’s point that there’s a group of guys here I’d be happy with but I’ll take Young for my reasons above.
DE-Reggie White-Great call Dean. I loved the Lawrence Taylor selection but I was a little weary about how he’d fit with my 3rd choice. White gives me the most dominating DE to ever play, excelling against the rush and pass.
MLB-Dick Butkus-Meaner than mean. All over the field and will hurt you. And a great actor!
Mel Blount and Jack Ham also received consideration. And while Warren Sapp is a current player, I considered him a past player. He’s the type of DT I’d consider, good against the run, constantly double teamed, AND gets 10+ sacks.
The Commish should suspend Chris Chambers for being a complete bum on my Fantasy team last year (as a Keeper, no less). As for Michael Vick, well the former VA Tech star should get the electric chair for his stupidity in becoming involved in the gruesome world of dog fighting.
Don’t wait. Chambers probably doesn’t need much but I’d also like to see Vick get the chair. At least they have Matt Schaub. Oh wait. At least Louisville doesn’t look awesome again. Oh wait again. If you’re gonna suspend Henry and Pac Man like Goodell did, then I’d like to see every thug in the league get a harsh penalty to really make an impact.
I agree with Haver that no matter what the punishment is, that Goodell can’t pick and choose. Chambers should at least get a game, guilty or not, and Vick pending his verdict should definitely be looked at for multiple games, maybe even the season.
As far as TD celebrations are concerned, the NFL should most definitely EMBRACE them. I mean, what’s wrong with them…they’re usually funny, sweet, and add a little more entertainment to the league. If you don’t like them, don’t watch them. If you are a player and you feel like you are getting showed up, then pay them back on the field of play.
Top 5 Favorite TD Celebrations:
1. The Lambeau Leap: I’m a Packers fan, so this is my favorite.
2. Any TD celebration from Any Given Sunday: From Willie Beamen shooting down his linemen with a fake gun, to the ball falling to the ground like a bomb and every Sharks player falling to the ground and, not to be forgotten, the famous Shark fin dance. This is one of the most underrated movies of all time and a personal favorite.
3. Larry Fitzgerald’s walk over to the ref and hand or gently toss him the ball: This really isn’t so much a TD celebration as much as it is a celebration of the awesomeness that is Fitz.
4. T.O.’s Pom-Pom Dance: The Sharpie was solid, but I liked the Pom-Pom dance even better. Chad Johnson tried to one-up T.O. by fake-proposing to a cheerleader a few years later, but T.O. gets the nod here.
5. Chad Johnson’s Photo Shoot: Peter Warrick pretended to snap pictures of Ocho Cinco as he posed in different ways after scoring a TD.
With the untimely death of Bill Walsh, I raise the question: who is the greatest NFL coach of all-time? I am biased here as I grew up in Pittsburgh, but I am going to say “The Emperor” Chuck Noll. Noll won 4 Super Bowls in 6 years as coach of the Steelers. Furthermore, and perhaps more impressively, is the amount of talent he was able to assemble on those teams, as evidenced by the number of players from those teams enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
The Top 10:
1. Chuck Noll
2. Vince Lombardi: Did I mention I was a Packers fan?
3. Don Shula: Perfect season and most wins
4. Bill Walsh: No one was more creative
5. Tom Landry: 20 consecutive winning seasons
6. Paul Brown: Seemingly the best from yesteryear
7. Joe Gibbs: 3 Super Bowls with 3 different QBs
8. George Halas: Another old-timer
9. Bill Belichick: Probably should be higher, but I hate him
10. Bill Cowher: Why the fuck not?
Rather than get into a list of the best coaches from each decade, I’m only going to look at the current decade and list the Top 10 in the game today:
1. Bill Belichick: N.E. is the premier franchise in the NFL
2. Tony Dungy: Legitimized himself with the Super Bowl
3. Mike Holmgren: Still kicking it in the Great Northwest
4. Mike Shanahan: Can’t argue with his success
5. Jon Gruden: Still young and already 1 Super Bowl win
6. Brian Billick: Another success story that is tough to argue
7. Eric Mangini: This guy reeks of future success
8. John Fox: Hard to imagine that he is on the hot seat
9. Jack Del Rio: Sweet dude that needs a playoff win
10. Jeff Fisher: Can’t blame him for salary cap woes
Intentionally left off: Andy Reid – No one is fatter, and no one but Mike Martz is more stubborn. How much better could Philly have been the last few years if this guy would just let the team run the football? How much healthier would Donovan McNabb be?
Close: Mike Nolan (sweet suits), Sean Payton (let’s wait and see), Lovie Smith (that offense needs some work)
AFC East: New England
AFC North: Pittsburgh
AFC South: Indianapolis
AFC West: San Diego
AFC Wild Cards: Baltimore and Denver
NFC East: Philadelphia
NFC North: Chicago
NFC South: New Orleans
NFC West: St. Louis
NFC Wild Cards: Green Bay and Carolina
AFC Championship: New England over Indianapolis
NFC Championship: New Orleans over Chicago
Super Bowl: New England over New Orleans
Super Bowl MVP: Tom Brady
MVP: Steven Jackson
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Adrian Peterson
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Paul Posluszny
Coach of the Year: Tony Dungy
AFC EAST
New England 12-4 Moss will finish 5th on the team in receptions
Miami 9-7 Made some moves for this year. Ronnie Brown will break out
New York Jets 8-8 One step backwards and then better in 08. When will the Clemens talk start?
Buffalo 4-12 They’re not good
AFC North
Pittsburgh 11-5 They’re back
Baltimore 9-7 McGahee and defense
Cleveland 8-8 Midseason switch to Quinn propels big finish
Cincinnati 7-9 On the short end of many close games
AFC South
Indianapolis 12-4 Won’t miss corners, still have a decent offense
Jacksonville 10-6 Their colors are too sweet to lose
Houston 6-10 Mario has 14 sacks
Tennessee 5-11 With Pacman might have gone undefeated
AFC West
San Diego 12-4 Just so talented
Denver 10-6 They’re ready
Oakland 8-8 Art Shell is addition by subtraction.
Kansas City 4-12 This team is horrible
NFC East
Dallas 11-5 Everyone’s laid back, love the front 7
Philadelphia 10-6 McNabb stays health
New York Giants 7-9 Please fire Coughlin. Plax alone wins them 4 games.
Washington 6-10 Clinton Portis is still the sweetest player in the game
NFC North
Chicago 10-6 Rex baby. Rex!
Detroit 8-8 Defense is getting better. Offense should be good.
Minnesota 7-9 I like Tavaris. I hope they just let him play.
Green Bay 6-10 Aaron Rodgers looked good in preseason.
NFC South
Tampa Bay 10-6 Surprise of the year. Gaines is awesome. Garcia can win. Cadillac is back.
Carolina 9-7 Always seem like they SHOULD be the team. Tired of picking them….but they have Julius Peppers
New Orleans 6-10 My surprise team to blow. I thought this since they played the Steelers in preseason, and yes, that was before yesterday
Atlanta 3-13 They’ll be goin Brohm’s away next year
NFC West
San Francisco 10-6 SINGLETARY
Arizona 10-6 Love this squad
St Louis 9-7 Offense is as good as ever
Seattle 6-10 Another surprise team to blow
Playoffs
AFC
New England
San Diego
Pittsburgh
Indianapolis
Denver
Jacksonville
NFC
Dallas
Chicago
San Francisco
Tampa Bay
Arizona
Philadelphia
AFC Champ-Pittsburgh over Denver
NFC Champ-San Francisco over Dallas
Super Bowl-Pittsburgh over San Francisco
Super Bowl MVP-Santonio Holmes
MVP-Frank Gore
Offensive Rookie of the Year-Adrian Peterson
Defensive Rookie of the Year-Jarvis Moss
AFC Coach of the Year-Jack Del Rio-Cuz of his sweet suits
NFC Coach of the Year-Mike Nolan-Cuz of his sweet suits
I look at two categories with coaches- leadership and innovation. Leadership is a little tougher to measure but when a team stays decent over the years and your tuteledge spawns several head coaches I think it’s safe to say you are a good teacher and leader.
As far as touchdown celebrations go…..I don’t mind when a guy just looks happy to be in the endzone and starts jammin like Randle El used to but I just picture some of these dweebs in front of the mirror on Saturday night and I just want to change the channel.
To start, I’m not sold on the Cowboys. The Eagles look like the class of this division. That being said, the NFC East is mediocre at best. The Giants should be able to keep the hope alive for their fans right up to the last game of the regular season. Daniel Snyder should quit his day job.
Packer fans rejoice! Brandon Jackson will be the best rookie RB in the NFL this season. If only Minnesota had a QB, eight in the box will shorten Peterson’s year. Jon Kitna will have a great fantasy year. Da Bears, in spite of the Gross man, will make Da playoffs but not Da Bowl.
Cadillac will regain his status as a serious RB consideration for fantasy because of the addition of the Garcia factor. Atlanta has a long season to look forward to, but don’t blame Vick. Blame the Einstein that let Matt Shaub get away. The hope here is that Carolina doesn’t let the Saints run away with the division.
I wasn’t big on the NFC this year. I’m still a little skeptical. However, I believe an NFC West team will represent the conference in the Super Bowl. Alexander will need to stay healthy for the Seahawks to have a chance. It won’t hurt to have some WRs that can hold onto the ball for a change in Seattle. Big doings in Arizona as the Cards mature into a force to be reckoned with, as Edge gets edged out by Shipp and Arrington. Can you ever really count out the Rams? Bulger, start em’ if you got em’. Add the Niners and this is the most exciting division in the NFC.
Now that the dust has settled from all the off-season hoopla, it is time for the Pats to live up to all of our expectations. The Jets need to smack them Week 1, but that ain’t happening. Poor Chad. His swiss cheese offensive line will have trouble protecting him and his replacement all year. Keeping the QB healthy will be the #1 priority in Miami. That will happen. Coupled with a solid running game and a feared defense, the ‘Fins look to make a run at the Brady Bunch for the division title. The Bills sport a good defense and a young, young offense. Look for improvement as the season unfolds.
Does the Dog Pound expect anything good to happen as they stare a an 0-6 division record. Everyone else here in the league’s toughest division is looking at 3-3. On the other side of Ohio, the striped cats will be poised to return to the big game with a potent offense. Unfortunately, their pitiful defense will keep them from getting there. The Ravens look very dangerous but their passing game leaves little to be desired. Playing catch-up will not be their strong suit. That leaves P’Burgh with the best chance from this group to advance in January. Although I still envision Big Ben throwing while falling backwards, the Steelers have the best balance in the North.
After seeing the Colt Defense shut down Brees send the Saints marching, my first roster move this season is to pick them up. I’ll be dropping the Titan D. The Jags will be an interesting study this year. I thought that Del Rio changes horses a little late, and that may cost them early, too early to catch Indy. In this the year of the understudy, look for much the same in Houston.
The Chargers will have a tough time with Denver. Each team will end up 5-1 in the West. The home field throughout will be in one of these two locations where either one will lose in the AFC Championship Game to the Colts, or the Pats, or Pittsburgh.
Sit back and enjoy the ride. Oh, and Good Luck in your Fantasy Seasons!
I think Patrick Willis basically wrapped up the rookie of the year award last night. The next Ray Lewis and he’s being coached by Mike Singletary. Not fair. My boy Manny Lawson was also all over the field.
LOVED that Mario Williams opened up 2007 with 5 tackles, 2 sacks, and a TD. I still think the Texans made the right pick last year passing up on Bush, and am glad to see Mario start off on the right foot.
Back to rookies, Poz had 9 tackles, Anthony Spencer was a beast and personally injured Eli, Jarvis Moss had 4 tackles, Joe Staley started at RT, Lawrence Timmons had 1 special teams tackle. Which one doesn’t belong?
Pumped another one of my boys, Kenechi Udeze, got a sack. People wanted the Vikings to take Gaines Adams this past year even though they recently drafted Udeze and Erasmus James. Udeze went sackless in 2006 but is already on the board.
It’s about time people got to see Adrian Wilson on TV.
Cardinals running game looked great but that passing game? Ew.
How hard is it to just throw the ball downfield and let Fitzgerald go get it? I mean, if Rod “The Bod” Rutherford can do it, then why can’t Matt Leinart?
Lets talk some Patriots since it’s the hottest topic in all of sports right now.
I’m OK with the penalty. I don’t think it’s harsh but I don’t think it’s necessarily soft. The main thing I would have liked to see was Belichick suspended. When a player cheats for steroids, he’s suspended. That’s the only way to really get the specific person. Fining Belichick 500,000 is like fining me 100 bucks and then my boss paying it anyway. The first rounder isn’t as harsh as it looks because they also have the niners 1st rounder. I’m aware you can’t penalize them for basically being geniuses but still, it’s just so New England.
I don’t understand at all why it matters if they make the playoffs or not. It’s not like, “Oh, well they didnt make the playoffs. So the cheating wasn’t as bad.”
I would have liked to see 1-2 mil, 1st and another pick, and suspended 4 games. BUT, like I said, I could have easily seen a penalty have as harsh as the one enforced, so I’m fine with the decision other than not suspending Belichick.
I agree with much of what Haver is saying. The fact of the matter is that Belicheck cheated, plain and simple. So why does he not get suspended when Shane Merriman, for instance, gets suspended for four games for violating the NFL’s steroids and related substances policy?
Like Haver said, any slap on the wrist is a good one…but I don’t get why the coach doesn’t face as harsh of a penalty as the player. Furthermore, doesn’t the kind of cheating that can be done by a coach impact a game more than 1 player who might be on roids?
In the end, it’s just sweet that they are discipling Belicheck. What they should do is take away the 3 Super Bowl wins (give 2 of them to the Steelers) and put Belicheck in the electric chair!
New England Patriots, red white and blue. Honestly, this truely is America’s team. Belicheck and George Bush. The Patriot act and the acts of the Patriots. Win at all costs is as american as apple pie.
1. New England, 2-0: Cheaters or not, they are the best.
2. Indianapolis, 2-0: Defending champs are still solid.
3. Pittsburgh, 2-0: ‘05 champs look to be back, baby.
4. Dallas, 2-0: Class of NFC so far; @ Chicago next week.
5. San Diego, 1-1: Wow, that was an ass kicking.
6. Chicago, 1-1: Devin Hester is the man.
7. Denver, 2-0: Not that good, but 2-0 is 2-0.
8. Green Bay, 2-0: My sleeper team looks good so far.
9. Tennessee, 1-1: VY needs a WR to step up.
10. Houston, 2-0: Not that good either, but 2-0 is 2-0.
11. San Francisco, 2-0: You know what I’m gonna say…
12. Detroit, 2-0: See above.
13. Washington, 2-0: Solid if not unspectacular.
14. Baltimore, 1-1: Defense still looks pretty solid.
15. Carolina, 1-1: This team is the ultimate enigma.
16. Seattle, 1-1: Probably should have beat Arizona.
NFL MVP: Tom Brady
Offensive POY: Steve Smith
Defensive POY: Bob Sanders
Offensive ROY: Adrian Peterson
Defensive ROY: Paul Posluszny
Comeback POY: Randy Moss
Coach of the Year: Mike McCarthy
England- still obvious
Indy- still obvious
Balt- regressing to where everyone thought they’d be last year
SanD- 2 tough games and they are probably underrated now, plus Denver doesn’t have it.
Pgh- Tomlin is a top 5 coach, this team had high ceiling and low floor coming in and it looks like everything’s clicking.
Denver- they blow.
Philly- On the downside, or need time to get siituated?
Chi- Just because a back was an early pick and is atop the depth chart doesn’t mean he’ll be productive automatically……but the nfc still blows.
Atl- bad, bad call. just can’t take the panthers though. saints will miss as predicted.
Seattle- still by default.
Washington- defense, running game, game manager, playaction weapon = plenty in the nfc.
Tampa- Gay Jeff has always been good.
New List:
1. England
2. Pittsburgh
3. Indy
4. San D
5. Baltimore
6. Tennessee
1. Chicago
2. Washington
3. Seattle
4. Tampa
5. Dallas
6. Philly
Philly over SEATTLE
Dallas over TAMPA
Tennesse over INDY
SAND over Balt
Philly over CHICAGO
Dallas over WASHINGTON
ENGLAND over Tennessee
PGH over SAND
If Dean is going to revisit, then Raibs is going to revisit…
AFC East: New England…this pick is looking good
AFC North: Pittsburgh…looking good
AFC South: Indianapolis…looking good
AFC West: San Diego…still the favorite, I think
AFC Wild Cards: Baltimore and Denver…OK
NFC East: Philadelphia…need to get going
NFC North: Chicago…looks OK
NFC South: New Orleans…wow, they need to get going
NFC West: St. Louis…two tough losses
NFC Wild Cards: Green Bay and Carolina…not bad
AFC Championship: New England over Indianapolis
NFC Championship: New Orleans over Chicago
Super Bowl: New England over New Orleans…N.O.???
Super Bowl MVP: Tom Brady
MVP: Steven Jackson…not what he said he’d be
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Adrian Peterson
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Paul Posluszny
Coach of the Year: Tony Dungy
I hate to give out new predictions after only 2 weeks of the season, so I’ll stick with everything that I predicted. However, you have to think that Tennessee is going to be a player as a potential Wild Card in the AFC, you have to think that Dallas and/or Washington are going to affect the NFC playoff picture. As for the Sains, well who the hell knows? If they don’t win that division, who does? Carolina?
All that I know is that, as a Steelers fan, MY BOY Mike Tomlin has be pleased right now with a 2-0 record and San Fran coming to the Burgh this weekend.
A few “Face-Off” questions on CBS Sports.com today…
1. One year later, which of the three QBs would you draft first: Matt Leinart, Vince Young, or Jay Cutler?
Let me start by saying that I am a fan of Leinart, I have Young in fantasy, and I don’t particularly care for Cutler or the Broncos. With that in mind, my choice comes down to Leinart or Young. I always felt like Leinart would be the best of the three as I think he best fits the mold of a prototypical NFL QB. However, all Young does is win football games; the Titans should be 2-0 this year if Brandon Jones could catch. Nevertheless, I think my initial ranking of the three remains true to this day, at least: Leinart then Young then Cutler.
2. Of the surprise 2-0 teams – Texans, Redskins, Lions, 49ers, Packers – which has the best chance to be a playoff team?
As good as Houston has played thus far, I would still guess that they are probably the worst team in their tough division. Washington has a solid chance, but they, too, play in a tough division. I think it comes down to the 49ers and Packers. Despite having already gone 2-0 within their division, I am gonna say the Packers have the best chance to make the playoffs. I think the Packers are better than both the Vikings and Lions, and with how poorly Rex Grossman and the Chicago offense has played, there’s no reason to believe that the Pack can’t give the Bears a run for their money. In order, I would rank them Packers, 49ers, Lions, Redskins, Texans.
3. Of the surprise 0-2 teams – Rams, Giants, Saints, Eagles, Jets – which has the best chance to turn it around?
I think that the Rams, Saints, and Eagles all should turn it around, at least a bit. I think that the New York teams could be in for a long season. With that being said, I’m gonna stick with the Saints here. Not only do I feel like their division is somewhat weak, but 8 of their last 14 games are at home.
Why predict when you can just read Dean’s as FACT?
Some of my predictions look good….Saints sucking, Steelers dominating, Cowboys the class of the NFC East, and hey, the Browns did beat the Bengals!
Some of my predictions are looking horrible…..Moss already has more catches than the end of year 5th receiver on the Pats (shoulda went with Stallworth), basically everything else.
As for the questions, Raible said, “You have to think Tennessee is going to be a player as a potential Wild Card in the AFC.” That I just don’t see. Jags was a nice win and they played the Colts tough but the Jags always seem to underachieve and the Titans tend to play the Colts tough. Obviously very possible that they are a player, especially with Lendale carrying the load, but I don’t see it.
I still think those 3 QB’s could go in any direction. I think it’s funny that when Vince Young wins with a poor performance he’s credited as a winner and when Alex Smith or Jay Cutler wins with a poor performance they’re credited with poor performances. Don’t tell Donovan McNabb that’s not correct, though. I was incredibly disappointed with Leinert in week 1 when I actually got to see him. Holy happy feet. Young more so than the other two, but I still think these three could easily be ranked in any order depending on the scheme you’re running. For that reason and because I think they all look good so far, I’m not putting them in any order and saying they all look good.
It’s funny but I think all of those 2-0 teams have a chance to make playoffs. It’s possible the Texans are actually a good football team. Kubiak, Schaub. They made changes at two of the most important aspects of a team. I love Mario exploding this year and hope it continues. I don’t think the niners are a surprise 2-0 team but I guess you have to put them in the group. As PMRyder said, the NFC West is wide open. One team will emerge and it could be the niners. Losing Manny Lawson for the season is one of the most disappointing injuries in NFL History, though. Packers and Lions both have a great shot as well. Let’s face it, the Bears are far from a shoe in to win that division. One team will emerge from this division as well, and you have a 50% chance it’ll be one of these two. Packers have a real good defense and an interesting mix of youth and vets on offense. Lions receiving core is ridiculous. I tend to think the Redskins wont be good but it’s the NFL and specifically, it’s the NFC. If Jason Campbell is good, and he can be, the skins can make the playoffs. Portis and Betts is a great tandem. Great secondary but I worry about teams pounding them with the run.
0-2 teams I’m actually not high on any of them. Maybe the Rams and the Eagles. Rams offense is great and i still think McNabb has some left in the tank, although i really hope he doesnt. Saints probably should be the pick here, but im staying with thinking they suck.
I read an interesting stat about the Jaguars the other day. They actually have almost exactly the same rushing yardage as they did going into week 3 against the Colts last year, and then they exploded. I think it’s a wait-and-see thing at this point, but they could be one of those teams to sneak back into the hunt. On the flipside, their division is getting tougher so I’m not sure who I see emerging behind the Colts. Everyone thought the Saints were a fluke last year during the season(might have been?), and then they reached the NFC Title game. It wouldn’t be out of the question for teams like Tennessee or Houston, but they do play in the AFC where I think the class is at the top of every division right now. (Chargers, Colts, Pats, Steelers) I truly believe one of these four teams will win the super bowl.
As for the young QB’s, the early nod HAS to go to Young just based on pure performance and wins. However, I agree with Haver that it is just too ealry to tell. For some reason I don’t see Cutler ever being a statistical stud, but I could be wrong. As for Leinart, many young QB’s struggle early, but he looks like a young QB when you watch him, and that’s not good. Granted he may be playing behind the worst line of the three though.
Of the 0-2 teams, I think the Dolphins could be a team to watch out for. (Yeah Right) Seriously all these teams have flaws, but starting 0-2 in the NFC and AFC is completely different. While the Ravens could be the popular pick, they have a huge uphill battle, whereas the Saints, Eagles and Rams could all still win their divisions at 8-8.
Haver, sorry about Lawson, I will have to rethink my x-mas present now.
As far as the Belichek- Pats saga is concerned, I think that Goodell went a little soft. I seriously thought a 1st rounder was in order. Belichek should be suspended and/or they should have to forfeit the playoffs this year. I know these are pretty harsh, but you really can’t pick and choose where you are going to be tough on people. If you are going to punish players for their actions as drastically as he has over the last couple of years, their can’t be leaniency with your coaches. BB got caught cheating, hell that’s happened in every major sport now, and I feel like all he is getting is a slap on the wrist.
Over the summer, I spoke with Joe Morris, former Giants RB who now handles setting fines for players, or atleast enforcing them. He basically told me, nobody cares about fines, that’s why they continue to do the shit they do. They don’t even realize that the $$$ has been deducted from their paycheck. Therefore, and I know this is a little more noticeable, but you really think Belichek cares that his pay was docked?
Punish him and/or the team and make it matter. Otherwise, let Pacman back!!!!
Im sittin here thinkin with all of our past few posts here by the three of us that there really are some huge matchups this weekend. Lots of questions and a bunch of varying opinions on which teams will continue to do well, which won’t and who will or won’t turn it around. In the NFL week 3 is already important.
Arizona @ Baltimore-Ravens need this win at home. Would be a big win for the Cards and keep them in the mix for the NFC West title.
Detroit @ Philadelphia-Have to favor the Eagles at home but it’s the Lions that are 2-0. If Detroit can pull this off 3-0 would be an incredible start for them. If the Eagles win, they’re right back in the mix. If not, uh oh.
Indianapolis @ Houston-Really a shame Andre Johnson won’t be playing. Everyone expects the Colts to roll in this game, but it’s at Houston, they’re 2-0 with a new regime, and if they won, it’d show they’re for real. If they get blown out, people might start to think they’ll be 5-11 this year and just happened to get 2 of those wins early.
Miami @ Jets-Both teams need a win. Only one will get it. More pressure on the Jets at home but neither team will be happy at 0-3. Ronnie Brown and Tom Jones should each have 20+ carries.
San Diego @ Green Bay-Huge game here. Chargers go 1-1 against the Bears and Pats and I think you have to call that a success. But they haven’t looked good. If the Packers want to be for real, I think this is a must win. I’m sure they wish this game was in November, though.
San Francisco @ Pittsburgh-One team will emerge 3-0. Would mean a lot more for the niners to win on the road than it would Pittsburgh win at home, so the pressure is on the Steelers.
Buffalo @ New England-EW
Minnesota @ Kansas City and Carolina @ Atlanta-I”m grouping these together. The Chiefs and Falcons are my bottom 2 teams in the NFL. If the Chiefs and Falcons can’t win these games at home, they won’t be winning much. If the Vikings and Panthers are going to be decent this year, they need to win these road games.
St Louis @ Tampa Bay-Bucs could put themselves in a nice position at 2-1 with a home win. If the Rams can steal one on the road, they’re back in the mix. If not, 0-3 doesn’t look good.
Cincinnati @ Seattle-I don’t know if this is cliche or not but whoever wins this game could get some momentum. They’re both supposed to be good, they both have lots of question marks.
Jacksonville @ Denver-Broncos have been getting it done. The Jags are a similar type of team but are 1-1. Jags win and they’re back on track. Broncos win and they continue to look like a top 5 team in the AFC
Dallas @ Chicago-Dallas looks like the best team in the NFC. If they win on the road against Da Bears (that’s for pmryder) they’ll undoubtedly be my top NFC team. Bears lose and those other teams (Pack, Lions, Vikings) have the door opened wide. Bears win and they show people they’re not going anywhere.
Giants @ Redskins-Perfect opportunity for the skins to go 3-0. If the G-Men steal one on the road they might be ok. If not, im sorry for Hoss.
Tennessee @ New Orleans-If the Titans are to make noise in the AFC I want to see them win this game. Saints haven’t been good and it’d be a huge road win. It would really knock the Saints down. If the Saints win, they could get their psyche back and go on a little run.
1. New England – Have scored 38, 38, 38, and 34 points.
2. Indianapolis – Have scored 41, 22, 30, and 38 points.
3. Dallas – Have scored 45, 37, 34, and 35 points.
(I just wanted to point out how good these offenses are)
4. Green Bay – #4 is #1 in the record books, baby!
5. Pittsburgh – Tough loss, but still the best 3-1 team.
6. Seattle – Rematch of Super Bowl XL this week @ Burgh.
7. Tennessee – I love this team as a potential sleeper.
8. Jacksonville – Need to get back to running the ball.
9. Arizona – This team gets better every week.
10. Tampa Bay – Loss of Cadillac is huge.
11. San Francisco – Offense is anemic; defense is solid.
12. Carolina – Only The Riddler is more of an enigma.
13. Baltimore – They’re not worse than Cle., are they?
14. Detroit – Still not buying that they’re a good team.
15. N.Y. Giants – Think they’ve turned it around?
16. San Diego – I refuse to believe they’re this bad!
NFL MVP: Brett Favre
Offensive POY: Tony Romo
Defensive POY: Barrett Ruud
Offensive ROY: Adrian Peterson
Defensive ROY: Patrick Willis
Comeback POY: Randy Moss
Coach of the Year: Mike McCarthy
This is always a fun topic: Who is the best QB of all-time?
My Biased Top 10…
1. Brett Favre
2. Dan Marino
3. Joe Montana
4. Johnny Unitas
5. Steve Young
6. Terry Bradshaw
7. John Elway
8. Peyton Manning
9. Tom Brady
10. Bart Starr
My Unbiased Top 10…
1. Joe Montana
2. Brett Favre
3. John Elway
4. Dan Marino
5. Johnny Unitas
6. Terry Bradshaw
7. Peyton Manning
8. Troy Aikman
9. Steve Young
10. Tom Brady
A few thoughts…
-Favre is going to re-write the record book, which should help his cause.
-Montana seems to be highly regarded due to his Super Bowl wins.
-Elway never won a Super Bowl until TD joined the Broncos in the twilight of Elway’s career.
-Should Marino be penalized for never having a running game?
-Bradshaw won 4 Super Bowls, but how much was due to the Steel Curtain?
-Manning and Brady should only continue to climb the list.
-Young was as good as anyone, but he didn’t play as much as some of the other guys and, thus, his stats aren’t as good.
-Aikman has 3 Super Bowls, but how good was he really?
-Is it fair to compare guys like Unitas, Starr, and Staubach to the QBs of our generation?
-What about guys like Otto Graham, Sammy Baugh, Y.A. Tittle, etc.?
I’ve pretty much come to the assumption that the Dolphins are currently the worst FRANCHISE in the NFL. Alot of the blame has to go to Sabam and his predecessors. One thing that doesn’t really get mentioned is that Shula has been hard to replace, not just Marino. Also, I can’t believe we r still living off players from the Jimmie Johnson era and haven’t filled any voids since then.
Brightside is that Ronnie Brown is beginning to look like a #1 NFL back.
I really think we need an OT in this year’s draft, but I would also have no qualms taking the best defensive player available NO MATTER THE POSITION!
I will look to visit the lowly Dolphins as much as possible, but for now I am just going to sit back and “enjoy” the Cleo Lemon era.
Back to the QB’s I remember discussing this a decent amount at some point last year.
Having that many TD passes is obviously impressive but I don’t like to completely correlate those records with the best QB of all time as he’ll probably end his career with the most interceptions of all time as well. His longevity is impressive and his games played streak is one of the most incredible stats in sports history. Favre also did have some amazing years in his prime. I don’t think I’d put him top 5 though.
John Elway is the most overrated QB in the history of NFL football.
Still love me some Steve Young. He did do it for 8 years which is comparable to an entire Jim Brown/Barry Sanders career. In Young’s other seasons that he played sparingly he almost always had amazing production.
Joe Montana just seems to have tha aura of the best of all time.
Dan Marino was incredible.
So many of those guys are guys I’ve never seen or was young seeing so I don’t like to try to rate them.
I really think we’re seeing two of the best of all time right now. I think Peyton Manning is the best QB of this era and I’d put him above Favre right now. That Super Bowl last year for Manning did wonders for his rep and now gives him the possibility of being the best of all time.
So many of those guys mentioned above have had incredbible WR’s to work with. That’s really what separates Tom Brady from the rest. I think it’s tough to say Brady is better than Manning. But when you look at what Brady did without wr’s, the Super Bowls he’s won, and now the fact that he has his Jerry Rice/Marvin Harrison to work with in Randy Moss, Brady could continue to elevate his status to all new levels.
1. New England (6-0) – Might go 16-0.
2. Indianapolis (5-0) – Host N.E. on Nov. 4th.
3. Pittsburgh (4-1) – Visit N.E. on Dec. 9th.
4. Dallas (5-1) – Clearly not in the same class as N.E.
5. Green Bay (5-1) – Need to keep finding ways to win.
6. Jacksonville (4-1) – The move to Garrard is paying off.
7. San Diego (3-3) – This team looks to be back on track.
8. Baltimore (4-2) – Host N.E. on Dec. 3rd.
9. N.Y. Giants (4-2) – Host N.E. on Dec. 29th.
10. Washington (3-2) – Visit N.E. on Oct. 28th.
11. Carolina (4-2) – Vinny Testaverde anyone?!?!
12. Tampa Bay (4-2) – Gruden is back, baby.
13. Tennessee (3-2) – 2nd half without Young = loss.
14. Philadelphia (2-3) – Visit N.E. on Nov. 25th.
15. Arizona (3-3) – Injuries are hurting this team.
16. Detroit (3-2) – 2-0 at Home, 1-2 on Road thus far.
NFL MVP: Tom Brady
Offensive POY: Tom Brady
Defensive POY: Thomas Howard
Offensive ROY: Adrian Peterson
Defensive ROY: Darrelle Revis
Comeback POY: Randy Moss
Coach of the Year: Jon Gruden
A few “Face-Off” questions on CBS Sports.com today…
1. Eli Manning or Phillip Rivers?
Note that Roethlisbeger, the 3rd QB taken, is clearly the class of the 2004 NFL Draft crop! As for Eli or Rivers, let’s take a look at their career stats:
Obviously, Eli has started more games and, thus, has amassed more yards and TD. If you break it down by stat per start, Eli averages 209 yards and 1.4 TD per game, while Rivers averages 220 yards and 1.36 TD per game.
However, despite possessing better per game numbers through their early careers, I think I would rather have Eli Manning than Phillip Rivers. I feel like Eli has had much more pressure placed on him than Rivers had, which, I believe, has played a role in Rivers having better stats. I also think that Rivers’ stats have been helped by the fact that he didn’t play early in his career while Eli did. Finally, I believe that Rivers has benefited from the success of his teammates more than Eli has, particularly with Tomlinson. I think that both QBs have a bright future in the league, but if I had to pick one (after Roethlisberger, OBVIOUSLY), I would pick Eli Manning.
2. Who is more stubborn – Eric Mangini for staying with Chad Pennington or Cam Cameron for not playing John Beck?
This is a no-brainer for me: I definitely think that Cameron is more stubborn here. Pennington has had some success in the league and led the Jets to the playoffs last season. Kellen Clemens got a chance to play this year, and while it was against Baltimore, it’s not like he looked like the 2nd coming of Joe Namath or anything. The Dolphins, meanwhile, passed over Brady Quinn so that they could later take Beck. I felt like the Trent Green experiment was dumb from the get-go, and as much as Haver likes Cleo Lemon, I just don’t see the point of the Dolphins not playing Beck (although an argument could be made that I don’t know why the Dolphins drafted Beck in the first place).
3. Is Rams coach Scott Linehan on the hot seat?
I am in the court that believes that college football coaches deserve at least 4 years at a school before they can be deemed a failure. In the pros, however, there’s too much money involved to wait that long. While Linehan has certainly had his fair share of injuries this year (Pace, Bulger, Jackson, Bruce, etc.), the fact that his team is still winless (and getting wasted each Sunday, mind you) completely puts his ass on the hot seat. To boot, the NFC West looks like a completely winnable division for any of the 4 teams involved, so all it might take is a few wins to get the Rams back in the mix. But, for now, I definitely think that Linehan should be on the hot seat.
4. Should the NFL play a Super Bowl in London?
I say why the hell not? It’s not like I have any chance of attending a Super Bowl anytime soon. And I don’t buy the notion that real fans actually dominate the attendance at Super Bowls; rather, the game has become completely corporate. With that in mind, why wouldn’t the league want to try and expand its horizons? There is clearly an opportunity there for the NFL to expand its base into England, and you can bet that the Commish knows it. The game is already supposed to be played at a neutral site, so it’s not like you would be taking away home-field advantage from anyone. The weather in England is usually not so good, which I like because I hate how every Super Bowl is either played in warm cities or in a dome. Finally, Wembley Stadium is a sweet facility and clearly large enough to host the event. All in all, I just don’t see what the big deal is about having the game in London.
-I’ll second Elway as most overrated. I think Favre is somewhat overrated too, but his best years dwarf Elway’s.
-I think you could make an argument for Manning and/or Brady as best of all-time. They are both at the point where their team wouldn’t trade them for any other player in the history of the game. To me, that’s the measure of an all-time great.
-I think San Diego or Jacksonville would beat Green Bay or Dallas.
-New England is definitely awesome, but I don’t think they are on a different level than the ‘05 Colts team that crushed the Steelers on MNF was at the same stage. San Diego was playing terrible when they met and Dallas is the most overrated team in the league. Other than that they’ve killed the Bills, Browns, and Jets. They’re great, but they haven’t proven themselves better than the ‘94 Niners, ‘92 Boys, etc.
-The NFC East is the same as it usually is. In the pre-season everyone tries to figure out who will step up and who will fall off, and then by mid-season the thing is up for grabs. Any of them can get it together and go on a run. The other divisions will account for one or both of the wild cards, mainly because they have 2 or 4 gimme wins that the East doesn’t have.
-I’m pretty sure that the Pats are gonna gun for the TD record in the same fashion that Manning set it.
-We had to let Plax go, but if we still had him I think we’re on the same level as the Colts and Pats right now.
I know that I am biased, but I just don’t understand where the “Favre is overrated” comments come from? The guy is the only 3-time MVP in the HISTORY OF THE GAME! By the time he retires, he should own EVERY PASSING RECORD in the league. So he throws a lot of Interceptions? Big deal! Last time I checked, he also has thrown for the MOST TOUCHDOWNS in league history.
Now that I have that out of me, I want to try and look at this rationally from a non-Favre fan’s point of view. I suppose you can say that his longevity is a negative as his best years are clearly behind him. Additionally, there is clearly the case of the high # of INTs.
Of course, I have Favre #1 because he is my all-time favorite. And I guess I am a little confused by what the definition of “overrated” stands for; you might just think that he’s not the best, or that he’s not Top 5, or whatever.
In any case, and much like my arguments for Couture in my list of MMA fighters, I feel like the body of work is extremely important. Jim Brown was amazing, but he didn’t play as long as some others. Steve Young was awesome, but he sat behind Joe Montana for awhile. Mario Lemieux might be the most talented hockey player ever, but his injuries and poor quality of teams early in his career didn’t allow him to achieve the success that The Great One did.
I now realized that I just went off on a rant about a whole lot of nothing simply because I saw that more than one person thinks that Favre is overrated and I am not real sure what that entails…my bad. To me, even if he isn’t #1, I still think he’s at least Top 5 and definitely Top 10. I want to see some more lists…LISTS RULE!
1. Man that’s tough. That’s a vote that swings every week. I liked Rivers the best of the 3 at the time with Ben as a close 2nd, but it was mainly because I thought Eli was overrated because he was a Manning. I think you take Eli here if you want to go downfield a lot and Rivers if you want the game managed. If I had a blank slate as an expansion team and had to take one…………Rivers barely. We’ll see what Eli does when the Giants are playing with expectations.
2. I don’t see any of these guys practice, but I think there are a couplel things that say it’s Mangini: Clemens is in his 2nd year and Beck is a rookie, and Miami has another QB they’d like to try first. Once you go to either it’s tough to go back though. I don’t really have a problem with either of them.
3. The Hot Seat? Definitely. The team looked to be on the rise and now it sucks. Is he going to get fired? Probably not. I think the injuries will bail him out until next year.
4. London? Horrible idea. I don’t understand why they don’t play the game as a home game for one of the teams. The SB atmosphere sucks. And it’s definitely not unfair to the road team or unfair to play in the elements. If we did it the right way in the first place, and someone suggested holding it at a neutral, indoor site, everybody would say it was the stupidest idea ever. The NFL does very little wrong, but I can’t stand how bad the Super Bowl blows. The 2-week thing is retarded too.
Favre is one of the best ever. I don’t think he’s overrated by very much, but if you put each of the great QB’s seasons on a scrap of paper and put them all in their own individual hat, and I had to choose to pull one QB season from only one hat to run my team, I’m not going with the Favre hat. If you used only the peak 3 seasons for each then he’s right at the top. I just trust him less than the others. Montana’s never gonna singlehandedly lose to the Eagles like Favre did.
I think I take Eli. Just feel like he can possibly do a little bit more on his own, a little bit more downfield.
I think it’s a no brainer that the Mangenious is being more stubborn. Especially based on the question, “More stubborn”, both teams clearly are struggling. At least Cameron made some kind of change. Mangini has not. So right there to me it proves Mangini is more stubborn. I’m not always for drafting a QB if you’re not prepared to start him (Rodgers, Brady Quinn, Beck, Philip Rivers) especially when the other starter is a young guy like Derek Anderson, Charlie Frye, Cleo Lemon. But what is the worst thing that can happen? Lemon and Beck are both good and one is trade bait? Lemon is good and Beck isn’t but you have a QB? Lemon is bad and then you play Beck?
Sure Clemens is 24 and Beck 26 but I think there is something to be said for being a rookie in the NFL no matter what. I think Beck should get a try sooner rather than later, but I think Clemens should be put in immediately. Bottom line, Mangini is being way more stubborn sticking with Pennington, whereas at least Cameron made a change.
Super Bowl in London is one of the worst ideas I’ve ever heard.
I don’t know if I was accused of being one of the people that thinks Favre is overrated or not (Raibs mentioned more than one person had and only Dean has on this site, but perhaps he meant from tv/media as well) but I never said he was overrated. I will gladly delve in to the conversation, though.
Raibs, you said “So he throws a lot of Interceptions? Big deal! Last time I checked, he also has thrown for the MOST TOUCHDOWNS in league history.” While that is true, I feel it’s completely flip-flopped of what you actually hear. I feel 99 out of 100 times you hear about the TD record, without mention of the Int record. I wouldnt think it’s fair to bring up the Int record without mention of being the all-time TD leader, either, but I just think if one is mentioned, the other should be as well.
Body of work has to be a factor but I don’t like it as a deciding factor. I also think it’s different when a player cuts their career short (JBrown, BSanders) compared to a player that has many injury plagued seasons (Lemieux). A player with an injury plagued season can’t accumulate a full season’s worth of stats and you can also say that many games played in the season were not at 100%.
I’m just not a big fan of what he’s been doing the past couple seasons. We’re talking about the best QB of all time here. When I am rating my best QB’s of all time, my thought process isn’t, “Well after 2004 I thought Favre was the 3rd best of all time, but boy, those 50 additional TD passes he had at the end of his career when he clearly lost it really made me think a lot higher of him.” It’s impressive he’s still playing. It’s impressive he plays every game. But I’m not discrediting those things when I bring up other things.
I think I look at prime, best seasons, consistency, winning and just simply by watching them more than I look at career stats and longevity. Not only are our rankings going to be different in general, but how we evaluate them also will be. For those reasons I have Favre very very very high on my list, but not at #1 or #2.
Just for fun, I wanted to take a look at some of the best QBs and their 5 best statistical seasons…
Brett Favre –
1995 – 99.5 rating, 4,594 total yards, 41 total TD
1996 – 95.8 rating, 4,035 total yards, 41 total TD
2001 – 94.1 rating, 3,977 total yards, 33 total TD
1997 – 92.6 rating, 4,054 total yards, 36 total TD
2004 – 92.4 rating, 4,124 total yards, 30 total TD
Avg. – 94.88 rating, 4,156.8 total yards, 36.2 total TD
Dan Marino –
1984 – 108.9 rating, 5,077 total yards, 48 total TD
1986 – 92.5 rating, 4,743 total yards, 44 total TD
1994 – 89.2 rating, 4,447 total yards, 31 total TD
1991 – 85.8 rating, 4,002 total yards, 26 total TD
1992 – 85.1 rating, 4,182 total yards, 24 total TD
Avg. – 92.3 rating, 4,490.2 total yards, 34.6 total TD
Joe Montana –
1989 – 112.4 rating, 3,748 total yards, 29 total TD
1984 – 102.9 rating, 3,748 total yards, 30 total TD
1983 – 94.6 rating, 4,194 total yards, 28 total TD
1985 – 91.3 rating, 3,806 total yards, 30 total TD
1990 – 89.0 rating, 4,106 total yards, 27 total TD
Avg. – 98.04 rating, 3,920.4 total yards, 28.8 total TD
Johnny Unitas (only 14 games per season) –
1963 – 89.7 rating, 3,705 total yards, 20 total TD
1967 – 83.6 rating, 3,517 total yards, 20 total TD
1960 – 73.7 rating, 3,294 total yards, 25 total TD
1961 – 66.1 rating, 3,180 total yards, 18 total TD
1962 – 76.5 rating, 3,104 total yards, 23 total TD
Avg. – 77.92 rating, 3,360 total yards, 21.2 total TD
Projected over 16 games – 3,840 total yards, 24.23 total TD
Steve Young –
1994 – 112.8 rating, 4,262 total yards, 42 total TD
1992 – 107.0 rating, 4,002 total yards, 29 total TD
1997 – 104.7 rating, 3,228 total yards, 22 total TD
1993 – 101.5 rating, 4,430 total yards, 31 total TD
1998 – 101.1 rating, 4,624 total yards, 42 total TD
Avg. – 105.42 rating, 4,109.2 total yards, 33.2 total TD
Terry Bradshaw –
1979 – 77.0 rating, 3,807 total yards, 26 total TD
1980 – 75.0 rating, 3,450 total yards, 26 total TD
1978 – 84.7 rating, 3,008 total yards, 29 total TD
1981 – 83.9 rating, 3,049 total yards, 24 total TD
1977 – 71.4 rating, 2,694 total yards, 20 total TD
Avg. – 78.4 rating, 3,201.6 total yards, 25 total TD
John Elway –
1998 – 93.0 rating, 2,900 total yards, 23 total TD
1993 – 92.8 rating, 4,183 total yards, 25 total TD
1996 – 89.2 rating, 3,577 total yards, 30 total TD
1997 – 87.5 rating, 3,853 total yards, 28 total TD
1995 – 86.4 rating, 4,146 total yards, 27 total TD
Avg. – 89.78 rating, 3,731.8 total yards, 26.6 total TD
Peyton Manning –
2004 – 121.1 rating, 4,595 total yards, 49 total TD
2005 – 104.1 rating, 3,792 total yards, 28 total TD
2006 – 101.0 rating, 4,433 total yards, 35 total TD
2003 – 99.0 rating, 4,293 total yards, 29 total TD
2000 – 94.7 rating, 4,529 total yards, 34 total TD
Avg. – 103.98 rating, 4,328.4 total yards, 35 total TD
Tom Brady –
2004 – 92.6 rating, 3,720 total yards, 28 total TD
2005 – 92.3 rating, 4,199 total yards, 27 total TD
2006 – 87.9 rating, 3,631 total yards, 24 total TD
2003 – 85.9 rating, 3,683 total yards, 24 total TD
2002 – 85.7 rating, 3,874 total yards, 29 total TD
Avg. – 88.88 rating, 3,821.4 total yards, 26.4 total TD
Thoughts…
-Young clearly had the best QB rating in a 5-year span, which is no real surprise since he retired with the highest QB rating in NFL history.
-Marino had the most yards per season, while Favre had the most TD per season.
-I think Dean’s statement that Manning or Brady could wind up being the best has some validity to it. I have always likened Manning to Marino and Brady to Montana, and the stats seem to back up that thought.
-The notion that Elway was good, but never great, is pretty much backed up here. As is the notion that Bradshaw was greatly aided by the teams he played for.
-Montana’s stats are not all that impressive.
After looking at this, I would say that my Top 5 as of today would be:
1. Favre – I’m still sticking with Favre as his “prime” years stack up with anyone’s and his cumulative stats, as have been stated, are as good as anyone’s, too.
2. Marino – It is his cumulative stats that get him this spot on the list, but his “prime” years were certainly remarkable, too.
3. Young – Ever since this discussion has started, I have wondered just how well Montana’s stats would stack up with everyone else’s. I believe that it is Montana, not Favre, that is somewhat overrated. He won 4 Super Bowls, so he seems to get mentioned as the best ever. But Bradshaw won 4, too…hell, Troy Aikman won 3! It was Young, though, who completely dominated the NFL after taking over from Montana. And, in my opinion, Young could have had better career numbers had he not sat behind Montana during the early part of his career.
4. Montana – I think I’ve said my peace about him.
5. Manning – I think he’s already reached this point, and there is nowhere to go but up. To be fair, Brady his having his best year as a pro this year, but it is Manning, not Brady, that is the better QB in my opinion.
Anyone else change their thoughts a bit after looking at these stats?
Since all of the discussion about the Greatest QB of All-Time was fun (I feel like we should come to some sort of an agreement, though…like the Watercooler Guys’ #1 ranked QB of All-Time is probably Joe Montana. He seemed to be the guy that Haver and Dean alluded to as the one to pick if they had to win 1 game. I’ll go along with that selection.), let’s talk about the Greatest RBs of All-Time. The following are the Top 10 rushers of all-time listed in alphabetical order…
Marcus Allen: 12,243 yards, 123 TD, 4.1 avg., 6 Pro Bowls
Jerome Bettis: 13,662 yards, 91 TD, 3.9 avg., 6 Pro Bowls
Jim Brown: 12,312 yards, 106 TD, 5.2 avg., 9 Pro Bowls
Eric Dickerson: 13,259 yards, 90 TD, 4.4 avg., 6 Pro Bowls
Tony Dorsett: 12,739 yards, 77 TD, 4.3 avg., 4 Pro Bowls
Marshall Faulk: 12,279 yards, 100 TD, 4.3 avg., 7 Pro Bowls
Curtis Martin: 14,101 yards, 90 TD, 4.0 avg., 5 Pro Bowls
Walter Payton: 16,726 yards, 110 TD, 4.4 avg., 9 Pro Bowls
Barry Sanders: 15,269 yards, 99 TD, 5.0 avg., 10 Pro Bowls
Emmitt Smith: 18,355 yards, 164 TD, 4.2 avg., 8 Pro Bowls
There are, of course, some great RBs currently playing in the NFL that should be considered, including LaDainian Tomlinson, Shaun Alexander, Edgerrin James, and Adrian Peterson (what???). Nevertheless, I present my Top 5 (quick sidebar: Haver brought up a great point that we all distort rankings like these to reflect our own personal likes. I like Favre, so obviously he is my #1 QB. Haver likes Young, so he’s #1 for him. With that in mind, I would be SHOCKED if Barry Sanders isn’t #1 for Haver):
1. Jim Brown: Eight times he led the league in rushing, including 5 consecutive years from 1957-1961. His 5.2 average gain is tops among RBs.
2. Barry Sanders: He led the league in rushing 4 different seasons, including back-to-back years in 1996 and 1997. In 1997, he rushed for 100 or more yards in 14 games, a NFL record.
3. Walter Payton: Only Emmitt Smith had more career attempts than “Sweetness,” but only Emmitt had more career rushing yards, too. Ran for 275 yards against the Vikings on Nov. 20, 1977.
4. Emmitt Smith: The rushing yardage king, I feel like Emmitt’s record is sometimes considered to be somewhat tainted due to Brown and Sanders cutting their careers short before they should have. Nevertheless, Emmitt was a complete beast.
5. Eric Dickerson: Led the league in rushing in 4 different seasons, including the NFL-record 2,105 yards he gained in 1984. His rookie season in 1983 was the best by any RB in history.
I try to not let bias get in the way and therefore my top rb of all time is Jim Brown. Brown is more of hearsay and highlights but just seemed to take the word dominate to a whole new level. He wasn’t even a man amongst boys he was a grandfather among newborns. He still looks like he could rush for 1000 yards and beat everyone on the planet’s ass.
Barry Sanders is my boy and was the sweetest, flashiest, freakiest running back of all time. In a Favre-like fashion, I think you have to mention that Sanders has the most negative runs in NFL yards and also wasn’t an elite goalline back. Granted you have to also bring up subpar offensive lines, but we’re talkin about the top rb of all-time here and I still have him second, so while I’m penalizing him, I’m not really penalizing him.
I’ll have to take a look more before I go further.
I actually think my best point (I know, I know, there are so many it’s tough to rank) was that you simply just can’t look up stats and consider those the bible for who’s the best. My example is in 20 years looking at Carson Palmer and Ben Roethlisberger. If you look at stats you’d say Palmer no brainer, no question, no doubt. But I watch both and would rather have Roethlisberger. I don’t want to debate these two, as I realize I might be biased, but it’s not the point. Just sayin there’s a lot more than just looking at stats (although they obviously matter)
Montana’s not my #1 either. Actually the way your phrased it, “if I have to win one game…” I’m starting to like Brady. Young sounds good too. Part of it is that Brady’s big games are fresh in my mind while I don’t completely remember if any of the older guys had any horrible playoff chokes or anything………..except Favre against the Eagles, what a hack job.
Running back is really tough for a lot of reasons.
Emmitt’s teammates and longevity get used against him in a lot of arguments I’m in. It’s almost like people get wrapped up in discrediting the record and just naturally focus on the negatives.
The Sanders argument always seems to include the negative plays, and whether or not he’s really the guy you want to put togerther a drive as part of a balanced team.
Lots of things to consider no matter what the nature of the argument is: best ever, who you want on your team, who you start a franchise with, etc. It’s another situation where I don’t think the top guys would get traded for one another- The Rams don’t trade Faulk, The Lions don’t trade Sanders, etc.
Right now I think the best of all-time is Sanders. I’d put Tomlinson on the Steelers, and I’d start a team with him too. Jim Brown is pretty hard for me to analyze. He looked unreal, but it’s hard for me to picture him cutting back accross the field through arm-tackles with guys like Urlacher and Lewis in the league.
I don’t like to look too hard into the “What would Jim Brown do today?” type of question. Based on proportions he’d probably be about 6′5 285 lbs with 4.3 speed. I try to look more into what they did when they did. I do understand how someone else could consider that, though, and could certainly cause a difference in the rankings. I’m not worried if Babe Ruth woulda hit 5 HR’s a year today or 100, I worry about what he did in his era.
I think one thing that really gets exaggerated here in all of these discussions is when you bring up a downfall, it suddenly gets interpreted that you think the person sucks. If I bring up Brett Favre’s interceptions it’s only a reason not to put him at #1, not completely out of my top 50. Emmith Smith’s line could be a reason for saying the best all time rusher is not #1, but not saying it’s a reason to assume in another situation he woulda sucked and another guy in his situation woulda done the same. Same with Sanders and his negatives. I even made a point of saying that he’s still my #2 guy so don’t mistake my thoughts as I knew it would come up.
Dean: You keep mentioning Favre’s “hack” job against the Eagles in the 2004 Playoffs. The game was a 20-17 OT win for the Eagles, and Favre finished 15 for 28 for 180 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. While the INT in OT helped to lead the Eagles to victory, have you already forgotten the 4th-and-26 that the Eagles converted with 1:12 left in regulation and the Eagles trailing 17-14?
How is that performance any worse than Brady’s 1 TD and 2 INT performance in the 2005 Playoffs at Denver? You remember, the game where Brady was intercepted on the Broncos’ goal line trailing 10-6. Champ Bailey stepped in front of Brady’s pass and took it all the way to the Patriots’ 1-yard-line, which set-up a 1-yard Mike Anderson TD that put away the Patriots’ season.
I am not trying to defend Favre here as much as I’m trying to point out that I don’t think Favre single-handedly lost that game against the Eagles. To boot, plenty of great QBs had bad games in the postseason, such as Brady’s game against Denver, Manning’s forgettable trips to Foxborough, Marino’s Super Bowl stinker, Joe Montana being benched in the 1987 Playoffs, and Steve Young being eliminated by Brett Favre and the Packers in 3 straight seasons (2 in San Fran).
By the way, it’s clear that we can’t come to an agreement on who we can all say we’d be comfortable putting as the best QB of all-time. It’s no big deal…I just thought it would be sweet to name the official Watercooler Guys’ #1 QB. Oh well, the debate is what is sweet!
Big change. 1st round=10 minutes. 2nd round=7 minutes. HUGEST announcement ever!!!!! They also announced the the 3rd round will be part of day 2 now. I don’t understand that nor do I like it, but the less time for round 1 and 2 makes me too happy to complain about that.
We had recently talked about Young, Leinert and Cutler on here. I was very impressed with Cutler on Sunday night against the Steelers. Thought he looked great. We all know he’s got a strong arm, but his ability to move around and scramble were also impressive. I might go into it more on the Steelers page than this one, but I actually thought the Broncos beat us (rather than thinking we simply lost, like I do with us and the Cards). Not only was Cutler strong all game long but he led the Broncos to the game winning field goal as time expired.
Leinert was unimpressive this year and then unfortunately got injured. Vince Young is a different animal and tough to compare. I think he can get too much credit for when they win, but you do have to give him credit when he personally puts the Titans on his back and wills them to a victory. I’ve always felt Vince was a man amongst boys and the way he handled himself in college led me to believe he’d be a superstar in the NFL. I still think he would be, but I don’t think he’s gotten any better so far this year and I’m hoping he can stay healthy and improve his play.
This was obviously just one game for Cutler but it was the one I watched. He, and the Broncos, need to continue to play like they did against the Steelers, and not everyone else.
I agree on Cutler. Sometimes the other team plays well in the NFL. After watching that game I still think the Steelers are the better team overall, but that doesn’t mean they can go on the road, get the other QB’s best game, give up a defensive touchdown, and still expect to win. We played a night game in Denver, made some mistakes, got their best effort, and lost on a last second field goal. That’s the NFL.
The Cutler-Leinart-Young debate is a lot like the Eli-Rivers-Ben one. A lot of it depends on what week at is. At the time I said I’d draft Cutler first, but a lot of that was not liking Leinart and not trusting Young. Since then you have to be impressed with Young’s poise, and it’s getting easier and easier to see him getting it done in big games down the road. While his stats don’t really need to be hugely impressive for them to win, I still think he’s going to have to put up better passing numbers at some point for them to be a serious contender. Right now if I’m down 17 at halftime against a good team I trust Cutler more than Young. With Young I still think you’re trying to run the ball, let your defense make some plays, and see where the game takes you. Nothing wrong with that right now, especially with Fisher and a good D. I’m looking forward to watching his progress. As for Leinart it’s obviously a rough time for him as far as evaluations go, but I just don’t see it for some reason. I think he’ll put together a nice season or two down the road, but I don’t think he’ll ever be consistently upper echelon.
As for Favre, I’ve mentioned the Eagles implosion more than once because it’s the play that stands out in my mind as the kind of play that the best QB of all time (whoever he may be) just doesn’t make very often, if ever. All QBs have had bad games and thrown untimely picks for sure. There’s no effective way for me to quantify or articulate why the bad plays we can point to with Favre bother me more than those of the other guys. There’s just something about Favre’s bad times that bother me more than a Brady misfire or Manning getting solved in the playoffs by the Pats or Steelers. Since I don’t have anything to say about it beyond that I’m not expecting anyone to come around to my way of thinking. But I just don’t trust Favre’s brain relative to the others. If it’s the 3rd quarter and I’m down 7 against an equal foe, and they have the ball, and their QB Favre tweaks an ankle, and his backup Steve Young starts loosening up- I’m rooting for Favre to stay in, that’s all I can say.
Now that this is thourghly unsettled, there’s another QB question that I’m curious about. Of all the QBs who have had some success without the consistency or longevity or whatever to get into the ‘best ever’ conversation, which guy or guys scared you the most in their prime? In other words which guy made you almost want your team to take a couple knees and kick a field goal to go to OT rather than go up 4 with 1:50 left, because you knew the bastard was going to kill you?
For me peak-McNair and peak-Brunell in the old AFC Whatever division come to mind immediately. Any thoughts?
Point taken on Favre, and we can agree to disagree, but not only did Favre defeat Young 3 straight years in the Playoffs, but I consider Brady’s INT at Denver to be just as bad as Favre’s INT at Philly. Nevertheless, this conversation has been awesome and has drawn some serious discussion among “The Big Three.” (FYI: I am dubbing Raible, Haver, and Dean “The Big Three” since they seem to post on this site more than anyone).
As for QBs that scared you, I think it’s easiest to look at it from a Steelers (or whatever team you root for) perspective, as I think Dean did in his assessments of McNair and Brunell. Man, I couldn’t agree more on McNair; it always seemed like McNair had the Steelers’ number. We knock out Neil O’Donnell, and in comes McNair, with a busted up sternum, leading the Titans down the field and into the endzone for a victory.
I think that I was fairly scared in playing against Peyton a couple of years ago in the Playoffs. Even though it never really transpired, I always expected him to just get going and march the Colts up and down the field on the Steelers. As a Packers fan, I was always worried about going up against Young. As a Pitt fan, I am always petrified when I see the WVU QB (whoever it may be at the time) lining up under center…unless, of course, he is actually going to pass it!
The way I view Roth, Eli, Rivers and Cutler-Leinart-Young is kind of how Haver views his Heisman or top conferences in college football. It changes from week-to-week. I feel like these debates will not be settled, maybe not even after their careers are over. It’s fun to dissect each matchup, but when it comes down to it, each will have their own mark on the game…except for maybe Leinart.
It is biased, but it’s also the situations you are put in, and Ben landed in the best spot followed by Rivers and then Eli. I think it’s unfair that Eli is also held to a different standard, where he was expected to win from day 1, while Ben and Phil were able to just come in and manage the game.
I’d say early edge definitely goes to Ben, but these guys are all still young and have alot of football left.
How soon until we see Jamarcus Russell for the Raiders, and John Beck for the Dolphins? I think if the Phins are smart they test Beck this year to see if they need to draft a QB. Also as much as the need players in the trenches especially OT/DT, the injury to Brown makes me believe that they could look at Darren McFadden this year.
I think Ben “managing the game” is one of the most overrated things ever, but I think we’ve discussed this before. I also dont think Tiki, Plax, Shockey, Toomer,LT and Gates are bad running mates.
Things certainly change week to week. And you definitely have to establish consistency before you’re considered to have your place in concrete.
Dean I liked your point about Cutler if down and Vince if you’re tied. While I think Vince Young’s games where he sucks but they win are overrated I’m the first to say that when he sucks but is awesome on the last drive/4th quarter and leads to a victory his stats don’t paint the whole picture. They just need to each get the proper credit.
How great is Dean’s honesty and reasoning?!?
Beck shouldn’t play til Lemon gets hurt. Lemon is too good to bench!
I’m fine with Russell playing at any moment. I love how La(y)ne Kiffin has cleaned house this year but they need to do it again next year. I don’t think it’s horrible that Russell is just completely not used this year. I will counter that by saying that I hate the argument that it’s not good to throw a QB into the fire too early. If you’re good you’re good.
I think that 16-0 is harder simply for the fact that, if you really wanted to, you could not try and intentionally lose every game to finish 0-16. And that’s pretty much all I have to say about that.
1. If you were the Bengals, would you trade Chad Johnson?
-I can emphatically say no! Johnson is probably Cincinnati’s best player and definitely the franchise’s identity. The guy is an All-Pro talent, yet doesn’t seem to carry the baggage of a T.O. So he likes to dance and argue with his QB sometimes. Big deal; maybe if Carson wasn’t such a douche bag, then Ocho Cinco wouldn’t have to argue with him!
2. Should the NFL postpone the Chargers game because of the fires?
-Once again, I can say, with certainty, no! I am so against going away from what is the normal thing to do that I was against the NFL for postponing its games after 9/11. Playing/watching football on Sundays is what is normal for the players/fans involved. Make like Warren Harding and keep things normal! (Dean: Did you love the political reference?).
3. Assuming Tom Brady is your midseason MVP, who’s #2 and why?
-A few weeks ago, I would have said Brett Favre. But as of this writing, I would say that Peyton Manning is Tom Brady’s closest competition for the MVP award. Manning, like Brady, has led his team to an undefeated record. However, unlike Brady, Manning has not had the services of his best WR (Marvin Harrison) all season long; Manning’s top RB, Joseph Addai, has also missed time due to injury. Manning, meanwhile, just continues to get it done.
4. Tell me why New England can lose to Indianapolis.
-Well, first off, on any given Sunday anything can happen. With that being said, have we already forgotten that the Colts are 3-0 in their last 3 games against the Patriots? And, last time I checked, the game is being played in the dome in Indianapolis, where the Colts are almost unbeatable. Yeah, I’d say that the Colts have a shot, for sure.
16-0 and 0-16 are both pretty hard, as evident by NFL History.
If you’re the best team in football what are the chances that in 1 out of 16 games, your team won’t bring it’s “a” game, slacks off, turns the ball over, has unlucky bounces and the other team brings their best.
If you’re the worst team in football what are the chances that in 1 out of 16 games, your team plays well, your opponent sucks, you get lucky bounces, and wins the turnover battle.
Easy are possible and likely. I think the lack of either of these happening proves they are both pretty tough.
1. New England (8-0): Big one next Sunday.
2. Indianapolis (7-0): See above.
3. Dallas (6-1): Big $$$ for Romo.
4. Green Bay (6-1): Big win on MNF.
5. Pittsburgh (5-2): Big one next Monday.
6. N.Y. Giants (6-2): Have won 6 straight.
7. San Diego (4-3): Now they’re rolling.
8. Tennessee (5-2): All VY does is wins.
9. Jacksonville (5-2): They need Garrard.
10. Detroit (5-2): Why not?
11. New Orleans (3-4): 3 wins in a row.
12. Baltimore (4-3): MNF @ the Burgh.
13. Seattle (4-3): Come on Seattle…
14. Washington (4-3): Ouch.
15. Carolina (4-3): Vinny? Really?
16. Tampa Bay (4-4): Need a running game.
NFL MVP: Tom Brady
Offensive POY: Tom Brady
Defensive POY: Mike Vrabel
Offensive ROY: Adrian Peterson
Defensive ROY: Darrelle Revis
Comeback POY: Randy Moss
Coach of the Year: Tony Dungy
A few additional thoughts:
-The rankings might not reflect it, but I think that when it’s all said and done, Pittsburgh is the 3rd best team in the NFL and the only one capable of beating New England or Indianapolis.
-Likewise, I think that Ben Roethlisberger is the 3rd best QB in the NFL behind Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.
-I absolutely despise what Bill Belicheck is doing. Look, I get the whole “if they don’t like it, then stop it” argument. But what this ass clown is doing is disrepecting the game. And no one is bigger than the game. There is absolutely no reason why Brady should be in the game, up 38-0, in the 4th quarter. Similarly, there is no reason why the Patriots should be going for it on 4th down when they are up by 40 points. This isn’t Madden NFL Football on XBox; this is the NFL, where you are supposed to play with class. You’re supposed to play your backups. Run the ball so as not to embarrass the other team. Kneel on the ball when the situation calls for it. I really hope that the Colts win this week. Additionally, I really hope that someone (Anthony Smith?) takes it upon himself to intentionally try and injure Tom Brady when he is still playing late in a game as he has done the last few weeks. Screw New England. But most of all, screw Bill Belicheck!
-As for the Mark Richt Georgia thing, I don’t see it as nearly a big of a deal. The celebration was actually kind of funny and really had no bearing, in my opinion, on the final outcome of the game, especially when the idiots were penalized for their excessive display and Tebow marched the Gators right down the field to score on the next possession.
-Some big games next week, with the obvious Colts-Pats game leading the way. Steelers-Ravens on MNF is HUGE, as is the Eagles-Cowboys contest.
Ranking QBs is always a fun topic, so with the recent news of Tony Romo’s big contract hanging in the air, I thought now would be a good time to take a look at the Top 10 QBs in the NFL today:
1. Tom Brady: 3 Super Bowl wins is pretty much all that needs to be said. Oh yeah, and re-writing the NFL record book through 8 games doesn’t hurt, either.
2. Peyton Manning: Was probably the best QB in the league coming into the season after winning the Super Bowl. It’s not his fault that Brady is putting up stupid stats, but, then again, it’s not like Peyton is putting up bad stats himself, either.
3. Ben Roethlisberger: Give me Ben over anyone not named Brady or Peyton. All the kid does is win football games, as evidenced by his becoming the youngest Super Bowl winning QB in history.
4. Brett Favre: I understand that I am probably acting a little biased here with Ben and Brett at #3 and #4, but I think a case can definitely be made for placing the old man here. Romo hasn’t done it for all that long of a time (what, like 20 games or something?) while Carson has yet to show the ability to win a big game. Besides, who else should be ranked #4 than #4?
5. Carson Palmer: The fact that he’s been doing in a little while longer gets Carson the nod over Romo. While he has yet to win a big game in his career, Palmer consistently puts up solid stats.
6. Tony Romo: At this point, I’ll drink the Kool-Aid. His big contract probably drove up the cost of Big Ben to the Steelers, but Romo is as good as it gets in today’s NFL.
7. Donovan McNabb: I’m still a believer in McNabb despite what Philly fans might say. While it’s true that he doesn’t move around as well as he once did, I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that he’s at least the 7th best QB in the NFL right now.
8. Drew Brees: After a slow start, last year’s feel-good story is coming on strong. If Brees can start putting up numbers like his 2006 season, then there’s nowhere to go but up on this list.
9. Matt Hasselbeck: While a slew of young QBs have entered the league in the last few years, Hasselbeck has just quietly gone about his business in the Great Northwest. This guy is as solid as they come…good, not great.
10. Eli Manning: Of all of the rest of the young QBs (Rivers, Cutler, Young, Leinart, etc.), I think that Eli is the furthest along. His play has really picked up as the Giants have reeled off 6 straight wins.
Obvious Omission: Marc Bulger – Bulger got big money in the offseason, but has been a big disappointment thus far, albeit mostly due to injury.
Just for giggles, here are the Top 10 QB salaries (listed in cap value), although in 2006 numbers:
The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced 124 nominees for its Class of 2008. When it’s all said and done, between 4 and 7 people will be inducted into the Hall. My picks (I’m not even going to worry about Coaches and Contributers as I don’t think that I would even have a clue where to begin):
WR Cris Carter – All he did was catch TDs!
CB Darrell Green – Fastest dude ever.
LB Derrick Thomas – Such a beast.
P Ray Guy – Best Punter ever…it’s time!
Other guys that should be considered include Ricky Watters, Art Monk, Andre Reed, Mark Bavaro, Russ Grimm, Richard Dent, Kevin Greene, Donnie Shell, and Nick Lowery. Of the coaches, I think that Jimmy Johnson or Tom Flores is most deserving (but neither should necessarily be invited), while deserving contributors include the Sabols and Tagliabue.
Lots of talk this week about Sunday’s Patriots-Colts game being the best regular season matchup in history. While time will only tell if that is indeed the case, the regular season game, to me, that seems to have been the most memorable was Bears at Dolphins on December 2, 1985.
The Bears won their first 12, including a 45-10 waxing of Washington, and warmed up for their Monday night showdown with Miami by shredding Dallas 44-0 and Atlanta 36-0 the two weeks before the game. The Bears had a hermetically sealed defense, but Miami had Dan Marino — and the Dolphins quarterback was the difference in a 38-24 victory. Not only did Miami put up 31 first-half points, it wound up producing more points (38) than Chicago’s previous six opponents combined (36) in a rout witnessed by 25.4 million TV homes.
For the fact that it was the Dolphins preserving the ‘72 Dolphins as the only undeafeated team in history, that it was arguably the best QB of all-time (Marino) going against arguably the best defense of all-time (‘85 Bears), and the fact that it was on MNF seem to make this game the most memorable regular season game ever.
I would be lying, though, if I said I wasn’t stoked about this Sunday’s game. I am definitely rooting for the Colts to beat the Patriots, and if they were to win by 50 points then awesome. But, with that being highly unlikely, I am really hoping for a good, close matchup. If it’s anything like last year’s AFC Championship game, then we are all in for a treat!
The heart says Colts, but the head says Patriots by more than the spread is allowing for.
Brought to my attention by my brother, this is one of the greatest things I’ve ever read. From Dr. Z’s latest power rankings….
“Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
This is a statistic I mention because people who lean on it show me they don’t really understand football: In games in which Fast Willie goes over 100 yards, the team is 5-0. In games in which he doesn’t, they’re 0-2. It’s like saying, they’re 5-0 in games in which they score more points.”
Dr. Z….What a great way to sum it up. The classic mistaking of correlation for causation. The Steelers also have a phenomenal record when we take more knees than their opponent. Let’s start calling the kneeldown rght away!
Here’s a real quote I heard that I love:
“The Colts have 3/4 (or something like that) of their sacks in the 2nd half which proves…….wait for it…….that they focus on stopping the run in the 1st half!”
Yea, that or maybe when they have a 3 TD lead in the 4th quarter, and passing becomes a foregone conclusion, they tee off.
Great game today. I usually like the Pats more than the Colts but I was getting tired of everyone making a big deal about what the Pats were doing and not saying a word about the Colts, who in my opinion were just as impressive thus far this year (ok the 52-7 against the Skins was a bit incredible). Game was at Indy, no Ben Watson, no Marvin Harrison, no Tony Ugoh and the Pats get the close win. I thought the biggest difference in the game was the line play. Patriots got to Manning far more than the Colts got to Brady and ended up being the play of the game when the ball was knocked loose from Manning. Randy Moss is back to being the best wide receiver in the game. What a performance that was today.
I like that the game was relatively low scoring and that people will have to group them together. You have to wonder if they both came back down to Earth or if they’re actually just both on another planet from the rest of the NFL. If they face each other again it should be a battle.
I was also happy with the way the game turned out. I don’t think anyone can put the Pats in a tier by themselves anymore. Both teams made plays and were forced into mistakes, and either team could’ve won if it was a 5 quarter game. I’ve been wondering if the homefield edge was canceled out by the losses of Harrison and Ugoh. (there were other injuries of course for both sides, inactives and otherwise, but these seemed like the most hurtful, especially with Indy so thin at WR.)
If you were the Colts would you have rather played on the road with Harrison/Ugoh or at home w/o them?
As for the Pats- I believe they can still be beaten, but the odds of getting to 16-0 get better with every win, especially this one. After this week it’s not as hard to picture them losing to Pit, NYG, or even a random upset as it was a wek ago. I’ve said before that I think that the only difference between the ‘05 Colts (and the ‘07 Colts too I suppose)and the ‘07 Pats is running up the score. In ‘05 the Chargers finally derailed the Colts after the regular season was decided, and then the Steelers exposed and eliminated them in the 2nd round. What I took away from that year was that when a great team gets rolling they can start to look unbeatable…….until they get beat. Not saying I’m betting against the Pats, but this is still the NFL.
It was definitely a good game yesterday (Super Bowl 41.5). As Dean alluded to, I think it will be interesting to see if it ends up being Indy and New England in the Playoffs; I’m not saying that the Colts would have won if they had their guys, but it’s definitely a thought that had to have crossed Dungy’s mind: At home without Harrison and others, or on the road with Harrison and others. I think he made the right move; it definitely would have been the correct choice had the Colts hung on to the 10-point 4th quarter lead they built. It sucks that the Colts didn’t win, but, hopefully, it exposed something about New England to the rest of the league and, hopefully, the Pats lose sometime soon. I hate Belicheck.
The article looks back at this year’s draft and wonders what a redraft done today might look like.
My thoughts:
-Had to assume Peterson would end up higher this time around, and McShay sent him to Cleveland. Now that the Browns aren’t being held back by a bad QB, Jamal Lewis really looks out of place. Even though we knew he was bad in April, we definitel;y didn’t think he’d be the one crusty cog holding back and offensive machine. While you’d have to think Thomas is playing a role in the resurgence, Peterson would make everyone fear the Browns. Interestingly, Cleveland would have a tough decision to make regarding Anderson. If they believe in him they don’t bother moving up for Quinn, but would they move up for Joe Staley or someone else. Edit: just saw they got Ugoh here. (This also reminds me how lucky the Pats got with the Niners collapse- both Cleveland and San Fran trade back into the first, and New England gave up the worse pick to the team with the better record, and they still end up staring a top 5 pick in the face while the Browns pick will be mid-round.)
-I thought Willis should have gone higher than he did in the real draft, and I think the same thing about the redraft.
-Timmons to the Steelers again, this time with Adams on the board, surprised me, but not really in a bad way. I thought Grubbs might be a possibility.
-I hated the Craig Davis pick, especially over Gonzalez, and that’s what this guy’s thinking too. The receivers in general have been kind of up and down. Meachum’s done nothing in a great offense (partly due to injury), Bowe has been solid in a lame one.
Regarding that redraft, I felt like McGay tried to stay pretty conservative. Almost seemed like unless the player has done something wrong, or a player is just too obviously good things stayed the same. I thought for sure that the Steelers would have taken someone else in a redraft just based on the fact that Timmons hasnt done anything. But it appears like since he hasn’t done anything wrong and still factors into our plans McGay thought he still fit. Or even one step further to look at this rookie class and not put Adrian Peterson first is borderline weird.
Think the Browns could look to trade Derek Anderson this offseason? Matt Schaub went for a 2nd and that was based on spot duty. Could Anderson go for a first if he keeps it up? Or are you not in a rush to trade Anderson or Quinn and keep them both next year?
Regarding Anderson, I think much of what the Browns decide to do will depend on how the rest of the season plays out. For one, I still think that Crennel’s job is on the line. With that in mind, I think that Romeo is more likely to want to keep Anderson around for as long as possible as each and every win helps keep him off the proverbial hot seat.
However, I look at this situation like the one Cincinnati had a few years ago with Jon Kitna and Carson Palmer (or the one in San Diego with Drew Brees and Phillip Rivers). Kitna played solidly for the Bengals, but missed the Playoffs. The next year, Palmer took over as the starter with Kitna serving as the backup.
The nice thing for the Brownies, though, is the fact that Schaub was traded for a 2nd rounder last year. With that as a precedent, I think that the Browns should and will deal Anderson in the offseason, especially if the Browns don’t make the Playoffs. If the Browns do make the Playoffs, though, then it’s obviously going to be a tougher sell to their long-suffering fans.
MVP: Tom Brady
Offensive POY: Tom Brady
Defensive POY: Albert Haynesworth
Offensive ROY: Adrian Peterson
Defensive ROY: Patrick Willis
Coach of the Year: Mike McCarthy
Asst. Coach of the Year: Josh McDaniels
Biggest Surprise Team: Cleveland
Most Disappointing Team: Chicago
Biggest Surprise Player: Derek Anderson
Most Improved Player: Braylon Edwards
Most Disappointing Player: Larry Johnson
Best Trend: Goddell suspending players
Worst Trend: Running up the score
Best Moment: Favre breaking the TD record
Worst Moment: Spygate
Best FA Pick-Up: Jeff Garcia
I don’t see how you can trade Anderson. In my opinion when you have a QB who you think you can win with, you keep him. If Brady Quinn was doing what Anderson has done he’d be the talk of the league. When you already are getting the kind of production that you traded up in the draft for, why mess it up?
I think the answer is a combination of the Quinn pedigree and the allure of the unknown. I think this is weak. Anderson was a blue chip recruit who’s coaches believed he would leave after his junior year to become the top overall pick. He hit some pot holes but now he looks great and, for now, that’s enough for me. My solution is to keep Anderson and Quinn and see what unfolds. If Anderson hasn’t been able to get the team over the hump 3 years from now and he settles in as a B- passer, then consider giving Quinn a chance. If he blows next year then maybe you cost yourself a chance to steal a draft pick, but I’ll take that risk to see if Anderson’s the guy. I’m not going to assume that Quinn amounts to anything more than Leftwich, Boller, Grossman, Losman etc. until I see otherwise, so I’m treating the situation as if I have one of those guys behind Anderson. Which means he’s my guy until he’s not.
One unfortunate thing that this reminds me of is how impossible it is to trade a recent top draft pick due to salary cap consequences. When Brees looked great why not trade Rivers? He was a top 5 pick, so why wouldn’t a QB-hungry team put together the same type of package for Rivers that they would have on draft day? Only because of the cap. And as a result Brees turns around New Orleans and the Chargers ride the rollercoaster with Rivers. I think this is too bad, for the teams and the players.
You trade Derek Anderson because you might be able to get a first round pick for, let me repeat, Derek Anderson. As nice as it would be to keep both there are too many salary cap ramifications and you won’t be able to afford resigning Anderson to a big deal. Quinn obviously already has a big deal. Derek Anderson looks like he could be a nice QB. Me and Dean were obviously watching the same TV recently as I heard the same story about Dennis Erickson recruiting Anderson and thinking he’d be the number one pick. But it’s a little too early to consider the guy a top 10 QB in this league. You can’t let Anderson walk. If you can have Quinn and a first round pick you have to at least think about it. It’s possible that Derek Anderson could be the best QB of all time and the Falcons are probably regretting their Brett Favre every day for the last 15 years. But if Derek Anderson flops in extended time you have a first round pick to show for him. If you can get one now, the more he plays the more it’s possible that he doesn’t do as well.
NFL Sweet 16 after Week 10 (does anyone even care about the Seahawks-49ers MNF game?):
1. New England (9-0): Clearly the best there is.
2. Dallas (8-1): Only loss was to N.E.
3. Green Bay (8-1): Next 3: Car., Det., Dal.
4. Indianapolis (7-2): Health is a major concern.
5. Pittsburgh (7-2): Good comeback win.
6. N.Y. Giants (6-3): 0-2 vs. Dallas.
7. San Diego (5-4): Dodged a major bullet.
8. Jacksonville (6-3): Big win at Tennessee.
9. Tennessee (6-3): VY finally throws a TD.
10. Cleveland (5-4): A pretty solid team now.
11. Buffalo (5-4): Another solid team.
12. Seattle (4-4): Need to get moving.
13. Tampa Bay (5-4): NFC South sucks.
14. Detroit (6-3): Coming back to Earth?
15. Denver (4-5): Good win at K.C.
16. Philadelphia (4-5): Westbrook is awesome.
I agree that the Browns would have to consider trading Anderson based on the premise that a first round pick was on the table. Cleveland would need to evaluate three factors when evaluating such a trade. One is the value of Anderson- his ceiling, his floor, whatever’s in the middle, and the probability of each coming to fruition. The second is the value of the pick- once again, all the possibilities along with the probablities of each. And the third is the value of Quinn, factored along the same lines.
My guess is that the factor we view most differently is the valuation of the draft pick. I love the draft as much as the next guy, and I believe that great franchises build through the draft first and foremost. That said, I still view a single draft pick as an unkown asset with a known price tag. I’m drawn in by the possibility of hitting a homerun, but I also look back at drafts from years past and see a lot of names that became nothing in the NFL. This attitude also contributes to the way I view Brady Quinn. As I mentioned before, many of the QBs who have gone in his area of the draft have hurt their franchises badly. I think the best thing that the Browns have going for them is that they can still keep Quinn, and along with him the chance that he will be the next great QB, without betting the future of the team on his development. As for the pick itself, I would imagine from the Schaub deal (Schaub and the 10th for the 8th and two 2nds) that Browns would have a tough time getting into the upper part of the first round based on half a season. The catch 22 is that the better Anderson’s body of work becomes, and the better the pick he can fetch, the more reason there would be for keeping him. Assuming for the sake of analysis that the pick is the 15th overall, I personally would prefer to keep the possibilities and probabilities that Anderson represents. This is obviously where opinion, speculation, and hunch start to be a major factor, but while the sentence “get a first round pick for Derek Anderson” has it’s appeal, I think “get an intriguing QB prospect instead of an unproven college project” has a nice ring to it too.
I’d be interested to read more of your analysis on the topic, because I think these type of situations are the most fun to think about from the point of view of the GM.
The toughest part about analyzing the Anderson trade is really not having any specifics. To me there’s a big difference between things like
-1st round pick or 2nd round pick
-What you could get for Quinn in comparison
-What they think of Quinn from preseason/practice
-Salary cap ramifications of trading Quinn
-How soon they’d have to resign Anderson
Those things could change this situation completely. If I say I’d trade Anderson, I’m assuming I could get something I love, I’m assuming I like Quinn, and I’m assuming I just simply couldn’t keep both of them too much longer and would rather get something than nothing. Ideally it’d be nice if you could keep Anderson for at least one more year and get to see what he’s all about. Also get more time to evaluate Quinn. At that point you might be able to make a more educated decision. The problem with this is that if they know deep down they want Quinn to be their man, all they’re doing is prolonging putting him in and risking that Anderson’s value will lower. Right now Anderson is like a European basketball player or a college freshman. You’ve seen enough good things to absolutely love everything about him. The more he stays around the more it’s possible to see flaws and his value drops. It’s a tough situation. Once again, it’s back to think those things I wrote above could sway my thought process completely. If it’s the offseason and I can get a first round pick for Anderson I think it’s tough to pass up.
1. Ben Roethlisberger: Already the owner of a Super Bowl ring, Big Ben has re-established himself this season as one of the best QBs in all of football. His ability to move around the pocket (not necessarily taking off and running with the football) might be unmatched by anyone in the game.
2. Carson Palmer: Carson turns 28 on Dec. 27th, so it’s almost unfair to even include him in these talks. Nevertheless, he is probably the best pure passer of the QBs aged 27 or under. I question his desire to be a winner, though; remember, USC never won a title until after Palmer left, and the Bengals are once again relative losers. A gifted QB, though, no doubt.
3. Tony Romo: In today’s day and age, how do guys like Romo and Willie Parker go undrafted? While Romo may not yet be worth the money that was awarded to him by Dallas, there is no denying that this dude has been a shining star for America’s Team since taking over for Drew Bledsoe last year. Having T.O. as your #1 target certainly helps, too.
I feel like the Top 3 are pretty much no-brainers. As Golic said on the show, you could make a case for any of these 3 guys as the best of the group, but there is a definite drop-off to the next tier of QBs, a group that includes Derek Anderson, Jay Cutler, Eli Manning, Phillip Rivers, Jason Campbell, Matt Schaub, Vince Young, Matt Leinart, Alex Smith, J.P. Losman, etc.
4. Vince Young: He might be the poorest pure passer on the list of guys that I just mentioned. So why does Young get ranked higher than the rest of these guys? Because all the dude does is win football games…more often than not with his legs, which work just as well as a cannon for an arm. I feel like Young’s upside is bigger than any of the guys I previously mentioned, too.
5. Eli Manning: Of the rest of the group, I’m taking Eli. I think that Eli probably has the best talent of the 2nd tier guys, but I just like VY’s athleticism and ability to win ball games more than Eli at this point. I like Eli more than Rivers, Leinart, Cutler, etc.
1. Ben. Anyone who has watches every Steeler game knows this. I wouldn’t trade him (a real, permenant trade, in the NFL) for Manning. He’s too awesome. I don’t think this spot is even debateable if you’ve watched him play(okay you could try).
2. Palmer. I still put him here because of what he showed us in 2005. When he took a 5 step drop you just got scared as an opposing fan. ‘06 I write off somewhat to the injury, and this year the team just sucks. I could understand a different guy here but I’m pretty set on Palmer. He’s great at throwing down field, whether it’s a bomb, deep in or out, post, or comeback. Always zip on the ball when its required, no problem feathering it over the first tier of coverage when his guy is bracketed, and he takes care of the ball. He’s never been the pure playmaker that Ben or Romo is, so unlike them he’s probably not going to be the guy to take a flawed team further than they otherwise would, but with a great team he’d do what Manning does.
3. Romo. I still think a humbling crash back to reality is coming, but I can’t act like this isn’t happening right now either, and the body of work is very good. I can see some high INT years, and a big game or two that he totally mucks, but right now he’s playing well and with confidence, so I put him at 3 until I see a reason not to. The good veteran teammates and soft conference leave some doubts though. I think Jaws wouldn’t put him at 1 if he hadn’t seen great things, but I’d love to put him on the Bills or Ravens for a month and see what happens.
4. Manning. I voted for Rivers over Eli last time, but since then I’ve started to think that Rivers might need more going his way to do well than Eli does. In fairness I haven’t really watched a Giants game with any interest beyond fantasy, but I want a QB who wants to and is capable of going downfield. That’s why Ben is 1, and that’s why I guess I’m going Eli at 4.
5. Cutler. More tools than Rivers. Better passer than Young.
A lot can change fast with this group as we’ve discussed. Rivers and Schaub are only a short hot streak from making the list, and it will be interesting to see what Clemens, Losman or Edwards, Young, and others do down the stretch.
Sorry, I have to bash VY- Vince Young does more than win. He also loses. This generally happens when the other team scores more than 14 points. He’s 0-2 when the other team scores 15 or more, he’s 5-0 when they don’t. Tennesse beat Oakland 13-9 when Young threw for 42 yards. They beat Jacksonville 13-10 when he threw for 78. The offense exploded for 24 against the Saints when they still sucked and had 5 turnovers. Young threw for 164. In wins against David Carr and Joey Harrington Young led 3 TD drives (zero passing) and had 5 INT. Oh wait he had a three yard play-makin TD run.
I’m not saying there’s nothing more to football than stats. When you play great defense and can run the ball your QB is going to have less yards. But when you do pass it should be easier and more effective. Young has 4 TDs and 10 picks. And he has 2 rushing TDs of 5 yards total and 217 yards on the season. He has potential, but right now I don’t think I can even call him decent.
“I don’t think this spot is even debateable if you’ve watched him play(okay you could try).”-Dean.
I know Dean has been quoting me lately and agreeing but I have to disagree with this statement. I think this is the exact type of statement that an outsider looks at and then doesn’t take our opinions seriously because we are so overly biased towards Roethlisberger. While I, too, am gonna put Roethlisberger first I don’t think you can consider it unarguable. I think your point is more along the lines that if you watch Big Ben every snap you realize he’s a lot better than just looking in the box score and I’ll agree to that. Could always rate QB’s based on how Blackstone rated them…basing them solely on looks. Predicting the Pats to beat the Panthers in the Super Bowl because Brady was better looking than Delhomme was just one of the many example. Classic.
1. Roethlisberger-I’ll make it unanimous about Burghers, probably not a surprise. Just love how he handles himself, leads, creates, wins. As we add weapons/o-line and as he continues to learn when to make a play and when not to force he’ll become near unstoppable.
2. Tony Romo-Also love the things Romo brings to the table. His first TD last week was unreal and the ball earlier this year that was snapped over his head and he made a sweet play; those are just Romo bein Romo. He doesn’t seem to get flustered and enjoys being out there.
3. Carson Palmer-Only 3rd because he can’t run as well and hasn’t won as much. I’m sure he’d enjoy a better defense but I also feel he’s more unsure of himself than my first two and I think that’s a big part of being a QB. No doubt he can toss the ball around and has an unbelievable arm. Could easily be 1st, 2nd or 3rd as I agree with Raible that these 3 are clear cut. Also agree that he seems like he’s been around too long for this list.
4. Eli Manning-I also suppose I’ll go with Eli. The guy gets critiqued like no other but has provided stability at the position and has had success. As inconsistent as I feel Eli is it’s ironic that he gets the nod here because of consistency, illustrating how unstable these young QB’s are.
5. Jason Campbell-He gets the nod here due to how much I like him handling himself. I like his poise and style of play. I also feel like he doesn’t have much around him at all but can win games. I hope the Skins keep their draft picks and build a nice team around Campbell.
I really have liked what I’ve seen from Jay Cutler earlier this year. I think he has Romo/Roethlisberger like skills.
It’s funny that none of us want to put Derek Anderson on this list but some of the others haven’t really started many more games.
Phil Rivers needs to bounce back and Matt Schaub needs Andre Johnson.
Can’t wait to see this year’s draft class. Also hope Leinert is healthy next season.
While I think that stat Dean threw out is absolutely horrible, I’m gonna agree with him a little more than Raible on Young, or maybe somewhere in the middle. I’m all for the “All he does is win games” is the QB is actually helping in winning those games. Last year, he did. This year, I don’t think he has been. It’s completely different winning dispite Young than winning because of him and I don’t like to give him the credit no matter what. I think it is scary that the Titans are doing well and Young hasn’t had to be superman as I certainly think he’s still capable of pulling out some wins on his own. I also one reason to bump Young higher up the list than his stats indicate is I still think he’s as scary as anyone in the 2 minute drill on this list. I might put him 4th for that and it’s obviously a huge part of being a QB. I definitely think Young can win you games. I just don’t think he has been. I think Young faces the same problems Michael Vick did. A QB that can run but not pass great comes into the NFL and takes the NFL by storm because of all the things he can do but the things he can’t do get overlooked. You keep thinking, “Wow he can run amazingly and CAN do some good things passing, IF he becomes a better passer he’ll be as good as anyone.” That’s a true statement but the question is will he become any better as a passer. Vick did not and I think people finally realized that the 2 nice runs a game weren’t cutting it from an NFL QB. Young’s a man. A beast. A warrior. A winner. It also has to be pointed out that his WR’s are HORRIBLE. Handing off to LenDale is borderline unfair but regardless, those wr’s. Ew. I’m never sure what type of WR would be best with Young but you gotta think they’ll add something soon.
Top 3 are pretty clear and pretty soon it’ll be just Roethlisberger and Romo as Palmer turns 28. I think it’s safe to say no matter how you rank the next 5-10 QB’s the rankings could change at any moment based on any play or game. Jury is still very very far from out. And as I mentioned, can’t wait to get Russell, Quinn, Beck, etc into this mix and see how everything unfolds. And then 4-5 more in the 2008 draft.
Okay, okay. The only point of the stat is that I think they should change the phrase to “all Vince Young does is win as long as his defense plays excellent.” He’s never won one of those back and forth games where he keeps answering the call. For me that’s what I need to see before I put him near a list like this.
Interesting point that I overlooked before leads me to a question:
What is the ideal receiving core for VY? Let’s assume a realistic core could include one pro-bowler tops along with a decent or worse #2, slot and/or tight end.
Should the Titans start with a dependable target like Ward or Boldin or a guy he can wing it to deep like Burress or Santana Moss? I tend to think running some double tight end sets with the right guys might make it easier for Young to make quick reads and put together better drives. What do you guys think?
With Young’s scrambling ability, I think the one thing that would benefit him the most would be a big target that he could spot when he was moving out of the pocket. For that reason, I think that Plax would be an amazing #1 WR for a team with VY at QB. Remember how much Plax helped Ben during his 1st year? Ben used to say that it was so easy to spot Plax whenever he would move out of the pocket. Plax, in my opinion, would be the ideal WR for VY.
After that, I think a team would just need to fill in with some solid WR. Another guy that could stretch the field a bit (he wouldn’t even have to be that great…hell, it could be Cedrick Wilson). A nice, sure-handed WR would help him, too (I’m thinking like a Joe Jurevicius). And of course, any QB could be aided by a TE that can catch the ball (this could be anyone who is capable of getting off the line and making a catch…Donald Lee, Matt Spaeth, etc.).
The beauty of this WR corps is that it is relatively practical in that it wouldn’t cost a ton of money. Plax is a legit #1, but the rest of the guys I mentioned are no better than a #2 or #3 option on any team.
How huge is the Cutler-Young matchup on Monday Night Football?!?! Have got to see Cutler a few times already and will be great to see VY in charge of the offense.
As for his ideal wr core I tend to think putting 2 good TE’s in the lineup, some rb’s that can catch short passes and things like that are the way to go. But I don’t think a team can really be effective if they can’t go down field. A big target is always nice. I’m gonna defer on this question until after I watch him on Monday to see him in action and what he really likes to do.
Great performances by Cutler and Young tonight. I think they at least showed they had the talent to be mentioned with anyone under 28 and certainly in the thick of the mix outside of the top 3. The main thing that separates the top 3 from the rest is the consistency. I know Romo hasnt been around too long but I feel like he’s been great in 90% of his games. On any given day Cutler, VY, Derek Anderson, Jason Campbell and others can look like 4th. But on another day they look like 15th. It will be who sustains good play the most that rises as legitimate.
Jay Cutler must know when I’m watchin because all he does is impress me. It’s funny but I Feel like I’m not asking for much in a QB. Give me smarts, savvy, a strong arm and the ability to move. It’s odd that there’s not 32 people in the world that fit that bill but their aren’t. Cutler really plays a nice game. Didn’t run much tonight but threw almost perfectly.
I really enjoy watching Vince Young wheel and deal. It’s just fun and enjoyable. Always in control, defense always scared. his interceptions were late and when the action was forced. He put up some big passing numbers and had some balls dropped. Runs so smooth and effortlessly. Always say that a guy like Vick and Young only has to be a slightly above passer to be a star. Vick never became that. Young looked like he can tonight. Consistency is the key.
After watching the Titans I almost feel like their ideal receiving core is similar to what I originally imagined and ironically not too far off from what they have. It just needs to improve. I kinda like the idea of giving Young as many weapons as possible but not necessarily stars. I’m not saying Randy Moss would hurt Young but I’m not sure if Young needs a go to guy that he’d focus on. I like the idea of him having RB’s that can catch (and Lendale to pound). Two TE’s that can catch. Four WR’s that can all make plays. I just think they need to add some better overall talent and get rid of their lower level skill positioned players that are currently playing.
1. New England (11-0)
2. Dallas (10-1)
3. Green Bay (10-1)
4. Indianapolis (9-2)
5. Pittsburgh (8-3)
6. Jacksonville (8-3)
7. San Diego (6-5)
8. N.Y. Giants (7-4)
9. Seattle (7-4)
10. Tampa Bay (7-4)
11. Cleveland (7-4)
12. Philadelphia (5-6)
13. Minnesota (5-6)
14. Chicago (5-6)
15. Denver (5-6)
16. Tennessee (6-5)
-HUGE game on Thursday night (on the NFL Network, no less) between the Boys and the Pack. I think that the Cowboys win this one, but the Packers return the favor in the NFC Championship Game. Speaking of the Packers, is there anyone more valuable (I’m talking pure value here) to his team than Brett Favre?
-Steelers vs. Patriots in a couple of weeks could be huge. I’m hoping that teams can learn from what the Colts and Eagles did to the Pats; someone out there has to be able to beat them, right?
-Jacksonville looks like a real solid team right now, as does Tampa Bay. Two Florida teams that aren’t getting much love right now (too much attention is being taken away by Tebow, no doubt) but could be big-time players come January.
-I’m really impressed with the Vikings, too. They run the ball really well and play really good defense. Now, if only Tavaris Jackson could play a little more like Vince Young and a little less like Kordell Stewart.
-The Browns just continue to impress. Only 1 game behind the Steelers? Are you kidding me?!?!
My favorite non-Steeler things about the 2007 season:
-Favre being Favre. I’ve always loved Donald Driver, and I really liked the Greg Jennings pick in 2006. But James Jones and Donald Lee have made the biggest difference on offense in my opinion. While I wish the Pack had addressed the RB position at some point (Michael turner maybe?) I’m having fun watching Favre run and shoot.
-Return of the Packer-Cowboy dominance. They both had more memorable games against San Fran than each other in the 90s, but I’m glad to see these teams back on top of the NFC. I’m especially pleased to see this happen with, and because of Favre. Both of these teams are built to contend- young talented front sevens, good lines, and a nice mix of skill players on offense. I hope Favre plays 3 more years and meets Romo in the playoffs 3 times.
-Garrard and the Jags. I’m a Leftwich fan, but that move had to be made. The Jags are another team that’s been built the way I like. Great inner triangle of Peterson, Stroud and Henderson. Mathis, Nelson, and a ball-hawk attitude in the secondary. Great one-two punch in the underrated Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. And I like the way Garrard manages things. (The lone roster blunder by the team seems to be the receiving core. I like Wilford somewhere in the mix, and Reggie Williams has his moments, but Jones has been poor and the overall mix has been bad. I’d like to see this team with Santonio and Heath Miller instead of Williams and Jones.) I like the way the team was built and I give them a lot of credit for going with Garrard. Wouldn’t surprise me if they beat out Indy, either for the division or in the playoffs.
-Jeff Fisher getting his due. Fisher’s been getting it done for a long time. There was a good article on the Titns in espn mag’s last issue. I may rip on VY, but I’d like to see him put it all together, and I think Fisher can get it done.
-Westbrook putting together a full season. I don’t have the man in fantasy surprisingly, but I love him.
-Brandon Jacobs getting it done (when healthy). I love big backs, so I’m happy to see Jacobs having some success. He needs a lightning comliment, and maybe it can be Ward, to keep him fresh.
-Eli Manning not being horrible. I just didn’t want that to happen.
-The Vikings putting together a dominant rushing attack. Peterson is a great player, but their success has been earned as a team. Chester can get it done as well, and I hope they will use a two headed approach for the good of the team and the players. I don’t like Tavaris much, but it’s easier said than done to find Schaub or Romo. I’d like to see some veterans mixed in at receiver and QB in ‘07. (Jeff Garcia?)
-The Browns return to respectability. It’s been awhile since I hated them with any real interest, but it’s looking like that will change soon- maybe even as soon as this year’s playoffs. They flashed a team like this once before though, and Winslow-Edwards-Thomas or not (as opposed to all those bad busts), if Anderson doesn’t keep it together they might be headed back down.
The All-Manifest Team:
QB Favre
RB Westbrook
RB Barber III
HB Cooley
TE Miller
WR Fitzgerald
WR Driver
DE Kampman
DE Allen
DT Haynesworth
DT Henderson
LB Willis
LB Sims
LB Harrison
S GWilson
S Sanders
CB Mathis
CB Cromartie
Wow, I love the idea of an All-Raible Team. And, much like Madden, my team would consist of guys who aren’t necessarily the best at their positions but are certainly worthy of consideration (and are definitely my kind of guys)…
QB: Brett Favre
-Favre is my all-time favorite player
RB: Brian Westbrook
-Have been a big fan of his for quite some time now.
FB: Lorenzo Neal
-Consider him to be as good of a blocking back as there is in the league.
WR: Larry Fitzgerald
WR: Hines Ward
-Fitz has the best pure hands in the league, in my opinion, while Hines brings everything you could want to a team.
TE: Antonio Gates
-Simply the best there is today.
OT: Mark Tauscher
OG: Alan Faneca
C: Hank Fraley
OG: Steve Hutchinson
OT: D’Brickashaw Ferguson
-Hutchinson is probably the best OL in the game, and I gotta give some love to my fellow Bobby Mo boy Fraley.
DE: Aaron Smith
DT: Casey Hampton
DE: Aaron Kampman
-I love white dudes named Aaron.
OLB: Joey Porter
ILB: James Farrior
ILB: A.J. Hawk
OLB: James Harrison
-After watching last night’s game, I realized that I still love Peezy. Hawk would be an ILB in the 3-4, I am thinking.
CB: Darrelle Revis
CB: Charles Woodson
-Find me 2 better shut-down corners. Or at least 2 that I would like more than these 2.
SS: Adrian Wilson
FS: Sean Taylor (RIP)
-The Taylor thing, while kind of a joke, is legit as he was having his best season as a pro. Wilson is just an animal.
K: Jeff Reed
P: Daniel Sepulveda
KR: Devin Hester
ST: Clint Kriewaldt
-No one loves the Steelers specialists more than me. Hester might be the best returner in the history of the game.
Head Coach: Jon Gruden
Offensive Coordinator: Ken Whisenhunt
Defensive Coordinator: Dick LeBeau
Offensive Line Coach: Russ Grimm
-Hey, it’s my team and I can do what I want. What I want is a reunion of Whiz and Grimm, in their old positions, with LeBeau. All under the tutelage of Gruden. (FYI: If Bill Cowher were still a Head Coach, is there any doubt I would have him?!?!)
QB Rex Grossman
Was great to see Rex slingin the ball around on Sunday for a come behind victory. He’ll keep the seat warm for Tebow’s arrival in 2009/2010
RB LenDale White
RB Clinton Portis
LenDale is a beast and Portis is the coolest player in the game
FB Reagan Mauai
Samoan
WR Plaxico Burress
WR Anquan Boldin
Plax is my boy. I’ve grown to be a big fan of Boldin and love how he catches the ball and just bounces off people on his way to the endzone.
TE Vernon Davis
So built, so strong
Offensive Line-Max Starks
All other lineman fail in comparison to Max
DE-Julius Peppers
DT-Warren Sapp
DT-John Henderson
DE-Chris Canty
Peppers is one of the best Tar Heel athletes of all-time. I still love Sapp. Henderson has been a favorite since he was a PF/DT recruit in High School. I’m still mad the Steelers passed Canty in the draft (for Essex AND Fred Gibson) and I was right on the money with the big DE.
OLB-Manny Lawson
MLB-Patrick Willis
OLB-Jarvis Moss
I don’t care if my OLB’s are more suited for the 3-4. The DE/OLB is by far my favorite position. Willis is an animal but gets it more by default as I don’t have a real favorite MLB (Singletary still #1). Love Lawson and Moss’s athletic ability.
CB-Pacman Jones
CB-Antonio Cromartie
Pacman is the man and Cromartie was my top CB in his draft and has made so many big plays this season
FS-Reggie Nelson
SS-Adrian Wilson
Can’t go against my Gator at the free safety spot. Been a big fan of Wilson’s for a while now and still don’t think he gets the credit he deserves.
Choosing this team it was obvious to me that my favorite position is DE/OLB. Marcus Spears, Jevon Kearse, Kenechi Udeze, Kevin Carter, James Harrison, Mario Williams and some others I’m sure I’m forgetting are all some of my favorite players. I love huge, athletic freaks.
Warren Moon, Barry Sanders, and Mike Singletary get honorary spots on this team.
As for coach, there’s no one sweeter than Tomlin, but non-Steeler I’d definitely go with Jack Del Rio.
I would imagine Anderson as the QB next season. I don’t think the dilemma really comes into effect until Anderson’s contract is close to running out, which I really don’t know when it is. At some point the Browns are gonna have to decide whether to resign Anderson with huge money or not. As long as he’s cheap and Quinn is the only one with a big contract I don’t think it’s a big deal to have them both. Trading Anderson this offseason is possible just based on his stock being incredibly high and the Browns not having a first rounder.
Deano I liked your thoughts.
-I think Ryan Grant has been very good for the Pack. He runs hard and can catch the ball. With Jackson, Wynn and Morency I think they might have actually found a good committee to do the job.
-You really like Favre bein Favre? The weapons they’ve added are definitely huge for him. I think this season is big for Favre’s legend, just because I think the last few seasons have started to make some people forget about all of the good moments he used to have. While this season is actually one of his best ever, I think it’s important to see some of the things he used to do to remember just how good he was, instead of just remembering to an old man trying to hang on. With all apologies to Favre fans, I thought Bob Ryan put it perfectly, “I’m Favred out.”
-That’s a good point about Packers-Cowboys. Man, it woulda been nice if the niners were also good.
-Garrard really is a good QB. Great decision by Del Rio. Liked your point about the receivers. Holmes especially. I was all about Matt Jones that year so I’m not gonna say I didn’t love it, but Wilford, Williams and Jones is just one of the many examples why I no longer like to force the idea of drafting a BIG wr. That team needs a Roscoe Parrish, Sinorice Moss, Randle El type so badly. And keep drafting defense.
-I used to HATE Jeff Fisher. But I agree completely. I think some things turned for me when I saw him with the NFL Draft players a few years ago. I think he’s a great coach.
-Browns have been bad for so long that a lot of Steeler fans don’t even hate them anymore. Fail in comparison in hatred to the Ravens and the Bengals. The Browns have been money in the draft the last 5 or so first round picks and it shows.
F Bob Ryan…I’m all New England-ed out, and that includes a 95-year-old guy who never has anything relevant to say anymore and has turned into one of the biggest homers anyone has ever seen.
Two thoughts on Thursday Night Football, which I am completely fired up about
1. THE NETWORK. I find the whole NFL network issue tiresome. For starters, the NFL has 16 games each week, 11 or 12 of which you won’t have a chance to see unless you live in the appropriate region of the country or purchase the direct ticket package. This year the NFL has decided to move a single game to Thursday and air it on its proprietary network. Granted, this week’s game would have been FOX’s nationally televised 4 o’clock game and everyone would have been able to watch it, but besides that fans will still get to watch the usual slate of games. If a fan finds it unacceptable to miss this or any other televised game, then he can buy the sports package for $4 a month like I did, or if that option is not available he can go to a bar for 3 hours. The end result of the cable-NFL network battle: fans without the NFL network will miss one or two games that would have been aired nationally on Sunday on network television in prior years, and instead get a different game in that time slot. Not really a big deal, and in fairness the only people who are really making noise about it are the talking heads. The other part of the issue annoys me much more, and one fundamental level. A handful of sports analysts have come up with the idea that greed and big business are ruining sports for the fan. The reality is that capitalism and the competition that comes with it have had fantastic repercussions for the fans. Competition between the networks over viewership and the advertising revenues that come with it forces them to innovate and improve. Concepts like the high-definition broadcast, the digital first down line, and the sideline reporter (just kidding) are the direct results of network attempts at one-upmanship in pursuit of money. Good things happen when money is at stake. So the NFL s driving a hard bargain with your cable provider- this is a positive. The NFL, like all companies, redirects a portion of its earnings back into its product. A bigger piece of the pie for the NFL may lead to better broadcasts on the NFL Network, which will motivate the other providers of the same product to step up their efforts. As Gordon Gekko said, “Greed is right. Greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit.”
2. THE GAME. I think this one will be as good as advertised. Looking at the teams on paper, the only hole that some analysts are finding on either side is the Green Bay running game. I happen to think this works out fine for the Packers, because I believe the way to beat Dallas is to spread them out and disect them. I love the way the Cowboy defense has been built since Parcells took over. Investing picks in Spears, Ware, Burnett, Canty, and Carpenter has allowed them to transition to the deadly 3-4. Veterans like Tank Johnson, Gregg Ellis have been mixed in nicely as well. Even their most questionable unit features too blue chip prospects in Newman and Williams and respected veteran Anthony Henry. But the Dallas secondary is not especially fast, and the defense as a unit only thrives when the team has the lead, controls the pace, and dictates the playcalling. This D can be toasted if the an offense chooses to apply tremendous pressure on its own terms. Turns out that this is exactly what Favre and his receivers have done with mastery in recent weeks. I expect Favre to have a big game tonight. I mean REALLY get it done. Jennings, Jones, and Lee have been the difference this year, and I expect Favre to have a little something for everyone. But I say Donald Driver returns to big time status tonight. Favre loves Driver. You can hear in his voice the reverence and admiration he feels for the man. It’s games like this that bring out the rawest of emotions in a player, and I believe that the intensity of the moment will draw out Favre’s trust and belief in Driver to get the job done. Once Favre finds his rythym (and it may or may not take a few possessions) I don’t think it will take too long for everyone on the Green Bay sideline will get swept up in the wave. By the second half I expect the running game to be less than an afterthought, as the tension mounts and each possession becomes armageddon.
As for the other matchup, the Dallas offense really looks like a complete unit. The great teams of the 90s had some terrific big threes: Aikman-Irvin-Emmit, Kelly-Thurman-Reed, etc. But the offenses who became consistent and dynamic enough to keep their teams in the hunt year after year had playmakers falling all over the place like Harper, Lofton, Kenneth Davis, Novacek, etc. This year’s Cowboys has that same feel to me. Romo to Owens is an all-pro combo, but then you have Witten, Barber, Crayton, and Jones, with Glenn on the way. Very explosive, very dynamic, and very productive drive-in and drive-out. A big part of what makes this game compelling is the Green Bay defense, and how they will handle the star-studded Cowboy attack. The Packer front office has done a great job building this defense. They aren’t screwing around in the secondary with Al Harris and Charles Woodson. The young nucleus of the unit is the linebacking core, led by Hawk and Barnett. The huge ingredient of blitz-less pressure is provided up front by KGB and Kampman, although the Soviet is out. The Boys will try to isolate Atari Bigby in the secondary on downs when they aren’t looking to establish their two-pronged rushing offensive. I can’t wait to see if they are successful.
Yea I think this year’s Favre performance serves as a great memory-jogger as well. Kind of like how I wish I could have like 30 seconds of an acid trip again just to……ok nevermind.
Well, I almost had the score right…unfortunately. The Dallas-Green Bay game was a solid one from a fan’s perspective, but the injury to Favre sucked…in so many different ways (entertainment value, as a fan of the Packers, fantasy-wise, etc.). Dallas, though, did what they had to do to win the game. That conversion on 3rd and 19 was no doubt the play of the game. Rodgers played pretty well in relief of Favre, but I hope he finds himself back on the bench next week (which would mean that #4 would be back in the huddle where he belongs).
The Cowboys are clearly in the Donald Driver’s seat now in the NFC. The Packers, though, have to have some confidence that they can go into Dallas in the Playoffs and compete. Only losing by 10 without Woodson and KGB, plus the injury to Favre, should give the Pack some hope that they can, indeed, beat the Cowboys.
Ouch. I’d use the Favre injury as an excuse for a mulligan but I actually think it would’ve gotten worse. Favre is one of those players with an incredible ability to play at an insanely high level and also at a mind-boggling bad level. On a night when I predicted the former we got the latter. Injuries for the Pack definitely came at the worst spots on defense (CB/DE) but I’m pretty sold on Dallas as the better team. Granted this isn’t a crazy revelation or anything, but I am more convinced now than I was a few hours ago that the Cowboys strengths can adequately compensate for their weaknesses. Fair point that Green Bay can see a silver lining or two in defeat, and either way this was an interestign regular season game, nothing less but also nothing more.
Big opportunity for Aaron Rodgers and he played really well. Big for him.
Not a big fan of huge borderline pass interference calls but that’s the bonus of going down the field a lot and takin a chance.
Coulda even been worse if TO catches that TD in the endzone.
Ryan Grant is the man.
I think for a team like the Packers to beat the Cowboys you can’t rely on outscoring in a shootout them you have to rely on stopping them and winning with defense and enough scoring.
Dean, couldnt agree anymore about your paragraph about how ridiculous it is for people to complain about the NFL Network.
Just before it goes unnecessarily far, you’re obviously settled. I don’t think it’s right or wrong, I just thought it was nice to hear a guy say that. I’m not a Favre fan so I’m tired of all the Favre things. If you’re a Favre fan you probably can’t get enough. That goes for any story in all of sports. As for the homer thing, if the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins were all winning championships and a Pittsburgh media guy was on the national scene and wasn’t a homer I’d probably be mad. I still like Ryan but my comment was more about the comment made than who made it. Apparently I should have just referenced that “someone” said that. I’m tired of Favre but I can also be objective, which is why he’s been my NFL MVP for several weeks now.
Dallas and Indianapolis made big statements this week, opening up leads for the NFC Homefield Advantage and the AFC South, respectively. Tennessee got 2 TD passes from Vince Young to hop back into the AFC Playoff Picture, while Cleveland blew an opportunity in Arizona with Fitzgerald and Bouldin hurt. Speaking of Arizona, it’s nice to see teams like them and Minnesota fighting for Playoff spots in the NFC.
-Vikings continuing to thump the NCF. It was easy to write them off with Jackson at QB but I give Childress a lot of credit for putting him in positions to have success. The team has committed plenty of draft picks to the defense, and it’s starting to pay off. And of course it’s still all about that dominant offensive line and punishing running back combo. Time to break out the Viking horn (the best sound effect in the NFL) in the Metrodome for a playoff run.
-Vince Young being responsible for a key Tennessee victory. Just when the Titans were slipping into Texans/Bills territory Young has stepped up his game to give the team a puncher’s chance at a wild card berth.
-A dominant Tomlinson performance.
-A JaMarcus Russell sighting. I’m not sure if he can be a great quarterback, but I’m always rooting for guys with tools to make it work.
-Ben grabbing Palmer by the belt and running him down the bar headfirst. I was seven rows back from the pilon Ben dove past for the first touchdown, and the game seemed over at that moment. To be honest I thought that the Bengals were going to be the next great AFC power, but it all seemed to go downhill when Von O rolled up Carson’s knee. I still fear them every time, but they just aren’t good for some reason. Injuries have hurt them, but I wonder if Lewis makes it to training camp.
How do you beat New England? What’s the blueprint? Do whatever it is you normally do to be successful.
How do you succeed on offense?
If you generally get favorable results by by establishing the run and taking some shots downfield off playaction, then do that. If you prefer to come out with guns blazing and shoot right into the hurry-up offense, then do that. If you dink and dunk and mix in occassional delays and screens, then do that.
How do you succeed on defense?
When they run, stop it. When they drop back to pass, pressure the passer and cover the receivers.
Sure, I’m over-simplifying here. You should always modify your strategy and adjust your tactics to address your opponents tendancies and exploit his weaknesses. But mainly you win football games by playing to your strengths and executing your assignments.
The best offensive player in Baltimore is Willis Mcgahee. Against the Pats the Ravens handed McGahee the ball and blocked for him. The linemen opened holes effectively, McGahee ran with vicious intent, and the Ravens got first down after first down, and the offense opened up from there. On defense the process was similar- the lineman engaged, the backers came after the QB and ball-carriers, and the secondary covered receivers to the best of their ability.
I hate retarded percentage approximations, but I did some math, and football is 92.75% execution. Our coaches need to develop a plan that positions our players to take advantage of their strengths and combat the tendancies of the Patriots. Then they’ll need to make tactical in-game adjustments as the game unfolds. But the decisive issue is pretty simple- if our players play better football than the Patriots, we will win. (Analyzing Xs and Os is fun of course, so I’ll probably break them down at nauseum later in the week.)
Anyone see my sleeper of the draft Antwan Barnes bein a badass on Monday Night for the Ravens?!?!?!?!?!?!
I believe my other sleeper, Jackie Battle, is bagging groceries somewhere.
Blueprint might be overrated as the bottom line is that you must do whatever you’re doing well. If you also factor luck into it and the ball bouncing the right way then some of the skill is just totally irrelevant. BUT, I think there’s at least something to it when all things are even. If the Patriots are simply better than you, which they are to every team, then you’re probably going to have to make some adjustments and do some different things to get an edge. If you’re a team that likes playing the nickel to stop the pass and are playing the Vikings, I’d say it’s a little smarter to change things around and focus on the run. Did Pitt have a chance against WVU if they played their regular defense? Well, maybe, but they were smart and played a Cover 0 to stop what WVU does best. I think the whole thing with “blueprint” is that you might have to go a little outside of the norm when all things are considered equal. I believe that if you have a 2 man rush and 15 defensive backs, Brady will still find somebody open. If you blitz and don’t give him time you MIGHT be better off.
And I also thought it was weird that Kyle “I can throw the ball through the fg posts from my knees on the 50 yard line” Boller couldn’t make the endzone on his hail mary.
1. New England (13-0)
2. Dallas (12-1)
3. Indianapolis (11-2)
4. Green Bay (11-2)
5. Pittsburgh (9-4)
6. Jacksonville (9-4)
7. San Diego (8-5)
8. N.Y. Giants (9-4)
9. Seattle (9-4)
10. Tampa Bay (8-5)
11. Tennessee (7-6)
12. Minnesota (7-6)
13. Cleveland (8-5)
14. Buffalo (7-6)
15. Denver (6-7)
16. New Orleans (5-7)
NFL MVP: Brett Favre
Offensive POY: Tom Brady
Defensive POY: Patrick Kerney
Offensive ROY: Adrian Peterson
Defensive ROY: Patrick Willis
Comeback POY: Randy Moss
Coach of the Year: Mike McCarthy
1. New England (14-0)
2. Indianapolis (12-2)
3. Dallas (12-2)
4. Green Bay (12-2)
5. Jacksonville (10-4)
6. San Diego (9-5)
7. Pittsburgh (9-5)
8. N.Y. Giants (9-5)
9. Seattle (9-5)
10. Tampa Bay (9-5)
More of just a way for me to see where my hometown Steelers fall than anything else. What was once considered a team capable of challenging New England has fallen, in my opinion, to a team just struggling to sniff the Playoffs. Two winnable games, albeit on the road, at St. Louis and at Baltimore should propel the Black and Gold to the AFC North Division Title. But, they have fallen behind a hot San Diego team and are now staring at a tough, exciting rematch with Jacksonville in the 1st round of the Playoffs.
I think Mario Williams left off the roster is a travesty.
Thought Bryant McKinnie coulda made the squad over any of the LT’s.
In general I think guys in the trenches are tougher to really call out as bad choices. For instance, I think Alan Faneca has been horrible and doesn’t deserve to be the 10th alternate. But do I have anyone that I can say for certain is having a better year than Faneca at offensive guard in the AFC? Nope. Therefore I don’t like to nitpick on a lot of the selections.
Would like to see at least 5 WR spots on the team.
A few WR’s over Don Driver.
3rd RB in each conference is tough.
I like DeMeco, Pat Willis and Cromartie making it
Biasedly like Big Ben over Garrard and unibiasedly liked Hasselbeck over Brees. While on Seahawks also think Julian P is incredily underrated and deserved to make it.
Some things that always aren’t right about the Pro Bowl. LT’s always make it over RT’s, Sack artists always make it over all-around outside backers, and the 3-4 DE’s never make it.
I was thinking the same thing about judging pro-bowlers. Unfortunately it seems like the name guys get in unfairly (depending on how you look at it), but when the media complains about it all they seem to do is take a look at the stat leaders. Golic was also salty about Mario being left off, but when he was asked to remove someone he started rattling off the sacks list and ended up saying he could do without Jason Taylor, who of course had the least sacks. Jason Taylor was the best defender in the NFL to a lot of people last year. He plays the run, defends the pass, pressures the QB, and takes on double teams. But since he was the first one on his shitty team to get to the QB a couple less times than Vandensomething and Jared Allen he’s off the list. I haven’t watched the game tape to be able to judge the best 3 DEs in the AFC either, but give me a break. Why not just choose the pro-bowl team based on various stats? Congratulations, Player A sacked the QB on 2.3% of his teams plays and Player B sacked the QB at a 2.9% clip- why worry about the other 97% of the plays?
The other night Jaws casually mentioned that Champ Bailey has been thrown at 63 times and 37 of the balls have been completed for 3 tds. I wish stats like these were more mainstream.
Charles Woodson has 25 more tackles than Al Harris so Woodson is obviously having the better season. I love that one. As if it’s not possible for Woodson to allow more completed passes and then make the tackle. Nothing even between these two, they’re both having great seasons, but I heard that once for why Woodson deserved the Pro Bowl over Harris.
If one DE faces double and triple teams and has 7 sacks and the other DE faces single teams and has 15 sacks, who’s the better player?
It is funny that if your favorite pass rusher has exactly 1 sack a game you watch him and don’t think he’s doing that much. Meanwhile, it’s a 16 sack season and top 5 every year. I will say, sometimes when we all complain about the Pro Bowl we have to realize that fan voting is a big part of it and I know I go on and vote for the guys I like the most. And regular fans only see regular stats. I know I could probably go to KC Joyner but still, it’d be nice if other stats were more mainstream ala the big On Base % fad in baseball years ago.
NFL MVP: Brett Favre
Offensive POY: Tom Brady
Defensive POY: Patrick Kerney
Offensive ROY: Adrian Peterson
Defensive ROY: Patrick Willis
Comeback POY: Randy Moss
Coach of the Year: Mike McCarthy
-F Tom Brady..#4 is the man! Kerney lead the league in sacks, while Haynesworth was hurt for seemingly half the season. F Bill Belicheck.
Predictions:
Bolts over Titans
Jags over Stillers
Hawks over Skins
G-Men over Bucs
Pats over Jags
Colts over Bolts
Cowgirls over G-Men
Pack over Hawks
A look back at my NFL Predictions from September 7th
The Bad
-Randy Moss: Predicted Moss to finish 5th on Pats in receptions
-Dolphins: predicted 9-7
-Titans: predicted 5-11 (still think they woulda gone undefeated with Pacman)
-Denver: predicted 10-6 and said “they’re ready”
-Bears: predicted 10-6
-Green Bay: predicted 6-10
-Washington Redksins-Predicted 6-10
-The entire NFC West: 49ers to Super Bowl (it was before Manny Lawson’s injury), Cards 10-6, Rams 9-7 and Seahawks 6-10.
The Good
-6 Correct Division Winners
-Mario Williams: Correctly predicted he’d have 14 sacks
-Chiefs and Falcons: Thought they’d suck…predicted 4-12 and 3-13, respectively
-Plax: Said he’d win the Giants 4 games on his own and I’m pretty sure that turned out to be a fact
-Tampa Bay: Real pumped I took them to win the division…”Surprise of the year”
-New Orleans: Real pumped I said they’d suck…”My surprise team to blow”
Mad I didn’t go with my hunch
-Cleveland: Loved the talent and thought they’d be better, thought Quinn but nonetheless correctly said it’d be due to a switch, but yet only said 8-8 and should have predicted better
-New York Jets: Clearly thought they weren’t good and would take a step back but yet still said they’d win 8 games. Should have said worse.
AFC East: New England
AFC North: Pittsburgh
AFC South: Indianapolis
AFC West: San Diego
AFC Wild Cards: Baltimore and Denver
NFC East: Philadelphia
NFC North: Chicago
NFC South: New Orleans
NFC West: St. Louis
NFC Wild Cards: Green Bay and Carolina
AFC Championship: New England over Indianapolis
NFC Championship: New Orleans over Chicago
Super Bowl: New England over New Orleans
Super Bowl MVP: Tom Brady
MVP: Steven Jackson
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Adrian Peterson
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Paul Posluszny
Coach of the Year: Tony Dungy
-Wasn’t real tough to predict the AFC Division Winners, in my opinion.
-Baltimore and Denver as Wild Cards was bad.
-I completely butchered the NFC, but my hunch that Green Bay would be good was accurate.
-Peterson as Offensive Rookie of the Year was obvious, Poz would have won Defensive Rookie of the Year if he had been healthy, Steven Jackson clearly would have won the MVP if he stayed healthy (joking), and Dungy has a slim shot at the Coach of the Year.
Post-season predictions I feel somewhat confident in:
-Romo will choke at some point, unless the find another way to lose before he has a chance.
-Seattle will beat Washington and give Green Bay a run for their money.
-Portis will have a big game regardless.
-If the Steelers come out throwing with a sense of urgency, hopefully in the hurry-up, they will win by a surprising margin.
-The Pats won’t make it to the Super Bowl.
Actually I have no confidence in any of that but I felt like posting.
Like a ton of people I thought a Favre-Brady Bowl would be great. But it wasn’t to be. Favre’s performance reminded me of why I couldn’t rank him the best of all time. I consider him an all-time NFL hero, but if you’re not going to step your game up a notch in the big ones you at least need to give us your usual.
Super Bowl is so gay with Favre and the Packers. Nevertheless, I will find myself being a GIANT Giants fan (wow, that’s pretty big) on Feb. 3rd. The G-Men need to find away to knock off Peter Brady and the Patsies. Plax is the man!
In the wake of Favre’s retirement a radio host said that he was the last of a breed of QB that played with a style that can’t be coached or explained through a system. Favre may be the face of the improv quarterback, but he’s not quite the last of the breed. His retirement is just a torch passing- to the past and future Super Bowl Champion and 3rd best QB in the NFL, Ben Roethlisberger.
As a Dolphins fan and ex-WVU alum this poses a very difficult question. The Phins already have Wes Welker who is a very good return man, maybe not as much of a gamebreaker as Pacman, but gets the job done. On defense, Jones has become a very solid cover corner, but can still look silly at times against bigger WR’s and open field tackling. A lot of people forget he gained a majority of his notoriety in the Giants game against a very poor Eli Manning. As much as I’d love him on the field, I’m not sure the excess baggage is worth it.
Wells
February 28, 2007
As much as I would hate to have a human being of Pacman’s caliber on my team, on the field for 60 minutes every Sunday for 16 weeks, I would absolutely take him as the next CB on the giants. Not only can he play corner but hes also a more then valuable and extremely dangerous return man. I would sign him to a contract just like the Giants did with Lavarr Arrington. You must play to get paid. The giants signed him to a 7yr deal, with essentially was a 1 yr deal w/incentives. He got hurt, he got cut. Simple as that. I’m sure any team could work out a similar deal w/Pacman regarding his off the field nonsense. Hes worth the gamble.
JD
March 1, 2007
Pacman and the Raiders, perfect together.
Other than putting Pacman Jones on the Prison Team in the next re-make of The Longest Yard, Oakland would be the logical fit for this misfit.
pmryder
March 1, 2007
I don’t think that Pac Man is as good as his persona is. I think that he has some pretty sick skills in the return game, but I wouldn’t say that he is a shutdown corner or anything like that. I was actually stunned, albeit pleasantly, that the Titans took Pac Man instead of Antrel Rolle, who wound up in Arizona.
Nevertheless, I think that I might be able to deal with his antics because a lot of that kind of crap doesn’t bother me all that much. And if I thought that he could play for my team, then why not?
Raible
March 3, 2007
I think Pac Man really came on as a cornerback and a player this year. So far i think he’s the best of the Rolle, Rogers and Pac Man CB class from that draft, but regardless, they’re all promising players. Pac Man is a big play waiting to happen. Always was at WVU and still is. And his head looks extremely big for his body. But he’s also a murder waiting to happen. I think I could put up with Pac Man because everything he does negatively is off the field (although i imagine he’s not a peach to coach). However, you have to start factoring things in like him hanging out with other players on your team. Those players might have previously stayed out of trouble, and are now hanging out with Pac Man. He could have a negative influence and really get some people into trouble. Those players might not be able to handle themselves to thug life as well and who knows what would happen. He has become the biggest thug in all of sports. I think it’d be tough for the Titans to cut him but if they do I think it’d be tough for someone else to pick him up. But the nice thing about a team picking him up is they could have a contract to suit him, and basically have no pressure to keep him. Wells will be mad that I didn’t answer the question, and quite frankly, I don’t know if I’d take him or not.
Haver
March 3, 2007
I guess if Plummer doesn’t want to go to Tampa then retiring would be his next option. At this stage in his career, I could see being mad you weren’t just cut, thus having your choice as to where to sign. Didn’t Tampa do any research (make one phone call) to realize Plummer wouldn’t go there?
Steelers won’t have much money in free agency so they won’t be a player. I thought Adalius in San Francisco was perfect but he’s going to New England (scary thought). I enjoy NFL free agency bein before the draft, so teams can go after needs now and best player available in the draft.
Looks like Garcia to the Bucs. I like this better than the Raiders. I thought Garcia would just be best staying in Philly where you know you have a good situation. But I guess he still wants to start and how can you blame him? As we’ve seen in the past (example-Jets this past season) good QB play can really turn your team around. Chris Simms sucks and Gradowski just shouldn’t be playing yet. Gruden has to play to Garcia’s strengths and realize how good and bad he’s been in different situations. I’d like to see the Bucs add some offensive line, but all of a sudden with Garcia and if they can land Calvin Johnson, the team could turn things around. Gotta look at adding some young defensive players, though.
Haver
March 3, 2007
Plummer: Nothing that Jake Plummer does really surprises me, and, if he wants to retire, then I say go ahead (just as I did to Tiki and others).
My Team: I would love to see the Steelers go after someone, but they don’t have enough money to do so. As for the Free Agent crop, I’d love to see Kevin Curtis get a chance to start somewhere, and I am of course interested in seeing where former Pitt starts Reuben Brown and Antonio Bryant end up.
Garcia: It looks like Tampa Bay is the answer, and I actually think it makes a lot of sense with the uncertainty surrounding Simms and the apparent displeasure with Gradkowski.
Raible
March 5, 2007
New Head Coach: I think that Ken Whisenhunt is going to experience a great deal of success in Arizona. The Cardinals are a team just waiting to take off, and I think that the experience of Whiz and OL Coach Russ Grimm are going to put this team over the top and into the Playoffs. I mean, Whisenhunt gets to work with Leinart, Edge, Fitz, and Bouldin for crying out loud!
Here’s hoping that Mike Tomlin, despite what I have written about him, experiences some major success, too, for my beloved Steelers.
Raible
March 8, 2007
Matt Schaub Trade:
Falcons: Great Trade! The Falcons seem content to let Vick be the man (although you gotta love that Petrino went out and signed former Louisville star Chris Redman shortly after trading Schaub), and I am in the corner that believes that Vick is indeed better than Schaub. To boot, the Falcons add a couple of draft picks.
Texans: I think that David Carr was the least of their problems, so I don’t like the trade at all for Houston. If they wanted a QB, they should have drafted Vince Young with the #1 pick last year! Furthermore, they give up some draft picks to bring in a guy who has yet to prove that he is capable of being a solid NFL starter. Matt Schaub has all of the makings of a Rob Johnson or Drew Henson in my eyes.
Draft: I am not sure if it does a whole lot to the Draft as I think that Russell and Quinn are going #1 and #2 to the Raiders and Lions, respectively. Rumor has it that Carr may be on his way to Miami after the Dolphins balked at the Chiefs’ trade demands for the old Trent Green.
Raible
March 25, 2007
Falcons-Similar thinking as Raible, even though I think Michael Vick is absolutely horrible, I think the fact of the matter is he’s going to be the QB there. So it’s a smart move to get rid of Freidly’s boy Matt Schaub to avoid controversy while also adding assets. Your best bet with Vick is have as much as possible around him. Joe Horn should be a nice veteran addition at WR to go with their youngsters. Alge is a top second tier TE. I know Adrian Peterson could go 3rd but if the Browns pass he could fall to 8th. Maybe the Falcons feel comfortable enough with Norwood and Dunn, but could you imagine if they added Peterson?!? Even if they don’t they’re going to get a great player at 8. I think they’ll miss Patrick Kerney on defense and need a top defense to go with Vick. Bottom line is great move to get as much as they got for an unproven backup QB.
Texans-I do think they needed to get rid of Carr. And I don’t agree that they should have taken Young last year if they were going to cut Carr this year. Charlie Casserly was fired shortly after the draft. They had some new management in this year. New or old I’m sure they were hoping Carr took a step up this year with a little more around him. Maybe it’s a shame they couldn’t have figured this out a year ago but they didn’t. After this year I think they realized Carr wasn’t their man. I don’t like the trade because I agree, it’s too much to give up. The Texans need a lot of help and will not have a 2nd rounder over the next two years. In addition to Johnson and Henson you can throw A.J. Feeley’s name into the mix. Of course, I’m sure the Texans are thinking more along the lines of Steve Young and Brett Favre. It will be interesting to see if they would have had a chance at Brady Quinn at 8. I think I’d rather have Quinn and two second rounders than Schaub and a first rounder, but it’s not really as lopsided of a deal as one might think. Bottom line is how good Schaub turns out will make or break the Texans.
Outcome-Rather than look at draft, I think this will help David Carr. Houston was not the place for him. Look around the NFL and see how QB’s have thrived in some systems and been busts in others. He’ll turn 27 in the offseason and can choose where he ends up. Dolphins seem like the hottest name but what about the Lions? Could use a nice young QB, have some talent at the skill positions, and an offensive genius in Mike Martz.
Haver
March 25, 2007
I think that Goodell will end up being commish for as long as he wants to, much in the same respect as Paul Tagliabue. Because Goodell is relatively young, however, that could be a long time. Nevertheless, the NFL seems to always know what it is doing, and I am sure that Goodell will do a fine job leading the league for the next 15-20 years.
Raible
April 9, 2007
Screw Pac Man and Henry…throw them out of the league forever!
Raible
April 13, 2007
I really see no reason Goodell won’t last a long time either. When I first read this question I thought maybe I missed something he did erroneously. The commissioner of the NFL seems to have as much job stability as anyone in the country. The NFL might be the best run sport of all the main sports making the commissioner job almost easy.
I’ll combine this question with the Pac Man and Henry question. I don’t agree that Goodell had to make a statement with these two but I feel like he did and ultimately I think it will be a good thing. I point to a guy like Joey Porter ironically being all over the TV the same day as the ruling to publicly apologize for his acts in Las Vegas. Porter didn’t want to go to the principal’s office (even though he’s your pal!). At first I hated the ruling. Possibly biased being a WVU alum but I don’t think it was. I simply hate when you get in trouble for something when a rule isn’t in place. There was no rule in place therefore I personally would have liked a warning or lesser penalty first, implement a rule and threaten if they do anything else, they’ll receive a long penalty. With that said, the head of the Player’s Union Gene Upshaw, the Cincinnati Bengals’ and Tennessee Titans’ organizations and the whole player’s union in general wanted the punishments. As soon as that happened, it gave Goodell the go ahead to make the strict penalties. If the commissioner AND player’s union wants something, regardless of whether I disagree or not, it’s tough to disagree with the ruling.
Here’s hoping they come back sweeter than ever!!!!
Haver
April 14, 2007
I think the Redskins, as much as any team, will look to move down in the Draft.
Raible
April 18, 2007
WVU Players Moving signing free agent deals so far:
Dan Mozes, C, Vikings
Jeremy Scheffey, OL, Chargers
Brandon Myles, WR, Giants
Boo McLee, LB, Rams
On a side note: how funny/not funny is it that just days after talking about being a tutor to Dwayne Jarrett, Keyshawn was let go because they drafted him?
Any thoughts on where he might end up?
Wells
May 1, 2007
Packers
thegreatawakening
May 1, 2007
I don’t think that the Dolphins should even bother with Trent Green; I actually think that the Dolphins should have drafted Brady Quinn, but that is neither here nor there. They have the kid from BYU now, and I would rather see him or Culpepper play for Miami than Trent Green, who is still probably more immobile than Culpepper…and Daunte has a bum knee!
As for Ricky, I don’t think it could hurt to give him a shot before simply letting him go. For all of his weed smoking and what not, Ricky Williams was a top-tier NFL RB not that long ago, and you need as many weapons as possible in today’s NFL.
Raible
May 11, 2007
I think Green would be a better fit to hold down the position until Beck is ready. If Culpepper bounces back and has an average year or slightly better, you might have a bit of a lockeroom issue. Even if Green plays decently, as I would say is fair to expect, it’s gonna be easier to ask him to step aside. Green is definitely less mobile than Culpepper, but so was Marino.
thegreatawakening
May 11, 2007
If I were Brett Favre, I would not request a trade out of Green Bay. Not only is Favre my favorite football player of all time, but he is, in my opinion, the best QB to ever play the game. He has his ring, he will soon break nearly every record, and he has the respect and admiration of an entire Packer Nation. If I am Brett, I am either playing for the Pack or not playing at all.
With that being said, the following are the Top 5 Teams I would bolt to if I believed that Favre should be traded (I attempted to consider the 5 teams that I think would make the most sense for both Favre and the team he would be going to):
1. Jacksonville – It appears that the Jaguars aren’t all that happy with Byron Leftwich or David Garrard. The Jags have a great defense and several good weapons on offense; adding Favre could push them over the top and into Super Bowl contender status.
2. Kansas City – As much as I dislike him, the Chiefs do have a feature RB (LJ). Add to that the fact that Favre could play catch with arguably the greatest TE in history (Gonzo), and KC might not be a bad option.
3. Miami – A solid defense would surely keep Favre on the field more often than not; an offense with the likes of Ronnie Brown, Chris Chambers, and Ted Ginn Jr. is intriguing.
4. Washington – The Redskins certainly seem to have some pieces in place on offense and a coach in Joe Gibbs that needs to win now, which is good for a QB enterting the final year(s) of his career.
5. Tampa Bay – An opportunity to reunite with his old pal Jon Gruden, although Tampa is an old NFC Central rival.
Raible
May 17, 2007
The biggest Brett Favre fans reside in New Jersey, and they share my last name. In their minds, Brett Favre got ripped off when he wasn’t Oscar nominated for his role in There’s Something About Mary. Talking to my brothers about football can be quite amusing. Amusement of this kind around these parts is usually provided by Giant fans. So it is somewhat refreshing to get the Green Bay perspective in New Jersey.
It can be difficult to get a rational conversation started with these Packer fans when the topic is Favre. I must admit, it was beginning to look like his fans were ready to let him go as the season approached the final game. Then they spanked the Bears to end the season.
How could he even consider playing for anyone else? Although, wouldn’t it be funny if he ended up in Chicago, Minnesota, or Detroit?
pmryder
May 18, 2007
The funny thing about Favre is, I think he’s done. Seriously, I think he continues to play because he can’t let it go. So whether he stays in GB or goes to one of the aforementioned teams, it doesn’t make a difference because I don’t think he’s got the tools to lead any team to a super bowl let alone a championship game. He’s not even a top 10 QB at this point. Now don’t let my thoughts here stray you from the fact that I think Favre was a great QB, I just think at this point he’s beginning to hurt his legacy, more than help it.
Wells
May 18, 2007
I like Favre only somewhat but I think he can still be a decent player. Top tier? Probably not, but I think he will look a lot better when he believes the Pack can win without him carrying them. I think that attitude gives him the internal excuse he needs to force the goofy plays he wants to make deep down. I don’t think he’d be so foolish if they were playing with something to lose. I think Favre needs that pressure and responsibility.
Green Harbour needs to grab Keyshawn to team with Driver and Jennings. I thought a trade for Turner or another decent back would have been smart too. I thought it was great that Favre was so cranky when they didn’t get Moss. What team in their right mind would risk putting Moss on a potentially losing team at this point?
The moves the team has made has me wondering if they don’t just wish he’d just quit so they can move on. In that respect he may have set the team back by not quitting three years ago. However I think the failure to adapt is on the front office not Favre. It’s like “he should have retired, so we should be rebuilding, so I guess let’s rebuild?”
Try to win with him or get him out of there. I realize that there are local politics involved since Favre is a legend, but some owners would have either shit or gotten off.
Art Rooney for one, or for a more recent example Dan Rooney.
thegreatawakening
May 18, 2007
I personally think that Roger Goodell is perfectly justified in handing out the harsh punishments so far. For to long, all athletes, not just in the nfl get away with absolutely anything they want. If they have the money, it basically just goes away with a slap on the wrist and some community service.
Guys like Pacman jones for example, I don’t care if hes never actually been convicted or found guilty, when you arrested 10 times in a matter of 4 years for all sorts of crimes, your doing something wrong and something has to be done. If police departments r not gonna do anything about it, your god damn right Roger Goodell has to.
But to really answer the question at hand, the nfl is really in a state of delinquence right now. I think in another 6 months to a yr, the arrest rate is going to go down big time. Especially if Goodell continues to not beat around the bush and hand out these punishments. I think and im sure so does everyone else, that if these players know whats going to happen if they break the law, that they might not get convicted outside the nfl, but they will be punished big time within the NFL.
JD
June 2, 2007
3 current players to start a NFL franchise with (I stuck with guys under 30 whose best football, I believe, is in front of them):
Ben Roethlisberger: Say what you want about him, but I would have taken Big Ben to start my franchise over any other QB in the NFL before his crazy year last season. I think you need to find a franchise QB, and with Peyton and Brady each hitting 30, I think it comes down to Ben and Carson Palmer for this spot. I am going with my hometown guy.
Shawne Merriman: Next on my list is a pass rusher, someone who can completely dominate the game on the defensive side of the field. Merriman, in my opinion, fits this role better than anyone else in the league.
Champ Bailey: Some think he is the best player in the league, capable of shutting down an entire defensive side of the field. Teams won’t even try to throw at this guy. He seems like he has been around forever, yet he just turned 29 yesterday.
3 former players (what former means to me is retired, so guys like Favre, Manning, and Brady were not considered):
Dan Marino: My franchise QB, I choose Marino because I think that he could have achieved the same kind of team success that Montana, Elway, and others achieved had he played on better teams. With that being said, Danny Boy still managed to set nearly every passing record known to man and turn the Dolphins into a perennial contender. It should be noted that the pick here would be Brett Favre, in my opinion the best QB to ever play the game, had I not made the notation above.
Lawrence Taylor: Simply put, LT was the most feared defensive player in the history of the league. He had speed, strength, and intimidation, and was one of the few defensive players consistently capable of making a game-deciding play.
Mel Blount: If there has ever been a cornerback better than Mel Blount, I would love to see him (and don’t bring that Deion Sanders shit into this house!). In 1972, Blount didn’t allow a TD for the whole year! Blount was an imposing physical specimen, and not only could Blount run with smaller speedier receivers, but could outmuscle and intimidate nearly any receiver he crossed paths with throughout his career.
Raible
June 23, 2007
The thing that stands out the most to me here is that Raible chose the exact same positions as I was thinking. QB, Pass Rusher, CB. For what it’s worth, as I’m interested in hearing anyone else’s thoughts, the next 3 positions I also thought about were (in no order) LT, MLB, DT.
LT-A LT can lead to domination in your running and passing game. Can make an average RB good and give an average QB a minute to throw. Needing 4 other solid performers beside him and not really being able to have any impact what-so-ever if nothing is around him would be my negatives.
MLB-Go ahead, try to ask my dad this question without him having Jack Lambert and Jack Ham on the team. I know Ham was an OLB but his 25 career sacks indicate he wasn’t a pass rusher. An all-around linebacker can impact every play. I’d be careful I wasn’t selecting a system guy that needed blockers in front of him, but give me that all around animal that strikes feer in the opponents in the running and passing games.
DT-Stopping the running game is as important as anything. A stud DT can plug the middle, command double teams, open up holes for LB’s and even get a little pressure on the QB.
You know what, as I’m typing this up I’m starting to go away from a CB in my top 3 and lean towards one of my other 3, specifically MLB. While I feel like Champ Bailey is incredible and perhaps not only the best in the game today but heads and shoulders the best, he’s only on one side of the field, mainly impacts only the passing game, and honestly if you watch him or any other CB play (not named MEL) CB’s get beat. At the end of the day for my 3rd spot (QB and Pass rusher are musts) I choose between the other 4 I have listed depending on what types of players are available.
CURRENT
Tom Brady-I think you have to go with a slam dunk here. While I also love Big Ben (Roethlisberger and Raible) I don’t think you can call him that right now. Basically 4 groups I see here.
A. QB’s just too old to overlook age. While I can’t think of any that currently fit this category, think Favre a few years ago or Brady/Manning in a few years.
B. Manning and Brady’s-The guys that aren’t spring chickens but still have some time left.
C. Palmer and Roethlisberger’s-Have been around a few years but still have their best days ahead of them
D. Rookie’s and 2nd year players-Incredibly young with the world at their fingertips.
Ideally you’d want someone from C. or D. first and basically can’t even consider group A. While Leinert, Young and Cutler had nice rookie seasons I don’t think they showed enough to put your entire franchise on their shoulders. No way you can take JaMarcus Russell or Brady Quinn without ever seeing them step on the field. That leads me to the Palmer and Roethlisberger category but honestly I feel more comfortable guaranteeing myself 3 amazing years than 8 good ones. Brady is my selection.
Shawne Merriman-A beast. Until someone blocks this guy, he’s my choice.
I’ve confused myself by writing this, so I’m gonna unveil my other 4 after more thought. Actually, let me announce right now that Steve Young is my quarterback. Last year at some point Raible questioned who the best QB of all time was. After researching and thinking, my answer was Steve Young. How can I not go with my best of all time? He can run, pass, win and is incredibly smart and savvy. Ok, will unveil my other 3 spots asap.
Haver
June 24, 2007
I think QB will be on everyone’s list- I’ll take Brady if I want the best shot at a title (if I’m a fan) and Palmer if I’m thinking about consistency over the long run (I’m a GM/Owner)
I also think pass rush is the #2 priority, and I’ll actually take two defenders here- Adalius Thomas and Merriman.
Other guys I considered were Richard Seymour and Troy Polamolu. I love versatility on D.
Historically speaking I can see taking Young, Montana, Marino, Favre, Brady, and I don’t really have a preference.
I’ll take Reggie White for sure, and probably Deion Sanders since he would contribute on special teams and shut down half the field. LT would be right there too.
thegreatawakening
June 24, 2007
Ok I think I’m ready to make my picks here.
CURRENT
QB-Tom Brady-He’s only 2 years older than Palmer. Palmer is actually more than 2 years older than a guy like Roethlisberger, who is closer to Leinart’s age than Palmer’s. For those reasons I don’t even consider Palmer. I want the slam dunk here and Brady is the most authoritative throw down.
DE/OLB-Shawne Merriman-He’s big, mean and 23 years old. I thought it was an old article when I saw he was 23. Then I thought he probably turns 24 in 2 days. Merriman’s birthday is 5/25/1984. Ridiculous.
MLB-Brian Urlacher-Still tough for me to pick a 3rd guy. Was very tempted to go with an idea Raible brought up last night in Julius Peppers. Never tough to convince me on Peppers but I think with Merriman on one side you could get away with a different type of DE on the other side that will exceed his talent level anyway. Looks like Dean was thinkin along the same lines in stacking a position grabbing Adalius. Adalius compliments Merriman pretty well but I’ll pass. Champ is also a great selection but I’ll pass on CB’s for my reasons above. Peppers is 2+ years younger than each of the other guys I mentioned but in the end, I’ll take a 29-year-old MLB that is all over the field impacting every play (including 107 yard missed field goal returns).
FORMER
QB-Steve Young-I agree with Dean’s point that there’s a group of guys here I’d be happy with but I’ll take Young for my reasons above.
DE-Reggie White-Great call Dean. I loved the Lawrence Taylor selection but I was a little weary about how he’d fit with my 3rd choice. White gives me the most dominating DE to ever play, excelling against the rush and pass.
MLB-Dick Butkus-Meaner than mean. All over the field and will hurt you. And a great actor!
Mel Blount and Jack Ham also received consideration. And while Warren Sapp is a current player, I considered him a past player. He’s the type of DT I’d consider, good against the run, constantly double teamed, AND gets 10+ sacks.
Haver
June 24, 2007
The Commish should suspend Chris Chambers for being a complete bum on my Fantasy team last year (as a Keeper, no less). As for Michael Vick, well the former VA Tech star should get the electric chair for his stupidity in becoming involved in the gruesome world of dog fighting.
Raible
July 20, 2007
Don’t wait. Chambers probably doesn’t need much but I’d also like to see Vick get the chair. At least they have Matt Schaub. Oh wait. At least Louisville doesn’t look awesome again. Oh wait again. If you’re gonna suspend Henry and Pac Man like Goodell did, then I’d like to see every thug in the league get a harsh penalty to really make an impact.
Haver
July 20, 2007
I agree with Haver that no matter what the punishment is, that Goodell can’t pick and choose. Chambers should at least get a game, guilty or not, and Vick pending his verdict should definitely be looked at for multiple games, maybe even the season.
Wells
July 23, 2007
As far as TD celebrations are concerned, the NFL should most definitely EMBRACE them. I mean, what’s wrong with them…they’re usually funny, sweet, and add a little more entertainment to the league. If you don’t like them, don’t watch them. If you are a player and you feel like you are getting showed up, then pay them back on the field of play.
Top 5 Favorite TD Celebrations:
1. The Lambeau Leap: I’m a Packers fan, so this is my favorite.
2. Any TD celebration from Any Given Sunday: From Willie Beamen shooting down his linemen with a fake gun, to the ball falling to the ground like a bomb and every Sharks player falling to the ground and, not to be forgotten, the famous Shark fin dance. This is one of the most underrated movies of all time and a personal favorite.
3. Larry Fitzgerald’s walk over to the ref and hand or gently toss him the ball: This really isn’t so much a TD celebration as much as it is a celebration of the awesomeness that is Fitz.
4. T.O.’s Pom-Pom Dance: The Sharpie was solid, but I liked the Pom-Pom dance even better. Chad Johnson tried to one-up T.O. by fake-proposing to a cheerleader a few years later, but T.O. gets the nod here.
5. Chad Johnson’s Photo Shoot: Peter Warrick pretended to snap pictures of Ocho Cinco as he posed in different ways after scoring a TD.
With the untimely death of Bill Walsh, I raise the question: who is the greatest NFL coach of all-time? I am biased here as I grew up in Pittsburgh, but I am going to say “The Emperor” Chuck Noll. Noll won 4 Super Bowls in 6 years as coach of the Steelers. Furthermore, and perhaps more impressively, is the amount of talent he was able to assemble on those teams, as evidenced by the number of players from those teams enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
The Top 10:
1. Chuck Noll
2. Vince Lombardi: Did I mention I was a Packers fan?
3. Don Shula: Perfect season and most wins
4. Bill Walsh: No one was more creative
5. Tom Landry: 20 consecutive winning seasons
6. Paul Brown: Seemingly the best from yesteryear
7. Joe Gibbs: 3 Super Bowls with 3 different QBs
8. George Halas: Another old-timer
9. Bill Belichick: Probably should be higher, but I hate him
10. Bill Cowher: Why the fuck not?
Rather than get into a list of the best coaches from each decade, I’m only going to look at the current decade and list the Top 10 in the game today:
1. Bill Belichick: N.E. is the premier franchise in the NFL
2. Tony Dungy: Legitimized himself with the Super Bowl
3. Mike Holmgren: Still kicking it in the Great Northwest
4. Mike Shanahan: Can’t argue with his success
5. Jon Gruden: Still young and already 1 Super Bowl win
6. Brian Billick: Another success story that is tough to argue
7. Eric Mangini: This guy reeks of future success
8. John Fox: Hard to imagine that he is on the hot seat
9. Jack Del Rio: Sweet dude that needs a playoff win
10. Jeff Fisher: Can’t blame him for salary cap woes
Intentionally left off: Andy Reid – No one is fatter, and no one but Mike Martz is more stubborn. How much better could Philly have been the last few years if this guy would just let the team run the football? How much healthier would Donovan McNabb be?
Close: Mike Nolan (sweet suits), Sean Payton (let’s wait and see), Lovie Smith (that offense needs some work)
Raible
August 4, 2007
AFC East: New England
AFC North: Pittsburgh
AFC South: Indianapolis
AFC West: San Diego
AFC Wild Cards: Baltimore and Denver
NFC East: Philadelphia
NFC North: Chicago
NFC South: New Orleans
NFC West: St. Louis
NFC Wild Cards: Green Bay and Carolina
AFC Championship: New England over Indianapolis
NFC Championship: New Orleans over Chicago
Super Bowl: New England over New Orleans
Super Bowl MVP: Tom Brady
MVP: Steven Jackson
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Adrian Peterson
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Paul Posluszny
Coach of the Year: Tony Dungy
Raible
September 7, 2007
AFC EAST
New England 12-4 Moss will finish 5th on the team in receptions
Miami 9-7 Made some moves for this year. Ronnie Brown will break out
New York Jets 8-8 One step backwards and then better in 08. When will the Clemens talk start?
Buffalo 4-12 They’re not good
AFC North
Pittsburgh 11-5 They’re back
Baltimore 9-7 McGahee and defense
Cleveland 8-8 Midseason switch to Quinn propels big finish
Cincinnati 7-9 On the short end of many close games
AFC South
Indianapolis 12-4 Won’t miss corners, still have a decent offense
Jacksonville 10-6 Their colors are too sweet to lose
Houston 6-10 Mario has 14 sacks
Tennessee 5-11 With Pacman might have gone undefeated
AFC West
San Diego 12-4 Just so talented
Denver 10-6 They’re ready
Oakland 8-8 Art Shell is addition by subtraction.
Kansas City 4-12 This team is horrible
NFC East
Dallas 11-5 Everyone’s laid back, love the front 7
Philadelphia 10-6 McNabb stays health
New York Giants 7-9 Please fire Coughlin. Plax alone wins them 4 games.
Washington 6-10 Clinton Portis is still the sweetest player in the game
NFC North
Chicago 10-6 Rex baby. Rex!
Detroit 8-8 Defense is getting better. Offense should be good.
Minnesota 7-9 I like Tavaris. I hope they just let him play.
Green Bay 6-10 Aaron Rodgers looked good in preseason.
NFC South
Tampa Bay 10-6 Surprise of the year. Gaines is awesome. Garcia can win. Cadillac is back.
Carolina 9-7 Always seem like they SHOULD be the team. Tired of picking them….but they have Julius Peppers
New Orleans 6-10 My surprise team to blow. I thought this since they played the Steelers in preseason, and yes, that was before yesterday
Atlanta 3-13 They’ll be goin Brohm’s away next year
NFC West
San Francisco 10-6 SINGLETARY
Arizona 10-6 Love this squad
St Louis 9-7 Offense is as good as ever
Seattle 6-10 Another surprise team to blow
Playoffs
AFC
New England
San Diego
Pittsburgh
Indianapolis
Denver
Jacksonville
NFC
Dallas
Chicago
San Francisco
Tampa Bay
Arizona
Philadelphia
AFC Champ-Pittsburgh over Denver
NFC Champ-San Francisco over Dallas
Super Bowl-Pittsburgh over San Francisco
Super Bowl MVP-Santonio Holmes
MVP-Frank Gore
Offensive Rookie of the Year-Adrian Peterson
Defensive Rookie of the Year-Jarvis Moss
AFC Coach of the Year-Jack Del Rio-Cuz of his sweet suits
NFC Coach of the Year-Mike Nolan-Cuz of his sweet suits
thav916
September 7, 2007
AFC
England
Indy
Baltimore
San D (man what lame picks so far)
Pgh
Denver
NFC
Philly
Atl (I like Petrino)
Chicago
Seattle
Washington
Tampa
Philly over Chicago
Pgh over San D
Pgh 51 Philly 0
MVP Flummer
ROY Zimmer
thegreatawakening
September 7, 2007
I look at two categories with coaches- leadership and innovation. Leadership is a little tougher to measure but when a team stays decent over the years and your tuteledge spawns several head coaches I think it’s safe to say you are a good teacher and leader.
1. Walsh
2. Not really sure.
thegreatawakening
September 8, 2007
As far as touchdown celebrations go…..I don’t mind when a guy just looks happy to be in the endzone and starts jammin like Randle El used to but I just picture some of these dweebs in front of the mirror on Saturday night and I just want to change the channel.
thegreatawakening
September 8, 2007
To start, I’m not sold on the Cowboys. The Eagles look like the class of this division. That being said, the NFC East is mediocre at best. The Giants should be able to keep the hope alive for their fans right up to the last game of the regular season. Daniel Snyder should quit his day job.
Packer fans rejoice! Brandon Jackson will be the best rookie RB in the NFL this season. If only Minnesota had a QB, eight in the box will shorten Peterson’s year. Jon Kitna will have a great fantasy year. Da Bears, in spite of the Gross man, will make Da playoffs but not Da Bowl.
Cadillac will regain his status as a serious RB consideration for fantasy because of the addition of the Garcia factor. Atlanta has a long season to look forward to, but don’t blame Vick. Blame the Einstein that let Matt Shaub get away. The hope here is that Carolina doesn’t let the Saints run away with the division.
I wasn’t big on the NFC this year. I’m still a little skeptical. However, I believe an NFC West team will represent the conference in the Super Bowl. Alexander will need to stay healthy for the Seahawks to have a chance. It won’t hurt to have some WRs that can hold onto the ball for a change in Seattle. Big doings in Arizona as the Cards mature into a force to be reckoned with, as Edge gets edged out by Shipp and Arrington. Can you ever really count out the Rams? Bulger, start em’ if you got em’. Add the Niners and this is the most exciting division in the NFC.
Any questions?
pmryder
September 8, 2007
Yes, 2.
1. How did you get so sweet?
2. When will you breakdown the AFC?
thav916
September 8, 2007
Now that the dust has settled from all the off-season hoopla, it is time for the Pats to live up to all of our expectations. The Jets need to smack them Week 1, but that ain’t happening. Poor Chad. His swiss cheese offensive line will have trouble protecting him and his replacement all year. Keeping the QB healthy will be the #1 priority in Miami. That will happen. Coupled with a solid running game and a feared defense, the ‘Fins look to make a run at the Brady Bunch for the division title. The Bills sport a good defense and a young, young offense. Look for improvement as the season unfolds.
Does the Dog Pound expect anything good to happen as they stare a an 0-6 division record. Everyone else here in the league’s toughest division is looking at 3-3. On the other side of Ohio, the striped cats will be poised to return to the big game with a potent offense. Unfortunately, their pitiful defense will keep them from getting there. The Ravens look very dangerous but their passing game leaves little to be desired. Playing catch-up will not be their strong suit. That leaves P’Burgh with the best chance from this group to advance in January. Although I still envision Big Ben throwing while falling backwards, the Steelers have the best balance in the North.
After seeing the Colt Defense shut down Brees send the Saints marching, my first roster move this season is to pick them up. I’ll be dropping the Titan D. The Jags will be an interesting study this year. I thought that Del Rio changes horses a little late, and that may cost them early, too early to catch Indy. In this the year of the understudy, look for much the same in Houston.
The Chargers will have a tough time with Denver. Each team will end up 5-1 in the West. The home field throughout will be in one of these two locations where either one will lose in the AFC Championship Game to the Colts, or the Pats, or Pittsburgh.
Sit back and enjoy the ride. Oh, and Good Luck in your Fantasy Seasons!
pmryder
September 9, 2007
I think Patrick Willis basically wrapped up the rookie of the year award last night. The next Ray Lewis and he’s being coached by Mike Singletary. Not fair. My boy Manny Lawson was also all over the field.
LOVED that Mario Williams opened up 2007 with 5 tackles, 2 sacks, and a TD. I still think the Texans made the right pick last year passing up on Bush, and am glad to see Mario start off on the right foot.
Back to rookies, Poz had 9 tackles, Anthony Spencer was a beast and personally injured Eli, Jarvis Moss had 4 tackles, Joe Staley started at RT, Lawrence Timmons had 1 special teams tackle. Which one doesn’t belong?
Pumped another one of my boys, Kenechi Udeze, got a sack. People wanted the Vikings to take Gaines Adams this past year even though they recently drafted Udeze and Erasmus James. Udeze went sackless in 2006 but is already on the board.
It’s about time people got to see Adrian Wilson on TV.
Cardinals running game looked great but that passing game? Ew.
thav916
September 12, 2007
How hard is it to just throw the ball downfield and let Fitzgerald go get it? I mean, if Rod “The Bod” Rutherford can do it, then why can’t Matt Leinart?
Raible
September 12, 2007
Lets talk some Patriots since it’s the hottest topic in all of sports right now.
I’m OK with the penalty. I don’t think it’s harsh but I don’t think it’s necessarily soft. The main thing I would have liked to see was Belichick suspended. When a player cheats for steroids, he’s suspended. That’s the only way to really get the specific person. Fining Belichick 500,000 is like fining me 100 bucks and then my boss paying it anyway. The first rounder isn’t as harsh as it looks because they also have the niners 1st rounder. I’m aware you can’t penalize them for basically being geniuses but still, it’s just so New England.
I don’t understand at all why it matters if they make the playoffs or not. It’s not like, “Oh, well they didnt make the playoffs. So the cheating wasn’t as bad.”
I would have liked to see 1-2 mil, 1st and another pick, and suspended 4 games. BUT, like I said, I could have easily seen a penalty have as harsh as the one enforced, so I’m fine with the decision other than not suspending Belichick.
PS CHEAT TO WIN!
thav916
September 14, 2007
I agree with much of what Haver is saying. The fact of the matter is that Belicheck cheated, plain and simple. So why does he not get suspended when Shane Merriman, for instance, gets suspended for four games for violating the NFL’s steroids and related substances policy?
Like Haver said, any slap on the wrist is a good one…but I don’t get why the coach doesn’t face as harsh of a penalty as the player. Furthermore, doesn’t the kind of cheating that can be done by a coach impact a game more than 1 player who might be on roids?
In the end, it’s just sweet that they are discipling Belicheck. What they should do is take away the 3 Super Bowl wins (give 2 of them to the Steelers) and put Belicheck in the electric chair!
Raible
September 14, 2007
New England Patriots, red white and blue. Honestly, this truely is America’s team. Belicheck and George Bush. The Patriot act and the acts of the Patriots. Win at all costs is as american as apple pie.
dacat
September 14, 2007
NFL Sweet 16 after Week 2:
1. New England, 2-0: Cheaters or not, they are the best.
2. Indianapolis, 2-0: Defending champs are still solid.
3. Pittsburgh, 2-0: ‘05 champs look to be back, baby.
4. Dallas, 2-0: Class of NFC so far; @ Chicago next week.
5. San Diego, 1-1: Wow, that was an ass kicking.
6. Chicago, 1-1: Devin Hester is the man.
7. Denver, 2-0: Not that good, but 2-0 is 2-0.
8. Green Bay, 2-0: My sleeper team looks good so far.
9. Tennessee, 1-1: VY needs a WR to step up.
10. Houston, 2-0: Not that good either, but 2-0 is 2-0.
11. San Francisco, 2-0: You know what I’m gonna say…
12. Detroit, 2-0: See above.
13. Washington, 2-0: Solid if not unspectacular.
14. Baltimore, 1-1: Defense still looks pretty solid.
15. Carolina, 1-1: This team is the ultimate enigma.
16. Seattle, 1-1: Probably should have beat Arizona.
NFL MVP: Tom Brady
Offensive POY: Steve Smith
Defensive POY: Bob Sanders
Offensive ROY: Adrian Peterson
Defensive ROY: Paul Posluszny
Comeback POY: Randy Moss
Coach of the Year: Mike McCarthy
Raible
September 18, 2007
Revisting the picks:
England- still obvious
Indy- still obvious
Balt- regressing to where everyone thought they’d be last year
SanD- 2 tough games and they are probably underrated now, plus Denver doesn’t have it.
Pgh- Tomlin is a top 5 coach, this team had high ceiling and low floor coming in and it looks like everything’s clicking.
Denver- they blow.
Philly- On the downside, or need time to get siituated?
Chi- Just because a back was an early pick and is atop the depth chart doesn’t mean he’ll be productive automatically……but the nfc still blows.
Atl- bad, bad call. just can’t take the panthers though. saints will miss as predicted.
Seattle- still by default.
Washington- defense, running game, game manager, playaction weapon = plenty in the nfc.
Tampa- Gay Jeff has always been good.
New List:
1. England
2. Pittsburgh
3. Indy
4. San D
5. Baltimore
6. Tennessee
1. Chicago
2. Washington
3. Seattle
4. Tampa
5. Dallas
6. Philly
Philly over SEATTLE
Dallas over TAMPA
Tennesse over INDY
SAND over Balt
Philly over CHICAGO
Dallas over WASHINGTON
ENGLAND over Tennessee
PGH over SAND
Philly over DALLAS
Pgh over ENGLAND
PGH 27 PHILLY 13
Why? Another Big Ben out-of-body playoff run.
thegreatawakening
September 19, 2007
If Dean is going to revisit, then Raibs is going to revisit…
AFC East: New England…this pick is looking good
AFC North: Pittsburgh…looking good
AFC South: Indianapolis…looking good
AFC West: San Diego…still the favorite, I think
AFC Wild Cards: Baltimore and Denver…OK
NFC East: Philadelphia…need to get going
NFC North: Chicago…looks OK
NFC South: New Orleans…wow, they need to get going
NFC West: St. Louis…two tough losses
NFC Wild Cards: Green Bay and Carolina…not bad
AFC Championship: New England over Indianapolis
NFC Championship: New Orleans over Chicago
Super Bowl: New England over New Orleans…N.O.???
Super Bowl MVP: Tom Brady
MVP: Steven Jackson…not what he said he’d be
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Adrian Peterson
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Paul Posluszny
Coach of the Year: Tony Dungy
I hate to give out new predictions after only 2 weeks of the season, so I’ll stick with everything that I predicted. However, you have to think that Tennessee is going to be a player as a potential Wild Card in the AFC, you have to think that Dallas and/or Washington are going to affect the NFC playoff picture. As for the Sains, well who the hell knows? If they don’t win that division, who does? Carolina?
All that I know is that, as a Steelers fan, MY BOY Mike Tomlin has be pleased right now with a 2-0 record and San Fran coming to the Burgh this weekend.
MY BOY!!!
Raible
September 20, 2007
A few “Face-Off” questions on CBS Sports.com today…
1. One year later, which of the three QBs would you draft first: Matt Leinart, Vince Young, or Jay Cutler?
Let me start by saying that I am a fan of Leinart, I have Young in fantasy, and I don’t particularly care for Cutler or the Broncos. With that in mind, my choice comes down to Leinart or Young. I always felt like Leinart would be the best of the three as I think he best fits the mold of a prototypical NFL QB. However, all Young does is win football games; the Titans should be 2-0 this year if Brandon Jones could catch. Nevertheless, I think my initial ranking of the three remains true to this day, at least: Leinart then Young then Cutler.
2. Of the surprise 2-0 teams – Texans, Redskins, Lions, 49ers, Packers – which has the best chance to be a playoff team?
As good as Houston has played thus far, I would still guess that they are probably the worst team in their tough division. Washington has a solid chance, but they, too, play in a tough division. I think it comes down to the 49ers and Packers. Despite having already gone 2-0 within their division, I am gonna say the Packers have the best chance to make the playoffs. I think the Packers are better than both the Vikings and Lions, and with how poorly Rex Grossman and the Chicago offense has played, there’s no reason to believe that the Pack can’t give the Bears a run for their money. In order, I would rank them Packers, 49ers, Lions, Redskins, Texans.
3. Of the surprise 0-2 teams – Rams, Giants, Saints, Eagles, Jets – which has the best chance to turn it around?
I think that the Rams, Saints, and Eagles all should turn it around, at least a bit. I think that the New York teams could be in for a long season. With that being said, I’m gonna stick with the Saints here. Not only do I feel like their division is somewhat weak, but 8 of their last 14 games are at home.
Raible
September 20, 2007
Why predict when you can just read Dean’s as FACT?
Some of my predictions look good….Saints sucking, Steelers dominating, Cowboys the class of the NFC East, and hey, the Browns did beat the Bengals!
Some of my predictions are looking horrible…..Moss already has more catches than the end of year 5th receiver on the Pats (shoulda went with Stallworth), basically everything else.
As for the questions, Raible said, “You have to think Tennessee is going to be a player as a potential Wild Card in the AFC.” That I just don’t see. Jags was a nice win and they played the Colts tough but the Jags always seem to underachieve and the Titans tend to play the Colts tough. Obviously very possible that they are a player, especially with Lendale carrying the load, but I don’t see it.
I still think those 3 QB’s could go in any direction. I think it’s funny that when Vince Young wins with a poor performance he’s credited as a winner and when Alex Smith or Jay Cutler wins with a poor performance they’re credited with poor performances. Don’t tell Donovan McNabb that’s not correct, though. I was incredibly disappointed with Leinert in week 1 when I actually got to see him. Holy happy feet. Young more so than the other two, but I still think these three could easily be ranked in any order depending on the scheme you’re running. For that reason and because I think they all look good so far, I’m not putting them in any order and saying they all look good.
It’s funny but I think all of those 2-0 teams have a chance to make playoffs. It’s possible the Texans are actually a good football team. Kubiak, Schaub. They made changes at two of the most important aspects of a team. I love Mario exploding this year and hope it continues. I don’t think the niners are a surprise 2-0 team but I guess you have to put them in the group. As PMRyder said, the NFC West is wide open. One team will emerge and it could be the niners. Losing Manny Lawson for the season is one of the most disappointing injuries in NFL History, though. Packers and Lions both have a great shot as well. Let’s face it, the Bears are far from a shoe in to win that division. One team will emerge from this division as well, and you have a 50% chance it’ll be one of these two. Packers have a real good defense and an interesting mix of youth and vets on offense. Lions receiving core is ridiculous. I tend to think the Redskins wont be good but it’s the NFL and specifically, it’s the NFC. If Jason Campbell is good, and he can be, the skins can make the playoffs. Portis and Betts is a great tandem. Great secondary but I worry about teams pounding them with the run.
0-2 teams I’m actually not high on any of them. Maybe the Rams and the Eagles. Rams offense is great and i still think McNabb has some left in the tank, although i really hope he doesnt. Saints probably should be the pick here, but im staying with thinking they suck.
thav916
September 21, 2007
I read an interesting stat about the Jaguars the other day. They actually have almost exactly the same rushing yardage as they did going into week 3 against the Colts last year, and then they exploded. I think it’s a wait-and-see thing at this point, but they could be one of those teams to sneak back into the hunt. On the flipside, their division is getting tougher so I’m not sure who I see emerging behind the Colts. Everyone thought the Saints were a fluke last year during the season(might have been?), and then they reached the NFC Title game. It wouldn’t be out of the question for teams like Tennessee or Houston, but they do play in the AFC where I think the class is at the top of every division right now. (Chargers, Colts, Pats, Steelers) I truly believe one of these four teams will win the super bowl.
As for the young QB’s, the early nod HAS to go to Young just based on pure performance and wins. However, I agree with Haver that it is just too ealry to tell. For some reason I don’t see Cutler ever being a statistical stud, but I could be wrong. As for Leinart, many young QB’s struggle early, but he looks like a young QB when you watch him, and that’s not good. Granted he may be playing behind the worst line of the three though.
Of the 0-2 teams, I think the Dolphins could be a team to watch out for. (Yeah Right) Seriously all these teams have flaws, but starting 0-2 in the NFC and AFC is completely different. While the Ravens could be the popular pick, they have a huge uphill battle, whereas the Saints, Eagles and Rams could all still win their divisions at 8-8.
Haver, sorry about Lawson, I will have to rethink my x-mas present now.
Wells
September 21, 2007
As far as the Belichek- Pats saga is concerned, I think that Goodell went a little soft. I seriously thought a 1st rounder was in order. Belichek should be suspended and/or they should have to forfeit the playoffs this year. I know these are pretty harsh, but you really can’t pick and choose where you are going to be tough on people. If you are going to punish players for their actions as drastically as he has over the last couple of years, their can’t be leaniency with your coaches. BB got caught cheating, hell that’s happened in every major sport now, and I feel like all he is getting is a slap on the wrist.
Over the summer, I spoke with Joe Morris, former Giants RB who now handles setting fines for players, or atleast enforcing them. He basically told me, nobody cares about fines, that’s why they continue to do the shit they do. They don’t even realize that the $$$ has been deducted from their paycheck. Therefore, and I know this is a little more noticeable, but you really think Belichek cares that his pay was docked?
Punish him and/or the team and make it matter. Otherwise, let Pacman back!!!!
Wells
September 21, 2007
Re-thinkin Christmas present. GOLD.
Im sittin here thinkin with all of our past few posts here by the three of us that there really are some huge matchups this weekend. Lots of questions and a bunch of varying opinions on which teams will continue to do well, which won’t and who will or won’t turn it around. In the NFL week 3 is already important.
Arizona @ Baltimore-Ravens need this win at home. Would be a big win for the Cards and keep them in the mix for the NFC West title.
Detroit @ Philadelphia-Have to favor the Eagles at home but it’s the Lions that are 2-0. If Detroit can pull this off 3-0 would be an incredible start for them. If the Eagles win, they’re right back in the mix. If not, uh oh.
Indianapolis @ Houston-Really a shame Andre Johnson won’t be playing. Everyone expects the Colts to roll in this game, but it’s at Houston, they’re 2-0 with a new regime, and if they won, it’d show they’re for real. If they get blown out, people might start to think they’ll be 5-11 this year and just happened to get 2 of those wins early.
Miami @ Jets-Both teams need a win. Only one will get it. More pressure on the Jets at home but neither team will be happy at 0-3. Ronnie Brown and Tom Jones should each have 20+ carries.
San Diego @ Green Bay-Huge game here. Chargers go 1-1 against the Bears and Pats and I think you have to call that a success. But they haven’t looked good. If the Packers want to be for real, I think this is a must win. I’m sure they wish this game was in November, though.
San Francisco @ Pittsburgh-One team will emerge 3-0. Would mean a lot more for the niners to win on the road than it would Pittsburgh win at home, so the pressure is on the Steelers.
Buffalo @ New England-EW
Minnesota @ Kansas City and Carolina @ Atlanta-I”m grouping these together. The Chiefs and Falcons are my bottom 2 teams in the NFL. If the Chiefs and Falcons can’t win these games at home, they won’t be winning much. If the Vikings and Panthers are going to be decent this year, they need to win these road games.
St Louis @ Tampa Bay-Bucs could put themselves in a nice position at 2-1 with a home win. If the Rams can steal one on the road, they’re back in the mix. If not, 0-3 doesn’t look good.
Cincinnati @ Seattle-I don’t know if this is cliche or not but whoever wins this game could get some momentum. They’re both supposed to be good, they both have lots of question marks.
Jacksonville @ Denver-Broncos have been getting it done. The Jags are a similar type of team but are 1-1. Jags win and they’re back on track. Broncos win and they continue to look like a top 5 team in the AFC
Dallas @ Chicago-Dallas looks like the best team in the NFC. If they win on the road against Da Bears (that’s for pmryder) they’ll undoubtedly be my top NFC team. Bears lose and those other teams (Pack, Lions, Vikings) have the door opened wide. Bears win and they show people they’re not going anywhere.
Giants @ Redskins-Perfect opportunity for the skins to go 3-0. If the G-Men steal one on the road they might be ok. If not, im sorry for Hoss.
Tennessee @ New Orleans-If the Titans are to make noise in the AFC I want to see them win this game. Saints haven’t been good and it’d be a huge road win. It would really knock the Saints down. If the Saints win, they could get their psyche back and go on a little run.
thav916
September 22, 2007
NFL Sweet 16 after Week 4:
1. New England – Have scored 38, 38, 38, and 34 points.
2. Indianapolis – Have scored 41, 22, 30, and 38 points.
3. Dallas – Have scored 45, 37, 34, and 35 points.
(I just wanted to point out how good these offenses are)
4. Green Bay – #4 is #1 in the record books, baby!
5. Pittsburgh – Tough loss, but still the best 3-1 team.
6. Seattle – Rematch of Super Bowl XL this week @ Burgh.
7. Tennessee – I love this team as a potential sleeper.
8. Jacksonville – Need to get back to running the ball.
9. Arizona – This team gets better every week.
10. Tampa Bay – Loss of Cadillac is huge.
11. San Francisco – Offense is anemic; defense is solid.
12. Carolina – Only The Riddler is more of an enigma.
13. Baltimore – They’re not worse than Cle., are they?
14. Detroit – Still not buying that they’re a good team.
15. N.Y. Giants – Think they’ve turned it around?
16. San Diego – I refuse to believe they’re this bad!
NFL MVP: Brett Favre
Offensive POY: Tony Romo
Defensive POY: Barrett Ruud
Offensive ROY: Adrian Peterson
Defensive ROY: Patrick Willis
Comeback POY: Randy Moss
Coach of the Year: Mike McCarthy
Raible
October 2, 2007
This is always a fun topic: Who is the best QB of all-time?
My Biased Top 10…
1. Brett Favre
2. Dan Marino
3. Joe Montana
4. Johnny Unitas
5. Steve Young
6. Terry Bradshaw
7. John Elway
8. Peyton Manning
9. Tom Brady
10. Bart Starr
My Unbiased Top 10…
1. Joe Montana
2. Brett Favre
3. John Elway
4. Dan Marino
5. Johnny Unitas
6. Terry Bradshaw
7. Peyton Manning
8. Troy Aikman
9. Steve Young
10. Tom Brady
A few thoughts…
-Favre is going to re-write the record book, which should help his cause.
-Montana seems to be highly regarded due to his Super Bowl wins.
-Elway never won a Super Bowl until TD joined the Broncos in the twilight of Elway’s career.
-Should Marino be penalized for never having a running game?
-Bradshaw won 4 Super Bowls, but how much was due to the Steel Curtain?
-Manning and Brady should only continue to climb the list.
-Young was as good as anyone, but he didn’t play as much as some of the other guys and, thus, his stats aren’t as good.
-Aikman has 3 Super Bowls, but how good was he really?
-Is it fair to compare guys like Unitas, Starr, and Staubach to the QBs of our generation?
-What about guys like Otto Graham, Sammy Baugh, Y.A. Tittle, etc.?
Raible
October 9, 2007
I’ve pretty much come to the assumption that the Dolphins are currently the worst FRANCHISE in the NFL. Alot of the blame has to go to Sabam and his predecessors. One thing that doesn’t really get mentioned is that Shula has been hard to replace, not just Marino. Also, I can’t believe we r still living off players from the Jimmie Johnson era and haven’t filled any voids since then.
Brightside is that Ronnie Brown is beginning to look like a #1 NFL back.
I really think we need an OT in this year’s draft, but I would also have no qualms taking the best defensive player available NO MATTER THE POSITION!
I will look to visit the lowly Dolphins as much as possible, but for now I am just going to sit back and “enjoy” the Cleo Lemon era.
Wells
October 13, 2007
You know in the past 5 years there have been two QB’s that I watched in the preseason as 3rd stringers and I said, “That guy has ‘IT’”
Who were they?
Cleo Lemon (still with the Chargers) and Tony Romo.
I’m very pumped for the Cleo Lemon era!
Nfldraftcountdown’s latest mock has the Dolphins taking Michigan LT Jake Long #1.
thav916
October 13, 2007
Back to the QB’s I remember discussing this a decent amount at some point last year.
Having that many TD passes is obviously impressive but I don’t like to completely correlate those records with the best QB of all time as he’ll probably end his career with the most interceptions of all time as well. His longevity is impressive and his games played streak is one of the most incredible stats in sports history. Favre also did have some amazing years in his prime. I don’t think I’d put him top 5 though.
John Elway is the most overrated QB in the history of NFL football.
Still love me some Steve Young. He did do it for 8 years which is comparable to an entire Jim Brown/Barry Sanders career. In Young’s other seasons that he played sparingly he almost always had amazing production.
Joe Montana just seems to have tha aura of the best of all time.
Dan Marino was incredible.
So many of those guys are guys I’ve never seen or was young seeing so I don’t like to try to rate them.
I really think we’re seeing two of the best of all time right now. I think Peyton Manning is the best QB of this era and I’d put him above Favre right now. That Super Bowl last year for Manning did wonders for his rep and now gives him the possibility of being the best of all time.
So many of those guys mentioned above have had incredbible WR’s to work with. That’s really what separates Tom Brady from the rest. I think it’s tough to say Brady is better than Manning. But when you look at what Brady did without wr’s, the Super Bowls he’s won, and now the fact that he has his Jerry Rice/Marvin Harrison to work with in Randy Moss, Brady could continue to elevate his status to all new levels.
thav916
October 13, 2007
NFL Sweet 16 after Week 6:
1. New England (6-0) – Might go 16-0.
2. Indianapolis (5-0) – Host N.E. on Nov. 4th.
3. Pittsburgh (4-1) – Visit N.E. on Dec. 9th.
4. Dallas (5-1) – Clearly not in the same class as N.E.
5. Green Bay (5-1) – Need to keep finding ways to win.
6. Jacksonville (4-1) – The move to Garrard is paying off.
7. San Diego (3-3) – This team looks to be back on track.
8. Baltimore (4-2) – Host N.E. on Dec. 3rd.
9. N.Y. Giants (4-2) – Host N.E. on Dec. 29th.
10. Washington (3-2) – Visit N.E. on Oct. 28th.
11. Carolina (4-2) – Vinny Testaverde anyone?!?!
12. Tampa Bay (4-2) – Gruden is back, baby.
13. Tennessee (3-2) – 2nd half without Young = loss.
14. Philadelphia (2-3) – Visit N.E. on Nov. 25th.
15. Arizona (3-3) – Injuries are hurting this team.
16. Detroit (3-2) – 2-0 at Home, 1-2 on Road thus far.
NFL MVP: Tom Brady
Offensive POY: Tom Brady
Defensive POY: Thomas Howard
Offensive ROY: Adrian Peterson
Defensive ROY: Darrelle Revis
Comeback POY: Randy Moss
Coach of the Year: Jon Gruden
Raible
October 16, 2007
A few “Face-Off” questions on CBS Sports.com today…
1. Eli Manning or Phillip Rivers?
Note that Roethlisbeger, the 3rd QB taken, is clearly the class of the 2004 NFL Draft crop! As for Eli or Rivers, let’s take a look at their career stats:
Eli: 45 games started, 55% completions, 9,428 yards, 65 TD, 74.6 rating
Rivers: 22 games started, 62.4% completions, 4,848 yards, 30 TD, 88.7 rating
Obviously, Eli has started more games and, thus, has amassed more yards and TD. If you break it down by stat per start, Eli averages 209 yards and 1.4 TD per game, while Rivers averages 220 yards and 1.36 TD per game.
However, despite possessing better per game numbers through their early careers, I think I would rather have Eli Manning than Phillip Rivers. I feel like Eli has had much more pressure placed on him than Rivers had, which, I believe, has played a role in Rivers having better stats. I also think that Rivers’ stats have been helped by the fact that he didn’t play early in his career while Eli did. Finally, I believe that Rivers has benefited from the success of his teammates more than Eli has, particularly with Tomlinson. I think that both QBs have a bright future in the league, but if I had to pick one (after Roethlisberger, OBVIOUSLY), I would pick Eli Manning.
2. Who is more stubborn – Eric Mangini for staying with Chad Pennington or Cam Cameron for not playing John Beck?
This is a no-brainer for me: I definitely think that Cameron is more stubborn here. Pennington has had some success in the league and led the Jets to the playoffs last season. Kellen Clemens got a chance to play this year, and while it was against Baltimore, it’s not like he looked like the 2nd coming of Joe Namath or anything. The Dolphins, meanwhile, passed over Brady Quinn so that they could later take Beck. I felt like the Trent Green experiment was dumb from the get-go, and as much as Haver likes Cleo Lemon, I just don’t see the point of the Dolphins not playing Beck (although an argument could be made that I don’t know why the Dolphins drafted Beck in the first place).
3. Is Rams coach Scott Linehan on the hot seat?
I am in the court that believes that college football coaches deserve at least 4 years at a school before they can be deemed a failure. In the pros, however, there’s too much money involved to wait that long. While Linehan has certainly had his fair share of injuries this year (Pace, Bulger, Jackson, Bruce, etc.), the fact that his team is still winless (and getting wasted each Sunday, mind you) completely puts his ass on the hot seat. To boot, the NFC West looks like a completely winnable division for any of the 4 teams involved, so all it might take is a few wins to get the Rams back in the mix. But, for now, I definitely think that Linehan should be on the hot seat.
4. Should the NFL play a Super Bowl in London?
I say why the hell not? It’s not like I have any chance of attending a Super Bowl anytime soon. And I don’t buy the notion that real fans actually dominate the attendance at Super Bowls; rather, the game has become completely corporate. With that in mind, why wouldn’t the league want to try and expand its horizons? There is clearly an opportunity there for the NFL to expand its base into England, and you can bet that the Commish knows it. The game is already supposed to be played at a neutral site, so it’s not like you would be taking away home-field advantage from anyone. The weather in England is usually not so good, which I like because I hate how every Super Bowl is either played in warm cities or in a dome. Finally, Wembley Stadium is a sweet facility and clearly large enough to host the event. All in all, I just don’t see what the big deal is about having the game in London.
Raible
October 18, 2007
-I’ll second Elway as most overrated. I think Favre is somewhat overrated too, but his best years dwarf Elway’s.
-I think you could make an argument for Manning and/or Brady as best of all-time. They are both at the point where their team wouldn’t trade them for any other player in the history of the game. To me, that’s the measure of an all-time great.
-I think San Diego or Jacksonville would beat Green Bay or Dallas.
-New England is definitely awesome, but I don’t think they are on a different level than the ‘05 Colts team that crushed the Steelers on MNF was at the same stage. San Diego was playing terrible when they met and Dallas is the most overrated team in the league. Other than that they’ve killed the Bills, Browns, and Jets. They’re great, but they haven’t proven themselves better than the ‘94 Niners, ‘92 Boys, etc.
-The NFC East is the same as it usually is. In the pre-season everyone tries to figure out who will step up and who will fall off, and then by mid-season the thing is up for grabs. Any of them can get it together and go on a run. The other divisions will account for one or both of the wild cards, mainly because they have 2 or 4 gimme wins that the East doesn’t have.
-I’m pretty sure that the Pats are gonna gun for the TD record in the same fashion that Manning set it.
-We had to let Plax go, but if we still had him I think we’re on the same level as the Colts and Pats right now.
thegreatawakening
October 18, 2007
I know that I am biased, but I just don’t understand where the “Favre is overrated” comments come from? The guy is the only 3-time MVP in the HISTORY OF THE GAME! By the time he retires, he should own EVERY PASSING RECORD in the league. So he throws a lot of Interceptions? Big deal! Last time I checked, he also has thrown for the MOST TOUCHDOWNS in league history.
Now that I have that out of me, I want to try and look at this rationally from a non-Favre fan’s point of view. I suppose you can say that his longevity is a negative as his best years are clearly behind him. Additionally, there is clearly the case of the high # of INTs.
Of course, I have Favre #1 because he is my all-time favorite. And I guess I am a little confused by what the definition of “overrated” stands for; you might just think that he’s not the best, or that he’s not Top 5, or whatever.
In any case, and much like my arguments for Couture in my list of MMA fighters, I feel like the body of work is extremely important. Jim Brown was amazing, but he didn’t play as long as some others. Steve Young was awesome, but he sat behind Joe Montana for awhile. Mario Lemieux might be the most talented hockey player ever, but his injuries and poor quality of teams early in his career didn’t allow him to achieve the success that The Great One did.
I now realized that I just went off on a rant about a whole lot of nothing simply because I saw that more than one person thinks that Favre is overrated and I am not real sure what that entails…my bad. To me, even if he isn’t #1, I still think he’s at least Top 5 and definitely Top 10. I want to see some more lists…LISTS RULE!
Raible
October 18, 2007
The questions:
1. Man that’s tough. That’s a vote that swings every week. I liked Rivers the best of the 3 at the time with Ben as a close 2nd, but it was mainly because I thought Eli was overrated because he was a Manning. I think you take Eli here if you want to go downfield a lot and Rivers if you want the game managed. If I had a blank slate as an expansion team and had to take one…………Rivers barely. We’ll see what Eli does when the Giants are playing with expectations.
2. I don’t see any of these guys practice, but I think there are a couplel things that say it’s Mangini: Clemens is in his 2nd year and Beck is a rookie, and Miami has another QB they’d like to try first. Once you go to either it’s tough to go back though. I don’t really have a problem with either of them.
3. The Hot Seat? Definitely. The team looked to be on the rise and now it sucks. Is he going to get fired? Probably not. I think the injuries will bail him out until next year.
4. London? Horrible idea. I don’t understand why they don’t play the game as a home game for one of the teams. The SB atmosphere sucks. And it’s definitely not unfair to the road team or unfair to play in the elements. If we did it the right way in the first place, and someone suggested holding it at a neutral, indoor site, everybody would say it was the stupidest idea ever. The NFL does very little wrong, but I can’t stand how bad the Super Bowl blows. The 2-week thing is retarded too.
thegreatawakening
October 18, 2007
Favre is one of the best ever. I don’t think he’s overrated by very much, but if you put each of the great QB’s seasons on a scrap of paper and put them all in their own individual hat, and I had to choose to pull one QB season from only one hat to run my team, I’m not going with the Favre hat. If you used only the peak 3 seasons for each then he’s right at the top. I just trust him less than the others. Montana’s never gonna singlehandedly lose to the Eagles like Favre did.
thegreatawakening
October 18, 2007
Thanks for the explanation, Dean. I understand your point and, while I may not agree with it, I can respect it.
Raible
October 19, 2007
I think I take Eli. Just feel like he can possibly do a little bit more on his own, a little bit more downfield.
I think it’s a no brainer that the Mangenious is being more stubborn. Especially based on the question, “More stubborn”, both teams clearly are struggling. At least Cameron made some kind of change. Mangini has not. So right there to me it proves Mangini is more stubborn. I’m not always for drafting a QB if you’re not prepared to start him (Rodgers, Brady Quinn, Beck, Philip Rivers) especially when the other starter is a young guy like Derek Anderson, Charlie Frye, Cleo Lemon. But what is the worst thing that can happen? Lemon and Beck are both good and one is trade bait? Lemon is good and Beck isn’t but you have a QB? Lemon is bad and then you play Beck?
Sure Clemens is 24 and Beck 26 but I think there is something to be said for being a rookie in the NFL no matter what. I think Beck should get a try sooner rather than later, but I think Clemens should be put in immediately. Bottom line, Mangini is being way more stubborn sticking with Pennington, whereas at least Cameron made a change.
Super Bowl in London is one of the worst ideas I’ve ever heard.
I don’t know if I was accused of being one of the people that thinks Favre is overrated or not (Raibs mentioned more than one person had and only Dean has on this site, but perhaps he meant from tv/media as well) but I never said he was overrated. I will gladly delve in to the conversation, though.
Raibs, you said “So he throws a lot of Interceptions? Big deal! Last time I checked, he also has thrown for the MOST TOUCHDOWNS in league history.” While that is true, I feel it’s completely flip-flopped of what you actually hear. I feel 99 out of 100 times you hear about the TD record, without mention of the Int record. I wouldnt think it’s fair to bring up the Int record without mention of being the all-time TD leader, either, but I just think if one is mentioned, the other should be as well.
Body of work has to be a factor but I don’t like it as a deciding factor. I also think it’s different when a player cuts their career short (JBrown, BSanders) compared to a player that has many injury plagued seasons (Lemieux). A player with an injury plagued season can’t accumulate a full season’s worth of stats and you can also say that many games played in the season were not at 100%.
I’m just not a big fan of what he’s been doing the past couple seasons. We’re talking about the best QB of all time here. When I am rating my best QB’s of all time, my thought process isn’t, “Well after 2004 I thought Favre was the 3rd best of all time, but boy, those 50 additional TD passes he had at the end of his career when he clearly lost it really made me think a lot higher of him.” It’s impressive he’s still playing. It’s impressive he plays every game. But I’m not discrediting those things when I bring up other things.
I think I look at prime, best seasons, consistency, winning and just simply by watching them more than I look at career stats and longevity. Not only are our rankings going to be different in general, but how we evaluate them also will be. For those reasons I have Favre very very very high on my list, but not at #1 or #2.
thav916
October 19, 2007
Again, a fine explanation…this time from Mr. Haver.
Raible
October 19, 2007
Just for fun, I wanted to take a look at some of the best QBs and their 5 best statistical seasons…
Brett Favre –
1995 – 99.5 rating, 4,594 total yards, 41 total TD
1996 – 95.8 rating, 4,035 total yards, 41 total TD
2001 – 94.1 rating, 3,977 total yards, 33 total TD
1997 – 92.6 rating, 4,054 total yards, 36 total TD
2004 – 92.4 rating, 4,124 total yards, 30 total TD
Avg. – 94.88 rating, 4,156.8 total yards, 36.2 total TD
Dan Marino –
1984 – 108.9 rating, 5,077 total yards, 48 total TD
1986 – 92.5 rating, 4,743 total yards, 44 total TD
1994 – 89.2 rating, 4,447 total yards, 31 total TD
1991 – 85.8 rating, 4,002 total yards, 26 total TD
1992 – 85.1 rating, 4,182 total yards, 24 total TD
Avg. – 92.3 rating, 4,490.2 total yards, 34.6 total TD
Joe Montana –
1989 – 112.4 rating, 3,748 total yards, 29 total TD
1984 – 102.9 rating, 3,748 total yards, 30 total TD
1983 – 94.6 rating, 4,194 total yards, 28 total TD
1985 – 91.3 rating, 3,806 total yards, 30 total TD
1990 – 89.0 rating, 4,106 total yards, 27 total TD
Avg. – 98.04 rating, 3,920.4 total yards, 28.8 total TD
Johnny Unitas (only 14 games per season) –
1963 – 89.7 rating, 3,705 total yards, 20 total TD
1967 – 83.6 rating, 3,517 total yards, 20 total TD
1960 – 73.7 rating, 3,294 total yards, 25 total TD
1961 – 66.1 rating, 3,180 total yards, 18 total TD
1962 – 76.5 rating, 3,104 total yards, 23 total TD
Avg. – 77.92 rating, 3,360 total yards, 21.2 total TD
Projected over 16 games – 3,840 total yards, 24.23 total TD
Steve Young –
1994 – 112.8 rating, 4,262 total yards, 42 total TD
1992 – 107.0 rating, 4,002 total yards, 29 total TD
1997 – 104.7 rating, 3,228 total yards, 22 total TD
1993 – 101.5 rating, 4,430 total yards, 31 total TD
1998 – 101.1 rating, 4,624 total yards, 42 total TD
Avg. – 105.42 rating, 4,109.2 total yards, 33.2 total TD
Terry Bradshaw –
1979 – 77.0 rating, 3,807 total yards, 26 total TD
1980 – 75.0 rating, 3,450 total yards, 26 total TD
1978 – 84.7 rating, 3,008 total yards, 29 total TD
1981 – 83.9 rating, 3,049 total yards, 24 total TD
1977 – 71.4 rating, 2,694 total yards, 20 total TD
Avg. – 78.4 rating, 3,201.6 total yards, 25 total TD
John Elway –
1998 – 93.0 rating, 2,900 total yards, 23 total TD
1993 – 92.8 rating, 4,183 total yards, 25 total TD
1996 – 89.2 rating, 3,577 total yards, 30 total TD
1997 – 87.5 rating, 3,853 total yards, 28 total TD
1995 – 86.4 rating, 4,146 total yards, 27 total TD
Avg. – 89.78 rating, 3,731.8 total yards, 26.6 total TD
Peyton Manning –
2004 – 121.1 rating, 4,595 total yards, 49 total TD
2005 – 104.1 rating, 3,792 total yards, 28 total TD
2006 – 101.0 rating, 4,433 total yards, 35 total TD
2003 – 99.0 rating, 4,293 total yards, 29 total TD
2000 – 94.7 rating, 4,529 total yards, 34 total TD
Avg. – 103.98 rating, 4,328.4 total yards, 35 total TD
Tom Brady –
2004 – 92.6 rating, 3,720 total yards, 28 total TD
2005 – 92.3 rating, 4,199 total yards, 27 total TD
2006 – 87.9 rating, 3,631 total yards, 24 total TD
2003 – 85.9 rating, 3,683 total yards, 24 total TD
2002 – 85.7 rating, 3,874 total yards, 29 total TD
Avg. – 88.88 rating, 3,821.4 total yards, 26.4 total TD
Thoughts…
-Young clearly had the best QB rating in a 5-year span, which is no real surprise since he retired with the highest QB rating in NFL history.
-Marino had the most yards per season, while Favre had the most TD per season.
-I think Dean’s statement that Manning or Brady could wind up being the best has some validity to it. I have always likened Manning to Marino and Brady to Montana, and the stats seem to back up that thought.
-The notion that Elway was good, but never great, is pretty much backed up here. As is the notion that Bradshaw was greatly aided by the teams he played for.
-Montana’s stats are not all that impressive.
After looking at this, I would say that my Top 5 as of today would be:
1. Favre – I’m still sticking with Favre as his “prime” years stack up with anyone’s and his cumulative stats, as have been stated, are as good as anyone’s, too.
2. Marino – It is his cumulative stats that get him this spot on the list, but his “prime” years were certainly remarkable, too.
3. Young – Ever since this discussion has started, I have wondered just how well Montana’s stats would stack up with everyone else’s. I believe that it is Montana, not Favre, that is somewhat overrated. He won 4 Super Bowls, so he seems to get mentioned as the best ever. But Bradshaw won 4, too…hell, Troy Aikman won 3! It was Young, though, who completely dominated the NFL after taking over from Montana. And, in my opinion, Young could have had better career numbers had he not sat behind Montana during the early part of his career.
4. Montana – I think I’ve said my peace about him.
5. Manning – I think he’s already reached this point, and there is nowhere to go but up. To be fair, Brady his having his best year as a pro this year, but it is Manning, not Brady, that is the better QB in my opinion.
Anyone else change their thoughts a bit after looking at these stats?
Raible
October 19, 2007
Since all of the discussion about the Greatest QB of All-Time was fun (I feel like we should come to some sort of an agreement, though…like the Watercooler Guys’ #1 ranked QB of All-Time is probably Joe Montana. He seemed to be the guy that Haver and Dean alluded to as the one to pick if they had to win 1 game. I’ll go along with that selection.), let’s talk about the Greatest RBs of All-Time. The following are the Top 10 rushers of all-time listed in alphabetical order…
Marcus Allen: 12,243 yards, 123 TD, 4.1 avg., 6 Pro Bowls
Jerome Bettis: 13,662 yards, 91 TD, 3.9 avg., 6 Pro Bowls
Jim Brown: 12,312 yards, 106 TD, 5.2 avg., 9 Pro Bowls
Eric Dickerson: 13,259 yards, 90 TD, 4.4 avg., 6 Pro Bowls
Tony Dorsett: 12,739 yards, 77 TD, 4.3 avg., 4 Pro Bowls
Marshall Faulk: 12,279 yards, 100 TD, 4.3 avg., 7 Pro Bowls
Curtis Martin: 14,101 yards, 90 TD, 4.0 avg., 5 Pro Bowls
Walter Payton: 16,726 yards, 110 TD, 4.4 avg., 9 Pro Bowls
Barry Sanders: 15,269 yards, 99 TD, 5.0 avg., 10 Pro Bowls
Emmitt Smith: 18,355 yards, 164 TD, 4.2 avg., 8 Pro Bowls
There are, of course, some great RBs currently playing in the NFL that should be considered, including LaDainian Tomlinson, Shaun Alexander, Edgerrin James, and Adrian Peterson (what???). Nevertheless, I present my Top 5 (quick sidebar: Haver brought up a great point that we all distort rankings like these to reflect our own personal likes. I like Favre, so obviously he is my #1 QB. Haver likes Young, so he’s #1 for him. With that in mind, I would be SHOCKED if Barry Sanders isn’t #1 for Haver):
1. Jim Brown: Eight times he led the league in rushing, including 5 consecutive years from 1957-1961. His 5.2 average gain is tops among RBs.
2. Barry Sanders: He led the league in rushing 4 different seasons, including back-to-back years in 1996 and 1997. In 1997, he rushed for 100 or more yards in 14 games, a NFL record.
3. Walter Payton: Only Emmitt Smith had more career attempts than “Sweetness,” but only Emmitt had more career rushing yards, too. Ran for 275 yards against the Vikings on Nov. 20, 1977.
4. Emmitt Smith: The rushing yardage king, I feel like Emmitt’s record is sometimes considered to be somewhat tainted due to Brown and Sanders cutting their careers short before they should have. Nevertheless, Emmitt was a complete beast.
5. Eric Dickerson: Led the league in rushing in 4 different seasons, including the NFL-record 2,105 yards he gained in 1984. His rookie season in 1983 was the best by any RB in history.
Raible
October 22, 2007
I was confused with the last post but just to clarify Steve Young is my #1 QB of all-time and I’d take him if I was trying to win one game.
thav916
October 22, 2007
I try to not let bias get in the way and therefore my top rb of all time is Jim Brown. Brown is more of hearsay and highlights but just seemed to take the word dominate to a whole new level. He wasn’t even a man amongst boys he was a grandfather among newborns. He still looks like he could rush for 1000 yards and beat everyone on the planet’s ass.
Barry Sanders is my boy and was the sweetest, flashiest, freakiest running back of all time. In a Favre-like fashion, I think you have to mention that Sanders has the most negative runs in NFL yards and also wasn’t an elite goalline back. Granted you have to also bring up subpar offensive lines, but we’re talkin about the top rb of all-time here and I still have him second, so while I’m penalizing him, I’m not really penalizing him.
I’ll have to take a look more before I go further.
thav916
October 22, 2007
I actually think my best point (I know, I know, there are so many it’s tough to rank) was that you simply just can’t look up stats and consider those the bible for who’s the best. My example is in 20 years looking at Carson Palmer and Ben Roethlisberger. If you look at stats you’d say Palmer no brainer, no question, no doubt. But I watch both and would rather have Roethlisberger. I don’t want to debate these two, as I realize I might be biased, but it’s not the point. Just sayin there’s a lot more than just looking at stats (although they obviously matter)
thav916
October 22, 2007
Montana’s not my #1 either. Actually the way your phrased it, “if I have to win one game…” I’m starting to like Brady. Young sounds good too. Part of it is that Brady’s big games are fresh in my mind while I don’t completely remember if any of the older guys had any horrible playoff chokes or anything………..except Favre against the Eagles, what a hack job.
thegreatawakening
October 22, 2007
Running back is really tough for a lot of reasons.
Emmitt’s teammates and longevity get used against him in a lot of arguments I’m in. It’s almost like people get wrapped up in discrediting the record and just naturally focus on the negatives.
The Sanders argument always seems to include the negative plays, and whether or not he’s really the guy you want to put togerther a drive as part of a balanced team.
Lots of things to consider no matter what the nature of the argument is: best ever, who you want on your team, who you start a franchise with, etc. It’s another situation where I don’t think the top guys would get traded for one another- The Rams don’t trade Faulk, The Lions don’t trade Sanders, etc.
Right now I think the best of all-time is Sanders. I’d put Tomlinson on the Steelers, and I’d start a team with him too. Jim Brown is pretty hard for me to analyze. He looked unreal, but it’s hard for me to picture him cutting back accross the field through arm-tackles with guys like Urlacher and Lewis in the league.
thegreatawakening
October 22, 2007
I don’t like to look too hard into the “What would Jim Brown do today?” type of question. Based on proportions he’d probably be about 6′5 285 lbs with 4.3 speed. I try to look more into what they did when they did. I do understand how someone else could consider that, though, and could certainly cause a difference in the rankings. I’m not worried if Babe Ruth woulda hit 5 HR’s a year today or 100, I worry about what he did in his era.
I think one thing that really gets exaggerated here in all of these discussions is when you bring up a downfall, it suddenly gets interpreted that you think the person sucks. If I bring up Brett Favre’s interceptions it’s only a reason not to put him at #1, not completely out of my top 50. Emmith Smith’s line could be a reason for saying the best all time rusher is not #1, but not saying it’s a reason to assume in another situation he woulda sucked and another guy in his situation woulda done the same. Same with Sanders and his negatives. I even made a point of saying that he’s still my #2 guy so don’t mistake my thoughts as I knew it would come up.
thav916
October 22, 2007
Dean: You keep mentioning Favre’s “hack” job against the Eagles in the 2004 Playoffs. The game was a 20-17 OT win for the Eagles, and Favre finished 15 for 28 for 180 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. While the INT in OT helped to lead the Eagles to victory, have you already forgotten the 4th-and-26 that the Eagles converted with 1:12 left in regulation and the Eagles trailing 17-14?
How is that performance any worse than Brady’s 1 TD and 2 INT performance in the 2005 Playoffs at Denver? You remember, the game where Brady was intercepted on the Broncos’ goal line trailing 10-6. Champ Bailey stepped in front of Brady’s pass and took it all the way to the Patriots’ 1-yard-line, which set-up a 1-yard Mike Anderson TD that put away the Patriots’ season.
I am not trying to defend Favre here as much as I’m trying to point out that I don’t think Favre single-handedly lost that game against the Eagles. To boot, plenty of great QBs had bad games in the postseason, such as Brady’s game against Denver, Manning’s forgettable trips to Foxborough, Marino’s Super Bowl stinker, Joe Montana being benched in the 1987 Playoffs, and Steve Young being eliminated by Brett Favre and the Packers in 3 straight seasons (2 in San Fran).
Raible
October 22, 2007
By the way, it’s clear that we can’t come to an agreement on who we can all say we’d be comfortable putting as the best QB of all-time. It’s no big deal…I just thought it would be sweet to name the official Watercooler Guys’ #1 QB. Oh well, the debate is what is sweet!
Raible
October 22, 2007
Big change. 1st round=10 minutes. 2nd round=7 minutes. HUGEST announcement ever!!!!! They also announced the the 3rd round will be part of day 2 now. I don’t understand that nor do I like it, but the less time for round 1 and 2 makes me too happy to complain about that.
We had recently talked about Young, Leinert and Cutler on here. I was very impressed with Cutler on Sunday night against the Steelers. Thought he looked great. We all know he’s got a strong arm, but his ability to move around and scramble were also impressive. I might go into it more on the Steelers page than this one, but I actually thought the Broncos beat us (rather than thinking we simply lost, like I do with us and the Cards). Not only was Cutler strong all game long but he led the Broncos to the game winning field goal as time expired.
Leinert was unimpressive this year and then unfortunately got injured. Vince Young is a different animal and tough to compare. I think he can get too much credit for when they win, but you do have to give him credit when he personally puts the Titans on his back and wills them to a victory. I’ve always felt Vince was a man amongst boys and the way he handled himself in college led me to believe he’d be a superstar in the NFL. I still think he would be, but I don’t think he’s gotten any better so far this year and I’m hoping he can stay healthy and improve his play.
This was obviously just one game for Cutler but it was the one I watched. He, and the Broncos, need to continue to play like they did against the Steelers, and not everyone else.
thav916
October 23, 2007
I agree on Cutler. Sometimes the other team plays well in the NFL. After watching that game I still think the Steelers are the better team overall, but that doesn’t mean they can go on the road, get the other QB’s best game, give up a defensive touchdown, and still expect to win. We played a night game in Denver, made some mistakes, got their best effort, and lost on a last second field goal. That’s the NFL.
The Cutler-Leinart-Young debate is a lot like the Eli-Rivers-Ben one. A lot of it depends on what week at is. At the time I said I’d draft Cutler first, but a lot of that was not liking Leinart and not trusting Young. Since then you have to be impressed with Young’s poise, and it’s getting easier and easier to see him getting it done in big games down the road. While his stats don’t really need to be hugely impressive for them to win, I still think he’s going to have to put up better passing numbers at some point for them to be a serious contender. Right now if I’m down 17 at halftime against a good team I trust Cutler more than Young. With Young I still think you’re trying to run the ball, let your defense make some plays, and see where the game takes you. Nothing wrong with that right now, especially with Fisher and a good D. I’m looking forward to watching his progress. As for Leinart it’s obviously a rough time for him as far as evaluations go, but I just don’t see it for some reason. I think he’ll put together a nice season or two down the road, but I don’t think he’ll ever be consistently upper echelon.
thegreatawakening
October 24, 2007
As for Favre, I’ve mentioned the Eagles implosion more than once because it’s the play that stands out in my mind as the kind of play that the best QB of all time (whoever he may be) just doesn’t make very often, if ever. All QBs have had bad games and thrown untimely picks for sure. There’s no effective way for me to quantify or articulate why the bad plays we can point to with Favre bother me more than those of the other guys. There’s just something about Favre’s bad times that bother me more than a Brady misfire or Manning getting solved in the playoffs by the Pats or Steelers. Since I don’t have anything to say about it beyond that I’m not expecting anyone to come around to my way of thinking. But I just don’t trust Favre’s brain relative to the others. If it’s the 3rd quarter and I’m down 7 against an equal foe, and they have the ball, and their QB Favre tweaks an ankle, and his backup Steve Young starts loosening up- I’m rooting for Favre to stay in, that’s all I can say.
Now that this is thourghly unsettled, there’s another QB question that I’m curious about. Of all the QBs who have had some success without the consistency or longevity or whatever to get into the ‘best ever’ conversation, which guy or guys scared you the most in their prime? In other words which guy made you almost want your team to take a couple knees and kick a field goal to go to OT rather than go up 4 with 1:50 left, because you knew the bastard was going to kill you?
For me peak-McNair and peak-Brunell in the old AFC Whatever division come to mind immediately. Any thoughts?
thegreatawakening
October 24, 2007
Point taken on Favre, and we can agree to disagree, but not only did Favre defeat Young 3 straight years in the Playoffs, but I consider Brady’s INT at Denver to be just as bad as Favre’s INT at Philly. Nevertheless, this conversation has been awesome and has drawn some serious discussion among “The Big Three.” (FYI: I am dubbing Raible, Haver, and Dean “The Big Three” since they seem to post on this site more than anyone).
As for QBs that scared you, I think it’s easiest to look at it from a Steelers (or whatever team you root for) perspective, as I think Dean did in his assessments of McNair and Brunell. Man, I couldn’t agree more on McNair; it always seemed like McNair had the Steelers’ number. We knock out Neil O’Donnell, and in comes McNair, with a busted up sternum, leading the Titans down the field and into the endzone for a victory.
I think that I was fairly scared in playing against Peyton a couple of years ago in the Playoffs. Even though it never really transpired, I always expected him to just get going and march the Colts up and down the field on the Steelers. As a Packers fan, I was always worried about going up against Young. As a Pitt fan, I am always petrified when I see the WVU QB (whoever it may be at the time) lining up under center…unless, of course, he is actually going to pass it!
Raible
October 24, 2007
The way I view Roth, Eli, Rivers and Cutler-Leinart-Young is kind of how Haver views his Heisman or top conferences in college football. It changes from week-to-week. I feel like these debates will not be settled, maybe not even after their careers are over. It’s fun to dissect each matchup, but when it comes down to it, each will have their own mark on the game…except for maybe Leinart.
Wells
October 24, 2007
I know it’s biased, but I don’t think that Eli or Rivers are even in the same class as Ben at this point in their respective careers.
Raible
October 24, 2007
It is biased, but it’s also the situations you are put in, and Ben landed in the best spot followed by Rivers and then Eli. I think it’s unfair that Eli is also held to a different standard, where he was expected to win from day 1, while Ben and Phil were able to just come in and manage the game.
I’d say early edge definitely goes to Ben, but these guys are all still young and have alot of football left.
Wells
October 25, 2007
Excellent point Matthew!
Raible
October 25, 2007
How soon until we see Jamarcus Russell for the Raiders, and John Beck for the Dolphins? I think if the Phins are smart they test Beck this year to see if they need to draft a QB. Also as much as the need players in the trenches especially OT/DT, the injury to Brown makes me believe that they could look at Darren McFadden this year.
Wells
October 25, 2007
I think Ben “managing the game” is one of the most overrated things ever, but I think we’ve discussed this before. I also dont think Tiki, Plax, Shockey, Toomer,LT and Gates are bad running mates.
Things certainly change week to week. And you definitely have to establish consistency before you’re considered to have your place in concrete.
Dean I liked your point about Cutler if down and Vince if you’re tied. While I think Vince Young’s games where he sucks but they win are overrated I’m the first to say that when he sucks but is awesome on the last drive/4th quarter and leads to a victory his stats don’t paint the whole picture. They just need to each get the proper credit.
How great is Dean’s honesty and reasoning?!?
Beck shouldn’t play til Lemon gets hurt. Lemon is too good to bench!
I’m fine with Russell playing at any moment. I love how La(y)ne Kiffin has cleaned house this year but they need to do it again next year. I don’t think it’s horrible that Russell is just completely not used this year. I will counter that by saying that I hate the argument that it’s not good to throw a QB into the fire too early. If you’re good you’re good.
thav916
October 25, 2007
I think that 16-0 is harder simply for the fact that, if you really wanted to, you could not try and intentionally lose every game to finish 0-16. And that’s pretty much all I have to say about that.
Raible
October 26, 2007
Faceoff Time:
1. If you were the Bengals, would you trade Chad Johnson?
-I can emphatically say no! Johnson is probably Cincinnati’s best player and definitely the franchise’s identity. The guy is an All-Pro talent, yet doesn’t seem to carry the baggage of a T.O. So he likes to dance and argue with his QB sometimes. Big deal; maybe if Carson wasn’t such a douche bag, then Ocho Cinco wouldn’t have to argue with him!
2. Should the NFL postpone the Chargers game because of the fires?
-Once again, I can say, with certainty, no! I am so against going away from what is the normal thing to do that I was against the NFL for postponing its games after 9/11. Playing/watching football on Sundays is what is normal for the players/fans involved. Make like Warren Harding and keep things normal! (Dean: Did you love the political reference?).
3. Assuming Tom Brady is your midseason MVP, who’s #2 and why?
-A few weeks ago, I would have said Brett Favre. But as of this writing, I would say that Peyton Manning is Tom Brady’s closest competition for the MVP award. Manning, like Brady, has led his team to an undefeated record. However, unlike Brady, Manning has not had the services of his best WR (Marvin Harrison) all season long; Manning’s top RB, Joseph Addai, has also missed time due to injury. Manning, meanwhile, just continues to get it done.
4. Tell me why New England can lose to Indianapolis.
-Well, first off, on any given Sunday anything can happen. With that being said, have we already forgotten that the Colts are 3-0 in their last 3 games against the Patriots? And, last time I checked, the game is being played in the dome in Indianapolis, where the Colts are almost unbeatable. Yeah, I’d say that the Colts have a shot, for sure.
Raible
October 26, 2007
16-0 and 0-16 are both pretty hard, as evident by NFL History.
If you’re the best team in football what are the chances that in 1 out of 16 games, your team won’t bring it’s “a” game, slacks off, turns the ball over, has unlucky bounces and the other team brings their best.
If you’re the worst team in football what are the chances that in 1 out of 16 games, your team plays well, your opponent sucks, you get lucky bounces, and wins the turnover battle.
Easy are possible and likely. I think the lack of either of these happening proves they are both pretty tough.
thav916
October 28, 2007
NFL Sweet 16 after Week 8:
1. New England (8-0): Big one next Sunday.
2. Indianapolis (7-0): See above.
3. Dallas (6-1): Big $$$ for Romo.
4. Green Bay (6-1): Big win on MNF.
5. Pittsburgh (5-2): Big one next Monday.
6. N.Y. Giants (6-2): Have won 6 straight.
7. San Diego (4-3): Now they’re rolling.
8. Tennessee (5-2): All VY does is wins.
9. Jacksonville (5-2): They need Garrard.
10. Detroit (5-2): Why not?
11. New Orleans (3-4): 3 wins in a row.
12. Baltimore (4-3): MNF @ the Burgh.
13. Seattle (4-3): Come on Seattle…
14. Washington (4-3): Ouch.
15. Carolina (4-3): Vinny? Really?
16. Tampa Bay (4-4): Need a running game.
NFL MVP: Tom Brady
Offensive POY: Tom Brady
Defensive POY: Mike Vrabel
Offensive ROY: Adrian Peterson
Defensive ROY: Darrelle Revis
Comeback POY: Randy Moss
Coach of the Year: Tony Dungy
A few additional thoughts:
-The rankings might not reflect it, but I think that when it’s all said and done, Pittsburgh is the 3rd best team in the NFL and the only one capable of beating New England or Indianapolis.
-Likewise, I think that Ben Roethlisberger is the 3rd best QB in the NFL behind Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.
-I absolutely despise what Bill Belicheck is doing. Look, I get the whole “if they don’t like it, then stop it” argument. But what this ass clown is doing is disrepecting the game. And no one is bigger than the game. There is absolutely no reason why Brady should be in the game, up 38-0, in the 4th quarter. Similarly, there is no reason why the Patriots should be going for it on 4th down when they are up by 40 points. This isn’t Madden NFL Football on XBox; this is the NFL, where you are supposed to play with class. You’re supposed to play your backups. Run the ball so as not to embarrass the other team. Kneel on the ball when the situation calls for it. I really hope that the Colts win this week. Additionally, I really hope that someone (Anthony Smith?) takes it upon himself to intentionally try and injure Tom Brady when he is still playing late in a game as he has done the last few weeks. Screw New England. But most of all, screw Bill Belicheck!
-As for the Mark Richt Georgia thing, I don’t see it as nearly a big of a deal. The celebration was actually kind of funny and really had no bearing, in my opinion, on the final outcome of the game, especially when the idiots were penalized for their excessive display and Tebow marched the Gators right down the field to score on the next possession.
-Some big games next week, with the obvious Colts-Pats game leading the way. Steelers-Ravens on MNF is HUGE, as is the Eagles-Cowboys contest.
Raible
October 30, 2007
By the way…
How amazing were those 2 Favre bombs on MNF? He beats Champ Bailey and Dre’ Bly, the latter on a pass to win the game in OT. Amazing!
Raible
October 30, 2007
Ranking QBs is always a fun topic, so with the recent news of Tony Romo’s big contract hanging in the air, I thought now would be a good time to take a look at the Top 10 QBs in the NFL today:
1. Tom Brady: 3 Super Bowl wins is pretty much all that needs to be said. Oh yeah, and re-writing the NFL record book through 8 games doesn’t hurt, either.
2. Peyton Manning: Was probably the best QB in the league coming into the season after winning the Super Bowl. It’s not his fault that Brady is putting up stupid stats, but, then again, it’s not like Peyton is putting up bad stats himself, either.
3. Ben Roethlisberger: Give me Ben over anyone not named Brady or Peyton. All the kid does is win football games, as evidenced by his becoming the youngest Super Bowl winning QB in history.
4. Brett Favre: I understand that I am probably acting a little biased here with Ben and Brett at #3 and #4, but I think a case can definitely be made for placing the old man here. Romo hasn’t done it for all that long of a time (what, like 20 games or something?) while Carson has yet to show the ability to win a big game. Besides, who else should be ranked #4 than #4?
5. Carson Palmer: The fact that he’s been doing in a little while longer gets Carson the nod over Romo. While he has yet to win a big game in his career, Palmer consistently puts up solid stats.
6. Tony Romo: At this point, I’ll drink the Kool-Aid. His big contract probably drove up the cost of Big Ben to the Steelers, but Romo is as good as it gets in today’s NFL.
7. Donovan McNabb: I’m still a believer in McNabb despite what Philly fans might say. While it’s true that he doesn’t move around as well as he once did, I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that he’s at least the 7th best QB in the NFL right now.
8. Drew Brees: After a slow start, last year’s feel-good story is coming on strong. If Brees can start putting up numbers like his 2006 season, then there’s nowhere to go but up on this list.
9. Matt Hasselbeck: While a slew of young QBs have entered the league in the last few years, Hasselbeck has just quietly gone about his business in the Great Northwest. This guy is as solid as they come…good, not great.
10. Eli Manning: Of all of the rest of the young QBs (Rivers, Cutler, Young, Leinart, etc.), I think that Eli is the furthest along. His play has really picked up as the Giants have reeled off 6 straight wins.
Obvious Omission: Marc Bulger – Bulger got big money in the offseason, but has been a big disappointment thus far, albeit mostly due to injury.
Just for giggles, here are the Top 10 QB salaries (listed in cap value), although in 2006 numbers:
1. Tom Brady – $13,828,590
2. Michael Vick – $ 13,074,837
3. Carson Palmer – $ 12,980,000
4. Brett Favre – $ 12,634,325
5. Peyton Manning – $ 10,571,068
6. Donovan McNabb – $ 8,555,121
7. Trent Green – $ 8,298,808
8. Marc Bulger – $ 7,585,630
9. Eli Manning – $ 7,388,074
10. Jake Plummer – $ 7,357,200
21. Ben Roethlisberger – $ 4,549,710
Raible
October 31, 2007
The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced 124 nominees for its Class of 2008. When it’s all said and done, between 4 and 7 people will be inducted into the Hall. My picks (I’m not even going to worry about Coaches and Contributers as I don’t think that I would even have a clue where to begin):
WR Cris Carter – All he did was catch TDs!
CB Darrell Green – Fastest dude ever.
LB Derrick Thomas – Such a beast.
P Ray Guy – Best Punter ever…it’s time!
A complete listing of nominees can be found here:
http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?Category=17&ID=383966&subCategoryID=0
Other guys that should be considered include Ricky Watters, Art Monk, Andre Reed, Mark Bavaro, Russ Grimm, Richard Dent, Kevin Greene, Donnie Shell, and Nick Lowery. Of the coaches, I think that Jimmy Johnson or Tom Flores is most deserving (but neither should necessarily be invited), while deserving contributors include the Sabols and Tagliabue.
Raible
October 31, 2007
Lots of talk this week about Sunday’s Patriots-Colts game being the best regular season matchup in history. While time will only tell if that is indeed the case, the regular season game, to me, that seems to have been the most memorable was Bears at Dolphins on December 2, 1985.
The Bears won their first 12, including a 45-10 waxing of Washington, and warmed up for their Monday night showdown with Miami by shredding Dallas 44-0 and Atlanta 36-0 the two weeks before the game. The Bears had a hermetically sealed defense, but Miami had Dan Marino — and the Dolphins quarterback was the difference in a 38-24 victory. Not only did Miami put up 31 first-half points, it wound up producing more points (38) than Chicago’s previous six opponents combined (36) in a rout witnessed by 25.4 million TV homes.
For the fact that it was the Dolphins preserving the ‘72 Dolphins as the only undeafeated team in history, that it was arguably the best QB of all-time (Marino) going against arguably the best defense of all-time (‘85 Bears), and the fact that it was on MNF seem to make this game the most memorable regular season game ever.
I would be lying, though, if I said I wasn’t stoked about this Sunday’s game. I am definitely rooting for the Colts to beat the Patriots, and if they were to win by 50 points then awesome. But, with that being highly unlikely, I am really hoping for a good, close matchup. If it’s anything like last year’s AFC Championship game, then we are all in for a treat!
The heart says Colts, but the head says Patriots by more than the spread is allowing for.
Raible
November 2, 2007
Brought to my attention by my brother, this is one of the greatest things I’ve ever read. From Dr. Z’s latest power rankings….
“Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
This is a statistic I mention because people who lean on it show me they don’t really understand football: In games in which Fast Willie goes over 100 yards, the team is 5-0. In games in which he doesn’t, they’re 0-2. It’s like saying, they’re 5-0 in games in which they score more points.”
Dr Z is the man!
thav916
November 3, 2007
Dr. Z….What a great way to sum it up. The classic mistaking of correlation for causation. The Steelers also have a phenomenal record when we take more knees than their opponent. Let’s start calling the kneeldown rght away!
Here’s a real quote I heard that I love:
“The Colts have 3/4 (or something like that) of their sacks in the 2nd half which proves…….wait for it…….that they focus on stopping the run in the 1st half!”
Yea, that or maybe when they have a 3 TD lead in the 4th quarter, and passing becomes a foregone conclusion, they tee off.
thegreatawakening
November 3, 2007
Great game today. I usually like the Pats more than the Colts but I was getting tired of everyone making a big deal about what the Pats were doing and not saying a word about the Colts, who in my opinion were just as impressive thus far this year (ok the 52-7 against the Skins was a bit incredible). Game was at Indy, no Ben Watson, no Marvin Harrison, no Tony Ugoh and the Pats get the close win. I thought the biggest difference in the game was the line play. Patriots got to Manning far more than the Colts got to Brady and ended up being the play of the game when the ball was knocked loose from Manning. Randy Moss is back to being the best wide receiver in the game. What a performance that was today.
I like that the game was relatively low scoring and that people will have to group them together. You have to wonder if they both came back down to Earth or if they’re actually just both on another planet from the rest of the NFL. If they face each other again it should be a battle.
thav916
November 5, 2007
I was also happy with the way the game turned out. I don’t think anyone can put the Pats in a tier by themselves anymore. Both teams made plays and were forced into mistakes, and either team could’ve won if it was a 5 quarter game. I’ve been wondering if the homefield edge was canceled out by the losses of Harrison and Ugoh. (there were other injuries of course for both sides, inactives and otherwise, but these seemed like the most hurtful, especially with Indy so thin at WR.)
If you were the Colts would you have rather played on the road with Harrison/Ugoh or at home w/o them?
As for the Pats- I believe they can still be beaten, but the odds of getting to 16-0 get better with every win, especially this one. After this week it’s not as hard to picture them losing to Pit, NYG, or even a random upset as it was a wek ago. I’ve said before that I think that the only difference between the ‘05 Colts (and the ‘07 Colts too I suppose)and the ‘07 Pats is running up the score. In ‘05 the Chargers finally derailed the Colts after the regular season was decided, and then the Steelers exposed and eliminated them in the 2nd round. What I took away from that year was that when a great team gets rolling they can start to look unbeatable…….until they get beat. Not saying I’m betting against the Pats, but this is still the NFL.
thegreatawakening
November 5, 2007
It was definitely a good game yesterday (Super Bowl 41.5). As Dean alluded to, I think it will be interesting to see if it ends up being Indy and New England in the Playoffs; I’m not saying that the Colts would have won if they had their guys, but it’s definitely a thought that had to have crossed Dungy’s mind: At home without Harrison and others, or on the road with Harrison and others. I think he made the right move; it definitely would have been the correct choice had the Colts hung on to the 10-point 4th quarter lead they built. It sucks that the Colts didn’t win, but, hopefully, it exposed something about New England to the rest of the league and, hopefully, the Pats lose sometime soon. I hate Belicheck.
Raible
November 6, 2007
Bert Haynesworth can’t be stopped, you can only hope to contain him. What a monster!
thav916
November 8, 2007
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=mcshay_todd&id=3098817&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1
The article looks back at this year’s draft and wonders what a redraft done today might look like.
My thoughts:
-Had to assume Peterson would end up higher this time around, and McShay sent him to Cleveland. Now that the Browns aren’t being held back by a bad QB, Jamal Lewis really looks out of place. Even though we knew he was bad in April, we definitel;y didn’t think he’d be the one crusty cog holding back and offensive machine. While you’d have to think Thomas is playing a role in the resurgence, Peterson would make everyone fear the Browns. Interestingly, Cleveland would have a tough decision to make regarding Anderson. If they believe in him they don’t bother moving up for Quinn, but would they move up for Joe Staley or someone else. Edit: just saw they got Ugoh here. (This also reminds me how lucky the Pats got with the Niners collapse- both Cleveland and San Fran trade back into the first, and New England gave up the worse pick to the team with the better record, and they still end up staring a top 5 pick in the face while the Browns pick will be mid-round.)
-I thought Willis should have gone higher than he did in the real draft, and I think the same thing about the redraft.
-Timmons to the Steelers again, this time with Adams on the board, surprised me, but not really in a bad way. I thought Grubbs might be a possibility.
-I hated the Craig Davis pick, especially over Gonzalez, and that’s what this guy’s thinking too. The receivers in general have been kind of up and down. Meachum’s done nothing in a great offense (partly due to injury), Bowe has been solid in a lame one.
thegreatawakening
November 8, 2007
Regarding that redraft, I felt like McGay tried to stay pretty conservative. Almost seemed like unless the player has done something wrong, or a player is just too obviously good things stayed the same. I thought for sure that the Steelers would have taken someone else in a redraft just based on the fact that Timmons hasnt done anything. But it appears like since he hasn’t done anything wrong and still factors into our plans McGay thought he still fit. Or even one step further to look at this rookie class and not put Adrian Peterson first is borderline weird.
Think the Browns could look to trade Derek Anderson this offseason? Matt Schaub went for a 2nd and that was based on spot duty. Could Anderson go for a first if he keeps it up? Or are you not in a rush to trade Anderson or Quinn and keep them both next year?
thav916
November 9, 2007
Regarding Anderson, I think much of what the Browns decide to do will depend on how the rest of the season plays out. For one, I still think that Crennel’s job is on the line. With that in mind, I think that Romeo is more likely to want to keep Anderson around for as long as possible as each and every win helps keep him off the proverbial hot seat.
However, I look at this situation like the one Cincinnati had a few years ago with Jon Kitna and Carson Palmer (or the one in San Diego with Drew Brees and Phillip Rivers). Kitna played solidly for the Bengals, but missed the Playoffs. The next year, Palmer took over as the starter with Kitna serving as the backup.
The nice thing for the Brownies, though, is the fact that Schaub was traded for a 2nd rounder last year. With that as a precedent, I think that the Browns should and will deal Anderson in the offseason, especially if the Browns don’t make the Playoffs. If the Browns do make the Playoffs, though, then it’s obviously going to be a tougher sell to their long-suffering fans.
Raible
November 9, 2007
Oh yeah, and anyone who wouldn’t take Adrian Peterson 1st overall is a freakin’ moron!
Raible
November 9, 2007
My Mid-Season Awards:
MVP: Tom Brady
Offensive POY: Tom Brady
Defensive POY: Albert Haynesworth
Offensive ROY: Adrian Peterson
Defensive ROY: Patrick Willis
Coach of the Year: Mike McCarthy
Asst. Coach of the Year: Josh McDaniels
Biggest Surprise Team: Cleveland
Most Disappointing Team: Chicago
Biggest Surprise Player: Derek Anderson
Most Improved Player: Braylon Edwards
Most Disappointing Player: Larry Johnson
Best Trend: Goddell suspending players
Worst Trend: Running up the score
Best Moment: Favre breaking the TD record
Worst Moment: Spygate
Best FA Pick-Up: Jeff Garcia
Raible
November 9, 2007
Raible loves Pete Prisco
thav916
November 9, 2007
The Browns:
I don’t see how you can trade Anderson. In my opinion when you have a QB who you think you can win with, you keep him. If Brady Quinn was doing what Anderson has done he’d be the talk of the league. When you already are getting the kind of production that you traded up in the draft for, why mess it up?
I think the answer is a combination of the Quinn pedigree and the allure of the unknown. I think this is weak. Anderson was a blue chip recruit who’s coaches believed he would leave after his junior year to become the top overall pick. He hit some pot holes but now he looks great and, for now, that’s enough for me. My solution is to keep Anderson and Quinn and see what unfolds. If Anderson hasn’t been able to get the team over the hump 3 years from now and he settles in as a B- passer, then consider giving Quinn a chance. If he blows next year then maybe you cost yourself a chance to steal a draft pick, but I’ll take that risk to see if Anderson’s the guy. I’m not going to assume that Quinn amounts to anything more than Leftwich, Boller, Grossman, Losman etc. until I see otherwise, so I’m treating the situation as if I have one of those guys behind Anderson. Which means he’s my guy until he’s not.
One unfortunate thing that this reminds me of is how impossible it is to trade a recent top draft pick due to salary cap consequences. When Brees looked great why not trade Rivers? He was a top 5 pick, so why wouldn’t a QB-hungry team put together the same type of package for Rivers that they would have on draft day? Only because of the cap. And as a result Brees turns around New Orleans and the Chargers ride the rollercoaster with Rivers. I think this is too bad, for the teams and the players.
thegreatawakening
November 11, 2007
You trade Derek Anderson because you might be able to get a first round pick for, let me repeat, Derek Anderson. As nice as it would be to keep both there are too many salary cap ramifications and you won’t be able to afford resigning Anderson to a big deal. Quinn obviously already has a big deal. Derek Anderson looks like he could be a nice QB. Me and Dean were obviously watching the same TV recently as I heard the same story about Dennis Erickson recruiting Anderson and thinking he’d be the number one pick. But it’s a little too early to consider the guy a top 10 QB in this league. You can’t let Anderson walk. If you can have Quinn and a first round pick you have to at least think about it. It’s possible that Derek Anderson could be the best QB of all time and the Falcons are probably regretting their Brett Favre every day for the last 15 years. But if Derek Anderson flops in extended time you have a first round pick to show for him. If you can get one now, the more he plays the more it’s possible that he doesn’t do as well.
thav916
November 12, 2007
NFL Sweet 16 after Week 10 (does anyone even care about the Seahawks-49ers MNF game?):
1. New England (9-0): Clearly the best there is.
2. Dallas (8-1): Only loss was to N.E.
3. Green Bay (8-1): Next 3: Car., Det., Dal.
4. Indianapolis (7-2): Health is a major concern.
5. Pittsburgh (7-2): Good comeback win.
6. N.Y. Giants (6-3): 0-2 vs. Dallas.
7. San Diego (5-4): Dodged a major bullet.
8. Jacksonville (6-3): Big win at Tennessee.
9. Tennessee (6-3): VY finally throws a TD.
10. Cleveland (5-4): A pretty solid team now.
11. Buffalo (5-4): Another solid team.
12. Seattle (4-4): Need to get moving.
13. Tampa Bay (5-4): NFC South sucks.
14. Detroit (6-3): Coming back to Earth?
15. Denver (4-5): Good win at K.C.
16. Philadelphia (4-5): Westbrook is awesome.
Raible
November 12, 2007
I agree that the Browns would have to consider trading Anderson based on the premise that a first round pick was on the table. Cleveland would need to evaluate three factors when evaluating such a trade. One is the value of Anderson- his ceiling, his floor, whatever’s in the middle, and the probability of each coming to fruition. The second is the value of the pick- once again, all the possibilities along with the probablities of each. And the third is the value of Quinn, factored along the same lines.
My guess is that the factor we view most differently is the valuation of the draft pick. I love the draft as much as the next guy, and I believe that great franchises build through the draft first and foremost. That said, I still view a single draft pick as an unkown asset with a known price tag. I’m drawn in by the possibility of hitting a homerun, but I also look back at drafts from years past and see a lot of names that became nothing in the NFL. This attitude also contributes to the way I view Brady Quinn. As I mentioned before, many of the QBs who have gone in his area of the draft have hurt their franchises badly. I think the best thing that the Browns have going for them is that they can still keep Quinn, and along with him the chance that he will be the next great QB, without betting the future of the team on his development. As for the pick itself, I would imagine from the Schaub deal (Schaub and the 10th for the 8th and two 2nds) that Browns would have a tough time getting into the upper part of the first round based on half a season. The catch 22 is that the better Anderson’s body of work becomes, and the better the pick he can fetch, the more reason there would be for keeping him. Assuming for the sake of analysis that the pick is the 15th overall, I personally would prefer to keep the possibilities and probabilities that Anderson represents. This is obviously where opinion, speculation, and hunch start to be a major factor, but while the sentence “get a first round pick for Derek Anderson” has it’s appeal, I think “get an intriguing QB prospect instead of an unproven college project” has a nice ring to it too.
I’d be interested to read more of your analysis on the topic, because I think these type of situations are the most fun to think about from the point of view of the GM.
thegreatawakening
November 12, 2007
Is this the worst MNF game ever? I don’t think I’ve even watched 1 snap!
Raible
November 13, 2007
The toughest part about analyzing the Anderson trade is really not having any specifics. To me there’s a big difference between things like
-1st round pick or 2nd round pick
-What you could get for Quinn in comparison
-What they think of Quinn from preseason/practice
-Salary cap ramifications of trading Quinn
-How soon they’d have to resign Anderson
Those things could change this situation completely. If I say I’d trade Anderson, I’m assuming I could get something I love, I’m assuming I like Quinn, and I’m assuming I just simply couldn’t keep both of them too much longer and would rather get something than nothing. Ideally it’d be nice if you could keep Anderson for at least one more year and get to see what he’s all about. Also get more time to evaluate Quinn. At that point you might be able to make a more educated decision. The problem with this is that if they know deep down they want Quinn to be their man, all they’re doing is prolonging putting him in and risking that Anderson’s value will lower. Right now Anderson is like a European basketball player or a college freshman. You’ve seen enough good things to absolutely love everything about him. The more he stays around the more it’s possible to see flaws and his value drops. It’s a tough situation. Once again, it’s back to think those things I wrote above could sway my thought process completely. If it’s the offseason and I can get a first round pick for Anderson I think it’s tough to pass up.
thav916
November 14, 2007
1. Ben Roethlisberger: Already the owner of a Super Bowl ring, Big Ben has re-established himself this season as one of the best QBs in all of football. His ability to move around the pocket (not necessarily taking off and running with the football) might be unmatched by anyone in the game.
2. Carson Palmer: Carson turns 28 on Dec. 27th, so it’s almost unfair to even include him in these talks. Nevertheless, he is probably the best pure passer of the QBs aged 27 or under. I question his desire to be a winner, though; remember, USC never won a title until after Palmer left, and the Bengals are once again relative losers. A gifted QB, though, no doubt.
3. Tony Romo: In today’s day and age, how do guys like Romo and Willie Parker go undrafted? While Romo may not yet be worth the money that was awarded to him by Dallas, there is no denying that this dude has been a shining star for America’s Team since taking over for Drew Bledsoe last year. Having T.O. as your #1 target certainly helps, too.
I feel like the Top 3 are pretty much no-brainers. As Golic said on the show, you could make a case for any of these 3 guys as the best of the group, but there is a definite drop-off to the next tier of QBs, a group that includes Derek Anderson, Jay Cutler, Eli Manning, Phillip Rivers, Jason Campbell, Matt Schaub, Vince Young, Matt Leinart, Alex Smith, J.P. Losman, etc.
4. Vince Young: He might be the poorest pure passer on the list of guys that I just mentioned. So why does Young get ranked higher than the rest of these guys? Because all the dude does is win football games…more often than not with his legs, which work just as well as a cannon for an arm. I feel like Young’s upside is bigger than any of the guys I previously mentioned, too.
5. Eli Manning: Of the rest of the group, I’m taking Eli. I think that Eli probably has the best talent of the 2nd tier guys, but I just like VY’s athleticism and ability to win ball games more than Eli at this point. I like Eli more than Rivers, Leinart, Cutler, etc.
Raible
November 15, 2007
1. Ben. Anyone who has watches every Steeler game knows this. I wouldn’t trade him (a real, permenant trade, in the NFL) for Manning. He’s too awesome. I don’t think this spot is even debateable if you’ve watched him play(okay you could try).
2. Palmer. I still put him here because of what he showed us in 2005. When he took a 5 step drop you just got scared as an opposing fan. ‘06 I write off somewhat to the injury, and this year the team just sucks. I could understand a different guy here but I’m pretty set on Palmer. He’s great at throwing down field, whether it’s a bomb, deep in or out, post, or comeback. Always zip on the ball when its required, no problem feathering it over the first tier of coverage when his guy is bracketed, and he takes care of the ball. He’s never been the pure playmaker that Ben or Romo is, so unlike them he’s probably not going to be the guy to take a flawed team further than they otherwise would, but with a great team he’d do what Manning does.
3. Romo. I still think a humbling crash back to reality is coming, but I can’t act like this isn’t happening right now either, and the body of work is very good. I can see some high INT years, and a big game or two that he totally mucks, but right now he’s playing well and with confidence, so I put him at 3 until I see a reason not to. The good veteran teammates and soft conference leave some doubts though. I think Jaws wouldn’t put him at 1 if he hadn’t seen great things, but I’d love to put him on the Bills or Ravens for a month and see what happens.
4. Manning. I voted for Rivers over Eli last time, but since then I’ve started to think that Rivers might need more going his way to do well than Eli does. In fairness I haven’t really watched a Giants game with any interest beyond fantasy, but I want a QB who wants to and is capable of going downfield. That’s why Ben is 1, and that’s why I guess I’m going Eli at 4.
5. Cutler. More tools than Rivers. Better passer than Young.
A lot can change fast with this group as we’ve discussed. Rivers and Schaub are only a short hot streak from making the list, and it will be interesting to see what Clemens, Losman or Edwards, Young, and others do down the stretch.
Sorry, I have to bash VY- Vince Young does more than win. He also loses. This generally happens when the other team scores more than 14 points. He’s 0-2 when the other team scores 15 or more, he’s 5-0 when they don’t. Tennesse beat Oakland 13-9 when Young threw for 42 yards. They beat Jacksonville 13-10 when he threw for 78. The offense exploded for 24 against the Saints when they still sucked and had 5 turnovers. Young threw for 164. In wins against David Carr and Joey Harrington Young led 3 TD drives (zero passing) and had 5 INT. Oh wait he had a three yard play-makin TD run.
I’m not saying there’s nothing more to football than stats. When you play great defense and can run the ball your QB is going to have less yards. But when you do pass it should be easier and more effective. Young has 4 TDs and 10 picks. And he has 2 rushing TDs of 5 yards total and 217 yards on the season. He has potential, but right now I don’t think I can even call him decent.
thegreatawakening
November 16, 2007
“This generally happens when the other team scores more than 14 points. He’s 0-2 when the other team scores 15 or more, he’s 5-0 when they don’t.”
Wasn’t there just a bunch of posts last week about useless stats and how they can be manipulated to prove whatever point you are trying to prove?
Hey, Ben Roethlisberger is 7-0 when his defense gives up less points than their opponents, but is 0-2 when the opponents score more than them.
Raible
November 16, 2007
“I don’t think this spot is even debateable if you’ve watched him play(okay you could try).”-Dean.
I know Dean has been quoting me lately and agreeing but I have to disagree with this statement. I think this is the exact type of statement that an outsider looks at and then doesn’t take our opinions seriously because we are so overly biased towards Roethlisberger. While I, too, am gonna put Roethlisberger first I don’t think you can consider it unarguable. I think your point is more along the lines that if you watch Big Ben every snap you realize he’s a lot better than just looking in the box score and I’ll agree to that. Could always rate QB’s based on how Blackstone rated them…basing them solely on looks. Predicting the Pats to beat the Panthers in the Super Bowl because Brady was better looking than Delhomme was just one of the many example. Classic.
1. Roethlisberger-I’ll make it unanimous about Burghers, probably not a surprise. Just love how he handles himself, leads, creates, wins. As we add weapons/o-line and as he continues to learn when to make a play and when not to force he’ll become near unstoppable.
2. Tony Romo-Also love the things Romo brings to the table. His first TD last week was unreal and the ball earlier this year that was snapped over his head and he made a sweet play; those are just Romo bein Romo. He doesn’t seem to get flustered and enjoys being out there.
3. Carson Palmer-Only 3rd because he can’t run as well and hasn’t won as much. I’m sure he’d enjoy a better defense but I also feel he’s more unsure of himself than my first two and I think that’s a big part of being a QB. No doubt he can toss the ball around and has an unbelievable arm. Could easily be 1st, 2nd or 3rd as I agree with Raible that these 3 are clear cut. Also agree that he seems like he’s been around too long for this list.
4. Eli Manning-I also suppose I’ll go with Eli. The guy gets critiqued like no other but has provided stability at the position and has had success. As inconsistent as I feel Eli is it’s ironic that he gets the nod here because of consistency, illustrating how unstable these young QB’s are.
5. Jason Campbell-He gets the nod here due to how much I like him handling himself. I like his poise and style of play. I also feel like he doesn’t have much around him at all but can win games. I hope the Skins keep their draft picks and build a nice team around Campbell.
I really have liked what I’ve seen from Jay Cutler earlier this year. I think he has Romo/Roethlisberger like skills.
It’s funny that none of us want to put Derek Anderson on this list but some of the others haven’t really started many more games.
Phil Rivers needs to bounce back and Matt Schaub needs Andre Johnson.
Can’t wait to see this year’s draft class. Also hope Leinert is healthy next season.
While I think that stat Dean threw out is absolutely horrible, I’m gonna agree with him a little more than Raible on Young, or maybe somewhere in the middle. I’m all for the “All he does is win games” is the QB is actually helping in winning those games. Last year, he did. This year, I don’t think he has been. It’s completely different winning dispite Young than winning because of him and I don’t like to give him the credit no matter what. I think it is scary that the Titans are doing well and Young hasn’t had to be superman as I certainly think he’s still capable of pulling out some wins on his own. I also one reason to bump Young higher up the list than his stats indicate is I still think he’s as scary as anyone in the 2 minute drill on this list. I might put him 4th for that and it’s obviously a huge part of being a QB. I definitely think Young can win you games. I just don’t think he has been. I think Young faces the same problems Michael Vick did. A QB that can run but not pass great comes into the NFL and takes the NFL by storm because of all the things he can do but the things he can’t do get overlooked. You keep thinking, “Wow he can run amazingly and CAN do some good things passing, IF he becomes a better passer he’ll be as good as anyone.” That’s a true statement but the question is will he become any better as a passer. Vick did not and I think people finally realized that the 2 nice runs a game weren’t cutting it from an NFL QB. Young’s a man. A beast. A warrior. A winner. It also has to be pointed out that his WR’s are HORRIBLE. Handing off to LenDale is borderline unfair but regardless, those wr’s. Ew. I’m never sure what type of WR would be best with Young but you gotta think they’ll add something soon.
Top 3 are pretty clear and pretty soon it’ll be just Roethlisberger and Romo as Palmer turns 28. I think it’s safe to say no matter how you rank the next 5-10 QB’s the rankings could change at any moment based on any play or game. Jury is still very very far from out. And as I mentioned, can’t wait to get Russell, Quinn, Beck, etc into this mix and see how everything unfolds. And then 4-5 more in the 2008 draft.
thav916
November 16, 2007
Good stuff from both Dean and Haver with their opinions.
Raible
November 16, 2007
Okay, okay. The only point of the stat is that I think they should change the phrase to “all Vince Young does is win as long as his defense plays excellent.” He’s never won one of those back and forth games where he keeps answering the call. For me that’s what I need to see before I put him near a list like this.
thegreatawakening
November 16, 2007
Interesting point that I overlooked before leads me to a question:
What is the ideal receiving core for VY? Let’s assume a realistic core could include one pro-bowler tops along with a decent or worse #2, slot and/or tight end.
Should the Titans start with a dependable target like Ward or Boldin or a guy he can wing it to deep like Burress or Santana Moss? I tend to think running some double tight end sets with the right guys might make it easier for Young to make quick reads and put together better drives. What do you guys think?
thegreatawakening
November 17, 2007
With Young’s scrambling ability, I think the one thing that would benefit him the most would be a big target that he could spot when he was moving out of the pocket. For that reason, I think that Plax would be an amazing #1 WR for a team with VY at QB. Remember how much Plax helped Ben during his 1st year? Ben used to say that it was so easy to spot Plax whenever he would move out of the pocket. Plax, in my opinion, would be the ideal WR for VY.
After that, I think a team would just need to fill in with some solid WR. Another guy that could stretch the field a bit (he wouldn’t even have to be that great…hell, it could be Cedrick Wilson). A nice, sure-handed WR would help him, too (I’m thinking like a Joe Jurevicius). And of course, any QB could be aided by a TE that can catch the ball (this could be anyone who is capable of getting off the line and making a catch…Donald Lee, Matt Spaeth, etc.).
The beauty of this WR corps is that it is relatively practical in that it wouldn’t cost a ton of money. Plax is a legit #1, but the rest of the guys I mentioned are no better than a #2 or #3 option on any team.
Anyone else have any thoughts?
Raible
November 17, 2007
How huge is the Cutler-Young matchup on Monday Night Football?!?! Have got to see Cutler a few times already and will be great to see VY in charge of the offense.
As for his ideal wr core I tend to think putting 2 good TE’s in the lineup, some rb’s that can catch short passes and things like that are the way to go. But I don’t think a team can really be effective if they can’t go down field. A big target is always nice. I’m gonna defer on this question until after I watch him on Monday to see him in action and what he really likes to do.
thav916
November 18, 2007
Great performances by Cutler and Young tonight. I think they at least showed they had the talent to be mentioned with anyone under 28 and certainly in the thick of the mix outside of the top 3. The main thing that separates the top 3 from the rest is the consistency. I know Romo hasnt been around too long but I feel like he’s been great in 90% of his games. On any given day Cutler, VY, Derek Anderson, Jason Campbell and others can look like 4th. But on another day they look like 15th. It will be who sustains good play the most that rises as legitimate.
Jay Cutler must know when I’m watchin because all he does is impress me. It’s funny but I Feel like I’m not asking for much in a QB. Give me smarts, savvy, a strong arm and the ability to move. It’s odd that there’s not 32 people in the world that fit that bill but their aren’t. Cutler really plays a nice game. Didn’t run much tonight but threw almost perfectly.
I really enjoy watching Vince Young wheel and deal. It’s just fun and enjoyable. Always in control, defense always scared. his interceptions were late and when the action was forced. He put up some big passing numbers and had some balls dropped. Runs so smooth and effortlessly. Always say that a guy like Vick and Young only has to be a slightly above passer to be a star. Vick never became that. Young looked like he can tonight. Consistency is the key.
After watching the Titans I almost feel like their ideal receiving core is similar to what I originally imagined and ironically not too far off from what they have. It just needs to improve. I kinda like the idea of giving Young as many weapons as possible but not necessarily stars. I’m not saying Randy Moss would hurt Young but I’m not sure if Young needs a go to guy that he’d focus on. I like the idea of him having RB’s that can catch (and Lendale to pound). Two TE’s that can catch. Four WR’s that can all make plays. I just think they need to add some better overall talent and get rid of their lower level skill positioned players that are currently playing.
thav916
November 20, 2007
NFL Sweet 16 after Week 12:
1. New England (11-0)
2. Dallas (10-1)
3. Green Bay (10-1)
4. Indianapolis (9-2)
5. Pittsburgh (8-3)
6. Jacksonville (8-3)
7. San Diego (6-5)
8. N.Y. Giants (7-4)
9. Seattle (7-4)
10. Tampa Bay (7-4)
11. Cleveland (7-4)
12. Philadelphia (5-6)
13. Minnesota (5-6)
14. Chicago (5-6)
15. Denver (5-6)
16. Tennessee (6-5)
-HUGE game on Thursday night (on the NFL Network, no less) between the Boys and the Pack. I think that the Cowboys win this one, but the Packers return the favor in the NFC Championship Game. Speaking of the Packers, is there anyone more valuable (I’m talking pure value here) to his team than Brett Favre?
-Steelers vs. Patriots in a couple of weeks could be huge. I’m hoping that teams can learn from what the Colts and Eagles did to the Pats; someone out there has to be able to beat them, right?
-Jacksonville looks like a real solid team right now, as does Tampa Bay. Two Florida teams that aren’t getting much love right now (too much attention is being taken away by Tebow, no doubt) but could be big-time players come January.
-I’m really impressed with the Vikings, too. They run the ball really well and play really good defense. Now, if only Tavaris Jackson could play a little more like Vince Young and a little less like Kordell Stewart.
-The Browns just continue to impress. Only 1 game behind the Steelers? Are you kidding me?!?!
Raible
November 27, 2007
My favorite non-Steeler things about the 2007 season:
-Favre being Favre. I’ve always loved Donald Driver, and I really liked the Greg Jennings pick in 2006. But James Jones and Donald Lee have made the biggest difference on offense in my opinion. While I wish the Pack had addressed the RB position at some point (Michael turner maybe?) I’m having fun watching Favre run and shoot.
-Return of the Packer-Cowboy dominance. They both had more memorable games against San Fran than each other in the 90s, but I’m glad to see these teams back on top of the NFC. I’m especially pleased to see this happen with, and because of Favre. Both of these teams are built to contend- young talented front sevens, good lines, and a nice mix of skill players on offense. I hope Favre plays 3 more years and meets Romo in the playoffs 3 times.
-Garrard and the Jags. I’m a Leftwich fan, but that move had to be made. The Jags are another team that’s been built the way I like. Great inner triangle of Peterson, Stroud and Henderson. Mathis, Nelson, and a ball-hawk attitude in the secondary. Great one-two punch in the underrated Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. And I like the way Garrard manages things. (The lone roster blunder by the team seems to be the receiving core. I like Wilford somewhere in the mix, and Reggie Williams has his moments, but Jones has been poor and the overall mix has been bad. I’d like to see this team with Santonio and Heath Miller instead of Williams and Jones.) I like the way the team was built and I give them a lot of credit for going with Garrard. Wouldn’t surprise me if they beat out Indy, either for the division or in the playoffs.
-Jeff Fisher getting his due. Fisher’s been getting it done for a long time. There was a good article on the Titns in espn mag’s last issue. I may rip on VY, but I’d like to see him put it all together, and I think Fisher can get it done.
-Westbrook putting together a full season. I don’t have the man in fantasy surprisingly, but I love him.
-Brandon Jacobs getting it done (when healthy). I love big backs, so I’m happy to see Jacobs having some success. He needs a lightning comliment, and maybe it can be Ward, to keep him fresh.
-Eli Manning not being horrible. I just didn’t want that to happen.
-The Vikings putting together a dominant rushing attack. Peterson is a great player, but their success has been earned as a team. Chester can get it done as well, and I hope they will use a two headed approach for the good of the team and the players. I don’t like Tavaris much, but it’s easier said than done to find Schaub or Romo. I’d like to see some veterans mixed in at receiver and QB in ‘07. (Jeff Garcia?)
-The Browns return to respectability. It’s been awhile since I hated them with any real interest, but it’s looking like that will change soon- maybe even as soon as this year’s playoffs. They flashed a team like this once before though, and Winslow-Edwards-Thomas or not (as opposed to all those bad busts), if Anderson doesn’t keep it together they might be headed back down.
The All-Manifest Team:
QB Favre
RB Westbrook
RB Barber III
HB Cooley
TE Miller
WR Fitzgerald
WR Driver
DE Kampman
DE Allen
DT Haynesworth
DT Henderson
LB Willis
LB Sims
LB Harrison
S GWilson
S Sanders
CB Mathis
CB Cromartie
thegreatawakening
November 27, 2007
Wow, I love the idea of an All-Raible Team. And, much like Madden, my team would consist of guys who aren’t necessarily the best at their positions but are certainly worthy of consideration (and are definitely my kind of guys)…
QB: Brett Favre
-Favre is my all-time favorite player
RB: Brian Westbrook
-Have been a big fan of his for quite some time now.
FB: Lorenzo Neal
-Consider him to be as good of a blocking back as there is in the league.
WR: Larry Fitzgerald
WR: Hines Ward
-Fitz has the best pure hands in the league, in my opinion, while Hines brings everything you could want to a team.
TE: Antonio Gates
-Simply the best there is today.
OT: Mark Tauscher
OG: Alan Faneca
C: Hank Fraley
OG: Steve Hutchinson
OT: D’Brickashaw Ferguson
-Hutchinson is probably the best OL in the game, and I gotta give some love to my fellow Bobby Mo boy Fraley.
DE: Aaron Smith
DT: Casey Hampton
DE: Aaron Kampman
-I love white dudes named Aaron.
OLB: Joey Porter
ILB: James Farrior
ILB: A.J. Hawk
OLB: James Harrison
-After watching last night’s game, I realized that I still love Peezy. Hawk would be an ILB in the 3-4, I am thinking.
CB: Darrelle Revis
CB: Charles Woodson
-Find me 2 better shut-down corners. Or at least 2 that I would like more than these 2.
SS: Adrian Wilson
FS: Sean Taylor (RIP)
-The Taylor thing, while kind of a joke, is legit as he was having his best season as a pro. Wilson is just an animal.
K: Jeff Reed
P: Daniel Sepulveda
KR: Devin Hester
ST: Clint Kriewaldt
-No one loves the Steelers specialists more than me. Hester might be the best returner in the history of the game.
Head Coach: Jon Gruden
Offensive Coordinator: Ken Whisenhunt
Defensive Coordinator: Dick LeBeau
Offensive Line Coach: Russ Grimm
-Hey, it’s my team and I can do what I want. What I want is a reunion of Whiz and Grimm, in their old positions, with LeBeau. All under the tutelage of Gruden. (FYI: If Bill Cowher were still a Head Coach, is there any doubt I would have him?!?!)
Raible
November 27, 2007
Going back to the Quinn-Anderson debate, I found the following article to be interesting:
http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10501064
You know, I think that the longer that Anderson continues to play well, the more likely it is that he is the starter in Cleveland next year.
Raible
November 29, 2007
All T-Hav
QB Rex Grossman
Was great to see Rex slingin the ball around on Sunday for a come behind victory. He’ll keep the seat warm for Tebow’s arrival in 2009/2010
RB LenDale White
RB Clinton Portis
LenDale is a beast and Portis is the coolest player in the game
FB Reagan Mauai
Samoan
WR Plaxico Burress
WR Anquan Boldin
Plax is my boy. I’ve grown to be a big fan of Boldin and love how he catches the ball and just bounces off people on his way to the endzone.
TE Vernon Davis
So built, so strong
Offensive Line-Max Starks
All other lineman fail in comparison to Max
DE-Julius Peppers
DT-Warren Sapp
DT-John Henderson
DE-Chris Canty
Peppers is one of the best Tar Heel athletes of all-time. I still love Sapp. Henderson has been a favorite since he was a PF/DT recruit in High School. I’m still mad the Steelers passed Canty in the draft (for Essex AND Fred Gibson) and I was right on the money with the big DE.
OLB-Manny Lawson
MLB-Patrick Willis
OLB-Jarvis Moss
I don’t care if my OLB’s are more suited for the 3-4. The DE/OLB is by far my favorite position. Willis is an animal but gets it more by default as I don’t have a real favorite MLB (Singletary still #1). Love Lawson and Moss’s athletic ability.
CB-Pacman Jones
CB-Antonio Cromartie
Pacman is the man and Cromartie was my top CB in his draft and has made so many big plays this season
FS-Reggie Nelson
SS-Adrian Wilson
Can’t go against my Gator at the free safety spot. Been a big fan of Wilson’s for a while now and still don’t think he gets the credit he deserves.
Choosing this team it was obvious to me that my favorite position is DE/OLB. Marcus Spears, Jevon Kearse, Kenechi Udeze, Kevin Carter, James Harrison, Mario Williams and some others I’m sure I’m forgetting are all some of my favorite players. I love huge, athletic freaks.
Warren Moon, Barry Sanders, and Mike Singletary get honorary spots on this team.
As for coach, there’s no one sweeter than Tomlin, but non-Steeler I’d definitely go with Jack Del Rio.
thav916
November 29, 2007
I would imagine Anderson as the QB next season. I don’t think the dilemma really comes into effect until Anderson’s contract is close to running out, which I really don’t know when it is. At some point the Browns are gonna have to decide whether to resign Anderson with huge money or not. As long as he’s cheap and Quinn is the only one with a big contract I don’t think it’s a big deal to have them both. Trading Anderson this offseason is possible just based on his stock being incredibly high and the Browns not having a first rounder.
Deano I liked your thoughts.
-I think Ryan Grant has been very good for the Pack. He runs hard and can catch the ball. With Jackson, Wynn and Morency I think they might have actually found a good committee to do the job.
-You really like Favre bein Favre? The weapons they’ve added are definitely huge for him. I think this season is big for Favre’s legend, just because I think the last few seasons have started to make some people forget about all of the good moments he used to have. While this season is actually one of his best ever, I think it’s important to see some of the things he used to do to remember just how good he was, instead of just remembering to an old man trying to hang on. With all apologies to Favre fans, I thought Bob Ryan put it perfectly, “I’m Favred out.”
-That’s a good point about Packers-Cowboys. Man, it woulda been nice if the niners were also good.
-Garrard really is a good QB. Great decision by Del Rio. Liked your point about the receivers. Holmes especially. I was all about Matt Jones that year so I’m not gonna say I didn’t love it, but Wilford, Williams and Jones is just one of the many examples why I no longer like to force the idea of drafting a BIG wr. That team needs a Roscoe Parrish, Sinorice Moss, Randle El type so badly. And keep drafting defense.
-I used to HATE Jeff Fisher. But I agree completely. I think some things turned for me when I saw him with the NFL Draft players a few years ago. I think he’s a great coach.
-Browns have been bad for so long that a lot of Steeler fans don’t even hate them anymore. Fail in comparison in hatred to the Ravens and the Bengals. The Browns have been money in the draft the last 5 or so first round picks and it shows.
thav916
November 29, 2007
F Bob Ryan…I’m all New England-ed out, and that includes a 95-year-old guy who never has anything relevant to say anymore and has turned into one of the biggest homers anyone has ever seen.
Raible
November 29, 2007
Two thoughts on Thursday Night Football, which I am completely fired up about
1. THE NETWORK. I find the whole NFL network issue tiresome. For starters, the NFL has 16 games each week, 11 or 12 of which you won’t have a chance to see unless you live in the appropriate region of the country or purchase the direct ticket package. This year the NFL has decided to move a single game to Thursday and air it on its proprietary network. Granted, this week’s game would have been FOX’s nationally televised 4 o’clock game and everyone would have been able to watch it, but besides that fans will still get to watch the usual slate of games. If a fan finds it unacceptable to miss this or any other televised game, then he can buy the sports package for $4 a month like I did, or if that option is not available he can go to a bar for 3 hours. The end result of the cable-NFL network battle: fans without the NFL network will miss one or two games that would have been aired nationally on Sunday on network television in prior years, and instead get a different game in that time slot. Not really a big deal, and in fairness the only people who are really making noise about it are the talking heads. The other part of the issue annoys me much more, and one fundamental level. A handful of sports analysts have come up with the idea that greed and big business are ruining sports for the fan. The reality is that capitalism and the competition that comes with it have had fantastic repercussions for the fans. Competition between the networks over viewership and the advertising revenues that come with it forces them to innovate and improve. Concepts like the high-definition broadcast, the digital first down line, and the sideline reporter (just kidding) are the direct results of network attempts at one-upmanship in pursuit of money. Good things happen when money is at stake. So the NFL s driving a hard bargain with your cable provider- this is a positive. The NFL, like all companies, redirects a portion of its earnings back into its product. A bigger piece of the pie for the NFL may lead to better broadcasts on the NFL Network, which will motivate the other providers of the same product to step up their efforts. As Gordon Gekko said, “Greed is right. Greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit.”
2. THE GAME. I think this one will be as good as advertised. Looking at the teams on paper, the only hole that some analysts are finding on either side is the Green Bay running game. I happen to think this works out fine for the Packers, because I believe the way to beat Dallas is to spread them out and disect them. I love the way the Cowboy defense has been built since Parcells took over. Investing picks in Spears, Ware, Burnett, Canty, and Carpenter has allowed them to transition to the deadly 3-4. Veterans like Tank Johnson, Gregg Ellis have been mixed in nicely as well. Even their most questionable unit features too blue chip prospects in Newman and Williams and respected veteran Anthony Henry. But the Dallas secondary is not especially fast, and the defense as a unit only thrives when the team has the lead, controls the pace, and dictates the playcalling. This D can be toasted if the an offense chooses to apply tremendous pressure on its own terms. Turns out that this is exactly what Favre and his receivers have done with mastery in recent weeks. I expect Favre to have a big game tonight. I mean REALLY get it done. Jennings, Jones, and Lee have been the difference this year, and I expect Favre to have a little something for everyone. But I say Donald Driver returns to big time status tonight. Favre loves Driver. You can hear in his voice the reverence and admiration he feels for the man. It’s games like this that bring out the rawest of emotions in a player, and I believe that the intensity of the moment will draw out Favre’s trust and belief in Driver to get the job done. Once Favre finds his rythym (and it may or may not take a few possessions) I don’t think it will take too long for everyone on the Green Bay sideline will get swept up in the wave. By the second half I expect the running game to be less than an afterthought, as the tension mounts and each possession becomes armageddon.
As for the other matchup, the Dallas offense really looks like a complete unit. The great teams of the 90s had some terrific big threes: Aikman-Irvin-Emmit, Kelly-Thurman-Reed, etc. But the offenses who became consistent and dynamic enough to keep their teams in the hunt year after year had playmakers falling all over the place like Harper, Lofton, Kenneth Davis, Novacek, etc. This year’s Cowboys has that same feel to me. Romo to Owens is an all-pro combo, but then you have Witten, Barber, Crayton, and Jones, with Glenn on the way. Very explosive, very dynamic, and very productive drive-in and drive-out. A big part of what makes this game compelling is the Green Bay defense, and how they will handle the star-studded Cowboy attack. The Packer front office has done a great job building this defense. They aren’t screwing around in the secondary with Al Harris and Charles Woodson. The young nucleus of the unit is the linebacking core, led by Hawk and Barnett. The huge ingredient of blitz-less pressure is provided up front by KGB and Kampman, although the Soviet is out. The Boys will try to isolate Atari Bigby in the secondary on downs when they aren’t looking to establish their two-pronged rushing offensive. I can’t wait to see if they are successful.
My prediction:
Good day for Romo. Great day for Favre.
Green Bay 34 Dallas 21
thegreatawakening
November 29, 2007
Yea I think this year’s Favre performance serves as a great memory-jogger as well. Kind of like how I wish I could have like 30 seconds of an acid trip again just to……ok nevermind.
thegreatawakening
November 29, 2007
My Prediction:
Dallas 27
Green Bay 17
Oh, how I hope I’m wrong!!!
Raible
November 30, 2007
Well, I almost had the score right…unfortunately. The Dallas-Green Bay game was a solid one from a fan’s perspective, but the injury to Favre sucked…in so many different ways (entertainment value, as a fan of the Packers, fantasy-wise, etc.). Dallas, though, did what they had to do to win the game. That conversion on 3rd and 19 was no doubt the play of the game. Rodgers played pretty well in relief of Favre, but I hope he finds himself back on the bench next week (which would mean that #4 would be back in the huddle where he belongs).
The Cowboys are clearly in the Donald Driver’s seat now in the NFC. The Packers, though, have to have some confidence that they can go into Dallas in the Playoffs and compete. Only losing by 10 without Woodson and KGB, plus the injury to Favre, should give the Pack some hope that they can, indeed, beat the Cowboys.
Raible
November 30, 2007
Ouch. I’d use the Favre injury as an excuse for a mulligan but I actually think it would’ve gotten worse. Favre is one of those players with an incredible ability to play at an insanely high level and also at a mind-boggling bad level. On a night when I predicted the former we got the latter. Injuries for the Pack definitely came at the worst spots on defense (CB/DE) but I’m pretty sold on Dallas as the better team. Granted this isn’t a crazy revelation or anything, but I am more convinced now than I was a few hours ago that the Cowboys strengths can adequately compensate for their weaknesses. Fair point that Green Bay can see a silver lining or two in defeat, and either way this was an interestign regular season game, nothing less but also nothing more.
thegreatawakening
November 30, 2007
Ha could you have taken the Bob Ryan comment any more personal? Geez dude settle down
thav916
November 30, 2007
Big opportunity for Aaron Rodgers and he played really well. Big for him.
Not a big fan of huge borderline pass interference calls but that’s the bonus of going down the field a lot and takin a chance.
Coulda even been worse if TO catches that TD in the endzone.
Ryan Grant is the man.
I think for a team like the Packers to beat the Cowboys you can’t rely on outscoring in a shootout them you have to rely on stopping them and winning with defense and enough scoring.
Dean, couldnt agree anymore about your paragraph about how ridiculous it is for people to complain about the NFL Network.
thav916
November 30, 2007
Just before it goes unnecessarily far, you’re obviously settled. I don’t think it’s right or wrong, I just thought it was nice to hear a guy say that. I’m not a Favre fan so I’m tired of all the Favre things. If you’re a Favre fan you probably can’t get enough. That goes for any story in all of sports. As for the homer thing, if the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins were all winning championships and a Pittsburgh media guy was on the national scene and wasn’t a homer I’d probably be mad. I still like Ryan but my comment was more about the comment made than who made it. Apparently I should have just referenced that “someone” said that. I’m tired of Favre but I can also be objective, which is why he’s been my NFL MVP for several weeks now.
thav916
November 30, 2007
Bob Ryan is gay.
Raible
November 30, 2007
Right on!
thav916
November 30, 2007
Dallas and Indianapolis made big statements this week, opening up leads for the NFC Homefield Advantage and the AFC South, respectively. Tennessee got 2 TD passes from Vince Young to hop back into the AFC Playoff Picture, while Cleveland blew an opportunity in Arizona with Fitzgerald and Bouldin hurt. Speaking of Arizona, it’s nice to see teams like them and Minnesota fighting for Playoff spots in the NFC.
Raible
December 3, 2007
Things I liked about Week 13:
-Vikings continuing to thump the NCF. It was easy to write them off with Jackson at QB but I give Childress a lot of credit for putting him in positions to have success. The team has committed plenty of draft picks to the defense, and it’s starting to pay off. And of course it’s still all about that dominant offensive line and punishing running back combo. Time to break out the Viking horn (the best sound effect in the NFL) in the Metrodome for a playoff run.
-Vince Young being responsible for a key Tennessee victory. Just when the Titans were slipping into Texans/Bills territory Young has stepped up his game to give the team a puncher’s chance at a wild card berth.
-A dominant Tomlinson performance.
-A JaMarcus Russell sighting. I’m not sure if he can be a great quarterback, but I’m always rooting for guys with tools to make it work.
-Ben grabbing Palmer by the belt and running him down the bar headfirst. I was seven rows back from the pilon Ben dove past for the first touchdown, and the game seemed over at that moment. To be honest I thought that the Bengals were going to be the next great AFC power, but it all seemed to go downhill when Von O rolled up Carson’s knee. I still fear them every time, but they just aren’t good for some reason. Injuries have hurt them, but I wonder if Lewis makes it to training camp.
thegreatawakening
December 3, 2007
Blueprint.
Gettin pretty tired of hearing this word.
How do you beat New England? What’s the blueprint? Do whatever it is you normally do to be successful.
How do you succeed on offense?
If you generally get favorable results by by establishing the run and taking some shots downfield off playaction, then do that. If you prefer to come out with guns blazing and shoot right into the hurry-up offense, then do that. If you dink and dunk and mix in occassional delays and screens, then do that.
How do you succeed on defense?
When they run, stop it. When they drop back to pass, pressure the passer and cover the receivers.
Sure, I’m over-simplifying here. You should always modify your strategy and adjust your tactics to address your opponents tendancies and exploit his weaknesses. But mainly you win football games by playing to your strengths and executing your assignments.
The best offensive player in Baltimore is Willis Mcgahee. Against the Pats the Ravens handed McGahee the ball and blocked for him. The linemen opened holes effectively, McGahee ran with vicious intent, and the Ravens got first down after first down, and the offense opened up from there. On defense the process was similar- the lineman engaged, the backers came after the QB and ball-carriers, and the secondary covered receivers to the best of their ability.
I hate retarded percentage approximations, but I did some math, and football is 92.75% execution. Our coaches need to develop a plan that positions our players to take advantage of their strengths and combat the tendancies of the Patriots. Then they’ll need to make tactical in-game adjustments as the game unfolds. But the decisive issue is pretty simple- if our players play better football than the Patriots, we will win. (Analyzing Xs and Os is fun of course, so I’ll probably break them down at nauseum later in the week.)
thegreatawakening
December 4, 2007
Anyone see my sleeper of the draft Antwan Barnes bein a badass on Monday Night for the Ravens?!?!?!?!?!?!
I believe my other sleeper, Jackie Battle, is bagging groceries somewhere.
Blueprint might be overrated as the bottom line is that you must do whatever you’re doing well. If you also factor luck into it and the ball bouncing the right way then some of the skill is just totally irrelevant. BUT, I think there’s at least something to it when all things are even. If the Patriots are simply better than you, which they are to every team, then you’re probably going to have to make some adjustments and do some different things to get an edge. If you’re a team that likes playing the nickel to stop the pass and are playing the Vikings, I’d say it’s a little smarter to change things around and focus on the run. Did Pitt have a chance against WVU if they played their regular defense? Well, maybe, but they were smart and played a Cover 0 to stop what WVU does best. I think the whole thing with “blueprint” is that you might have to go a little outside of the norm when all things are considered equal. I believe that if you have a 2 man rush and 15 defensive backs, Brady will still find somebody open. If you blitz and don’t give him time you MIGHT be better off.
thav916
December 5, 2007
And I also thought it was weird that Kyle “I can throw the ball through the fg posts from my knees on the 50 yard line” Boller couldn’t make the endzone on his hail mary.
thav916
December 7, 2007
NFL Sweet 16 after Week 14:
1. New England (13-0)
2. Dallas (12-1)
3. Indianapolis (11-2)
4. Green Bay (11-2)
5. Pittsburgh (9-4)
6. Jacksonville (9-4)
7. San Diego (8-5)
8. N.Y. Giants (9-4)
9. Seattle (9-4)
10. Tampa Bay (8-5)
11. Tennessee (7-6)
12. Minnesota (7-6)
13. Cleveland (8-5)
14. Buffalo (7-6)
15. Denver (6-7)
16. New Orleans (5-7)
NFL MVP: Brett Favre
Offensive POY: Tom Brady
Defensive POY: Patrick Kerney
Offensive ROY: Adrian Peterson
Defensive ROY: Patrick Willis
Comeback POY: Randy Moss
Coach of the Year: Mike McCarthy
Raible
December 10, 2007
Bobby Petrino is a douche bag. The Atlanta Falcons are a complete mess right now!
Raible
December 12, 2007
More QB discussion…
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=3147842
Cheers!
Raible
December 13, 2007
I can’t get enough of Mario Williams.
thav916
December 14, 2007
Updated Power Rankings:
1. New England (14-0)
2. Indianapolis (12-2)
3. Dallas (12-2)
4. Green Bay (12-2)
5. Jacksonville (10-4)
6. San Diego (9-5)
7. Pittsburgh (9-5)
8. N.Y. Giants (9-5)
9. Seattle (9-5)
10. Tampa Bay (9-5)
More of just a way for me to see where my hometown Steelers fall than anything else. What was once considered a team capable of challenging New England has fallen, in my opinion, to a team just struggling to sniff the Playoffs. Two winnable games, albeit on the road, at St. Louis and at Baltimore should propel the Black and Gold to the AFC North Division Title. But, they have fallen behind a hot San Diego team and are now staring at a tough, exciting rematch with Jacksonville in the 1st round of the Playoffs.
Raible
December 17, 2007
My Pro Bowlers…
AFC –
QB: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger
RB: LaDainian Tomlinson, Willie Parker, Fred Taylor
FB: Lorenzo Neal
WR: Randy Moss, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Braylon Edwards, Reggie Wayne
TE: Kellen Winslow, Tony Gonzalez
OT: Jason Peters, Tony Pashos, David Stewart
OG: Alan Faneca, Logan Mankings, Eric Steinbach
C: Jeff Saturday, Dan Koppen
DE: Jason Taylor, Jared Allen, Mario Williams
DT: Albert Haynesworth, Vince Wilfork, Casey Hampton
OLB: Shawne Merriman, Mike Vrabel, James Harrison
ILB: DeMeco Ryans, Ray Lewis
CB: Antonio Cromartie, Asante Samuel, Champ Bailey
SS: Bob Sanders
FS: Ed Reed
K: Shayne Graham
P: Shane Lechler
KR: Josh Cribbs
ST: Larry Izzo
NFC –
QB: Brett Favre, Tony Romo, Drew Brees
RB: Adrian Peterson, Brian Westbrook, Clinton Portis
FB: Tony Richardson
WR: Terrell Owens, Larry Fitzgerald, Marques Colston, Torry Holt
TE: Jason Witten, Chris Cooley
OT: Walter Jones, Mark Tauscher, Jon Runyan
OG: Steve Hutchinson, Shawn Andrews, Jahri Evans
C: Andre Gurode, Matt Birk
DE: Patrick Kerney, Aaron Kampman, Osi Umenyiora
DT: Darnell Dockett, Kevin Williams, Tommie Harris
OLB: Greg Ellis, DeMarcus Ware, Ernie Sims
ILB: Nick Barnett, Patrick Willis
CB: Charles Woodson, Marcus Trufant, Al Harris
SS: Darren Sharper
FS: O.J. Atogwe
K: Mason Crosby
P: Andy Lee
KR: Devin Hester
ST: Richard Marshall
Raible
December 18, 2007
My Power Rankings:
England
Indy
Diego
Dallas
Green
Jacksonville
Pittsburgh
Cleveland
Tampa
Tennesse
Bowl Games I’d like to see if the NFL sucked and didn’t have playoffs:
Colts-Boys, Chargers-Pack, okay I guess any combinations or Jags-Colts-Chargers-Steelers and Pack-Cowboys.
thegreatawakening
December 18, 2007
I think Mario Williams left off the roster is a travesty.
Thought Bryant McKinnie coulda made the squad over any of the LT’s.
In general I think guys in the trenches are tougher to really call out as bad choices. For instance, I think Alan Faneca has been horrible and doesn’t deserve to be the 10th alternate. But do I have anyone that I can say for certain is having a better year than Faneca at offensive guard in the AFC? Nope. Therefore I don’t like to nitpick on a lot of the selections.
Would like to see at least 5 WR spots on the team.
A few WR’s over Don Driver.
3rd RB in each conference is tough.
I like DeMeco, Pat Willis and Cromartie making it
Biasedly like Big Ben over Garrard and unibiasedly liked Hasselbeck over Brees. While on Seahawks also think Julian P is incredily underrated and deserved to make it.
Some things that always aren’t right about the Pro Bowl. LT’s always make it over RT’s, Sack artists always make it over all-around outside backers, and the 3-4 DE’s never make it.
thav916
December 19, 2007
I was thinking the same thing about judging pro-bowlers. Unfortunately it seems like the name guys get in unfairly (depending on how you look at it), but when the media complains about it all they seem to do is take a look at the stat leaders. Golic was also salty about Mario being left off, but when he was asked to remove someone he started rattling off the sacks list and ended up saying he could do without Jason Taylor, who of course had the least sacks. Jason Taylor was the best defender in the NFL to a lot of people last year. He plays the run, defends the pass, pressures the QB, and takes on double teams. But since he was the first one on his shitty team to get to the QB a couple less times than Vandensomething and Jared Allen he’s off the list. I haven’t watched the game tape to be able to judge the best 3 DEs in the AFC either, but give me a break. Why not just choose the pro-bowl team based on various stats? Congratulations, Player A sacked the QB on 2.3% of his teams plays and Player B sacked the QB at a 2.9% clip- why worry about the other 97% of the plays?
thegreatawakening
December 19, 2007
The other night Jaws casually mentioned that Champ Bailey has been thrown at 63 times and 37 of the balls have been completed for 3 tds. I wish stats like these were more mainstream.
Charles Woodson has 25 more tackles than Al Harris so Woodson is obviously having the better season. I love that one. As if it’s not possible for Woodson to allow more completed passes and then make the tackle. Nothing even between these two, they’re both having great seasons, but I heard that once for why Woodson deserved the Pro Bowl over Harris.
If one DE faces double and triple teams and has 7 sacks and the other DE faces single teams and has 15 sacks, who’s the better player?
It is funny that if your favorite pass rusher has exactly 1 sack a game you watch him and don’t think he’s doing that much. Meanwhile, it’s a 16 sack season and top 5 every year. I will say, sometimes when we all complain about the Pro Bowl we have to realize that fan voting is a big part of it and I know I go on and vote for the guys I like the most. And regular fans only see regular stats. I know I could probably go to KC Joyner but still, it’d be nice if other stats were more mainstream ala the big On Base % fad in baseball years ago.
thav916
December 28, 2007
Awards:
NFL MVP: Brett Favre
Offensive POY: Tom Brady
Defensive POY: Patrick Kerney
Offensive ROY: Adrian Peterson
Defensive ROY: Patrick Willis
Comeback POY: Randy Moss
Coach of the Year: Mike McCarthy
-F Tom Brady..#4 is the man! Kerney lead the league in sacks, while Haynesworth was hurt for seemingly half the season. F Bill Belicheck.
Predictions:
Bolts over Titans
Jags over Stillers
Hawks over Skins
G-Men over Bucs
Pats over Jags
Colts over Bolts
Cowgirls over G-Men
Pack over Hawks
Pats over Colts
Pack over Cowgirls
Pack over Pats
F the PATS!!!
Raible
December 31, 2007
Jared Allen
thav916
January 1, 2008
A look back at my NFL Predictions from September 7th
The Bad
-Randy Moss: Predicted Moss to finish 5th on Pats in receptions
-Dolphins: predicted 9-7
-Titans: predicted 5-11 (still think they woulda gone undefeated with Pacman)
-Denver: predicted 10-6 and said “they’re ready”
-Bears: predicted 10-6
-Green Bay: predicted 6-10
-Washington Redksins-Predicted 6-10
-The entire NFC West: 49ers to Super Bowl (it was before Manny Lawson’s injury), Cards 10-6, Rams 9-7 and Seahawks 6-10.
The Good
-6 Correct Division Winners
-Mario Williams: Correctly predicted he’d have 14 sacks
-Chiefs and Falcons: Thought they’d suck…predicted 4-12 and 3-13, respectively
-Plax: Said he’d win the Giants 4 games on his own and I’m pretty sure that turned out to be a fact
-Tampa Bay: Real pumped I took them to win the division…”Surprise of the year”
-New Orleans: Real pumped I said they’d suck…”My surprise team to blow”
Mad I didn’t go with my hunch
-Cleveland: Loved the talent and thought they’d be better, thought Quinn but nonetheless correctly said it’d be due to a switch, but yet only said 8-8 and should have predicted better
-New York Jets: Clearly thought they weren’t good and would take a step back but yet still said they’d win 8 games. Should have said worse.
thav916
January 3, 2008
A look back at mine:
AFC East: New England
AFC North: Pittsburgh
AFC South: Indianapolis
AFC West: San Diego
AFC Wild Cards: Baltimore and Denver
NFC East: Philadelphia
NFC North: Chicago
NFC South: New Orleans
NFC West: St. Louis
NFC Wild Cards: Green Bay and Carolina
AFC Championship: New England over Indianapolis
NFC Championship: New Orleans over Chicago
Super Bowl: New England over New Orleans
Super Bowl MVP: Tom Brady
MVP: Steven Jackson
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Adrian Peterson
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Paul Posluszny
Coach of the Year: Tony Dungy
-Wasn’t real tough to predict the AFC Division Winners, in my opinion.
-Baltimore and Denver as Wild Cards was bad.
-I completely butchered the NFC, but my hunch that Green Bay would be good was accurate.
-Peterson as Offensive Rookie of the Year was obvious, Poz would have won Defensive Rookie of the Year if he had been healthy, Steven Jackson clearly would have won the MVP if he stayed healthy (joking), and Dungy has a slim shot at the Coach of the Year.
Raible
January 3, 2008
Post-season predictions I feel somewhat confident in:
-Romo will choke at some point, unless the find another way to lose before he has a chance.
-Seattle will beat Washington and give Green Bay a run for their money.
-Portis will have a big game regardless.
-If the Steelers come out throwing with a sense of urgency, hopefully in the hurry-up, they will win by a surprising margin.
-The Pats won’t make it to the Super Bowl.
Actually I have no confidence in any of that but I felt like posting.
thegreatawakening
January 5, 2008
Philip Rivers stinks. If the Chargers had kept Brees and traded Rivers for a draft pick they’d be in business right now.
thegreatawakening
January 20, 2008
Like a ton of people I thought a Favre-Brady Bowl would be great. But it wasn’t to be. Favre’s performance reminded me of why I couldn’t rank him the best of all time. I consider him an all-time NFL hero, but if you’re not going to step your game up a notch in the big ones you at least need to give us your usual.
thegreatawakening
January 23, 2008
Super Bowl is so gay with Favre and the Packers. Nevertheless, I will find myself being a GIANT Giants fan (wow, that’s pretty big) on Feb. 3rd. The G-Men need to find away to knock off Peter Brady and the Patsies. Plax is the man!
Raible
January 25, 2008
Oh yeah, and by the way…everyone’s hero, Tom Brady, played REAL well on Sunday, too, eh?
Raible
January 25, 2008
In the wake of Favre’s retirement a radio host said that he was the last of a breed of QB that played with a style that can’t be coached or explained through a system. Favre may be the face of the improv quarterback, but he’s not quite the last of the breed. His retirement is just a torch passing- to the past and future Super Bowl Champion and 3rd best QB in the NFL, Ben Roethlisberger.
thegreatawakening
March 7, 2008