Philadelphia Eagles website and internal media guy, Dave Spadaro, has further fanned the flames of the rivalry between the Eagles and Dallas Cowboys by spitting not once, but twice on the hallowed star inside Cowboys Stadium this past week. 

Though I have spoken to some knucklehead Birds’ fans over the years that would have probably done worse, Spadaro’s behavior is egregious because he is a paid representative of the team. To me, spitting is disgusting, but if that is how Spuds—as he likes to call himself—wants to project himself, then that is his own prerogative. However, there are consequences.

Spadaro has apologized , with quotes from his statement including:

“I admit I get carried away with my love of the Philadelphia Eagles, and if this is a crime, I am clearly guilty.” 

Spadaro also said, “Acting alone, and without permission from the Eagles organization, I walked out to the middle of the field at Cowboys Stadium and spit on the Cowboys star, and for that I deeply apologize to the outstanding Cowboys organization and the fine people there, from Jerry Jones to the rest of the team.”  He concluded by saying, “I acted in an unprofessional manner and I am deserving of the punishment coming my way.”

I am sure that the team will have more to say when the men in charge, owner Jeffrey Lurie and right-hand man Joe Banner, get involved.  Mind you, this is the same team that fired a part-time worker for posting negative comments about the team on Facebook after veteran player Brian Dawkins left for Denver.  But don’t expect anything other than a slap on the wrist. 

Everyone in Philly always knew Spadaro was a “homer” and sometimes the team apologist.  Especially when he said things over the years about notorious underachievers Freddie Mitchell, Matt McCoy, and Jerome McDougal not being bad draft picks. 

But spitting on another NFL franchise’s symbol with such disdain and posting it on the web (it has since been removed) is an entirely different story.  I wonder how Eagles’ Nation would feel if former Cowboy and current Fox analyst Troy Aikman filmed himself spitting on the Eagles’ emblem in the middle of Lincoln Financial Field.

I cannot wait for Saturday’s Wild Card matchup to see if Spadaro’s actions carry over to the field, similar to how former Eagles head coach Buddy Ryan’s antics did during his tenure in Philadelphia.  After awhile, I don’t expect anyone involved with the game (players and coaches) will care, but I know the emotions of fans from both sides will be heightened by Spadaro’s unnecessary display.

Posted in 2009 Philadelphia Eagles, Cowboys-Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Dave Spadaro, Philadelphia Eagles, Spit-Gate Tagged: Dallas Cowboys, Dave Spadaro, Football, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Spit-Gate, Sports

The last week of the 2009 NFL regular season will either be a happy or forgettable event for some NFL teams.  Though 10 of the NFL’s 12 coveted playoff berths have been claimed, there are several Week 17 storylines around the two remaining berths, plus the “Who” and the “Where” pieces of the playoff puzzle left to be decided. 

The NFC playoff picture is pretty clear as all six playoff spots have been claimed (New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, and Green Bay Packers).  The Saints are the No. 1 seed, but the other five seeds need to be sorted out. 

The AFC side of the ledger is a bit more complicated, and though the Indianapolis Colts and San Diego Chargers have clinched the top two seeds, there are seven teams vying for the conference’s last two wild card spots.

In looking at the current NFL standings one last time before the “real” games start, here’s the breakdown:

The “Elite”—Colts (14-1), Saints (13-2), Chargers (12-3), Eagles (11-4), Vikings (11-4), and Cardinals (10-5)

“In the Playoffs or on the Cusp”—Bengals (10-5), Packers (10-5), Cowboys (10-5), Patriots (10-5), Ravens (8-7), and Jets (8-7)

“Help Needed” teams that need help from others in their conference just to get in the playoffs —Texans (8-7), Steelers (8-7), Broncos (8-7), Jaguars (7-8), and Dolphins (7-8) 

“Finishing Out the String” teams (See you at the 2010 NFL Draft)—Giants (8-7), Falcons (8-7), Titans (7-8), Niners (7-8), Panthers (7-8), Bears (6-9), Seahawks (5-10), Bills (5-10), Raiders (5-10), Browns (4-11), Redskins (4-11), Chiefs (3-12), Buccaneers (3-12), Lions (2-13), and Rams (1-13)

Now on to the rankings for this week.

 

1.  Colts (14-1) –The champagne corks were flying for the 1972 Miami Dolphins as the Colts chose to “rest” key players in the second half of a disappointing loss to the “thankful” NY Jets.  I will debate the point all day that the Colts’ management was wrong to rest players, but GM Bill Polian’s crew has stuck to their “Non-Perfection” stance and we will see how the playoffs turnout.  Expect to see more of backup QB Curtis Painter and company as the Colts close out the regular season against the host Buffalo Bills.

2.  Chargers (12-3) –The Chargers won their 10th game in a row as they thumped the host Tennessee Titans on Christmas Day.  Don’t expect to see head coach Norv Turner to take his foot off the gas when San Diego hosts the Redskins in Week 17, as the Chargers want to go into the playoffs “hot”.

3.  Saints (13-2) –Oh, the formerly “perfect” Saints appear to be leaking oil as they head to the playoffs.  Though the Saints wrapped up the NFC’s No. 1 seed, they did not look good as they squandered a 17-point lead in a disappointing home overtime loss to the scrappy Tampa Bay Bucs.  Even though the Saints shouldn’t have much to play for against the host Carolina Panthers, expect a strong effort from QB Drew Brees and company.

4.  Eagles (11-4) -Don’t look now, but outside of the San Diego Chargers, the Birds are the hottest team in the NFL.  In another tough, close victory, the Eagles put aside Brian Dawkins homecoming to pull-out a win over the reeling Denver Broncos.  Somewhere former Eagles head coaches Dick Vermeil and Buddy Ryan are smiling as it will be Philly vs. Dallas for the NFC East division title in Week 17.

5.  Cardinals (10-5) –As the playoffs approach, the Cards are getting better and have a running game.  The 2008 NFL runner-ups looked good in pulling out a tougher than expected NFC West division win over the St. Louis Rams.  With playoff seeding on the line, the Cardinals will host the Green Bay Packers and these two could possibly meet next week in the first round of the playoffs.

6.  Vikings (11-4) –I don’t care what anyone says, the Vikings are on the wrong page at the wrong time of the season.  QB Brett Favre and company continued to limp into the playoffs as they lost in overtime to the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football.  With a shot at still claiming the NFC’s No. 2 seed (the Eagles need to lose), expect the Vikings to get back on track by thumping the Giants.

7.  Patriots (10-5) –The Pats showed their veteran pedigree as they won their third straight game with a drubbing of the reeling Jacksonville Jaguars.  You know Patriots head coach Bill Belichick would like nothing more than putting an end to the Houston Texans’ playoff hopes, so expect to see QB Tom Brady and WR Randy Moss in Week 17.

8. Cowboys (10-5) –The ‘Boys continued to answer the bell in December 2009 as they shutout the Washington Redskins.  In a signature game, Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips and QB Tony Romo have a chance to wash away a long history of season ending woes by beating the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17 and claiming the NFC East crown.

9.  Bengals (10-5) -The veteran group of head coach Marvin Lewis, QB Carson Palmer, and—dare I say it—Chad Ochocinco, willed the Bengals to a win over the Chiefs to claim the AFC North.  With not much to play for by their late Sunday Night Football start, expect the Bengals to “rest” against the NY Jets who they could quite possibly see in the first round of the playoffs.

10. Packers (10-5) –Led by Pro Bowl CB Charles Woodson, the dangerous Packers destroyed the reeling Seattle Seahawks to claim one of the NFC’s wild card spots.  Expect the Packers to go for a “momentum” win against the Cardinals in Week 17.

11.  Ravens (8-7) –The Ravens lost a tough road game to the Pittsburgh Steelers (dropped passes, touchdowns negate by penalties, and not enough pressure on Big Ben), but they still are in the driver’s seat in the AFC wild card race.  Expect to see Ravens head coach John Harbaugh pull out all the stops as Baltimore needs to get a win over the host Oakland Raiders to fulfill their playoff hopes.

12.  Steelers (8-7) -You have to wonder how bad the Steelers are kicking themselves for their five-game losing streak that included losses to the Chiefs and Raiders.  The Steelers kept their flickering playoff hopes alive by winning a thrilling game over the Ravens.  The first order of business for the playoffs is for the Steelers to beat the host Miami Dolphins, and then hope for some help.

13.  Texans (8-7) –You know the upstart Texans would like nothing more than to end their 8-8 streak and sneak into the playoffs for the first time.  In Week 16, the Texans went on a mission to South Florida and kept their playoff hopes alive while sending the Dolphins closer to next year.  It will be “Put Up or Shut Up” time when the Texans host New England in Week 17, but Houston still will need some help to reach the playoffs for the first time.

14.  Falcons (8-7) –Too bad QB Matt Ryan was hurt for some crucial games early in the season, as the Falcons are playing some of the best football in the NFL.  Mike Smith’s team continued their season ending run by thumping the hap-hazard Buffalo Bills.  In a pride of game that will mean a winning season, expect Ryan and the Falcons to go all out in Week 17 versus the surging host Tampa Bay Bucs.

15. Jets (8-7) –I know, the J-E-T-S are very close to securing one of the AFC’s wild card berths, but they have a lot of work to do.  After Peyton and his crew handed the Colts’ backups a five-point lead, it didn’t take long for Rex Ryan’s team to secure Jim Caldwell’s gift basket of a victory.  The Jets may get their second “gift” win in a row on the way to the playoffs, when they face the Bengals who may also be resting players.

16. Giants (8-7) –The G-Men never showed up in a terrible loss to the Carolina Panthers in the last game at the Meadowlands. It is player evaluation time for GM Jerry Reese and head coach Tom Coughlin as the G-Men travel to Minnesota in Week 17.

17.  Broncos (8-7) –Not even the return of former Eagles safety Brian Dawkins could spur the reeling Broncos to a win in Philly.  Hard to believe after their hot start, but the Broncos and energetic head coach Josh McDaniels are on the brink of missing the playoffs.  In order to keep their flagging playoffs hopes alive, the Broncos must first win at home against the Chiefs.

18.  49ers (7-8) –Mike Singlegtary’s team is getting better, but 2010 maybe their season.  The Niners hammered the ready-for-the-draft Detroit Lions last weekend. Looking to build something for next year, expect the Niners to try like crazy for 8-8 as they face the one-win Rams in Week 17.

19.  Panthers (7-8) –Panthers head coach John Fox got the okay to return in 2010, but does he? Too bad Fox took so long to insert QB Matt Moore as the starter, because the youngster looked good again, this time in a win over the Giants.  The Panthers will continue to play “spoiler” when they host the suddenly stumbling New Orleans Saints.

20. Titans (7-8) –Not even Santa could wrap-up a win for V.Y and the Titans against the red-hot Chargers on Christmas Day.  With visions of V.Y producing again in 2010, the Titans will look to finish 8-8 when they face the Seattle Seahawks.

21.  Dolphins (7-8) –Week 16’s “Desperation Bowl” against the Houston Texans did not produce a good result for Miami.  The Dolphins will be looking to finish .500 and keep their flickering playoff hopes alive when they face the Steelers in Week 17.

22.  Jaguars (7-8) –The Jags have limped home after being in the AFC wild card driver’s seat at (7-5) after 13 weeks.  The  New England Patriots showed no mercy as they pounded the Jags in a deflating loss.  With their playoff hopes on life support, the Jags will try to get a win in Cleveland against the red-hot Browns.

23.  Bears (6-9) –The real “Monsters of the Midway” finally showed up, as the Bears looked like a new team in producing a Monday Night Football overtime win against the Vikings.  Maybe QB Jay Cutler can pull another win out of his magic hat as the Bears face the Detroit Lions in Week 17.

24.  Browns (4-11) –You have to believe that the Browns are really starting to impress new football czar Mike Holmgren, as they dominated the Oakland Raiders last weekend.  The Browns will try to save head coach Eric Mangini’s job as they host the playoff-hopeful Jacksonville Jaguars.

25.  Raiders (5-10) –Oakland put up a fight, but the surging Cleveland Browns were too much for them.  Could the Raiders play the role of spoiler for the second year in a row?  They host the Ravens, who need to win to make the playoffs.

26.  Bills (5-10) –It looks like the Perry Fewell head coaching experiment is about to end, as the Falcons bludgeoned the Bills in Week 16.  It will be interesting to see how the Colts’ JV team does in a meaningless Week 17 game in Buffalo.

27.  Seahawks (5-10) –The Seahawks didn’t even bother to show up at Lambeau in a horrible loss to the playoff hungry Packers.  Expect to see plenty of young players when the Seahawks host the Titans in Week 17.

28.  Redskins (4-11) -After the Redskins were shutout by the Cowboys, new GM Bruce Allen probably cannot wait for Black Monday to fire “Dead Man Walking” head coach Jim Zorn.  Look for the ‘Skins to mail-it-in when they travel across the country to play the red-hot San Diego Chargers.

29.  Buccaneers (3-12) –Head coach Raheem Morris’ team responded to the challenge of facing the 13-win Saints by beating them in overtime. The Bucs will look to keep fighting and learning when they host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17.

30.  Chiefs (3-12) –The Bengals pulled out a tough home win over KC to win the AFC North.  With not much else to play for other than stats, the Chiefs travel to Denver for an old-time AFL battle with the Broncos.

31.  Lions (2-13) –The Niners showed no mercy in  thumping the Lions.  In a game that will only have draft slotting implications, the Lions will host the Chicago Bears.

32.  Rams (1-14) -The Cards piled up more offensive stats in a quality win over the Rams.  It is time to “Just Lose, Baby” for the Rams, as they take on the Niners. With a loss, the Rams can claim the first overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, which will more than likely be Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh.

  

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Posted in 2009 NFL Power Rankings, 2009 NFL Season, 2009 NFL Week 17 Tagged: 2009 NFL Power Rankings, 2009 NFL Season, 2009 NFL Week 17, Football, NFL, NFL Weekly Rankings, Sports

LB Clay Matthews and the Green Bay Packers are looking to wrap-up a playoff berth in Week 16

It is now crunch time around the NFL and there is little time left to secure one of the league’s 12 coveted playoff berths.  Though the Saints, Colts, Eagles, Vikings, Chargers, and Cardinals are all already in the playoffs, there are 13 teams still vying for the six remaining playoff spots up for grabs with two weeks left in the 2009 NFL Season. 

Hopefully Week 16 of the NFL season will bring some much-needed clarity to a jumbled playoff picture. But we will have to wait and see as teams out of the mix like the Oakland Raiders (5-9) are still playing hard.

In looking at the current NFL standings, here’s the breakdown: The “Elite”—Colts (13-0), Saints (13-1), Vikings (11-3), Chargers (11-3), Eagles (10-4), and Cardinals (9-5).

“Strong Playoff Contenders”—Bengals (9-5),  Packers (9-5) Cowboys (9-5), Patriots (9-5), Giants (8-6), Ravens (8-6), and Broncos (8-6).

“In the Hunt” teams that will soon be either in or out of the playoffs—Jaguars (7-7); Jets (7-7), Dolphins (7-7), Steelers (7-7), Texans (7-7), and Titans (7-7).

Lastly, the “Finishing Out the String” teams (See you at the 2010 NFL Draft)—Falcons (7-7), Niners (6-8), Panthers (6-8), Bears (5-9), Seahawks (5-9), Bills (5-9), Raiders (5-9), Redskins (4-10), Chiefs (3-11), Browns (3-11), Lions (2-12), Buccaneers (2-12) and Rams (1-13).

Now on to the rankings for this week.

1.  Colts (14-0) What a great game! The Jacksonville Jaguars fought hard the entire game but Manning to Wayne did the Jags in and the Colts wrapped up everything in the AFC.  It will be interesting to see if the NFL’s last unbeaten continues to chase the 1972 Miami Dolphins or rest players when they host the desperate New York Jets.

2.  Saints (13-1) The Cowboys decided to not go into the December Night, so quietly. Tony Romo and WR Miles Austin led Dallas to an upset on Saturday Night football that knocked New Orleans from the ranks of the unbeaten.  Though “perfection” is gone, the Saints still have work to do when they host the 2-win Bucs because NFC home field advantage is still at stake.

3.  Chargers (11-3) In an emotional game, the Chargers continued their ascension to the top of the AFC playoff picture by pulling out a gritty win over the heavy-hearted Bengals.  With a chance to secure the AFC’s No. 2 seed and a first round bye, the Chargers will look to win their 11^th game in a row as they travel to Tennessee to take on the improving Titans in a Christmas Day special.

4.  Vikings (11-3) Is it me or are there some cracks—no running game, injuries, poor quarterback play, and Favre/Childress feuding—starting to form in the Vikings’ armor.  In a lackadaisical game, the Vikings were thumped by the Carolina Panthers on Sunday Night Football.  The Vikings better wake up when they face the host Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, because the Eagles are hungry for the NFC’s No. 2 playoff spot.

5.  Eagles (10-4)   The Birds are looking like real contenders for the NFC crown after dismantling the Niners at the Linc, thanks to WR DeSean Jackson.  The Birds clinched their eigth playoff berth in Andy Reid’s 11-year tenure as head coach.  It will be an emotional homecoming for Denver Broncos safety Brian Dawkins as the Eagles and Broncos meet in a game with huge playoff implications.

6.  Cardinals (9-5) It was a struggle, but the Cardinals pulled themselves together enough to put away the 2-win Detroit Lions and win the NFC West title for the second year in a row. If the Cardinals want to prove that they are legitimate contenders to return to the Super Bowl then they must take care of business against the 1-win Rams.

7.  Patriots (9-5) Despite injuries all over the place, the Patriots gutted out a tough victory over the better-than-expected Buffalo Bills.  With an eye on clinching the AFC East, the host Patriots will need to be ready for the desperate Jacksonville Jaguars led by RB Maurice Jones-Drew.

8. Cowboys (9-5) Despite former kicker Nick Folk trying to give New Orleans a chance, led by remarkable DE DeMarcus Ware, QB Tony Romo, and WR Miles Austin, the ‘Boys finally reversed their December fortunes by beating the formerly undefeated Saints.  The Cowboys cannot celebrate their big win over the Saints too long as they will need to take care of business in the Nation’s Capital against NFC East rival, the Washington Redskins.

9. Packers (9-5) The Pack almost sent the Steelers to their sixth straight loss, but it was Big Ben and emerging rookie receiver Mike Wallace to the rescue as Pittsburgh pulled out a narrow victory.  Mike McCarthy’s team will be looking to get the one win needed to qualify for the playoffs when they host the struggling Seattle Seahawks.

10.  Bengals (9-5) Cincy playing with a very heavy heart almost stopped the San Diego Chargers winning streak, but the Bolts—led by QB Philip Rivers—pulled out a close victory.  Now that the Bengals have found their passing game again, expect Cincinnati to win one for fallen teammate Chris Henry and put away the AFC North when it host the tougher than their record KC Chiefs.

11. Giants (8-6) The G-Men played with pride and emotion as they trounced the Redskins in all three phases of the game on Monday Night Football.  With no room for error, the Giants will need to forget about their big MNF win and concentrate on beating the Carolina Panthers in the Meadowlands.

12.  Broncos (8-6) You would have thought Denver would have put up a better effort against its hated rival—the Oakland Raiders—but Tom Cable’s team ran all over the Broncos in a big win.  It appears that the Broncos are heading for their second straight year where they lose focus at the end of the year and nearly miss the playoffs.  In order to reverse their end of season swoon, the Broncos led by former Eagles veteran safety Brian Dawkins will need to beat the Birds in Lincoln Financial Field.

13.  Ravens (8-6) The Ravens look like a new team as they have outscored their last two opponents 79-10.  It wasn’t even close as Baltimore humiliated the Bears to move closer to a playoff bid.  In a true grudge match, the Ravens travel to Pittsburgh to face the desperate Steelers, who have to win out and get some help just to make it back to the playoffs.

14. Titans (7-7) It took overtime, but V.Y gave a gritty performance and kicker Rob Bironas nailed the game-winner against the resilient Miami Dolphins.  On Christmas Day, the Titans will hope to unwrap a win over the surging San Diego Chargers.

15.  Dolphins (7-7) In an overtime thriller, the Dolphins came back to make it a game, only to have the Titans led by QB Vince Young pull out the victory in the extra quarter.  In Week 16’s “Desperation Bowl”, the Dolphins will host the Houston Texans—both are (7-7) teams—with the loser packing it in for the season.

16.  Jaguars (7-7) The only thing that I do know about the Jags is that they are the most inconsistent team in the NFL.  With a chance to put themselves firmly in the driver’s seat for the AFC playoffs, the Jaguars played great for 3 ½ quarters only to let the undefeated Colts off the hook on Thursday Night Football.  Hopefully the extra rest that the Jags got will help them in cold New England as the hungry Patriots are looking to permanently derail Jacksonville’s playoff hopes.

17. Steelers (7-7) It was gut-check time for the 2008 Champs as it took a miraculous 500-yard passing performance by Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger to beat the upstart Green Bay Packers by a very narrow margin.  For the second straight week at Heinz Field, the Steelers will look to revive their flagging season by winning a tough game against a playoff worthy opponent, this time against the Baltimore Ravens.

18.  Texans (7-7) Can you please tell me how QB Matt Schaub threw for over 350 yards and the Texans still struggled to beat the 1-win Rams?  If the Texans are hoping to avoid their third straight (8-8) season and want to keep their dimming playoff hopes alive, they will need to take care of business in Miami against the equally desperate Dolphins who are also (7-7).

19.  Falcons (7-7) Even though they were eliminated from the playoffs earlier in the day, the Falcons led by tough QB Matt Ryan showed their resiliency in coming back to beat the host NY Jets.  You have to hand it to Falcons head coach Mike Smith as his team continues to fight on and I am sure it will be no different this week when Atlanta hosts the T.O and the Buffalo Bills.

20. Jets (7-7) With a chance to jump to the front of the AFC’s crowded playoff pack, the J-E-T-S, especially interception-prone QB Mark Sanchez, blew it against the comeback Atlanta Falcons. Jets head coach Rex Ryan will definitely need a better effort from his quarterback and offense when the Jets travel to Indy with the J-E-T-S hoping that the Colts will be resting players.

21.  49ers (6-8) Mike Singlegtary’s team showed that they are still just a little too young as mistakes doomed the Niners in a winnable game against the playoff bound Philadelphia Eagles.  With only pride on the line, the Niners will look to finish their season strong as they host the 2-win Detroit Lions.

22.  Panthers (6-8) Maybe Panthers head coach John Fox is not done in Carolina after all.  The Panthers dominated the playoff-bound Minnesota Vikings and harassed QB Brett Favre into mistakes in a season-defining Sunday Night Football win.  The Panthers can continue playing the role of “spoiler” when they travel to the cold and windy Meadowlands in search of a win against the G-Men.

23.  Raiders (5-9) Al Davis’ team is one tough bunch, and they showed it as they piled up over 200 rushing yards in a huge road win over the suddenly dormant Denver Broncos.  In a game that a couple weeks ago looked like Week16’s “Toilet Bowl”, but now it doesn’t … the Raiders will travel to Cleveland to face the improving Browns.

24.  Bills (5-9) Buffalo lost two quarterbacks and possible Defensive Rookie of the Year, safety Jarius Byrd, in a physical loss to the New England Patriots.  Bills receiver Terrell Owens’ returns to his part-time home in Atlanta as his team faces off against the Falcons in a “pride only” game.

25.  Bears (5-9) Wow have the Bears fallen!  It looked like Chicago should have never boarded the flight to snowy Baltimore as the Ravens ran up and down the field with little resistance in a huge win.  With possibly Bears head coach Lovie Smith’s job on the line, the “Monsters of the Midway” better find their bite when they host the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football.

26.  Seahawks (5-9) The Hawks’ horrible season got even worse as they were humiliated at home the Tampa Bay Bucs.  Former Green Bay quarterback and current Seattle starter Matt Hasselbeck will look to return to Lambeau Field with win as the Seahawks face off against the playoff hungry Packers.

27.  Redskins (4-10) The ‘Skins probably made new GM Bruce Allen sick to his stomach as they were embarrassed by the NY Giants at FedEx Field on Monday Night Football.  With “Dead Man Walking” Redskins head coach Jim Zorn finishing out the string, Washington will hope to pull themselves together to give the surging Dallas Cowboys some competition.

28.  Browns (3-11) With unbelievable performances by Josh Cribbs and RB Jerome Harrison, the Browns answered the bell over and over in a thrilling victory over the scrappy KC Chiefs.  With new Browns football czar Mike Holmgren watching, Cleveland will try to make it three consecutive wins when it host the Oakland Raiders.

29.  Chiefs (3-11) Though quarterback Matt Cassell continues to struggle, the Chiefs may have found their running back of the future in speedster Jamaal Charles.  The Chiefs fought to the end against the Browns, in a game that may have been Week 15’s Game of the Week.  The Chiefs maybe facing “Mission Impossible” as they travel to Cincy to play the emotional Bengals, who are looking to lock up the AFC North.

30.  Buccaneers (2-12) You can say what you want about young head coach Raheem Morris and his Bucs, but this improving team showed heart last week in a big win over the Seattle Seahawks.  The young Bucs better watch out as they travel to New Orleans just one week after the Saints lost their first game of the season.

31.  Lions (2-12) The Lions, fueled by young QB Drew Stanton and their scrappy defense, put up a good effort in a close loss to the playoff-bound Arizona Cardinals.  In a “pride only” game, the Lions travel to San Francisco to face the Niners and no-nonsense head coach Mike Singletary.

32.  Rams (1-13) The poor Rams gave it their all, but they came up just short in a surprisingly tough game to the Houston Texans.  If the Rams know what is good for them—drafting dominating Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh first overall—they will lose to the Arizona Cardinals this week.

   

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Posted in 2009 NFL Season, 2009 NFL Week 16, 2009 NFL Weekly Power Rankings Tagged: 2009 NFL Season, 2009 NFL Week 16, 2009 NFL Weekly Power Rankings, Football, NFL, Sports, Weekly Rankings.

The  Miami Dolphins’ recent success under former Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Parcells as their “football czar” has caused NFL owners to look in familiar places when looking for a GM type.  With that thought in mind, after a brief search the Cleveland Browns are set to name Mike Holmgren (former Super Bowl-winning head coach with the Green Bay Packers) as their club’s president. 

Browns owner Randy Lerner is expected to hand Holmgren a reported $10 million per year to turn around a franchise that has won just 36 games since making the playoffs in 2002 with their lone winning season during that period in 2007 (record of 10-6).

“We are pleased to announce that Mike Holmgren has agreed to join the Cleveland Browns,” Lerner said in a statement. “We will spend the rest of the week finalizing the details of the agreement and will make a formal announcement next week.” 

Cleveland’s struggles since their heyday in the 1950’s with legendary Hall of Famer’s Paul Brown (head coach) and RB Jim Brown is well documented. 

From never playing in a Super Bowl to former owner Art Modell moving his franchise to Baltimore to the team’s re-emergence as an expansion team in 1999 to poor drafting decisions (see former No. 1 overall busts QB Tim Couch and DE Courtney Brown), so the 61-year-old former head coach will have his work cut out for him. 

It will be interesting to see if Holmgren—regular season coaching record of 161-111 and a playoff record of 13-11 over 17 years—is ready to solely be an architect where he will be called on to make all personnel decisions. 

In Green Bay during Holmgren’s Super Bowl winning tenure, he worked under GM Ron Wolf.  Then in Seattle, Holmgren was the head coach and GM until being stripped of his GM duties before the 2005 season, when ironically the Seahawks made the Super Bowl. 

The key factor for me will be whether Holmgren decides to keep Browns first year head coach Eric Mangini and his staff in place or go with someone that he is more familiar with.  Though some are saying that Mangini was spared the indignation of a one-and-done season with the Browns (3-11) due to his team’s recent two-game winning streak including a huge win over hated rival the Pittsburgh Steelers, I still am not sure.

There are the two big negatives since both Mangini and Holmgren have pretty large egos and they also have “zero” familiarity together.  We will have to see as the regular season closes and teams make changes come “Black Monday” if Mangini will be on the outside looking in at that point.   My gut-feeling is that Man-genius will be at the Senior Bowl (week of Jan. 26) looking for a job.

 

Lloyd’s Leftovers

Some interesting subplots to the Holmgren hiring are:

• The Browns have been informed that former GM George Kokinis has filed for arbitration with the NFL claiming he was unjustly fired. Kokinis was dismissed on in November after only nine months on the job, and he is seeking more than $4 million in compensation and damages. 
• With the hiring of Holmgren, Browns owner Randy Lerner has moved current president Mike Keenan to the role of Chief Financial Officer.

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA).

After 14 weeks of NFL play, there are still the “Have’s” (eight teams with nine wins or more, including the league’s two undefeated teams in the Colts and Saints ,both 13-0) and the “Have Not’s” (11 teams with five or less wins, who are now basically finishing out the string). 

But a good portion of the league (13 teams) is still caught in the parity-laden middle with records ranging from 8-5 to 6-7.  So with only three games remaining in the season, there is little time left for the “Contenders” and “Pretenders” to sort themselves out before the playoffs, as only nine playoff berths remain. 

Though “mathematically” there are still a lot of teams in contention for the NFL’s remaining nine playoff spots, I believe after Week 15, the league will have a much clearer playoff picture.  With only two division races still really up for grabs (AFC East and NFC East), the real fun will be the fight for the wild card berths in both the AFC and NFC.

In looking at the current NFL standings here’s the breakdown:

The “Elite”—Saints (13-0), Colts (13-0), Vikings (11-2), Chargers (10-3), Bengals (9-4), Eagles (9-4), and Packers (9-4)

“Strong Playoff Contenders”—Cardinals (8-5), Broncos (8-5), Cowboys (8-5), and Patriots (8-5)

“In the Hunt” teams that will soon be either in or out of the playoffs—Giants (7-6), Jaguars (7-6), Jets (7-6), Ravens (7-6), Dolphins (7-6), Steelers (6-7), Falcons (6-7), Texans (6-7), Titans (6-7), and Niners (6-7)

“Finishing Out the String” teams (See you at the 2010 NFL Draft)—Panthers (5-8), Bears (5-8), Seahawks (5-8), Bills (5-8), Raiders (4-9), Redskins (4-9), Chiefs (3-10), Lions (2-11), Browns (2-11), Rams (1-12), and Buccaneers (1-12)

Now on to the rankings for this week.

1.  Colts (13-0) —Records fell everywhere as the Colts won an NFL record 22-straight regular season games with a dominating win over the Denver Broncos.  In a Thursday Night Special, it will be interesting to see if the Colts rest players or play for perfection against their desperate hosts, the Jacksonville Jaguars.

2.  Saints (13-0) —In another comeback win that kept them perfect, the Saints did just enough to hold off the injured, but dangerous Atlanta Falcons.  In a Saturday night special, the undefeated Saints will continue striving for perfection when they host the desperate Cowboys, who are now 0-2 in the dreaded month of December.

3.  Chargers (10-3) —The Bolts did their part to continue the Dallas Cowboys’ December swoon as San Diego, led by QB Philip Rivers, rode a huge goal line stand to a playoff worthy win.  In a possible playoff preview, the Chargers will host the Bengals who will probably be grieving after the unfortunate death of WR Chris Henry.

4.  Vikings (11-2) —Minnesota showed their teeth as they claimed a playoff berth by thumping the Bengals via their strong defense (allowed less than 100 yards passing) and running game.  Looking to wrap-up the NFC North division and trying to keep the heat on the Saints for the NFC’s top spot, the Vikings will travel to Carolina.

5.  Eagles (9-4) —It must be a “December Thing” as the Eagles continued their dominance in the year’s last month by gaining control of the NFC East race by outlasting the Giants in a thrilling back-and-forth SNF game.  In a game that will have a playoff feel, the Eagles will host the desperate Niners who are trying to catch the Cardinals in the NFC West race.

6. Packers (9-4) —The Pack sent their longtime rivals, the Chicago Bears, further into the abyss with a solid road win.  The Packers will look to maintain their quiet, but successful playoff run in Week 15 when they travel to Pittsburgh to face the reeling Steelers (five straight losses).

7.  Bengals (9-4) —Cincy looked vulnerable as they had no passing game in an embarrassing road loss to the Vikings.  With the horrible news earlier in the week of the passing of WR Chris Henry, the Bengals must pick up the pieces and travel across the country to face the surging San Diego Chargers.

8.  Cardinals (8-5) —Just when I was about to jump on the Cardinals’ bandwagon, they looked atrocious in a seven-turnover loss to the Niners on Monday Night Football.  With an eye on the NFC West crown, the Cardinals will need to re-assert themselves when they travel to Motown to face the two-win Detroit Lions.

9.  Broncos (8-5) —In a game that showed the dominance of the undefeated Indianapolis Colts, the Broncos had no answer to the overall talent of the Colts.  Though the Broncos have a big lead in the AFC wild card race, they will need to take care of business against the upset-minded Oakland Raiders.

10.  Patriots (8-5) —It was a struggle, but the Patriots pulled together for a tough win over the scrappy Carolina Panthers.  However, even in winning the game over the Panthers, you have to wonder if malcontents on the Patriots roster (Randy Moss and Adalius Thomas) will affect their locker room chemistry.  With no room for error and the Jets and Dolphins breathing down their backs, the Patriots need to stay focused when they travel to Buffalo this week.

11. Cowboys (8-5) —It is time for the Dallas to wake-up and admit that they have a problem playing in the month of December (5-11 since 2006). The Cowboys fell behind and then had no answer for Chargers TE Antonio Gates in a big road win by San Diego.  With their season basically on the line and possibly head coach Wade Phillips’ job, the Cowboys will need to reverse their December fortunes in New Orleans against the undefeated Saints in a Saturday night special game.

12. Giants (7-6) —The G-Men put up a lot of yardage (512 yards) and points, but in the end, the Eagles, led by big play receiver DeSean Jackson, ran past the Giants in a huge road win.  On ESPN Monday Night Football, the Giants season will be on the line when they face the dangerous four-win Redskins.

13.  Ravens (7-6) —The Ravens made sure the pathetic Detroit Lions understood that they were basically a minor league team as they thumped them by over 40 points.  It looks like John Harbaugh’s team is peaking at the right time as the playoffs are approaching, but the Ravens must stay focused when they host the inconsistent Chicago Bears.

14.  Dolphins (7-6) —The ‘Phins continue to surprise in December (undefeated in the month under head coach Tony Sparano) as they traveled north to Jacksonville and came away with a tough win over the Jags.  With the wildcat on the bench, the Dolphins will rely on QB Chad Henne and their attacking defense when they travel to Tennessee for a “Loser Leaves Town” match with the Titans.

15.  Jaguars (7-6) —With the playoffs in sight, the inconsistent Jags didn’t have much more than RB Maurice Jones-Drew in a tough home loss to the Dolphins.  The Jaguars will host the undefeated Colts in a game that could make or break their playoff hopes.

16. Jets (7-6) —The J-E-T-S and back-up QB Kellen Clemens got an ugly win over the Tampa Bay Bucs, but at least it was a win.  With their playoff hopes still alive, the NY Jets will keep their foot on the gas when the equally desperate Atlanta Falcons come to Gotham.

17. Steelers (6-7) —What in the world is wrong with the defending Super Bowl Champs?  In a must-win situation, the Steelers came up very short against the searching-for-respect Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football.  Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin will need his team to back-up his “big” boasts as Pittsburgh’s season is on the line when the Steelers host the surging Green Bay Packers.

18.  Falcons (6-7) —Mike Smith’s team showed that they are a bunch of fighters, but without starting QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, and a good portion of their secondary, the Falcons lost to the undefeated Saints.  With their season on the line, the Falcons will need to get everyone healthy for a playoff-type game against the equally desperate host NY J-E-T-S.

19.  49ers (6-7) —Mike Singlegtary’s team made it two in a row over the NFC West leading Arizona Cardinals, as the Niners won easily by winning the turnover battle on Monday Night Football.  With thoughts of winning out on their minds, the Niners will travel to Philly for a playoff-type game against the surging NFC East leading Philadelphia Eagles.

20. Titans (6-7) —Luckily for the Titans, they didn’t need QB Vince Young (hamstring) to play long in a “laugher” win over the St. Louis Rams.  All the cards will be on the table as the Titans host the Dolphins in a game that will end one team’s playoff hopes.

21.  Texans (6-7) —Desperation was in the air as the Texans, led by QB Matt Schaub, took care of business against the Seattle Seahawks.  With no room for error, the Texans will look to get back to .500 when they travel to St. Louis to face the two-win Rams.

22.  Seahawks (5-8) —The Hawks dimming playoff hopes were basically extinguished with a road loss to the Texans.  In a pride only game, the Seahawks will look to pad their stats when they host the Tampa Bay Bucs.

23.  Bills (5-8) —In a very ugly game that someone had to win, the Bills did a millimeter more than the Chiefs.  With hopes of spoiling the Patriots playoff dreams, the host Buffalo Bills will need to get a better passing effort from QB Ryan Fitzpatrick than last week.

24.  Panthers (5-8) —It appears the John Fox era in Carolina maybe coming to an end soon as the Panthers talked a lot but couldn’t win over the Patriots.  The Panthers host “Comeback Kid” QB Brett Favre and the surging Minnesota Vikings, who are looking to wrap-up the NFC North this week.

25.  Bears (5-8) —It was a typical Midwest black-and-blue special, but the host Bears had no answer for the surging Packers who scored on their very first offensive play.  With whispers of head coach Lovie Smith’s job security in the air, the Bears will travel to possibly snowy Baltimore for a showdown with the ascending Ravens.

26.  Redskins (4-9) —The ‘Skins pulled out their “A-game” in a surprisingly easy win over the downtrodden Oakland Raiders.  With new GM Bruce Allen now in charge, the host Redskins will look to spoil the NY Giants playoff dreams on Monday Night Football.

27.  Raiders (4-9) —Al Davis’ team not only lost to the Redskins, they also lost QB Bruce Gradkowski (knees) for the remainder of the season.  With journeyman QB Charlie Frye at the helm, the Raiders will look to be a thorn in the Denver Broncos’ side.

28.  Chiefs (3-10) —In a game where the Bills were terrible on offense, the Chiefs were even worse, as big-ticket QB Matt Cassell threw four interceptions in a bad home loss.  In Week 15’s “Toilet Bowl”, the Chiefs will host the Cleveland Browns, who are coming off their biggest win of the year.

29.  Browns (2-11) —On NFL Network Thursday Night Football, the Browns, led by do-everything WR Josh Cribbs, ended their 12-game losing streak to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a very chilly night in Cleveland.  In a game that is sure to be “Blacked Out”, the Browns will travel to KC for this week’s Toilet Bowl against the Chiefs.

30.  Lions (2-11) —No Matthew Stafford meant a very poor effort by the Lions and back-up QB Daunte Culpepper in a throttling by the host Baltimore Ravens.  The Arizona Cardinals will look to rebound from a poor Monday Night Football showing when they travel to Detroit to face the reeling Lions.

31.  Rams (1-12) —The Tennessee Titans thumped the poor Rams despite losing starter Vince Young very early in the game.  The Houston Texans will look to get the ball to All-World receiver Andre Johnson early and often when they face the one-win Rams.

32.  Buccaneers (1-12) —The J-E-T-S easily rolled over the hapless Bucs.  Beleaguered head coach Raheem Morris’ team maybe in for another butt-kicking as the Bucs travel across the country to face the Seattle Seahawks.

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Posted in 2009 NFL Season, 2009 NFL Season Week 15, 2009 NFL Weekly Power Rankings Tagged: 2009 NFL Playoff Picture, 2009 NFL Season, 2009 NFL Season Week 15, 2009 NFL Weekly Rankings, Dallas Cowboys, Football, NFL, Sports

The San Diego Chargers (TE Antonio Gates pictured) are one of many NFL teams making their push toward the playoffs in Week 14.

 

I am calling Week 14 of the 2009 NFL season, “Do or Die Week”, as several “on the bubble” teams can either join the push toward the playoffs or start planning for their off-season this week. 

Though the NFL is still full of the “Haves” (10 teams with eight wins or more including the league’s two undefeated teams—Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints both 12-0) and the “Have Nots” (eight teams with four or less wins, who are now basically spoilers).  There are still a multidude of teams (14) currently in the league’s parity-laden middle (records ranging from 7-5 to 5-7), who are still are playoff dreaming, even if some are by a thread. 

“It’s that time of the year, the last quarter,” said Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid, who just received a 3-year extension.  “If you’re still in the hunt, things get a little faster, guys play a little faster and so on.  That’s the nature of the game.  That’s where we’re at.” 

Overall, 26 teams are still mathematically in playoff contention, so let the race for the NFL’s 10 remaining playoff berths continue. The Saints and Colts already have claimed two of the league’s 12 coveted spots. 

The most important thing in the month of December around the NFL is to keep winning.  Teams that are strong contenders for the playoffs need to keep putting up wins to “Get In,” on-the-bubble teams need to keep winning to survive, and the teams already having clinched playoff spots want to stay “hot” entering the postseason. 

“We always look to play our best football in December,” said San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who leads the NFL in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in December since 2000.  “That’s when we want to be at our best.  We focus more in December because we know what’s coming up.” 

Tomlinson and his Chargers probably know better than any team in the NFL right now the value of winning in the year’s last month.  Dating back to a 24-21 win at Buffalo on December 3, 2006, the San Diego Chargers have won an NFL-record 15 consecutive games in December.  Prior to the Chargers’ current streak, the record was held by the Dallas Cowboys, who won 13 consecutive December games during a run that spanned from 1968 to 1972. 

Tomlinson added, “We seem to finish strong.  We’ve talked about it and really made it one of our mottos.  I think that has a lot to do with our mindsets in December.  We want to play our best football in December going into January”.

Even with the Chargers (9-3) current eight-game winning streak, they still are not at the top of the NFL’s food chain due to the success of the undefeated Saints and Colts, who are reaching new heights in NFL history together.  The two unblemished teams are the first two 12-0 teams in league history to have that record within the same season.  This week, the Colts take on the Denver Broncos in key AFC playoff matchup and several streaks will be on the line for Indy. 

The Colts, of course, will be attempting to extend their 12-0 start plus they will be trying to break a tie with the 2006-08 New England Patriots for the longest streak in NFL history (21 games).  This season the Colts have been resilent to say the least, and so far they have overcome a fourth-quarter deficit six times in 2009.  With one more fourth quarter comeback by MVP candidate QB Peyton Manning and the rest of the Colts, Indy will become the first team since the AFL-NFL merger (1970) with seven such comeback wins in one season.  

The Saints—leading the NFL with 440 points scored with an average of 36.6 ppg—also are etching their names on some records too.  With four games to play, they need to score 60 points to join the NFL’s elite 500-points in one season club that includes the 1998 Minnesota Vikings (556), 1999 St. Louis Rams (526), 2000 St. Louis Rams (540), 2001 St. Louis Rams (503), and 2007 New England Patriots (NFL Record 582 points scored). 

However as good as both undefeated teams have been, they better watch their step this week as only five teams have made it to 13-0 in NFL History: 1972 Dolphins, 2007 New England Patriots, 2005 Indianapolis Colts, 1998 Denver Broncos, and 1934 Chicago Bears.  Even with having such outstanding records to this point, nothing is guaranteed for the Saints or Colts, as the five 13-0 teams have had varying end of season success.  Only the 1972 Dolphins and 1998 Broncos ended up their 13-0 season starts with an NFL title. 

I think a lot of fans and media are hoping that both the Saints and Colts can ride into Miami for Super Bowl XLIV with perfect 18-0 records.  But if I have learned anything from my years covering the NFL, it is that nothing is predictable about the world’s most popular league.  Since 1990, only 17 of 36 number one seeds in the playoffs have made it to the Super Bowl, with only eight of those teams winning it all.  The last time two No. 1 seeds faced-off was in 1993 for Super Bowl XXVIII with Buffalo against Dallas. 

There was an interesting factoid from last week that further showed nothing is guaranteed in the NFL.  By virtue of the Saints clinching the NFC South last week, 2009 marks the seventh consecutive season that at least one team has gone from last place to first place in its division from one year to the next, the longest streak in NFL history.  Of the 32 teams to go from “worst-to-first” in NFL annals, 15 of them have done so in this decade (2000-2009).  So right now, with 63 regular season games left to be played, I don’t think  anyone has an  idea of who is going to represent the AFC and NFC in the Super Bowl.  It could be the Chargers and Saints, Colts and Giants, Broncos and Eagles, Bengals and Cardinals, Colts and Vikings, Chargers and Cardinals or any of a number of combinations. 

But teams right now need to take one game at a time and focus on “successful”  team tenants: strong quarterback play (i.e. taking care of the football), good attacking defense that produces turnovers, a balanced offensive attack based first in the run, sound special teams play, limiting penalties/turnovers, and just plain “want-to.”

This week’s Thursday Night Football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers also showed the unpredictable nature of the NFL.

BTW:  I cannot stand games on Thursdays as too often the short week lends to sloppy boring games. 

The Steelers came into the game having lost four straight games, but surely the 2008 Super Bowl Champs would beat up on the one-win Cleveland Browns (defense ranked 32nd overall going into Week 14).  The Steelers had won 12 straight against the Browns, so Thursday Night should have been P-Burgh’s re-entry into the playoff dance.  But hold-up, wait a minute…as no one told the Browns that they were not supposed to show-up. 

On a bitterly cold night (temperatures in the teens, with a 20 mph wind that produced subzero wind chills), where you wouldn’t blame Eric Mangini’s team for quitting, the Browns dug deep for a tough 13-6 win that sent the defending champs to their sixth straight loss—their longest losing streak in six years.  The Browns (2-11) sacked Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger eight times on their way to beating their hated rival in Cleveland for the first time since 2000. 

The man of the hour for the Browns was Wildcat QB/WR/KR Josh Cribbs, who rushed for 87 yards out of the wildcat formation, had 104 return yards and caught one pass for nine yards. Cribbs never let the cold get him down as he badly wanted to beat the Steelers (6-7) for the first time in his career.  The former Kent State dual threat quarterback picked up probably the game’s biggest first down on a tough 14-yard run in the fourth quarter when the Browns were winding the clock.  Of the win, and the Steelers’ long ride back to Pittsburgh, Cribbs said, “They’re going to hear that bus’ engine all the way back”.  The Steelers are now pretty much on the outside looking in on the playoffs and you can point directly to their three recent upset losses to the Chiefs, Raiders, and Browns—a combined record of 9-28—as a reason you can never pencil in wins in the NFL.

I also wanted to remind fans to vote for their favorite players, as balloting for the 2010 Pro Bowl will conclude soon http://www.nfl.com/probowl/ballot.

Some key games that will either make or break a team’s playoff hopes include:

 

Philadelphia Eagles at NY Giants

In a highly anticipated NFC East black-and-blue game, the Eagles will travel up the turnpike to face the rejuvenated NY Giants on NBC Sunday Night Football.  Here in NFC East country, this is the number one game on everyone’s mind.

The Giants are looking for payback for the Eagles knocking them out of 2008 playoffs in a disappointing home loss.

“This will be a big game,” said New York head coach Tom Coughlin this week.  “It’s a division game, against the Eagles, at this time of year.  December is such a critical time for all the teams in our league.” 

The Eagles (8-4 and on a 3-game winning streak) are currently tied with the Dallas Cowboys atop the division, but with thoughts of the Cowboys going in the tank again in December, both the Birds and Giants want to capitalize.  To me, this game is for the NFC East title even though three more games will need to be played after this one.  Expect a tough physical game, as it should be cold and windy in the Meadowlands at game time. 

The biggest key of the game will be the quarterbacks, as Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (has won 10 of his past 14 starts against NY, including the playoffs) and Giants QB Eli Manning (passing numbers: 225-379, 2,925 yards, 20 TDs, and 11 INTs) have faced off many times and usually the team that wins is the one with the passer that makes bigger plays. 

In the Eagles November win over Giants, McNabb hit explosive WR DeSean Jackson for a 54-yard touchdown and the game was never the same.  Watch for turnovers as the Eagles are plus-12 in turnover ratio (3rd in the NFL) while the Giants have a rating of minus-1.  On defense, the Eagles will look for CB Asante Samuel (7 INTs this season) to make a big play and conversely the Giants need to get pressure from their front four led by DE Justin Tuck (G-Men have won 11 in row when he has more than one sack).  One of two Eagles streaks will prevail in this game. Philadelphia has thrived in December with a record of 12-3 since 2006, but the Birds are also (1-7) on Sunday Night Football. 

 

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons

With their season on the line, the Falcons maybe facing “Mission Impossible” when the high-flying undefeated New Orleans Saints come to town for a huge NFC South game.  The Saints could quite possibly be the best team in the NFL, but they will need to be on their guard as Atlanta still has some fight left. 

The key will be whether the Falcons get back their injured offensive weapons QB Matt Ryan (turf tow) and RB Michael Turner (ankle).  Last week, the Eagles had no problems with the depleted Falcons.  However the Saints are undefeated and the Falcons would like nothing more than to stop their streak and inch back into the NFC wildcard race.  Watch for Saints QB Drew Brees and his track team of pass catchers (Meachem, Henderson, Colston, Moore, Bush, Shockey, and others) to light up the NFL’s 29th rated pass defense.  Plain and simple, if struggling back-up QB Chris Redman starts for the Falcons, this game will be a “laugher” for the Saints who are looking to wrap up a first round playoff bye with a win.

 

Denver Broncos at  Indianapolis Colts

It is time for the Broncos to show if they are truly a playoff contender as they travel to Indy to face the undefeated Colts.  I love this matchup, because it has a playoff feel to it. 

Both teams are making their playoff push, and the Broncos (8-4 and have won two in a row) want to show they can play with the “Big Boys” in the AFC.  The Colts have so many streaks on the line, but they better be careful as the Broncos still have a good chance of winning the AFC West or claiming one of the AFC’s wildcards.  The matchup I will be most interested in is the battle of two future hall of famers: Colts QB Peyton Manning’s offense versus Broncos safety Brian Dawkins defense (NFL’s second ranked pass defense).  Watch for the Broncos to continue running the football with their two-headed monster (rookie Knowshon Moreno and veteran Correll Buckhalter ran for 199 yards last week) as QB Kyle Orton  (torn ligaments in ankle) is banged up.

 

San Diego Chargers at Dallas Cowboys

Simple and plain, the Dallas Cowboys season is on the line.  The Cowboys are sick of everyone talking about a December Swoon (5-9 since QB Tony Romobecame the full-time starter), so now it is time for them to turn-up the heat in Jerry Jones billion-dollar playground.  Unfortunately for the Cowboys, they are playing the red-hot Chargers, who are on an eight-game winning streak and are 15-0 in December going back to 2006.  The key will be whether Romo (392-yard passing last week) and WR Miles Austin can hook up for some big plays against the Chargers stingy defense led by LB Shawne Merriman.  Also watch for Chargers Pro Bowl QB Philip Rivers throwing the ball against the Cowboys’ 20th ranked defense.  A final storyline to this game is that Romo has been enlisted to hold for struggling kicker Nick Foulk. Remember the last time “butterfingers” held for kicks causing Dallas to lose 21-20 to the Seattle Seahawks in a 2006 Wildcard Game.

 

Other Games of Interest

Miami Dolphins at  Jacksonville

In a “Battle for Florida” special, the Jaguars will host the Dolphins and it should be a good one as both teams are making their playoff push.  The Dolphins have shelved the “Wildcat” for QB Chad Henne throwing the ball and the Jags will be looking for a big game from Maurice Jones-Drew aka “Pocket Hercules.”

 

Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots

With the Dolphins and Jets getting dangerously close, the Patriots will need to find their playoff pedigree when they host the Carolina Panthers this week.  The Patriots have lost three games in a row and they desperately want to get their swagger back to stay in the lead in the AFC East. 

The key will be the Patriots defense stopping the run and getting pressure on Panthers QB Matt Moore (Pats only have 20 sacks this year).  Maybe new daddy Patriots QB Tom Brady and his favorite targets (WRs Wes Welker and Randy Moss) can get back on track in the bad weather of New England.  Watch for corners Leigh Bodden (Patriots) and Chris Gamble (Panthers) making big plays in this game.

 

Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota Vikings

In a true test that will show the NFL where the Bengals stand in the league’s pecking order, Cincy will hit the road to the Metrodome to face the angry Vikings.  Hard to believe, but could this improbable pairing of two soon-to-be divison winners be a preview to Super Bowl XLIV in Miami.  I lover the matchup of RBs Bengals Cedric Benson and the Vikings Adrian Peterson in this game.  Benson is rejuvenated and looks like the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year, and Peterson is a workhorse.  Both pass defenses should be tested on the Metrodome’s fast track, so expect the Bengals Chad Ochocinco (what will he do next?) and Vikings WRs Percy Harvin, Benard Berrian, and Sidney Rice to have huge games.  Also watch for the play of Vikings veteran QB Brett Favre, who finally had a bit of a hiccup last week (2 INTs in a loss).  

 

Week 14 Games

Thursday, December 10

Browns (2-11) over Steelers (6-7), 13-6

Sunday, December 13

New Orleans (12-0) at Atlanta (6-6), 1:00 PM (FOX)

Green Bay (8-4) at Chicago (5-7), 1:00 PM (FOX)  

St. Louis (1-11) at Tennessee (5-7), 1:00 PM (FOX)  

Denver (8-4) at Indianapolis (12-0), 1:00 PM (CBS)  

Buffalo (4-8) at Kansas City (3-9), 1:00 PM (CBS) 

NY Jets (6-6) at Tampa Bay (1-11), 1:00 PM (CBS)  

Miami (6-6) at Jacksonville (7-5), 1:00 PM (CBS)  

Detroit (2-10) at Baltimore (6-6), 1:00 PM (FOX)

Seattle (5-7) at Houston (5-7), 1:00 PM (FOX)  

Cincinnati (9-3) at Minnesota (10-2), 1:00 PM (CBS) 

Carolina (5-7) at New England (7-5), 1:00 PM (FOX)

Washington (3-9) at Oakland (4-8) 4:05 PM (FOX) 

San Diego (9-3) at Dallas (8-4), 4:15 PM (CBS)  

Philadelphia (8-4) at NY Giants (7-5), 8:20 PM (NBC)

Monday, December 14

Arizona (8-4) at San Francisco (5-7), 8:30 PM (ESPN)

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

The Cincinnati Bengals and head coach Marvin Lewis are poised to claim their first AFC North division title since 2005.

Here’s the current division breakdown after Week 13:

A trend that I will be watching as the playoffs draw near is the number of new teams making the playoffs after missing them the prior year. In 2008, for the 13th consecutive NFL season, five or more teams qualified for the playoffs that were not in the postseason the year before (Arizona, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Minnesota, Miami and Carolina). This year, the Bengals, Saints, Cowboys, Patriots, Packers, Broncos, and Jaguars are all strong contenders to make the playoffs after missing out in 2008.

NFC East–The Dallas Cowboys (8-4) are tied with the Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) for the division lead. Currently, the Cowboys own the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Eagles by virtue of their 20-16 win in Week 9. Now is “crunch time” in the NFC East. The Giants, Eagles, and Cowboys are all within one game of each other with four games to go. The interesting thing will be if the Cowboys and Eagles continue their current end of season trends—since 2006, Dallas is 5-9 in December and Philly is 12-3.  

The Cowboys’ remaining games: SD, @NO, @WAS, and PHI

The Eagles’ remaining games: @NYG, SF, DEN, @DAL

The Giants’ remaining: PHI, @WAS, CAR, @MIN.

NFC West—The Arizona Cardinals (8-4) have a three-game lead over the San Francisco 49ers (5-7). The Cardinals can clinch the NFC West division title with a Week 14 win over the ‘Niners on Monday Night Football. 

The Cardinals’ remaining games: @SF, @DET, STL, and GB

NFC South—The New Orleans Saints (12-0) have already clinched the NFC South title.  With a win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14, the Saints can clinch a first round playoff bye. 

New Orleans’ next four games, making 16-0 look very possible, are: @ATL, DAL, TB and @CAR

NFC North–The Minnesota Vikings (10-2) have a two-game lead over the Packers (8-4), plus they hold the head-to-head tiebreaker after sweeping Green Bay this season. The Vikings can clinch the NFC North division title with a win over the Bengals and a Packers loss to the Bears. 

The Vikes’ remaining games: CIN, @CAR, @CHI, and NYG

 

AFC East–By virtue of their current two-game losing streak, the New England Patriots (7-5) lead in the division has slipped to one game over the Miami Dolphins and NY Jets (both are 6-6). With New England’s rather easy schedule in their next four games (teams with a combined record of 21-27), I would think the Patriots can hang on for their first division crown since 2007. 

The Patriots’ remaining games: CAR, @BUF, JAC, and @HOU

 

AFC West—The San Diego Chargers (9-3) have won eight games in a row and are currently one of the hottest teams in the NFL. However, the Chargers only have a one-game lead over the Denver Broncos (8-4), who are also playing at a high level. Look for this division race to go down to the wire. 

San Diego’s remaining games are: @DAL, CIN, @TEN, and WAS – combined record of 25-22

The Broncos’ remaining games: @IND, OAK, @PHI, KC – two tough road games and two division games

AFC South–The Indianapolis Colts (12-0) have already clinched the AFC South division crown and equaled the 2006-07 New England Patriots’ NFL record consecutive games winning streak (21). With a Week 14 win over the Denver Broncos, the Colts can clinch home field advantage throughout the 2009 playoffs. With the division already sewn up, it will be interesting to see if Colts’ head coach Jim Caldwell continues former head coach Tony Dungy’s tradition of resting players rather than concentrating on a perfect season. 

The Colts’ remaining games: DEN, @JAC, NYJ and @BUF

AFC North—The Cincinnati Bengals (9-3) currently have a 3-game lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens (both 6-6). With a win over the Vikings in Week 14, the Bengals can clinch their second division title under head coach Marvin Lewis (first in 2005). 

The Bengals’ remaining games: @MIN, @SD, KC, and @NYJ

Other playoff contending teams’ remaining schedules

ATL (6-6)                NO          @NYJ      BUF         @TB

BAL (6-6)                DET         CHI        @PIT        @OAK

CAR (5-7)               @NE        MIN        @NYG     NO

CHI  (5-7)               GB           @BAL      MIN        @DET

DEN (8-4)               @IND     OAK        @PHI      KC

GB (8-4)                 @CHI      @PIT      SEA          @ARI

HOU (5-7)              SEA          @STL      @MIA     NE

JAC (7-5)                MIA         IND         @NE       @CLE

MIA (6-6)               @JAC      @TEN     HOU        PIT

NYG (7-5)               PHI          @WAS    CAR         @MIN

NYJ (6-6)                @TB        ATL          @IND     CIN

PHI (8-4)                 @NYG      SF            DEN         @DAL

PIT (6-6)                 @CLE      GB           BAL          @MIA

SEA (5-7)                @HOU    TB            @GB       TEN

SF (5-7)                  ARI          @PHI      DET         @STL

TEN (5-7)                STL          MIA         SD           @SEA

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Posted in 2009 NFL Divisonal Breakdown, 2009 NFL Playoffs, 2009 NFL Season Tagged: 2009 NFL Division Breakdown, 2009 NFL Playoff Picture, 2009 NFL Playoffs, 2009 NFL Season, Football, Indianapolis Colts, Marvin Lewis, New Orleans Saints, NFL, Sports

 

This December, the pressure will be on the Dallas Cowboys and QB Tony Romo to not go into their usual end of season “Swoon”

 

When most people think of the month of December, they think of spending the holidays with their friends and family.  But lately in Dallas, the last month of the year has meant that it is time for a “Swoon” by the Cowboys. 

Since 2006, when quarterback Tony Romo took over as the Cowboys starter, much to the chagrine of fans and team owner Jerry Jones, Dallas’ record in December is 5-8 in the regular season. 

The Cowboys also have been outscored 314 to 239 in those 13 regular games during the month. 

To even further shine a spotlight on their end of season futulity, the Cowboys are 0-2 in the playoffs the last three years and have not won a playoff game since 1996.  

I won’t rehash their woes since 1996, but the past three years are present a strong case that the Cowboys continually have the holiday blues.

From 2006 to 2008, the Cowboys won three straight Thanksgiving games and came into the month of December with a winning records (8-3 in 2006, 11-1 in 2007, and 8-4 in 2008) only to crush their high expectations. 

To say the least, the month of December has been a disaster filled with untimely turnovers and losses to teams out of contention at the time that games were played (Lost to the Detroit Lions, record of 2-13 at the time, by the score 39-31 in Week 17 of 2006 and the Philadelphia Eagles, record of 6-8 at the time, by the score of 10-6 in Week 15 of 2007).

In 2006, the Cowboys looked to be a strong contender to win the NFC East, however they finshed December with a record of 2-3 including two straight losses to the Eagles (Week 16 by a score of 23-7) and Lions (Week 17 by a score 39-31) to end the season.  The “swoon” sent Dallas from a potential division winner to a 9-7 wildcard road team.

Of course everyone knows that the Cowboys’ 2006 wildcard playoff game with the Seattle Seahawks ended with Romo fumbling a potential game-winning field goal snap, causing the Cowboys to lose 21-20 in a true heartbreaker to then-head coach Bill Parcells.

In 2007, the Cowboys were on top of the NFL with a record of 11-1 entering December and many were lauding new head coach Wade Phillips, receiver Terrell Owens, and Romo as a potential Super Bowl contender. 

However, a 2-2 record in the season’s final month, including a Week 15 loss to the Eagles (lost 10-6 to a down Birds squad that finished the year at 8-8) and a Week 17 loss to the Washington Redskins (lost 27-6) that set the stage for playoff disaster. 

After a bye week off, the overconfident Cowboys hosted the NY Giants (10-6 record) who snuck into the playoff as a wildcard. 

However the eventual Super Bowl champion G-Men pounded the Cowboys (Romo sacked three times) on their way to a comeback 21-17 win in Texas Stadium.

The 2008 season’s December swoon may have been the worst yet for the Cowboys.  Entering the last month of the season, Dallas had a record of 8-4 and were in the hunt for the NFC East division title. 

However, a record of 1-3 in December left no presents under the tree and no playoffs for the Cowboys.  You hate to throw the term “Choke” around in NFL circles, as there is always the “Any Given Sunday” mentality throughout most of  the league, but plain and simple the Cowboys folded at the end of the 2008 season.

You cannot blame them for losing a close road game to the eventual Super Bowl champion Steelers in Week 14 by a score 20-13.  However their defeat in Week 17 to the Philadelphia Eagles showed their lack of “urgency” in the month of December. 

After the Tampa Bay Bucs and Chicago Bears both lost earlier in the day to help the Eagles playoff chances, the stage was set for a “Win and Your In” regular season finale between the Cowboys (then 9-6) and the Eagles (then 8-6-1) at 4:00 PM in Lincoln Financial Field. 

Playing with more urgency and purpose, the Eagles fueled by five turnovers pummeled the overrated Cowboys 44-6. The catalyst of the Cowboys demise was Romo as “Mr. September” was harassed into producing two turnovers (1 INT and 1 Fumble) including a fumble that was returned for a touchdown. 

The Cowboys finished the season leading the NFL in penalties and finished 30th in turnover margin.  And to make matters even worse, the Cowboys continued to fight amongst themselves on the sidelines in the loss (T.O and the gang). 

Plus there was alledgely a skirmish between Cowboys FB Deon Anderson and LT Flozell Adams on the flight home from Philadelphia.

The pressure to win in December and beyond in 2009 will most assuredly be on Romo and head coach Wade Phillips—overall record as Cowboys head coach of 30-13 through the first 12 weeks of the 2009 season.

There is a perception by some that the Cowboys lack of focus at the end of the season is due to Phillips’ “player’s coach” mentality, so you know he is definitely on the hot seat with Cowboys management. 

Romo (signed a six-year, $67.5 million contract extension with $30 million guaranteed in ‘08) is also on the hot seat right along with Phillips and supposed up-and-coming offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. 

The Cowboys quarterback has had great success in the earlier months of the season (record of 30-7 as a starter  from September–November since his first start in Week 8 of 2006), but at the end of regular season usually “What can go wrong, Does go wrong” for Romo, with record of 5-10 in December and January including an 0-2 record in the playoffs. 

Romo also has been the target of criticism at the end of the year, not just for his well-publicized trip to Cabo, Mexico with then girlfriend Jessica Simpson during the playoff bye week in 2007, but also for his untimely turnovers in games after November.

He has passing numbers of 297-510, 58.2%, 3385 yards, 15 TDs, 20 INTs in 17 games including the playoffs.  Simpson is long gone, so now Romo should have no excuses and should answer the bell this December.

So with Sunday’s game at Meadows versus the NY Giants, it is “See you in December” time for the Cowboys and you know Jerry Jones is hungry for a playoff winner on the field of his new $1. 15 billion dollar stadium. 

In the Cowboys remaining five games in 2009, everyone in the organization will be under the gun to win.  Currently the Dallas Cowboys (8-3) have a 1-game lead over the Eagles (7-4) in the race for the NFC East title. 

After feasting on the lowly Raiders on Thanksgiving, the Dallas’ next five games should be a lot tougher (@NYG, SD, @NO, @WAS, and PHI) so now the real fun should start in Big D.

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Posted in 2009 NFL Season, Dallas Cowboys, Tony Romo, Wade Phillips Tagged: 2009 NFL Season, Cowboys end of season swoon, Dallas Cowboys, Football, Jessica Simpson, NFL, Sports, Tony Romo, Wade Phillips

Quickly name me the top defense in the NFL after 12 weeks of play…No it is not the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens, or any other team that you would guess.  Surprisingly, the league’s No. 1 ranked defense, in terms of yardage allowed, is the Green Bay Packers—average of 281.5 yards of offense per game. 

That’s right… the team that seemed to be in a shootout every week in 2008 (allowed 380 points with an average of 23.8 point per game) and lost badly twice this season to the Minnesota Vikings led by “You know who”, has now found some teeth on defense. 

No doubt the infusion of new defensive coordinator Dom Capers and his new attacking 3-4 defensive scheme has grown roots with the Packers (7-4).  The Pack now has playmakers on the defensive line (see Cullen Jenkins—25 TKLs, 4.5 Sacks, 3 FF, and 1 INT) and secondary (see Charles Woodson) with their linebackers also getting better. 

Despite losing All-Pro’s CB Al Harris and OLB Aaron Kampman for the season to knee injuries, the Packers have found inventive ways to shutdown opponents.  Since losing to the Bucs 38-28 in Week 9, the Packers have been on a roll and have allowed an average of only 14 points per game in their last 3 games (all wins).

The Packers are getting three-and-outs at a high rate–Opponents’ third down conversion rate of only 33 percent (successfully converted 48/144 third downs) plus they are getting timely turnovers—27 takeaways ranking Green Bay second behind New Orleans (32).  Clearly the addition of true nose talk rookie BJ Raji (1st Rd pick–9th overall) has made the transition to the 3-4 easier with the powerful  rookie from Boston College and veteran Ryan Pickett providing the “fire hydrant” in the middle of the D-line that is essential to others in the front seven making plays. With their stout nose tackles leading the way, the Packers have allowed only two 100-yard rushers through 11 games—Bengals RB Cedric Benson and St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson in Weeks Two and Three respectively.

For sure the player that has benefited the most from the arrival of Capers has been perennial Pro Bowl player CB/S Charles Woodson.  The former Heisman Trophy winner has turned it up several notches and may very well be playing the best football of his career.  All one has to do is look at his current stats (54 tackles, two sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and seven INTs) to see why the 12-year veteran was named the Defensive Player of the Month for November and is a strong contender for NFL Defensive MVP.  Woodson’s seven interceptions are one away from his career best of eight picks in 2006 and his two TD returns off turnovers is already a personal best.

The pressure will be on Woodson to continue to make game-changing plays without his partner Harris, but I believe he will be up to the task.  The road to the playoffs won’t be an easy one for the Packers as their five remaining games include three road games and features three 2008 playoff teams ( BAL, @CHI, @PIT, SEA, and @ARI).  Other than the Ravens (6-5), who also run the ball too, the four other remaining teams that the Packers will play to end the season like to throw the ball a lot. 

The next big test for the Packers will be this Monday as the nation gets to see their No. 1 ranked defense first-hand against the Ravens.  Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said of his team’s defense, “You want to be ranked No. 1 at the end of the season, but I think our defense is on the right pace to be the championship defense that we anticipate we’d have here”.  McCarthy then added about the challenge of facing the Ravens on Monday Night Football, “Our margin for error is going to be a lot less than it has been in the first 11 games because it’s December football now.  This is the most important football that we’ll play all season.”

Current NFL Yardage Allowed Stats

                 Rush         Pass      Total

Green Bay    89.1         192.5     281.5

N.Y. Jets     108.2        175.7     283.9

Pittsburgh    74.9         213.5     288.4

N.Y. Giants  107.8        182.6     290.5

Denver        110.0       185.0     295.0

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award -winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Posted in 2009 NFL Season, Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers, NFL’s Top Rated Defense Tagged: 2009 NFL Season, Charles Woodson, Dom Capers, Football, Green Bay Packers, NFL, NFL’s Top Rated Defense, Sports