1. The Lakers look bad.
Yes, I know Chris Paul played out of his mind. And also yes, Pau Gasol played terrible. And yes, the Lakers have a history of playing like crap...they were pushed to the distance in the first round by the Rockets just two years ago.
However, I'm not getting the "vibe" I was a few years back. Even when Houston was pushing them, you had this feeling the Lakers were going to triumph in the end. That they were on a mission.
This team looks weak, and for some inexplicable reason....weak minded. I was very hopeful for a final 3peat for Phil, for the Lakers to tie the Celtics with 17 overall titles(And I'm tired of Celtics fans holding that over everyone else's heads... I was Born in 1970... the Celtics won 11 titles in the 13 years BEFORE I WAS BORN... I could really care less about your history) I was hoping the Lakers could tie them.
This team however, is NOT winning the finals. The way the ended the season was disgusting and it's carried over. They may beat NO in round one, in fact, I expect them to. But I don't see them beating younger, hungrier teams, who aren't afraid of them anymore.
It's disgusting, and makes me want to go play in traffic.
2. The Spurs are old.
Seriously, is there anyone, I repeat anyone outside of San Antonio that thinks the Spurs are even going to win the West? They have to be the most lightly regarded top seed in the history of the playoffs. I was watching them yesterday and I was fully expecting the young Grizzlies to win. And they did.
Here's how you know the Spurs are old. Tim Duncan, one of the greatest 10 players of all time, is not a dominating advantage over Marc Gasol. When you figure out this is true, you figure out the Spurs are old. And dead in the water. How Poppovich got that team the best record in the conference is all the reason I need to make him the coach of the year.
3. 3 thoughts on the Celtics ( a special 3 pack)
a. Why do I like Doc Rivers? No idea, yet I do. Even when the Celts beat the Lakers a few years ago in the finals, I lost alot of respect for Paul Pierce (wheelchair). Do I think the officials were swayed some by a once proud franchise's return to glory? (I do) When the Celtics fans began "coming out of the woodwork" with all the passion that bandwagoning can muster, I still liked Doc Rivers.
His son signed with Duke. And yet I still like the guy. Something is wrong here. Did Doc Rivers make some sort of deal with the devil? He coaches the Celtics, his kid is going to Duke, and I still like the guy, something is off here.
b. Things People Forgot About
When the Celtics beat the Lakers two years ago, Bynum was hurt, and Gasol had joined the Lakers just before the trade deadline. The Lakers had a TOTAL collapse in game 4, for the Celtics to win. The series went 6 games. Game 6 was a blow out, and so people think the NBA title was a blowout that year. The next year Garnett got hurt and the Celts couldn't make the finals... the next year they make the finals and go 7 games...but when Perkins gets hurt in game 6 they had an excuse. Cue Doc Rivers and his "no one has beat our starting five when they're all playing" line.
The general perception is that the Celtics blew the Lakers out two years ago (not true, and without Bynum). The Celtics lost the next year without Garnett, and lost last year because of Perk's injury.
c. Kevin Garnett is a dirty player.
He is, he is, he is. He always has been. I remember watching him play with Minnesota, and I thought the same thing. The problem was, Minnesota stunk forever, and everyone thought it was great and "cute" how hard Garnett fought and battled and played hard every night. The fact that he was celebrated for it, he started to croos the line. More and more often. And no one cared.
Then he was traded to Boston, and he was celebrated for bringing his "toughness" there. Again, plays he was making that other players are penalized for, he was rewarded. He started to be exposed a bit, when people saw him acting like a psycho on the bench the year he was out. Dude is crazy.
Finally this year, we start to hear rumbles from players around the league that KG is a "dirty player" and of course the apologists that follow around great players came out of the woodwork to defend him. I'm not saying he isn't a great player... he is. But he's dirty, and you've got to learn to deal with that. He's one of those guys when you're going to play pickup ball you want to play with him...but hate to play against him, so much so, that you'll probabably quit early and go home because it's not fun.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
NFL Playoff: Wild Card Round Breakdown
A quick breakdown of this weekend's wildcard games. With my predictions.
Saints at Seahawks
So, the first losing team in NFL playoff history is hosting a playoff game.
-A quick aside here, can we just get rid of this talk about not letting losing teams in the playoffs, and re-ranking the seedings and all this sort of thing. Listen. If they have the divisions, you have to let the winner of a division in the playoffs, and you have to let the host against anyone who DIDn't win their division. If you want to seed everyone by record, and such nonsense...then get rid of the divisions. Make it an AFC and NFC and the six best records get in. If you're going to have divisions, and make the teams play each other twice each season...you have to honor the winner of them. You have to.
OK, So the defending Super Bowl Champions are playing a playoff game at a team with a losing record. Blow-out win, right? Probably. Seattle has two chances in this game:
1. Turnovers by the Saints can keep them in the game.
2. Their home crowd gets excited, if the game is close.
Depending on turnovers and home field advantage is typically always the battle cry of an underdog, so why even mention it? Well, for starters, the Saints have turned the ball over alot this season. And secondly, Seattle's home field advantage is better than most. It's real. They get loud up there in the Pacific North West.
Prediction: 24-10 Saints
Jets at Colts
I'm going to be honest. I dislike the Jets. Alot. They are my most disliked team of the 2010-11 NFL Season. Rex Ryan is a blowhard (who likes feet, evidently) and I'm not sure there's ever been a mediocre team that has been this hyped up before. They don't pass it well, they don't run it as well as they did last year, and their defense is not as good as last year.
However, I'm not feeling particularly confident in this year's edition of the Colts. They have been beat up, banged around, and put through the wringer this year. The worst possible scenario for them is a team that will try to play extremely physical and beat them up. I'm going to give the Colts the nod, but only because they are at home.
Prediction: 20-14 Colts
Ravens at Chiefs
This is the one game I feel almost certain of this weekend. Ravens win. And big. The Chiefs are a joke and a fraud, and to be honest just a very fortunate team to have even made the playoffs. In their last home game, with a #3 seed on the line, the Chiefs got pummelled by the 8-8 Raiders 31-7. They weren't even in the game. When they played San Diego with about a month left in the season, the Chargers dismantled them 31-0. Who did they beat the last month of the season? The Rams...who laid down to the Seahawks (the only losing team in NFL history in the playoffs), and the Titans, who basically threw the towel in on this season in October.
The Chiefs go down, and go down Hard.
Prediction: Ravens 27 Chiefs 7
Packers at Eagles
The marquee game of the weekend. Too close to call. I could see either team winning by any sort of margin. Close game, blow-out, overtime, etc, etc... I do think Michael Vick's leg is bothering him. I do think if Aaron Rodgers takes a big hit he might get a bit gun shy(two concussions already this season). Neither team has been able to run the ball well, although the Eagles do that better. Both teams like to bring the heat defensively.
This has the feeling of one of those games that could be decided by a kick return for a td, and big fumble recovery for a score, something like that. I have no idea what to pick here. This is a toss up.
Prediction: 24-21 Packers
Saints at Seahawks
So, the first losing team in NFL playoff history is hosting a playoff game.
-A quick aside here, can we just get rid of this talk about not letting losing teams in the playoffs, and re-ranking the seedings and all this sort of thing. Listen. If they have the divisions, you have to let the winner of a division in the playoffs, and you have to let the host against anyone who DIDn't win their division. If you want to seed everyone by record, and such nonsense...then get rid of the divisions. Make it an AFC and NFC and the six best records get in. If you're going to have divisions, and make the teams play each other twice each season...you have to honor the winner of them. You have to.
OK, So the defending Super Bowl Champions are playing a playoff game at a team with a losing record. Blow-out win, right? Probably. Seattle has two chances in this game:
1. Turnovers by the Saints can keep them in the game.
2. Their home crowd gets excited, if the game is close.
Depending on turnovers and home field advantage is typically always the battle cry of an underdog, so why even mention it? Well, for starters, the Saints have turned the ball over alot this season. And secondly, Seattle's home field advantage is better than most. It's real. They get loud up there in the Pacific North West.
Prediction: 24-10 Saints
Jets at Colts
I'm going to be honest. I dislike the Jets. Alot. They are my most disliked team of the 2010-11 NFL Season. Rex Ryan is a blowhard (who likes feet, evidently) and I'm not sure there's ever been a mediocre team that has been this hyped up before. They don't pass it well, they don't run it as well as they did last year, and their defense is not as good as last year.
However, I'm not feeling particularly confident in this year's edition of the Colts. They have been beat up, banged around, and put through the wringer this year. The worst possible scenario for them is a team that will try to play extremely physical and beat them up. I'm going to give the Colts the nod, but only because they are at home.
Prediction: 20-14 Colts
Ravens at Chiefs
This is the one game I feel almost certain of this weekend. Ravens win. And big. The Chiefs are a joke and a fraud, and to be honest just a very fortunate team to have even made the playoffs. In their last home game, with a #3 seed on the line, the Chiefs got pummelled by the 8-8 Raiders 31-7. They weren't even in the game. When they played San Diego with about a month left in the season, the Chargers dismantled them 31-0. Who did they beat the last month of the season? The Rams...who laid down to the Seahawks (the only losing team in NFL history in the playoffs), and the Titans, who basically threw the towel in on this season in October.
The Chiefs go down, and go down Hard.
Prediction: Ravens 27 Chiefs 7
Packers at Eagles
The marquee game of the weekend. Too close to call. I could see either team winning by any sort of margin. Close game, blow-out, overtime, etc, etc... I do think Michael Vick's leg is bothering him. I do think if Aaron Rodgers takes a big hit he might get a bit gun shy(two concussions already this season). Neither team has been able to run the ball well, although the Eagles do that better. Both teams like to bring the heat defensively.
This has the feeling of one of those games that could be decided by a kick return for a td, and big fumble recovery for a score, something like that. I have no idea what to pick here. This is a toss up.
Prediction: 24-21 Packers
Breaking down the Predictions.
Alright, so it's been months since I posted anything substantail.
Let's look back at how my pre-season predictions looked.
NFC
1. Saints- not too bad. Made the playoffs as a WC and have looked good in recent weeks.
2. Cowboys - I was about as wrong as wrong could be. The Cowboys played very poorly, and let's face it, disinterested for most of the season.
3. Packers - I think I did pretty well here considering the injuries they had to overcome. I mean would it surprise anyone if Green Bay made it to the super bowl?
4. Vikings - talk about wrong! Who saw the wheels coming off this wagon so soon? My Gosh, Brett Favre played like the old man he is, and can someone tell me what happened to the defense? I'm not sure if I heard Jared Allen's name called all year.
5. Niners - the only pick worse than the Vikings was the 49ers. What a complete dissappointment.
Darkhorse: Eagles - ended up being an excellent selection as a dark horse. I did not predict the Michael Vick resurgence, but they have alot of Offensive weapons and their defense came around like I thought it would.
AFC
1. The Colts - The Colts had an up and down season for them. That said, they had a large number of injuries and still won their division. I don't see them advancing too far in the playoffs, but not a bad season at all.
2. The Baltimore Ravens - this looks like a pretty good pick. At 12-4 the Ravens could be the best Wild Card team to ever make the playoffs, and unlike the Colts a long run by the Ravens would not surprise me.
3. Chargers- Wow. That's about all I can say. The only team in History to have the #1 Offense in the League, and the #1 Defense in the league (statistically) and not make the playoffs. In fact, every other time that has happened in league history the team ended up in the championship. They found ways to lose. Repeatedly. As a chargers fan, let me tell you...it was disgusting.
4. Patriots - not in "flux" any more. They traded Randy Moss and went on a tear. The Patriots set a record for the fewest amount of turnovers in a 16 game season this year. Funny how that works.
5. The Jets. Well, they made the playoffs. I'm still not sold on this team. They looked pretty good early in the season, but not so good down the stretch. I'd be surprised if they won the AFC.
Darkhorse: Bengals - just when it was looking like I knew what I was talking about with the AFC...getting 4 out of 5 of my preseason predictions in the playoffs. Yikes. The Bengals stunk. Except in week 16 against San Diego, of course. Thanks alot Bengals.
Let's look back at how my pre-season predictions looked.
NFC
1. Saints- not too bad. Made the playoffs as a WC and have looked good in recent weeks.
2. Cowboys - I was about as wrong as wrong could be. The Cowboys played very poorly, and let's face it, disinterested for most of the season.
3. Packers - I think I did pretty well here considering the injuries they had to overcome. I mean would it surprise anyone if Green Bay made it to the super bowl?
4. Vikings - talk about wrong! Who saw the wheels coming off this wagon so soon? My Gosh, Brett Favre played like the old man he is, and can someone tell me what happened to the defense? I'm not sure if I heard Jared Allen's name called all year.
5. Niners - the only pick worse than the Vikings was the 49ers. What a complete dissappointment.
Darkhorse: Eagles - ended up being an excellent selection as a dark horse. I did not predict the Michael Vick resurgence, but they have alot of Offensive weapons and their defense came around like I thought it would.
AFC
1. The Colts - The Colts had an up and down season for them. That said, they had a large number of injuries and still won their division. I don't see them advancing too far in the playoffs, but not a bad season at all.
2. The Baltimore Ravens - this looks like a pretty good pick. At 12-4 the Ravens could be the best Wild Card team to ever make the playoffs, and unlike the Colts a long run by the Ravens would not surprise me.
3. Chargers- Wow. That's about all I can say. The only team in History to have the #1 Offense in the League, and the #1 Defense in the league (statistically) and not make the playoffs. In fact, every other time that has happened in league history the team ended up in the championship. They found ways to lose. Repeatedly. As a chargers fan, let me tell you...it was disgusting.
4. Patriots - not in "flux" any more. They traded Randy Moss and went on a tear. The Patriots set a record for the fewest amount of turnovers in a 16 game season this year. Funny how that works.
5. The Jets. Well, they made the playoffs. I'm still not sold on this team. They looked pretty good early in the season, but not so good down the stretch. I'd be surprised if they won the AFC.
Darkhorse: Bengals - just when it was looking like I knew what I was talking about with the AFC...getting 4 out of 5 of my preseason predictions in the playoffs. Yikes. The Bengals stunk. Except in week 16 against San Diego, of course. Thanks alot Bengals.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The Sports Doofus is back!
One of my resolutions for the year, is to actually share some of my thoughts and utilize this blog.
My first order of business, will be to look back at my NFL preview and see how I did, plus a quick breakdown of the playoffs.
My first order of business, will be to look back at my NFL preview and see how I did, plus a quick breakdown of the playoffs.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
NFL Preview: The NFC Favorites
Yesterday, I broke down the AFC, now I move on to the NFC.
1. The New Orleans Saints - the defending Super Bowl Champions return a very good squad, have a great coach in Sean Payton, and QB Drew Brees is at the top of his game. The addition of Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams last season propelled the Saints to the championship, and another year under Williams should make them more consistent on the defensive side of the ball.
The Key: The key to the Saints returning to the promised land is the takeaways on defense. They led the league in turnovers forced last season, and although I think their defense is improved, they aren't a dominating defense...they rely on getting turnovers.
2. The Dallas Cowboys - the Cowboys have an excellent squad talent wise. Very good running backs, offensive linemen, good receivers, and a talented defense. Tony Romo is a playoff caliber quarterback, and it's now up to Wade Phillips and his staff to take this team to the next level.
The Key: Finding an offensive identity. Are they going to be a punishing running team with Marion Barber, and Felix Jones? Or, are they going to sling the ball around the field to Dez Byrant, Miles Austin, Jason Witten, and Roy Williams. When I watch the Cowboys I wonder which team I am going to see. Developing their offense to utilize their talent is the key for Dallas.
3. The Green Bay Packers - the Packers return a very solid team from last year's playoff squad. Aaron Rodgers has developed into one of the best young signal callers in the game. Their defense should be improved, and I have been impressed with Coach McCarthy.
The Key: Pass Protection. I thought Rodgers was going to get killed last season. The Packers drafted a good Tackle in Brian Baluga. His development, and the continued improvement of the offensive line is they biggest question surrounding the Packers.
4. The Minnesota Vikings - the Vikings were just an errant Brett Favre pass away from going to the Super Bowl last season. They return a ton of talent on both sides of the ball. Stellar offensive and defensive lines, a dominating running back, exciting receivers, good linebackers, what's not to like? Well, there's the Quarterback position. I'm of the opinion that Favre is coming back this year, but he's another year older and would be hard pressed to repeat last year's performance.
The Key: Quarterback. If Favre does actually retire, the vikings offense goes from great to average. If Favre comes back, you can bet that teams took note of the Saints gameplan in the NFC Championship. Hit him hard, and often. Get in his face continually. It's going to be tough for a 40 year old man to take that kind of punishment. However, if the vikings can protect Favre, and he can play close to last year's level they would vault to #1 in my rankings.
5. The San Francisco 49er's - The Niners have been building towards this the past few years. They have a very good defensive team, LBer Patrick Willis is possibly the best defensive player in the league. They have a nice running game with Frank Gore and Glen Coffee. TE Vernon Davis is developing into a dominating offensive weapon. The big question mark is QB Alex Smith.
The Key: QB Alex Smith. Can Smith elevate his game to playoff level? To be honest, I feel kind of bad for the guy, he had a different coordinator every season for his first 5 years in the league. I don't think he needs to carry the team, he just needs to play smart and not make big mistakes.
The Darkhorse: The Philadelphia Eagles - most people are down on the Eagles with the departure of Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook. However, I'm not sure this is a step back. Kevin Kolb is a quality player and has had a few years to learn the system. I anticipate this being something like when Philip Rivers took over the Chargers, they have a lot of weapons with DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and Anthony Avant at reciever. Nice running back in LeSean McCoy, and underrated TE Brett Celek. The Defensive will be under the tutelage of Sean McDermott for a second year. I think Andy Reid is underrated as a coach, the Eagles have been competitive since he took over.
The Key: most people would put this on QB Kevin Kolb. But I'm looking at the defense. They had a decent squad last season, but they need to improve. If you can put a good defense on the field, and establish a decent, not great, but decent running game... Kolb has enough weapons to keep you in the game. Eagle Defense, it's up to you.
1. The New Orleans Saints - the defending Super Bowl Champions return a very good squad, have a great coach in Sean Payton, and QB Drew Brees is at the top of his game. The addition of Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams last season propelled the Saints to the championship, and another year under Williams should make them more consistent on the defensive side of the ball.
The Key: The key to the Saints returning to the promised land is the takeaways on defense. They led the league in turnovers forced last season, and although I think their defense is improved, they aren't a dominating defense...they rely on getting turnovers.
2. The Dallas Cowboys - the Cowboys have an excellent squad talent wise. Very good running backs, offensive linemen, good receivers, and a talented defense. Tony Romo is a playoff caliber quarterback, and it's now up to Wade Phillips and his staff to take this team to the next level.
The Key: Finding an offensive identity. Are they going to be a punishing running team with Marion Barber, and Felix Jones? Or, are they going to sling the ball around the field to Dez Byrant, Miles Austin, Jason Witten, and Roy Williams. When I watch the Cowboys I wonder which team I am going to see. Developing their offense to utilize their talent is the key for Dallas.
3. The Green Bay Packers - the Packers return a very solid team from last year's playoff squad. Aaron Rodgers has developed into one of the best young signal callers in the game. Their defense should be improved, and I have been impressed with Coach McCarthy.
The Key: Pass Protection. I thought Rodgers was going to get killed last season. The Packers drafted a good Tackle in Brian Baluga. His development, and the continued improvement of the offensive line is they biggest question surrounding the Packers.
4. The Minnesota Vikings - the Vikings were just an errant Brett Favre pass away from going to the Super Bowl last season. They return a ton of talent on both sides of the ball. Stellar offensive and defensive lines, a dominating running back, exciting receivers, good linebackers, what's not to like? Well, there's the Quarterback position. I'm of the opinion that Favre is coming back this year, but he's another year older and would be hard pressed to repeat last year's performance.
The Key: Quarterback. If Favre does actually retire, the vikings offense goes from great to average. If Favre comes back, you can bet that teams took note of the Saints gameplan in the NFC Championship. Hit him hard, and often. Get in his face continually. It's going to be tough for a 40 year old man to take that kind of punishment. However, if the vikings can protect Favre, and he can play close to last year's level they would vault to #1 in my rankings.
5. The San Francisco 49er's - The Niners have been building towards this the past few years. They have a very good defensive team, LBer Patrick Willis is possibly the best defensive player in the league. They have a nice running game with Frank Gore and Glen Coffee. TE Vernon Davis is developing into a dominating offensive weapon. The big question mark is QB Alex Smith.
The Key: QB Alex Smith. Can Smith elevate his game to playoff level? To be honest, I feel kind of bad for the guy, he had a different coordinator every season for his first 5 years in the league. I don't think he needs to carry the team, he just needs to play smart and not make big mistakes.
The Darkhorse: The Philadelphia Eagles - most people are down on the Eagles with the departure of Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook. However, I'm not sure this is a step back. Kevin Kolb is a quality player and has had a few years to learn the system. I anticipate this being something like when Philip Rivers took over the Chargers, they have a lot of weapons with DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and Anthony Avant at reciever. Nice running back in LeSean McCoy, and underrated TE Brett Celek. The Defensive will be under the tutelage of Sean McDermott for a second year. I think Andy Reid is underrated as a coach, the Eagles have been competitive since he took over.
The Key: most people would put this on QB Kevin Kolb. But I'm looking at the defense. They had a decent squad last season, but they need to improve. If you can put a good defense on the field, and establish a decent, not great, but decent running game... Kolb has enough weapons to keep you in the game. Eagle Defense, it's up to you.
Monday, August 9, 2010
NFL Preview: The AFC Favorites
As we approach the start of another football season, the sports doofus has taken it upon himself to breakdown the favorites from each of the conferences. I'm going to list who I think are the top 5 contenders in each Conference, and a dark horse candidate.
When looking at the AFC, there are 3 teams that have sort of dominated the conference the past 5 years. The Colts, Patriots, and Chargers. They are always contenders, they are always in the playoffs (except the Pats the year after spygate), and they continue to be favorites. The reason is quarterback play. Year in and year out, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Philip Rivers keep their teams in contention. (the one playoff year missed by the Pats was the year Brady was injured) When you look at the teams who are in contention, in both conferences, this will be a recurring theme.... do they have a quarterback who can take the team on their shoulders and carry them through in tough times? Can they lead a comeback? Do their teammates trust them without hesitation?
So, here are my top 5 teams, with one dark horse for the AFC.
1. Indianapolis Colts - The defending AFC Champions will pretty much remain in contention as long as they have Manning running the team. The thing with the Colts is, they play a simple cover 2 scheme on defense, which allows their defenders to learn and know their roles quickly. Their offense is almost impossible to stop, as Manning calls nearly every play at the line of scrimmage.
The Key: The key for the Colts this season is to develop a little better running game. They need Joseph Addai and Donald Brown to provide more of a threat on the ground.
2. The Baltimore Ravens - The Ravens rode a tough defense and punishing ground game into the playoffs the past two seasons. They have probably the most underrated coach in the league in John Harbaugh. The one thing the Ravens do well, as they showed in the playoffs against New England last year, is just out-physical you. They will beat you up at the line of scrimmage. This is a tough team, and the addition on Anquan Bolden should help their passing attack. T
The Key: QB Joe Flacco has got to improve. Although he has led them to the playoffs in both of his seasons, they are a bit too one dimensional on offense, and this cost them in the playoffs against the Colts.
3. The San Diego Chargers - a team that has, I think almost erroneously been labeled the most talented team in the league for the past few seasons. The Chargers really struggled to run the ball last year, which led to the departure of future hall of famer LaDanian Tomlinson. Their Defense has been suspect up the middle, and they have not had much of a pass rush the past two seasons, or since Shawne Merriman's knee was injured.
The Key: The Holdouts. Veteran starters Vincent Jackson, Marcus McNeill, and Shawne Merriman have all held out of training camp, upset with their current contract status. The Chargers will still have a good team but I doubt they will be good enough to go the distance unless these guys report.
4. The New England Patriots - a team that is in "flux". Tom Brady is a great QB, and Randy Moss is a great receiver, but there are a number of big question marks in New England. Will Wes Welker bounce back from his knee injury? Will the youngsters on defense get up to speed? Can Bellichick continue his mastery of all things? (He's lost a ton of coordinators and staff over the years)
The Key: The Defense. Many of the key players in the Patriots run to dominance are gone. (Richard Seymour, Rodney Harrison, Mike Vrabel, Teddy Brushchi, Adalieus Thomas) They have been replaced by younger players. Now these are good players, but Belichick's system of defense is very elaborate and difficult to learn. Last season, they did not look as dominant as they had in years past. If this team can improve on the defensive side of the ball, look out. And don't think they are ignoring all the praise people are heaping on the Jets.
5. The New York Jets - the "sexy" pick of the new season. First year coach Rex Ryan led a team of upstarts to the AFC championship game last season, and have added several big name new faces to their team. However, I can't rate them any higher than 5th, because of their Quarterback Mark Sanchez.
The Key: Mark Sanchez has got to elevate his game. He played well in the playoffs, but he had only 10 touchdowns and 22 interceptions in the regular season last year. He is going to have to improve, and make big strides if this team is going to sniff what many of the media are making them out to be.
The Darkhorse: The Cincinatti Bengals. I know it's not a big stretch to pick a defending division winner as a darkhorse candidate, but how many people do you hear listing the Bengals as contenders. The Bengals ran the ball very well last year, and played a very tough, physical defense. They are very young at a number of key defensive positions, and should only be better.
The Key- the passing game. The addition of Terrell Owens is getting all the headlines, but I really liked the drafting of the TE Jermaine Gresham. This is going to add a nice big target over the middle for Carson Palmer.
So, there you go. I'll try and post my "top 5" for the NFC tomorrow.
When looking at the AFC, there are 3 teams that have sort of dominated the conference the past 5 years. The Colts, Patriots, and Chargers. They are always contenders, they are always in the playoffs (except the Pats the year after spygate), and they continue to be favorites. The reason is quarterback play. Year in and year out, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Philip Rivers keep their teams in contention. (the one playoff year missed by the Pats was the year Brady was injured) When you look at the teams who are in contention, in both conferences, this will be a recurring theme.... do they have a quarterback who can take the team on their shoulders and carry them through in tough times? Can they lead a comeback? Do their teammates trust them without hesitation?
So, here are my top 5 teams, with one dark horse for the AFC.
1. Indianapolis Colts - The defending AFC Champions will pretty much remain in contention as long as they have Manning running the team. The thing with the Colts is, they play a simple cover 2 scheme on defense, which allows their defenders to learn and know their roles quickly. Their offense is almost impossible to stop, as Manning calls nearly every play at the line of scrimmage.
The Key: The key for the Colts this season is to develop a little better running game. They need Joseph Addai and Donald Brown to provide more of a threat on the ground.
2. The Baltimore Ravens - The Ravens rode a tough defense and punishing ground game into the playoffs the past two seasons. They have probably the most underrated coach in the league in John Harbaugh. The one thing the Ravens do well, as they showed in the playoffs against New England last year, is just out-physical you. They will beat you up at the line of scrimmage. This is a tough team, and the addition on Anquan Bolden should help their passing attack. T
The Key: QB Joe Flacco has got to improve. Although he has led them to the playoffs in both of his seasons, they are a bit too one dimensional on offense, and this cost them in the playoffs against the Colts.
3. The San Diego Chargers - a team that has, I think almost erroneously been labeled the most talented team in the league for the past few seasons. The Chargers really struggled to run the ball last year, which led to the departure of future hall of famer LaDanian Tomlinson. Their Defense has been suspect up the middle, and they have not had much of a pass rush the past two seasons, or since Shawne Merriman's knee was injured.
The Key: The Holdouts. Veteran starters Vincent Jackson, Marcus McNeill, and Shawne Merriman have all held out of training camp, upset with their current contract status. The Chargers will still have a good team but I doubt they will be good enough to go the distance unless these guys report.
4. The New England Patriots - a team that is in "flux". Tom Brady is a great QB, and Randy Moss is a great receiver, but there are a number of big question marks in New England. Will Wes Welker bounce back from his knee injury? Will the youngsters on defense get up to speed? Can Bellichick continue his mastery of all things? (He's lost a ton of coordinators and staff over the years)
The Key: The Defense. Many of the key players in the Patriots run to dominance are gone. (Richard Seymour, Rodney Harrison, Mike Vrabel, Teddy Brushchi, Adalieus Thomas) They have been replaced by younger players. Now these are good players, but Belichick's system of defense is very elaborate and difficult to learn. Last season, they did not look as dominant as they had in years past. If this team can improve on the defensive side of the ball, look out. And don't think they are ignoring all the praise people are heaping on the Jets.
5. The New York Jets - the "sexy" pick of the new season. First year coach Rex Ryan led a team of upstarts to the AFC championship game last season, and have added several big name new faces to their team. However, I can't rate them any higher than 5th, because of their Quarterback Mark Sanchez.
The Key: Mark Sanchez has got to elevate his game. He played well in the playoffs, but he had only 10 touchdowns and 22 interceptions in the regular season last year. He is going to have to improve, and make big strides if this team is going to sniff what many of the media are making them out to be.
The Darkhorse: The Cincinatti Bengals. I know it's not a big stretch to pick a defending division winner as a darkhorse candidate, but how many people do you hear listing the Bengals as contenders. The Bengals ran the ball very well last year, and played a very tough, physical defense. They are very young at a number of key defensive positions, and should only be better.
The Key- the passing game. The addition of Terrell Owens is getting all the headlines, but I really liked the drafting of the TE Jermaine Gresham. This is going to add a nice big target over the middle for Carson Palmer.
So, there you go. I'll try and post my "top 5" for the NFC tomorrow.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Rest in Peace Don Coryell
Yesterday, an NFL coaching legend passed away. Don Coryell was a coaching genius who changed the NFL forever.
I'll never forget the first time I saw a Coryell coached team. I was 9 years old, and sitting at home when I turned the television to a football game. The San Diego Chargers were whooping up on the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. I was entranced. I'd never even heard of the Chargers to that point. (keep in mind this was pre-espn, and pre-cable) The Chargers moved the ball up and down the field on the champs, and ended up winning the game 35-7.
As a young boy from South Dakota who had no team of my own to support, I became a charger fan that very day. Little did I know what an innovative mind was behind the success of what became known as "Air Coryell".
Coach Coryell was the first coach to win 100 games at both the collegiate and professional level. He was the father of the modern passing game. Under his guidance the Chargers led the league in passing for 6 consecutive years (1978-1983) His prolific offensive mind led to Hall of Fame careers for Dan Fouts, Charlie Joiner, and Kellen Winslow.
The two major factors in deciding how great a coach is would be their impact on the game, and the memories of the players and fans who were around him. Don Coryell was successful in both areas.
Consider the men who coached under him at one time or another. Both John Madden and Joe Gibbs went on to win Super Bowls as head coaches. Ernie Zampese and Al Saunders were both Super Bowl winning coordinators, and the coaching tree goes on and on... current coaches such as Norv Turner and Mike Martz still run basically the same Coryell offense.
Upon hearing of Coach Coryell's death, former charger player and broadcaster Hank Bauer said "I feel like I lost a member of my family and the unique thing about that is that there are probably two million people in this city who feel the same way. That's the kind of impact that Don Coryell had here. For anyone who ever played or coached for coach Coryell, and I had the honor of doing both, it's an unbelievable loss."
Hall of Fame Quarterback Dan Fouts said, "I would not be in the Hall of Fame myself had it not been for my nine years as Don's quarterback ... It was Coryell - with his revolutionary vision, his unique style of leadership and his successful implementation of the most innovative offense the NFL had ever witnessed - that led me and my teammates, Kellen Winslow and Charlie Joiner, to the steps of the Hall of Fame."
While he won't get as much notice as Bill Walsh did because he never won a Super Bowl, Don Coryell will live on as a man who changed the way the game was played. Hopefully, the Hall of Fame voters will finally see fit to enshrine a true coaching legend.
Thanks Coach.
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