NFL Quarterback Rankings 2014

It is that time of year again. Football is here! Last year, just before the beginning of the preseason, the Hat Trick ranked the starting quarterbacks from all 32 NFL teams.

This year, it comes a little later. Several teams did not decide their starting quarterbacks until after the conclusion of the preseason. There are 10 starting NFL quarterback who were not starters heading into training camp in 2013 Today, the Hat Trick will toss in its two cents for the 2014 season. Better late than never...!

Are you ready for some football?

Top Tier

1) Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos - Last year's preseason rank: 2 (difference = +1)

Welcome back to the top of the mountain, Peyton Manning. Manning demolished records as he led the Broncos roughshod over the AFC on the way to Super Bowl XLVIII. This year, the Broncos are expected by many, myself included, to repeat as AFC Champions. John Fox is a good coach, but the expectations are a Mile High because of the future Hall of Famer.


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

I wrestled over whether or not to put Brady in the top spot. He did more with less last year than any quarterback in recent memory. However, Manning's (far from eroded) physical skills, the results of their AFC Championship Game meeting, and expectations for 2014 for both Manning and his team (compared to Brady and the Patriots) give Manning just a tick over Tom Terrific. My fanhood may tip the scales ever so slightly, too!


3) Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers - Last year's preseason rank: 1 (difference = -2)

If I were starting a franchise today, I would draft Aaron Rodgers first. His dip from #1 to #3 is more of a reflection on the superhuman performances of his two outranking elders last year than any fault of A-Rodg. The absence of recent playoff progress is not boosting his ranking, either. Still, this guy has everything: feet and footwork, arm strength, quick decision making ability, and the "it factor".


4) Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints - Last year's preseason rank: 4 (difference = 0)

Several years ago, a Falcons fan said (in a chain email including me and a number of Louisianians) that he thought Drew Brees was the most accurate passer in NFL history. At the time, I thought he was in Rome and doing as the Romans. Now, I think he was swallowing his Dirty Bird pride and admitting what he was observing. If you cut me, I bleed Black & Gold, but I can also take off my black and gold colored shades. Brees would be well atop Mount Hat Trick were it not for his tendency to commit the few turnovers he commits at the most painful and costly times for the Saints.


5) Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts - Last year's preseason rank: 14 (difference = +9)

This guy is a superstar. Leading his team back from the second-largest deficit in NFL history in the first round of last year's playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs illustrated a microcosm of his potential. Luck, like Tom Brady, also did a lot with a little, especially after his primary receiver, Reggie Wayne, went down with a knee injury at mid-season. The offensive line was average. His receiving corps was average. The defense in place to take pressure off of Luck and the offense was mediocre at best and the special teams (sans Adam Vinatieri) often looked confused. It won't get much better this year, but Luck will always give the Colts a chance to win.

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: 6 (difference = 0)

Big Ben can makes plays and keep the Steelers in any game at any time. Judging by the roster, he will need to do just that. The defense is long-in-the-tooth and the offensive teammates surrounding Roethlisberger are average. Expect a win-loss records not consistent with his QB ranking of #6. Expect Roethlisberger to pump the Steelers into the .500 neighborhood in spite of lacking .500 talent.


7) Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons - Last year's preseason rank: 7 (difference = 0)

Last season was an aberration for the Falcons and hence Ryan's performance. With healthy receivers and the first unit defense back in place, expect the Falcons to remain competitive through the end of the season. Matty Ice can flat out ball when he is in a rhythm and help his team outscore any opponent. They'll need it. The Falcons' defense is as intimidating as vanilla ice cream.


8) Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers - Last year's preseason rank: 9 (difference = +1)

It is simple. When Rivers is not making mistakes the Chargers' air attack is very hard to stop. He has already sucker punched the Legion of Boom from Seattle. Rivers has proven he can solve Denver's defense. Rivers is a QB who can lift up the players around him and for that reason, his team can never be overlooked in any week.


9) Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks - Last year's preseason rank: 16 (difference = +7)

Winning a Super Bowl has that effect on a QB's Hat Trick ranking. To borrow a line from the 1988 classic, "Coming To America", THE BOY GOOD! Wilson is one of the smartest quarterbacks in the league. What he lacks in stature and arm strength, he compensates for with the old gray matter and his ability to extend plays with his feet.

I think of Russell Wilson as Tom Brady with quick feet. Wilson is the prototype of a new wave of quarterbacks that will dominate the league in the coming decades. Super Bowl XLVIII was just the beginning.


10) Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys - Last year's preseason rank: 10 (difference = 0)

The Cowbys are going to suck this year. They will suck less because of Romo. Romo is not in the elite tier of QB's but he is a playmaker who keeps drives alive and games alive in spite of the people around him and in spite of the playcalling.

The magnified late turnover keeps Romo down. But I think that the eye of the average fan often misses the fact that said turnover would not be in a position to be costly were it not for Romo keeping his team alive longer than is often deserves to be.


11) Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears - Last year's preseason rank: 11 (difference = 0 )

Yeah, yeah...he is kind of a jerk. It's getting old. Cutler is a physical specimen with a rocket for an arm and good intestinal fortitude. He makes plays that lesser quarterback cannot. I've observed Cutler's maturity since joining the Bears and he appears, to my untrained eye, to have evolved, over the past two seasons, into the kind of teammate a teammate would want to have.

Don't hate the player; hate the game.


12) Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers - Last year's preseason rank: 17 (difference = +5)

♪ "He's the man; he's the man; he's the ma-an!" ♫

Any doubts I had about Kaepernick going into a sophomore slump were erased last season. Kap is on his way to becoming an elite NFL QB in the coming years. At the moment, I think of him as a poor man's Russell Wilson. Slightly more physically gifted...prone to occasional games in which one wonders where his head is. Still, the 49ers will be a Super Bowl contender every year a healthy Kaepernick is under center.

Steelers fans are going to witness the value of Ben Roethlisberger during a season they may likely want to forget. 2 

Tier 3

13) Eli Manning, New York Giants - Last year's preseason rank: 5 (difference = -8)

Eli Manning was able to help his team win because he could compensate for his physical deficiencies with the players around him. The pieces around him are not the same as when the Giants were winning Super Bowls and it shows. It has significantly affected his decision making. Eli and the G-men may be in for some lean years until the roster is rebuilt and gains experience.

14) Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers - Last year's preseason rank: 18 (difference = +4)

Newton is on the cusp of breaking into the ranks of the "top two" tier quarterbacks. Newton can not only make plays with his legs, but run opponents over in the process. At the same time, he has demonstrated the ability to stretch the field. Seasoning and experience could give him a chance to evolve into a very special player.


15) Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens - Last year's preseason rank: 8  (difference = -7)

Considering that the Super Bowl XLVII champions were completely dismantled on the defensive side of the ball prior to the 2013 season, I thought Flacco held it together. Still, Flacco was exposed as more of an advanced game manager than a play maker.

Putting the right players around Flacco will give him an opportunity to win games every week, including the big game - the Super Bowl. But at this point in his career, it is clear to this blogger that he cannot put a team on his back and carry it deep into the postseason like a Tom Brady or Peyton Manning type.


16) Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals - Last year's preseason rank: 12 (difference = -4)

With the talent around him, all Dalton has to do is not put his team in harm's way during the postseason to contend for a Super Bowl. Dalton has flashes of excellence. But his team does not need him to be excellent, just competent. The sooner he realizes this, the sooner he can grow into a QB approaching excellence.


17) Matt Stafford, Detroit Lions - Last year's preseason rank: 13 (difference = -4)

Stafford is a tough QB to read. Without a doubt he has the physical tools - size, arm strength, toughness. Six years into his NFL career, I am still undecided as to whether or not Stafford has "it" and can rise to the level of one of the star signal callers in the NFL. For another year, I have to reserve judgment.


18) Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals - Last year's preseason rank: 26 (difference = +8)

Arizona was the perfect fit for Palmer and as a result, he has shown that he can give a good NFL team a chance to contend for the playoffs.

19) Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs - Last year's preseason rank: 19 (difference = 0)

Alex Smith will not lose games for his team. If everyone else (including the Head Coach) does what they are supposed to do, he can help make sure his team wins the games. Guys like Smith don't make it into the Hall of Fame, but they play for a long time and, every now and then, they get their squads to the Super Bowl.

20) Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles - Last year's preseason rank: none


Foles came on strong for the Eagles last season and played a big part in getting them to the playoffs. Still, the information on Foles' ability to perform is limited. I need to see a solid sophomore season before moving him up the Hat Trick ranks.

Gravity is real. 3

Tier 4


21) Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins - Last year's preseason rank: 24 (difference =+3)

I was on the fence regarding whether or not to place Tannehill into Tier 3 or Tier 4. Tannehill can make that choice easy for me in 2015 - one way or another.


22) Robert Griffin, III, Washington Redskins - Last year's preseason rank: 15 (difference = -7 )

I have crystal stemware that doesn't break as easily.


23) Geno Smith, New York Jets - Last year's preseason rank: none

This guy could have a long, above-average career or be a fly-by-night QB on the bench by the time his rookie contract expires. Either way, a Rex Ryan team is not the place to maximize his potential. Regardless, young Smith has to play the cards he was dealt. Having veteran Mike Vick as his backup and possible mentor could aid in his development. But in his second season, there are more "unknowns" than "knowns" surrounding Smith.


24) Brian Hoyer, Cleveland Browns - Last year's preseason rank: none

Someone told Brian Hoyer he could be a legitimate starting NFL quarterback. Someone told him he could outperform first round draft pick and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel and keep him on the bench during his rookie year. Apparently, Hoyer believed it.

Because the Browns lack the offensive skill position players Hoyer needs around him to make the Browns into a serious playoff contender, I think that it is only a matter of time before Hoyer yields the starting job to Johnny Football. Still, Hoyer has shown that he can add value to an NFL roster and has greatly helped increase his expected career longevity.


25) Jake Locker, Tennessee Titans - Last year's preseason rank: 27 (difference = +2)

He'll win some games by default but he'll be on someone's bench next season.

Perhaps Tannehill would be more motivated if he didn't already have the hot wife. 4

Tier 5


26) Ryan Fitzpatrick, Houston Texans - Last year's preseason rank: none

He clearly went to Harvard. He has outsmarted the entire Texans' coaching staff into letting him start.

27) Matt Cassel, Minnesota Vikings - Last year's preseason rank: none

T-minus x-number of weeks before the Teddy Bridgewater era begins in Minnesota. In fact, it may have already started. Cassel's 15-minutes will be up and long overdue after the 2014 season.

28) Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders - Last year's preseason rank: none

Carr might not be a bust like his brother (first pick in the 2002 NFL Draft) David. But, like David, he is on the worst possible team to cut his NFL teeth.

29) E.J. Manuel, Buffalo Bills - Last year's preseason rank: none

In my opinion, Manuel should have been more of a developmental project than a high first round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. He may be on his way out of Buffalo after just his second season. That is what happens to teams that overreach at the most important position n the field.

Just because he went to "Haaaaaaah-vard" doesn't mean he can think the Texans to victory. 5

Toilet Tier

30) Josh McCown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Last year's preseason rank: none

It's nice that McCown parlayed his fill-in duties with the Bears into a starting job. Now you see why he is a career backup.

31) Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars - Last year's preseason rank: none

I cannot think of a worse place for an NFL rookie QB to try to have an impact. Still, he's a better option than (former Jags starter) Chad Henne.

32) Austin Davis, St. Louis Rams - Last year's preseason rank: none

Who the hell is this guy?

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. 


1) Image from www.usatoday.com
2) Image from http://www.ocnreport.com 
3) Image from http://www.bleacherreport.com
4) Image from www.gossipextra.com
5) Image from http://news.harvard.edu

Aaron's Destiny

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had a tough trip on the road this past Sunday. The Packers lost a very hard fought game at the San Francisco 49ers to start the season 0-1. Rogers has a source of comfort at home, though. His childhood friend and (rumored) fiancee, Destiny Newton is the subject of today's Chick Pic.

Clearly she's a leader, not a follower, getting others on board with Team A-Rodg! 1

Where is THIS bar? 2

Gotta love her bathside manner.... 3

Is she running an out route? 4

She would get my stamp of approval. 5

She has that Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder in "Dr. No" thing going. 6

Or Halle Berry as Jinx Johnson in "Die Another Day".... 7

Just another day at the beach with the Super Bowl winning MVP.... 8

Best of luck, lovebirds. A-Rodg found a chick who was down from day one. That's living the dream! 9

1) Image from http://flamingbagofpoo.wordpress.com
2, 3) Images from www.bleacherreport.com
4, 9) Images from www.computersight.com
5) Image from www.sportsjabber.net
6, 7) Images from www.ign.com
8) Image from www.totalpackers.com

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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NFL Quarterback Rankings 2012

It's that time of year again!

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 2012 season.

Top Tier

1) Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers - Last year's preseason rank: 3 (difference = +2)

Rodgers is simply the best. He demonstrated that his 2010 Super bowl run was not simply a product of getting hot at the right time. Nobody is perfect, Rodgers was close last year.


2) Tom Brady, New England Patriots - Last year's preseason rank: 2 (difference = 0)

Were Rodgers not on an unprecedented level of efficiency during the past season and a half, Brady would easily be #1. Brady is aging and, frankly, I think Rogers is just better. But Tom Terrific demonstrated that he can do a whole lot with very little.


3) Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints - Last year's preseason rank: 5 (difference = +2)

The only player in NFL history with multiple 5,000 yard passing seasons and the NFL record holder for single season passing yardage recently signed the richest contract in NFL history. Without Head Coach Sean Payton on the sideline in 2012, Brees will have every opportunity to earn his $40 million salary for next season.

Brees might be the most accurate passer in NFL history. Still, he needs to pull back at times. He had too many untimely turnovers during the past two seasons for a quarterback of his caliber.


4) Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos - Last year's preseason rank: 1 (difference = -3)

I was on the fence on whether or not to include Peyton Manning in the top tier or the second tier. He missed an entire season due to a very serious neurological problem caused by multiple neck surgeries in 2011.

Regardless, he has been cleared to play football and John Elway okay-ed a $95 million contract with substantial guarantees. Elway is not a stupid man and, as far as I am concerned, Peyton Manning is still in the top tier of NFL signal callers until he demonstrates otherwise to me.

I may never get used to this visual. 1

Tier 2

5) Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers - Last year's preseason rank: 4 (difference = -1)

Roethlisbegrer is the toughest quarterback in the NFL; he may the the thoughest I have seen in my lifetime, other than Brett Favre. His resume speaks for itself. That said, his issues with accuracy, at times, may keep him from ever cracking the top tier. I doubt that Steelers Fan is losing any sleep over that.


6) Eli Manning, New York Giants - Last year's preseason rank: 9 (difference = +3)

I am sure there are fellow bloggers and sports talk commentators who would take exception with me not including Eli Manning in the top tier after his second Super Bowl MVP performance this past season. Let’s not put the cart ahead of the horse.

Manning surged this past season. Should he repeat the effort (not the Super Bowl championship, but the high levels of efficiency, production, clutch play, and mistake-free football) then I think he would belong at the top. I’d like to see him string together two straight seasons without having an interception problem.


7) Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers - Last year's preseason rank: 6 (difference = -1)

Rivers took a step back this season, but so did the caliber of his surroundings. The decline will continue as franchise wide receiver Vincent Jackson defected to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers via free agency. This could be a watershed year for Rivers or the beginning of a decline. I have confidence in Rivers because he has the physical tools. Does he have the mental toughness?


8) Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears - Last year's preseason rank: 18 (difference = +10)

If you ever wanted to know how valuable Cutler is to the Bears, look at what happened after he was injured and put out for the season last year. Bears 2011 season…before and after…grand opening…grand closing.


9) Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys - Last year's preseason rank: 14 (difference = +5)

I am convinced that Romo is the most over-criticized and underappreciated quarterback in the NFL. Romo made chicken salad out of chicken crap with the Cowboys’ offense last season. The Cowboys have no consistent receiving option for Romo other than tight end Jason Witten. Receiver Dez Bryant is infinitely talented and WR Miles Austin has shining moments, but both players are too unfocused and too undisciplined too often.

In pro football, the quarterback usually gets too much credit for the wins and too much blame for the losses. Only the latter has applied to Romo for too much of his career. He does not get nearly enough credit for when he helps his team win.


10) Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons - Last year's preseason rank: 8 (difference = -2)

Matt Ryan burst on to the NFL QB scene as a rookie in 2008. He is under the microscope to take the next step – winning a playoff game. He may have to do so to rise among his peers.

Is he "elite" yet? 2

Tier 3

11) Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions - Last year's preseason rank: 21 (difference = +10)

Stafford had a breakthrough in 2011, finishing third in the NFL in passing yardage (eclipsing the 5,000 yard plateau for the fifth time in NFL history). Stafford’s potential has been evident since his 2009 rookie season. His durability had not been so evident. With a healthy year, Stafford led his team to the playoffs and put the impossible-to-beat-at-home New Orleans Saints on the ropes. Stafford’s star is on the rise.


12) Matt Schaub, Houston Texans - Last year's preseason rank: 11 (difference = -1)

I am not entirely convinced that the Texans would not have reached the Super Bowl last season had Schaub not broken his foot in a freak accident late in the 2011 regular season. The Texans are positioned for a Super Bowl run, plain and simple. This is the year for Schaub to show the world all that he is made of.


13) Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles - Last year's preseason rank: 7 (difference = -6)

Vick is another “sky is the limit” quarterback who has yet to touch the clouds. He has suffered from injury issues in all but one of his previous nine NFL seasons. The talent is around Vick on both sides of the ball. How far the Eagles go will depend entirely on Vick.


14) Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens - Last year's preseason rank: 10 (difference = -4)

I described Tony Romo as over-criticized and underappreciated. I think Flacco is under-criticized and underappreciated. It sounds odd, but it is what happened when the expectations of a quarterback are set too low by the fans and the media. That may not be the worst dynamic for a team that lives and dies with its defense and running game. But after several years of coming very close to the big game, the microscope needs to magnify what is going right and what isn’t at the QB position.


15) Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers - Last year's preseason rank: 30 (difference = +15)

This the most underrated #15 in the three years in which The Hat Trick has run this series. I cannot justify ranking Newton much higher because there is still a lot that he has yet to actually do and prove on a football field, specifically translating his individual contributions into more than six wins. However, Newton’s ceiling makes the Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel look like a preschooler’s coloring book. I expect Newton to break into the top ten by next season.

Newton is not going to sneak up on anyone in 2012. Can he continue to climb the ranks of NFL QBs? 3

Tier 4

16) Mark Sanchez, New York Jets - Last year's preseason rank: 12 (difference = -4)

Sanchez is a quarterback that I think is overrated and over criticized. People’s expectations of him are too high and too much blame is heaped on him when things aren’t going well for Gang Green. The offensive line and running game have to improve over last year for Sanchez to even have a chance to bring the Jets to (or beyond) their third AFC Championship Game in four years.

I am not unaware of the elephant in the room on the Jets QB depth chart. I am just not acknowledging him in this discussion.


17) Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals - Last year's preseason rank: 32 (difference =+15)

Dalton is an example of a quarterback who has talented teammates, knows his gameplan and playbook, sticks to the plan, doesn’t try to do too much and succeeds as a rookie. Dalton has the capability to take his game up several notches in 2012. To do so, he must place less emphasis on his role as a game manager and place more emphasis on being a playmaker.


18) Matt Hasselbeck, Tennessee Titans - Last year's preseason rank: 20 (difference = +2)

With the Titans selection of University of Washington quarterback Jake Locker in the 2011 NFL Draft, I did not expect to be discussing Hasselbeck in 2012. Still, the veteran quarterback demonstrated the value of experience.

Hasselbeck kept the personnel depleted (either due to injuries or running back Chris Johnson’s contract holdout hangover) Titans in the AFC playoff picture much longer than expected and helped lead the team to its first winning season in three years. Can he help make it the first playoff appearance in four years?


19) Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams - Last year's preseason rank: 17 (difference = -2)

Big step forward…big step back. Missing six games due to injury did not help Bradford’s cause. The Rams (not so) vaunted Swiss Cheese Defense and Casper Receiving Corps (which was like a ghost last season) made any measurable level of success all but impossible last year. A new coach plus savvy drafting will give the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner and first pick in the 2010 NFL Draft a chance to prove that he can play up to his potential.


20) Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts - Last year's preseason rank: none

Ranking rookie quarterbacks is extremely difficult because they have yet to do anything in the NFL. Therefore, I have to evaluate potential of rookies against actual track records plus the potential of current quarterbacks. Luck looked like a ready-for-NFL product in his last two years at Stanford. That “Luck look” continued over the weekend in Colts training camp, where Luck reportedly completed 27 of 32 passes in practice.

The Colts are a bad football team. Peyton Manning’s absence in 2011 made that painfully obvious to Colts Fan. But I expect Luck to have the Colts to where they are competitive more times than not in the second half of the 2012 season.


The elephant in the room is on the left. Sanchez: "What the f___ are you doing here?!?" 4

Tier 5

21) Carson Palmer, Oakland Raiders - Last year's preseason rank: none

Father Time is the undisputed heavyweight champion of ending careers. The Raiders’ 2012 success will depend on how many rounds Palmer has left in his fight.


22) Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers - Last year's preseason rank: 26 (difference = +4)

Smith had a breakthrough, but only from the standpoint that he didn’t jettison his team’s chances of winning. Smith, entering his eighth NFL season has a chance to build on his relatively mistake-free season. Being in manager-only mode allowed Smith to be one (unbeaten in regulation) game away from the Super Bowl. It’s time to add “playmaker” to Smith’s arsenal.


23) Robert Griffin, III, Washington Redskins - Last year's preseason rank: none

Griffin could be 2012’s Cam Newton. He could make Cam Newton the “early version of Robert Griffin, III”. RG3’s upside is enormous. Griffin is a razor sharp pocket passer with track runner’s speed, a tight end’s strength, and intelligence and maturity beyond his years. His team, however, is simply awful, his coach, Mike Shanahan, has not been QB-savvy of late, and he is a rookie. I think the comparisons to Andrew Luck and the measures of their respective successes will be sports media fodder for years to come.


24) Kevin Kolb, Arizona Cardinals - Last year's preseason rank: 19 (difference = -5)

I don’t know what to make of Kevin Kolb. Fate has not been his friend. Injuries have not been his friend. Luck has not been his friend. That can all go away in one season. If Kolb can get back to the form that he had with the Philadelphia Eagles that made Donovan McNabb expendable following the 2009 season and made him the most sought after available quarterback following the 2010 season, the Cardinals, with their (healthy) weapons can be right back in the playoffs this season.


25) Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs - Last year's preseason rank: 16 (difference = -9)

This is a make-or-break season for Cassel. Will the real Matt Cassel please stand up? Will we see the Matt Cassel who came on in relief of Tom Brady in New England in 2008 and led the Pats to an 11 win regular season? Will we see the Matt Cassel who was overly generous, to the other team, with the ball in 2009? The Matt Cassel who looked like an All-Pro in 2010? Or the fragile, inconsistent Cassel from last year?

I never thought I would see a day when I would express concern for a quarterback in Mike Shanahan's (background) system. 5

Tier 6

26) Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills - Last year's preseason rank: 25 (difference = -1)

Fitzpatrick looked like Billy Ray Cyrus last year – a one hit wonder. Still, Fitzpatrick, in spite of struggling last year, showed flashes of the potential that earned him a big contract following the 2010 season. I think Fitzpatrick will go as next season goes for the Bills, particularly with some of the offseason personnel improvements made in Buffalo.


27) Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Last year's preseason rank: 15 (difference = -12)

Freeman not only called his ability into question last season, but he aroused some whispers about his character as a leader. The Buccaneers completely quit on coach Raheem Morris and left him, and each other, out to dry like laundry on the clothesline. The on-field leadership starts with the QB and it was not there last year.


28) Matt Flynn, Seattle Seahawks - Last year's preseason rank: none

Flynn demonstrated tremendous potential, playing very effectively in relief of Aaron Rodgers during his four seasons in Green Bay. However, Flynn will be playing under Pete Carroll, not Mike McCarthy. He will be surrounded by the Seahawks offensive parts, not those of the Packers, with whom he won a Super Bowl ring as a backup in the 2010 season.

Flynn has to show me before I can give him credit because he will be on his own, so to speak, for the first time since he was at LSU in 2007. It is going to take more than an efficient game manager to be successful in Seattle.

It's gut check time for Freeman. 6

Toilet Tier

29) Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins - Last year's preseason rank: none

If his game on the field is like his game with the ladies, Miami has a bright future. Still, he is a rookie coming from a Big XII conference that treated defense as more of a suggestion than a requirement. Tannehill has not won the starting job officially. However, I think he will win it and I would include Matt Moore (his main competition) in this tier even if Moore wins the job, in spite of some bright moments by Moore last year.


30) Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings - Last year's preseason rank: none

Ponder replaced Donovan McNabb several games into the 2011 season after the Vikings continued to be winless. Benching and eventually cutting the aging quarterback, making him into a scapegoat and giving the rookie a chance to play, may have been the popular move by the Vikings. If you look at the record, look at the statistics, look at the performances by the Vikings defense, I think the Vikings took a step back. Time for Ponder to step up.


31) Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville Jaguars - Last year's preseason rank: none

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

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


32) Brandon Weeden, Cleveland Browns - Last year's preseason rank: none

The 28 year old rookie out of Oklahoma State is going to have his work cut out for him. The Browns’ secondary is awful. The running game is awful. The receivers are awful. Weeden’s learning curve has to be extremely short if he is to have a successful NFL career, due to his age. He still has to beat incumbent QB Colt McCoy out for the starting job, though I expect him to.

Weeden is comfortable passing the football and has a good arm. However, he has never faced anything resembling the speed and skill of an NFL defense. Frankly, I don’t think Weeden could have landed in a worse destination for a rookie quarterback, needing intensive development for the pro game, than Cleveland.

I'm looking forward to seeing coverage of Tannehill on HBO's Hard Knocks next month...Lauren Tannehill (above)! 7

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Witnessing Greatness - Quarterbacks

In August, the Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted one of its most accomplished classes of players. Marshall Faulk, Deion Sanders, Shannon Sharpe were among the inductees. Players, likely to be inducted within the next few years, such as Cris Carter, Willie Roaf, Curtis Martin, and Jerome Bettis had to be passed over because of the eligibility of so many great players.

This season, players such as Tiki Barber, Keyshawn Johnson, and Drew Bledsoe are among the modern era nominees for the 2012 class. Not long ago, we were looking at these players’ names in box scores (and Barber could be in box scores again soon if he has his way). This gave me pause to reflect upon which players are playing now that we can expect to see with a bust in Canton, Ohio one day.

Today is the first part of a series of articles in which we look at possible future Hall of Fame players, beginning with quarterbacks.


SLAM DUNK

Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts – Possibly the greatest quarterback of all time. In the unlikely event that Manning does not return from neck surgery, his place is football history is very secure.

Tom Brady, New England Patriots – If not the best, then one of the two best quarterbacks playing the game right now (Aaron Rodgers being the other).

First name, "No,"; Last name, "Brainers" 1

ON TRACK

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints – Brees would have a chance of enshrinement if he retired now. Each stellar performance, however, further cements Brees’ induction into the Hall.

Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers – Three Super Bowl appearances, two championships, and a host of Pro Bowls and other awards have probably all but guaranteed Roethlisberger’s enshrinement if he plays competently for a few more seasons.

Donovan McNabb, Minnesota Vikings – McNabb’s resume through the first eleven years of his career should be sufficient to get him into Canton. He would help his cause, however, if he can help the Vikings break out of their 1-4 funk, in addition to one more Pro Bowl worthy season.

Brees has already done the heavy lifting for his Hall of Fame case. The Lombardi trophy, not his son.... 2

POSSIBLE BRIDESMAIDS

Each year, there are over 100 nominees for the Hall of Fame, eventually trimmed down to no more than 7 players receiving enshrinement. The following are players who have had quality careers and will likely receive nomination, but are not likely to be enshrined.

Matt Hasselbeck, Tennessee Titans – Six playoff appearances, including five straight…five division championships, including four straight, and one NFC Championship. Three time Pro Bowler…. Hasselbeck lacked a high level dominating presence through an extended period of time.

Kerry Collins, Indianapolis Colts – Tenth all time in NFL career passing yards, with over 40,000; four playoff appearances, three division championships, one NFC championship. Two time Pro Bowler…. Collins lacks the completion percentage, touchdown to interception ratio, awards or efficiency to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

A win in Super Bowl XL may have pushed Hasselbeck a little closer to the front of the line. 3

FUTURE HOPEFULS

There are some players who, due to tenure or lack of total career accomplishments, could not realistically receive consideration for the Hall of Fame if their careers ended today. However, if they stay on their current paths, they probably will wear the crème colored jacket one day.

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers – Brett Favre may be surprised that Rodgers did not lead the Packers to a Super Bowl win sooner. I will be surprised if Rodgers does not, at least, bring the Packers back to one.

Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers – A very long career, playing at the level he plays at today, and/or some Super Bowl hardware will probably put Rivers’ famous face on a bronze bust.

Eli Manning, New York Giants – Manning took the first step away from the shadow of his older brother, Peyton, when he led his team to a win over the previously unbeaten New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Another trip to the big game will probably put Manning on the Hall of Fame Committee’s radar after his career is over.

Rodgers' first Super Bowl win...may not be his last. 4

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And Then There Were Two

Good Monday morning, Hat Trick readers! Today, I have a comprehensive, Xs and Os break down of some big matchups in the National Hockey League. We are going to cover a little Australian Open this morning (in which Americans have been ridden out on a rail). Also, we will touch on some Euro league soccer.

Anyone for tennis? 1

PSYCHE!

Obviously, football is not the only thing, but it is everything right now. The conference championship games were unusual, but entertaining. When the dust finally settled, as many, myself included, expected, the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers survived and advanced to play in Super Bowl XLV in North Texas in two weeks.

Both victors bent, but did not break after jumping out to comfortable, multi-score, early leads. The Green Bay Packers did not reinvent the wheel. They played their game and did not make mistakes. Eventually, even the best defenses, including that of the Bears, will leave a small window of opportunity and Aaron Rodgers and the Packers were able to squeeze through when the opportunities presented themselves. Offense gets a “C”; defense gets a “B”; coaching gets an “A” for the Packers. Defensive tackle BJ Raji gets a 7.5 for his end zone jiggle.

Teach me how to "Raji"...teach-teach me how to "Raji"! 2

This game was unusual on a number of fronts. The road team, a sixth seed, was favored in this game. In spite of the cold weather, I was surprised to see that there were only 14 points scored between both teams in the first three quarters of play. However, the most unusual outcome of this game is that the biggest story of the 2010 NFC Championship Game had nothing to do with anyone on the winning team.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was ineffective for much of the entire day. In the third quarter, Cutler was removed from the game and replaced by Todd Collins. Cutler suffered an unspecified knee injury at some point prior to his removal. Cutler was seen on the sidelines walking, without crutches, triggering a multitude of critical remarks from current and former players and the media. An image of fans burning Jay Cutler’s jersey, after the game, was broadcast on television. Good thing he did not announce he was taking his talents to South Beach. They may have burned his house down!

LeBron: "Good! Gooood! People aren't talking about me! Goood! They're burning Cutler's house down? Goood! People aren't talking about me. 4

Bears linebacker and defensive captain Brian Urlacher vociferously defended Cutler and Cutler’s toughness. For me, frankly, that is all I need to see. I find it ridiculous that a bunch of talking heads in the media, many of whom never played organized football at any level, have the gall to call into question the heart of one of the NFL’s better quarterbacks, a quarterback who has been sacked nearly 100 times in the past two seasons and only missed one game during his tenure with the Bears. I am disappointed that so many of Cutler’s fellow NFL player comrades called the quarterback’s heart and toughness into question without speaking to the man and having any idea what the type and extent of Cutler’s injury was. I am buying what Cutler is selling until I see lemons.



Is it just me, or does anyone else think Lovie Smith looks a little like James Evans from "Good Times"?
Lovie: "DAMN! DAMN! DAMN!"

 In the American Football Conference, the stars of sports media in the 2010 season, the New York Jets, led by their coach, the round mound of soundbites, Rex Ryan, traveled to Heinz Field to face the AFC North champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh was favored, but, out of the gates, the game appeared to be a rout, with the Steelers scoring the first 24 points of the game. The Jets battled back and had several opportunities to tie the score or take the lead, with the Jets defense holding the Steelers scoreless after the Steelers’ initial outburst of first half points.

The New York Jets, Coach Ryan, and quarterback Mark Sanchez demonstrated, to me, that they are still not ready for prime time. The Jets are a very talented team with, who I believe is, the best “player’s coach” in the NFL. However, the Jets, early in the game, appeared to lack the type of focus demonstrated in the divisional round game at the New England Patriots.

JETS Suck! Suck! Suck! Shirt (Extra Extra Large)

I think that Pittsburgh, candidly, is a better team than New England, pound for pound, in spite of the regular season records. I understand why the Jets were fueled by intense emotion before and after the Patriots game, given the recent histories surrounding those two franchises. What I do not understand is how a coach as talented as Ryan could allow his team to play in a championship game on the road, against a tougher opponent in the Steelers, with so little focus. The Jets clearly did not suffer from a failure to prepare, as they clearly “snapped out of ‘it’” (whatever “it” was) after halftime. An unprepared team cannot snap out of anything because they would be ill-equipped to face their opponent.

 I guess he'll need a snack, and a new headset.

(Video from YouTube)

The Jets are not ready for prime time. On third and goal from inside the Steelers three yard line with a chance to cut the lead to seven points, instead of trusting the strengths of the team (the offensive line and the running game), the Jets elected to pass, nearly resulting in an interception. Sanchez had the options of checking down at the line of scrimmage, tucking the ball and attempting to run into the end zone, looking for another read, or simply throwing the ball away. In spite of playing impressively in the playoffs in his short career, I cannot help but think that a more experienced quarterback, such as his Steelers counterpart, Ben Roethlisberger, would have made a more sound decision and come away with six points after such a drive. The Jets are not ready for prime time.

Two QBs: One on the rise and one at the peek. 5

This leaves us with the two teams that have weathered the storm better than any other teams in their respective conferences. I think the playoff process got this Super Bowl correct and the two best teams to represent the NFC and AFC are playing in the big game. One team has a young coach, 38 year old Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, who is achieving well beyond his years, shooting for his second Super Bowl championship in his fourth year as an NFL head coach. One team has an elite quarterback, in Roethlisberger, who, in spite of his well publicized personal shortcomings, knows how to win and will rely on his toughness to get his team over the hurdle, if necessary.

The other team has an emerging young quarterback, possibly playing the position, at the moment, at a higher level than anyone else. It has a group of experienced veteran receivers, particularly Donald Driver and Greg Jennings, who do not, literally nor figuratively, drop the ball. It has a cast of athletic defensive players that appear to have completely gelled as a unit and are as deceptive in presentation and crisp in execution as any defense in the NFL.

This should be a fantastic matchup. The Super Bowl is America’s signature entertainment event, and television ratings overwhelmingly support that claim. Super Bowls with bad, one sided matchups are still bonanzas for television networks and advertisers. This contest contains enough storylines, personal stories of achievement, and sub-plots to fill a series of novels. I will withhold my personal prediction of the winner (which is worth no more than the paper on which one can print it) until next week, after more of the background scouting and analysis has been presented by the media. But, to quote a memorable playoff personality, Jets linebacker Bart Scott, “CAN’T WAIT!!!”

CAN'T WAIT! 6

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