Super Blowout

There are few things about Super Bowl XLVIII than can be said that haven't been said already. So I'll do what I always do, give you my unvarnished opinion. And I'll do something a little different: make it short and sweet.

LEGACY DEFINED

The typical one sentence summary on Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning's career is that he is the greatest regular season signal caller of all-time. Digging deeper, there is a "yeah, but" that surfaces when discussing his postseason achievements. At this time, notwithstanding any future possibilities, yesterday's performance by Manning further solidified the aforementioned perception of Manning's career.

The Broncos defined their legacy as a franchise that is the most consistently successful AFC franchise in the NFL that was birthed in the American Football League. The Broncos played in their 7th Super Bowl - one in the 70s, three in the 80s, two in the 90s, and now one less than halfway through the 2010s. The Broncos played in one AFC Championship Game during the 2005 season. No former AFL franchise can make make a remotely similar claim with regard to success and longevity - with honorable mention to the Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots.

But on the big stage, the Broncos entered an exclusive cub; they became the first franchise, ever, to lose five Super Bowls. Generally successful they are. In a league with the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, or Dallas Cowboys they are not.

This has to suck. 1

DYNASTY IN THE MAKING

The Seahawks won a Super Bowl in as convincing a fashion as conceivable in the 2013 season. Seattle earned the top seed in their conference's playoffs followed by winning two home playoff wins with the help of their home crowd, The 12th Man. For an encore they utterly destroyed the AFC's best team - a team with an MVP, future Hall of Fame quarterback at the helm.

When a team has a season like Seattle did, with a defense justifiably being compared to the 1985 Chicago Bears and the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, the "dynasty" talk is always around the corner. SLOW DOWN! Neither of the aforementioned evolved into a dynasty, though they remained competitive in the years following their championships.

The Seahawks are a young team with fewer salary cap challenges that many a Super Bowl champion faces. Their quarterback, Russell Wilson, is only in his second year as a pro and will continue to get better. This team isn't going away. But let them at least get back to the big game and (gasp!) perhaps win another Lombardi Trophy before rolling out the "D" word.

There's one. Not two...not three...not four.... One.... 2

1) Image from www.time.com
2) Image from www.cbssports.com

Poo Dat

“I shoulda listened when my mama told me

That, if you play now, you gonna suffer later

Figured she was talkin yang-yang, so I paid her no attention”

Dre (a.k.a Andre 3000)

OutKast

“Git Up, Get Out”

Southernplayalisticcadillacmuzik (1994)

LIFE IMITATES ART

The Saints went and did it. They’ve put themselves in an unfathomable position. For the first time all season, the Saints are on the outside looking in in the NFC South division race. Yesterday’s 17-13, loss to the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, North Carolina gave the Carolina Panthers a one game lead over the Saints entering the final week of the regular season.

The loss in Carolina was a tough one. The Saints defense dominated the Panthers offense in the second half of the game. Carolina failed to convert a third down in the entire game. The Panthers drove 65 yards for a touchdown in less than a minute with no timeouts remaining to take the lead for good.

As difficult as the last minute loss was, that result in that game was not surprising. The Panthers are one of the best teams in the NFC. They were 6-1 at Bank of America Stadium entering the game. The Saints were 3-4 on the road entering the game. The Panthers were favored by three points; they won by four. Both defenses played exceptionally well. It was a close game. Someone had to lose.

Yesterday’s loss is not the game that may haunt the Saints through the offseason. Their loss in St. Louis to the previously 5-8 St. Louis Rams was the inexcusable blemish that will stain the Saints 2013 season should the Black & Gold make an early exit from the playoffs. The Saints clearly underprepared and demonstrated mental errors and a lack of discipline that is unacceptable from any team seriously contending for a title.

If only the game ended after 59 minutes.... 1

PLAY NOW, SUFFER LATER

The Saints could still be In contention for home field advantage throughout the 2013 NFC Playoffs. They would be in control of their own destiny for the NFC South Division title and a first round bye in spite of yesterday’s loss had they practiced for, prepared for, and played against the Rams with the effort they demonstrated all season against their other opponents. Nothing extraordinary or superhuman…just the effort they’ve shown all season (as opposed to the least effort they’ve shown all season). The Saints should have already clinched a playoff berth.

The New Orleans Saints only have one place to look to explain why they will likely have to play in the first round of the playoffs and play on the road and could potentially need help to back in to the postseason: the mirror. After a 5-0 start, including a win at Chicago, a last second loss in Foxboro to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, and an obliteration of the Carolina Panthers just two weeks ago, the idea that the Who Dat Nation will enter Week 17 with its hat in its hand for some playoff charity is difficult to fathom. This is the position the Saints are in. They control their destiny. What’s it going to be?  

Former Saints kicker Garrett Hartley, who was cut following the team's loss in St. Louis, may be joined by his former teammates, at home for the playoffs, if their current direction doesn't change.

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls! 

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1) Image from www.newsobserver.com

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NFL Preview 2013 – AFC

Yesterday we discussed the NFC. Now for the other half of the NFL as we return to football tonight! Teams are listed by division in expected order of finish.

Trivial side note: this is The Daily Hat Trick's 1,000th posting. Thanks for reading!!!

AFC NORTH

Cincinnati Bengals – Cincinnati has been quietly building up for a serious Super Bowl run for the past two seasons. The next step is to win the division and I think they are ready to do it. Andy Dalton manages a game as efficiently as any good NFL quarterback. The defense is very solid and underrated, in my opinion. The backfield, with rookie Giovani Bernard and the "Law Firm" of Benjarvis Green-Ellis is going to be an extremely difficult 1-2 punch to defend. And Head Coach Marvin Lewis is due.

Pittsburgh Steelers – The Steelers missing the playoffs is...odd. That is exactly what happened last season. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is back and healthy, as healthy as he will ever be. Losing running back Rashard Mendenhall to the Arizona Cardinals in free agency in the offseason was significant. I'm not sold on Isaac Redman or rookie Le'Veon Bell (who is out for Week 1 with a foot injury) at tailback. The running game has to improve for a team with the Steelers' smash mouth identity (and no more Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Wallace) to compete with the Bengals and Baltimore Ravens in 2013.

Baltimore Ravens – The defending Super Bowl champions lost a lot of players this past offseason to free agency, trades, or retirement. Examples include a couple of future Hall of Famers - linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed - safety Bernard Pollard, wide receiver Anquan Boldin and a host of other talented, standout players. Super Bowl XLVII MVP quarterback Joe Flacco is going to have to earn his record contract this year. I simply think the Ravens had too many departures to be the force in the AFC that they were last season.

Cleveland Browns – To borrow a little Family Guy shtick.... There's the opening kickoff...and the season's over!

Chloe Call, Giovani Bernard's girlfriend might be in for a treat as a first-year NFL WAG (Wives And Girlfriends).

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans – When? When is this team going to live up to all of the potential that we can clearly see? The Texans have had two carbon copy seasons: division titles, first round wins at home over the Bengals, and humbling second round losses. The only thing getting in the way of the Houston Texans making a deep playoff run is the Houston Texans.

It starts with quarterback Matt Schaub and it ends with a defense that gave up too many critical, ill-timed plays last season. The addition of safety Ed Reed, assuming he is healthy, might be what pushes this team to the next level. Their window is starting to close. It may be 2013 or bust for the Texans' Super Bowl prospects in the near future.

Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck was impressive in his rookie year. The Colts exceeded all expectations as they went from the worst team in the league in 2011 to an 11-5 playoff team last season. Luck needs to take better care of the football if the Colts are going to wrestle the AFC South title back from the two time defending division champion Texans. The addition of running back Ahmad Bradshaw should give Indy some power running and short yardage potency and boost what was an anemic running game last season.

The big question mark was the defense. They could not stop the run and did not put much pressure on the quarterback, especially late in games. The Colts drafted several defensive players in the 2013 NFL Draft, including pass rusher Bjoern Werner out of Florida State. His speed makes him a perfect fit in the Colts' 3-4 scheme. Adding Pro Bowl safety LaRon Landry to the secondary will also provide a huge boost. I am not clear, however, about how the leadership vacuum left by the departure of All-Pro defensive end Dwight Freeney will impact the defensive unit.

Tennessee Titans – Tennessee could fly under the radar and make some noise in 2013. They've beefed up their defense substantially, adding enforcer Bernard Pollard at safety for example, and have a host of young players with another year of experience under their belts. The real keys to the Titans' success under third year Head Coach Mike Munchak, however, is staying healthy, Pro Bowl running back Chris Johnson getting off to a fast start, and quarterback Jake Locker stepping his game up in his third season. The latter is critical.

Jacksonville Jaguars – Here's a haiku...ahem!

The Jaguars are trash
They really stink so badly
Corpses smell better

The Texans need Andre Johnson to find the end zone more than he did last year. Johnson had 112 receptions, but only four for touchdowns in 2012. 2

AFC East

New England Patriots – The Patriots will run away with the division, but not because they are so good. The rest of the division is that bad. The Pats have some serious problems for a team that is expected to contend for the Super Bowl every year. Wide receiver Wes Welker is gone, run off by management to the Denver Broncos and quarterback Tom Brady's rival/nemesis, Peyton Manning. Pro Bowl tight end Aaron Hernandez is in jail and probably not coming out...ever. Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski might miss a fourth of the season or more. Versatile scat-back Danny Woodhead went to find greener pastures in San Diego. The Patriots are probably going to win a very bad division. I don't see a Super Bowl run this season.

Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins have a chance to make the Patriots sweat a little in 2013. The X factors are the development of second year quarterback Ryan Tannehill and how well he meshes with prize free agent wide receiver Mike Wallace. In addition, second year left tackle Jonathan Martin has some huge shoes to fill following the departure of All-Pro Jake Long to the St. Louis Rams. Picking up former Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes from the Atlanta Falcons in free agency should help what was a porous pass secondary last year. Still, this team is taking baby steps, rather than quantum leaps. A 9-7 season under second year Head Coach Joe Philbin would be a smashing success, but an 8-8 finish is more likely.

Buffalo Bills – What can go wrong will go wrong. The Bills drafted quarterback E.J. Manuel out of Florida State in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft knowing that he would have a lot of developing to do. For that reason, the Bills wisely brought in veteran Kevin Kolb to ease Manuel's transition to the NFL. Then Kolb suffered a serious, potentially career ending concussion in the preseason. It is going to be a fast and furious introduction to the league for the rookie and probably going to be a very long year in Buffalo.

New York Jets – The Rex Ryan circus is grinding to a close in the Big Apple. The good news for the Jets is that they are the front runner in the Jadaveon Clowney sweepstakes; they're on the clock. The bad news for Head Coach Rex Ryan is that he won't be in New York to reap the benefits. This is going to end badly. Mark Sanchez is not an All-Pro, but he gave Ryan the chance to win the most possible games.

What happened? Rex Ryan went "Rex Ryan" and put his first string quarterback behind a second string offensive line in the fourth quarter of a meaningless preseason finale that led to Sanchez injuring his shoulder. At least Ryan only needs to look in the mirror to figure out who is responsible for his demise.

Can you believe this is the same guy just three years ago? What the hell happened?

AFC West

Denver Broncos – It is Super Bowl or bust for Peyton Manning and the Broncos this year. They are the front runners, coming off of a bitterly disappointing end to their 2012 season with a double-overtime loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Ravens last January. Simply put: the AFC is Denver's to lose in 2013.

Kansas City Chiefs – I don't think I can overstate how much the trade for quarterback Alex Smith from the San Francisco 49ers is going to help this team. This team has talented players. Running back Jamaal Charles and wide receiver Dwayne Bowe are potential Pro Bowlers every year. However, they were completely bankrupt at the QB position last year. The additions of rookie Eric Fisher out of Central Michigan at right tackle and rookie running back Knile Davis out of Arkansas will offer protection and backfield depth that the Chiefs sorely lacked last year.

The biggest upgrade? At Head Coach, hiring Andy Reid, with an NFC Championship and five NFC Championship Game appearances on his resume. They were 2-14 last year. This is not a 2-14 team this year.

San Diego Chargers – This is a career defining year for quarterback Philip Rivers. He appeared to take a big step backwards last year, other offensive personnel issues notwithstanding. The bad news is that the Bolts did not make major waves in free agency and wide receiver depth is still an issue. They added rookie Keenan Allen out of California, but released Robert Meachem in large part for salary reasons. Eddie Royal was a woeful underachiever in 2012 and is suffering from a bruised lung from an injury in preseason. Royal will probably play in Week 1, but Rivers has his work cut out for him.

The Chargers' defense was already respectable and adding former All-Pro Dwight Freeney and rookie middle linebacker and Heisman finalist Manti Te'o out of Notre Dame can only help. It all points back to Rivers and the offense. Can he rally this team and overcome the team's pass catching shortcomings?

Oakland Raiders – Terrelle Pryor is starting at quarterback for the Raiders this year. That wasn't the plan when they acquired Matt Flynn from the Seattle Seahawks in the offseason. That, of course, was necessitated because Carson Palmer asked to get out of town on the next available train, a wise choice.

The Raiders looked completely hapless on defense in the preseason. Just because the games didn't count doesn't mean that they didn't matter. Everything about this team is a mess. Expect Head Coach Dennis Allen to be circulating his resume after this season is over.

Pretty much.... 1

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.

The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.

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NFL Preview 2013 – NFC

The NFL season kicks off in two days! It's like the start of spring for sports fans in America. Every year, the Hat Trick gives you its projections and every year, about half of them are...WRONG! That, of course means I am right half of the time. Read with a grain of salt or at your own risk! Teams are listed in expected order of finish in their divisions.

NFC North

Green Bay Packers – About the only "easy" projection in this division is who will finish first. The North has a ton of talent and timeless rivalries. But the team in green is still the toast of the Black and Blue Division. As long as Aaron Rodgers is under center in this division, there is no compelling reason to expect another team to finish first until it actually happens or Rodgers suffers some type of injury. 


Chicago Bears – Speculating on the second through fourth place finishes in this division amounts to little more than educated guessing. I think the Bears made a huge mistake in firing Head Coach Lovie Smith last season, but I do like the glimpse of the 2013 Bears under rookie Head Coach Marc Trestman. His experience and offensive mind is going to go a long way in further developing the very talented and, in my opinion, underrated Jay Cutler. The defense, in the first year without future Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher, looks aggressive and full of swagger as usual. 


Detroit Lions – Detroit had one fatal flaw in 2012: the Lions could not run the ball, especially when running the ball counted most. I expect that to change this year with the acquisition of Reggie Bush via free agency. Aside from being one of the most dangerous backs in the league when in space, Bush proved he could pound the rock through the line during his time in Miami. The defensive line is as good as any one in football. Matt Stafford appears to be healthy, a key indicator of success or failure for the Lions. By the way, they have some Megatron guy lined up wide. 


Minnesota Vikings – Just because I expect them to finish last doesn't mean they will. But I see few significant upgrades to an absolutely anemic passing game with the exception of the acquisition of veteran wideout Greg Jennings. They also sent star WR Percy Harvin to the Seattle Seahawks (Harvin may miss the entire 2013 season with a hip injury). This team has Jared Allen rushing the edge and a group of linebackers that is tough against the run. They also have Adrian "All Day" Peterson who is healthy and coming off of a 2,000 year rushing season. The Vikings will have a chance in every game. But if you can't throw downfield and can't force turnovers, it is tough to win more games than you lose.

A.P. leaving a rival defense in the dust. Get used to it. 1

NFC South

New Orleans Saints – Last season, I all but admitted to expecting this team to finish second in the NFC South but picked them first because I was looking at them through black and gold colored lenses. I was correct; they finished in a three way tie for second with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. They were also 7-9, so that was not a positive outcome. 

This year, my gut tells me the Falcons will win the division, but I am going to wear my Who Dat shades with a little more confidence this year. Brass tacks: the offense under Drew Brees and the returned-from-exile Head Coach Sean Payton is going to be ridiculously good. Beyond the elite play calling and signal calling talent, the Saints have an embarrassment of riches and depth at all of the skill positions. My only reservation was the left tackle position given the departure of Pro Bowler Jermon Bushrod. However, former second round draft pick Charles Brown appears to be over his lingering injury issues that have plagued his career and appears to be ready to fulfill the promise he showed out of USC.

My concern with this team is its defense, the worst total defense in NFL history in 2012 (first ever to surrender 7,000 total yards). It has pass rushing talent, but took a blow when veteran Pro Bowl outside linebacker Will Smith was lost for the season with a knee injury. Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma had yet another surgery on the same knee that has dogged him for three years running, though he is expected to not miss any games. I see no personnel improvements for stopping the run. However, defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, with his 3-4 scheme, might have cracked the code to get this group of defenders to the level of forcing turnovers at the level of the 2009 Super Bowl champion Saints defense. 

Time will tell. If this team plays up to its ability and Drew Brees takes care of the football better than last year, I do expect the Saints to win the division. 


Atlanta Falcons – If you read this blog with any kind of regularity, I need not explain the contempt of my fanhood toward the Falcons. That said, I cannot let my biases blind me. The Falcons are a very good team and this is a "Super Bowl or bust" year for them. Matt Ryan is approaching the ranks of an elite NFL quarterback and a Super Bowl win, possibly just an appearance, will vault him into that top tier.

The addition of running back Steven Jackson is going to give this team a boost. The future Hall of Famer is on the "wrong side of 30", entering his 10th year in the NFL. However, two common threads I have noticed in older running backs performing at an elite level are good health and consistency. Jackson has played in 14 or more games in all but two years of his career and never missed more than four games in any season. Excluding his rookie year, Jackson has run for 1,000 or more yards every year on an abysmal St. Louis Rams team. I am unaware of any health issues so I expect Jackson, in a pass oriented offense, to be a headache for opposing defenses.

The Falcons' D left much to be desired last season and, in my opinion, is the reason it failed to win the NFC Championship last year. They addressed that in the draft, thoroughly. I like the additions of cornerbacks Robert Alford and Desmond Trufant. The Falcons drafted a total of six defensive players in the 2013 NFL Draft. I cannot imagine them not improving on that side of the ball, barring injuries.



Carolina Panthers – This team's rise or fall will depend entirely upon the progress of quarterback Cam Newton. Statistically, Newton had a slight improvement over his impressive 2011 rookie season. Some of his comments in the media drew speculation about his ability to lead a team. 

Personally, I think a lot of the "concern" over what Newton did or did not say after tough losses is a story for the sake of the media wanting to promote a story. But the bottom line is that the Panthers' defense is good enough to win a lot of games and the offense can put up yards. 

The Panthers need to start putting games away. While the D had some late game lapses, with the exception of Head Coach Ron Rivera, the responsibility for winning or losing close games ultimately falls at the feet of Newton, the quarterback. I don't know if this team can reach the playoffs, but I think a winning season is not an unreasonable expectation for the Panthers and Newton in his third year out of Auburn.



Tampa Bay Buccaneeers – This team could not stop the pass last year. They were so porous that it was almost unbelievable, with the second worst passing defense in NFL history (2011 Packers). That will almost certainly improve with the acquisition of former All-Pro cornerback Derrelle Revis. The big question mark is quarterback Josh Freeman. He's an enigma. Year in and year out, Bucs fans don't know which Freeman is going to show up. One would expect him to improve with coaching stability under second year Head Coach Greg Schiano but I won't believe it until I see it.  

It's a two team race in the NFC South again. 2

NFC East

New York Giants – Wholesale injuries on defense forced quarterback Eli Manning to press more on offense which led to more turnovers and more losses. I expect the Giants to be back in the playoffs next year. Injury lightning like that does not strike many teams twice, especially a well run Tom Coughlin coached team like the Giants. When the players on this team are in sync, they have no major weaknesses. The same cannot be said for the rest of the NFC East.


Washington Redskins – The elephant in the room on this team is the health of quarterback Robert Griffin, III's surgically repaired knee. The world will find out this coming Monday night when the Redskins host the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Washington's pass defense was bad. The pass rush has to improve. The Redskins, while near the top of the league in defensive interceptions, was in the lower third of the league in quarterback sacks and as a result they were third from last in total passing defense. 

The Redskins picked four defensive players in the 2013 NFL Draft and resigned former Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall in the offseason. In addition, some of those passing yards can be accounted for by opposing teams trailing and attempting more passes. Still, the pass defense from the front four through the secondary has to tighten up for this Redskins team to make a serious playoff run.


Dallas Cowboys – I expect the Cowboys to be really bad and I expect John Q. Fan to blame quarterback Tony Romo. It will not be Romo's fault though his stat line might suggest so. This team has zero depth at running back. I see the firing to defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who was over a gradually improving defense, as a big mistake. You can't make chicken salad out of chicken feed and the fact that neither the Pokes' running nor passing defenses were in the bottom ten (given the personnel and their standing when Ryan arrived in Dallas) would be a compelling argument to retain Ryan. Still, what owner Jerry Jones wants, Jerry Jones gets, logic and facts be damned. I think it is going to be another underwhelming year in North Texas.


Philadelphia Eagles – I think the Eagles are going to have a lot of growing pains under first year Head Coach Chip Kelly. Quarterback Michael Vick's health is going to determine how viable this Eagles team is. Kelly's offense is custom built for Vick's skill set. However, Vick playing an entire 16 game season is a rarity. The loss of starting wide receiver Jeremy Maclin for the season is going to be a significant setback. While I really like the addition of Connor Barwin as a linebacker in the 3-4 defensive scheme, I don't see the improvement to the defensive line to suggest that there will be a major improvement, especially against the run. I've been wrong before, though. 

Some critics argue that Tony Romo (flat on his back, right) was overpaid when he signed his recent contract extension with the Cowboys. Having to face the likes of Jason Pierre-Paul (body-slamming Romo, left) with the supporting cast he's been given, I don't think he was paid enough.

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers – The rise of quarterback Colin Kaepernick was a game changer in San Francisco last season. I don't think they reach the Super Bowl without him. Still, there is a risk of a sophomore slump. The 49ers brass brought in a solid reinforcement in wide receiver Anquan Bolin, acquired via trade from the Baltimore Ravens that beat the 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII. Unfortunately, the football gods giveth and the gods taketh away. 

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree tore his Achilles tendon in the offseason. Optimistic projections have Crabtree coming back in November. Still, the 49ers are a team with zero glaring weaknesses and as long as Kaepernick stays healthy, I expect the 49ers to be in the NFC Championship Game with the strongest chance of reaching the super Bowl of any NFC team. 


Seattle Seahawks – The Seahawks' success caught me completely by surprise last season. There are no surprises this year. The only surprise for Seahawks fans is the hip injury to coveted offseason acquisition wide receiver Percy Harvin. How that affects second year quarterback Russell Wilson's ability to bring the Seahawks to the next level remains to be seen. But this team is solid on defense, solid on the ground, and is capable of winning any game with Wilson under center. 

St. Louis Rams – The Rams have put the necessary pieces around quarterback Sam Bradford, on both sides of the ball, to enable him to lead this team to a winning record. What Sam Bradford can do depends on Sam Bradford. In his fourth NFL season, it is time for him to poop or get off of the pot if he is going to be the future if this franchise. Picking up All-Pro left tackle Jake Long should help Bradford sleep a little more easily at night before a game. The big hole left at running back by the departure of Steven Jackson to the Falcons may require the occasional No-Doz (unless it is a substance banned by the NFL). The Rams could either be a surprise sleeper team in 2013 or just put people to sleep...as usual.


Arizona Cardinals – Adding quarterback Carson Palmer and running back Rashard Mendenhall in the offseason will improve an offense that could not have been much worse in 2012. Their defense can hold its own and has talented players. Cornerback Patrick Peterson is a stud by any standard and I am looking forward to seeing how fellow former LSU player Tyrann Mathieu (A.K.A. the "Honey Badger") performs at free safety in his rookie season. I don't expect much more than a mediocre season from the Cardinals in 2013, but mediocre with some competitive closely contested losses is a step in the right direction for the Cards' rookie Head Coach Bruce Arians, the 2012 Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year as an interim coach with the Indianapolis Colts.

Sam Bradford's ex-girlfriend Karlie Kloss bolted off of the Cherokee quarterback's reservation. Was it addition by subtraction? And did she really have to wear a Native American tribal headdress at the Victoria's Secret fashion show to take a swipe at Bradford? What a BITCH!

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls! 


To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info. 

The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/. 

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NFL Quarterback Rankings 2013

It is that time of year again. Football is right around the corner! Last year, just before the beginning of the preseason, the Hat Trick ranked the starting quarterbacks from all 32 NFL teams. Today, we will do the same for the 2013 season.

Are you ready for some football?

Top Tier

1) Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers - Last year's preseason rank: 1 (difference = 0)

I think he is the best in the game. He has it all: arm strength, accuracy, footwork, agility in the pocket, and scrambling ability. On top of that, all he does is win.  Rodgers is so elite that he threw 39 touchdown passes and only eight interceptions and his quarterback rating was down from 2011. The Packers will be Super Bowl contenders as long as he’s healthy.


2) Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos - Last year's preseason rank: 4 (difference = +2)

Manning answered his critics questioning whether or not he could return to dominance after neck surgery that caused him to miss the entire 2011 season. Manning guided the Broncos to the best record in the AFC last season and stayed healthy all year. He’s back and so are the Broncos. There’s a big feather in Executive Vice President John Elway’s hat for signing Manning.


3) Tom Brady, New England Patriots - Last year's preseason rank: 2 (difference = -1)

Brady had another outstanding season in 2012, but is headed for hard times in 2013. First Brady took a pay cut to free up cap space and was rewarded by the organization lowballing his favorite wide receiver, Wes Welker. Then star tight end Rob Gronkowski had surgery on his arm in the offseason and is likely to miss the start of the regular season. Then his other former Pro Bowl tight end, Aaron Hernandez, was cut from the team due to a thorny legal situation. Expect Brady to face his toughest test as a QB in years.


4) Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints - Last year's preseason rank: 3 (difference = -1)

Nobody could have faced the circumstances Brees and the Saints faced last year and come out shining. The head coach, assistant head coach, and general manager were suspended for part or all of the season due to their roles in the Bountygate scandal. This is a new year with all of the key pieces in place and, by the way, Brees is still coming off of consecutive 5,000 yard passing seasons, notwithstanding the team’s turmoil last season. Brees still needs to take better care of the football (19 interceptions and five fumbles in 2012) if he wants to add another Super Bowl ring to his hand.

5) Eli Manning, New York Giants - Last year's preseason rank: 6 (difference = +1)

The last season collapse of the Giants kept Eli Manning from the playoffs and having a chance to defend their Super Bowl championship from the year before. The defense reverted back to its porous self from the early part of 2011 and placed Manning in a position where he had to take bigger risks with the ball. Still, Eli Manning is a leader, a winner, and a play maker. Two Super Bowl MVPs and a host of clutch performances offset a tough year on the stat sheet and in the win column.

Manning has the best chance of any of the elite quarterbacks to return to the Super Bowl. 1 

Tier 2


6) Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers - Last year's preseason rank: 5 (difference = -1)

Nobody is tougher, but at age 31, that could be a liability for Big Ben. Divisions and playoff berths are decided by the slimmest of margins with the high degree of parody in today’s NFL. Roethlisberger has played in all 16 regular season games only once in his career – in the Steelers Super Bowl XLIII winning season of 2008.

He has missed three or more games in two of the past three seasons. In addition, Roethlisberger throws fewer passes than his peers in the top, elite tier. For these reasons, I can’t justify grouping Big Ben with the aforementioned best of the best, but he’s pretty damn good and I doubt Steelers Fan would trade him for anything.


7) Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons - Last year's preseason rank: 10 (difference = +3)

Matty Ice finally got the playoff monkey off of his back last season, with a narrow win against the Seahawks in the Divisional round of the NFC playoffs. Ryan’s growth was evident last year. He has the best season of his career by virtually any standard. This year is Super Bowl or bust.


8) Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens - Last year's preseason rank: 14 (difference = +6)

That “boring, efficient, game manager” was the MVP of the Super Bowl last year. His clutch performances against the Broncos in the Divisional round of the AFC  playoffs and against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII vaulted him into the top ten of NFL quarterbacks and the very top of QB salaries. He’s going to earn it in 2013, as an alarming number of players on last year’s championship winning team were either released or left for greener pastures via free agency (or retirement).


9) Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers - Last year's preseason rank: 7 (difference = -2)

Rivers' days near the top may be numbered. Last season was a catastrophe in San Diego. Not all of it was Rivers’ fault. He was more feast than famine. But when Rivers served famine, the Chargers had no chance to win. His supporting cast seems as questionable this year as last year, though running back Ryan Matthews should be playing when the regular season starts. Rivers has put his team on his back and start making the players around him better.


10) Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys - Last year's preseason rank: 9 (difference = -1)

The chances of Tony Romo leading the Cowboys to a Super Bowl get slimmer by the year. That is more of a reflection on the Cowboys and their management than Romo. Make no mistake; Romo is a top flight quarterback. However, he is not an "elite" (top tier) QB and he is not a magician, either. Some help in the backfield would be a welcome addition for Romo.


11) Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears - Last year's preseason rank: 8 (difference = -3)

Last year, I mentioned that Joe Flacco was one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the league. Flacco led his team to a Super Bowl win. I am going to say the same for Cutler this year, though Bears Fan should not expect the same good karma. Cutler is a guy who will have to win games by carrying his team because the help he has had, except for receiver Brandon Marshall and running back Matt Forte, has been mediocre. He may have to overcome yet another patchwork offensive line, but time will tell if the Bears made enough improvements up front to give Cutler a better chance to help the team win.

Everything changes for the guys who win one. 2

Tier 3

12) Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals - Last year's preseason rank: 17 (difference = +5)

Dalton’s stock has quietly but quickly risen since his 2011 rookie season. He’s smart, efficient, and knows what not to do as much as he understands how to read the defenses he faces. The Bengals’ 2013 prospects will improve as much as Dalton’s performance improves.


13) Matt Stafford, Detroit Lions - Last year's preseason rank: 11 (difference = -2)

Stafford and the Lions had a setback in 2012. Stafford is a very good quarterback and a playmaker. He is capable of winning a lot of games. But he can’t do it alone and he has not had the sustained, long-term success to give him the confidence to stay as cool under pressure, week in and week out, as a Drew Brees or Tom Brady type.


14) Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts - Last year's preseason rank: 20 (difference = +6)

Andrew Luck showed that he was up to the hype during his rookie season, guiding the Colts back to the playoffs after a one year hiatus in 2011. Luck found ways to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat last season. However, he was often responsible for the team’s close up view of said jawline. Luck suffered from accuracy issues that he didn’t experience in college and turned the ball over too much for a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Still, the fact that the word “Super Bowl” can be used in any present tense context with the Colts just a year after they had the first pick in the draft is a testament to Luck’s remarkable rookie year.


15) Robert Griffin, III, Washington Redskins - Last year's preseason rank: 23 (difference = +8)

Griffin single-handedly brought his team back from the dead in his sensational rookie year. Head Coach Mike Shanahan risked sending Griffin’s young career to the land of the dead by playing him in the playoffs in spite of a knee injury (which was aggravated in that playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks and required surgery). Griffin is reportedly wearing a knee brace in training camp and may have to all season. For this reason, I am taking a wait-and-see approach before ranking Griffin any higher this preseason.


16) Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks - Last year's preseason rank: none

Wilson came on like gangbusters in the second half of the 2012 season. He helped vault the Seahawks to top contender status in the NFC. He is the prototype of a quarterback who can use his feet to buy time to make a play. His rapid movement along the learning curve was nothing short of astonishing. He has an opportunity to be among the elite NFL quarterbacks in a few years.


17) Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers - Last year's preseason rank: none

Kaepernick's rapid rise was one of the most compelling, unexpected, and significant stories of 2012. Alex Smith, the first pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, was the 49ers long established starter, in his 8th season as the Niners' QB. The football gods can strike unexpectedly, though. Smith gets hurt and misses a start and Kaepernick, on Monday Night Football, demonstrates the versatility and explosiveness that Smith never had. A few starts, a few repeat performances later and Kaepernick is leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl while Smith is leading the moving vans out of town.

Can Kaepernick provide an encore? Teams will have the entire offseason to study film and prepare for Kaepernick. The 49ers took a risk in keeping him and trading Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith was a game manager with a ceiling, but a ceiling that could include a deep playoff run. Kaepernick could have a sophomore slump. Time will tell, but the potential for Kaepernick's star to continue to rise is tremendous.

Shanahan's entire Redskins legacy will be tied to how well Griffin plays, post knee injury. 3

Tier 4

18) Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers - Last year's preseason rank: 15 (difference = -3)

This is a telling year for the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner. Newton was another feast-or-famine signal caller. Like Philip Rivers he also had more feast than famine but also like Rivers, his team needs him to carry them. The Panthers run the ball well when the threat of Newton loosens up the defense. How Newton plays in 2013 will be a likely barometer for him in the coming seasons.


19) Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs - Last year's preseason rank: 22 (difference = +3)

I am sold on a couple of positions on Alex Smith. First, I am sold that he is an efficient game manager who can help his team win if everyone else does the things they are supposed to do (like blocking, tackling, not committing foolish penalties and not coughing up the ball). Second, I am sold that Kansas City is not that team on which the supporting players will do enough of the little things properly to help Smith help them win.


20) Matt Schaub - Last year's preseason rank: 12 (difference = -8) 

Schaub has always looked pretty good on the stat sheet but he is like a banker: he'll only lend you an umbrella on a sunny day. OR...he's like an automatic transmission: no clutch. Schaub is a quarterback who will get the Texans wins when they can get ahead early and stay ahead.

He is not an ice-in-the veins fourth quarter comeback type of quarterback the likes of Eli Manning or Ben Roethlisberger. He isn't as surgically ruthless as Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. He isn't explosive like Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees. He isn't leading the Texans to the Super Bowl this year.


21) Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams - Last year's preseason rank: 19 (difference = -2)

This is a make or break year for Bradford. The flashes of star potential have made themselves present during his first three years in the league. The Rams have been drafting some quality pieces to help him on both sides of the ball. It is time for Bradford to show why he was the first pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and was paid a king's ransom in his rookie contract.


22) Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles - Last year's preseason rank: 13 (difference = -9)

"Make or break" appears to be the theme to Tier 4 and it also applies to Mike Vick. The difference is that the other, younger quarterbacks will demonstrate where they will fall in the league's quarterback hierarchy. The 33 year old Vick is attempting to demonstrate that he still has something valuable left to offer an NFL offense.

Given Vick's small stature but strong arm and quick feet, former University of Oregon coach Chip Kelly may be just what Vick needed. Kelly's scheme at Oregon was a system suited to speedy players and mobile quarterbacks who can air the ball out. Unfortunately, primary receiver Jeremy Maclin was lost for the season earlier this week with a knee injury and his number two healthy receiver, Riley Cooper, may have damaged his chemistry with the team.

In addition, Vick has only played in all 16 regular season games once in his career in large part due to his propensity to scramble outside the pocket. Father Time is not going to improve that. The season is not starting off well for Vick.

23) Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Last year's preseason rank: 27 (difference = +4)

Freeman is an enigma. Rookie year: down (no problem; he's a rookie). Second year: up. Third year: way down...abysmal. Last year: not bad, up a little. I don't know what to expect this year but the one constant throughout Freeman's career is that he has had trouble with accuracy, no matter how well he has played overall. He may be on track to be a career game manager, but I would like to see him string together two solid seasons before giving him that benefit of the doubt.

Brady to Schaub: "That's how it's done, son!" 4

Tier 5

24) Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins - Last year's preseason rank: 29 (difference =+5)

This guy grew last year and I think he has a lot of upside. If he can improve his consistency and accuracy, week in and week out, he will have the Dolphins in a position where they have a chance to win most weeks.


25) Mark Sanchez, New York Jets - Last year's preseason rank: 16 (difference = -9)

His stock is plummeting. So is the stock of the Jets, but that isn't all Sanchez's fault. The Jets have no running game and the only receiver (some may argue the only offensive player) who is worth a damn, Santonio Holmes, is still recovering from Lisfranc surgery for a season-ending foot injury last season. Holmes may not play in 2013. Still, neither opponents nor Jets fans will have much mercy on Sanchez. This may be his last season in New York if the Jets anemic passing game does show some signs of life, assuming rookie Geno Smith doesn't take his job in camp.


26) Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals - Last year's preseason rank: 21 (difference = -4)

Going from the Oakland Raiders to the Arizona Cardinals could be what the doctor ordered. There is a new Head Coach in Bruce Arians, who impressed the world filling in for an ill Chuck Pagano in Indianapolis last season. There is an actual running threat in Arizona with the acquisition of Rashard Mendenhall. Finally, there's some Larry Fitzgerald guy lined up at wide receiver. This may be Palmer's last chance to contend, but it is a real chance and, I would imagine, a welcome change of scenery.


27) Jake Locker, Tennessee Titans - Last year's preseason rank: none

I'll wait until he plays the bulk of an entire season before lowering my long term expectations for Locker to be in the pit of perpetual mediocrity. However, he needs to settle down in the pocket and take better care of the football. This is a quarterback with some long term upside, but he is entering his third year in a modern-day NFL with a short learning curve for quarterbacks.

Sanchez (left) and Smith (right): AWK-WAAAAARD!

Toilet Tier

28) Matt Flynn, Oakland Raiders - Last year's preseason rank: 28 (difference = 0)

I fell like I am being somewhat hard on Flynn but his only meaningful experience in the NFL has been off of the bench. When the Seattle Seahawks took a flyer on him with a lucrative free agency contract, he could not beat out rookie third round draft pick Russell Wilson for the starting job. It is really tough for me to envision the same Matt Flynn having a breakout year on his third team in three seasons, especially when that third team is the Raiders.


29) Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings - Last year's preseason rank: 30 (difference = +1)

As much as the NFL has completely transitioned from a running league to a passing league, last year Christian Ponder demonstrated that you can not throw the ball very much or very far and still quarterback a team into the playoffs when the man behind you in the backfield is Adrian Peterson and he runs for over 2,000 yards in a single season. That lightning won't strike twice.


30) Kevin Kolb, Buffalo Bills - Last year's preseason rank: 24 (difference = -6)

The only thing I can say for Kolb is that the Bills do have offensive talent. But they are a franchise without much direction and were without a quarterback before they traded for Kolb. Kolb showed in Philadelphia that he can be an efficient game manager and if he does that in Buffalo, the Bills could hover around .500, give or take a game. And if they can get a "give" of a game, that would make them 9-7 with a shot at the postseason. Based on recent history, it isn't likely, but Bills Fan has a ray (an itty bitty ray) of hope.


31) Brandon Weeden, Cleveland Browns - Last year's preseason rank: 32 (difference = +1)

2012: Grand opening

2013: Grand closing...assuming that Jason Campbell doesn't beat him outright in preseason for the starting job.


32) Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville Jaguars - Last year's preseason rank: 31 (difference = -1)

“GIVE ME BACK MY SON!”
Mel Gibson in "Ransom" (1996)

“GIVE ME BACK MY (draft) PICK!”
Jaguars Management (2012)

"GIVE ME BACK MY JOB!"
Blaine Gabbert (some time in 2013)

If Peterson has the misfortune of being injured again, Ponder would probably be willing to take All Day's place on the cart. 5

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1) Image from www.usatoday.com
2) Image from http://crown.kings.edu
3) Image from http://nfl.si.com
4) Image from www.boston.com
5) Image from http://m.1500espn.com