Did He Just Say That? LaMarr Woodley’s Take on the Pittsburgh Steelers Situation

And the winner for funniest sports quote of the day is Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley, speaking out about his team’s slim post season chances entering the last week of the NFL regular season.

The Steelers need some help from both New England and Cincinnati, both of whom have clinched playoff berths already and thus have little incentive to play their starters in match ups with Houston and New York, respectively. With a win, the Jets would clinch an AFC playoff berth, leaving the defending Super Bowl champions out in the cold.

It is likely that the Patriots and Bengals will not want to risk injury to their starters, and may follow the Colts‘ lead by pulling their starters after halftime. This is something that Woodley, who smells a conspiracy afoot , simply cannot stand for:

“All of them lay down,” Woodley said Wednesday. “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.”

Let’s read that again, a little more closely, and you’ll see why this is funny. (Emphasis mine)

“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. “

How about that? One must assume that he was aiming for some sort of tried and true cliche, something along the lines of: this team is built to succeed in the playoffs . Or: if we get into the playoffs, everyone knows that we will be a hard team to beat because of our battle-tested quarterback .

Whatever he meant, I don’t think it came out the way he wanted to. Who knew that if the Steelers make the playoffs, Pittsburgh will be a playoff team?

All kidding aside, this statement once again brings to light a contentious issue: should NFL teams be allowed to rest their best players in preparation for the playoffs when the games still matter for other teams? The knee-jerk reaction would be no. Every game should count, and should be played on an equal level.

If the Jets beat a depleted Bengals team, they will have clinched a playoff spot with two easier-than-they-should-have-been victories over resting teams. Is that fair? Definitely not, especially when so much is at stake for a franchise like Houston–who has never even been to the playoffs.

There is another side to the argument (as there often is). Teams that have done well enough to reach the playoffs have every right to be looking ahead and planning for future success.

There is a popular saying now that teams like the Colts have “earned the right” to rest their players, but that is a hard notion to buy into. What about the fans that paid money to park, buy food, and see the game? How much did they spend to see Curtis Painter under center and a chance at an undefeated season slipping out the window?

As for the Steelers, it is hard to be too sympathetic. This has been a great franchise over the past decade, with two Super Bowl wins in the last three years. But Pittsburgh lost five consecutive games from Week 10 to Week 14. Three of those losses came against woeful teams: the Raiders (at home), Chiefs and Browns.

The champs really have no one to blame but themselves. In addition, the Steelers don’t seem to strike anyone (Ravens, Browns and Eagles fans aside) as a particularly vilified franchise. Hints at a league wide conspiracy against the black and yellow are surely overdone.

So before Mr. Woodley goes about blaming other teams for his team’s potential playoff-less end, perhaps he should look at the losses in Cleveland, Kansas City, and Baltimore and realize where it all got away.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Missing Persons Unit: The Disappearance of Shaun Alexander

Any avid or casual NFL fan would remember him. Number 37, the so-called future of the Seattle Seahawks running game, Shaun Alexander.

Somewhere along the line things didn’t work out, and like Marvin Harrison, he was dropped like a school-case and left on the curb to fight for himself in a league that simply didn’t want to know about him.

Signing with the Seattle Seahawks in the 2000 NFL Draft as a first round pick, Alexander showed signs of promise from the early stages of his career.

He earned the starting job in his second year with the Seahawks, rushing for 1318 yards and 14 touchdowns, second in the NFL behind St. Louis’ Marshall Faulk.

Alexander looked like a lifetime Seattle Seahawk, playing a long side teammates like Matt Hasselbeck and coached by one of the best to ever put on a set of headphones, Mike Holmgren.

Now, Alexander is fighting to sign with even the weakest teams in the NFL.

Why is that?

A former 3 time Pro Bowler, AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2005), AP NFL MVP (2005) and former record holder for the most touchdowns in a single season, still can’t get a third string role on a team.

Already having tried out for spots on rosters such as the Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions, Alexander was quickly turned away like an unwanted dog.

Stats aside, there are many teams in the NFL that could use a running back like Shaun Alexander. 

One of those teams, ironically, is the Seattle Seahawks.

Ever since Alexander’s release, the Seahawks have struggled offensively in many ways. Their running game isn’t what it used to be, and re-signing the old favorite could really boost their confidence. 

Of course, maybe Alexander feels otherwise.

Aside from Seattle, there are several other teams that could use his services. St. Louis could use a backup running back when Steven Jackson finally retires.

Or how about Kansas City? 

Jamaal Charles could surely use some help every now and again. 

However many teams I name, it still won’t change the fact that Shaun Alexander is still a free agent. Arguably better than some running backs currently in the league, he deserves a chance to play again.

I wonder if we’ll ever get the chance to see him lace up his cleats and hit the turf again. 

Right now we don’t know. We may never know. 

But if he doesn’t, it will be a sad day.

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All Hail Saint Favre: A Look Back at Monday Night

Oh, somewhere men are laughing. Oh, somewhere children shout, but there is joy in Chicago, mighty Favre has struck out.

The Chicago Bears got the last laugh on Monday night as Jay Cutler finally figured out how to throw the football (albeit 16 weeks into the season). “Saint” Favre’s luck ran out, as the Bears beat the Vikings on Monday night, and cheated Minnesota out of a chance for the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs.

Why is it that I cringe every time Jay Cutler throws a pass?

For the most part, Jay Cutler impressed me on Monday night, even though I still have some serious question marks. But despite my blood pressure rising throughout the game, it was great to watch.

However, there were a lot of things that I noticed about Monday nights game. 

As far as the Vikings are concerned, they need to improve their special teams play.  It wasn’t Brett Favre‘s fault that they lost. I wouldn’t even blame Adrian Peterson or the defense. 

Special teams lost the game, plain and simple. It was hard to believe how much Daniel Manning ran the ball all over Minnesota.

Let’s discuss Brett Favre for a moment. Favre, despite spending the last week whining and complaining about poor coaching decisions, was told he wasn’t being allowed to run the team (Hmm, since when does a quarterback run the team? Oh well). Favre played a great game—in the second half. 

Favre was dismal in the first half, being rushed and hit over and over by a great Chicago defense who finally decided to show up for a game. The Vikings offensive line couldn’t stop the Bears’ rush. The Bears had a field day in the first half when they caused Favre to fumble and repeatedly hit the Vikings quarterback. 

Finally playing well as a team, the Bears went into the locker room 16-0 up at the half, but were forced into overtime, before emerging as winners.

Despite the win and the big time play of Jay Cutler, Cutler is still far from being the elite quarterback the Bears thought they received from the Broncos.

Jay, here are some words of advice—learn how to fake a throw. 

Cutler was staring down his receivers the whole time, which is a one reason why he leads the league in interceptions. Middle linebackers can watch his eyes the whole time and see where he’s going to throw it. 

Also, the Bears must start to give Cutler better protection, because when he isn’t rushed he can actually make plays. Cutler had all night in the pocket on Monday night, and it showed as Cutler threw for 273 yards and four touchdowns laying opposite Brett Favre.

Hey Brett, I have a message for you too. First off, I just need to say that I don’t understand how why are a media darling.

But let’s move on to some football.

When the Vikings had the ball at the eight yard line, you threw a temper tantrum directed at Coach Childress, who wanted to bring in the goal line squad and you didn’t want it. It was very cute when the cameras focused on you and you looked like a little four-year old who was told he had to take a nap. 

But what was even better was how on the following play, you called a run to the right and got Peterson tackled for a huge loss. 

Tell me, did you do that on purpose so you could prove your point that you were right? Okay Brett, that’s fine, you can be a little baby. But I have news for you; when you’re playing for an organization that has never won a Super Bowl and has had its share of heartbreak in the playoffs, stunts like that won’t fly.

Getting back to the bears, if they win against the Lions in Detroit next week, the Bears will be 7-9 on the season. Not too bad considering they have a brand new quarterback and a squad that has been decimated by injuries this year. 

My question is this—if Chicago gets rid of Lovie Smith, are they willing to spend another four years waiting for the players to learn the new coach’s system.

And as far as the future of the Vikings is concerned, what is Minnesota going to do when Brett Favre leaves to go to a different team next year?  Will the Vikings going to go back to Tarvaris Jackson? Will he still want to stay in Minnesota?

The Vikings will have a lot of questions after this season, regardless of whether they can get their heads on straight and win the Super Bowl.

The fact of the matter is that Minnesota needs to stop relying on Saint Favre to lead them to the Super Bowl, and they better hope that the team plays like they did during the first 10 weeks of the season and not the last three.

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NFL Teams and Players Will Suffer In An Uncapped 2010

Unless the NFL and the NFL Players Association miraculously come to an agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement in the next two months, 2010, the last year of the collective bargaining agreement, will be uncapped.

Executive director of the NFLPA, DeMaurice Smith, recently reiterated a statement made by his predecessor, the late Gene Upshaw, that if the cap goes away, the players will never agree to it again.

That belief might be misplaced, for a number of reasons.

There is one reason why some teams won’t like an uncapped year: the “Final Eight Plan,” which prevents teams in the Divisional Round (the second week) of the playoffs from going on New York Yankees-like spending binges.

Teams that lose in the second week will be limited in their ability to sign unrestricted free agents. They’ll be able to sign one UFA to a large contract (more than about $5 million per year), and as many players as they want to small contracts.

Teams that reach the Conference Championships, however, get both presents and coal in their stockings. Win or lose, by being one of the final four teams, they will be subject to three major limitations:

 

• They can resign their own players with no additional restrictions beyond those placed on any other team.
• Beyond that, however, they can only sign one free agent for each one they lose, and the departing free agent’s new contract sets a limit on the size of the new player’s contract.
• The teams can trade for players given franchise and/or restricted free agent tenders, but they cannot circumvent the above rule by trading for a player they couldn’t sign as a free agent.
• The teams are free to sign players that clear waivers, but not all players go through the waiver process before becoming unrestricted free agents.

In very simplistic terms, if 2010 is uncapped, 2009 is not the year a team wants to be  Cinderella showing up at the ball.

We already know three teams that will be subject to the Final Eight Plan: Indianapolis, San Diego, and New Orleans. The NFC team that claims the other first-round bye is guaranteed to be the fourth, and the Wild Card winners will be the other four.

But there are more reasons why players won’t like it.

 

1. Two years of free agents are thrown under the bus.

Right now, it takes four years of service for a player to reach unrestricted free agency. In 2010, however, the lack of a salary cap also triggers a clause in the CBA that pushes the bar to free agency to six seasons.

Thus, all the players from the classes of 2005 and 2006 with expiring contracts will potentially be restricted free agents, subject to one-year tenders at rates of $1 million to $3 million, rather than unrestricted free agents.

According to the Associated Press, 212 players will be affected by this change, including Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton, Dallas Cowboys receiver Miles Austin, New England Patriots guard Logan Mankins, and San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman.

Moreover, each team still has its franchise tag, which could further reduce the availability of free agents.

2. The “Final Eight Plan” will limit the demand for free agents.

As mentioned above, the Final Eight Plan limits the demand for free agents. And what happens when demand drops?

Prices tend to fall. Even if something is rare, it’s cheap if there’s no market for it.

With fewer blue-chip players available, those few that do reach free agency might get top dollar, but it’s likely that a lot of other players will earn less than they might have with a larger market.

3. There’s no “dead money” to worry about.

The CBA allows teams to spread out the bonus money a team gives a player over the length of the contract. If a player is cut or traded, however, any remaining bonus money from future years “accelerates” onto the current cap and/or the next year’s.

For example, the Redskins could not have cut Albert Haynesworth this year, as they would have had to cut other players just to fit his signing bonus into this year’s cap.

With no cap in 2010, though, teams might be able to cut such “dead weight” with little or no impunity. It wouldn’t be surprising to see some first-round draft busts, such as the New York Jets’ Vernon Gholston, or “problem children” such as the Patriots’ Adalius Thomas, handed their walking papers next year.

4. Owners don’t have to pay as much.

A tiff erupted between Smith and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell over the possibility that the NFL could reduce disability and/or pension payments for disabled payments (which the NFL wisely chose not to do). Similarly, the owners won’t have to contribute to pension plans and other benefits for current players.

More importantly, while the CBA places a maximum amount that teams can spend on player salaries, it also places a minimum amount; this year, teams are required to spend 87.6 percent of their salary cap allotments on player salaries.

When the salary cap goes away, though, that floor will go away as well, so stingy owners could decide to save money by simply spending less on their rosters. Moreover, other benefits, such as contributions to the players’ pension plans, would also be suspended in an uncapped year.

It’s hard to say exactly what will happen if 2010 turns out to be uncapped. But it stands to reason that many people who might be looking forward to it now will be unhappy if it actually comes to pass.

 

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The 10 Fantasy All Stars You Never Heard of Before 2009

Every year as the summer draws to a close, groups of friends around the country get together for their annual fantasy draft. The top few selections and rounds tend to go by without too many surprises.

But as time passes and everyone gets sick of sitting in front of a computer screen, selections are made that could decide the league champion.

Often these players are either unknown or unproven. These guys come through and routinely make their fantasy owner look like a genius. These are the players from 2009 who have made thousands of people happy across the country (Even if in August the owner didn’t know his name).

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Titans-Seahawks: Why Chris Johnson’s Not a Lock for the Record Books

At first glance, it appears that Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson will have an easy time waltzing into the record books this Sunday at Qwest Field. 

His team, eliminated from playoff contention on Christmas by the San Diego Chargers, has only his rushing and yardage records to play for.  Considering that the only thing in their way is the hapless Seattle Seahawks, well…it could get ugly, quick.

But, not so fast.  

The Seahawks, led by the fiery Jim Mora Jr., have something to play for as well: pride.  In a season marred by gross underachievement, they will look to go out swinging.  

Theoretically, anyway.  

Of course, it all depends on who has or hasn’t given up on the season.  But rest assured that the Seattle players and coaches are reading all of the headlines and hearing all of the talk about how Johnson might as well be running against cardboard cutouts.  

It’s the classic bulletin board material that teams—even those with nothing left to play for—seem to rally around.  

Another factor going against Johnson is Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher’s flirtation with indifference.  

Yes, it’s been a stated team goal to get Johnson his yards.  But, earlier this week, Fisher said that he wasn’t going to be counting his carries or yards in the game.  Of course, that could just be coyness on his part.  

As a rule, it’s not cool in this league for coaches to focus on numbers and stats.  They’re paid to worry about winning, and winning only.  

However, intangibles aside, there’s also the issue of numbers.  There are three records and milestones that Johnson is chasing in this game.  

The first, and the most reachable one, is Marshall Faulk’s total yards from scrimmage record of 2,429, set in 1999.  Johnson only needs 74 yards to break it.  

The second one is the 2,000-yard plateau.  If he succeeds, Johnson will become only the sixth player to accomplish that feat.  Considering that he only needs 128 yards, this mark is within striking distance.  Currently, he averages 124 yards per game.  

The third, most coveted record is the single season rushing mark of 2,105 yards that Eric Dickerson set in 1984.  Johnson would need to play one of his best games to get there.  

It wouldn’t necessarily be a “career game” because he’s come close this season, rushing for 228 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

However, as mentioned, the Seahawks are a proud franchise that is better against the run than they are the pass.  Given Vince Young’s sub-par play as of late, they will also be keying on Johnson with eight-man fronts.  

So, after Sunday, will Johnson be able to open the record books and etch his name in triplicate?  

He has a good chance, all things considered.  No one’s contesting that.   

But he’s going to have to earn it.

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What Should the San Francisco 49ers Do with Their Two First Round Picks?

With only the lowly St. Louis Rams left on the 2009 schedule for the San Francisco 49ers, it feels like time to look forward to the offseason for the Red and Gold.

As the current NFL standings lie going into week 17, the 49ers are projected to receive the 12th and 15th overall picks in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Those exact positions are subject to change, but you can be guaranteed that both selections will fall between No. 10 and No. 20 overall.

By virtue of having these two middle tier selections, the 49ers can significantly upgrade their talent level in this draft, but only if they do so wisely. By wisely, I mean not passing up on an explosive talent like they did two years ago when they passed on DeSean Jackson twice in the 2008 draft.

Assuming (although it is never good to assume with the 49ers) that San Francisco finishes the season with a win over the Rams, the 49ers will finish at .500 with a record of 8-8.

Now while posters here on B/R may be fed up with my negative opinion of quarterback Alex Smith, it needs to be reiterated that Smith is and should be the starter for 2010. Never have I said he shouldn’t be; I have simply stated that he doesn’t show that “it” factor that makes you think, “Wow, I could really see this guy leading the 49ers to playoff success.”

He has the ability to get the 49ers to the playoffs and maybe win a game or maybe even two, but when it comes to sustained playoff success year after year, Smith doesn’t project to have the necessary skills to be that type of quarterback.

But that is an argument I have beaten to death over the course of the season, and with the year coming to a close, it is time to analyze how this team can improve upon what is probably going to be an 8-8 finish, their first non-losing season since 2002.

The first and foremost need for the 49ers is to bolster their offensive line, but using both their first round selections on offensive linemen would be a major, major mistake.

Did the offensive line of Joe Staley, David Baas, Eric Heitmann, Chilo Rachal, and Adam Snyder live up to the expectations coming into this season? No, of course not—they performed at an unacceptable level.

However, wasn’t this the same offensive line that fans were excited to see play for a full season coming out of last year’s 5-2 finish? Staley, Baas, Heitmann, and Snyder played quite well down the stretch, and as a rookie, Rachal got in there late and had some memorable blocks in front of Frank Gore.

One inconsistent season and the entire offensive line not named Joe Staley needs to be replaced? If Staley wasn’t a first round pick, would his job be as safe as it is? His 2009 campaign was solid, and he is, by far, the best offensive lineman the 49ers have, but he isn’t as dominant as fans like to claim.

That said, Staley is almost certain to improve next season, just as both Baas and Rachal are likely to improve. Remember, this was just Baas’ second full season as a starter and Rachal’s first. The core four of Staley-Baas-Heitmann-Rachal has the talent to have a bounce-back year in 2010, and making any changes amongst those four is not a vital need.

But what is a vital need is a right tackle. Just like last offseason, the 49ers need a big, strong, and quick tackle to play opposite of Staley. If there is a right tackle that fits the bill in the draft, then the 49ers should use one of their first round choices and take that player.

If there isn’t that dominating tackle available, the 49ers’ next best options are to use the first of their two first round picks to pick up either a shutdown corner to complement Nate Clements or a pass-rushing defensive end to play opposite Justin Smith.

While Shawntae Spencer, Dre’ Bly, and Walt Harris are all quality corners that would help out tremendously next season if they all return, none of them is a pure difference maker. Considering that Clements doesn’t have that top-end speed, drafting a tall and speedy corner to play that No. 2 corner spot would solidify a secondary that struggled at times this season.

If that type of corner isn’t available, then San Francisco should go after a defensive end who can rush the quarterback. The trio of pass rushing outside linebackers in Parys Haralson, Manny Lawson, and Ahmad Brooks is a solid core, but when it comes to rushing the passer, the only defensive lineman on the roster who generates any consistent pressure is Smith.

Aubrayo Franklin, Ray McDonald, and Isaac Sopoaga are all good against the run, but the 49ers need more than just one-dimensional defensive linemen. They need someone who can help generate a pass rush. If only they could clone Justin Smith. But someone at least close to that caliber or even more talented than Smith is a necessary pickup in either the draft or free agency.

Right tackle, corner, and defensive end are the three big needs. Darn, weren’t those the same three needs last year? Looking back on it, those were (more or less) the same big needs.

Well, this offseason they are still holes needing to be filled, and while the 49ers have two first round picks, at least one of those holes should be filled in the first round.

However, for as many needs as the 49ers have, there is always the argument of grabbing the best player available regardless of other needs. Case in point was the drafting of Michael Crabtree last year and what should have been the drafting of DeSean Jackson two years ago.

While wide receiver was in fact a need in both the ’08 and ’09 drafts (more so in the ’08 draft), there were bigger needs in other areas.

In 2008, the 49ers felt that drafting a player at a position of the biggest need was the way to go. Last year, they felt that drafting the best talent available regardless of need was the best route.

Clearly, drafting Crabtree (despite his holdout) was the better choice than drafting Kentwan Balmer over DeSean Jackson.

The 49ers need to use more of this thought process when using their two first round selections. If a player with the talents of a Jahvid Best falls in their laps in the middle of the first round, they need to jump on that scenario.

Let’s face it, you can never have enough running backs, and right now the 49ers have Frank Gore and nobody else. Could Glen Coffee develop and get better? Sure he can; 2009 was his rookie year, and he deserves time to get better. But Coffee is no Jahvid Best, not by a long shot.

Ignoring any of the negatives that may come with Best (there were negatives with Jackson as well), his potential upside is so high that it is worth taking a shot on because he can fill the void of a speed back to complement Gore as well as the void at punt/kick returner.

Look at the best teams in the league and their offenses—almost all of them have a couple of guys who can run the ball. Philadelphia has always had a solid backup to Brian Westbrook, the New Orleans Saints have Reggie Bush, Mike Bell, and Pierre Thomas, the New England Patriots have Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk, and Fred Taylor, and lastly, the New York Giants have Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw.

I almost forgot—the San Diego Chargers with LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles and the Minnesota Vikings with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor also have two backs who can get the job done.

Best and Gore in the backfield? Crabtree and Davis in the passing game? Talk about weapons that Alex Smith can benefit from.

Drafting the top talent available with one of their first round picks just might be the way to go depending who is available when the 49ers are on the clock.

While one of the first round picks the 49ers have should go to a right tackle (if the right one is available) and the rest of the 49ers’ draft should be offensive line-heavy, one of the two picks should be used elsewhere.

For every Alan Faneca, Steve Hutchinson, and Walter Jones offensive lineman who was drafted in the first round, there is a Jeff Saturday, Eugene Amano, and Jason Peters who is either drafted in the late rounds or not even drafted at all.

Offensive linemen can be found more frequently in later rounds of the draft, but playmakers like Jahvid Best rarely fall past the first round.

Either way, let’s hope the 49ers use their first round picks wisely and fill two different holes with their selections.

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Channing Crowder Placed On IR, Lousaka Polite a Pro Bowl Alternate

According to Tony Sparano via Omar Kelly, linebacker Channing Crowder has officially been placed on injured reserve, as expected.

Crowder injured his foot in last Sunday’s loss to the Houston Texans, although speculation has outweighed specific details regarding the injury to-date.

In other Dolphins news via Twitter, Armando Salguero reports Dolphins fullback Lousaka Polite has been named an alternate for AFC squad in the 2010 Pro Bowl.

It is unclear if Polite is a first alternate or perhaps a second or third alternate, which would impact his chances of getting into the team’s roster.

If Polite is a first alternate, he could take AFC starter Le’Ron McClain’s place on the roster if McClain dropped out or if the Baltimore Ravens advance to the Super Bowl.

As I said yesterday, statistics show that Polite was the most productive fullback in the NFL this season, and certainly deserving of a Pro Bowl selection.

While this isn’t quite as much as he deserved, it’s certainly nice to see him get at least some recognition, and maybe he’ll end up being added to the Pro Bowl roster between now and then.

 

 

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One Last Chance: Denver Needs Win against Chiefs to Sneak Into Postseason

After a 6-0 start, Denver Broncos fans certainly did not envision this scenario for their beloved team—win against the Chiefs in week 17 and maybe, just maybe you will sneak into the postseason.

For the second consecutive season, the Broncos have blown a three game lead over division rival San Diego for the AFC West title, and for the second straight year, the Broncos are arguably the most inconsistent team in the NFL.

One week, they will beat a team like San Diego on the road, and another week, they will lose at home to the lowly Oakland Raiders.

The Broncos have had their chances this season, no doubt about it.  It is foolish in the NFL to play the “what if?” game, but Denver could easily have locked up a playoff spot already.

If only they had not been the first team to lose to a threeinterception game by Peyton Manning and the Colts. 

If only they had been able to score from two yards out at home late in the fourth quarter against the Raiders. 

If only they had capitalized on golden offensive opportunities against the Philadelphia Eagles.

If only.

The Broncos have missed ample opportunities to clinch a postseason spot, and they have not taken advantage.  A team that once played like the best in the NFL now looks like the team that every analyst and critic thought they would be before the season started.

But they still have one more shot.

The Broncos can erase the bad taste of these last nine games (of which they have lost seven) if they can beat the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High on Sunday afternoon.  They will not know whether or not they are destined for the postseason until late Sunday night following the conclusion of the Cincinnati/New York Jets game, one that is critical for the Bengals to win if Denver is to have any shot at the playoffs.

The Broncos have quite a few scenarios in which to clinch a playoff spot on Sunday, as both wild-card spots are up for grabs. 

In the early contests, the Broncos are big fans of both the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins.  New England will travel to Houston to take on the Texans, and Miami plays host to the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

If New England is able to win, they will all but eliminate Houston.  If Miami Wins, they will all but eliminate the Steelers.  Pittsburgh owns the tiebreaker against Denver from their head-to-head win earlier this season.

In the later games, the Broncos need to take care of their own business first and foremost and get rid of the Kansas City Chiefs, who are having an absolutely dreadful season.

Ironically enough, the Broncos also have to be huge Oakland Raiders fans, as the hated division rivals need to upset Baltimore in order for one of Denver’s potential scenarios to come true.  Here are the Broncos’ clinching scenarios:

Broncos clinch playoff berth with

DEN win +

1) NYJ loss + losses by BAL or PIT, OR

2) NYJ loss + HOU win, OR

3) BAL loss + PIT loss or HOU win.

Broncos can clinch berth with DEN loss and any combination of losses by

1) PIT + BAL + HOU + JAC, OR

2) PIT + BAL + HOU + NYJ, OR

3) PIT + BAL + JAC + NYJ, OR

4) PIT + HOU + JAC + NYJ, OR

5) MIA + NYJ + BAL + HOU + JAC.

It is not going to be easy for the Broncos, but the postseason is something they have seemingly been jinxed from for five years, ever since Darrent Williams died.  Denver can erase a lot of bad memories and make plenty of great ones with a victory on Sunday.

And of course, a little bit of help.

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2009 NFL Season Awards: My Take

Every year, the entire football world has a constant argument as to who is most deserving of the individual awards for the year. Almost everyone has a different opinion, although some awards are crystal clear to everyone. As everyone else will undoubtedly do, I decided to chime in with my choices and reasons. 

 
League Most Valuable Player – Peyton Manning 
 
Runners Up – Chris Johnson, Philip Rivers, Brett Favre, Drew Brees  
 
Despite a historic season from Chris Johnson, an MVP worthy season from Rivers, and a nostalgic season from Favre, to me Manning is the only choice. No player in the NFL raises the performance of his team than he. How many times this season have we seen Manning get the ball with less than two minutes left in the half or the game and drive down the field with a level of ease that makes you wonder if he is even human?

On top of that, he has done it all with some weapons that, outside of Indianapolis, not many had heard of. Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie have proven themselves to be legitimate players in the pro game, and you should look no further than Manning to find out why. 
 
Every MVP has an individual who helped them get there, and this year it was Reggie Wayne. Despite being double covered since Week One, Wayne has managed to give Manning an outlet down field whenever the pressure reaches him. 
 
With “valuable” being the crucial word in the discussion, no team would suffer a bigger drop off in their record if they lost any single player than the Colts would if they lost Manning. This is why he is going to become the only four-time League MVP Winner. 

 
Offensive Player Of The Year – Chris Johnson 
 
Runners Up – Philip Rivers,  Drew Brees, Andre Johnson, DeSean Jackson 
 
Once again, there are several legitimate candidates for this award, but only one true winner. Manning could stake him claim for this award, but its rightful recipient is Chris Johnson.

When I consider the offensive player of the year, I look to the other side of the ball. What do they do to the opposition defence? It is all very well running for 150 yards a game when the defence is playing off the line of scrimmage to stop the pass, but to do what Chris Johnson has done this season against the eight-man box all season long is nothing short of spectacular. 
 
When I saw him at the combine in 2008, I, along with many, saw his 40-yard time and immediately labeled him a speed runner. Couple this with the 2008 season, where LenDale White was given the power inside runs, I believed that Johnson would be cemented into his role throughout his career.

Fast-forward to this season. He has shown a side of his game that has impressed me as much as any back in my tenure of watching the NFL. His combination of speed and power in breaking tackles have allowed him to put up numbers among the greats. Whether or not he continues these numbers throughout his career is another question, but for this year alone, he has elevated himself to the status of league’s best back and the Offensive Player of the Year. 

 
Defensive Player Of The Year – Darrelle Revis 
 
Runners Up – Jared Allen, Elvis Dumerville, Dwight Freeney, Patrick Willis 
 
The term “Shutdown Corner” gets used more than Tiger Woods as a punch line recently, which is unfair to the select few in history who truly deserve the label. This season Revis has shut down just about every receiver lined up in front of him. Like Jack Shephard from Lost , the receivers have landed on “Revis Island” and found no way to get off. 
 
Using the criteria of the offensive award, no player has affected the way an offense plays more than Revis. With his ability to lock out No. 1 receivers, the Jets have had the opportunity to blitz in situations where other teams would normally be beaten deep. Furthermore, instead of having to double a receiver with a safety every down, on running downs the Jets are able to stack the line, safe in the knowledge that Revis wont be beaten deep in play action. 
 
I am not saying Revis has done everything by himself, far from it, but his impact when he is on the field is so drastic that quarterbacks avoid throwing to his side of the field. While there are other worthy contenders, Revis is the easy choice for me.

 
 
Offensive Rookie Of The Year – Percy Harvin 
 
Runners Up – Knowshon Moreno, Chris “Beanie” Wells, Kenny Britt, Hakeem Nicks 
 
Questions about his personality and work ethic caused Harvin to fall in the draft in April, allowing the Vikings to select the dynamic play maker from Florida. With Favre joining up with the Vikings, Harvin was presented a rare opportunity to have a featured role in his rookie year in an offense lead by a first ballot Hall of Famer.

With his effectiveness in the passing game tailing off in the latter part of the season, his effectiveness in the return game has assured him of this award. Making an impact in one phase of the game as a rookie is challenging enough, let alone two. 

 
Defensive Rookie Of The Year – Brian Cushing 
 
Runners Up – Jairus Byrd, Brian Orakpo, Clay Matthews, James Laurinaitis 
 
This year’s defensive rookie class was full of potential stars. Byrd has done more than enough to stake his claim to the award, but I feel that Cushing has had the biggest impact of them all. He has played like a seasoned veteran in all aspects of defence. He has made an impact against the run, been effective rushing the passer, and covered as well as any linebacker in the division. Although the runners up could all be legitimate winners, to me, Cushing is the Defensive Rookie Of The Year. 

 
Comeback Player Of The Year – Cedric Benson 
 
After several off the field incidents and an ugly separation from the Chicago Bears, Benson’s career seemed to be hanging on by a thread. After getting his personal life into order, he entered training camp this year with a new work ethic. This season he has given the Bengals an effective power run game to go along with Carson Palmer and the passing game, making them a threat in the playoffs.

In my eyes, Benson has established himself as a top 10 back, which is quite a jump up from being one court judgment away from being out of the league. His comeback was not matched by anyone this season, or in the past few seasons. 

 
Coach Of The Year – Norv Turner 
 
If this award was for an entire coaching staff, the Colts would win it hands down, but unfortunately it is not. Turner has a team that, albeit talented, was in dire straights earlier in the season.

After a poor start, they lost key members along both lines, damaging their running game and run defence. Despite this, and an aging running back in LaDainian Tomlinson, Turner has managed his team into a great playoff position, as well as possibly being the best team in the league.

Going into the playoffs, the Chargers are potentially the most dangerous team, and this has a lot to do with Turner putting them in position to win. 

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