LIGHTS OUT!

Another NFL season is in the books and for the second time in NFL history, the Baltimore Ravens are Super Bowl champions. This game offered a little of everything: big offensive plays, huge defensive efforts, game breaking special teams, a big comeback and a game-deciding fourth down and goal play. As has been the case in recent years, the Super Bowl was super. 

2

DICTATING THE TEMPO

The team scoring first in the Super Bowl has won the Super Bowl most of the time. When a team jumps up by 22 points or more, as the Ravens did, they’ve never lost. The Ravens hit the 49ers with deep passes, stingy red zone defense and forced turnovers in the first half. The 49ers were unable to convert either of their drives deep into Ravens territory and were stonewalled before halftime.

In the pass-friendly NFL, with an explosive and dynamic quarterback like Colin Kaepernick of the 49ers, a 21-6 halftime deficit is not necessarily the kiss of death. The 108 yard kickoff return for a touchdown by the Ravens’ Jacoby Jones to start the second half could have been. With the momentum completely shifted to Baltimore in the third quarter and the Niners on their way out of the game in spirit, though not in body, Colin Kapernick played lights out. But before he played lights out, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome went lights out…literally.

Beyonce' and her halftime performance were hot! The second half could have used some of her illumination. 1

LIGHTING UP THE STADIUM

A problem involving a breaker caused the electricity in the Superdome to fail, causing half of the lights in the stadium to shut off. The power outage caused a delay of roughly 30 minutes in the Super Bowl. To say the stoppage in play could have decided the outcome of the game would be hyperbole. To say that it had no impact would be naïve.

The Ravens had the 49ers on football-life-support. Down 22 points in the second half and having never scored a touchdown in the game, I am not unconvinced that a sense of panic set in among some of the 49ers. The momentum was completely on the side of the Ravens. The half-hour stoppage in play gave the 49ers an unexpected opportunity to settle down, shake off the panic, go back to the drawing board, and restart their second half game plan. It may have helped the Niners; it did not help the Ravens.

The 49ers got into the end zone on their next full possession following the blackout on a 31 yard bomb from Kaepernick to Michael Crabtree. Then, capitalizing on a big punt return by Ted Ginn, Jr., the 49ers quickly got back into the end zone on a run by Frank Gore. Score: 28-20. Ballgame: up for grabs.

The Superdome had some Ravens fans and some 49ers fans, but the power outage in the third quarter of Super Bowl XLVII give a new maning to "a house divided". 3

FURIOUS FOURTH QUARTER

What transpired in the fourth quarter was a back-and-forth chess match that demonstrated why both of these teams were in Super Bowl XLVII in the first place. The Ravens could have melted under the warm glow of the red hot 49ers, as the Ravens were forced back on their heels almost immediately following Gore’s touchdown as Ray Rice lost a fumble just two plays into their ensuing possession. The Ravens stopped the Niners cold, only surrendering a field goal and holding on to a five point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The Ravens answered the 49ers field goal. The 49ers rebutted with a swift 5 play, 76 yard touchdown drive capped with a 15 yard scoring run by Kaepernick. A failed two point conversion following the Kaepernick touchdown left the Ravens with a two point lead. After another clutch Justin Tucker field goal by Baltimore, Super Bowl XLVII was set for as exciting a final four minutes as any fan could ask for.

CHESS MATCH

Buoyed by a 33 yard gallop by 49ers running back Frank Gore, the 49ers were seven yards away from pulling off the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history. With two 49ers timeouts remaining, it will remain a mystery to me why a star running back like Gore never touched the ball again. The Niners attempted three rushed passes into the end zone for Michael Crabtree, the last of which was on fourth and goal with 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh lobbying for a defensive penalty that would never be called. The Ravens managed the clock so that the 49ers would not run another offensive play and the Ravens became champions.   

  Jim Harbaugh wanted a flag on the incomplete fourth and goal pass. Wish in one hand; crap in the other and see which one fills up first, Jim. 4

FINAL STORYLINES

Bro Bowl I – Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh versus younger brother Jim Harbaugh, Head Coach of the 49ers, went to big brother. Future Hall of Fame Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis joined a very small fraternity of superstar American athletes like John Elway and Michael Jordan who retired after winning a championship. Joe Flacco’s stock rose closer to the top among NFL quarterbacks with his MVP performance. Future Hall of Famer Ed Reed, who will be a free agent in the coming offseason, punctuated his tenure in Baltimore with a championship.

The 49ers came up short but with their roster and their youth, I expect this team to be a perpetual contender for years to come. I expect Kapernick to become exponentially better in the coming years. I expect the 49ers, who have more than ten picks in the 2013 NFL Draft, to acquire even better player personnel next year. This team is going to be a force in the NFC for quite some time.

Brothers Jim and John Harbaugh, opposing coaches in Super Bowl XLVII, embrace at the end. 5

NEXT YEAR

Football fans have four seasons: preseason, regular season, postseason, and next season (or the offseason). Next year is here. More than any other American team sport, football is the closest to a true year round sport. There will be free agent acquisitions, the scouting combine, and the draft to occupy football fans until late April. This will lead into volunteer organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamps followed by training camp. And the cycle begins anew.

Until “next year”, the last live bullets we will have to remember were in yesterday’s dramatic Super Bowl. That final image is of a championship being won. Congratulations to the Baltimore Ravens.

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M-E-S-S Mess! Mess! Mess!

ESPN ran a regular segment on SportsCenter with updates of the New York Jets training camp. It was complete with clever one-liners by Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan, minor controversy involving remarks by cornerback Antonio Cromartie, a manufactured quarterback controversy that wasn’t, and hour-by-hour Tim Tebow updates. A number of hosts and callers on local and syndicated sports talk shows expressed disapproval with ESPN’s reporting mix.

“Why the Jets? They are just one team. They aren't even a Super Bowl front runner.” That’s all very true. They are also INTERESTING. In 2012, however, their appeal was less like an NFL team and more like that of a train wreck. A train wreck is the only way to describe the New York Jets’ season, which will not end in the postseason after their 14-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football last night.

THE SCAPEGOAT

Mark Sanchez did not have a very good season. The debacle that was the Jets’ season is not all his fault. It isn't even “mostly” his fault. In fact, I wouldn't put Sanchez if the “Fault Top Five” for finger-pointing and assigning blame for the Jets playoff-less season.

Mark Sanchez is a game manager. He does not have a rocket arm. He is not a play extender or a play maker. Mark Sanchez is a quarterback who if given adequate protection, quality wide receivers, and a running threat that the opposing defense has to account for, he can win most of his games, including playoff games. When Sanchez has none of that, if the defense doesn’t set the offense up to win the game, the Jets will probably lose.

This year’s Jets only had one quality wide receiving threat, albeit a star, Santonio Holmes. To call his other receivers, save for tight end Dustin Keller, “mediocre” would be offensive to mediocre receivers. The Jets got off to a 2-1 start. Then Holmes was lost for the season in week 4. The Jets’ offense went down in a ball of flames.

The Jets have a quality starting running back in Schonn Greene, but he did not begin to significantly produce until the middle of the season. By that time, the wheels had already begun to loosen on the Jets’ wagon. There were no noteworthy complimentary backs to Greene in the backfield.

I think this is a bit excessive. 1

BRILLIANT FRONT OFFICE MOVES

Future Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson retired before training camp. While in the twilight of his career, Tomlinson was still a valuable contributor in the Jets’ passing game last season. The Jets’ solution? Do they draft a suitable replacement or pursue a veteran free agent running back? No. Do they beef up their receiveing core with future a Hall of Famer like Terrell Owens or Chad Johnson available before the start of the regular season (say what you will about Owens or Johnson but both of them are better than any healthy Jets’ WR)? No. Do they attempt to at least shore up some depth in a thin offensive line? No.

How does the Jets front office address glaring deficiencies at running back, receiver and offensive line? They arrange for a trade with the Denver Broncos for Tim Tebow, the least accurate starting quarterback in the National Football League in 2011 and also the biggest fan favorite and media draw. Brilliant! Address the most important position on the field by bringing in a backup who will prove to be a distraction and undermine the standing of the starter!

Tim Tebow: Just what the doctor ordered, if the Doctor is named "Kevorkian"!

TEBOW MILD-IA

Tebow Mania was nonstop in the New York and national media. And while Tebow was little more than an infrequently used decoy on the field, I cannot imagine how the incredibly high amount of media attention he received was not a distraction, especially when the Jets’ offense began to sputter. Mark Sanchez said and did all of the right things in adjusting to Tebow’s presence on the team. However, the most popular player on ANY team during a slump is the backup quarterback. The Jets’ backup QB happens to be one of the most popular players in the league.

The Jets had final scores of ten points or less in eight of their 14 games played so far this year, almost unbelievable in today’s very quarterback-friendly NFL. The demand of a QB switch could be expected from any fan base, but Tebow’s presence left The Sanchize in a position in which he was looking over his shoulder before the season started. Rex Ryan benched Sanchez during a lackluster performance in a win over the downward spiraling Arizona Cardinals earlier this month. Wisely, he replaced Sanchez with Greg McElroy, not Tebow. That move seems to have doused many of the Tebow Mania flames, but the damage was already done.

There is nothing cool about being benched in sports, but Sanchez (center) had to take some silent comfort that if he wasn't wearing his helmet that at least Tebow ( right) wasn't either. 3

SNACKING ON A PINK SLIP

Rex Ryan’s future in the Big Apple has begun to be called into question. Still, I would be stunned if he weren't given another year to help right the ship. He is too brilliant of a defensive mind and he, as head coach, makes the Jets a desirable destination for free agents. His players love him and he is the ultimate motivator. He has demonstrated too much potential as a Head Coach to simply cut ties after one bitterly disappointing season.

The Jets organization has parts in place that give them the ability to reach greatness. Their leadership at the top and their personnel decisions worked as an albatross this season. The Jets need to stick with Sanchez, as no draft pick or free agent is going to fall into their lap in the coming offseason. They need to place Tim Tebow DEEP on the bench or make it clear from the start of training camp that Sanchez is the starter. This means no repetitions for Tebow with the first unit during training camp or practice…ever. Finally, they have GOT to get some competent receivers and other offensive skill players on the roster. Every last draft pick should be used on a receiver, offensive lineman, or running back. Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, or Peyton Manning might not be able to will this supporting cast to more than a 9-7 record.

The Jets are an interesting team to follow. The circus is fun to follow, too. IF the Jets are serious about making a super Bowl run next season, it is time to fold up the tent in the big Apple.

Rex Ryan: "Don't forget to write if I'm not here next year."

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NFL Home Stretch: The AFC

Continued from yesterday's evaluation of the NFC.... Preseason comments in black; Week 14 remarks in blue.

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens (9-3) – This is going to be a tough division with three tough teams, all with the potential to reach the playoffs. The Ravens came up three points, a dropped touchdown pass and a missed 32 yard field goal short of a chance to go to the Super Bowl.

Expect the same formula by Head Coach John Harbaugh with the benefit of an additional year of experience. The defense, led by ageless middle linebacker Ray Lewis, will be smothering. The offense will ground and pound the ball with running back Ray Rice. And quarterback Joe Flacco will do what it takes to give the team a chance to win. How much they have improved will depend on their execution in the playoffs.

I remarked, earlier in the season, that anything short of the AFC Championship Game for the Ravens would be a bitter disappointment, barring any major injuries to quarterback Joe Flacco or middle linebacker Ray Lewis. Lo and behold, Lewis has a triceps injury that threatened to end his season.

But, super (outside) linebacker Terrell Suggs, like some kind of medical miracle, returns to the lineup months ahead of schedule. Now, Suggs is hurt again. I will certainly not write off this talented football team, but the injury situation has made the Houston Texans, not the Ravens, the team to beat in the AFC. 


Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) – The Steelers may have a few tender spots exposed with the retirement of wide receiver Hines Ward, some again in the secondary, and a few question marks in the running game. As long as Ben Roethlisberger remains healthy, though, the Steel Curtain is going to drop on the enemy more often than flop beneath their feet.

Pittsburgh saved its season with its come from behind, gutsy, inspired victory against the Ravens last Sunday. But the injury bug has bitten them too hard. No Ben Roethlisberger, no Troy Polamolu, and no Ike Taylor...no division title. How healthy they are in January will determine whether or not they can make any serious waves in the playoffs, if they reach the playoffs.

Cincinnati Bengals (7-5) – This team has not strung together consecutive playoff appearances in 30 years. I expect 2012 to be no different. I do expect second year quarterback Andy Dalton to build upon his rookie year success and have the Bengals competitive in nearly all of their games. I expect the Bengals to finish 8-8 or better barring a rash of injuries. I simply think that “AFC Playoffs Town” isn’t big enough to accommodate Cincinnati in a very competitive AFC field.

Don't sleep on this team, winners of four straight with no glaring weaknesses. They are flying very quietly under the radar and getting very hot at the right time.

Cleveland Browns (4-8) – Like I said, there are three tough teams in the AFC North. The Browns aren’t one of them. Rookie running back Trent Richardson and 28 year old rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden should fasten their seatbelts for a very bumpy ride in contrast to the smooth sailing they experienced at their top ten college programs (Alabama and Oklahoma State, respectively).

This team has a lot of heart, remaining competitive with a number of superior opponents until late in the game. They simply do not have the firepower needed to keep up with and close out the lions' share of NFL opponents. 

Ray Lewis is not bulletproof. Will it derail the Ravens season? 1

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans (11-1) – The Texans are the trendy, sexy pick in the AFC with good reason. First, barring a smattering of injuries across the board, they should coast to the AFC South championship. The division is just not that tough this year. Second they advanced to the second round of the playoffs in spite of losing All Pro wide receiver Andre Johnson for most of the season due to injury, Matt Schaub for the season (late in the season) due to a freak foot injury, and then backup QB Matt Leinart, who apparently fell off of the bench following Schaub’s injury (lost for the season the week after Schaub’s injury).

The Texans managed to win the South and beat the Bengals in the Wild Card round of the AFC Playoffs under a rookie, third string quarterback in T.J. Yates. The prevailing thought, with which I agree, is if the Texans made such strides with a “next man up” personnel mantra, how far can they go with nearly all of the key players returning and everyone (on a young team) with a year more of experience?

To borrow a line from New Orleans rapper Baby Boy Da Prince, "Best team in the league, whatcha know 'bout 'dat?" Their secondary depth could be this team's kryptonite come playoff time. For now, however, the Texans appear to be coasting to the #1 seed in the AFC Playoffs.

Tennessee Titans (4-8) – I don’t expect the Titans to reach the playoffs, but this team has had a knack for pulling its talent together and overachieving. Second year quarterback Jake Locker was handed the keys to the Titans’ safe this season over veteran Matt Hasselbeck. I can only imagine that Locker made strides in the offseason as Hasselbeck had an injured and gutted Titans offense keeping the team alive in the playoff race much later in the season than expected. I expect the Titans to be a tough out, but an out nonetheless against the better teams in the AFC.

Their defense just plain sucks and will not improve with the current personnel. If I am Titans Coach Mike Munchak (assuming he is still the coach in 2013, and I think he deserves to be), I am using all of my draft picks on defensive players. Every...last...one.

Indianapolis Colts (8-4) – This team is a long way from returning to glory, but between the expectations and what little I have seen of rookie quarterback Andrew Luck, I expect them to be a long way from being on the draft clock at the end of the season, too. This team has too many holes to make any real run at the postseason, no matter how well Luck performs. The running game is mediocre, the receiving core is just okay, and the defense was laughable last season. There are only so many new bodies the Colts could have brought in during the offseason to turn the Swiss Cheese D around in one year.

The Colts are about a year ahead of schedule in their rebuilding plan and quarterback Andrew Luck is the central reason. He has exceeded what some thought were unrealistically high expectations in his rookie year and has the Colts in the driver's seat for a playoff berth. Considering the coaching situation with Head Coach Chuck Pagano's leukemia and Bruce Arians' leadership as Interim Head Coach, the Colts are easily the feel good story of 2012. Their defense is going to be the death of them in the playoffs, I believe. But just suggesting that the Colts would have a playoff life to lose this season is remarkable.   


Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10) – You can never judge the long term prospects of a quarterback based solely on his rookie year. That said, second year QB Blaine Gabbert did not show the world very much in his rookie year. His play was awful. The receiving corps us a collection of relative unknowns. The offensive line is unremarkable. And the new owner, Shad Khan, has ruffled the feathers of their best player, running back Maurice Jones-Drew. This feels like a real life version of the movie Major League in which the owner sabotaged the team so it would tank and could justify moving. How does the ring of “Los Angeles Jaguars” sound?

Worst team in da league, whatcha know 'bout 'dat?

Could there be an easier vote for Coach of the Year?

AFC East

New England Patriots (9-3) – This is a team that typically does not rebuild; it reloads. After the protracted holdout of wide receiver Wes Welker and the loss of running back Benjarvus Green-Ellis, the Patriots set out to defend their AFC Championship and win their first Super Bowl in the post-Spygate era. The one constant that the Patriots can count on, assuming he is healthy, is quarterback Tom Brady. He will keep the Patriots in every game. The question is the defense and if it will hold water or be a leaky sieve like it was last season.

Should win the division...blah blah blah. Future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady...yada yada yada. Belichick is a great coach...yeah yeah. THEIR SECONDARY SUCKS! The competition in the AFC is about two steps up from last season. I do not expect a deep playoff run from this team.

New York Jets (5-7) – Just because I think the Jets will finish second in the division does not mean that I am confident that they will be good. The defense will be good. The offense could sink the team into the abyss.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez is not an elite NFL quarterback, He is a signal caller who can make plays when given the opportunity. Bringing in the biggest rock star backup QB in the history of pro football in Tim Tebow, failing to staff any quality receiving talent other than Santonio Holmes at wide receiver, and lacking any running backs whose names we would know if this team did not play in New York is not giving Sanchez any fair opportunity.

Every team needs a scapegoat and quarterback Mark Sanchez has risen to the role. That doesn't mean it is his fault. Mark Sanchez is not the problem. Coach Rex Ryan knows exactly what Sanchez is: a game manager. You have to protect him, you have to have competent receivers for him to throw to, you have to get your defense off of the field to increase your time of possession advantage to give a quarterback like Sanchez a chance to help your team win. The Jets have failed with "F minus" averages in all of these areas.

Interestingly, they are in second place as I expected. So are two other teams in this four team division.

Buffalo Bills (5-7) – You know this team has very little to look forward to when the wooing and acquiring of a defensive end, Mario Williams, with $50 million in guaranteed money is headline sports news for two weeks during the offseason. Buffalo has enough talent to beat the inferior teams and periodically sucker punch a superior opponent. Expect Williams to be flying back home, down south, for the winter with the geese.

Buffalo impresses me as a team that has taken very small baby steps since 2010. An 8-8 finish would be a man's step forward. Their running game is solved with C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (2,471 yds., 20 TD, 12 INT, 61% comp.) is good enough to run the offense with the right pieces around him, like a better offensive line and a pass catching tight end.

The pass rush is good. The secondary is good. The linebackers are awful and the d-line cannot tackle opposing running backs. This team is a few pieces away from contending next season.

Miami Dolphins (5-7) – Hard Knocks is over and so are the Dolphins' 15 minutes in 2012. I will go as far to say that the Dolphins are on the clock.

The Dolphins finally found their quarterback to replace Dan Marino after his retirement following the 1999 season. Ryan Tannehill may have arrived 12 years later than needed, but what's past is past and the Dolphins have a bright future with this young man. As he matures and is allowed to do more with the offense, the Dolphins will be contending with the Patriots for the AFC East title. Like the Patriots, however, the Fins must do something about their embarrassingly porous secondary. Tannehill has loads of potential, but he is not good enough to make up for that glaring deficiency on his team like the New England quarterback. 

Here you go, ladies: Tom Terrific. Too bad he can't play defense. 3

AFC West

Denver Broncos (9-3) – This team managed to advance to the second round of the playoffs with the statistical equivalent of Clint Eastwood’s empty chair at quarterback last season. The sky is the limit with future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning at the controls, assuming he stays healthy.

Peyton Manning is back and so are "your daddy's" Denver Broncos! Manning continues to get more comfortable in this offense and the Broncos are improving as a team every week. A trip to the AFC Championship game is becoming more of an expectation, this year, rather than a goal for this team.

San Diego Chargers (4-8) – The Chargers will put points on the board and pressure on every opponent every week because they have quarterback Philip Rivers and Head Coach Norv Turner. This team will not sniff the second round of the playoffs because they have Head Coach Norv Turner.

Head Coach Norv Turner's imminent firing is like returning an overdue library book and not paying the fine: the damage cannot be undone and nothing is being done to make up for it. Quarterback Philip Rivers has completely regressed without star wide receiver Vincent Jackson on the team anymore and without a potent running threat. Their game plan is predictable and can bee seen a mile away and the defense appears to have no foresight. Don't be surprised if the Bolts clean house after the season.

Oakland Raiders (3-9) – This team will be competitive within its division. The defense and and quarterback are great unknowns. First year Head Coach Dennis Allen was the defensive backs coach of the 2009 New Orleans Saints, a team with a secondary that helped the team lead the NFL in takeaways and scoring defense. Should some of that translate into this year’s Raiders defense, perhaps the Silver and Black can make the Broncos and Chargers sweat.

Can someone explain to me WHY General Manager Reggie McKenzie thought he was better off firing former Head Coach Hue Jackson, just a win away from returning this franchise to the playoffs for the first time in nine years, after the 2011 season? That explanation should be much more complicated than why current Head Coach Dennis Allen (or McKenzie himself) gets the ax, should that happen.

Kansas City Chiefs (2-10) – Romeo Crennel seems like a nice guy and a bright defensive mind. How is it that he has the misfortune of getting the booby prizes of coaching opportunities? His first NFL head coaching gig was in Cleveland and, miraculously guided the team to its best regular season record in 13 years, going 10-6 in 2007. Not so miraculously (one might say “expectedly” considering the fortune of Cleveland sports teams), the Browns 10-6 record, good enough to get teams to the playoffs 90% of the time (give or take), was in the unfortunate 10% that missed the postseason.

Crennel is getting a second shot after stopping a Chiefs free fall in 2011. I am just not convinced that he has the quarterback in Matt Cassel or the personnel to be successful quickly enough in today’s “What have you done for me lately?” NFL coaching landscape.

It is difficult to discuss football and the Kansas City Chiefs after the unspeakable tragedy that took place last Saturday, but this is a sports blog and this is an opinion on football. All I'll say is that I hope Head Coach Romeo Crennel gets a second full season, considering how bankrupt his team was at quarterback through no fault of Crennel's, heading into this season. 

Place kicker Sebastian Janikowski, left, and punter Shane Lechler, right. Any questions? 4

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Retweet of the Day - December 4, 2012

Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin, III? Who is the better rookie QB. Both have been very impressive and both have exceeded expectations for their rookie campaigns. I personally thought Robert Griffin, III was a shoe-in for Rookie of the Year and I still think he will win the award when the Associated Press writers take a moment to look at the total bodies of work.

Still, Andrew Luck's team is winning more games, with several wins in dramatic fashion. That will always garner media attention. It's human nature. This past Sunday may have been the most dramatic chapter in Luck's rookie year. The colts rallied from more than two scores down at the Detroit Lions and won with a touchdown pass from Luck to Donnie Avery on 4th down and 10 on the final play of the game.

Today's retweet is from an ESPN personality with whom I almost always vigorously disagree and may never, ever quote agin. But facts are facts and his tweet illustrates my point. It's is from (holding my nose) Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless). It has been retweeted over 500 times, thus far, so I am not alone in agreeing with him.

"Luck now has 21 turnovers (16 INTs, 5 lost fumbles) to only 6 for RG3. Sunday, Luck hit only 48% of passes and for season only 55%."

Even a broken clock is right twice per day. Skip Bayless?

Image spliced from http://hulshofschmidt.wordpress.com and www.musicmagonline.com

NFL Home Stretch: The NFC

Just before the start of the regular season, we previewed all 16 NFC and all 16 AFC teams. Twelve games into the season, we have some answers, some questions, and some surprises. The preseason commentary is in black; week 14 commentary is in blue. Enjoy!

NFC North

Green Bay Packers (8-4) – This team learned the hard way that an NFL team can have arguably the best quarterback in the game and the best offense in the game. When the calendar turns to January, teams have to be able to run with competence and stop the run with competence (not necessarily “excellence”, but competence). Incompetence in those areas combined with costly turnovers equal an early exit. I expect the Pack to improve in those areas in 2012.

This team is going to the playoffs and I think they have more in the tank down the home stretch than the Chicago Bears. They could be the team that flies under the radar, heading into the playoffs (if that's possible). They still have a huge hole in their running  game that should concern any Packers fan.   

Detroit Lions (4-8) – This team had a breakthrough in 2011 and as long as quarterback Matt Stafford remains healthy, they will be no one year wonder. If Kevin Smith stays healthy and resembles anything to himself in his first two years in the NFL, a deep Lions run through the NFC Playoffs is not far fetched.

No team has tasted more bitter waters of defeat than the Lions. This is a talented team that has piled up too many close losses in a game of inches. Seven of their eight losses have been by a touchdown or less, with three by three or less including two in overtime. Sunday's collapse on the final play of the game against the Indianapolis Colts was the coups de gras. 


Chicago Bears (8-4) – Speaking of “not far fetched” it is not far fetched for the Bears to be the third team from the NFC North to reach the playoffs. Their leaders on both sides of the ball are the “X” factors. If quarterback Jay Cutler stays healthy, the Bears will be in the discussion in December. Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher is a bigger variable than Cutler. Cutler, by all accounts, is healthy coming into the season, Urlacher isn’t. If 80% of Brian Urlacher is better than 100% of most linebackers, the Bears could be playing in January.

The Bears have looked like a Super Bowl contender all season, but their collapse in the final minutes against the Seattle Seahawks at home on Sunday raise a red flag on this team's ability to close out games against quality opponents. I think the Bears will reach the playoffs as a Wild Card but I don't think their offensive line is good enough to carry this team through a deep run in the NFC.

Minnesota Vikings (6-6) – Their strongest asset, running back Adrian Peterson, is a big uncertainty as he is coming back from a torn ACL. I expect quarterback Christian Ponder to go through more hard knocks in his sophomore season. I think the Vikings will be more competitive than they were last season, but I also expect them to finish in the cellar again.

This team is much improved. Big props to Leslie Frasier. The Cinderella carriage ride stops here. They've lost four of their last five and the losing will continue. If you can't throw, you can't win and the Vikings' December schedule is stout.

Adrian Peterson came back strong! Too bad the rest of the offense has yet to follow. 1

NFC South

New Orleans Saints (5-7) – Prior to this preseason, I would have picked the Saints to finish second in the division to the Atlanta Falcons. However, quarterback Drew Brees, in all of his first unit reps, appears to be worth every nickel of the $40 million he is going to earn this season. “Coach on the field” gets thrown around often when describing players with top flight leadership abilities. I am beginning the think that the label may literally apply to Brees. The paycheck certainly will.

To quote Bugs Bunny, "I could be wrong, you know!" I guess coaching really does matter. I am not convinced that this team is incapable of ripping off wins in its final four games against the New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, and Carolina Panthers. The problem for the Who Dat Nation is that the Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, and Washington Redskins control their own fates before the Saints do. 

Atlanta Falcons (11-1) – The coach, Mike Smith, is good. The quarterback, Matt Ryan, is good. The receivers, Roddy White and Julio Jones, are good. The home field advantage is good. I expect the Falcons to have a “good” year but, if they are playing ball in January, I expect a “grand opening…grand closing” playoff performance from this team.

They won the NFC South like they have every other season dating back to 2008. Big deal. Call me when they win a playoff game.

Carolina Panthers (3-9) – This team is the “wild card” of the division. A number of variables will need to come together, particularly the back seven on defense, for the Panthers to have a winning season. They are also stuck having to play the Saints and Falcons twice per year. However, I am “all in” on the stock of second year quarterback Cam Newton. Through him, all things on the gridiron are possible. Assuming Newton is healthy, this is going to be a very fun team to watch in 2012, playoffs or not.

This has been a fun team to watch, if they are your favorite team's opponent. This is the Hard Luck Loser of the Year in 2012, with seven of their nine losses coming by six points or less, often losing leads in the final minutes. This is not a team that anyone should want to play. Once they start figuring out how to close out games and win, they are going to be a very tough out...next year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneeers (6-6) – Expect the house cleaning that began at the end of 2011 with former Head Coach Raheem Morris to extend to underachieving quarterback Josh Freeman if his play doesn’t turn around in 2012. Rookie Head Coach Greg Schiano has a monster of a turnaround job in front of him. A competitive 7-9 record could merit Coach of The Year consideration because the Bucs are that bad!

This has been my 2012 NFC Whiskey Tango Foxtrot pick. Greg Schiano has this team believing in itself and the offense has done a complete "180". Still their secondary is aging and/or injured and cannot stop anyone. I don't know who will take the second wild Card spot in the NFC, but it won't be the Bucs. 

December has often given Falcons Fan something to cheer about. January has been another tale. 2

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles (3-9) – The NFC East is a beast! Philadelphia has had the most talented skill position players on paper since last season, but it took too long for everything to come together and the Eagles finished 8-8. Andy Reid is coaching for his job in 2012, but he’s coaching with a fully loaded, fully armored tank. The health of quarterback Mike Vick will decide this team’s fate. I do not expect Vick to start all 16 games, but I expect the Eagles to win enough games to win this division, however it comes.

What I don't know could fill a book and the NFC East could have an entire chapter in that book. Boy did I whiff on the Eagles! In my own defense, however, I said that the health of Mike Vick would decide this team's fate. His bill of health has been anything but clean and so has the Eagles' season. Andy Reid has had a great run during his 14 years in Philly, but all good things must come to an end. And his tenure will. 

New York Giants (7-5) – The defending Super Bowl champions are going to be a tough out this year. The problem is that defending champions, in recent years, have had such a big target on their backs that they only advance so far in the years following their super Bowl wins. In addition to wearing this year’s biggest bullseye, the Giants have to play the Eagles twice, the Cowboys twice, and the Redskins (who may not be a pushover with QB Robert Griffin, III) twice. They could win this division and they could make the playoffs. It will be very difficult, though.

The G-men are in a mini-funk, losing three of their last four. This is a team that sleepwalks until it can ill-afford to, then they blow everyone's doors off. I expect them to win the division and I expect them to be the toughest out in the playoffs. 

Dallas Cowboys (6-6) – I need to give this team an extra paragraph. This is the first time in five years I have entered the season not thinking that the Cowboys were the most talented team in the NFC. Last year, however, their weaknesses began to show. I cannot help but think that former Head Coach Wade Phillips, often the scapegoat for the postseason shortcomings of America’s Team, helped mask the deficiencies to the Cowboys defense.

DeMarcus Ware said in a radio interview last year that he thought he was the best player in the NFL. I am not convinced that statement is untrue, but I have to call the quality of the secondary into question. The receiving corps impressed me as being inconsistent and sometimes undisciplined. The bright spots on the offense are over-criticized quarterback Tony Romo and (should he remain healthy) running back DeMarco Murray.

This team is right in the thick of things, in theory. They are only one game back of the division lead, mathematically. Get ready for the Cowboys' Annual December Train Wreck starring Jerry Jones and co-starring Tony Romo. To borrow another Looney Tunes line from Sylvester, "Now sit back and watch the fun!"

Washington Redskins (6-6) – This team has some questionable management and coaching practices during the Mike Shanahan era. What has not been questioned is the wisdom of drafting quarterback Robert Griffin, III with the second pick in this year’s NFL Draft. He has not taken a regular season snap yet, but all pre-debut indicators could not be more promising for this future superstar. If Griffin does what I think he is capable of doing, I think he can will this previously hapless and dysfunctional team to a six win season, which would be progress.

If the Seahawks slip, I expect the Redskins to step in and take the final Wild Card spot. You heard it here first. The secondary, however, is just awful. To quote Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall, "It isn't rocket science." If you cannot stop the pass, you have to out-pass your opponents and as talented as Robert Griffin, III is, the Skins aren't at that level yet.

Not probable, but not (yet) impossible. 3

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers (8-3-1) – The East is a beast but the West is certainly not the best. The 49ers are loaded everywhere except at quarterback and wide receiver, possibly the most important two position combination is a pass oriented league. Alex Smith had a breakthrough in 2011, but it was more of a “don’t lose the game” breakthrough rather than a playmaking breakthrough. That is not enough to win a championship in the NFL. The addition of Randy Moss could prove to be interesting. But this Niners team is not built to be pass happy and Moss, while in great shape from all accounts, is on the wrong side of age 35.

I understand the excitement over quarterback Colin Kaepernick, but there is a reason Alex Smith was the starter at the beginning of the year. Sunday's fourth quarter meltdown against the St. Louis Rams is a textbook example of why the Niners, who are among the best in the NFL in every facet of the game other than the passing game, should stick with steady and experienced Alex Smith, in spite of his limited playmaking ability. Smith has not made mistakes during the past two seasons and the Niners need to be as mistake free as possible if they expect to make it to the Super Bowl this year.

Arizona Cardinals (4-8) – The Cardinals could be a sleeper for the Wild Card if Kevin Kolb or John Skelton can just play mistake free football. I could walk on to an NFL team at age 37 if I cut my body fat down to 8% and reduced my 40 yard dash time to 4.5. I’ll let you guys connect the dots.

Well, I may have had a side of crow with my dinner if you read this after the first month of the season. Instead the Cardinals became the first team in NFL history to post a 4-8 record after a 4-0 start. 

St. Louis Rams (5-6-1) – I expect this team to win six to eight games, but if Sam Bradford has the breakthrough that coaches expected him to have through his third season, the Rams could be a surprise team in the NFC. Bradford missed much of the season due to injury last year and the support he had while healthy was non existent. The Rams made some very high-value draft picks, including defensive tackle Michael Brockers out of LSU and former Florida cornerback Janoris Jenkins. This team is going to give some of the “better” teams some trouble this year.

So far, I hit the bullseye on the Rams. Jeff Fisher should receive some votes for Coach of the Year as he has quickly turned this team around. They have to be taken seriously and Fisher's defensive mind is clearly reflected upon his young players. The Rams only have one opponent with a winning record for the remainder of the regular season (Seahawks). A playoff appearance is not likely, but not completely far-fetched.

Seattle Seahawks (7-5) – This team could sniff .500 or already be on the clock for the first pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. The receivers are mediocre. The offensive line is mediocre. The defense is mediocre. Running back Marshawn Lynch is a monster, however, and rookie quarterback Russell Wilson has a high ceiling. The team will go as far as Wilson develops in his rookie year. Perhaps the Ocean Birds can exceed low expectations.

This team spent the first half of the season playing above its ability (and getting extremely lucky) and now they think they're a legit contender. Sunday's overtime win at Chicago is slowly making a believer out of me.The ball is in their court and, on paper, they only have one tough game remaining in the regular season, against the 49ers on December 23rd.

One event...one questionable call has sent a ripple effect through the NFC playoff race. 4

Tomorrow: the AFC!

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Getting the Scoop on RGIII

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin, III appears to be a shoe-in for NFL Rookie of the Year. Griffin has taken the bull by the horns and has the Redskins in contention for a Wild Card spot in December, something that has never been the case during Mike Shanahan's tenure in Washington. He continues to impress and improve every week.

Griffin and the Redskins face the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants on Monday Night Football tonight. Over the weekend, Griffin sat down with ESPN's Katie Linendoll to discuss his season and his expectations of his team and himself. Ms. Linendoll definitely stimulated my interest in what Mr. Griffin had to say about his progress. I couldn't wait for him to stop talking so I could look at the subject of today's Chick Pic, Ms. Linendoll.

She has Griffin's undivided attention. 1

Game over! 2

"All eyes on me!" 3

Another wide angle shot of Katie Linendoll and that sexy leg cross. Coincidence? I think not! 4

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NFL – One Quarter Point – AFC

Earlier this week, the Hat Trick gave its two cents on all 16 NFC teams after four weeks. Today, the AFC is presented.

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens (3-1) – Anything short of the AFC Championship Game, assuming no injuries to quarterback Joe Flacco (1,269 yds., 7 TD, 3 INT, 64% comp.) or middle linebacker Ray Lewis (33 tak., 1 sack, 1 FF), is an underachievement for this team. Flacco appears to finally be answering his critics, averaging over 300 yards per game through the air. The Ravens secondary has been loosey-goosey, but I do not expect that to last long.

Cincinnati Bengals (3-1) – Quarterback Andy Dalton (1,111 yds., 8 TD, 4 INT, 68% comp.) has answered any questions about a sophomore slump so far. He is quickly developing into a playmaker. It remains to be seen, however, if the Bengals can compete with the upper tier teams in the AFC.

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2) – Someone should remind the Steelers that running the ball is still allowed in the NFL (ranked 30th in the NFL in rushing offense). Rashard Mendenhall’s return to the lineup cannot come soon enough. Fix the running attack and the Steelers can beat anyone in the NFL.

Cleveland Browns (0-4) – Colt McCoy should be glad he’s been benched for rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden (997 yds., 3 TD, 7 INT, 54% comp., 9 sacks). His career will last longer. This team was finished at the opening kickoff of Week 1. Stick a fork in ‘em.

Ray Lewis to Brandon Weeden: "Welcome to the NFL!" 1

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans (4-0) – The best team in the NFL. This team has no weaknesses. Texans Fan’s only concern should be if they fall behind. Houston has not had to throw the ball as much as in the past and may find themselves in unfamiliar territory if they are forced to score points quickly.

Indianapolis Colts (1-2) – Rookie quarterback and first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft Andrew Luck (846 yds., 5 TD, 4 INT, 53% comp.) has been what he was expected to be so far – a smart kid who makes good decisions, manages the game well, and can utilize his strong arm. This team has gone from being top-to-bottom awful to having its only glaring weakness being stopping the run. There won’t be any playoffs for this team in 2012, but a 7 or 8 win season is not out of the question and would represent a significant improvement over that season. How the team adapts to the absence of rookie Head Coach Chuck Pagano, being treated for leukemia, remains to be seen.

Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3) – Life is imitating art, as in the movie Major League in which the fictitious Cleveland Indians owner deliberately tried to tank the team so she could justify a move out of town. What’s the over/under on the number of years before this team is renamed the Los Angeles Diablos? Their only worthwhile asset is running back Maurice Jones-Drew (352 yds., 1 TD, 4.9 avg.). Second year quarterback Blaine Gabbert (654 yds., 5 TD, 1 INT 56% comp.) is quickly answering questions about a possible sophomore breakout – there won’t be any.

Tennessee Titans (1-3) – I am in the minority opinion that the Titans are better off with the experienced Matt Hasselbeck (236 yds., 2 TD, 2 INT, 64% comp.) at quarterback over second year QB Jake Locker (781 yds., 4 TD, 2 INT, 63% comp.). If running back Chris Johnson (186 yds., 3.2 avg.) can run the ball for the rest of the season like he did last week against the stingy Houston Texans, a .500 season is not out of the question for the Titans.

J.J. Watt and the Texans have the AFC South bowing down. 2

AFC EAST

New England Patriots (2-2) – They continue to get torched in the air. While I expect the Pats to win the AFC East (almost by default), they are set up for an early exit in the playoffs with teams like Houston, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh in the mix.

New York Jets (2-2) – This team has the most misleading .500 record in football. The Jets have scored 81 points this year while surrendering 109 points. They cannot stop the run anymore than pot laws can stop stoners. The only potent weapon at the disposal of quarterback Mark Sanchez (813 yds., 5 TD, 4 INT, 49% comp.), wide receiver Santonio Holmes (20 rec., 272 yds., 1 TD), is out for the season. If Head Coach Rex Ryan gets desperate, pulls the plug on Sanchez, and inserts Tim Tebow, stick a fork in Gang Green.

Buffalo Bills (2-2) – I don’t know what to make of this team. If running back C.J. Spiller (341 yds., 3 TD, 8.3 avg.) can continue on anything close to the torrid pace to which he has begun the season and the defensive line, particularly $100 million man Mario Williams (9 tack., 1.5 sacks), can live up to expectations (which they are not thus far) Buffalo could be in the playoff discussion come December. That is a long time from now.

Miami Dolphins (1-3) – Their record meets expectations. Their actual level of play has slightly exceeded expectations for a 1-3 record. Rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s (1,046 yds., 2 TD, 6 INT, 56% comp.) career is off to as good of a start as one could ask, excluding the first game of his career against the currently undefeated Houston Texans in which he got his teeth kicked in as one would expect. If their secondary had football players instead of paper soldiers, the Fins could be a surprise contender. But they aren’t, so the Dolphins are not.

If Sexy Rexy wants to keep his job, he'll make sure the only headgear Tebow picks up has a wire attached to it. 3

AFC WEST

San Diego Chargers (3-1) – At the moment, the Chargers are playing the best football of any team in the AFC West. That should surprise nobody as it has been the case, or close to it, every season for nearly a decade. That could change as the Denver Broncos continue to gel under new quarterback Peyton Manning. Norv Turner’s offense has gotten conspicuously conservative in the wake of wide receiver Vincent Jackson’s defection to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers via free agency this past offseason. As always, the Chargers real test will come in January, however, not the fall.

Denver Broncos (2-2) – On paper, this team should be at least 3-1. If the first quarter of their game at Atlanta could be erased, they would be. They do everything well and their quarterback play, under future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (1,162 yds., 8 TD, 3 INT, 65% comp.), continues to improve every week. They are on a collision course with the San Diego Chargers.

Oakland Raiders (1-3) – About 10 years ago, the Raiders were the winningest franchise (win pct.) in NFL history. They have been “almost back” for the past two seasons. They’re back to being bad. In a two (or more) heavy-use running back per team league, the Raiders have nothing…NOTHING behind Darren McFadden (201 yds., 1 TD, 3.5 avg.). The defense has more holes than the remains of Osama bin Laden. Raider Nation can start waiting for next year right now.

Kansas City Chiefs (1-3) – If you ignore the government cheese like giveaways, the near absence of any takeaways, and the 13 times Matt Cassel (1,058 yds., 5 TD, 7 INT, 58% comp.) has been sacked, the Chiefs are a pretty good football team on paper. Saying that about an NFL team is like saying, “Mrs. Kennedy, except for the mess your husband’s wound made in the limousine, you have to admit that it was a pleasant ride.”

4

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NFL – One Quarter Point – the NFC

Four weeks of the NFL season are in the books and nothing is as we expected. The New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, and New Orleans Saints do not have winning records. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals (along with the Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans) are undefeated. Down is up; up is down.

Today the Hat Trick is going to boil it down for you in one paragraph or less for all 16 NFC teams. Where are they? Where are they going? And how?

NFC North

Minnesota Vikings (3-1) – The Vikings are in first place in the NFC North with the tiebreaker advantage over the Chicago Bears. This is a head scratcher. The Vikings appeared to be a team in much disarray heading into this season. Adrian Peterson (332 yds., 2 TD, 4.2 ypc.) was coming off of a torn ACL. Christian Ponder (824 yds., 4 TD, 0 INT, 68% comp.) did not have the smoothest rookie year. So far, AP is back and Ponder looks like all he was cracked up to be coming out of Florida State. Give Head Coach Leslie Frazier some credit, too.

Chicago Bears (3-1) – Smothering defense plus a healthy Jay Cutler (917 yds., 5 TD, 6 INT, 57% comp.) will give the Bears as good of a chance as any team to win the NFC North. How long injured running back Matt Forte (163 yds., 1 TD, 4.5 ypc.) is on the shelf will play a role in shaping the division. But, perhaps, the most important and more difficult to predict variable is Cutler himself. Last night, while dismantling the Dallas Cowboys, he looked like he was playing up to his potential. Can he keep his temperament and his ego in check?

Green Bay Packers (2-2) – What is wrong in Green Bay? They’ve played four games and only have one win (over the Bears) that instills confidence in its fans. The other three games have been losses to the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks and a win over the New Orleans Saints sparked by the points from a potential Saints game winning field goal being taken off of the board due to a holding penalty. Yes, the Seattle game was stolen from them, but when they only scored 12 points on the road and couldn’t run the ball, they put themselves in position to be robbed of the win. Someone else besides Cedric Benson (228 yds., 1 TD, 3.6 ypc.) needs to run the ball effectively.

Detroit Lions (1-3) – Talk about hard luck losers. The Lions lost games to the Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings, ultimately, because of failed kick coverage. The Titans executed the Music City Miracle II on a punt return for a touchdown along with two other long returns for touchdowns (on a kickoff and a fumble) and won in overtime. Then the Lions kept the Vikings’ offense out of the end zone all day, but allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown and a punt return for a touchdown, losing by six. Detroit needs to recoup the lost wins, but their passing game is stout, their defense is good, and their running game is better than last year. Don’t write them off yet.

How often could history keep repeating itself at the Lions' expense? 1

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons (4-0) – That the Falcons offense continues to put up lofty numbers is not a surprise. That they are undefeated through four weeks is. The Falcons are protecting the quarterback better than they did last year and are among the best in the NFL at forcing turnovers. Atlanta will have to tighten up its run defense, as teams have been having their way with the Falcons on the ground, but they are going to be an extremely tough out in the regular season. Barring an injury to quarterback Matt Ryan (1,162 yds., 11 TD, 2 INT, 69% comp.), I don’t see them being challenged for the NFC South division this year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3) – Beyond the front four on the Bucs defensive line, I see little cause for optimism. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (11 tak., 3 sacks, 1 FF), and defensive end Michael Bennett (9 tak., 4 sacks, 2 FF) have earned their keep and then some, making the running game an unappealing option for opponents. The passing game couldn’t be more attractive for Bucs foes, as Tampa is dead last in the league against the pass. Their running game is hapless and their quarterback play is hopeless. Rookie Head Coach Greg Schiano has them playing competitively with an attitude, but he has a lot of work to do.

Carolina Panthers (1-3) – Another hard luck losing team. The Panthers snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in Atlanta on Sunday. The offense is continuing to put out enough to give the team a chance to win. The problem is that the defense cannot be counted on to stop anyone at key moments. It was the diagram for their choke job in the Georgia Dome over the weekend. I expect this team to win more than their 2011 total of six games. The question is: will it be seven wins? Eight? Can they still get to nine?

New Orleans Saints (0-4) BOOM! Bah-bah BOOM! Bah-bah BOOM! Hear that? It’s the Fat Lady making her way down from her dressing room.

MY TEAM! The Saints! WHO DAT! “Who Dat” may soon be a question rather than an exclamation as Saints fans are on the brink of arriving to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome wearing bags on their heads. The Saints offense (3rd in the NFL in passing and 8th in the NFL overall) is as good as it ever was, in spite of the yearlong suspension of Head Coach Sean Payton and six game suspension of Assistant Head Coach Joe Vitt. Unfortunately, the defense can’t stop a runny nose and is riddled with injuries. I won’t stick the fork in them yet, as the team looked much sharper in Lambeau Field against the Packers, but the needle on the thermometer is approaching “DONE” very quickly.

It's only a matter of time, Saints fans. 2

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles (3-1) – Yes they’re 3-1, but they’ve kind of Forrest Gumped their way there. The offense is high output and the defense is stingy. There’s talent all over the field. But the turnovers are unacceptably high and, frankly, the Eagles got an assist from lady luck in their wins over the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants. Still, a win is a win in the NFL and there is no need for style points when playing the defending champs as they did on Sunday Night Football. The foundation is extremely strong; the mental errors need to stop if this team is going to make a serious Super Bowl run.

Dallas Cowboys (2-2) – Same old Cowboys…. When the spotlight is on, they disappear. After sneaking up on the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants to open the NFL season, the Cowboys have simply vanished. They’ve abandoned the run and last night, against the Bears, the offensive line appears to think that pass protection is a luxury for quarterback Tony Romo (1,148 yds., 5 TD, 8 INT, 67% comp.) rather than a necessity. Romo needs to stop being so aggressive when his teammates are not doing so or aren’t focused. The results are catastrophic.

Washington Redskins (2-2) – A .500 Redskins team after the month of September is a mild pleasant surprise. Rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III (1,070, 4 TD, 1 INT, 69%) has been all he was cracked up to be when he was selected #2 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. The Skins have the offensive skins on the wall to hang with anyone. The loss of safety LaRon Landry to the New York Jets via free agency has been painfully obvious, though, and the Skins have not stopped anyone in the air. This will be a growing pains year for Griffin, but it has been fun to watch!

New York Giants (2-2) – This team is following the same script that had a big question mark over its head until the final weeks of the 2011 regular season. Vanilla running game (at best)…uninspired defensive play that generates the occasional key turnover. Eli Manning (1,320 yds., 7 TD, 4 INT, 64% comp.) and the receiving corps can only carry the team so far. With Tom Coughlin as Head Coach, however, I would not be overly concerned…yet.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for Robert Griffin fever. 3

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals (4-0) – I’m sure it has been fun for fans in Phoenix to see their football team start off perfect through four games. This house of Cards will collapse sooner than later (pun intended).

They can’t run the ball. They don’t try to run the ball. They don’t pass well. They don’t have any potent, game changing receiving options after Larry Fitzgerald (22 rec., 245 yds., 2 TD) and no respectable options after Andre Roberts (15 rec., 229 yds., 4 TD). Quarterback Kevin Kolb (752 yds., 7 TD, 2 INT, 63% comp.) has been efficient when he can get the ball out of his hands, but there has been no reason truly fear the offense. The key so far has been a defense that has bent a lot but then breaks opponents by forcing turnovers, but with no offensive firepower, the Cards undefeated run can only last so long.

San Francisco 49ers (3-1) – The 49ers took their eyes off the prize against the Vikings, then responded by bludgeoning the New York Jets in their own house. This team’s kryptonite is the complete lack of power in its passing game. Quarterback Alex Smith (784 yds., 5 TD, 1 INT, 67% comp.) has eliminated the critical mistakes, but he still doesn’t move the team with his arm. This will be a problem, particularly in the playoffs, if the Niners fall behind in games.

St. Louis Rams (2-2) – The Rams made some key defensive draft picks and acquisitions in the offseason and it is paying dividends. I don’t think the Rams will reach the playoffs, but I do think they will be tough to beat week in and week out. They need to tighten up a bit more against the run and give quarterback Sam Bradford (881 yds., 4 TD, 4 INT, 62% comp.) more chances to open the throttle, but this team is building itself on step at a time.

Seattle Seahawks (2-2) – Old school, smash mouth, power football and lock down defense (and a big assist from the officials) has the Seahawks at .500 after the first month. The passing game is nonexistent, however, and with a rookie quarterback in Russell Wilson (594 yds., 4 TD, 4 INT, 60% comp.), I don’t not foresee that changing much. They are going to keep the training wheels on him. The entire offense is going to ride on the back of workhorse running back Marshawn Lynch (423 yds., 2 TD, 4.6 ypc.).

TOUCHOUT! 4

Later this week: the AFC!

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