Imagine, If You Will, If There Was No Free Agency in the NFL

One of my favorite writers here on Bleacher, Brian Carson, wrote an article about the Steelers All-Decade team.
It made me wonder, what would the Steelers look like, if there was no Free Agency in the NFL?

As most of you know, I am not someone that is real big on writing Slide Shows, and I have only done a couple of them.

If there is anyone that I forgot please add it to the comments, and I will add them to the slide show.

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NFC Playoff Race: Which NFC Team Will Be Super Bowl Bound?

With one week left in the 2009-2010 NFL season, there are around ten AFC teams with a shot at the playoffs. Attempting to decipher the various scenarios will give nearly anyone a brain cramp.

However, the NFC playoff teams are set. Even though seeding is yet to be determined, the six teams that are playoff bound are the New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, and the Green Bay Packers.

The team that plays the best in the playoffs isn’t necessarily the higher seed. Since the 1999-2000 season, only two Super Bowl Champions were the No. 1 seed in their conference. In that same time frame, two wild card teams have won the Super Bowl.

The hottest teams headed into the NFL playoffs are those that are most likely to have success. Season records and accomplishments can essentially be dismissed.

Every team in the NFC playoff bracket has 10-plus wins, meaning that every team in the playoffs is a legitimate Super Bowl contender. However, which of these contenders will ultimately earn a Super Bowl berth?

 

Dallas Cowboys (10-5)

Many people jumped on the Cowboy bandwagon after they defeated the previously undefeated New Orleans Saints, 24-17. However, before that win, Dallas had lost two straight games to the New York Giants and the San Diego Chargers, leaving the Cowboys 2-2 in their last four games.

In addition, of the Cowboys’ ten wins thus far, only three have been against teams with an above .500 record. Dallas is 21st in the NFL in pass yards allowed per game, giving up around 228.3 yards per game. All of the teams in the NFC playoff bracket are in the top 12 in the NFL in terms of offensive pass yards per game.

A lot weighs on the Cowboys’ Week 17 matchup against Philadelphia. If Dallas can shut them down, then the ‘Boys could make some playoff noise. They would have momentum headed into the playoffs.

However, a loss to the Eagles puts Dallas at a disadvantage. Losing three out of your last five games isn’t a good way to enter the playoffs. I believe that Philadelphia is the better team and will get the victory in Week 17. Dallas fans will be disappointed yet again this season. Their Cowboys won’t make it past the Wild Card round.

 

Green Bay Packers (10-5)

Unlike the Cowboys, the Packers head into the playoffs on a roll, having won six of their last seven games. Green Bay’s lone loss came in the final seconds against Pittsburgh on a touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Mike Wallace. Momentum is not an issue for the Pack.

However, just like the Cowboys, the Packers’ wins have been against the lower tier of teams in the NFL. Green Bay is 2-4 against opponents with an above .500 record. This team is probably better than the Dallas Cowboys. Led by Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, Ryan Grant at running back, and Greg Jennings at wide receiver, the Packers have a potent offense.

In addition, Green Bay has a strong defense. They give up the second fewest yards per game in the NFL at just around 291 yards. The Packers are a good team. However, when faced with playoff-level competition, they haven’t been able to rise to the occasion. The Packers will make it to the Divisional round, but will then falter.

 

Arizona Cardinals (10-5)

The theme of a lack of quality wins continues with the Cardinals. Arizona has won just three games over opponents above .500. Two of these teams above .500 are the New York Giants and the Houston Texans. The Giants are out of the playoff hunt and the Texans are fighting for their playoff lives.

In addition, the Cardinals have a poor defense, ranked 20th in the NFL in yards allowed per game. Arizona’s pass defense is 22nd in the NFL, allowing 233.5 yards per game. As mentioned earlier, every pass offense in the NFC playoffs is in the top 12 in the NFL.

The Arizona Cardinals have a potent offense. However, last year’s NFC Champions don’t have the defense to stay in the playoffs very long. Arizona will be out in the Wild Card round.

 

Minnesota Vikings (11-4)

The Minnesota Vikings have played well for much of the season, going 4-2 against opponents above .500. Led by the ageless Brett Favre and sensational running back Adrian Peterson, the Vikings had preseason expectations of reaching the Super Bowl. 

Through the first 12 weeks of the season, Minnesota looked like the Super Bowl contender they were expected to be. The Vikings had a 10-1 record and Brett Favre was playing good football at the quarterback position.

However, the Vikings have begun to falter at the end of the season. They have lost three of their last four games, dropping them from a locked No. 2 seed to fighting for a spot as a No. 3 seed. Remember, momentum going into the playoffs often determines who will advance deepest into the bracket. Minnesota definitely doesn’t have that momentum.

There are many reasons behind the Vikings’ fall. Brett Favre has had a history of fading toward the end of seasons. His quality of play has dropped over the last month. Even though Adrian Peterson has impressive skills, he is a bit fumble-prone. Also, Minnesota’s pass defense has played poorly. They are currently ranked 20th in the NFL in pass yards allowed per game.

Once again, I will return to the fact that each NFC team in the playoffs has a top 12 passing offense. Minnesota is still a good football team. However, defense wins championships, and the Vikings just don’t have the defense to be a Super Bowl contender. Also, they lack the momentum to advance deep into the playoffs. I look for the Vikings to be knocked out in the Divisional round.

 

New Orleans Saints (13-2)

Like the Vikings, New Orleans started the season strong. In fact, the Saints were 13-0 and appeared to be on the road to perfection. However, the Dallas Cowboys ended this road by defeating the Saints in Week 15, 24-17. The following week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers knocked of New Orleans in overtime, 20-17.

Seriously? Tampa Bay?

Yes, the high-powered Saints offense fell to the lowly Buccaneers. The New Orleans offense is the best in the NFL. However, in both of their losses, they were held to under 20 points. Those two games are the only two games in which the Saints offense has been held to less than 20 points.

Momentum is not on the Saints’ side. Neither is their pass defense. New Orleans’ pass defense is ranked 25th in the NFL. So, I return to the same statistic that I have used in four of the previous five sections. Every pass offense in the NFC playoffs is in the top 12 in the NFL.

However, remember that New Orleans has one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. That fact will keep them in the playoffs longer than the other teams with poor pass defenses. I expect the Saints to make it to the NFC Championship game, but ultimately falter in that round.

 

Philadelphia Eagles (11-4)

The Philadelphia Eagles started the season 5-4. After losing two straight games, the Eagles have since rolled off six wins in a row, leaving them with an 11-4 record and a chance to earn a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs.

Not only do the Eagles have momentum headed into the playoffs, they have also had some success against quality opponents. Philadelphia has won four of their games against above .500 teams.

In addition, the Eagles have the seventh ranked defense in the NFL. Philadelphia is also a strong passing team, and with weapons like DeSean Jackson, this team has the ability to be explosive.

In my opinion, the Eagles have all the components to go deep into the playoffs. They have had success against good opponents; they have momentum, and have a good defense. All of these factors lead me to believe that the Philadelphia Eagles will be the 2009-2010 NFC Champions and make it to the 2010 Super Bowl.

 

 

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Brady Quinn & the Cleveland Browns: Eight Questions Answered

Eric Mangini came into Cleveland with high expectations, not only from the fans, but also the media.

To date he’s fulfilled those expectations about as well as Tiger Woods has his marital vows. I digress though, and that’s for another article.

To be frank and honest, it’s been miserable under Mangini, and he himself has done nothing to address the shortcomings of his “system” or his personality for that matter. This team has been dwindling in mediocrity all season long.

And yes, I realize they’ve won 3 in a row. But getting excited over beating two of the worst teams in the NFL doesn’t really do much for me. Really, that’s like Chuck Liddell being excited he just kicked a cell phone salesmen’s ass.

The problems with this Browns team are a plenty, there’s no doubting that. One could look at the D, the O, the play calling, the lack of playmakers or any other multitude of items and find something to pick apart with relative ease.

Alas, there’s a glimmer of hope, and that’s coming directly from one Mike Holmgren, who’s mere presence is shining like the North star on a clear night. Giving ALL of us some hope for this Browns franchise.

He’s a proven winner, and perhaps the best QB developer in the history of the NFL. Not my words….those are the words of one Jim Rome, and those sentiments have been echoed by Mariucci, Favre, Shanahan, Mora and many others alike.

Bottom line here, Cleveland IS going to have a good QB. Whether that’s Quinn or someone else, it’s going to happen. And, for that, I’m completely pumped!

So, with knowing that Holmgren can develop a QB with the best of them, I’d like to take a look at Brady Quinn, and his prospects going forward. Let me preface my point of views by stating this…..I was NEVER a fan of drafting Brady Quinn, and I’ve never really been a fan of his. BUT, I do believe the guy has been short changed…..badly.

So, here’s Eight Questions and Eight Answers for all of you to sink your teeth into…..

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Buffalo Bills Promote Buddy Nix to General Manager

The Buffalo Bills are ready to start 2010 right by promoting Buddy Nix to General Manager.

Nix joined the Bills in January 2009 coming out of retirement and serving as a national scout. Buddy Nix is a perfect General Manager who has proven his talent in the NFL.

Buddy Nix previously ran the personnel department of the San Diego Chargers and oversaw the drafts that brought players such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Quentin Jammer, Michael Turner, Vincent Jackson, and Shawne Merriman.

He was previously employed by the Buffalo Bills from 1993-2000 as a scout. Nix came to the Chargers with John Butler and A. J. Smith from the Buffalo Bills where those three front office executives were instrumental in building the Buffalo Bills and bringing talent such as Antoine Winfield, Nate Clements, and Aaron Schobel.

Butler died during the Chargers rebuilding years, Smith was promoted to General Manager, and Nix to Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Personnel.

Nix turned 70 in early December and while many people find this moving interesting I believe it is a strong move for Ralph Wilson to make.

This is a man with a good sense of talent in the NFL and with the draft picks the Bills should have we need to make sure that we are obtaining the best talent possible.

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Oakland Raiders Pressures, Hurries, and Knockdowns in Season Finale

Well, what a long, strange season it’s been for the Oakland Raiders. From in-house fighting before the season began, to a mega trade before opening night, to JaMarcus Russell’s struggles to the rise (and quick sidelining) of Bruce, to the baffling inability to string together two wins in a row, this season has been a roller coaster of emotions that has tested the faith of even the most ardent of Raider Nation’s members.

We have one more game left against the playoff-hopeful Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. It’s a bit of a catch-22, if we win the game it helps the hated Denver donkeys playoff chances that much more. However, this team will not lie down and go quietly, at least I hope, so we should see a solid effort on the field on Sunday.

It’s been an enjoyable season writing all things Raiders, meeting some excellent and informative fellow fans, and having some great debates about our beloved Silver & Black. Although this season didn’t turn out as we’d hoped, there are bright spots for the future to look forward to, and another batch of draft picks to add to the mix.

The Raiders really aren’t playing for anything this weekend other than pride, so nobody is really under any pressure. But having said that….

 

PRESSURES

Tom Cable

The Cable Guy has made things interesting both on and off the field this season. His struggles with violence and allegations stemming from said struggles are well documented, but to his credit he did an excellent job of plugging the distractions and making them more minute than they could’ve been.

His play calling and logic has been called into question many times and, although he’s had his moments, I truly think he’s not a very good offensive coordinator. He abandons the run far too quickly and calls inexplicable pass plays on the wrong downs and distance. I’m sure part of it is scheming to fool the other team, but more often than not he fools himself, his players, and the fans.

He’s under pressure to keep his job. Nobody knows at this point whether he will or not, and the overall take seems to be split 50-50. It’s possible he stays on, it’s possible he goes. Al Davis has every reason to fire him, but the team seems to like him and we keep reloading our coaches ever couple of years.

It’s my guess that Cable is gone. Why keep him? He hasn’t gotten this team ready to play for two weeks in a row all season, and that is a very, very disturbing trend. He’s also blindly optimistic and unrealistic. He gave himself a fantastic to above average rating on his play calling, and has basically said that JaMarcus Russell is the reason we have the record we do.

While it’s hard to refute the Russell claims, Cable has not taken responsibility for his own shortcomings and that is a big time failure for anyone in leadership. If we filleted Russell for his lack of personal awareness and myopic viewpoint of his performance, why does Cable get a pass? Even from me? I don’t know. But not anymore.

 

Charlie Frye

Charlie is under pressure to show another team he’s an NFL quarterback, because he won’t be back here next year. I think it’ll be Bruce, J-Rock, and Losman as our QB’s next year, and Frye will be let go.

Charlie put up nice stats last week, but his performance was not good. In fact, I’d go so far to say that he was the biggest contributor to our losing that game. Russell, for all his faults, has rarely thrown interceptions as costly as two of Charlie’s were this past Sunday.

Charlie is a well-known workaholic gym rat who will make an excellent coach someday, probably someday soon. But can he still call signals in this league? He has one more game to find out.

 

HURRIES

—I love Trevor Scott and want to see him play more LB next season. He did a great job rushing the passer as a standup LB.

—Tyvon Branch will be one of the top five safeties in the AFC next season, and possibly go to the Pro Bowl. He just needs to improve his coverage skills a little bit first.

—I like what I’ve seen from Mike Mitchell the last few weeks. He’s very quick to the ball, makes sure tackles, and has blazing speed rushing the passer. With some more seasoning and hopefully a full, healthy offseason, I expect big things from him next year.

—I know we’re all disappointed with DHB, but I honestly thought he was improving quite a bit until his injury. He was beginning to gain separation and get open, and making the occasional play. If he can get his hands in order, I think he’ll be a good player next season.

—The Bush-McFadden tandem has to be used early and often next year. Those guys have shown what they can do when given the chance to be Bash and Dash. I really like McFadden as a receiver.

—Our special teams play, with the exception of our kickers, was anything but special this season. I don’t know if we let Fassell go, but this squad didn’t have the swagger they did last season. Something has to change, and it can’t all be blamed on a hard hit by Eric Weddle in the friggin first game of the season.

—If Russell comes to camp in shape and focused, let’s see what he can do. If he comes in fat, lazy, and unfocused, cut him on the spot. He can still be a player in this league, but that’s only if he really, really wants to be one.

 

KNOCKDOWNS

The Raiders Will Contend This Season

As much as it pains me to write this, as I thought so as well, we didn’t contend for anything this year. Too many missed opportunities against beatable opponents saw to that.

Have we seen a more schizo team in recent history? We can beat the Eagles, Bengals, Steelers, Broncos, and give San Diego two tough games, yet we lose to the Chiefs, the Browns, and the Redskins? Come on, man!

That alarming lack of consistency and focus is what I think spells doom for Cable. Off field issues and play calling aside, it’s really Cable’s inability to get this team believing in itself and playing to win each game that is his biggest negative factor as a coach.

The Raiders did not contend this season, but they did show flashes that they could do so next season. There are promising young players on both sides of the ball, but our old nemeses, discipline, and focus, need to be addressed and preached constantly for this team to succeed.

 

The Raiders Can’t Draft

With the obvious exception of Darrius Heyward-Bey, every player drafted in last season’s draft either contributed positively to the team or showed potential that they could be a player.

Mike Mitchell, derided as a huge reach by pundits and experts, has shown burst and tackling ability necessary to be a great safety. He leaves a lot to be desired in coverage, but that will come with experience. If he remains healthy, he will be an excellent safety that other teams will grow to fear.

Matt Shaughnessy has taken lessons given by veteran leaders Greg Ellis and Richard Seymour and applied them quite nicely on the field. He’s stout against the run and has shown excellent pass-rushing ability. Shaughnessy looks like a potential starter at DE for years to come.

Louis Murphy is the gem of this draft class. If he had a QB to get him the ball more consistently, I truly believe he could’ve been one of the top rookie receivers in this class.

His greatest moment came not on a catch, but on a block in which he selflessly led Zach Miller down the field against the Eagles and took on all comers, helping Miller score a touchdown and the Raiders win the game. In each Raider win this season Murphy made at least one play that was instrumental in getting the victory. A great pick.

Slade Norris has done little of consequence, but is still on the roster and could make an impact next season.

Stryker Sulak was a throw-away pick who is no longer on the team.

Brandon Myers showed some flashes as a pass-catching tight end, but excelled in blocking and on special teams as expected. His strip and recovery of the kick return against the Bengals sealed the victory, and it’s great to know we’ve got someone other than Tony Stewart who is skilled to back up the very important Zach Miller.

So the Raiders seem to struggle drafting in the first round recently (Gallery, Gibson, Russell, DHB, even McFadden thus far) but unearth some gems in the later rounds. Mitchell, Shaugnessy, and Murphy are all going to be players, and Brandon Myers has the versatility to be a great blocking and pass catching end.

If we can get it right in the first round this season, I think we have a great young nucleus to build on. But it’s IMPERATIVE that the draft this year focus on the offensive line. Absolutely imperative. Or else all else is for naught.

I’ll still be writing in the offseason, but obviously there isn’t as much going on. I want to thank all my readers for their support and commentary, and for speaking their minds. I love the differences of opinion we in the Nation have, and I love we have a forum to share them.

Cheers to all, Happy New Year, and we’ll see you in 2010!

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Oakland Raiders: According to Most, No Chance at All

Something I typically like to do is check out stories and previews from the perspective of the writers who cover the team the Raiders will face that week. This week that means I’ve been reading a lot about the Baltimore Ravens.

From most reports, this game is already a foregone conclusion. A game where the Raiders shouldn’t even bother showing up, and a game that will give the Ravens their “rightful” place in the playoffs.

While I respectfully and optimistically disagree for many reasons I do see why some would think that is the case. However, at least one Baltimore Sun correspondent (and only one) thinks differently.

Ken Murray’s prediction was: Ravens 24, Raiders 21. His comment was this game is a lot tougher than it looks. Ken Murray is a smart man. This game will be tougher than it looks.

I know all the reasons why the Ravens are supposed to dominate on Sunday. The Ravens are motivated. The Raiders can’t stop the run. The Raiders have nothing to play for. Charlie Frye is starting at quarterback. On and on and on!

It’s easy to make assumptions based on statistical evidence. It’s probably the best way to be correct on a regular basis. However, it does not guarantee certainty. If it did the Raiders would not have four wins against statistically superior teams.

This Sunday, the Raiders will get a chance to decide several things. Pride and poise will be tested. They will have a chance to alter the playoff landscape. They might even have a chance to alter their own futures and the futures of their coaching staff.

I don’t think they’ll lay down. I think they’ll rise up. I think we may just see the best performance we’ve seen all year. I think much like last year, which is very frustrating I might add, they will have saved the best for last!

I think Ken Murray is a smart man. I think he might have accidentally flip-flopped the score though. Raiders 24, Ravens 21.

Or maybe he and I are both idiots! We’ll see on Sunday!

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NFL Picks Week 17: The Chosen Finale

Week 16, 9-7: Season prediction tally 155-85

Chicago at Detroit – I don’t like the Lions with anyone under center that is not named Stafford.

Pick: Bears

 

New England at Houston – LaMarr Woodley has a good point ; why would the Patriots and Bengals play all-out in their season finales, when winning would help the Steelers get in?

Pick: Texans

 

Jacksonville at Cleveland – I am picking the Browns only because Mike Holmgren is the new team president.

I am not sure what that will have to do with the actual game, but I’ve got nothing else, sorry.

Pick: Browns

 

Atlanta at Tampa Bay – Hey Tampa is pretty good, sort of, kind of.

Maybe there is a future for Raheem Morris after critics wrote him off long ago?

Pick: Buccaneers

 

Pittsburgh at Miami – I like the Dolphins to rebound from last week’s loss and hand the defending Super Bowl Champs the last blow to their 2009-2010 aspirations.

Pick: Dolphins

 

San Francisco at St. Louis – St. Louis doesn’t seem to be able to build on anything just yet, whereas the 49ers have improved this season and want to cap it off right.

Pick: 49ers

 

Indianapolis at Buffalo – This is one of those games that is hard to predict.

The Colts don’t have anything to play for, but the Bills aren’t that capable of putting up a ton of points no matter who is playing.

Pick: Colts

 

New Orleans at Carolina – Another tough one, but for different reasons.

Carolina has been on the type of roll many expected from them all season, and this undrafted gem QB Matt Moore is playing some great ball. Please don’t tell me the Panthers are really planning on going back to Jake Delhomme next year?

The Saints suddenly can’t win a game, so do they come out firing or will they continue to fall flat with nothing to be gained from a win?

Pick: Panthers

 

N.Y. Giants at Minnesota – I’d like for Minnesota to lose because that would give my Cardinals a chance to attain a higher seed, but the Giants look like a team in desperate need of some changes and I doubt their ability to rebound after a dismal performance last week.

Pick: Vikings

 

Philadelphia at Dallas – Everyone is on the Eagles bandwagon, touting them as the team to beat in the NFC. I am not on board that train.

While Philly has a ton of talent and will always be a tough out, they are no more scary than any of the other five NFC playoff teams. They are being championed for their six-game winning streak, but if you look at the scores and opponents of those games it is anything but dominating, so I am not buying into the logic.

They beat Chicago by four points, Washington by three, the Broncos by three, the Giants by seven, as well as beating the Falcons and 49ers. Of the bunch, the Broncos are the only playoff hopeful, and even then they need enough help that they probably won’t get in.

Oh and did I mention the Cowboys have found their groove?

Pick: Cowboys

 

Green Bay at Arizona – If the Vikings win earlier in the day, neither team stands to gain much with a win, and the twist is that these teams may square off the following week in the first round of the playoffs on the same field.

However, both coaches are giving the indication that they plan to play to win the game.

The Cardinals are tied for the third most sacks in the league, and Aaron Rodgers has been sacked a league-high 50 times, though to be fair less than ten times in the past seven games.

Pick: Cardinals

 

Kansas City at Denver – Denver crushed Kansas City last time, and they need the win to have any shot at the playoffs.

Pick: Broncos

 

Tennessee at Seattle – Seattle’s season ended a few weeks ago apparently, and Chris Johnson and the Titans are still gunning for him to surpass 2,000 yards. They should come out inspired.

Pick: Titans

 

Washington at San Diego – San Diego might rest some players, but I am not sure it matters.

Have you seen the way their backups play? Third string running back Mike Tolbert averages 5.9 yards per carry.

Pick: Chargers

 

Baltimore at Oakland – The Ravens are in if they win.

Pick: Ravens

 

Cincinnati at N.Y. Jets – Somehow the Jets can make the playoffs if they win. The Bengals will surely be playing it safe.

Pick: Jets

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Top 10 New England Patriots Moments of the Decade

The New England Patriots are the team that got amazing Boston sports’ decade started. They were the NFL dynasty of the past 10 years—with three Super Bowl championships and a perfect regular season, there isn’t much more that the region could ask of the franchise. Yes, that fourth Super Bowl win against the Giants would’ve been incredible, but it still was an absolutely magical decade for the Patriots.

So without further ado, here are the top 10 Patriot moments of the decade.

10. 59-0:  

Games in the snow are always memorable. This season, against the Tennessee Titans in week six, the Patriots won by a margin of victory not even seen in their dominant 2007 perfect regular season (they also had not shut anyone out that season). Tom Brady took advantage of an already bad pass defense that was weakened even further due to a few injuries in the Titans’ secondary and threw for six touchdowns—five of which were in the second quarter, setting an NFL record. Six different Patriots scored and the defense didn’t allow leading rusher Chris Johnson into the end zone. It was a dominating all-around performance from the Patriots and a message to the league that the Patriots were still a force to be reckoned with.

9. Brady Returns:  

Following the perfect regular season (with one Giant loss in the Super Bowl) the Patriots were poised for revenge. That idea was thwarted in week one when Tom Brady was hit by Kansas City’s Bernard Pollard in the knee and suffered a torn ACL and MCL. While Matt Cassell performed admirably in his place, the Patriots missed the playoffs so seeing Brady return to the field in a week one Monday night contest against division rival Buffalo brought joy to every Patriots fan.

Brady didn’t disappoint as he threw two touchdown passes in the final 2:06 of the game to lead the Patriots to victory, 25-24. It hasn’t been Brady’s best season, but he is back and the Patriots are AFC East champions and back in the playoffs.

8. Pats keep Colts out of end zone: 

The Patriots and Indianapolis Colts have enjoyed a strong rivalry in the past decade and when the two teams meet up, it usually results in an instant classic.

One of the more astonishing finishes from this rivalry came thanks to the Patriots’ defense on Nov. 30, 2003. In a characteristically offensive-fueled game, the Patriots were winning 38-34. With under a minute left, the Colts had the ball on New England’s two-yard line. Two Edgerrin James rushes resulted in one yard gained and on third down, Peyton Manning threw an incomplete pass. Then on fourth down, Willie McGinest broke through the offensive line and tackled James in the backfield, sealing the win for the Patriots and stopping one of the best offenses of the decade from getting into the end zone while only two yards out.

7. Super Bowl XXXIX:  

You know you’ve had a great 10 years when a Super Bowl win is only the seventh best moment.  The last Super Bowl the Patriots won this decade was a tight 24-21 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles and a remarkably recovered Terrell Owens, who had missed the past four games with a broken leg.

Another Vinatieri field goal proved to be the game winner, but this time it wasn’t in the dying moments of the game. No, this time it was to give the Pats a 10-point lead which they would have to hold onto for nearly nine more minutes. The Eagles scored a touchdown to bring the margin to three points with just under two minutes left. However, when the Eagles ultimately got the ball back, Rodney Harrison intercepted a Donovan McNabb pass with nine seconds left to seal the victory. This win cemented the Patriots’ dynasty.

6. Tuck rule:  

Oakland Raiders fans still cry foul about this call. In a blizzard in 2002, the Patriots and Raiders were dueling in the divisional round of the playoffs. Down by three, Tom Brady dropped back to pass but was tackled by Charles Woodson and lost the ball, which was recovered by the Raiders. However, after a review of the play, the officials ruled that Brady’s arm was coming forward when he lost the ball, thus making it an incomplete pass.

Given new life, the Patriots marched down the field and Adam Vinatieri kicked a dramatic, line drive 45-yard field goal through the driving snow to tie the game. In overtime, the Patriots would win the toss, drive down the field, convert on a fourth down, and Vinatieri would win the game with a 23-yard field goal.

5. Super Bowl XXXVIII:  

The Patriots victory over the Carolina Panthers is widely considered one of the best played Super Bowls of all-time. Tom Brady and Adam Vinatieri exhibited once again how clutch they were, as Brady calmly led the Patriots into field goal territory and Vinatieri won the game with a 41-yard field goal with four seconds left. The championship was New England’s second in two years.

4. Dec. 29, 2007: 

Week 17 of the 2007 regular season was a memorable night. That night the Patriots beat the Giants at Giants Stadium 38-35 in a very well played game by both teams. The win pushed the Patriots’ record to 16-0, the first—and only—team to finish a regular season 16-0. (The Dolphins did it with 14-0 in 1972 and went on to win the Super Bowl.)

It was an individual record-breaking night as well. Tom Brady broke the single season record for touchdown passes (50), previously held by none other than Peyton Manning and Randy Moss broke the single season record for touchdown receptions (23). The team also set the record for most points scored in a single season (589). Through all the records and the perfect regular season, the Patriots were sitting on top of the world.

3. Hiring Belichick:  

Many consider Bill Belichick the best coach in the game today. He has been a huge reason for the Patriots’ success this entire decade. What made his hiring in 2000 even sweeter for the Pats was that they stole him from division rival, the New York Jets. It cost them a first round draft pick, which the Jets used to trade up and select DE Shaun Ellis—a fine choice—but Belichick has led the team to a 112-47 record, 14-3 in the playoffs, seven AFC East championships, and three Super Bowl wins in four appearances. He also has won two AP NFL Coach of the Year awards. For the entire decade Belichick has turned this franchise around into what they are today: perennial winners.

2. Drafting Tom Brady: 

Who would have guessed that the sixth round pick in the 2000 draft would have become a Boston sports icon? Brady was drafted with the 199th overall pick and began his career as a fourth-string quarterback. He climbed up the depth charts his rookie season to backup and when starter Drew Bledsoe was injured in 2001, Brady took over.

Improbable as his story already was, what happened after he took over was just unreal: three Super Bowl championships, two Super Bowl MVP’s, five Pro Bowls, one NFL MVP, and one AP Male Athlete of the Year. While getting Belichick to coach was important to put a winning structure in place, you need players to execute, and no one has shined brighter this decade than Tom Brady.

1. Super Bowl XXXVI Champions:  

The beginning of a dynasty. In 2000, the Patriots finished 5-11, last in the AFC East, but in 2001 they turned things around going 11-5 and winning the AFC East. An incredible run of eight straight wins, including the playoffs, landed the Patriots in the Super Bowl against heavily favored St. Louis Rams, “The Greatest Show on Turf”. Everyone remembers the New England Patriots being introduced as an entire team rather than individuals.

The game was an exciting one. The Patriots blew a 14-point lead, but with seven seconds left in a tie game, Adam Vinatieri kicked a 48-yard game-winning field goal. It was the Patriots first Super Bowl win ever.

 

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Who Wins the AFC Wildcard? Lamarr Woodley Has an Idea

With the AFC wild card race coming down to a tightly contested final week, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Lamar Woodley feels that New England and Cincinnati might just try to set up the playoff matchups the way they want.

Woodley has predicted the Bengals and Patriots will “lay down” in week 17, allowing their opponents (the Houston Texans and New York Jets) to win in an effort to prevent Pittsburgh a chance at a playoff berth.

“All of them lay down,” Woodley stated, “No one wants to see Pittsburgh in it. That’s just how it is. Everybody knows we’re a dangerous team once we get into the playoffs, no matter how we played the whole year. Once we get into the playoffs, the Pittsburgh Steelers is a playoff team.

“Cincinnati is probably going to go into New York and lay down for the Jets,” Woodley went on, “and not play them hard just because they’re not going to want to see Pittsburgh in it.”

Lamar Woodley maintained that the Steelers held more integrity, emphasizing last year’s final game where Pittsburgh kept all of its starters in for a somewhat meaningless 31-0 victory over Cleveland. What was not mentioned was the concussion Ben Roethlisberger suffered, though it did not keep him from any playing time in the playoffs.

Most of the team disagreed, or at least shaded around such direct statements.

“To say Cincinnati doesn’t want to face us, that would kind of be a little dumb, being that they beat us twice this season,” Safety Ryan Clark said. “So I’m sure they have a lot of confidence if they do have to play us.”

Clark also pointed to the 2008 playoffs where the Steelers topped the Ravens twice, then played them in the AFC championship and won a third time. History just might favor Cincinnati on that front, after a pair of regular season wins against Pittsburgh this year.

The Bengals are struggling, but have plenty of reason to be confident against either AFC North opponent, as they went 6-0 in their division this year. New England has far less experience with the AFC North, facing only one team (Baltimore) but winning that game.

Star nose tackle Casey Hampton took a more moderated stance on the idea of resting starters, “Coaches have to do what’s best for their team,” said Hampton, when told of Woodley’s remarks. “Being healthy going into the playoffs, I think, is their main focus. If the game doesn’t mean anything, why risk getting hurt?”

Presently, Pittsburgh will need to focus on its own matchup, a tough fight with a 7-8 Miami Dolphins team that nearly made a run at New England’s division lead just a few weeks back. Even if they win, they will need a lot of help, holding few tie-breakers in the race for one of the two wild card seeds. Miami itself could possibly eke a sixth seed if all the 8-7 teams falter, that motivation despite an array of crippling injuries across the season make them a dangerous opponent.

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Reports: Buffalo Bills To Name Buddy Nix New GM

In what seemed like promising news for Buffalo Bills fans — the firing of coach Dick Jauron and multiple statements made by longtime owner Ralph Wilson Jr. that the team would undergo a complete overhaul — the Bills are set to announce Buddy Nix, current scouting director, as their new general manager.

Multiple sources have confirmed the report, including ESPN.com .

Once again, Wilson & Co. have decided to promote from within instead of thoroughly conducting a search for player personnel from throughout the world of football.

According to reports, current GM Russ Brandon has been moved to president and CEO. In addition, vice president of pro personnel John Guy and vice president of college scouting Tom Modrak were also considered for the position.

Nix was hired as Bills’ director of scouting earlier this year.

The Bills will make the official announcement in a press conference from One Bills Drive, slated for 2:30 p.m. EST.

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