Taking the Temperature of the Miami Dolphins

As promised Al, here ya go...

The Miami Dolphins are coming off a somewhat disappointing 2011 campaign in which they finished 6-10.  The reason I say that it is only somewhat disappointing is because they finished off the season 6-3 in their last nine games after an 0-7 start.  The team looked much stronger at the tail end of the season and showed some promised, even after the firing of Head Coach Tony Sparano following Week 14.

The Dolphins faced some adversity this season when they lost starting QB Chad Henne during a Week 4 matchup with the San Diego Chargers.  Rookie RB Daniel Thomas was hobbled with a hamstring injury that lingered for most of the season, forcing the team to rely on Reggie Bush.

Bush, however, proved to be a rare bright spot on offense for Miami.  Bush, who was brought over from New Orleans in a trade before the season, was expected to split carries with Thomas, but was forced to shoulder the brunt of the carries.  Bush showed that he could handle it though as he finished with over 1,000 yards rushing for the first time as a pro.

Next year should be brighter on offense for Miami as they should have a healthy Thomas in his second year to complement Bush in the backfield for a balanced attack.  They will have Henne back if they choose to stick with him as the starter, a decision that will likely be saved for the future head coach.

The defense was solid again this year, finishing sixth in points allowed per game (19.6) and third in rushing yards allowed per game (95.6).  The defense should be stout again next year, led by breakout defensive end Cameron Wake who accounted for 8.5 sacks in 2011, as well as 14 in 2010.

The position of head coach remains vacant at the moment, but it is no secret that they highly covet former Titans' head coach Jeff Fisher, who they chartered a private helicopter for late last week.  However, the Rams are hot on Fisher as well and he may be more interested in that job.

If the 'Fins do not land Fisher, let's take a look at some other coaches that I think they could consider bringing in:

Bengals' Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer:  Zimmer has made the Bengals' defense strong again and helped them clinch a birth in the playoffs.  Behind a rookie QB, they Bengals had to rely a lot on their defense, and Zimmer got his boys ready to play.  The Dolphins have always been a strong defensive-minded team, and Zimmer could provide that focus.  Many think that Zimmer should have gotten a chance at a head coaching job way before now, but he is still out there and could be a viable candidate for the Miami job.  Owner Stephen Ross was thought to have desired a coach with previous NFL head coaching experience, but if Fisher chooses St. Louis and Bill Cowher and Jon Gruden stay in the broadcast booth, they may have no choice than to turn to an assistant.

Interim Head Coach/ Secondary coach Todd Bowles:  Sometimes the best place to look for a coach is within the organization.  Bowles took over as the interim head coach after the firing of Tony Sparano prior to Week 15.  The team finished 2-1 under Bowles' tenure, during which the team played some of its better ball.  There is talk of Bowles possibly heading to Tampa, but they are also keen on Marty Schottenheimer, so if they do not bring Bowles in, and Miami wants someone familiar with the system, they could do much worse than keeping Todd Bowles.

My Prediction:  Fisher decides to coach the team with a franchise QB in place, that being the Rams with Sam Bradford.  With Fisher off the board, I think the Dolphins ultimately go with Cincinnati's Zimmer, a guy who just seems like a head coach.  Also, it could help his cause that he and GM Jeff Ireland worked together during their stints in Dallas.

So as we near Fisher's decision, we shall wait and see which direction the Dolphins choose to go.  Will they get Jeff Fisher?  Will they get Zimmer and prove me right?  Or will they go Bowles or an entirely different unforeseen direction?  That's the beauty of the NFL coaching carousel, we won't know until the first report comes in, and even then we must wait for confirmation.

Until next time, take care all and enjoy the playoffs.

-TA

Quick Thought: Possible Schottenheimer Reunion?

Hey guys, it's been a while since I've been on here as I've been working with Bleacher Report a bit and will embark on a sports writing internship coming up in two weeks, but I will never forget my roots, those being this blog where it all started.  Thanks again to all who have read it means the world to me and has helped fuel my dream.  So to my thought...

On Tuesday, Jets' Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer informed the team that he will not be back next season.  This move comes after there was a lot of talk of uneasiness and unrest within the locker room.  Third-string QB Greg McElroy went on to say that there were a lot of huge egos on the team and that many players did not care about winning or losing, but rather personal statistics.  

It may make sense that Schottenheimer has jumped ship now to part ways with the cancerous players in his unit (Santonio Holmes in particular), but could there be an ulterior motive?

News broke earlier this week that the Tampa Bay Bucs were bringing in former NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer to interview for the vacant head coaching job left vacant by Raheem Morris' firing.  Marty Schottenheimer, who most recently coached in the UFL, is the father of Brian Schottenheimer.  

So while it may seem as though Brian just tried to get away from a sinking ship in New York, could he just be freeing himself up to join his father Marty just in time for his return to the NFL?  This would not be the first time we've seen this.  Brian was the quarterbacks coach under Marty when he was the head coach in Kansas City, Washington, and San Diego, so he is no stranger to his father's staff.

To further illustrate this, look at Lane Kiffin and his father Monty.  When Lane became the head coach at Tennessee in 2009, he brought his father, Monty, along to be the defensive coordinator, and went on to bring him along to USC where both held the same positions.

Only time will tell where the two wind up, but it seems rather coincidental that this move comes at this time.  This is pure speculation by me at this time, but don't be surprised if you see the two on the same staff in 2012.

Guest Blog: Jose Reyes: A Mets' Fan's Perspective

The following is a guest blog from a longtime friend and fellow Met fan, Nick Cantatore.  Enjoy.

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Amidst all of the commotion surrounding the recent signing of Jose Reyes to the Miami Marlins, Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson is making a statement. A statement that says he is here for the long haul. A statement that says this is not a “give him the sixth year and let it be the next GM’s problem” kind of situation this organization has had in the past. A statement that says he is committed to making this team the way he wants. A statement that says he is not afraid to do things his way. And finally, a statement that says he wants to build the foundation of this team around promising young talent for the future.

Regardless of whether you happen to agree or disagree with the decision, it’s final. I, on one hand, am not thrilled that he went to a divisional opponent, but I can understand why Alderson had to make this decision. So while everyone is busy ripping him and making assumptions as to why the Mets couldn’t keep Reyes, I have decided to take Alderson’s point of view. I will take a look into his thought process, along with the once crowned “superstar” front office, which now seems to have fans in an uproar:

1.  Reyes is Injury Prone.

Reyes receiving attention after an injury

Reading the blogs and everything Mets fans are thinking about the Reyes signing, there is one thought that I keep running into: “What will Wright do without Reyes? He has never played beside someone else!” The fact of the matter is, over the past three seasons Wright has played next to someone not named Reyes. In fact, nearly 40% of the time the person playing shortstop was someone NOT named Jose Reyes. This alarming statistic is exactly the reason the Mets were reluctant to give Reyes that coveted sixth year.

In case you have never taken anatomy, let me break it down for you as simply as I can: When you age, your body deteriorates. At age 28, Jose Reyes is no longer that young explosive talent he once was. Okay, maybe the explosive part still applies, but with his medical history, who knows how long he will hold up. By giving Reyes an enormous contract with a guaranteed five years and option for a sixth means you are committing a bulk of your payroll to a player who has been injury prone since he stepped foot on the diamond in 2003. Believe me, when healthy Reyes is one of the most exciting players in baseball. He brings elements to the game that few other players have ever possessed. But that key phrase is “when healthy.” The Mets cannot afford to lock up a player with the much publicized budget cuts and hope he can stay healthy, for 6 years no less. As dynamic and explosive as Reyes is, he is getting older with each passing season. His hamstrings are as tender as I like my steak, and his body will only continue to deteriorate. This type of contract guarantees nothing more than a large sum of guaranteed money to a player who is anything but guaranteed to play.

2.  With or Without Reyes, The Mets Won’t Win.

Frustrated Mets fans (WITH REYES STILL ON THE TEAM)

I love the Mets, always have, and always will. I find no fans to be as ignorant as Philadelphia fans, in any sport for that matter. However, some of the posts from Mets fans regarding Reyes have made me think we may not be far behind. Any true and logical Mets fan would know that with or without Reyes in 2012, this team will not win. We will not win the division, and will certainly not win the World Series. In fact, any baseball fan will tell you that a combination of Philadelphia’s pitching staff and the Braves combination of young talent and solid veterans will hold up for the next five years easy in that division. That’s not even considering Washington or Miami, who have both shown a desire to bring in free agents to have a shot to compete. So what sense does it make to invest a bulk of your remaining payroll into an aging player that can’t put you over the top? By not signing Reyes to an astronomical contract that would eat up a bulk of their miniscule payroll (in comparison to past years, not the Pirates), the Mets afford themselves some room to add pieces. These pieces go to a bigger puzzle called a team. A team is a lot of pieces, not just one. Yes, you always have those pieces that you build around, but what good is that one piece if you have nothing to put around it? As far as I see it, although Alderson is reluctant to fully admit it, the Mets are in a rebuilding stage.

Much to my dismay, they look up and see the pitching staff of the Phillies, which should make ANY line-up quiver. They look up at the Braves and the promising young talent they have in place to compete for the division year in and year out. They look up at the Nationals and see two of the brightest young stars in Strasburg and Harper, mixed with a front office willing to spend the money to compete. They look up at the Marlins and see an organization who apparently thinks they have money equivalent to that of the Yankees (which I don’t know where it’s coming from, they have no fans. They had Jews run the field night to attract some fans last year for goodness sake). And then there sits the Mets, at the bottom looking up. Mind you, there they sit, with or without Reyes. Ultimately deciding to build this puzzle called a team around new pieces, pieces that will allow this team to compete when the other teams need to do exactly what the Mets are doing now, rebuild.

3. The Mets Have Promising Talent in the Farm System.

Mets promising young power pitcher, Matt Harvey.

Just like Reyes and Wright, the Mets once again have managed to build a solid farm system. What was considered bleak nearly two years ago, the Mets have managed to create a bright spot of young talent under the Alderson regime. Namely going after pitching, the Mets hope they have a foundation in place to build a solid starting rotation from within. With Harvey and Wheeler being considered to have top of the rotation potential, and Familia, Mejia and Fulmer all showing promise, things suddenly don’t look so bad down the road. With first round pick Brandon Nimmo and OF Cesar Puello finally showing his power potential, the Mets definitely have some pieces to build around. Although we may not see these players for a few more years, Mets fans definitely have something to look forward to. And although he is being ripped right now, there is no better judge of young talent than Alderson. He builds from within, and has a way of finding the right pieces to fit the puzzle.

On the evening of the Reyes signing, Alderson said this statement during a press conference: “Look, I'm not conceding anything with respect to 2012. We're here [in Dallas] for the next four days to figure out how to put the best possible team on the field for 2012.” Much like the 2011 season, Terry Collins will have this team out there playing hard. They may or may not exceed expectations, but they will never stop trying. And whether or not you think the Mets could have kept Reyes, the fact of the matter is they didn’t. All Mets fans should stop dwelling on the fact that we have lost one of the most loved players in franchise history, and start preparing for life after Reyes…

And most of all, start believing in this front office.

Week 11 Power Rankings: Bears surge

1. Green Bay Packers (9-0) (Last week: 1)-  The Packers never even gave the Vikes a chance.  They pounced on them right away when Randall Cobb returned a punt for a TD before the offense had a chance to step onto the field.  This team is special.

2.  San Francisco 49ers (8-1) (LW: 2)- The Niners proved that they're an elite team in this league after holding on to defeat the Giants who had looked as strong as anyone of late.  Frank Gore looks like he'll be okay, just don't be surprised if they lighten his load going forward with Kendall Hunter lurking with fresh legs.

3.  New Orleans Saints (7-3) (LW: 6)-  The Saints held on after blowing a 10 pt 4th quarter lead against the Falcons on the road.  It was a big win for the Saints within the division on the road to give themselves a game and a half lead in the NFC South heading into their Week 11 bye.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) (LW: 7)-  The Steelers took care of the Bengals to catapult themselves into sole possession in the AFC North thanks to a Ravens loss.  The Steelers may still be the class of the AFC.

5. New York Giants (6-3) (LW: 5)-  The G-Men fell just short against the Niners on the road in Week 10.  However, it was the Niners and the Giants almost came through to tie the game on their final drive.  The Giants are a very good team, but they'll have to watch surging Dallas behind them as they have the Packers and Saints waiting for them on the other side of Philly.

6. Chicago Bears (6-3) (LW: 14)-  The Bears absolutely dominated the Lions in Week 10, plain and simple.  Their defense was exceptional, producing 2 TDs and Devin Hester took another one to the house off of a punt return.  The Bears look scary again.

7.  New England Patriots (6-3) (LW: 8)-  The Pats faced a tough divisional foe in the Jets in Week 10 and proved that it's still their division to lose.  They get the Tyler Palko-led Chiefs on Monday night this week as they try to nurse their secondary back to health.

8.  Baltimore Ravens (6-3) (LW: 3)-  Wow.  What a difference a week makes.  The Ravens looked flat and couldn't stop Marshawn Lynch even when they knew he was coming.  A loss to lowly Seattle isn't a good sign for the Ravens, having come off a huge win against Pittsburgh.

9. Houston Texans (7-3) (LW: 10)- The Texans tore apart the Bucs in Week 10, but the week was a huge loss for them as they lost Matt Schaub for the season due to a foot injury.  Here comes Matt Leinart...

10. Detroit Lions (6-3) (LW: 4)- The Lions couldn't get anything going against the Bears in Week 10, as they mustered a mere 13 points to the Bears' 37.  They'll have to get it together soon or else they could find themselves out of the playoff picture with 2 games against the Packers still to come.

11. Cincinnati Bengals (6-3) (LW: 9)- Bengals couldn't get it done against Pittsburgh, falling just short.  Tough divisional matchup looms this week in Baltimore.

12. Dallas Cowboys (5-4) (LW: 17)-  Dallas has looked very impressive of late and Tony Romo was brilliant in their Week 10 rout of Buffalo.  DeMarco Murray continues to shine as the featured back, and it looks as though he'll remain in that role with Felix Jones returning.

13. Oakland Raiders (5-4) (LW: 18)- The Raiders looked good in their Week 10 Thursday night victory, taking over first place in the AFC West.  Michael Bush has been sensational filling in for the injured Darren McFadden and Carson Palmer may have found his new favorite target in Denarius Moore.

14. Atlanta Falcons (5-4) (LW: 12)- The Falcons were so close to knocking off the Saints in Week 10 and taking over first place in the NFC South, but Mike Smith's decision to go for it on 4th and inches from their own 29 came back to haunt them as Michael Turner was swarmed by a wall of Saints, setting up an easy game-winning John Kasay field goal.  They get Tennessee at home this week.

15. New York Jets (5-4) (LW: 15)- For a team that is supposed to rely on a strong defense, it didn't get it done against New England on Sunday night.  The Pats were able to pull away and punish the Jets D.  Welker was held in check, but Gronkowski picked up the slack.

16.  Tennessee Titans (5-4) (LW: 21)- The Titans completely demolished the Panthers as their defense figured out Cam Newton and didn't allow him to do a thing.  A road trip to Atlanta will test if they can catch the Matt Schaub-less Texans in the AFC South.

17.  San Diego Chargers (4-5) (LW: 15)-  And the Chargers continue to fall.  Thankfully none of the other teams in the West are putting forth a tremendous effort.

18. Tampa Bay Bucs (4-5) (LW: 16)-  The Bucs got trounced by the Texans, and are now 2.5 games out of first.  The NFC is too strong to fall behind.

19. Buffalo Bills (5-4) (LW: 18)- The Bills may still have a winning record, but they sure haven't been playing like a winning team.  Dallas pushed them around in all facets, and don't be surprised if Miami beats them this week.  The Bills are free-falling back down to earth.

20.  Denver Broncos (4-5) (LW: 23)- Tim Tebow threw 8 passes.  He completed 2.  His team won.  Oh well, I guess the bottom line is Tim Tebow is 3-1 as a starter no matter how ugly it's looked.

21. Kansas City Chiefs (4-5) (LW: 20)-  The Chiefs were bound to fall off at some point, and now with Matt Cassel maybe out for the year, it's probably safe to write off the Chiefs.

22.  Seattle Seahawks (3-6) (LW: 28)-  So Seattle won a game.  And against a good team at that.  Who knew? Too bad they're in the same division as San Francisco.

23. Arizona Cardinals (3-6) (LW: 29)- The Cardinals have now won two in a row behind none other than John Skelton.  QB controversy maybe?

24.  Philadelphia Eagles (3-6) (LW: 19)- The Eagles have now reached a new low.  A loss to Arizona had the Eagles walking back to the locker room with their tail tucked between their legs.

25.  Cleveland Browns (3-6) (LW: 22)-  The last play of the game against St. Louis that would have won Cleveland the game says it all for this team...

26.  Washington Redskins (3-6) (LW: 25)-  And the Redskins continue their fall.  They're trying to go 3-13 the hard way.  Shanahan needs to put Helu in and pick a QB so his team can actually have some chemistry.

27.  Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6) (LW: 27)- Lucky for Jacksonville they got to play Indianapolis last week to get their 3rd win.  The other good news? They get them once more this year.  Outside of that not much else.

28.  Miami Dolphins (2-7) (LW: 30)- Wow, Miami has won two games in a row and looked pretty good doing it.  Maybe Tony Sparano will get to keep his job after all.

29.  Minnesota Vikings (2-7) (LW: 24)-  The Vikings never stood a chance against Green Bay.  Christian Ponder looks like he may have a bright future, but he will need some help.  Justin Blackmon maybe?

30.  St. Louis Rams (2-7) (LW: 31)- The Rams snuck out their second win of the year against the Browns, but who are they kidding?

31. Carolina Panthers (2-7) (LW: 26)- Cam Newton may be the future, but they don't have much of a present.

32. Indianapolis Colts (0-10) (LW: 32)-  Again, why bother?

-TA

The Albert Haynesworth Project

The New England Patriots waived former Pro Bowl DT Albert Haynesworth on Tuesday after registering only 3 tackles as a member of the team.  He was claimed by the Tampa Bay Bucs on Wednesday to step in for Gerald McCoy, who was lost for the season with a torn biceps. 

Haynesworth was not able to make it work with the Pats.

A mere two years ago, Haynesworth was awarded with a 7-year $100 million contract by the Washington Redskins, and was widely considered the best defensive tackle in the NFL.  It seemed as though he was on top of the world.

However, his tenure in Washington was short-lived and included a variety of public spats with his coaching staff about their transition to a 3-4 defense.  The Redskins later went on to trade the disgruntled Haynesworth to the New England Patriots for a late-round draft pick after only two seasons with the team.

His early departure from Washington only added to the troublemaker image he had established as a member of the Tennessee Titans.  As a Titan, Haynesworth stepped on then-Cowboys’ center Andre Gurode’s head after his helmet had been knocked off.  When news of his disruptions in Washington broke, it was hardly a surprise, and they continued throughout his two seasons as a Redskin.

As a Patriot, many thought that Haynesworth’s career could be revived under coach Bill Belichick, but the experiment only lasted 8 games and a paltry 134 snaps.   He did not fit in with their primarily 3-4 defense and was said to have had a heated dispute with his defensive line coach.  Now the Bucs hope that they can get the most out of what Haynesworth has left in their 4-3 system.

The question is though, is he really worth it?  The former Pro Bowler has been nothing but trouble everywhere he’s gone.  Sure, he plays better in a 4-3 scheme, but is he worth the headache?  He certainly cannot be good for the locker room and midway through the season, he’s already in position to be an outsider amongst the team.  If he cannot get his attitude in check, as we saw with Randy Moss last season, no team will want to retain him for the marginal production he puts forth. 

Haynesworth has been a disruption on every team he’s played for and is already clearly in the decline of his career.  To put it simply, the man is a cancer.  He is a guy who cannot be counted on to be a leader for his teammates and never seems to have remorse for his actions. 

For a team poised to be in a playoff race, to me this move makes little sense, even despite the need on the line.  A playoff team needs cohesion in the locker room and for that to transfer to the field, and with Albert Haynesworth, that can only create a divide.  Coach Morris and GM Dominic, you are hurting your team.

-TA

Week 10 Power Rankings (And 2nd Half Bold Predictions)

The bold predictions are back this week for the NFL's 2nd half; they follow each team's rank.

1. Green Bay Packers (8-0) (Last week: 1)-  The Packers outlasted the feisty Chargers in Week 9 to remain the league's only unbeaten.  Minnesota comes to Lambeau on Monday night in what shouldn't be that close.

Bold Prediction: 19-0 for the Packers.  They'll do what the Pats couldn't in 2008.

2.  San Francisco 49ers (7-1) (LW: 2)- They let Washington make it somewhat interesting at the end, but behind another strong performance by Frank Gore the Niners pulled another one out.  The Giants are coming to town in what should be a very intriguing matchup.

Bold Prediction: The Niners clinch the division in Week 11.

3.  Baltimore Ravens (6-2) (LW: 6)-  The Ravens beat the seemingly mighty Steelers on Sunday to complete the season sweep.  Baltimore's defense remains strong and Joe Flacco proved he can get it done in crunch time with a tremendous 2-minute drill, ending in a game-winning TD to Torrey Smith.

Bold Prediction: The Ravens sweep their division on their way to the AFC's number 1 seed.

4. Detroit Lions (6-2) (LW: 7)-  The Lions may have been a little forgotten over the bye week, but I am not willing to have anyone but the Ravens jump them on account of their win over the previous number 3 Steelers.  Big divisional matchup with the Bears looms.

Bold Prediciton: The Lions drop their week 10 matchup against the Bears and miss the playoffs at 10-6 like last year's Giants.

5. New York Giants (6-2) (LW: 7)-  Huge win over the Pats in a Super Bowl XLII rematch, in which Eli Manning led another impressive game-winning drive.  (Told you he was elite).  Doesn't get any softer as the G-Men travel to San Fran to take on the 7-1 49ers.

Bold Prediction:  Eli Manning leads the Giants to a win over the Niners on the road.

6. New Orleans Saints (6-3) (LW: 9)-  The Saints showed on Sunday that when they get it together and provide a balanced attack on offense, they are as good as anyone.  The defense shut the Bucs out until the waning minutes of the 1st half, even without Jonathan Vilma for the whole game and Tracy Porter and Patrick Robinson for most of it.

Bold Prediction: Drew Brees is finally the QB that is on pace to break Dan Marino's single-season passing yards record that does it.

7.  Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) (LW: 3)-  The Steelers couldn't close it out against Baltimore on Sunday and got swept on the season.  That doesn't bode well for them in case of a tiebreaker.  They go on the road to take on the 1st place Bengals this week.

Bold Prediction: Steelers beat the Bengals this week by double-digits.

8.  New England Patriots (5-3) (LW: 5)-  The Pats didn't have enough time on the clock to respond to Eli's late game heroics, but they better get themselves together to keep themselves in first in the division against the Jets.  I guess short-haired Tom Brady does lose, and two in a row at that.

Bold Prediction: The Pats lose this week to the Jets and settle for a Wild Card spot.

9. Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) (LW: 10)- The Bengals completed the come from behind victory against the Titans, staying in a tie for first in the division.  The real test of the Bengals will be this week at home against the Steelers.

Bold Prediction: 10 TDs for AJ Green.

10. Houston Texans (6-3) (LW: 11)- The Texans continued their winning streak with a big win against the Browns and widened their lead on the division with a loss by the Texans.  They traveled to Tampa to take on the Bucs to try to make their win streak 4 games.

Bold Prediction: The Texans lock up the division in Week 13.

11. New York Jets (5-3) (LW: 12)- The Jets made a statement in the AFC East with a convincing 27-3 win over the Bills.  They can overtake 1st place with a win over the Pats at home this week (that and a Bills loss).

Bold Prediction: Jets win the AFC East.

12. Atlanta Falcons (5-3) (LW: 13)-  The Falcons took care of business against the Colts on Sunday with a 31-7 victory in which Julio Jones broke out for 131 yards on 3 catches and 2 long TDs.

Bold Prediction: Julio Jones has more yards and TDs than Roddy White in the 2nd half.

13. Buffalo Bills (5-3) (LW: 8)- The Bills looked bad against the Jets last weekend, plain and simple.  They're going to have to be better if they want to keep pace with the Pats and Jets in the East.  That must start this week in Dallas.

Bold Prediction:  Bills finish 8-8, missing the playoffs.

14. Chicago Bears (5-3) (LW: 14)- The Bears weren't too fond of their role as underdogs Monday Night, and showed why they are still a contender in the NFC.  Big divisional matchup against the Lions awaits them this weekend at Soldier Field.

Bold Prediction: The Bears win at home against the Lions this weekend and make the playoffs as a Wild Card.

15. San Diego Chargers (4-4) (LW:15)- The Chargers gave the Packers a run for their money at the end of the game in Week 9, but it was the Packers, so there's not much shame in that.  They get Oakland at home on Thursday night in a crucial divisional showdown.

16.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4) (LW: 16)- The Bucs were kept in check in New Orleans last Sunday, as the Saints got their revenge.  The Bucs had to sling it around after getting down early, so they were not able to run it down the Saints' throat.  They are now a game and a half out of first, in 3rd place in the NFC South.

Bold Prediction: LeGarrette Blount gets over the 1000 yard plateau with at least 8 TDs.

17.  Dallas Cowboys (4-4) (LW: 18)- The Cowboys took care of business against the lowly Seahawks last Sunday, as DeMarco Murray proved he was also a threat in the passing game out of the backfield.  They look to get back into the NFC East race at home against the Bills this weekend as the Giants have a tough matchup.

Bold Prediction: The Cowboys, aided by the Giants schedule, roar back with a strong second half and win the NFC East.

18. Oakland Raiders (4-4) (LW: 19)- The Raiders got shown up at home by a weak Denver team, as Carson Palmer tossed two picks late in the game.  Lucky for them the Chargers also lost to maintain a share of the AFC West lead.

Bold Prediction: Darren McFadden misses significant time and Michael Bush averages a touchdown a game in his absence.

19. Philadelphia Eagles (3-5) (LW: 17)- The Eagles couldn't capitalize on an opportunity to climb into a 2nd place NFC East tie with a loss to the Bears at home on Monday night.  They continue to find ways to lose in the fourth quarter, and unless that changes immediately, the Eagles will undoubtedly be watching the playoffs from home.

Bold Prediction: The Eagles lead the league in rushing and are top 3 in total yardage, but with a losing record.

20.  Kansas City Chiefs (4-4) (LW: 20)- The Chiefs got absolutely stunned by the winless Dolphins at home, and it was bad to say the least. Luckily they get the Broncos this week to try to get back on track.  

Bold Prediction: Chiefs finish 6-10, third in the West.

21. Tennessee Titans (4-4) (LW: 21): Tennessee doesn't get to jump KC because they also lost.  The Titans continue their slide and will try to stay within reach in the AFC South in Carolina this weekend.

Bold Prediction:  Chris Johnson is relegated to the bench, as Javon Ringer gets a chance to start when they are out of contention.

22.  Cleveland Browns (3-5) (LW: 22)-  The Browns got pushed around in Houston last weekend, as they are quickly falling out of contention.

Bold Prediction: Peyton Hillis walks after this season after not getting a sufficient deal from the Browns.

23. Denver Broncos (3-5) (LW: 28)- Tebow is now 2-1 as a starter this season, somehow.  The Broncos are miraculously only a game out of the division lead in the NFC West, and get a chance to stay in striking distance with a divisional matchup against the Chiefs.  

Bold prediction: The Broncos beat the Chiefs this week as the Chiefs start to spiral downward after the loss to Miami.

24.  Minnesota Vikings (2-6) (LW: 24)- The Vikes had a week off to prepare for the Packers this Monday night, but I'm not sure how much it's going to help.  Christian Ponder led them to a semi-close game against the Pack earlier in the year, but I'm not convinced it's going to be close again on the road.

Bold Prediction: 20 TDs for Adrian Peterson.

25.  Washington Redskins (3-5) (LW: 25)-  The Redskins scored late to make the score closer than it should have been against the 49ers, but it was another loss for the plummeting 'Skins.

Bold Prediction: The Redskins, after starting 3-1, steal only one game en route to finishing 4-12.

26.  Carolina Panthers (2-6) (LW: 23)-  Cam Newton continues to impress this year and will look to increase his win total for pride's sake this week at home against Tennessee.

Bold Prediction: Cam Newton finishes in the top 5 in rushing TDs with 15.

27.  Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) (LW: 26)- The Jags get a treat this week as they travel to take on the winless Colts in Indy.  They better make the most of this golden opportunity.

Bold Prediction: The only two games they win from here on out are against the Colts.

28. Seattle Seahawks (2-6) (LW: 27)- Another game, another loss for the Seahawks.  It looks as though that win against the Giants will have been their Super Bowl.

Bold Prediction: The Seahawks finish 2nd in the West with 4 wins.

29.  Arizona Cardinals (2-6) (LW: 30)-  The Cards came back and stole a game from the Rams in OT with a spectacular 99-yard punt return from rookie Patrick Peterson, even though I'm not sure why he ever would field a punt at his own 1 yard line.

Bold Prediction: Larry Fitzgerald comes on in the 2nd half with 5 TDs in the remaining 8.

30.  Miami Dolphins (1-7) (LW: 31)- The Dolphins got their first win with style as they clobbered the Chiefs 31-3.  They look to keep it rolling against the Redskins on Sunday.

Bold Prediction: The 'Fins win 3 more games to finish 4-12, the first of those 3 coming this week against Washington.

31.  St. Louis Rams (1-7) (LW: 29)- The Rams couldn't keep it going after beating the Saints, as they lost to another 1 win team last week, that being the Cards in OT.  

Bold Prediction: Mark Clayton comes back and is the team's leading receiver in the second half over Brandon Lloyd.

32. Indianapolis Colts (0-9) (LW: 32)-  Why bother.

Bold Prediction: 0-16 and Andrew Luck is the heir to Peyton Manning's throne.

-TA

Why Eli Manning IS an Elite NFL QB (And in Brady's Class)

New York Giants QB caused a big stir when he claimed he was in the same class as New England Patriots QB and future Hall of Famer Tom Brady in an interview late last summer.  Most people quickly dismissed his claim as ludicrous and scoffed at the mere mention of Eli's name being in the same conversation as Brady's.

When you look at their numbers since they've come into the league, the conclusion to be drawn, however, is that the two really aren't that all different.  Brady, in 9 full seasons, has averaged just under 3,900 yards per season with 29 TDs, and 11 INTs.  Manning, in the 6 full seasons he has played, has averaged just under 3,600 yards per season, with 25 TDs and 17 INTs.  

But when we analyze the differences in these stats they make sense.  Brady has played 9 full seasons to Manning's 6, and seeing as Brady is currently in his prime, there is only reason to believe that Manning is just entering his.  That, paired with the idea that he amassed his top 2 passing seasons in his last 2 years seems to justify this.  He is currently on pace to shatter his previous career high of 4,021 yards in a season (he is on pace for over 4,800) and come close to last year's career-high 31 TDs.  Manning drew a lot of criticism for his 25 interceptions last year, which is a stat in and of itself which led people to claim it was a bad year for Manning despite his 2nd consecutive 4,000 passing yard season and the aforementioned career-high 31 TDs.  While that stat is one Eli would like to forget, he only has 5 picks through 7 games this season, which when extrapolated to a full year, is 11.  It seems as though last year's high INT total was merely an aberration.

On the subject of interceptions, Tom Brady had a remarkable season last year in which he only threw 4 of them to go along with his 36 TDs.  However, through 7 games this season, Brady already has 8, doubling last year's total not even halfway through the year.  Granted, comparing this total to last year's is hardly fair, but he currently has 3 more than Manning.  Brady has averaged 4 TDs per season more than Manning, but when we take out his insane 2007 year with 50 TDs, a severe outlier given his next-best total was last year's 36, his average drops to 26, a mere 1 more than Manning.  

The biggest "stat" that most people have used in this debate, however, is the rings.  Brady has won three to Manning's 1.  Tom Brady has won three Super Bowl titles, and the impressive part about them is that they all came in his first 4 years as a starter.  However, Brady is 0-1 in Super Bowls since then, his lone loss coming to the New York Giants.  Their QB? None other than good ol' Eli himself.  Manning, despite having to live in his brother, Peyton's, shadow for his entire career, is 1-0 in Super Bowls.  This is the same record as Drew Brees, who is unanimously considered an elite NFL QB.  This total is also 1 more than Philip Rivers, who after last year all but cemented his name in the conversation, despite a down year this year.  Brady's 3 Super Bowls, I would argue, are as much of a product as the team he's played for, one with a stellar defense with elite coaching and Adam Vinatieri's golden leg, as by his own efforts.  Now, before that gets misconstrued, I said as much of a product, meaning he shares the praise, but it is not by his merits alone. Manning has done so with an average to above-average coach in Tom Coughlin, and although he had a great WR in Plaxico Burress along with an amazing pass rush, it was Manning who led the game-winning drive in the Super Bowl, earning him MVP honors.  

As far as intangibles are concerned, Brady is considered the king with his label as a "winner".  While he wins a lot of games, and a heck of a lot in the regular season, he hasn't lived up to that title since the 2004-05 season, his last Super Bowl victory.  Manning's was as recent as the 2007-08 season and he only looks as though he is improving.  Now with a complete cast of WRs and a two-headed running attack to compliment the still-elite pass rush with Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora (another name I just correctly spelled without looking), Eli's stock should be on the rise.  This season the Giants' defense was decimated by injuries during training camp, so if they don't get it done this year with a makeshift secondary and linebacking corp, nobody should fault them, but by next year at the latest, the Giants will undoubtedly be in a position to make some noise.  That is, like I said, only if they don't do so this year with a 5-2 record approaching the second half of the season.

Inside 2 minutes left in the half, there are probably only enough QBs to count on one hand that I'd rather take over Eli, as he runs the 2 minute drill as well as anyone in this league.  If it wasn't for his brother being possibly the best QB the league has ever seen, he may get more of the credit he deserves.  Eli Manning is an elite QB in this league, and what better way than to prove it than by stacking his numbers against the poster-child of elite QBs and the one he claimed he was in the same class with?  I would argue that Eli Manning is indeed in the same class as Tom Brady, although probably a step behind him, and what class does Brady belong to? That would be the NFL's elite.  I've noticed, and maybe someday he'll get the credit and accolades he deserves from the rest of the football community.

Welcome, Eli. Feel free to unpack, you're here to stay.

-TA