I hated the call, I screamed at my TV, almost chucked a remote. And then I think I caught a glimpse of why certain people hate Bill Belichick. The decision wreaked of arrogance, but I get the decision. I really do. Fine, bring out the statisticians. I get it, not a horrid move. You know what else? So what. My percentages tell me I'll take my chances with the defense and telling the opposition to take it 70 or 80 yards. There, I said it.
Now, on to beating the snot out of the Jets!!!
As for other things, laundry is almost done, I'll start setting stuff up for packing, the iPod will be loaded up while watching the games, and I'm on a plane tomorrow afternoon. Back in Boston until 12/2, lots of stuff going on-Turkey Day with my family, a wedding reception out west of town, and my Godson's baptism....the schedule is going to be fun!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
You are what your record says you are
It's a phrase I remember from Bill Parcells, now VP of football operations for the Miami Dolphins. With that in mind, here is one man's version of the teams in pro football, by division. Please, keep in mind, I don't care if a team gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling, you are what your record says you are. I suppose it could work for corporations, movie rankings, heck-even people. Wit that in mind, here we go:
National Football Conference
NFC West
Arizona (6-3)-I have no idea what to make of this team. They are 2-3 at home, yet 4-0 on the road. One week they dominate the NYG in the Meadowlands, the next week they lose to Carolina. Kurt Warner is a gazillion years old, but can still throw the ball. Their D is getting better and better, and shut down corners are becoming more prevelent. I'm saying they win the division, maybe even get home field advantage or a bye in the 1st round of the playoffs.
San Francisco (4-5)-I'll admit this very honestly, I like watching these guys play the game. They hit and swarm on D, and try to pound the ball on offense. They've changed their QB already, and it's for the better. Between that and adding 1st round pick Michael Crabtree to the mix (finally) their offense has the ability to move the chains. I'm thinking that this could be the team defined as the 'one you don't want to meet in the playoffs.' But we're only halfway thru the season, so let's not go crazy here.
Seattle (3-6)-These guys have been killed by injuries, most notably All Pro LT Walter Jones. Jones used to train in the offseason by pushing his Cadillac Escalade up a slight incline near his house. Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the defining act of the phrase 'Country Strong'. This team will score points but it's just not that good. With a decent draft next year they could be on their way to being more competitive.
St. Louis (1-8)-Record wise, they are awful. But here's where the eye-ball test comes in to place; this team plays hard, and they run the ball. There is something to hang your hat on, in case you're a Rams fan. If you are, I'm sorry. Really, that sucks.
NFC South
New Orleans (9-0)-Now this team is very good. Real good. Damn good. Fine, I said it. They have a great, opportunistic defense and an offense that can score practically at will. The best story of this team isn't S Darren Sharper, it's that HC Sean Payton took a paycut to help pay the new D-Coordinator. That's talent helping talent, and I don't know a ton of people that would make the same gesture.
Atlanta (5-4)-This team is in deep trouble if starting RB Michael Turner is out for any amount of time. He was hurt yesterday after 9 carries for 111 yards. Atlanta has been running the ball very well the last 3 weeks, but their passing game has done nothing, even with the addition of TE Tony Gonzalez. And because their is not much of a passing game and limited scoring, the defense is on the field quite a lot. I'd love to have more faith in this team and like them, but I don't get the greatest vibe from them.
Carolina (4-5)-I'd feel better about them improving if they hadn't just lost Jordan Gross for the year yesterday. They've done a lot better recently after recommitting to the running game, but losing a roadgrater like Gross isn't going to be an easy replacement. This team is another one that has been hurt by injuries to key players in key positions. You cannot lose a DT, LT and WLB without feeling any effects. Considering they won the division last year, their schedule will not be forgiving the rest of the way.
Tampa Bay (1-8)-This team is not talented, and the talent it has was great 4 years ago. I doubt the coaching staff is still here for the 2010 season. They are on their 3rd QB, signed RB Derrick Ward to a decent sized contract yet refuse to play him anything more than 1/3 of the carries. Why pay for a top of the line car if you won't drive that thing?
NFC North
Minnesota (8-1)-Now this team is scary good. Their only loss is at Pittsburgh, a game they had won, and I should know, I watched this whole thing, a rarity considering my SADD (Sports Attention Deficit Disorder), that's a feat in and of itself. Brett Fav-ruh has a 17:3 TD to INT ratio, unheard of, especially for the NFL's all-time holder in both. He has a great running game, a WR in Sidney Rice that can get behind a secondary, and a defense that can attack the opposing QB. This team ought to be in the NFC championship game, but I'm still not a huge Purple fan.
Green Bay (5-4)-Ah, one of the Jekyll and Hyde teams. You have no idea which squad will show up, the one that mailed it in last week at Tampa Bay, or the team that shut down Dallas for 57 minutes yesterday. The defense went from a 4-3 to a 3-4 front this year, to mixed results. Some games they stop the run cold, other games it's like a river runs thru it. As for the offense, they don't run the ball extremely well, averaging less than 4 yards a carry. Now, for those that love to talk sack numbers and how good or bad an O-Line is, Aaron Rodgers will skew your numbers. Why? Because he will not get rid of the ball. It's like he's trying to tell GB fans that he's as tough as his predecessor (Fav-ruh). We all get it, you can take a hit. I'm glad I'm not a GB fan, otherwise I'd be screaming at my TV 'Throw the ball you jackass'. I don't see them making it unless they go thru a minor philosophy change in the passing game-short, quick passes, more of a West Coast approach.
Chicago (4-5)-Ugh. Yuck. EWWWW. That's what I think of the Bears, their offseason moves, and their future. Having traded for supposed QB savior Jay Cutler, and then in week 4 giving up a 2nd round pick to Tampa Bay for Gaines Adams, the Bears don't pick until the 3rd round in the next draft. They signed an over-the-hill, can't-bend-to-runblock Orlando Pace to play LT, and he's about 2 years late in retiring. The O-Line can't open up any holes for Matt Forte to run, so we'll never know if he's a good, great or even decent RB. And they have no stud WR to speak of. The D is beyond 'in transition'. Former stud DT Tommie Harris used to be the kind of player to build a defense around. Now? He's the guy that punches an opponent 65 seconds into a game yet only gets a $7500 fine (more on this at the end after I'm done venting about the Pats, I'm saving them for last). This team is not going to be good for a long time. Be thankful Broncos fans, as I have a stat to end all stats for you-Cutler has thrown 8 INT's in the red zone in has last 14 games, including that farce vs SF last Thursday. Tom Brady has thrown 6 INT's in the red zone.....(wait for it)....for his WHOLE career!!!
Detroit (1-8)-There are pieces in place. There is a really good coaching staff in place. Now all they need is more talent. They have a good rookie QB, a stud WR, a serviceable RB and a potential fantastic TE. The D needs help. It needs bodies that can play. But I see improvement, and they don't lay down. That is on the right track.
NFC East
Dallas (6-3)-They won't win anything. Not as long as Wade Phillips is the head coach. He lacks time management skills, and he doesn't control his team, the owner does. And the Cowboys have yet another WR complaining. Roy Williams may be getting his touches now after he complained, but the team is 1-1. When QB Tony Romo is throwing to the open man instead of forcing the ball, he's a pretty good player. But when the squeaky wheel gets all the attention, nothing good will happen for your team. And their running game has gone from one of the best in the league to practically nothing. I'm just not confident in the division. I'm wondering if anyone is going to take the division or if they'll back into it?
Philadelphia (5-4)-I swear if you look at their offensive splits you'd think they're running the old Run-n-Shoot. I swear, will they run the ball with that O-Line? Please? I want to like them, I really do. But their RB Brian Westbrook just got his second concussion in 3 weeks, and he may be done for the year. Maybe his career could be over. I'd hate to have him have to end it like this, but his life is way more important than football. As for the team, they throw way too much. If it's 3rd and 2, you might want to try and run every once in awhile. And because they throw so much, their D is on the field on average more than they need to be. These guys will break their fans hearts again soon.
Giants (5-4)-sure the record looks good, but this team is heading in the wrong direction. Of course, they will be coming off their bye and will probably come out like gangbusters this week. Their secondary is depleted, they have a rookie WR for a homerun threat, and their running game, while still good, isn't as awesome as it's been the last two years. It may only be a half a yard here and there, but over a season, those things tend to add up. These guys could go on a serious run and win this division.
Washington (3-6)-This squad is poorly run, because the owner won't get out of the way. It's not the most messed up run team in the league (Hi there, Cleveland! Oops, forgot, 'sup Oakland?!), but it's very close. The owner has cut out the head coach from his play-calling duties, hoping he'll quit so he doesn't have to pay him. That's just awful. They have a lot of guys on D who have great pedigree information, but don't have a lot of cohesion or chemistry. That makes you feel for a guy like MLB London Fletcher. He's still a tackling machine. As for the offense, beyond play-calling, they've had 5 different starting O-Line combinations. Uh, it's been 9 games. Between that and their QB is afraid to chuck it beyond 8 yards, it's just not a good team.
American Football Conference
AFC West
Denver (6-3)-Well, I live here, so I can't tell you how fast the bandwagon is letting folks off. They started off an unreal 6-0, and now they've lost their last 3. Funny how that happens if you don't take shots down the field on offense. Well, they did this past week. And then their QB went and got his ankle rolled up on to end the 1st half, and backup (that ain't my word) came in and played QB. Or tried to play QB. To call his effort atrocious would be a bit hard on the word atrocious. This week San Diego comes to town for the division lead. Funny, a month ago the Broncos were going to run away with the division and home field advantage. Now, they could be in 2nd place in the division on Sunday.
San Diego (6-3)-I'm not certain how to take this team, as they've only had 2 games where they've been decent running the ball. Now, they've lost both their NG for the season and their Pro Bowl C who should be back next week. But this team can pass the ball, and has a very good secondary. LaDanian Tomlinson, while he may have had a great game yesterday, has not been good. There is a lack of tread left on those tires, and it will come back to hurt them, unless they go to more of a spread attack and utilize RB Darren Sproles more. There, I said it.
Kansas City (2-7)-I'm not going to make the joke that first year head coach Todd Haley needs to switch to decaf. I'm not. I'm not going to tell you he needs anger management classes/therapy. But I will tell you that he needs to learn a new way. It's week 10 and his team is already tuning him out, because he yells and swears all the time. At everyone. He yelled at his QB on Sunday, and they were winning. This team needs a bigger influx of talent first and patience second.
Oakland (2-7)-This team is just poorly run, and poorly coached. There is talent here. They can run the ball. But the JaMarcus Russell project needs to end, and it needs to be over now. He's not a good QB. In fact, if he weren't the former #1 pick, I doubt he'd be in the league. His completion % is less than 50. If you've seen him attempt to play QB, it's not good. The fact that he's been yanked from games and then says he that he thinks he's not the problem, then you've got a real issue on your hands. The fact that Jeff Garcia would rather be released in the preseason than be guaranteed money ought to tell you all you need to know. Al Davis needs to hire a real personnel man and get out of the way. Until then, this team will continue to be awful.
AFC North
Cincinnati (7-2)-Now this is a team that has been fun to watch. Their O-Line has been the best at running the ball, and they've protected Carson Palmer well. While they don't score a ton of points, they don't have to. Because of their Defense. So far, it's the best story. Now, I have to preface all of this with the fact that I thought the Broncos, Saints and Bengals would all be better based on the hiring of new D-Coordinators. The best hire, and you could see the effects on HBO's 'Hard Knocks', was what the Bengals did by hiring Mike Zimmer. I loved listening to him talk to and teach his players why they would do what they would do. Now, there is a sad story, one that I've told before. Zimmer's wife passed away unexpectedly a little over a month ago. She loved the team, baked them cookies. Do you get that? I know some ladies that do that stuff for people just because. I used to work with some. I miss them or the fact that they were like a second Mom to me. So do those guys that play defense for Cincy. And now, even after losing their team leader in sacks, they all play for the guy call Zim. I'm telling you, this team can ride this all the way to a division title, and no one will want to see them in the playoffs.
Pittsburgh (6-3)-This team goes from coming into Denver and running all over them, to not being able to win at home against Cincinnati. They barely won at home against Minnesota. They don't run the ball all that well, but they can stop the run. The thing that gets me about them the most is that they've become a passing team. They've been known forever that they run the ball, all day. And now their QB is another one that won't get rid of the ball. He owes his line an explanation or a fancy dinner, because their stats won't look great. It's not on them.
Baltimore (5-4)-Now this squad is one that people are living on reputation. Their D is over-rated. And I'm tired of people talking to Ray Lewis. He's not that special. Watch him. He doesn't make a lot of plays, he cleans up a lot of plays. I bet he gets a ton of half-tackles. They can run the ball well and chuck it down the field. But they are not as good as they think they are. They've played one great game (at home after the bye vs. Denver) and made one great play to win a game (Ray Lewis shot the gap vs. San Diego and took down Sproles on 4th & 2), other than that, I'm not impressed. Not for all the talent on that roster. Mostly, I'm tired of hearing Ray-Ray, the man was once accused of murder for crying out loud, and then gets put on a magazine cover saying he's a man of God. Sorry, but I thought only criminals found Jesus in the 'pen, or am I the only one? Just stop talking to him already!
Cleveland (1-8)-Now this team is a mess. And it hurts me to say this. See, back in the day, I was a huge Browns fan. Loved them. Then they moved to Baltimore and became the Ravens. What this means is that the SB title won by Baltimore belongs in Cleveland. Now, since the Browns came back 10 years ago, they're horrible. Like, this team is worse than the expansion team that came out in 1999. Their coach is an idiot, after chucking his hand-picked GM under the bus and making his players put in extra practice. He needs to go. Can I run this team, please...pretty please?
AFC South
Indianapolis (9-0)-I don't want to talk about it. They're lucky. They can be beat. They should be at least 7-2, but certain teams are stupid.
Jacksonville (5-4)-I'll say this much, no one will want to see them in the playoffs. This is the team in the AFC. They run the ball well. They don't do much else well, but they play hard, and they just strike me as that team that if you catch them motivated, you could lose. Oh, and if you know anyone in the Jacksonville area, tell them to buy a ticket or this team will be in LA or San Antonio soon. All of their home games might be blacked out this season. Wow.
Houston (5-4)-Some teams win those games where things hang in the balance, they make that extra play that could work. Others don't make the play, miss the FG, throw a pick 6 in a crucial 3rd and 3. This team is that team. And it stinks, because they have one of the best WRs to watch in Andre Johnson to watch. He's like Larry Fitzgerald on 'roids. Their D is getting better, but they've cost themselves like 2 wins. It's just what these types of teams do.
Tennessee (3-6)-I have a question...so when Kerry Collins is the starting QB, RB Chris Johnson gets only 16 carries a game. Now that Vince Young is under center, Johnson is getting 25 carries a game. Hmmmm, think if they'd done that to begin with they might be more than 3-6? Just thought I'd ask. It's not that I'm a huge Collins fan, but it's a question worth asking.
AFC East
New England (6-3)-NOT YET...we're not talking about last night yet!
Miami (4-5)-I like watching this team. They pound the rock. The wildcat even works for them. But their best RB just mangled his ankle. They have a smack-talkin' LB that has 12 tackles all year (FYI to Joey Porter-a)no guy past the age of 12 gets called 'Joey' b)you have to make plays in order to talk, otherwise, shhhhh). This is one of those warm weather teams that could travel well in the next few weeks on the road in the cold, simply because they run.
Jets (4-5)-in case you haven't been reading, I hate them. Loathe. Despise. Can't stand 'em. I think after they started 3-0 everyone was ready to annoint them. They can't throw the ball and after NT Kris Jenkins blew out his ACL they can't stop anyone from running. Say hello to going 2-5 the rest of the way...and one of those wins won't be this week at New England. Here's hoping the Pats hang up 50 on you, assclowns.
Buffalo (3-6)-This team is so bad (how bad is it?) that there are rumors they might try and sign Michael Vick next year. Well, at least he can chuck it thru the wind coming off the lake. But this team really needs to get a new strength and conditioning program. All the time they have guys with tweaks and pulls that you just don't see the other 31 teams in the league getting. Now, TO has been a good teammate this season, but he's irrelevant, so it's like that old adage of 'if a tree falls in the woods and no one's there, does it make a sound?'...seriously, think about it.
I'll talk about the Pats tomorrow, I swear. And maybe even some other stuff. G'Night!
National Football Conference
NFC West
Arizona (6-3)-I have no idea what to make of this team. They are 2-3 at home, yet 4-0 on the road. One week they dominate the NYG in the Meadowlands, the next week they lose to Carolina. Kurt Warner is a gazillion years old, but can still throw the ball. Their D is getting better and better, and shut down corners are becoming more prevelent. I'm saying they win the division, maybe even get home field advantage or a bye in the 1st round of the playoffs.
San Francisco (4-5)-I'll admit this very honestly, I like watching these guys play the game. They hit and swarm on D, and try to pound the ball on offense. They've changed their QB already, and it's for the better. Between that and adding 1st round pick Michael Crabtree to the mix (finally) their offense has the ability to move the chains. I'm thinking that this could be the team defined as the 'one you don't want to meet in the playoffs.' But we're only halfway thru the season, so let's not go crazy here.
Seattle (3-6)-These guys have been killed by injuries, most notably All Pro LT Walter Jones. Jones used to train in the offseason by pushing his Cadillac Escalade up a slight incline near his house. Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the defining act of the phrase 'Country Strong'. This team will score points but it's just not that good. With a decent draft next year they could be on their way to being more competitive.
St. Louis (1-8)-Record wise, they are awful. But here's where the eye-ball test comes in to place; this team plays hard, and they run the ball. There is something to hang your hat on, in case you're a Rams fan. If you are, I'm sorry. Really, that sucks.
NFC South
New Orleans (9-0)-Now this team is very good. Real good. Damn good. Fine, I said it. They have a great, opportunistic defense and an offense that can score practically at will. The best story of this team isn't S Darren Sharper, it's that HC Sean Payton took a paycut to help pay the new D-Coordinator. That's talent helping talent, and I don't know a ton of people that would make the same gesture.
Atlanta (5-4)-This team is in deep trouble if starting RB Michael Turner is out for any amount of time. He was hurt yesterday after 9 carries for 111 yards. Atlanta has been running the ball very well the last 3 weeks, but their passing game has done nothing, even with the addition of TE Tony Gonzalez. And because their is not much of a passing game and limited scoring, the defense is on the field quite a lot. I'd love to have more faith in this team and like them, but I don't get the greatest vibe from them.
Carolina (4-5)-I'd feel better about them improving if they hadn't just lost Jordan Gross for the year yesterday. They've done a lot better recently after recommitting to the running game, but losing a roadgrater like Gross isn't going to be an easy replacement. This team is another one that has been hurt by injuries to key players in key positions. You cannot lose a DT, LT and WLB without feeling any effects. Considering they won the division last year, their schedule will not be forgiving the rest of the way.
Tampa Bay (1-8)-This team is not talented, and the talent it has was great 4 years ago. I doubt the coaching staff is still here for the 2010 season. They are on their 3rd QB, signed RB Derrick Ward to a decent sized contract yet refuse to play him anything more than 1/3 of the carries. Why pay for a top of the line car if you won't drive that thing?
NFC North
Minnesota (8-1)-Now this team is scary good. Their only loss is at Pittsburgh, a game they had won, and I should know, I watched this whole thing, a rarity considering my SADD (Sports Attention Deficit Disorder), that's a feat in and of itself. Brett Fav-ruh has a 17:3 TD to INT ratio, unheard of, especially for the NFL's all-time holder in both. He has a great running game, a WR in Sidney Rice that can get behind a secondary, and a defense that can attack the opposing QB. This team ought to be in the NFC championship game, but I'm still not a huge Purple fan.
Green Bay (5-4)-Ah, one of the Jekyll and Hyde teams. You have no idea which squad will show up, the one that mailed it in last week at Tampa Bay, or the team that shut down Dallas for 57 minutes yesterday. The defense went from a 4-3 to a 3-4 front this year, to mixed results. Some games they stop the run cold, other games it's like a river runs thru it. As for the offense, they don't run the ball extremely well, averaging less than 4 yards a carry. Now, for those that love to talk sack numbers and how good or bad an O-Line is, Aaron Rodgers will skew your numbers. Why? Because he will not get rid of the ball. It's like he's trying to tell GB fans that he's as tough as his predecessor (Fav-ruh). We all get it, you can take a hit. I'm glad I'm not a GB fan, otherwise I'd be screaming at my TV 'Throw the ball you jackass'. I don't see them making it unless they go thru a minor philosophy change in the passing game-short, quick passes, more of a West Coast approach.
Chicago (4-5)-Ugh. Yuck. EWWWW. That's what I think of the Bears, their offseason moves, and their future. Having traded for supposed QB savior Jay Cutler, and then in week 4 giving up a 2nd round pick to Tampa Bay for Gaines Adams, the Bears don't pick until the 3rd round in the next draft. They signed an over-the-hill, can't-bend-to-runblock Orlando Pace to play LT, and he's about 2 years late in retiring. The O-Line can't open up any holes for Matt Forte to run, so we'll never know if he's a good, great or even decent RB. And they have no stud WR to speak of. The D is beyond 'in transition'. Former stud DT Tommie Harris used to be the kind of player to build a defense around. Now? He's the guy that punches an opponent 65 seconds into a game yet only gets a $7500 fine (more on this at the end after I'm done venting about the Pats, I'm saving them for last). This team is not going to be good for a long time. Be thankful Broncos fans, as I have a stat to end all stats for you-Cutler has thrown 8 INT's in the red zone in has last 14 games, including that farce vs SF last Thursday. Tom Brady has thrown 6 INT's in the red zone.....(wait for it)....for his WHOLE career!!!
Detroit (1-8)-There are pieces in place. There is a really good coaching staff in place. Now all they need is more talent. They have a good rookie QB, a stud WR, a serviceable RB and a potential fantastic TE. The D needs help. It needs bodies that can play. But I see improvement, and they don't lay down. That is on the right track.
NFC East
Dallas (6-3)-They won't win anything. Not as long as Wade Phillips is the head coach. He lacks time management skills, and he doesn't control his team, the owner does. And the Cowboys have yet another WR complaining. Roy Williams may be getting his touches now after he complained, but the team is 1-1. When QB Tony Romo is throwing to the open man instead of forcing the ball, he's a pretty good player. But when the squeaky wheel gets all the attention, nothing good will happen for your team. And their running game has gone from one of the best in the league to practically nothing. I'm just not confident in the division. I'm wondering if anyone is going to take the division or if they'll back into it?
Philadelphia (5-4)-I swear if you look at their offensive splits you'd think they're running the old Run-n-Shoot. I swear, will they run the ball with that O-Line? Please? I want to like them, I really do. But their RB Brian Westbrook just got his second concussion in 3 weeks, and he may be done for the year. Maybe his career could be over. I'd hate to have him have to end it like this, but his life is way more important than football. As for the team, they throw way too much. If it's 3rd and 2, you might want to try and run every once in awhile. And because they throw so much, their D is on the field on average more than they need to be. These guys will break their fans hearts again soon.
Giants (5-4)-sure the record looks good, but this team is heading in the wrong direction. Of course, they will be coming off their bye and will probably come out like gangbusters this week. Their secondary is depleted, they have a rookie WR for a homerun threat, and their running game, while still good, isn't as awesome as it's been the last two years. It may only be a half a yard here and there, but over a season, those things tend to add up. These guys could go on a serious run and win this division.
Washington (3-6)-This squad is poorly run, because the owner won't get out of the way. It's not the most messed up run team in the league (Hi there, Cleveland! Oops, forgot, 'sup Oakland?!), but it's very close. The owner has cut out the head coach from his play-calling duties, hoping he'll quit so he doesn't have to pay him. That's just awful. They have a lot of guys on D who have great pedigree information, but don't have a lot of cohesion or chemistry. That makes you feel for a guy like MLB London Fletcher. He's still a tackling machine. As for the offense, beyond play-calling, they've had 5 different starting O-Line combinations. Uh, it's been 9 games. Between that and their QB is afraid to chuck it beyond 8 yards, it's just not a good team.
American Football Conference
AFC West
Denver (6-3)-Well, I live here, so I can't tell you how fast the bandwagon is letting folks off. They started off an unreal 6-0, and now they've lost their last 3. Funny how that happens if you don't take shots down the field on offense. Well, they did this past week. And then their QB went and got his ankle rolled up on to end the 1st half, and backup (that ain't my word) came in and played QB. Or tried to play QB. To call his effort atrocious would be a bit hard on the word atrocious. This week San Diego comes to town for the division lead. Funny, a month ago the Broncos were going to run away with the division and home field advantage. Now, they could be in 2nd place in the division on Sunday.
San Diego (6-3)-I'm not certain how to take this team, as they've only had 2 games where they've been decent running the ball. Now, they've lost both their NG for the season and their Pro Bowl C who should be back next week. But this team can pass the ball, and has a very good secondary. LaDanian Tomlinson, while he may have had a great game yesterday, has not been good. There is a lack of tread left on those tires, and it will come back to hurt them, unless they go to more of a spread attack and utilize RB Darren Sproles more. There, I said it.
Kansas City (2-7)-I'm not going to make the joke that first year head coach Todd Haley needs to switch to decaf. I'm not. I'm not going to tell you he needs anger management classes/therapy. But I will tell you that he needs to learn a new way. It's week 10 and his team is already tuning him out, because he yells and swears all the time. At everyone. He yelled at his QB on Sunday, and they were winning. This team needs a bigger influx of talent first and patience second.
Oakland (2-7)-This team is just poorly run, and poorly coached. There is talent here. They can run the ball. But the JaMarcus Russell project needs to end, and it needs to be over now. He's not a good QB. In fact, if he weren't the former #1 pick, I doubt he'd be in the league. His completion % is less than 50. If you've seen him attempt to play QB, it's not good. The fact that he's been yanked from games and then says he that he thinks he's not the problem, then you've got a real issue on your hands. The fact that Jeff Garcia would rather be released in the preseason than be guaranteed money ought to tell you all you need to know. Al Davis needs to hire a real personnel man and get out of the way. Until then, this team will continue to be awful.
AFC North
Cincinnati (7-2)-Now this is a team that has been fun to watch. Their O-Line has been the best at running the ball, and they've protected Carson Palmer well. While they don't score a ton of points, they don't have to. Because of their Defense. So far, it's the best story. Now, I have to preface all of this with the fact that I thought the Broncos, Saints and Bengals would all be better based on the hiring of new D-Coordinators. The best hire, and you could see the effects on HBO's 'Hard Knocks', was what the Bengals did by hiring Mike Zimmer. I loved listening to him talk to and teach his players why they would do what they would do. Now, there is a sad story, one that I've told before. Zimmer's wife passed away unexpectedly a little over a month ago. She loved the team, baked them cookies. Do you get that? I know some ladies that do that stuff for people just because. I used to work with some. I miss them or the fact that they were like a second Mom to me. So do those guys that play defense for Cincy. And now, even after losing their team leader in sacks, they all play for the guy call Zim. I'm telling you, this team can ride this all the way to a division title, and no one will want to see them in the playoffs.
Pittsburgh (6-3)-This team goes from coming into Denver and running all over them, to not being able to win at home against Cincinnati. They barely won at home against Minnesota. They don't run the ball all that well, but they can stop the run. The thing that gets me about them the most is that they've become a passing team. They've been known forever that they run the ball, all day. And now their QB is another one that won't get rid of the ball. He owes his line an explanation or a fancy dinner, because their stats won't look great. It's not on them.
Baltimore (5-4)-Now this squad is one that people are living on reputation. Their D is over-rated. And I'm tired of people talking to Ray Lewis. He's not that special. Watch him. He doesn't make a lot of plays, he cleans up a lot of plays. I bet he gets a ton of half-tackles. They can run the ball well and chuck it down the field. But they are not as good as they think they are. They've played one great game (at home after the bye vs. Denver) and made one great play to win a game (Ray Lewis shot the gap vs. San Diego and took down Sproles on 4th & 2), other than that, I'm not impressed. Not for all the talent on that roster. Mostly, I'm tired of hearing Ray-Ray, the man was once accused of murder for crying out loud, and then gets put on a magazine cover saying he's a man of God. Sorry, but I thought only criminals found Jesus in the 'pen, or am I the only one? Just stop talking to him already!
Cleveland (1-8)-Now this team is a mess. And it hurts me to say this. See, back in the day, I was a huge Browns fan. Loved them. Then they moved to Baltimore and became the Ravens. What this means is that the SB title won by Baltimore belongs in Cleveland. Now, since the Browns came back 10 years ago, they're horrible. Like, this team is worse than the expansion team that came out in 1999. Their coach is an idiot, after chucking his hand-picked GM under the bus and making his players put in extra practice. He needs to go. Can I run this team, please...pretty please?
AFC South
Indianapolis (9-0)-I don't want to talk about it. They're lucky. They can be beat. They should be at least 7-2, but certain teams are stupid.
Jacksonville (5-4)-I'll say this much, no one will want to see them in the playoffs. This is the team in the AFC. They run the ball well. They don't do much else well, but they play hard, and they just strike me as that team that if you catch them motivated, you could lose. Oh, and if you know anyone in the Jacksonville area, tell them to buy a ticket or this team will be in LA or San Antonio soon. All of their home games might be blacked out this season. Wow.
Houston (5-4)-Some teams win those games where things hang in the balance, they make that extra play that could work. Others don't make the play, miss the FG, throw a pick 6 in a crucial 3rd and 3. This team is that team. And it stinks, because they have one of the best WRs to watch in Andre Johnson to watch. He's like Larry Fitzgerald on 'roids. Their D is getting better, but they've cost themselves like 2 wins. It's just what these types of teams do.
Tennessee (3-6)-I have a question...so when Kerry Collins is the starting QB, RB Chris Johnson gets only 16 carries a game. Now that Vince Young is under center, Johnson is getting 25 carries a game. Hmmmm, think if they'd done that to begin with they might be more than 3-6? Just thought I'd ask. It's not that I'm a huge Collins fan, but it's a question worth asking.
AFC East
New England (6-3)-NOT YET...we're not talking about last night yet!
Miami (4-5)-I like watching this team. They pound the rock. The wildcat even works for them. But their best RB just mangled his ankle. They have a smack-talkin' LB that has 12 tackles all year (FYI to Joey Porter-a)no guy past the age of 12 gets called 'Joey' b)you have to make plays in order to talk, otherwise, shhhhh). This is one of those warm weather teams that could travel well in the next few weeks on the road in the cold, simply because they run.
Jets (4-5)-in case you haven't been reading, I hate them. Loathe. Despise. Can't stand 'em. I think after they started 3-0 everyone was ready to annoint them. They can't throw the ball and after NT Kris Jenkins blew out his ACL they can't stop anyone from running. Say hello to going 2-5 the rest of the way...and one of those wins won't be this week at New England. Here's hoping the Pats hang up 50 on you, assclowns.
Buffalo (3-6)-This team is so bad (how bad is it?) that there are rumors they might try and sign Michael Vick next year. Well, at least he can chuck it thru the wind coming off the lake. But this team really needs to get a new strength and conditioning program. All the time they have guys with tweaks and pulls that you just don't see the other 31 teams in the league getting. Now, TO has been a good teammate this season, but he's irrelevant, so it's like that old adage of 'if a tree falls in the woods and no one's there, does it make a sound?'...seriously, think about it.
I'll talk about the Pats tomorrow, I swear. And maybe even some other stuff. G'Night!
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