Divisional Playoff Weekend Preview

Baltimore Ravens @ Tennessee Titans

Ravens Special Teams: A special teams play would be huge for either of these teams. Tom Zbikowski had a nice return last week and may be there best shot at a big return, unless the Ravens are able to put Ed Reed back for punt returns which would be a great move.

Titans Special Teams: The kick game is amongst the best in the league. Rob Bironas was perfect inside of 40 this year and hit 28 field goals overall. Craig Hentrich is a Pro Bowl Punter. Chris Carr is their best returner and he’s a pretty good one. They are not great at kick coverage.

Ravens on Offense: As I said last week, Joe Flacco is not going to beat a playoff defense. He was terrible against Miami and now has to face the markedly better Titan secondary. That means that somehow the Ravens will have to find some success against the Titans rush defense. They should use Leron McClain early and set up a possible late game home run by Willis McGahee.

Titans on Defense: With Haynesworth and Vanden Bosch both healthy the Titans defense should be able to interrupt the Raven O. McClain does his best running up the middle and he’s a big powerful runner, still it’s difficult to imagine him running through Haynesworth and that big Titans line. Tennessee does not create great pressure, though eliminating the run game is often enough to create the illusion of pressure on a QB. In the pass game Cortland Finnegan will man up with Derrick Mason and try to force Joe Flacco to find somebody else to throw the ball to.

Titans on Offense: It could read like a carbon copy of the Ravens offense. They are not going to ask Kerry Collins to carry the load here. The difference between he and Flacco is that Collins has a lot of playoff experience, including a Super Bowl Start. His best success in the pass game will come in the 10-15 yard range and especially to his tight ends. Their run game will be a polar opposite of Baltimore’s. They will use rookie Chris Johnson early and hope to catch Baltimore off guard with his explosiveness. If they can get a lead then they will use LenDale White to protect it.

Ravens on Defense: Look for Baltimore to try to exploit the absence of Pro Bowl Center Kevin Mawae by blitzing up the middle with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Both will also be key in the pass game. Lewis will often be assigned to cover Bo Scaife, the Titans leading receiver, and Reed will roam free and hope to get another playoff interception and hopefully touchdown. The Ravens are not going to give up big run plays easily either. They have been incredible against the run in recent weeks and are not likely to lose their focus in this one.

Summary: I could regret repeatedly going against the Ravens, but I’m going to do it again. These two teams match up so evenly on the field that you have to go to the sidelines to differentiate them. There stands Jeff Fisher with a home playoff game and I have to believe that’s going to be a difference maker here. This should be almost a mirror-image of their week 5 game. Not a lot of points or yards, but some big hits and lots of trash talking. Great January football.

Prediction: Titans 13, Ravens 10

Arizona Cardinals @ Carolina Panthers

Cardinals Special Teams: We didn’t see much out of Arizona’s Special Teams Unit last week, other than a very good performance from punter Ben Graham. The Cardinals struggled some in kick coverage.

Panthers Special Teams: John Kasay had another very good year, missing just 3 kicks. Punter Jason Baker was also consistently reliable. Not much happens in the return game when the Panthers play. They don’t have a great return game, but they are very good on coverage.

Cardinals on Offense: Arizona can only hope to run the ball as well as they did last week against Atlanta. The law of averages says it is unlikely. They face a much better, though not great, defense in Carolina this week. Look for Kurt Warner to put the ball up 38-45 times and find some success. Anquan Bolden’s status is still uncertain, but the Cardinals will still have Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston so the pass game will be fine.

Panthers on Defense: Carolina is not quite as good on defense as you might think from reputation. Julius Peppers had a resurgent season and came up with 14 sacks, but nobody else had more than six. They also don’t create a lot of turnovers. They will need to in this game. If they have success stopping the run, which they should, they have to make Warner regret airing the ball out constantly.

Panthers on Offense: There game plan will be similar to that of Atlanta last week. The difference is that Jake Delhomme is not a rookie and will not allow the Cardinals to get off the ball as quickly as they did against the Falcons.  DeAngelo Williams will have more success running the ball than Michael Turner did last week and Carolina will mix in rookie Jonathan Stewart. They had over 2,300 yards combined. Delhomme will take shots downfield for Steve Smith every chance he gets. Roddy White had 11 catches last week against Arizona, if Steve Smith does the same they are in trouble. The effect of Mushin Muhammad can not be underestimated in this game either.

Cardinals on Defense: Regardless of the snap count, the Cardinals need to hope to be as good on the line as they were last week. That opens up the opportunities for guys like Antrel Rolle and Rodgers-Cromartie to make plays in the secondary. If Carolina gets desperate Delhomme tends to try to force the ball to Steve Smith, who often bails him out. The Arizona secondary needs to try to play the ball better than Smith in those situations.

Summary: Arizona has struggled going to the East Coast all year. They don’t just lose, they’re awful. Bolden being limited isn’t going to help and neither is the fact that they are playing such a well-balanced and experienced team. The two things that surprised me last week from Arizona, the run game and the defensive line, will not be as good this week and thus neither will the Cardinals.

Prediction: Panthers 24, Cardinals 20

Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants

Eagles Special Teams: Kicker David Akers and punter Sav Rocca both had great weeks in Minnesota last week. It will tougher sailing this week in the swirling winds of the Meadowlands. DeSean Jackson had a 60+ yard punt return last week and could be a difference maker in this game.

Giants Special Teams: They have the league’s oldest kicking duo in Jeff Feagles and John Karney, but both had very good years. One of the consequences of the Plax issue is that the Giants have quit using Domenik Hixon on kick returns which is a shame because he is there most explosive guy on that unit. They may want to turn to him in this must win game.

Eagles on Offense: They will need a better output from this unit this week. McNabb played okay last week, but his numbers are somewhat padded by the long screen pass near the end of the game to Westbrook. Speaking of Westbrook, he goes from the frying pan into the fire. He struggled last week against the Vikings and now must go against another top 10 rush defense. He has had success against the Giants in the past. In the passing game, McNabb needs to stretch the field more. His leading receiver last week was back-up tight end Brent Celek.

Giants on Defense: Part of the problem with the Giants lately is their sudden inability to pressure the QB. Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka are great pass rushers but have not had great success against Philadelphia this year. This is an underrated defensive unit, top 10 in every category, but the offense’s fall off recently has hurt the defense. They were used to playing a very short game as the Giants offense eats up a lot of clock. When the offense is off the defense falls off. One player in particular who needs to play better in January than he did in December is linebacker Antonio Pierce.

Giants on Offense: New York will obviously benefit from the return of Brandon Jacobs, the teams leading rusher. They will also give plenty of touches to Derrick Ward who also went for 1,000 yards and averaged 5.7 yards per carry. Eli Manning will have to make some plays in this game as well. He has yet to find a number one that he trusts as much as Plax. Somebody has to step up in this game.

Eagles on Defense: The Eagles are no strangers to pressuring the QB. They do it well and in a variety of ways. It will be an interesting side note on this game to see whether Jim Johnson or Steve Spagnuolo is better at finding ways to catch a very familiar offense off guard. With no number one receiver to cover look for Asante Samuel to simply cut off a side of the field on Manning and hope that he forces one under pressure.

Summary: This should be a very competitive game as always. Neither team has a distinct advantage, because both know each other so well. I think the Eagles do more better right now than New York though. The Eagles are peaking at the right time, winning 4 of 5 and there is no intimidation going to the Meadowlands, because they do it every year. The Giants will be able to run the ball, though not as consistently as they’d like and big plays will be available downfield for McNabb and the Eagles.

Prediction: Eagles 27, Giants 17

San Diego Chargers @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Chargers Special Teams: Much has been made about Mike Scifres performance against the Colts last week and for good reason. He put all six punts inside the 20. In a game like this in Pittsburgh, a good punt game is a must. On the downside, with Darren Sproles likely to carry the ball more, he probably won’t be used in the return game.

Steelers Special Teams: Jeff Reed continues to be a very good kicker, especially considering the environment he kicks in. The same can not be said for punter Mitch Berger, who has a very strong leg but put just 19 of his 66 kicks inside the twenty. The Steelers do not have  return man who makes plays, but they make up for it with a great coverage team.

Chargers on Offense: San Diego did not fare well on offense against the Steelers earlier this year. Points will not be easy to come by this time either. Philip Rivers continues to play well, in spite of the fact that his offensive line does not do a great job protecting him. That latter fact will be a problem against Dick Lebeau’s defense. San Diego will likely start Darren Sproles at RB and while he provides the potential from a big gain at any moment, it will be hard for him to carry the load against the big hitting Steelers defense. That means Michael Bennett will get plenty of looks.

Steelers on Defense: This is where they butter their bread. Nob0dy has looked good against this defense this year. They smother your running game and give you no time to throw the ball. They are the smartest defense in football as they seem to know what you’re going to do before you do it.

Steelers on Offense: Such glowing endorsements are not due this unit. I like Big Ben, but at the end of the day he had more turnovers than touchdowns and was sacked nearly three times per game. He has been very good at the end of games and that’s good enough for the Steelers, but it might not be good enough in a playoff game. The passing game is not helped by the fact that they have struggled to run the ball. Their leading rusher went for less than 800 yards and nobody averaged better than 4.2 per carry.

Chargers on Defense: This unit has played extremely well in recent weeks. They’re getting after the quarterback and making plays. They have improved quite a bit since the first meeting between these two teams, which could be scary for Roethlisberger.

Summary: As a caveat, I don’t think the Steelers are anywhere near as good as their record. They were 3-4 against playoff teams and two of those wins were over the Ravens, the second one very questionable. I think they were exposed by the Titans a couple of weeks ago and that will happen again this week.

Prediction: Chargers 24, Steelers 13

Baltimore Ravens 9-5 @ Dallas Cowboys 9-5

Announcers: Bob Papa, Deion Sanders and Marshall Faulk a.k.a. Train Wreck

Storylines: Two teams who control their own destiny. A loss for either team would mean they would need a win and/or major help in week 17 to earn a wild-card bid. This is also the final game at Texas Stadium.

The Key to a Ravens Victory: Baltimore can’t abandon the run game. It could be tough going early against a very motivated Dallas defense, but the Ravens need to continue pounding away at them and hopefully get Willis McGahee involved late in the game to provide a possible home run threat.

The Key to a Cowboys Victory: Dallas needs to blitz Joe Flacco. He played very poorly last week against Pittsburgh, in the face of constant pressure. Baltimore can’t score a lot of points with their pedestrian run game so the key is to not let them score any through the air. If they force Flacco into another awful game, 17 points would be enough to win.

Pick: Cowboys. The emotional high of the game, a prime-time game for the final time in Texas Stadium, mixed with the experience difference in the two QB’s gives Dallas the edge. Look for the Cowboys to settle for short passes and set up a couple of deep ones later. I just haven’t seen that Flacco is able to win a “playoff caliber” game yet.

Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) @ Tennessee Titans (12-2)

Announcers: Jim Nantz and Phil Simms

Storylines: This game will go a long way towards deciding not only the favorite in the AFC, but also home-field advantage.

The Key to a Steelers Victory: Pittsburgh needs to take advantage of Kerry Collins mistakes. They will do a good job against the run, which means Collins will have to throw the ball 25+ times. Pittsburgh needs to turn some of them into interceptions and give a suspect offense a short field to work with.

The Key to a Titans Victory: With Albert Haynesworth out, can they continue to dominate at the line? The Steelers don’t have a great O-line or run game, which is why they always have to win in the last couple of minutes. They are not able to sustain a flow on offense. The Titans can’t let them create one here.

Pick: Steelers. I’m not a huge Pittsburgh believer yet, but with Tennessee missing it’s best defensive player in a game that seems destined to be an under 24 total, you have to go with the Steel Curtain 2008.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-11-1) @ Cleveland Browns (4-10)

Announcers: Kevin Harlan and Rich Gannon

Storylines: Just the pride and the chance to beat an in-state rival. Also a loss here, and Pittsburgh next week, could land the Browns in last place in a year when many thought they could make the playoffs.

The Key to a Bengals Victory: Ryan Fitzpatrick needs to be able to get the ball downfield to T.J., while avoiding a defense that is tied for first in the league in interceptions.

The Key to a Browns Victory: The Browns need to score touchdowns, something which they haven’t done in four weeks on offense. With nothing to lose they should play as aggressively as possible and take a lot of shots at the end zone.

Pick: Is there a third team to choose from? No? Then Bengals.

San Francisco 49ers (5-9) @ St. Louis Rams (2-12)

Announcers: Sam Rosen and Tim Ryan (who’d they piss off)

Storylines: The 49ers face the Rams and the Redskins the next two weeks and are winners of 3 out of the last 5. Finishing 7-9 would be good momentum going into next year. The Rams just try not to get anybody injured. They also welcome back Isaac Bruce to St. Louis.

The Key to a 49ers Victory: San Francisco needs to be much better in the red zone this week. They were very good on offense last week, until they got into scoring distance, settling for 3 field goals. They need to be better than that against a team giving up more than 4 touchdowns per game.

The Key to a Rams Victory: St. Louis needs to figure out a way to create turnovers on defense. The 49ers will give up the ball sometimes and if the Rams can give their struggling offense easier drives, they at least have a chance.

Pick: 49ers. San Fran is playing decent football lately and decent should be more than enough to beat the Rams.

San Diego Chargers (6-8) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5)

Announcers: Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf

Storylines: Once more the Chargers are a loss away from elimination. A win leaves the door open for a possible playoff position. Tampa Bay has loss two in a row in their division, but still have a great shot to make the playoffs if they can win here.

The Key to a Charger Victory: Philip Rivers needs to continue to get the ball downfield to Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd. Tomlinson is not what he once was and teams try to take Gates out of the picture. That has often times, like last week in KC, left WR’s wide open downfield. Steve Smith and Roddy White both had good games against the Bucs defense the last two weeks.

The Key to a Bucs Victory: Tampa needs to disrupt the passing motion of Philip Rivers. Like many QB’s he is at his best once he gets into a rhythm. If they make him move or hurry his passes, he will make mistakes.

Pick: Buccaneers. I think either Garcia or Griese would be able to make throws against the San Diego defense. The Chargers have played poorly on the road this year and now must travel all the way to the East Coast.

Miami Dolphins (9-5) @ Kansas City Chiefs (2-12)

Announcers: Dick Enberg and Randy Cross

Storylines: After winning one game last year, a win in Arrowhead would put Miami one week away from a match-up with the Jets, with the AFC East Title likely being on the line.

The Key to a Dolphins Victory: Miami needs to have Ronnie Brown involved in the game plan, both running the ball and receiving. He has lost carries in recent weeks to Ricky Williams, but he is their best shot at an explosive play.

The Key to a Chiefs Victory: Kansas City had just six sacks in their first twelve games. But they had three last week against San Diego. If they can put the same kind of pressure on Chad Pennington they could get the chance to blow another late lead.

Pick: Dolphins. Chad Pennington will make the playoffs this year. Herman Edwards Will Not.

New Orleans Saints (7-7) @ Detroit Lions (0-14)

Announcers: Ron Pitts and Tony Boselli

Storylines: The Lions try to avoid becoming the first 0-15 team in NFL History. They get their last best shot at a win this year against the Captains of Mediocrity, the Saints.

The Key to a Saints Victory: Pierre Thomas needs to outnumber Reggie Bush’s carries by a 2-1 margin. He is a pure running back and is their most productive out of the backfield. Get Reggie the ball in the open field, but his chances to prove he can be a 3 down back are running out.

The Key to a Lions Victory: Take your shots at Calvin Johnson. He is the lone bright spot in a hapless season. If they can get him the ball deep early, they will have an opportunity to hand the ball off to the promising rookie, Kevin Smith.

Pick: Lions. If anybody’s going to lose to Detroit, it’s the Saints.

Arizona Cardinals (8-6) @ New England Patriots (9-5)

Announcers: Kenny Albert and Daryl Johnston

Storylines: The Cardinals spot is set. The Patriots could well fall out of the playoff race with a loss.

The Key to a Cardinals Victory: Kurt Warner needs to protect the football. Arizona is 0-4 on the East Coast and a big reason for that is that Warner averages 2 interceptions per game. Opportunities will be there against a less than stellar Patriots DB group, but he needs to be patient and wait for the best shots. Until they’re there, underneath stuff to Boldin and Fitz can be just as effective.

The Key to a Patriots Victory: New England ran for 277 yards against Oakland last week and Arizona’s run defense isn’t much better. That kind of output on the ground sets up Matt Cassel to be very effective. They need to run Sammy Morris early, mix in Lamont Jordan and get Kevin Faulk touches with screens an draws.

Pick: Cardinals. Call me crazy, but I think Warner and the two Pro Bowl Receivers get it done in Foxboro.

Houston Texans (7-7) @ Oakland Raiders (3-11)

Announcers: Bill Macatee and Steve Beurlein

Storylines: The Texans look to go .500 for the second consecutive year under Gary Kubiak, and possibly better.

The Key to a Texans Victory: Get the Ball to Andre Johnson. The Raiders have a talented secondary, but have been beaten for big plays all year. Johnson is one of the most talented receivers in the game and the Texans are a much better team when the offense runs through him.

The Key to a Raiders Victory: Maybe beating the Broncos really was the Raiders Super Bowl. They haven’t played a game since then. There best chance is by finding some way to create a spark and some points. Whether that be on special teams, defense or gadget plays.

Pick: Texans. Houston is playing terrific football and though a trip to the Abyss is not easy, it should be no problem for a Mike Shanahan protege.

New York Jets (9-5) @ Seattle Seahawks (3-11)

Announcers: GUS JOHNSON! and Steve Tasker

Storylines: The Jets need to keep winning in order to win the East. That means Brett Favre needs to once again get the better of his old coach, Mike Holmgren.

The Key to a Jets Victory: The Jets need to play well on the defensive line. That unit was excelling during the Jets winning streak, but has really fell off over the past three weeks.

The Key to a Seahawks Victory: Seneca Wallace must be careful with the football. Wallace has just one pick in six games, but he has three fumbles. Stripping the ball is something the Jets excel at, see last week against Buffalo. Wallace and Seattle can not give Favre and the Jets easy points.

Pick: Seahawks. Seattle is 0-3 against East Coast teams in Qwest Field. New York is 0-3 on the West Coast. Something has to give. I have been completely underwhelmed by the Jets over the past month and think Seattle could steal this one from them.

Atlanta Falcons (9-5) @ Minnesota Vikings (8-6)

Announcers: Dick Stockton and Brian Baldinger

Storylines: Atlanta needs a win to stay alive. A Vikings win gives them the NFC North Title. Don’t expect Minnesota to call on Gary Anderson to attempt a game-winning field goal.

The Key to a Falcons Victory: Atlanta needs to be able to take advantage of the missing Pat Williams. Minnesota will still be very capable against the run, but Atlanta needs to continue to pound with Michael Turner if they are going to have a chance to win.

The Key to a Vikings Victory: They need to exploit the mobility of Tarvaris Jackson. They need to find John Abraham before the snap and roll away from him with keepers and bootlegs.

Pick: Vikings. I think Minnesota has it figured out right now and will be able to get the job done at home against what should be a very game Atlanta Team. As long as Peterson outruns Turner, they should win this game.

Philadelphia Eagles (8-5-1) @ Washington Redskins (7-7)

Announcers: Joe Buck and Troy Aikman

Storylines: An elimination game in the NFC East.

The Key to an Eagles Victory: If Donovan McNabb can avoid the mistakes he made last week, the Eagles will have an excellent chance.

The Key to a Redskins Victory: The Redskins need to show something different. They are vanilla on offense and predictable. If they could come out with a no-huddle or a spread offense, they might catch the Eagles.

Pick: Redskins. I do realize it seems kind of out there given the different directions these two teams have gone in, but I think Campbell and the Skins have a good feel for what to expect from Philadelphia and will have answers for it.

Buffalo Bills (7-7) @ Denver Broncos (8-6)

Announcers: Ian Eagle and Solomon Wilcots

Storyline: If the Broncos win, they’re in.

The Key to a Bills Victory: Buffalo needs to feed the ball to Marshawn Lynch and hope their defense is successful against the Broncos. If Lynch has less than 20 carries in this game, it will be a Bronco Blowout.

The Key to a Broncos Victory: Keep Jay Cutler Standing. Jay should have success against the Bills defense, as long as he’s not sacked three times, as he was last week.

Pick: Broncos. If they don’t win this game, they have no right to be in the playoffs. No matter what the Chargers do.

Carolina Panthers (11-3) @ New York Giants (11-3)

Announcers: Al Michaels and John Madden

Storyline: Winner gets home-field advantage throught the NFC playoffs.

The Key to a Panthers Victory: Carolina needs to balance their offense, running the ball enough that the Giants can’t pin their ears back, but taking enough shots downfield to give Steve Smith an opportunity to dominate.

The Key to a Giants Victory: The Giants need to ride the arm of Eli Manning. There is always debate about how good Eli really is. This is the kind of game where he needs to prove he’s elite.

Pick: Panthers. I think they’re the best team in football right now and their style is built to travel.

Green Bay Packers (5-9) @ Chicago Bears (8-6)

Announcers: Mike Tirico and Ron Jaworski

Storyline: The oldest rivalry in football. A Viking win on Sunday would render this game meaningless. If they lose though, the Bears would need to win to stay alive.

The Key to a Packers Victory: Green Bay needs to play a west coast style of offense and get the ball into their wide receivers hands as quick as possible.

The Key to a Bears Victory: Chicago needs to score early and force Green Bay to become desperate.

Pick: Bears. I never pick a sweep in this series.

Power Rankings: Week 13

NFC

1. GIANTS (1) The Clear Cut Favorite in the NFC, though maybe not by as much as people think.

2. BUCCANEERS (2) Very consistent. Do you think the Browns and Lions would love to have Garcia?

3. FALCONS (5)  Not intimidated by anybody and a steadily improving team.

4. PANTHERS (4) Some questions about Delhomme recently, but great defense and great run game.

5. COWBOYS (6) Romo makes all of the difference in the world.

6. VIKINGS (11) Easy favorites to win the North and have won 6 out of 8 now.

7. CARDINALS (3) Can this team win a road game? If not, they are fairly meaningless in the playoffs.

8. REDSKINS (7) Still very much in the hunt, but offensive woes are becoming more obvious.

9. EAGLES (12) Stayed alive, but very unlikely to make it.

10. SAINTS (9) A threat to win on any week, but not a threat in the playoff race.

11. BEARS (8) Could still make a late run, but it’s getting tougher.

12. PACKERS (10) Is there still a question about whether the Packers did the right thing?

13. 49ers (13) Of the Bottom Four in the NFC, they seem to have the most upside.

14. SEAHAWKS (14) Next year, they try again, without one of the best coaches of our generation.

15. RAMS (15) I actually think they’re the worst team in the NFC, but they have two wins

16. LIONS (16) I still think they could steal one from Minnesota or New Orleans

AFC

1. TITANS (2) Yeah it was the Lions, but the win was impressive enough to get back the top spot.

2. STEELERS (3) Incredible Defense.

3. RAVENS (4) Still a very good chance that this team wins the North.

4. JETS (1) Needed to get that win on Sunday to be an elite team

5. COLTS (6) There’s questions here, but they are very good at finding ways to win.

6. BRONCOS (7) Will win the West. If they can play at home like they have on the road, could be scary. 

7. PATRIOTS (5) Very easy schedule down the stretch, they’ll make the playoffs.

8. DOLPHINS (9) Easy Schedule, but they won’t make the playoffs.

9. BILLS (8) 2-6 in the past 8, wha’ happened?

10. CHARGERS (10) Only this high because they’re technically still alive in the West.

11. TEXANS (13) As has been the case the past couple of years, they’ll be optimistic next year.

12. JAGUARS (11) A lot of people thought they’d go to the Super Bowl. Oops.

13. BROWNS (12) What a waste of a season. Can’t even get Quinn ready for next year.

14. CHIEFS (16) Who Cares?

15. RAIDERS (14) Yep, the Raiders still suck. My post-season article on them is going to be sweet.

16. BENGALS (15) As bad as the Lions, Rams or anybody Else.

MVP

1. KURT WARNER (1) In a year without a clear-cut winner, it will go to the stat monster.

2. JAY CUTLER (3) Take Cutler off the Broncos, they have 2 wins.

3. PEYTON MANNING (4) Bad week, but he’s a media darling.

4. TONY ROMO (9) If the Cowboys make the playoffs, it will be because of him.

5. ELI MANNING (6) Doesn’t have huge numbers, but he’s proven to be a winner.

6. MICHAEL TURNER (8) A bigger reason for the turnaround than Ryan, who will be ROTY.

7. THOMAS JONES (-) Why is this guy on his fourth team?

8. BRETT FAVRE (7) Will likely get some votes from the heart.

9. MATT CASSEL (5) Can’t deny the impressiveness of what he’s done.

10. DEANGELO WILLIAMS (-) Any regrets about using that first pick on a RB?

Looking Back at Week 12

Pittsburgh Steelers 27

Cincinnati Bengals 10

Why the Steelers Won: For just the second time this season, the Steelers offensive line went the entire game without giving up a sack.

Why the Bengals Lost: On Cincinnati’s touchdown drive they were 3 for 3 on third down. They were 1-12 the rest of the game.

MVP: James Farrior had 11 tackles and led a dominant defensive effort by the Steelers.

What It All Means: The Steelers sweep the season series and are currently in line for a first-round bye. The Bengals put in their worst effort in a couple of weeks and looked completely outmatched in PIttsburgh.

Baltimore Ravens 36

Philadelphia Eagles 7

Why the Ravens Won: The Ravens defense allowed seven points and created 5 turnovers, turning those mistakes into 17 points.

Why the Eagles Lost: Trailing 10-7 at halftime, Andy Reid benched Donovan McNabb and turned instead to Kevin Kolb to lead the team. He did not inform the team of this at halftime and most players didn’t know until Kolb ran into the huddle at the start of the third quarter. The Eagles looked dejected from that point on.

MVP: Ed Reed set an NFL Record with a 108 yard interception return for a TD.

What It All Means: Good win for the Ravens, but the aftermath of this game will be focused on the Eagles. McNabb has been named the starter for Thursday Night against the Cardinals, which makes the move on Sunday even more curious. The Coach, QB and franchise seem to be in a state of shock and confusion at this point.

Houston Texans 16

Cleveland Browns 6

Why the Texans Won: Houston entered Sunday 32nd in the league in turnover ratio. On Sunday they won that battle 5-2.

Why the Browns Lost: The Browns used both QB’s both struggled. Meanwhile, Jamal Lewis was averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He had just 10 carries.

MVP: Kevin Walter had 7 catches for 93 yards and the game’s only touchdown.

What It All Means: Which coach from the Belicheat Tree gets fired first? Crennel or Weis?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38

Detroit Lions 20

Why the Bucs Won: Special teams was key for Tampa Bay. They had 230 return yards and scored a 70 yard punt return for a TD in the third quarter that provided a cushion.

Why the Lions Lost: Detroit QB’s were a combined 10/26 which led to too many 3 and outs early and let the Bucs not only get back into the game, but run away with it.

MVP: Veteran Ronde Barber had two interceptions in the game and both resulted in points for Tampa Bay.

What It All Means: The Bucs have won 3 in a row and are the quietest 8-3 team in the league. With it being more and more likely that they will make the playoffs, and Atlanta looking strong, the fact that every talking head in the world said that three playoff teams would come from the NFC East looks kind of stupid, huh? Oh and the Lions are going 0-16.

Buffalo Bills 54

Kansas City Chiefs 31

Why the Bills Won: Buffalo’s defense created 5 turnovers, Buffalo’s offense committed none.

Why the Chiefs Lost: This game was not a blowout until late, yet Larry Johnson had just 7 rushes.

MVP: Trent Edwards ran for 38 yards and two touchdowns and threw for 273 yards and another pair of scores.

What It All Means: Herman Edwards is one of the smartest coaches in the league. Despite never building a winner he keeps his job or gets a new one each year. Why? He always finds a scapegoat. This year it is Larry Johnson, who did make mistakes off the field, but has barely been used even when on the field. Herm will call him a distraction at the end of the year and get rid of him and lead the Chiefs to a 6-10 record next year.

Chicago Bears 27

St. Louis Rams 3

Why the Bears Won: The Bears run defense stiffened considerably on Sunday, allowing just 14 yards to the Rams.

Why the Rams Lost: This team needs torn down as they appear to have quit, as is testified to by the way they come out of the gate each week. They have been outscored 99-16 in the first half the last three weeks.

MVP: If not for the other Matt, Forte would be a lock for Rookie of the Year. He went for 132 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday.

What It All Means: The Bears are in first place and Kyle Orton appears healthy, which is good news for them. If they get into the playoffs they are a dangerous team.

New York Jets 34

Tennessee Titans 13

Why the Jets Won: They beat the Titans at their own game. They shut down the run and then ran it down the throat of the number one rush defense in the league. Thomas Jones and Leon Washington combined for 178 yards and two touchdowns.

Why the Titans Lost: The Titans ran the ball just 11 times partly because they once again found themselves in a hole. They punted on their first five possessions.

MVP: Brett Favre was 25-32 for 224 yards and two touchdowns.

What It All Means: The Jets last two weeks were the most impressive back-to-back wins by any team this season. They are playing lights out football and were the best team in the league in November. The Titans have some serious question marks as their run defense and offense has fallen off in the past three weeks. They may not be as strong as many think heading into the playoffs.

New England Patriots 48

Miami Dolphins 28

Why the Patriots Lost: Matt Cassel threw for 400 yards for the second straight week and the offense looked like the juggernaut that it was last season.

Why the Dolphins Lost: They got just 25 yards out of 8 wildcat plays.

MVP: Randy Moss had 8 catches for 125 yards and three touchdowns.

What It All Means: The Dolphins had been showing signs of slipping for a couple of weeks so this should have come as no surprise. The media of course loves the opportunity to slobber all over Belicheat and the Patriots, but before we crown them we should remind ourselves why Matt Cassel had to throw for over 400 yards two weeks in a row. Their run game is still very inconsistent and their defense is far below what it once was.

Minnesota Vikings 30

Jacksonville Jaguars 12

Why the Vikings Won: Minnesota scored two touchdowns off of Jacksonville turnovers in the first 1:30 of the game. This took the Jags completely out of their offensive game plan.

Why the Jaguars Lost: Taylor and Drew combined for just 9 carries in the game.

MVP: The entire Vikings defense was terrific, Antoine Winfield had 11 tackles and a forced fumble.

What It All Means: It is officially over for Jacksonville. Minnesota is tied for first and host the Bears on Sunday Night with an opportunity to create some seperation.

Dallas Cowboys 35

San Francisco 49ers 22

Why the Cowboys Won: The Cowboys scored on long drives and on big plays and looked like the offense we expected to see all along.

Why the Niners Lost: Frank Gore had just 15 touches and continues to be the most criminally underused talent in the league.

MVP: First Moss and now TO. He had 213 receiving yards and a touchdown on Sunday.

What It All Means: The importance of Tony Romo can no longer be glossed over, yeah it was just the Niners, but remember the Romo-less Cowboys lost to the Rams. The Cowboys are firmly back in contention in the NFC and the return of Felix Jones, as well as figuring out how WR Roy Williams fits will make them an even more dangerous team.

Atlanta Falcons 45

Carolina Panthers 28

Why the Falcons Won: The Falcons not only ran the ball extremely well, but Matt Ryan played a fantastic game spreading the ball around and making no big mistakes.

Why the Panthers Lost: The Panthers committed 8 penalties and converted just 5 third downs.

MVP: Rookie Harry Douglas had 4 catches for 92 yards and a rushing touchdown.

What It All Means: The toughest division in football is far from wrapped up. The Falcons are very much alive in the division and three teams could easily come out of the South.

Washington Redskins 20

Seattle Seahawks 17

Why the Redskins Won: As Portis goes, so go the Skins. He had 143 yards rushing in this game.

Why the Seahawks Lost: They had just 22 minutes of possession. That means the Skins defense was much more fresh than the Hawks at the end of the game and it showed.

MVP: Despite his knee injury Portis had 143 yards on 29 carries.

What It All Means: Clinton Portis should be getting more MVP Love.

New York Giants 37

Arizona Cardinals 29

Why the Giants Won: The Giants started five drives in Arizona territory and all of them ended with scores.

Why the Cardinals Lost: They were unable to run the ball at all to compliment their potent pass attack. They ran for just 23 yards.

MVP: I said earlier in the year that I thought Domenik Hixon was good enough to make Plax expendable and he showed it again in a big game here, coming up with 270 all purpose yards.

What It All Means: I still think the Cardinals are good, but the Giants are clearly the class of the Conference as they won this game without Plax or Brandon Jacobs.

Oakland Raiders 31

Denver Broncos 10

Why the Raiders Won: The points came in bunches after a long drought for the Raiders they were able to catch the Broncos reeling for 21 points on just 18 plays in the second half.

Why the Broncos Lost: They couldn’t get up for this game? The Raiders at home? A chance to just about put the division to bed? A must win before having to travel to New York? For the third consecutive game at Mile High, the Broncos just didn’t seem to care that much.

MVP: Justin Fargas ran for 107 yards and set up both 4th quarter touchdowns.

What It All Means: The Raiders wanted this one way more than the Broncos and that definitely showed. Denver continues to be unable to overcome early mistakes. It happened against Jacksonville, Miami, New England and Oakland. If they turn the ball over before they score, they are unable to bounce back from it. Denver is going to win the West. But, it’s going to be with an 8-8 record.

Indianapolis Colts 23

San Diego Chargers 20

Why the Colts Won: Going for it on fourth down late in the game and throwing a 13 yard out route to Marvin Harrison was a very gutsy call that paid off with a win.

Why the Chargers Lost: They’re just not that good. They played their best game on Sunday and still got beat at home.

MVP: Peyton Manning threw for 255 yards and a pair of scores and was 4-6 on the game winning drive.

What It All Means: The Colts are a dangerous team right now and are building momentum for a playoff run. The Chargers are done and everybody that keeps waiting for them to turn it around shouldn’t hold their breath.

New Orleans Saints 51

Green Bay Packers 29

Why the Saints Won: New Orleans averaged an amazing 12 yards per pass play against a very good GB secondary.

Why the Packers Lost: Aaron Rodgers couldn’t keep up. In a shoot-out, his second half turnovers were key.

MVP: Lance Moore had 5 catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns.

What It All Means: The Packers are hanging on by a thread. But, so are the Saints.

Looking Back at Week 11

New York Jets 34                    

New England Patriots 31

Why the Jets Won: Both teams piled up yardage, but the Jets were the more consistent offense, converting 56% of their third downs, to only 28 for New England.

Why the Patriots Lost: It was a game of ups and downs for Matt Cassel and ultimately the downs caught up with him. He was unable to successfully stretch the field and had to instead settle for underneath stuff or simply took off scrambling. He was his teams leading rusher.

MVP: Brett Favre was 26-33 for 280 yards and two touchdowns. He completed five of six passes on the game-winning overtime drive.

What It All Means: The Jets are now in the driver’s seat in the East and control their destiny. They’ve won four in a row, but have some tough games left on the schedule, including Titans this week. The Patriots are unable to consistently win this year and are right now on the outside of the playoff race.

Carolina Panthers 31                

Detroit Lions 22

Why the Panthers Won: Carolina’s talented running back duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart combined for 250 yards and three rushing touchdowns.

Why the Lions Lost: They moved the ball well, were decent on third down and committed only one penalty. But, Daunte Culpepper continues to struggle and turn the ball over. He was responsible for 3 of the Lions four turnovers.

MVP: You could give it to either back, but I’ll go with DeAngelo who averaged over 8 yards per carry and scored twice.

What It All Means: The Panthers continue to roll and are built for a playoff run, with a strong pass and a dominant run game. If the Lions were looking for something from a dreadful season to hang their hats on it may be rookie Kevin Smith. He has emerged over the last couple of games and ran for 112 yards against a stingy Carolina defense on Sunday.

Philadelphia Eagles 13              

Cincinnati Bengals 13

Why the Bengals Didn’t Lose: The much-maligned Bengal defense forced 4 turnovers and TJ Houshmanzadeh dominated Pro-Bowler Sheldon Brown.

Why the Eagles Couldn’t Beat the Bengals: 17 touches for Brian Westbrook. Only 1 Carry by another RB. The Bengals are one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, Donovan McNabb clearly didn’t have it on Sunday, It was windy in Cincinnati and Andy Reid calls 58 pass plays.

MVP: TJ had 12 catches for 149 yards and a touchdown.

What It All Means: Well, not a lot. It was a tie. This may have been the game that simultaneously saves Marvin Lewis’ job and costs Andy Reid his. Lewis showed that he can still get this team to play for him. Reid showed once again that he is one of the worst game day coaches in the NFL. Certainly the worst to have his job for a decade.

Green Bay Packers 37              

Chicago Bears 3

Why the Packers Won: The Packers had 6 drives that lasted more than four game minutes and controlled the ball for more than 15 minutes better than the Bears. They wore out the Bears defense and were opportunistic on offense.

Why the Bears Lost: The Bears averaged just under 10 yards per completion and had just one pass play of more than 20 yards. Once they fell behind by a couple of scores, they did not have the big play offense to catch up.

MVP: Ryan Grant finally showed up. He ran for 145 yards and a touchdown.

What It All Means: A three-way tie atop the NFC North. Everybody likes the Pack to win it now, but that could change by the week. All three teams travel this week and GB has the toughest assignment in New Orleans.

Indianapolis Colts 33                

Houston Texans 27

Why the Colts Won: The Colts converted 10-15 third downs, including two long ones on the game-winning drive.

Why the Texans Lost: They were 0-4 on the road and missing two key defensive pieces coming in. Also, in a shoot-out they underutilized their best bullet. Andre Johnson had just 4 catches for 55 yards.

MVP: Joseph Addai showed up this week also. He had 153 total yards and 2 scores. See those first round picks you used on Addai and Grant are great for the playoff run, fantasy geeks.

What It All Means: The Colts have played themselves right back into the playoff hunt and already have wins over wild-card contenders Baltimore and New England. The Texans will likely fall back below .500 this year and look to rebuild once again.

New Orleans Saints 30             

Kansas City Chiefs 20

Why the Saints Won: New Orleans fell behind early in this game and it would have been easy for them to fold. The vocal leaders on the team Drew Brees and Deuce were seen on the sidelines keeping their team fired up and their heads in the game.

Why the Chiefs Lost: Twice the Chiefs had first-and-goal and had to settle for field goals. Hard to figure that out since they had LJ back.

MVP: Pierre Thomas had 141 total yards and a rushing TD. He likely will make Deuce expendable in the off-season.

What It All Means: The Saints remain alive, though hanging by a thread. They could help their cause a lot with a win Monday over GB. The Chiefs continue to play teams hard, but are unable to come away with victories for their effort.

Miami Dolphins 17                   Oakland Raiders 15

Why the Dolphins Won: Though the points don’t show it, the Dolphins were efficient with the ball. Chad Pennington completed 60% of his passes and Ronnie Brown went for 101 yards. They committed just 3 penalties and one turnover.

Why the Raiders Lost: The Raiders offense is terrible. I mean in epic proportions. Historically. They have converted under 25% of their third downs for the season and score less than 10 points per game. They played their best game in a while on Sunday, with no turnovers, but that hardly matters if you accumulate less than 200 yards of offense and your only touchdown comes on special teams.

MVP: Ted Ginn Jr. continues to impress. He finished with 166 total yards and a 41 yard rushing touchdown.

What It All Means: The Dolphins last two wins, against Seattle and Oakland, were less than impressive, but they were wins and the Dolphins now sit in second in the East and would make the playoffs if the season ended today. The Raiders are still the Raiders. No sign of hope, change or success in the future. Unless their new Coach is Barack Obama I don’t see how that will change any time soon.

New York Giants 30

Baltimore Ravens 10

Why the Giants Won: The Giants ran for 207 yards against the best rush defense in the league. They did it with 3 different backs all contributing. Though, I guess the Ravens defense can still say that they haven’t given up a 100 yard rusher in over 2 years. Ahmad Bradshaw finished with 96.

Why the Ravens Lost: The offense was worse than the defense. Joe Flacco led the team with 57 rushing yards and his twenty completions were worth less than 8 yards a pop. Baltimore completed no pass for greater than 16 yards.

MVP: Aaron Ross had 6 tackles and two interceptions.

What It All Means: The Giants have a tremendous shot at repeating as Champs as they are better than last year and getting better by the week. This was an extremely impressive win. Baltimore doesn’t travel well, which we knew and though I think they will make the playoffs, could have a hard time in a wild card game in the Meadowlands, Heinz Field or Mile High.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19

Minnesota Vikings 13

Why the Bucs Won: Tampa sacked Gus Frerotte 5 times and forced 2 fumbles.

Why the Vikings Lost: Minnesota was unable to come up with big plays on either side of the ball. They had just 1 sack and after the first quarter had no play for longer than 20 yards.

MVP: Jeff Garcia’s mobility was huge in this game, I think somebody predicted that, as he was able to scramble and find open receivers for 255 yards.

What It All Means: The Bucs are pretty close to being a playoff lock and have a win over division leader Carolina. The Vikings are in the muddle that is the NFC North.

Denver Broncos 24

Atlanta Falcons 20

Why the Broncos Won: That Jay Cutler is not mentioned in the MVP Debate more is ridiculous. With little run game, a rookie left tackle and an injury-plagued underperforming defense, Cutler seems to be able to will the Broncos to victory and gets there by making throws that no other QB in the league can make. The game winning throw to Daniel Graham being an example.

Why the Falcons Lost: The Falcons controlled the clock and ran 15 more plays than Denver, but failed to cash in early, settling for 2 field goals from inside the 20.

MVP: Rookie Spencer Larsen played the entire game at FB, MLB, on the kick return team and on the kick coverage team.

What It All Means: Aside from the jets winning in Foxboro, this was the most impressive win of the week. Denver started rookies at MLB, ROLB, CB, FS, FB, RB, LT, WR, K, KR and still went into Atlanta where the Falcons were 4-0 and playing great and pulled out the win. Anybody still question how great Mike Shanahan is?

San Francisco 49ers 35               St. Louis Rams 16

Why the Niners Won: The 49ers were able to score TD’s on all five red-zone trips.

Why the Rams Lost: Apparently they still haven’t figured out that you can’t spot the other team 35 points in the first half and win.

MVP: Why wasn’t Shaun Hill starting all along? Was it just because Mike Martz wanted to prove that he could make another nobody QB a household name? Hill was 15/20 for 213 yards and two touchdowns.

What It All Means: Well not a whole lot. Maybe the 49ers have found a QB and a system that could work for them next year. The Rams are probably starting to shop their veterans and see if they can find a big name head coach to excite their fan base next year.

Arizona Cardinals 26

Seattle Seahawks 20

Why the Cardinals Won: Anquan Boldin had 186 yards. Larry Fitzgerald had over 150 and they didn’t even score. JJ Arrington, the third RB had both scores. Too many weapons.

Why the Seahawks Lost: Matt Hasselbeck’s comeback didn’t go quite as planned. He was picked off three times, twice by Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie.

MVP: Adrian Wilson had 5 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. It would be a crime if you all forgot about him on your pro-bowl ballot again this year.

What It All Means: The Cardinals will still win the West. Matt Hasselbeck is not the cure to what ales the Hawks.

Tennessee Titans 24

Jacksonville Jaguars 14

Why the Titans Won: Kerry Collins was once again able to pick up the slack. He threw for 230 yards and 3 touchdowns to compensate for the backs each going for less than 65 yards.

Why the Jags Lost: Jacksonville had 3 punts and an interception while the score was 17-14.

MVP: Justin Gage became the first Titan WR to go over 100 yards this season. Finishing with 146 yards and two touchdowns.

What It All Means: The Titans will go undefeated. No, I actually still think they lose, but I have no idea how. Jacksonville is done. They could chalk this season up to injuries and start looking towards next year.

Pittsburgh Steelers 11

San Diego Chargers 10

Why the Steelers Won: In terrible weather, they were the team that was able to run the ball. Willie Parker gained 115 yards on the ground.

Why the Chargers Lost: LT gained just 57 rushing yards and Philip Rivers, an MVP candidate a few weeks ago, continue to struggle by throwing two interceptions.

MVP: Big Ben completed 31 passes for over 300 yards in the snow.

What It All Means: The Steelers needed this win bad and put some seperation between them and the Ravens. The Chargers are also done, though you wouldn’t know it by watching the talking heads who still insist that the Week 17 match-up between the Chargers and Broncos will be for the division. If Denver goes 3-2 in the next five games, that game will be irrelevant.

Dallas Cowboys 14

Washington Redskins 10

Why the Cowboys Won: Marion Barber iced the game in the fourth quarter, eating up 114 yards in the game and the final six minutes.

Why  the Redskins Lost: Their offense runs through Clinton Portis and when he only gets 17 touches in a game, they are gonna lose.

MVP: The MVP was Barber, but I’d also mention Jay Ratliff who had 2 sacks and dominated the line of scrimmage all night.

What It All Means: While the East has likely escaped both teams, the wild-card race in the NFC is going to be alot of fun with 8 teams still fighting for 2 spots.

Cleveland Browns 29

Buffalo Bills 27

Why the Browns Won: They won the turnover battle 4-0. They turned them into 16 points.

Why the Bills Lost: Four turnovers.

MVP: Braylon Edwards had a key drop early, but finished with 108 receiving yards. He’s Mr. Monday Night, as his two best games this year have both come in the week’s final game.

What It All Means: Romeo Crennel may be able to use this game as a launching pad towards saving his job. The Bills, once the darlings of the league, are now all but done.

 

Looking Back at Week 8

Baltimore Ravens 29

Oakland Raiders 10

Why the Ravens Won: Ball Control. The Ravens converted over 50% of their third downs and held the ball for 13 more minutes than the Raiders.

Why the Raiders Lost: Inconsistency. The Raiders have a good running game and a questionable pass game. So, they threw it twice as much as they ran. Russell looked good at times, stretching the ball more than he has to this point. He completed less than 50% of his passes though and led to far too many three and outs.

MVP: Rookie Ray Rice had 138 total yards.

What It All Means: The Ravens continue to be very good at home and are just one game out of first and still get the Steelers at home. This year is not a total waste for the Raiders, Russell is getting experience and they’ll get another top 10 pick.

Carolina Panthers 27

Arizona Cardinals 23

Why the Panthers Won: Efficiency. Delhomme was 20-28 for 248 yards and 2 touchdowns. DeAngelo Williams turned in a 100 yard performance and they committed only 3 penalties.

Why the Cardinals Lost: Inability to Finish. The Cardinals had a lead going into the 4th quarter, but turned it over twice in the period which led to 10 Carolina points.

MVP: Steve Smith had 5 catches for 117 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Talking Heads aren’t saying it but Smith clearly stepped out of bounds on the 65 yard score, which was the winning touchdown. Will we have to  hear about that every week like the “ed Hoculi” Call? Probably not.

What It All Means: The Panthers are set as the greatest threat to the Giants. The Cardinals still can’t beat a good team on the road.

Dallas Cowboys 13

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9

Why the Cowboys Won: Protection. Of the Quarterback and the Ball. Against an aggressive Buc Defense the Cowboys gave up just one sack and committed no turnovers.

Why the Bucs Lost: Finishing. Jeff Garcia threw for over 220 yards and the Bucs made three red-zone appearances, but they settled for a field goal each time.

MVP: Zack Thomas had 8 tackles and was all over the field.

What It All Means: An important win for Dallas who looked like they could lose 4 or 5 in a row. Possibly the end of Brad Johnson’s career, as the Cowboys are prepping Brooks Bollinger to possibly start next week. The Bucs are starting to show their age on offense, they have not surpassed 20 points in over a month.

Washington Redskins 25

Detroit Lions 17

Why the Redskins Won: Offensive Stars. Jason Campbell went over 300 yards, 140 of them to Santana Moss. Clinton Portis ran for 120 yards in his fifth straight game.

Why the Lions Lost: Second half missteps. The Lions were in this game for a while. Then they punted on 4 straight possessions to start the second half.

MVP: Campbell was 23-28 for 283 yards and a touchdown. He has still not thrown an interception this year.

What It All Means: The Redskins look like last year’s Jaguars. That is good news for them, as they may finally win a playoff game. The Lions will almost certainly get a top 3 pick and their choice of a very talented QB Class. They look like they will sign Daunte Culpepper this week.

Miami Dolphins 25

Buffalo Bills 16

Why the Dolphins Won: With Buffalo eliminating the running game, Chad Pennington played his best game in years, throwing for 328 yards.

Why the Bills Lost: Fourth Quarter Mistakes. Trent Edwards and the Bills have made their hay in the fourth quarter this year. Against Miami they threw an interception, fumbled twice and gave up a sack in the end zone for a safety.

MVP: Ted Ginn Jr. had the best game of his career. Ginn had 7 catches for 175 yards.

What It All Means: The Dolphins remain a contender and a threat to beat anybody. The Bills have lost 2 of 3 and are starting to show some chinks.

New England Patriots 23

St. Louis Rams 16

Why the Patriots Won: Discipline. The Patriots were not called for a single penalty. St. Louis will argue it was actually officiating. They have sent, ironically, a videotape of several plays they claim are obvious penalties that were not called on the official. Of course, since Roger Goodell is Robert Kraft’s Bitch, it likely won’t matter.

Why the Rams Lost: No Steven Jackson. Won’t usually blame injuries, but missing their best weapon and getting no help from the officials they still nearly won in New England.

MVP: Veteran Kevin Faulk saw a lot of action due to injuries to New England Backs. He had 107 total yards and a receiving touchdown.

What It All Means: With the Cardinals losing and the Rams looking pretty good for a third straight week, they could actually still be in contention. The Patriots are back in first place and their schedule is about to start getting even easier. I still don’t think they’re a championship team, but getting much closer to being a lock for the playoffs.

New Orleans Saints 37

San Diego Chargers 32

Why the Saints Won: Drew Brees was not sacked all game and was barely pressured. That’s bad news for any opposing defense. He threw for 339 yards, his twelfth straight game over 200 yards.

Why the Chargers Lost: Live by Philip…With The Other LT being largely a non-factor this season the Chargers have placed all hope in Philip Rivers. He has played very well for the most part, but for the second straight week he throws a terrible interception on what could be a game-winning drive, by staring down Antonio Gates.

MVP: Brees. If the Saints make the playoffs, he is a lock for MVP.

What It All Means: Saints looked good, but with the depth of the NFC and the pending suspensions to their defensive line, they probably still can not compete. I’ve said before, you judge a coach in his second season. This is what you get with Norv Turner. The QB playing really well, but no defense.

New York Jets 28

Kansas City Chiefs 24

Why the Jets Won: In spite of Brett Favre. Number 4 was booed at home after throwing 3 interceptions and has now thrown 7 in his last three games to lead the league on the year. Brett looks far more like the struggling shell of a couple of seasons ago than Jets fans expected.

Why the Chiefs Lost: They started Tyler Thigpen at QB, Kolby Smith at RB and Mark Bradley at WR…how could they win?

MVP: Leon Washington had 274 total yards and 2 touchdowns.

What It All Means: Why did Brett Favre come back? It wasn’t to win a Super Bowl. The Jets weren’t contenders. He already has records. He came back to have fun. Therefore in his head he can justify constantly chucking balls up into double coverage. He’s a gunslinger after all. He’s hurting the Jets and has to start managing the game better. The Chiefs will be bad for the next 5 years. Minimum.

Philadelphia Eagles 27

Atlanta Falcons 14

Why the Eagles Won: Turnovers. The Eagles won that battle 3-1. One of their interceptions was in the End Zone and helped to solidify a hard fought victory.

Why the Falcons Lost: The Falcons forgot who they were. They threw the ball twice as much as they ran it. Michael Turner had 4 yards per carry and does better in second halves. They should have committed more to it as this was a close game throughout.

MVP: Brian Westbrook returned to the tune of 167 yards and two touchdowns.

What It All Means: As predicted, The Eagles are very impressive with Westbrook. If he stays healthy, the Eagles will end up a playoff team. The Falcons still can’t win big Road games, but played well.

Cleveland Browns 23

Jacksonville Jaguars 17

Why the Browns Won: Cleveland committed just one penalty in the game. They were also able to take advantage of a Jacksonville fumble in the fourth quarter to score the icing field goal. That was big as Jacksonville was able to drive late, but needed a touchdown and couldn’t get it.

Why the Jaguars Lost: They can’t get last years running game back. Drew and Taylor combined for just 53 rushing yards.

MVP: Shaun Rogers is starting to live up to the hype. He had nine tackles, a sack and a blocked field goal.

What It All Means: Cleveland has won 3 out of 4 to at least get back into the playoff conversation. Jacksonville is also 3-4, but has gotten no consistency going.

Houston Texans 35

Cincinnati Bengals 6

Why the Texans Won: Red Zone Defense. The Texans allowed just two field goals, and a fumble, in Cincinnati’s three red zone trips. Houston was the worst red-zone defense in the league coming in.

Why the Bengals Lost: After two okay starts, we are reminded that Ryan Fitzpatrick is Ryan Fitzpatrick. He averaged just 7 yards per completion and threw two interceptions.

MVP: Andre Johnson had 11 catches for 143 yards. He had 40 catches and over 500 yards in October.

What It All Means: Houston wins three in a row, but the teams they beat have 3 combined wins. Their schedule starts to get hard again now. The Bengals can’t get anything going and really have nothing to hang their helmets on.

New York Giants 21

Pittsburgh Steelers 14

Why the Giants Won: Pressure. Not only did the Giants have 5 sacks, but they pressured Ben into throwing 4 interceptions.

Why the Steelers Lost: No Control. There were the sacks, the turnovers and the fact that they were 1 for 10 on third down and 0 for 4 on fourth down.

MVP: No Osi. That’s Okay, they’ve got Mathias Kiwanuka. He had 3 sacks and a forced fumble.

What It All Means: The Giants continue to roll as the best team in the NFL, winning every kind of game they come across. I don’t want to say the Steelers are a fraud, but they have played two good teams and been beated at home both times, and looked terrible on offense in both games.

Seattle Seahawks 34

San Francisco 49ers 13

Why the Seahawks Won: The Seahawks got their best QB performance of the year from Seneca Wallace. He threw for over 220 yards and two touchdowns.

Why the 49ers Lost: No Consistency. The 49ers would drive a little and then punt. Or put together a good drive and settle for a field goal. Or just turn the ball over. The QB got benched, the TE got benched and the defense, which is supposed to be this team’s strong suit, gave up 34 points to a Seneca Wallace led offense.

MVP: Fullback Leonard Weaver had 116 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The fullback…great D Niners.

What It All Means: Nothing. Both of these teams stink.

Tennessee Titans 31

Indianapolis Colts 21

Why the Titans Won: 4th Quarter. The Titans scored 17 points in the final frame to pull away from the Colts in what was once a game highly in doubt.

Why the Colts Lost: Penalties. The Colts committed just 5, but 4 of them came on third down and gave the Titans a first down. That’s way too many second chances to give a good team.

MVP: Kerry Collins may have only thrown for 193 yards, but most of them came in the fourth quarter and when he was let loose finally, he made the most of it.

What It All Means: Many are calling this a statement game for Tennessee. These are the pundits who can’t see that the Colts just aren’t very good. The Titans could wrap this division up by Thanksgiving. Wasn’t it funny to hear Tony Kornheiser talk for 3 quarters about how the Titans were a fraud because of their schedule and the Colts were on their way back, just to see the Titans come storming back and win in convincing fashion? Pardon the Interruption Tony, But You Suck!

Top 50 Quarterbacks of the Past 25 Years: Number 10

Warren Moon- Oilers, Vikings, Chiefs and Seahawks

Warren Moon was a black high school quarterback at a time when it was still a “bad” thing to be. Most colleges wanted to turn him into a safety or a tight end and Moon only got one scholarship offer to play QB, at University of Washington. In 1978 he paid the Huskies back by leading them to a shocking Rose Bowl victory over the heavily favored Michigan Wolverines. Though he proved many colleges wrong, he still had a hard time convincing NFL scouts and Warren Moon actually went undrafted in 1978. Several teams told him that he would be drafted if he switched to tight end, but they were weary of drafting a black quarterback from a public image standpoint. Moon declined the switch and went instead to the CFL. Moon led the Edmonton Eskimoes to five consecutive Grey Cup victories from 1978-82. He was the MVP of the game twice and the MVP of the Canadian Football League in 1983. In six seasons in the CFL Moon threw for over 20,000 yards and 144 touchdowns.

Following the 1983 NFL season Moon announced his intentions to enter the league. There was a bidding war unlike anything the NFL had seen before, as this was pre-Free Agency. Moon ended up signing with the Houston Oilers. Moon’s first three seasons in the NFL were a difficult mix of an inexperienced team and Moon’s own need to make adjustments to the new type of field. The NFL field is shorter and more narrow than a Canadian field. In 1987 Moon began to come on strong throwing for 2800 yards and 21 touchdowns in the 12 games he started in the strike-shortened season. He also led the Oilers to a playoff win over the Seattle Seahawks, in his first post-season game, throwing for 237 yards and a touchdown in the game.

In 1988 Moon made his first of eight consecutive Pro Bowls throwing for 2300 yards and 17 touchdowns in 11 games. He also took the Oilers to Cleveland and beat the heavily favored Browns in the Wild-Card round of the playoffs. Moon struggled in the game but ultimately led the game-winning drive. Moon became the highest paid player in the league in 1989 and once again made the Pro Bowl. Moon threw for 3600 yards and 23 touchdowns, the Oilers made the playoffs for the third straight year, but this year failed to win a game falling three points shy of Pittsburgh. In 1990 Moon led the league in completions, yards and touchdowns and tied the NFL record with nine 300 yard games. Moon threw for 4,700 yards and 33 touchdowns to only 13 interceptions. The Oilers once again lost in the first week of the playoffs, being blown out by Cincinnati.

In 1991 Moon set the NFL record with 404 completions and once again led the league in yards becoming only the third man to throw for over 4,000 yards in consecutive seasons. The Oilers finally won the division and hosted a playoff game, beating the Jets in the first weekend. In the divisional round they had an eight point lead in Denver, before Elway brought the Broncos back for the win. It would not be the last heartbreaking playoff loss Moon would experience. In 1992, Moon would play just 11 games due to injury. He still made the playoffs by throwing 18 touchdowns in those eleven games. In the Wild-Card Round the Oilers built a 35-3 lead on the Bills. However, Frank Reich led the Bills to five unanswered touchdowns for the biggest comeback in playoff history. Moon, who at this point and gotten the “can’t win the big one” label, threw for 377 yards and 4 touchdowns, so it’s kind of hard to pin it on him.

Moon and the Oilers would again win the division title in 1993 and would again lose in the first round of the playoffs. Moon had over 3,500 yards passing in the season, despite missing two games. Following the season, the Oilers announced their attention to move away from the run and shoot offense that Moon had been so successful in and in fact away from Moon himself. Moon was traded to the Minnesota Vikings. In his first season as a Viking, 1994, Moon had his third 4,000 + yard season, but threw more interceptions than touchdowns. Moon was once again eliminated in the first round of the playoffs as his 52 pass attempts yielded just 7 points against the division rival Bears. In 1995 Moon had remarkable stats 4200/33/14, but the Vikings missed the playoffs. Moon made his eighth Pro Bowl that year and was a runner-up in the MVP Voting. In 1996 Moon broke his collarbone in week 8 of the season, a year in which quite frankly, he was struggling. The Vikings offered Moon a back-up role for 1997 which he turned down and was granted a release.

Moon signed with the Seattle Seahawks prior to the 1997 season. Moon would once again go to the Pro Bowl, becoming the first Quarterback to make the Pro Bowl with three different teams. He threw for nearly 3,700 yards and 25 touchdowns. 1998 saw Moon struggle with injuries and a noticable loss of arm strength. Moon was released following the season. He spent the final two years of his career as a back-up in Kansas City where he would start only one game in two years. Moon retired following the 2000 season.

In his football career, both NFL and CFL, Moon threw for over 70,000 yards and 435 touchdowns. His NFL stats are, of course, impressive enough on their own as he is just shy of the 50k mark and finished with 291 touchdowns. He was voted to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2001 and in 2006 became the first man to be in both that Hall and the NFL Hall of Fame. Moon is also the only African-American Quarterback currently enshrined in Canton.

Top 50 Quarterbacks of the Past 25 Years: 20-16

20.

Vinny Testaverde- Jets, Buccaneers, Browns, Ravens, Panthers, Cowboys and Patriots

After a Heisman Trophy winning career with the Miami Hurricanes Vinny Testaverde was the number one overall pick in the 1987 NFL draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Vinny was a prototypical quarterback with size, strength and the ability to make every pass. He was unfortunate to end up on a terrible team. Vinny did not help himself by often giving the ball to the other team. In 1988, his first year as a starter Vinny threw 35 interceptions. He would throw more interceptions than touchdowns in each of his five seasons as a starter for Tampa Bay. Many fans chalked this up to Vinny being color-blind, it may be more due to the fact that he couldn’t get away with the same things in the pros as he did at the U.

In 1993 Vinny signed to be Bernie Kosar’s back-up with the Cleveland Browns. Late in the season Vinny got a chance to start and showed that he was capable of better than he had shown to that point, throwing 14 touchdowns in just six games and better yet, only 9 interceptions. Okay 9 is a lot in six games, but it was better. In 1994 Testaverde was named the starter and would remain so for the last two seasons in Cleveland. Testaverde continued to throw interceptions, yet was never benched. It was because of his ability to bounce back from his self-administered adversity and at times play spectacularly.

When the Brown moved to Baltimore, they took Vinny with them. In 1996, his and every body else’s first as a Raven, Vinny made his first Pro-Bowl at the age of 33. He threw for over 4,000 yards and 33 touchdowns. In 1997 the Ravens and Vinny struggled though he did for only the third time in his eleven year career manage to throw more touchdowns than interceptions.

In 1998 Bill Parcells signed Vinny to be the quarterback of the New York Jets. He had his best season as a pro. Vinny completed over 60% of his passes for the first time in his career. His stats were good enough for the Pro-Bowl, 3,200/29/7, and the Vinny that everybody thought was coming in 1987 finally arrived, just a little late. Vinny took the Jets to the AFC Title Game in 1998 and had a half-time lead on the heavily favored Broncos, before Elway and Denver were able to pull away in the second half. Unfortunately, Vinny wasn’t able to follow up his stellar 1998 season as he tore his ACL in the first game of the 1999 season. At 36 many assumed this meant the end fo Vinny Testaverde’s career. In fact though, he was back as the starting quarterback of the Jets in 2000.

Vinny threw for over 3,700 yards in 2000 but interceptions once again became a problem as he threw 25 of them. The highlight of the 2000 season for the Jets of course, was the Monday Night game against Miami. Trailing 30-7 going into the fourt quarter, Vinny threw four touchdowns in the final quarter to bring the Jets back and score an impossible 40-37 victory. It is perhaps, Vinny’s signature game. In 2001 Vinny led the Jets back to the playoffs, behind a far more controlled passing game. They lost in the first round to the Raiders. Vinny would serve as the back-up for New York for the next two years and at 40 everybody assumed Vinny would retire after a very nice career.

Bill Parcells once again had different ideas. He signed Vinny to be the starting quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. At 41 Vinny started 15 games in 2004. He threw for over 3,500 yards but once again led the league in interceptions. Over the next three seasons, Vinny would be brought out of semi-retirement more often than a professional wrestler by the Jets, Panthers and Patriots. At 44, he started 6 games for the Panthers in 2007. Vinny officially retired in January of 2008 after a 21 year career in the NFL. I have no idea how Vinny made it this high, yet I didn’t feel I could put him any lower. Despite all of the interceptions there was always a place for Vinny Testaverde in the NFL. That is how highly he was thought of as not only a player but a locker room presence. Vinny finished his career with 46,000 passing yards and 275 touchdowns. One more year Vinny. With the right team, you could hit two milestones.

19.

Trent Green- Chiefs, Rams, Redskins and Dolphins

Trent Green was drafted in the eight round of the 1993 draft by the San Diego Chargers. After sitting on the bench for a year, Green left the NFL for the Canadian Football League, but did not fare much better there. Green was out of the NFL for a total of four years before signing mid-season with the Washington Redskins in 1997. In 1998 he was named the starter. Green had a fantastic “rookie” season, 3400/25/11, and the Redskins had designs on making him their starting quarterback. However, because the Redskins waited until the end of the season to offer Green a contract, he turned it down to pursue the free agent market.

Green signed with the St. Louis Rams and was slated to be their starting quarterback. Green suffered a year-ending knee injury in the preseason and watched on as Kurt Warner took the team to the Super Bowl and won. In 2000 Green again started the season as a back-up but would see significant starting time in mid-season as Kurt Warner was out with a broken hand. Green showed that given the same weapons he was more than capable of leading the “greatest show on turf”. Green started five games and played in eight. In that limited playing time Green threw for over 2000 yards. He also had 16 touchdowns to only 5 interceptions. Thanks to his great showing Green was a valuable commodity for the Rams in the off-season as several teams approached them about trades. Green rejoined the man who had brought him to St. Louis, Dick Vermeil, in Kansas City.

Green’s Chiefs career did not get off to the start that Kansas City fans had hoped. Green threw for nearly 3,800 yards, but the Chiefs went 6-10 and Green led the league in interceptions. Things would start to go better the next year. The Chiefs improved to .500 and Green had the best touchdown per pass rate in the league, throwing a TD every 20 passes. Green had 3600 yards and improved his touchdowns (26) while minimizing his interceptions (13). In 2003 Green would make his first Pro-Bowl and lead the Chiefs to the best record in the AFC. Green passed 4,000 yards for the first of three straight seasons and again had twice as many touchdowns (24) as interceptions (12). A porous defense cost them their first playoff game. In 2004 Green would have career highs with 4,600 passing yards and 27 touchdowns. In 2005 he would again pass the 4,000 mark and again make the Pro-Bowl.

In 2006, the injuries started to pile up. In the three seasons since Green would start 8 games for the Chiefs, 5 for the Dolphins and 1 for the Rams. His teams are 4-10 in those starts. Green has been labeled as being injury prone recently. The truth is Green started every game for five straight seasons in Kansas City and did not start missing games until he was nearly 37 years old. Green was unfortunate in that he was not “discovered” until much later than many football players. His time in Kansas City showed what he was capable of and many teams missed the boat by not bringing him in much sooner in his career.

18.

Rich Gannon- Vikings, Raiders, Chiefs and Redskins

Rich Gannon was taken by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 1987 draft. The goal was to turn him into a safety, but Gannon was not receptive of the idea. Gannon was traded before opening day to the Minnesota Vikings. Gannon sat on the bench for three years before being given his opportunity prior to the 1990 season. Gannon started the year rough, but ended strong and finished with 16 TD passes and was named the starter again the next year. In 1991 Gannon had trouble staying healthy. When on the field though he was very productive and showed the pinpoint accuracy that would define his later career. In 11 games he threw for over 2000 yards and had twice as many TD’s (12) as interceptions (6). In 1992 Gannon got the Vikings off to an 8-4 start, but had more interceptions than TD’s. He was benched in favor of Sean Salisbury and released following the season. Gannon signed a 1-year contract with the Washington Redskins. He would start just four games in Washington and struggled terribly.

Gannon took 1994 off to deal with family issues and returned to the league in 1995 as the back-up quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. Gannon would remain in that role seeing limited action until late in the 1997 season. Gannon finally got another opportunity to start and made the most of it. He went 5-1 in six starts and completed 56% of his passes. Gannon was officially named the starter for the 1998 season. Injuries again hampered the production of the 33 year old quarterback. He went 5-5 in his starts and had unremarkable stats, 2300/10/6. This looked like the end for Gannon.

Young coach Jon Gruden saw in Rich Gannon the ability to excel in the West Coast offense and made him the starting quarterback of the Oakland Raiders. In his first season in Oakland Rich Gannon made his first Pro-Bowl. Gannon threw for over 3,800 yards and 24 TD’s. At 34, it appeared Rich Gannon had finally found a home in the NFL. In 2000 Gannon took the Raiders to the AFC Championship Game, where they lost a defensive struggle, surprise, to the Baltimore Ravens. Gannon was once again stellar, making the Pro-Bowl and being named an All-Pro. Gannon threw for 3450 yards and 28 TD’s in 2000. In 2001, Gannon and the Raiders returned to the playoffs, this time losing to Tom Brady and the Patriots in the divisional round, in the controversial “tuck rule” game. Gannon was again a Pro-Bowler and now among the elite quarterbacks in the league. He threw for over 3,800 yards and had 27 TD’s to 9 interceptions. In 2002 Gannon was named MVP of the National Football League after throwing for 4,689 yards in the season. Gannon also threw 26 TD’s and led the league in completions and attempts. Gannon also led the Raiders back to the Super Bowl for the first time in almost two decades. He played against former coach Jon Gruden and did not fare well. Gruden knew everything that was coming and it led to Gannon throwing five interceptions, three returned for touchdowns.

Gannon would remain the starter in Oakland for two more seasons, but due to concussions and other injuries neither he nor the Raiders would see that kind of success again. It took Gannon a long time and a curvy road to reach elite Quarterback status, but once he got there he had as good a four year run as anybody on this list.

17.

Mark Brunell- Jaguars and Redskins

Mark Brunell was drafted in the fifth round by the Green Bay Packers in 1994. He, of course, spent a year sitting behind Brett Favre on the depth chart. Prior to the ’95 draft Brunell was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He started 10 games in his first season and though the Jaguars and though the Jags were not very good Brunell showed signs of things to come. He threw for over 2,200 yards and had 15 TD’s to 7 Ints. He also showed fantastic mobility behind a bad offensive line rushing for over 480 yards and 4 scores. The following year Brunell would make his first Pro-Bowl and take the Jacksonville Jaguars all the way to the AFC Championship Game, in their second year in the league. Brunell threw for 4,300 yards and 19 TD’s in that his first full season as a starter and won two playoff games on the road. In 1997 the Jaguars were once again in the playoffs and Brunell was once again a Pro-Bowler. Brunell’s stats were good, 3300/18/7, but more important was his tremendous leadership. The Jaguars were unlucky to run into a Denver team that remembered them and lost in the opening round 42-17.

In 1998 the Jags began to turn to the power running game that they still utilize to this day, yet Brunell was still able to throw 20 TD Passes. He also won another playoff game, beating the Patriots, before losing in New York. In 1999 Brunell would return to the Pro Bowl and lead the league in interception percentage, throwing just one for every fifty pass attempts. The Jaguars would return to the AFC Championship Game after beating Miami 62-7 in the divisional round. They would fall short to the Titans.

Brunell would start three more seasons for the Jaguars. He would go over 3,600 yards in 2000 and have 17 TD’s to only 7 picks in 2002, but the Jaguars did not return to the playoffs. Brunell was off to a great start in 2003, completing 65% of his passes and not yet throwing a pick, but the Jags were 0-3 and the General Manager insisted Brunell be benched in favor of Byron Leftwich. At the end of 2003 after a remarkable 8 seasons in which Mark Brunell took an expansion team and made them consistent winners, he was traded by the Jaguars to the Washington Redskins.

In 2004, his first as a Redskin, Brunell struggled with a hamstring injury and learning a new offense. He would start nine games and throw for only 1100 yards and 7 TD’s. But Joe Gibbs showed faith in him and he was once again the starter for the 2005 season. This time Brunell excelled, 3000/23/10, and led the Redskins to the playoffs and a win over the Buccaneers. In 2006 Brunell again played well, starting nine games and completing 63% of his passes, he also had twice as many touchdowns as interceptions. In week 3 he broke the NFL record for most consecutive passes completed. But the Redskins started off 3-6 and Brunell was benched to make room for Jason Campbell. In 2008 he is the back-up in New Orleans.

Mark Brunell was a mobile left-handed quarterback who was the undeniable force behind the greatest expansion team in NFL History. He is a consummate professional and a terrific leader. He is one of the most mobile quarterbacks in the history of the league and will one day be a head coach.

16.

Steve McNair- Titans and Ravens

Steve McNair was the 3rd overall pick in the 1995 draft by the Houston Oilers. He was 4-2 in spot duty the first two seasons of his career and when the team became the Titans in Tennessee McNair was named the starting quarterback and became the face of the franchise. In ’97, McNair’s first season as a starter, he struggled throwing the ball. He completed just 52% of his passes and could not get the ball downfield consistently. He did show his running skill as he ran for 674 yards and added 8 rushing touchdowns to the 14 he threw. In 1998 McNair showed signs of being a better passer, 3200/15/10 and continued to run the ball, amassing over 550 yards. In 1999 injuries hampered “Air” McNair somewhat as he started just 11 games. In those games, however, he was able to produce 20 total touchdowns. The Titans also went to the Super Bowl that year. McNair was responsible for 3 touchdowns in their AFC Title win over Jacksonville. He also played well in the Big Game, throwing for 234 yards. Two more yards and they would have sent it to overtime.

In 2000 McNair made his first Pro Bowl and led the Titans to the best record in the AFC. McNair ran for 400 yards and threw 15 TD Passes. The Titans were upset in the divisional round by the Baltimore Ravens. In 2001 McNair became more of a pure passer. His pass stats were the best of his career to that point, 3350/21/12, and he still managed to run for more than 400 yards and five touchdowns. He topped those numbers in 2002 by throwing for 3300 yards and 22 TD’s. In 2003 McNair won the NFL MVP Award. He had terrific passing numbers, 3200/24/7, and added four rushing touchdowns. After avenging the Ravens loss, by this time winning in Baltimore, Tennessee was once again beaten by the eventual champs, this time the Patriots.

After an injury riddled 2004 season McNair bounced back to make his third Pro-Bowl in 2005. Though the numbers weren’t spectacular, 3100/16/11, a few injuries to quarterbacks opened the door for McNair to play in Hawaii. That would be his final year in Tennessee as he was released in the off-season, rather unceremoniously for a quarterback who had done so much for a franchise. In 2006 McNair signed with the Baltimore Ravens and led them to a 13-3 record. McNair threw for 3000 yards and 16 touchdowns and became the first quarterback in four years to play all sixteen games in Baltimore. McNair would struggle through six games with the Ravens in 2007 and retire at the end of the year.

Steve McNair was one of the most versatile quarterbacks in the history of the league. While the numbers were never gawdy, he was a gutsy guy and somebody who his team loved to win for. He finished his career with a 92-64 record and very nearly won a Super Bowl.

Top 50 Quarterbacks of the Past 25 Years: 30-26

30.

Chris Chandler- Falcons, Cardinals, Bears, Colts, Rams, Buccaneers and Titans

Chris Chandler was a third round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in the 1988 draft. Chandler started 13 games as a rookie and though his play was erratic he helped the Colts make the playoffs. Chandler would be benched just 3 games into the 1989 season and when the Colts took Jeff George in the 1990 draft, Chandler became expendable and was released. Chandler signed with the Bucs before the 1990 season and saw spot duty for them that year, not playing well at all. Chandler was traded at the deadline of the 1991 season to the Phoenix Cardinals. He would start the the Cardinals final two games that season and though he was unspectacular he was named the starter for the 1992 season. He would have his best year as a pro, to that point, throwing 15 TD’s in thirteen games. Still, the Cardinals would move away from Chandler the next year and release him following the 1993 season. From there Chandler would go to the Rams. Chandler played extremely well in his opportunity to start in the final six weeks of the season throwing 7 TD’s and 2 interceptions and a QB rating of 93. This made him a highly sought after free-agent before the 1995 season.

Chandler signed with the Oilers and was named the starter. He would remain that way for the next two seasons. Chandler threw 33 TD’s and 21 interceptions in his career as an Oiler, but Jeff Fisher decided Steve McNair was ready late in the 1996 season and once again Chandler was released. Chandler joined Dan Reeves’ Atlanta Falcons prior to the 1997 season. It was a good move for both sides. In his first season as the starter in Atlanta Chandler made the Pro Bowl. He threw 20 TD’s and just 7 interceptions that year. In 1998 he topped it by not only making the Pro Bowl but also taking the Falcons to their first ever Super Bowl. Though Jamal Anderson was the star of the team, Chandler threw 25 TD’s and only 12 picks that year and was a huge part of the Atlanta success. Chandler would start three more season for the Falcons and while very good at times, never saw the success of his first two years.

Chandler struggled through a couple of seasons as the QB of both the Bears and again the Rams, but would never re-find the form that made him a Pro-Bowler, NFC Player of the Year Candidate and Super Bowl Starter. While injuries took a toll on him throughout his career Chandler accomplished things that most QB’s never will.

29.

Kerry Collins- Giants, Titans, Raiders, Saints and Panthers

After a fantastic career at Penn State Kerry Collins was the fifty overall pick in the 1995 draft by the Carolina Panthers. He was the first player ever drafted by the team in the common draft. Collins stay with the Panthers was a roller coaster both on and off the field. He battled alcoholism off the field and too many interceptions on it. Things were not all bad in Carolina though as Collins made the Pro Bowl in 1996 and took his team to the NFC Championship Game in just their second year of existence. But off-field problems along with a terrible 1997 season convinced Carolina to let Collins go and they actually traded him to division rival New Orleans. Collins would start seven games for the Saints, but play poorly.

After the 1998 season Kerry Collins signed with the New York Giants and subsequently entered rehab for his alcohol problem. Collins was a spot starter for the Giants in 1999 but named the starter for the 2000 season. Collins would throw for 3600 yards and 22 TD’s that year and lead the Giants to the Super Bowl. Collins would start three more seasons for the Giants and take them to the playoffs once more. In his five years in New York Collins threw for almost 17,000 yards and 81 TD’s. In 2004 the Giants cut Collins after signing Kurt Warner and drafting Eli Manning. Collins would sign a three year contract with the Oakland Raiders.

Collins would become the starter in week 3 when Rich Gannon was hurt. In his 13 starts in 2004 Collins threw 21 TD’s but also 20 interceptions. In 2005 Collins would have the best season for a Raider QB in recent memory. He threw for nearly 3800 yards, had 20 TD’s and only 12 interceptions. So naturally the Raiders cut him after the season. Collins has spent the past 2+ seasons as a back-up/sometimes starter in Tennessee. He has been named the starter for the rest of the season and so far this year is 2-0 with the Titans.

Kerry Collins has twice come back from a place where nobody thought he could. He was considered a bust after his personal problems in Carolina and then took a team to the Super Bowl. He played in the Abyss where careers go to die and now he is back to being a starter on a playoff caliber team. Never count a Nittany Lion out.

28.

Brad Johnson- Vikings, Buccaneers, Redskins and Cowboys

Brad Johnson was a 9th round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 1992. After a year in NFL Europe Johnson spent two years on the bench in Minnesota. After an injury to Warren Moon, Johnson became the starter halfway through the 1996 season. In just half a year Johnson threw for 2200 yards and 17 TD’s. He was named the starter prior to the 1997 season. He threw for over 3,000 yards for the first time and hit 20 TD’s. He suffered a neck injury in week 13 that would not only cost him the rest of that season, but convince the Vikings to sign Randall Cunningham who would replace Johnson as the starter the following year. Johnson would start the first two games of the 1998 season, but break his leg making way for Cunningham. Johnson was traded to the Washington Redskins following that season.

Johnson would lead the Redskins to a 10-6 record in 1999 and make his first Pro-Bowl. He threw for over 4,000 yards and 24 TD’s. Johnson would lead the Redskins over the Lions in the Wild Card round and lose by just a point in the divisional round to the Buccaneers. Johnson struggled for much of the 2000 season behind a bad 0-line and Washington would trade him to Tampa Bay to make room for Jeff George. A move the Redskins would soon regret.

Johnson would play well in 2001 leading the Bucs to a 9-7 record, but would really hit his stride in 2002. Not only did he pass for over 3,000 yards but he had 22 TD’s and only 6 interceptions. Of course, the real achievement that season was the Super Bowl win over the Raiders. Johnson would also lead the league that year in completion percentage and passer rating. Johnson’s stats were even better in 2003 as he threw for 3,800 yards and 26 TD’s, but the Bucs struggled. When they got off to an 0-4 start in 2004 Johnson was benched.

Johnson would spend the next two years as the starter in Minnesota. In his two seasons back in Minnesota Johnson threw 21 TD’s and 19 interceptions. Johnson finished his career as a back-up for the Cowboys in 2007. Not only did Brad Johnson win a Super Bowl and make the Pro-Bowl twice, he has the fourth best winning percentage on this list, He is the only QB to complete 60% of his passes 13 seasons in a row and he is the only QB in NFL History to throw a TD Pass to himself.

27.

Jeff Garcia- 49ers, Buccaneers, Lions, Browns and Eagles

Yep, that’s Jeff’s wife. Suck that Garcia Haters. Jeff Garcia is another quarterback to earn his keep in the CFL. He won a Grey Cup with the Calgary Stampeders and was the MVP of that game. In 1999 he signed with the San Francisco 49ers. After Steve Young suffered his career ending concussion in week 6 Jeff Garcia became the starter. The team really struggled but Garcia played okay throwing 11 each of TD’s and Int’s.

In 2000 we found out what Jeff Garcia was capable of. He threw for more yards in a season (4,278) than either Joe Montana or Steve Young ever had. He also 31 TD’s and only 10 picks. The Niners went 6-10 though. The next year it all started to come together. Not only did Garcia once again have great stats, 3,500/35/12, but the 49ers returned to the playoffs. They fell to the Packers in the wild-card round however. Garcia made the Pro Bowl in both 2000 and 2001 and then he did it again in 2002. Garcia’s stats dipped drastically that year 3,300/21/10, but the 49ers won a playoff game and in dramatic fashion over the Giants. After that season the relationship between Garcia and star receiver Terrell Owens became rocky and this played some part in Garcia struggling somewhat in 2003. T.O. went so far as to question Garcia’s sexuality in the media. Again T.O.:

Garcia would spend the next two years as the sometimes starter for the Browns and then the Lions, never finding any success. Garcia would look for one more shot as a back-up in Philadelphia. It would be the move that reinvented his career. After a Donovan McNabb injury, Garcia would become the starter in week 12. He would lead the Eagles to a 5-1 record in his starts with 10 TD’s and only 2 interceptions. He would also lead the Eagles to a playoff victory over division rival New York Giants. Garcia capitalized on this success by signing a contract to be the starter in Tampa Bay. After making the Pro-Bowl last year and taking the Bucs to the playoffs, Garcia surprisingly was benched after one week in 2008.

Whatever happens in the future, Garcia has achieved great successes including 4 pro-bowls, several playoff appearances and this:

26.

Marc Bulger- Rams

Marc Bulger was the Rams 3rd string QB for the 2001 season and most of 2002. After both Kurt Warner and Jamie Martin were hurt in 2002 Bulger got his chance to start. Bulger threw 14 TD’s and six picks in his seven games. The Rams went 6-0 in games Bulger started and finished and 1-9 in all other games. This made Bulger the obvious starter going into the 2003 season.

In his 5 seasons as the Rams starter Bulger led the team to the playoffs twice and made two Pro-Bowls, being named the MVP of the 2004 contest. He averaged nearly 4,000 yards a season, 22 TD’s and 15 interceptions. Bulger was recently benched by a desperate Scott Linehan and reports are he could be traded as early as this year as he has no interest in playing again for that coach. Bulger has neared 20,,000 yards and passed 100 TD’s and he’s only 31. If he ends up on a decent team he could top some pretty impressive plateaus in his career before it’s over.

Steals from Fantasy Drafts after two weeks

We are two weeks into the season and as every year there are late round Fantasy Draft picks that make or break your season. I will go into in this article draft picks after the 6th round that may have been available and are really making an impact in the Fantasy World.

These average draft positions are based off of a Standard 10 team league.

The first guy I need to touch base on is making me bleed Orange and Blue and craving (as Thec says) some orange kool-aid. Jay Cutler was ranked on most pre-draft boards no higher than 10th for quarterbacks. Coming into week 3 he is ranked as a must start and nabbing tons of votes for best Fantasy QB option. TMR (from ESPN) fantasy panel (4 panelists) gave him 2 out of 4 1st place votes and a 2nd and a 3rd only behind Tony Romo and Peyton Manning (Probably based off of a matchup). Cutler averaged being taken in the 6th to 7th round. I got him in my family draft in the 4th round because I expected big things from Cutler and there were a few Bronco fans ahead of me that I knew would grab him. In another league I got him in the 7th round. He is on pace to have “Brady like” numbers this year. He will NOT be a sleeper next year. More than likely ranking in the top 5 unless there is a falloff. Doubtful.

Santana Moss the past couple of years has been dismal at best. Often getting ranked high and drafted high and never producing huge numbers. He didn’t catch a touchdown last year until week 7 or 8. This year he has had two decent games. He grabbed a touchdown in week 1 against a good Giants D. He had a monster game against the Saints. So far he has 12 receptions, 201 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was available in most leagues after the 7th to 8th round. He and Jason Campbell seem to be working really well together.

Hines Ward so far has been a steal, producing better numbers than Holmes who went higher than Ward in most draft rooms. Ward has 11 catches for 135 yards and 3 TD’s. I do see his numbers falling off. So far he is producing above his value.

The next guy is another QB from the AFC West. I don’t think his numbers will hold up but so far he has Fantasy owners salivating. Philip Rivers was being taken either late 9th round or early 10th round averaging around the 98th pick in the draft. So far he matches Cutler’s TD to INT ratio 6/1. He has thrown for 594 yards in the 2 week span. A lot of this has to do with the shootout against Denver and Denver’s secondary not playing to it’s potential yet. Just think, these guys were drafted above Rivers. Bulger, Shaub, Garrard, Hasselbeck, Carson Palmer and Derek Anderson.

Chris Chambers was picked right around round number 9. So far this year he has 5 catches for 127 yards and 3 TD’s. If Rivers keeps playing at this high level it could be big things to continue for Chambers.

Chris Johnson is a rookie playing for the Tennessee Titans. Johnsons average draft round was rounds 12-13. Some leagues he isn’t even owned yet. If he isn’t you should grab him immediately. He is averaging over 100 yards a game in his first two NFL starts and over 5 yards a carry. Lendale White is vulturing goal line carries currently, but Johnson is a threat from any spot on the field to go the distance and he is a solid receiver out of the backfield.

There are other guys that have been putting up good numbers so far but I cannot cover everyone. After week 3, I will look at guys who were taken too high or given to much value. The ever dreadful… bust of Fantasy Drafts. Some of these names may include Larry Johnson, LT, Ryan Grant, Carson Palmer, Ocho Cinco and others.

Hardcore