2009 Inaugural NFC West Featured Columnist Competition

Welcome to the introductory article for the 2009 NFC West Featured Columnist Competition!

I am glad that you have found this article, and I hope this competition intrigues you enough for you to follow it all season long.

We developed this competition as a means for both camaraderie and competition among the NFC West writers, both of which are critical elements among men who are supposed to be rivals.

The premise of this competition is simple: take two prominent writers from a set of division rivals and pit them against each other in a competition which tests a man’s football IQ.

The eight contestants in this year’s competition will submit picks each week in hopes of outwitting their opponents and claiming the 2009 NFC West Featured Columnist crown.

There are several interesting features to this year’s competition, so without further ado, here are the rules and guidelines.

2009 NFC West Competition Rules and Guidelines

Contestants
—Each team in the NFC West will be represented by two Featured Columnists, making a total of eight contestants.
—In the event that two Featured Columnists are unavailable for a certain team, the spots will be filled with regular writers from said team.

Submitting Picks
—Each week, every contestant will pick the winners of the full slate of NFL games.
—The picks will be turned in no later than 24 hours before the first kickoff of the week.
—Any contestant who fails to turn in a set of picks will receive the lowest total score achieved for that week by an active contestant (Example: Player A fails to turn in picks for Week Three. Player C finished in last place for Week Three by scoring only nine points. Since Player A failed to turn in his picks, he would be given the equivalent of the lowest score of the week: nine points).

Posting Picks
—The night before each week’s first game, an article will be published showing every contestant’s picks for that week.
—The article will include each contestant’s picks, as well as any interesting trends which have developed that week (e.g. a unanimous selection, an underdog that several people selected, etc.).

Scoring
—Scoring is simple; each correct pick counts for one point.
—Underdog Bonus: Any correct pick which was selected by 25 percent or less of the contestants (typically this will be two or less contestants) will receive an additional point for predicting an Underdog victory.
—Tie Breaker: In the event of a tie at the end of the season, the winner will be determined by the most correct picks made for Monday Night Football games (17 total).

Posting Results
—Each Tuesday, an article will be published with the previous week’s results.
—The picks will be scored and ranked, providing a standings board for both weekly and seasonal ranks.
—There will be an individual standings board, but the most important part of the competition will be teamwork, because…

Determining a Winner
—While individual success is impressive, team success wins championships
—Wedding Crashers Rule No. 65—When your crash partner fails, you fail. No man is an island.
—Each contestant’s scores will be combined with his partner’s scores to determine that team’s overall rank (e.g. Seth Doria and Ron Clements scores will combine to produce the St. Louis Rams overall score).
—At the end of the year, the team with the highest combined score wins the competition!

Prizes
—Aside from bragging rights, this year’s contestants have agreed to sweeten the pot for the winning duo.
—The two winners of this year’s competition will receive a brand new NFL Replica jersey of their choice from NFLShop.com.

As if winning the bragging rights weren’t enough, now each contestant has a shot at sporting some brand new threads…

With these rules in mind, now it is time to meet the contestants in the 2009 NFC West Competition!

2009 NFC West Competition Contestants

(Both teams and contestants are listed in alphabetical order)

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Chris Farmer
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Fan Since: 1970-1987, 2002-Present (Long Story)
Playing For: No. 34 Tim Hightower Home Jersey
2009 Breakout Player: WR Chris Henry—Cincinnati Bengals
2009 Breakout Team: Houston Texans
2009 BOLD Prediction: RB Ahmad Bradshaw will lead the NY Giants in yards from scrimmage.

Steven Smith
Hometown: Peoria, AZ
Fan Since: More of a Supporter than a Fan
Playing For: Just Wire the Money to a Foreign Account and I’ll Pick a Jersey Later…
2009 Breakout Player: WR Nate Washington—Tennessee Titans
2009 Breakout Team: San Francisco 49ers
2009 BOLD Prediction: Louis Murphy leads all rookie WR in yards and touchdowns.

 

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Andrew Garda (FC)
Hometown: Astoria, NY
Fan Since: 1991—The Beginning of the Young Years
Playing For: No.21 Frank Gore Jersey
2009 Breakout Player: WR Josh Morgan—San Francisco 49ers
2009 Breakout Team: New Orleans Saints—Always a Bridesmaid Never a Bride…UNTIL NOW! Playoffs, Baby!
2009 BOLD Prediction: With Carson Palmer Back Chad Ochocinco will Return to Form and hit 1500 yards (he will, however, still be ridiculous).

Dray Miller (FC)
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Fan Since: Birth (1980)
Playing For: Vintage Brent Jones 49ers Jersey or Pat Tillman Cardinals Jersey (Both Went to My High School)
2009 Breakout Player: DE Jarron Gilbert–Chicago Bears
2009 Breakout Team: San Francisco 49ers, of course.
2009 BOLD Prediction: Josh McDaniels will be fired after just one season, in which he manages to completely ruin the Denver Broncos organization.

 

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Scotty Kimberly (FC)
Hometown: Bellingham, WA
Fan Since: Birth (1985)
Playing For: No. 51 Lofa Tatupu Home Jersey
2009 Breakout Player: RB Ray Rice—Baltimore Ravens
2009 Breakout Team: Detroit Lions (Expect 6+ Wins)
2009 BOLD Prediction: Pat White will finish the year with 15-plus combined TD (Rush/Receive/Throw).

Rob Staton (FC)
Hometown: Sheffield, United Kingdom
Fan Since: 2004
Playing For: No. 80 Steve Largent Retro or No. 89 John Carlson Home
2009 Breakout Player: RB Cedric Benson
2009 Breakout Team: Houston Texans
2009 BOLD Prediction: Knowshon Moreno will rush for 1500 yards and 12 touchdowns.

 

ST. LOUIS RAMS

Ron Clements (FC)
Hometown: La Crosse, WI  
Fan Since: Packers Fan Since Birth (1974)
Playing For: No. 19 Derek Stanley (He’s from Wisconsin)
2009 Breakout Player: TE Billy Bajema—St. Louis Rams
2009 Breakout Team: Green Bay Packers (10 Wins This Year)
2009 BOLD Prediction: Steven Jackson will lead the NFL in total yards from scrimmage AND Billy Bajema will finish the season with more receptions than Randy McMichael.

Seth Doria (FC)
Hometown: St. Louis, MO  
Fan Since: 2009
Playing For: Rams 2010 First-Round Draft Pick
2009 Breakout Player: RB Michael Bush—Oakland Raiders (the next Michael Turner)
2009 Breakout Team: Green Bay Packers
2009 BOLD Prediction: Vince Young will make more starts than Kerry Collins.

 

Please comment with what you like/dislike/expect and join in on the discussion.

Game on.

 

sk.

Breaking News: Seattle Seahawks Release RB T.J. Duckett

ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that the Seattle Seahawks have released running back T.J. Duckett.

On Monday, the Seahawks’ front office refused to comment on widespread speculation that the team had signed veteran running back Edgerrin James.

In the meantime, Seattle seemingly opened up a roster spot that James could fill by releasing Duckett, a former first-round pick out of Michigan State.

In 2008, Duckett tallied 172 yards on 68 carries, along with a team-high eight rushing touchdowns. Despite productive touchdown numbers, Duckett’s potential as a feature back was clearly lacking.

According to sources, Duckett was informed of the decision on Monday night.

The Seahawks declined to comment until the team resumed practice on Tuesday, but both Duckett’s release and James’ signing are expected to be officially announced at that time.

 

Link to ProFootballTalk Report

Defenseless in Seattle: Seahawks’ Offensive Line Shifts in Wake of Injuries

The Seattle Seahawks continue to face a myriad of injuries to their offensive line. The most recent casualty was Pro Bowl left tackle Walter Jones.

Jones left practice on Monday with back problems, and after sitting out practice for the following two days the team announced that he was scheduled for arthroscopic knee surgery to remove scar tissue in his surgically repaired left knee (details here).

Jones’ injury only magnifies the Seahawks Achilles heel over the past calendar year: the inability of the offensive line to remain healthy.

Every opening day starter for the 2008 Seattle Seahawks offensive line finished the season on the injured reserve.

Approaching the 2009 season, these health concerns have continued.

The first Seahawks loss on the offensive line occurred the day before training camp opened, when Pro Bowl left guard Mike Wahle was released by the Seahawks after failing his physical. Wahle had not wholly recovered from offseason shoulder surgery.

In the first week of training camp, incumbent center Chris Spencer sprained his ankle and has missed time intermittently since then. He was a game-time decision for the Chargers game last weekend and, if he continues to progress, should be ready for the season opener next month.

Tackle Ray Willis has also regularly missed time during training camp due to soreness in his left knee. This was planned, however, as the Seahawks have intentionally limited Willis’ practice time due to a history of knee problems.

With the injury to Walter Jones, Willis’ contributions are expected to increase greatly, which could place more strain on his bad knee.

Guard Mansfield Wrotto sat out on two different occasions with a leg bruise. The injury was not considered serious, but Wrotto is currently slated to start (although rookie Max Unger could wrestle the starting gig away from him), and any nicks and bruises cannot be taken lightly.

On top of Spencer, Willis, and Wrotto missing practice, veteran offensive linemen Cory Withrow and Grey Ruegamer have also missed significant time during training camp.

By utilizing the exceptional versatility of a number of offensive linemen, the Seattle Seahawks coaching staff has adapted quite well to the current injuries on the offensive line.

Rookie Max Unger was a center at the University of Oregon, and has already practiced with both the first and second teams at center, left guard, and right guard. Unger is projected to compete for playing time with Mansfield Wrotto at right guard since last year’s starting right guard, Rob Sims, has shifted to left guard to replace Mike Wahle.

Third-year center Steve Vallos has also bounced around the offensive line in training camp. Vallos played left tackle at Wake Forest, but lacked the size to play tackle in the NFL, and therefore moved to the interior line.

In 2008, Vallos was called on to start the final five games of the year when Chris Spencer landed on the injured reserve. He has risen from a seventh round draft pick in 2007 to a key backup on the Seahawks offensive line.

Tackle Ray Willis is another unheralded offensive linemen who will be called upon in 2009. Willis, a fifth-year tackle out of Florida State, has only started ten games in his career, all of which came in the Seattle Seahawks injury-plagued 2008 season. He regularly rests his ailing knees, but Willis has shown the coaching staff enough to warrant a starting roster spot in place of the injured Walter Jones.

With a growing list of injury concerns, the Seahawks have marched a number of combinations onto the field for their first-team offensive line. Here is a sample of the combinations which have been used so far (from left tackle to right tackle):

• Jones – Sims – Spencer – Wrotto – Locklear (Projected Starters)
• Jones – Sims – Unger – Locklear – Willis
• Locklear – Sims – Spencer – Wrotto – Willis
• Locklear – Sims – Spencer – Unger – Willis
• Locklear – Sims – Vallos – Unger – Willis
• Locklear – Sims – Vallos – Wrotto – K.Williams
• Locklear – Sims – Vallos – Wrotto – Willis

At least Rob Sims is healthy, right?

Every injury shifts the dynamics of the Seahawks offensive line.

Wahle’s retirement forced Rob Sims‘ move to left guard, creating a vacancy at right guard which Mansfield Wrotto and Max Unger are battling for. Walter Jones‘ injury forced Sean Locklear’s move to left tackle, which consequently thrust Ray Willis into the starting lineup at right tackle.

As injury concerns persist, keep watch for how the Seahawks coaching staff manages the offensive line. While health problems will certainly persist, the coaches seem quite capable of filling the holes that these injuries create.

 

Breaking News: Michael Vick Signs With The Philadelphia Eagles

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that quarterback Michael Vick has signed a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Vick’s agent, Joel Segal, confirmed the report to ESPN.

Vick signed a two year contract with the Eagles. The financial details are forthcoming.

Vick is eligible to play in the final two preseason games for the Philadelphia Eagles, which will help determine his role with the team entering the regular season.

Eagles fans, what are your reactions to the signing?

 

What I’ve Noticed From Ten Days Of Seattle Seahawks Training Camp

Over a week into Jim Mora’s training camp, the Seattle Seahawks have produced a number of interesting news and notes.

From headline stories such as the retirement of Mike Wahle to back-page blurbs such as the daily chorus of Aaron Curry fan chants, every detail from the Seattle Seahawks training camp thus far can be absorbed, analyzed, and somehow applied the the Seahawks destiny in 2009.

Here is a list of notes/observations/opinions which, in my opinion, are pivotal to the 2009 Seattle Seahawks.

I’ll begin with the most obvious point from this year’s camp…

Jim Mora Means Business
New head coach Jim Mora has been brushing his teeth, sorting out the recycling, putting on ugly t-shirts, and doing any other random act that has been associated with Business Time.

This is no slant on former Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren, but he wasn’t the most driven individual in terms of external aggression (just ask Colin Cowherd). Jim Mora, on the other hand, is known as an aggressive, driven, and hands-on head coach, and his training camp has fully lived up to his reputation.

In front of a sell-out crowd at the VMAC (the Seahawks practice facility is the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Redmond, WA) the Seahawks are grinding out two-a-days in the dog days of summer. At least Mora eased up on Sunday, ten days into practice, and gave the players a night off.

If you don’t think two-a-days in the summer heat are brutal, just ask Seahawks Stength and Conditioning Coach Mike Clark. Clark is learning that…

Jim Mora Loves the “Torture Chamber”
You may ask, “Why do the Seahawks have a torture chamber at training camp?” Fear not, they do not have any sort of sadistic device on location. Instead, they have a section of the field marshaled by their fitness-savvy S&C coach Mike Clark.

If you didn’t follow the above link for Clark’s bio, I’ll summarize it for you: the guy knows what he is doing.

Clark resides in the lakeside corner of the VMAC field, entertaining players who aren’t practicing at the time. In case you missed the forced exaggeration on that last line, let’s just say that Clark’s “entertainment” is comprised of endless conditioning exercises.

Mora has grown fond of Clark’s corner, labeling it the “Torture Chamber,” and making sure that Clark always has players to keep entertained.

At this pace, the whole roster might drop twenty pounds. Speaking of a twenty pound drop…

DT Brandon Mebane Is Slimmed Down and Ready to Rumble
I laughed to myself when I typed “slimmed down,” because despite dropping twenty pounds this offseason, Mebane still weighs in at a hefty 300 pounds. Consider, however, that Mebane got as high as 330 pounds last season, and one can understand why Team President Tim Ruskell labeled Mebane a “lean fighting machine.”

Mebane and the newly acquired 330 pound Colin Cole will undoubtedly clog the center of the defensive line. Cole will serve as the nose tackle while the slimmer Mebane will take a crack at the three-technique.

All reports out of camp are that Mebane has been outstanding, earning a Player of the Day nod from Seahawks blogger Clare Farnsworth last Wednesday.

Good news, I guess, because who wants a fat guy in camp who isn’t performing. Speaking of fat guys who haven’t performed…

RB T.J. Duckett Could Excel in a Zone Blocking Scheme
First and foremost let me clarify that I do not think T.J. Duckett is fat. He may be heavy, but anyone who has seen T.J.’s six-pack would instantly cut out the fat jokes.

Duckett has been one of the more surprising story lines of the Seahawks camp so far. While Duckett expressed his interest in more touches this season, no one but T.J. legitimately thought that he would touch the ball outside of the five yard line.

In training camp, however, Duckett seems to be adapting well to new offensive coordinator Greg Knapp’s running system. And why not? Greg Knapp was Duckett’s offensive coordinator in Atlanta when Duckett tallied over 100 carries, 500 yards, and eight touchdowns in 2004.

For those of you who still aren’t buying Duckett as a legitimate running threat (which partially includes myself) consider this: on Sunday, Duckett scored a touchdown from the seventeen yard line… on the other side of the field! Somehow Duckett rumbled, bumbled, and stumbled his way to an 83 yard touchdown run. It was a textbook ZBS touchdown run; one cut and gone.

Unfortunately for T.J. the touches might not be there, but that is a recurring theme on the Seahawks because…

Both Playing Time and Roster Spots Will Be Elusive in 2009
Quite simply, the Seahawks roster is crowded. There are a number of players on the Seattle Seahawks squad who are going to become casualties of the numbers game, and as a result will lose playing time and/or their job because of it.

At tight end, John Carlson is clearly the man, while newly acquired TE John Owens is an excellent blocker to complement Carlson’s playmaking abilities. The fight for third string, however, is brutal, as Cameron Morrah, Joe Newton, and John Tereshinski are all in the mix (I’m pulling for Morrah).

At wide receiver, the talent pool is even more muddled. Last year’s receiving corps was part veteran, part free agent, part drifter, and one-hundred-percent awful. Unfortunately for last year’s stand-ins, the injured players they were replacing have now healed.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Nate Burleson, Deion Branch, and Deon Butler are sure things, while Ben Obomanu is the favorite to land the fifth spot. This likely leaves one roster spot available for soap opera names like Jordan Kent, Logan Payne, and Courtney Taylor, as well as longshots Michael Bumpus and Mike Hass (also don’t forget that WR Billy McMullen was already cut to make room on the roster for Aaron Curry last week).

For the sake of time I will refrain from going into the depth chart disasters at cornerback and defensive end, but competition encourages growth, so whoever the Seahawks put on the field will certainly have earned their playing time.

An exception to earning playing time might be LB Aaron Curry. Despite the fact that he entered camp late, I still believe that…

LB Aaron Curry Will Be Ready to Play
Had the Seattle Seahawks drafted Michael Crabtree, this would be the point when I would be hurling myself off the Tacoma Bridge.

Instead, the Seahawks landed the safest player in the 2009 draft, sent $30 Million guaranteed his way, and got him into training camp faster than a number of prominent rookies.

Curry hit the field a week late, but is catching on quickly. While a holdout can damper the growth of several skill positions (e.g. quarterback, wide receiver), the effects of a holdout shouldn’t keep Curry weighed down.

Pro Bowl LB Lofa Tatupu laughed it off when reporters suggested the Curry’s holdout could pose a threat to his NFL adaptation. “[Playing linebacker is] not rocket science over here.”Tatupu stated plainly. “You hit the man with the ball.”

We have covered Curry and WR Deon Butler, but they won’t be the only rookies seeing the field in 2009, because…

Drafting OL Max Unger is Looking Better by the Day
I was skeptical when the Seahawks took Unger in the second round of this year’s draft. Then again, I should have to forfeit my right to skepticism, because I blistered the Seahawks for trading up for John Carlson last year (in my defense, USC TE Fred Davis was available and I thought he was a better choice).

However, Unger’s versatility earned my support, and the current state of the Seahawks offensive line might thrust him into battle.

Pro Bowl G Mike Wahle failed his physical and was released prior to training camp, forcing Rob Sims to move from right guard to left guard while Mansfield Wrotto steps into the right guard spot. Wrotto is slated to start right now (do you blame the Hawks? He looks angry in his profile picture…), but it is generally understood that Max Unger is the future at this spot.

If Wrotto can provide stability at right guard, it would allow Unger to move around the line as a backup, which was the original plan prior to Wahle’s release/retirement. Either way, Unger is going to be pivotal to the Seahawks offensive line in 2009.

 

That’s it! Thanks for reading and please respond with what you agree/disagree with in the comments section below.

sk.

 

 

Seeking Arizona Cardinals Fan/Writer for 2009 NFC West Competition

Hey, this is Scotty Kimberly (as the author line has told you) and I am a Featured Columnist for the Seattle Seahawks.

With a little over a month until the first game of the 2009 NFL season, I have been quite busy putting together an NFC West Featured Columnist competition.

No details yet, but be excited, as it will pit several representatives from each team against their alleged bitter rivals.

Unfortunately, we still have one vacant spot and the deadline is looming for when I initially planned to have this competition organized.

With that in mind, here is the purpose of this post:

I need one fan/writer to represent the Arizona Cardinals in this year’s NFC West competition!

• This position requires a full-season commitment, however the time spent is minimal (approximately an hour each week)
• If you win, you will receive a brand-new replica jersey of your favorite player on the team you are representing!
• If you lose, you agree to pitch $30 into the prize pool (so the winner’s jerseys can be purchased)

Please message me for details.

Trust me, it’s going to be a great competition.

To quote The Sultan of Swat… “Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die.”

sk.

Colin Cowherd Accuses Mike Holmgren of “Mailing It In” in 2008

Colin Cowherd, host of the The Herd on ESPN Radio, accused former Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren of “mailing it in” during the Seahawks abysmal 2008 campaign.

Here is what Cowherd had to say:

“A source told me late, like week thirteen or week fourteen in the NFL season…that Mike Holmgren had essentially mailed it in. [Holmgren had] Very little energy, looking forward to retirement, was putting in nine-to-five hours…

“[Holmgren] was on his way out before Jim Mora took the job over, and it was just sort of an unenergenized last year in Seattle. Not that he mailed it in by your standards or my standards, but by NFL standards, seventeen hours a day, Holmgren wasn’t there emotionally.”

Cowherd continued on his show to attribute part of the Seahawks 4-12 season to Holmgren’s lack of work ethic, which in my opinion, is quite misguided.

I have two main points of contention with Cowherd’s statements. First, I don’t believe that you can attribute the Seahawks 2008 shortcomings solely to Mike Holmgren. Second, even if Holmgren did “mail it in” at the end of last year, the repercussions were not as terrifying as Cowherd would have you believe.

How Much Was Mike Holmgren to Blame for the Seattle Seahawks 4-12 Record in 2008?

Not as much as most NFL fans think.

The bottom line is that the Seattle Seahawks suffered more injuries in their 2008 campaign than most teams endure in multiple years.

Here are some quick stats to show you how badly injuries decimated the Seattle Seahawks offense in 2008

• All five of the Seattle Seahawks starting offensive linemen finished the 2008 season the Injured Reserve
• Pro Bowl QB Matt Hasselbeck struggled with back injuries all year, playing in only seven games and throwing twice as many interceptions as touchdowns
• Not one position on the Seahawks offense featured the same starter all 16 weeks. In fact, only three offensive players started 12 or more weeks…
• Entering the Seattle Seahawks’ bye week in week four, the Seahawks were without the following wide receivers: Deion Branch, Bobby Engram, Nate Burleson, Ben Obamanu, Logan Payne, and Seneca Wallace. Six. Yes, six! (most teams only carry six wide receivers on their active roster)
• Due to these injuries at wide receiver, the Seahawks signed/acquired/promoted/hired off the street/forced on to the field at gunpoint the following high-school all star team of receivers: Billy McMullen, Koren Robinson, Keary Colbert (you’re seeing where this is going)

Take away a team’s Pro Bowl Quarterback and they’re hurt, but they can continue.

Strip away a team’s offensive line and they are probably out of contention (most people still somehow undervalue the importance of the offensive line).

Rob a spread-offense of any potential target who played professional football prior to 2008 and you may as well start digging a grave.

Do all three of these in the same season and guess what you get? A 4-12 record.

I watched most of the Seahawks games in 2008, and to tell the truth, they were simply overmatched on the offensive side of the ball to do anything.

When your offense isn’t productive, it doesn’t spend time on the field. When your offense doesn’t spend time on the field, your defense doesn’t get a break. When your defense doesn’t get a break, it becomes overworked and underperforms.

When your offense is habitually unproductive and your defense is regularly overworked, what do you get? A 4-12 record.

While coaching certainly affects winning and losing, it can only do so much with a group of CFL has-beens.

For excellent analysis of the Seattle offense time-management problems last year see the Rob Staton article here.

Even if Mike Holmgren did “Mail It In”… So What?

Note: I am neither acknowledging Cowherd’s statements as true nor endorsing Holmgren’s behavior if Cowherd’s statements were in fact true.

Let’s assume that Cowherd is right. Let’s assume that Holmgren was only working nine-to-five in the final weeks of the 2008 season and that he was looking forward to retirement. Here is question I pose to Colin Cowherd: So what?

So what, Colin Cowherd? So what if, as you say, Mike Holmgren started to “mail it in” around week 13 or 14 last year?

Let’s take a look at the Seattle Seahawks at that time.

Entering week 13, the Seattle Seahawks were 2-9. Matt Hasselbeck returned from a back injury in week 11 only to lead the Seahawks to two straight losses, all while being forced to throw the ball to guys like Courtney Taylor and Koren Robinson.

Morale was low, blood pressures were high, and everyone was their own Jim Mora when the playoffs were mentioned.

Looking up at a 7-4 Arizona Cardinals team, who the Seahawks lost to only in week 10, the Seahawks had accepted the fact that, for the first time in a long time, they would not go to the playoffs.

So let’s say you’re right, Colin Cowherd. Let’s say Mike Holmgren looks at his injury decimated, non-driven, offensively challenged team and decides to slack off at the end of the year.

You know what I say to that? I wish it had happened!

Instead of fading into oblivion at the end of last season, as Colin Cowherd believes Mike Holmgren would have accepted, the Seattle Seahawks went 2-1 in their final three games.

The ‘Hawks beat a miserable Rams team in week 15, crippled the Fighting Brett Favres’ playoff chances in week 16, and (for some reason) in the course of these two victories knocked themselves out of contention in the fight for the No. 2 draft pick (let’s be honest—Detroit had No. 1 locked).

Had it been as you say, Colin, and Mike Holmgren simply mailed it in, I would have gladly accepted two more losses at the end of last year, a 2-14 record, and jumping up another notch in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Instead, the Seahawks played admirably at the end of 2008, somehow winning two games with a mix-and-match offense, and letting Mike Holmgren leave Seattle with as much dignity as anyone could in his situation.

A victory over the New York Jets in Mike Holmgren’s final game at Qwest Field was a fitting end to his time in Seattle.

I like the conspiracy theories, Colin, but the Seahawks struggles in 2008 were far deeper than a lack of effort by the coaching staff.

I don’t care if Mike Holmgren mailed it in, e-mailed it, sent it FedEx, or hand-delivered it, I’m just glad that we had him for the Seahawks most successful run in franchise history.

Thanks Mike.

–sk–

Did Over-Scouting Allow Aaron Curry to Fall to the Seattle Seahawks?

The NFL Combine is a spectacular event to behold.

Year after year, NFL hopefuls are tested in nearly every aspect of their physical and mental fitness. Each test provides NFL teams with some sort of information concerning a certain player’s NFL caliber.

In certain instances, however, it seems that NFL teams “over-scout” certain players, which allows drill results and test scores to outweigh a player’s sheer football talent.

Here is a example:

• Lofa Tatupu was a star linebacker at USC, leading the Trojans to back-to-back NCAA National Championships
• He was an All-American in 2004
• At the NFL combine, Tatupu was criticized for lacking the necessary size and speed to excel at the next level
• Because of this poor scouting report, Tatupu’s draft stock slipped significantly. Some experts had him rated as a third round pick.
• Tatupu was selected in the second round (45th overall) by the Seattle Seahawks
• Tatupu consequently began his career with three consecutive Pro Bowl campaigns (2005-07) while establishing himself as the leader of the Seahawks defense

Aaron Curry was unanimously regarded as the safest pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Some experts called him the most talented player in the draft, and up until the week of the draft he was the consensus selection to be taken by the Kansas City Chiefs at pick No. 3.

Some negative opinions existed, however, concerning whether or not Curry could be a pass rusher in the NFL. Despite an incredible combine performance and excellent Pro Day, Curry was still labeled as a pass rushing liability.

Scouts used college film to determine that, while he was the most talented linebacker in the NFL Draft, his NFL potential could be limited due to an inability to rush the quarterback.

Now Aaron Curry is out to prove those critics wrong.

Reports out of the Seattle Seahawks mini-camp have indicated that coaches believe Aaron Curry could be a legitimate pass rushing threat this season.

Click Here for frame-by-frame analysis of Curry’s pass rushing skills.

Head Coach Jim Mora Jr. noted that, “[Curry] has an aspect of pass rush that we didn’t see on the college film because they didn’t ask him to do it. We’ve asked him to do that a little more here, and it looks like he’s a guy who athletically can do that.”

Take it with a grain of salt, however, as Mora added, “I say this with reservation because it’s not padded practices and it’s not live.”

It will be interesting to see how Curry evolves as an NFL linebacker. However, if he is able to outperform the scouting reports which discredited him as a pass-rusher, he could become an all-around star in the NFL.

While a fall to pick No. 4 isn’t too far, is it possible that Curry’s drop was due to over-scouting?

Mora noted that Curry’s game tapes from Wake Forest may not have been the best indicator of his pass rushing abilities, as he was rarely asked to do at the college level. Yet these game tapes were strongly evaluated by NFL scouts.

If it was these tapes that generated the belief that Aaron Curry lacked pass rushing skills, it is very likely that “over-scouting” led to his fall past the Kansas City Chiefs.

While Curry would have most likely fell past the Detroit Lions, who desperately needed a quarterback, and the St. Louis Rams, who desperately needed offensive line help, Curry’s fall past the Kansas City Chiefs at pick No. 3 could have been aided by his alleged pass rushing deficiencies (remember that the Chiefs selected an accomplished pass rusher in DE Tyson Jackson instead of Aaron Curry).

This issue is completely subjective, as a number of variables could have played into his draft status. Therefore, please do not comment assuming that I believe this theory to be the absolute truth.

Instead, I am merely putting the matter up for debate!

Comment with what you agree and disagree on.

sk.

Team-By-Team Ranking of NFL Running Backs

I recently published an article which ranked all 32 NFL teams according to their starting quarterbacks.

The job was tedious, but it entertained me, so I decided to give it a try for running backs as well.

In this list, I am ranking teams according to the overall talent of the running backs who will receive the majority of carries in the 2009 season.

Teams on which one runner receives the bulk of the carries (e.g. Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings) will be ranked according to that player.

Teams which split carries (e.g. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart of the Carolina Panthers) will have any significant back listed and taken into account.

Please remember that a list of this nature is quite subjective. There are teams that could easily be moved higher or lower, depending on how that team’s talent is evaluated by the author.

Because of this I look forward to the comments suggesting which teams should be moved around.

Here are the team-by-team rankings of NFL Running Backs.

 

32. Cincinnati Bengals – Cedric Benson / Kenny Watson

The Cincinnati Bengals finished 29th in the NFL in rushing yards in 2008. No significant additions were made, and the starting job seems to remain in former Chicago Bears bust Cedric Benson’s hands. In 2008, Benson played 12 games, averaging only 3.5 yards per carry and finding the end zone just twice. Don’t expect greater dividends in 2009, as the only thing that may return to prominence is Carson Palmer and the Bengals passing game.

 

31. Cleveland Browns – Jamal Lewis

Jamal Lewis is a rarity in the modern NFL. He is a goal line back built for red-zone carries that somehow landed a first-string gig. Led by the fleet-footed Lewis, the Browns rushing attack averaged only 3.9 yards per carry in 2008.

Lewis topped 1,000 yards for the seventh time in his career, but did so running for just 3.6 yards per attempt. Unless backup RB Jerome Harrison is given more touches, the Browns running game won’t be any more productive than 2008.

 

30. Seattle Seahawks – Julius Jones / T.J. Duckett

Part of me dies inside every time I write about the Seattle Seahawks running game. Despite being a Seahawks fan, I can still admit that the ‘Hawks seriously lack rushing talent.

Julius Jones was the team’s leading rusher in 2008, with a paltry 698 yards. The highlight of the Seahawks running game is when T.J. Duckett comes in to fall over the goal line from two yards out. If the Seahawks plan to win in 2009, it will have to come via the air attack.

 

29. Detroit Lions – Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith grew into a serviceable back throughout his rookie year, finishing with 238 rushes for 976 yards. Anyone would consider being benched for Rudi Johnson a career low, and after recovering the starting gig Smith averaged 97 rushing yards and one touchdown per game over his last three starts.

Despite some promise, Smith still plays for the Lions. Detroit has no talent on the offensive line, and will most likely face uncertainty from the quarterback position. Smith will probably rush for 1,000 yards, but it won’t be pretty and will often be in a losing effort.

 

28. Arizona Cardinals – Tim Hightower / Chris Wells

The Arizona Cardinals’ 2008 rushing campaign was notably unnecessary. Arizona finished dead last in rush attempts and total rushing yards, while finishing as one of only seven teams to average less than 4.0 yards per carry.

Don’t expect much more in 2009. Despite the addition of rookie Beanie Wells, the Cardinals will probably air it out just as much as 2008.

 

27. New England Patriots – Laurence Maroney / Fred Taylor

With the return of Jesus, the New England Patriots will probably not resemble their 2008 team which finished sixth in the league in rushing. Laurence Maroney returns in 2009, after missing most of the 2008 season for a plethora of reasons.

His talent, combined with the veteran presence of Fred Taylor, will give the Patriots a consistent rushing attack. Fortunately for the Patriots, they won’t need it to very much, as Tom Brady will be throwing the ball early and often.

 

26. Denver Broncos – Knowshon Moreno / Correll Buckhalter

With two new running backs in town, history says that the Denver Broncos will do what they always do: produce 1,000 yard rushers. The question is whether or not the 1,000 yard rushers will come from the opening day roster and if their productivity will help the team win.

Moreno is a future star and Buckhalter was excellent when called upon as a backup in Philadelphia. These two should fight through the growing pains as each is adjusting to a new role in Denver, but with Mike Shanahan out of the picture in Denver don’t expect their annual rushing parade to march again in 2009.

25. Baltimore Ravens – Willis McGahee / Le’Ron McClain / Ray Rice

The Baltimore Ravens team rushing statistics last season are deceptive. Baltimore finished fourth in the NFL in rushing, but did so while averaging only 4.0 yards per carry on a staggering 37 rushing attempts per game.

Total rushing yards: Good. Rushing efficiency: Not So Good. Willis McGahee is falling apart, Le’Ron McClain is more of a fullback than anything else, and Ray Rice is still developing. With all three facing difficulties, the Ravens rushing in 2009 won’t be anything of note.

 

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Derrick Ward / Earnest Graham

The wild card here will be former Tampa Bay star Cadillac Williams. If the Caddy is ready to ride he could steal carries from Derrick Ward, which could inhibit either back from finding a groove throughout the season.

Earnest Graham’s won’t compete for the job, as he is too valuable as a fullback to ever start at running back, but this efficiency won’t stop him from thieving goal line touches.

 

23. New Orleans Saints – Reggie Bush / Pierre Thomas

Unfortunately for Reggie Bush, godliness in video games does not equate to real life success. Unlike the 98-speed Reggie Bush who dominates video games, Reggie Bush is often tackled for a loss against real life opponents.

Pierre Thomas ran well last year when called upon to start, tallying six rushing touchdowns (and three receiving) in six starts to close out the season. While this rushing attack won’t blow anyone away, it should be enough to let the Drew Brees show pick apart opposing secondaries.

 

22. Kansas City Chiefs – Larry Johnson / Jamaal Charles / Kolby Smith

In an ideal world, Larry Johnson would receive the vast majority of carries in 2009 and the rest of the Chiefs running backs wouldn’t need to be listed here.

In reality, however, L.J. might throw a temper tantrum and get traded, leaving Charles and Smith to divvy up what’s left of the Chiefs rushing attack. If this was L.J. circa 2005 the Chiefs would be top five on this list. As is, the world will be surprised if they can piece together a top-20 attack.

 

21. Green Bay Packers – Ryan Grant

Ryan Grant was a statistical anomaly in 2008, rushing over 300 times for 1,200 yards but finding pay dirt only four times.

He cemented his place as the Packers starting running back with a stellar 2007 postseason, and remains at the top of the depth chart entering 2009. He is a good-but-not-great runner, who can complement Aaron Rodgers and provide a solid Packers rushing attack.

20. Oakland Raiders – Justin Fargas / Darren McFadden

The Oakland Raiders have the most potential of any backfield combination in first round draft picks RB Darren McFadden and QB JaMarcus Russell. Unfortunately, neither of these players can consistently find playing time.

RB Justin Fargas, who was a 1,000-yard rusher the year before Darren McFadden was drafted, joins McFadden at running back to provide stability in the ground game. If it weren’t for the Oakland Raiders offensive line, this duo could rush for more, but as it stands the 2009 Raiders rushing attack will be in the middle of the pack.

 

19. New York Jets – Thomas Jones / Leon Washington

Thomas Jones had an outstanding 2008 campaign, finishing with 290 rush attempts for over 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns. Jones has put together four straight 1,000 yard seasons, but he is aging in running back years, as he will be 31 at the start of the 2009 season.

Backup RB Leon Washington is an X-Factor in any game, as he returns kicks and punts as well as contributing rushing and receiving yards. The 2009 Jets rushing attack will be productive, but don’t expect a repeat of last year’s production from an aging Thomas Jones and a maturing Leon Washington.

 

18. Indianapolis Colts – Joseph Addai / Donald Brown

It is unclear how much Donald Brown will factor into the Indianapolis Colts playbook this year, but Joseph Addai has regularly split carries throughout his career and still been productive. Peyton Manning fuels the Colts offense, and because of this their offensive line is geared towards pass blocking.

One of the greatest downfalls for the 2008 Colts was the inability to run the ball. Indianapolis finished dead last in the NFL in yards per carry, averaging only 3.4 per touch.

If Donald Brown plays effectively in 2009, the Colts rushing attack could improve greatly. Even with improvement, the ceiling for Indianapolis’ rushing game seems to be the middle of the pack.

 

17. Buffalo Bills – Marshawn Lynch / Fred Jackson

This platoon favors the starter the more than most on this list. Marshawn Lynch receives the clear majority of carries, but Fred Jackson’s contributions are significant, especially in the passing game.

Lynch has two straight 1,000 yard seasons to start his career, and if Terrell Owens can provide a spark to the Buffalo Bills passing game then he will have more room to run in 2009. In the AFC East there isn’t any margin for error, so if Lynch improves the Bills could still falter.

 

16. Pittsburgh Steelers – Willie Parker / Rashard Mendenhall

It’s difficult to place a team who focuses on smash-mouth running this low on the list, but health problems have factored heavily into both Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall’s recent seasons.

A healthy attack could finish top ten, but if injuries arise, look for the Steelers ground game to finish in the middle of the pack. This won’t bother the Steelers, however, as they have a knack for old school football and low scoring games.

 

15. San Francisco 49ers – Frank Gore

Despite the San Francisco 49ers unsuccessful search for a new franchise quarterback, Frank Gore has been consistently productive in the Niners’ backfield. Gore is an all-purpose back whose impact cannot be measured by rushing alone, but that does not mean his rushing numbers should be discounted.

Shaun Hill and Alex Smith are unlikely to relieve any pressure from Gore in 2009, but he will get his statistics regardless.

 

14. St. Louis Rams – Steven Jackson

Similar to Frank Gore, Steven Jackson is a young, talented running back who is constantly hampered by inconsistency at the quarterback position. S-Jax, otherwise known as the only guy in St. Louis who plays football, is a beacon of light on a dark Rams depth chart.

It is yet to be seen if Jackson can hearken back to his 350 carry, 1,500 yard season in 2006, but the potential is there.

 

13. Houston Texans – Steve Slaton

Slaton sits immediately ahead of a number of talented backs on this list who he should outproduce in 2009. He had a phenomenal rookie campaign, making Houston fans completely forget the team’s 2006 snub of projected-star-but-now-not-a-star RB Reggie Bush.

If he continues to progress, he could easily lead the Texans rushing attack to new heights in 2009.

 

12. Jacksonville Jaguars – Maurice Jones-Drew

Fantasy managers worldwide celebrated the departure of RB Fred Taylor, making Maurice Jones-Drew the full-time back in Jacksonville. In three seasons in the NFL, MJD has never topped 200 carries, but has produced excellent yards per carry while functioning as a touchdown machine (34TD in three seasons).

If his full-time work is half as good as his previous years, he will be a force in 2009.

 

11. Washington Redskins – Clinton Portis

Clinton Portis is a rarity in the NFL. He is a hard-nosed runner who averaged 4.3 yards per carry in 2008 and seemed to get just that every time he touched the ball. He isn’t flashy, and he might not be a home run threat, but it’s not unusual for him to top 100 yards without a single rush longer than 15.

Despite a lack of highlight reel rushes, Portis is a workhorse year in and year out. Newly acquired G Derrick Dockery will bolster the Redskins offensive line, and with an improved Redskins defense Portis could be given more carries to grind the clock with a lead.

10. Chicago Bears – Matt Forte

The surprise team in this top ten is Matt Forte and the Chicago Bears. Forte had an outstanding rookie season, rushing for over 1,200 yards and 8 touchdowns. The arrival of Jay Cutler will raise the Bears offense to unprecedented heights, as he is the first star-caliber quarterback to suit up in Chicago in years.

If Cutler expands the passing game, Forte will have more lanes to run through, which could lead to a rushing explosion in Chicago.

 

9. Dallas Cowboys – Marion Barber / Felix Jones

Tashard Choice played well when called upon in 2008, but with Felix Jones healthy Choice won’t factor into the 2009 playbook. Marion Barber and Felix Jones are the ideal combination of power and speed, respectively, and have the combined talent to lead a fierce Cowboys rushing attack.

Regardless of eventual success, these two combine for more talent than most teams dream of having.

 

8. Miami Dolphins – Ronnie Brown / Ricky Williams / Pat White

Yes, I’m guilty of jumping the gun on this, but if/when Miami puts Pat White in the Wildcat formation it is going to be a giant boom or a massive bust. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams were dangerous as a running tandem in 2008, especially out of the Wildcat.

However, defenses soon figured out how to play the Wildcat: stick all eleven defenders on the line of scrimmage with single coverage on any route-runners.

If White can execute the Wildcat it will force the defense into more than single coverage deep, which will open up the line of scrimmage, which will do God knows what to the Miami Dolphins rushing attack.

The Dolphins have rushing talent even without Pat White, but if he contributes this attack could be lethal.

 

7. New York Giants – Brandon Jacobs / Ahmad Bradshaw

Earth, Wind, and Eli? It doesn’t have the same ring to it, but with Derrick “Fire” Ward gone to Tampa Bay it will have to do in 2009. Even with Ward gone, Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw are a legitimate rushing threat.

Brandon Jacobs is a MAN (ask LaRon Landry), and Ahmad Bradshaw has shown moments of brilliance during his tenure in New York.

 

6. San Diego Chargers – LaDainian Tomlinson / Darren Sproles

Remember the days when LaDainian Tomlinson ruled the world? Me neither…Entering 2009, Tomlinson is loaded with question marks, but scat-back Darren Sproles seems primed for a breakout year. These two combined could lead a dangerous rushing attack in 2009.

Philip Rivers has evolved into a top-tier quarterback, which should take significant pressure off of the San Diego running game in 2009. Even if the statistics don’t play in San Diego’s favor, the Chargers undoubtedly have one of the most talented backfields in the NFL.

 

5. Philadelphia Eagles – Brian Westbrook / LeSean McCoy

I debated leaving LeSean McCoy out of the title, but given the health of Brian Westbrook it seems that McCoy could have an impact in his rookie year. Health issues aside, Westbrook might be most dangerous all-around running back in the NFL.

It is important to note that he affects more than the Eagles’ rushing attack. If this were a list of leaders in yards from scrimmage he would be on top. As is, he makes the Eagles a top-tier rushing threat in 2009.

 

4. Atlanta Falcons – Michael Turner

The most important part of the Atlanta Falcons success last season was the production of RB Michael Turner. Matt Ryan was excellent under center, but Turner regularly strapped the team on his back and carried them.

How much? He led the NFL in rushing attempts, with a staggering 376 carries, while finishing second behind Adrian Peterson in rushing yards. As Ryan matures in 2009, Turner could be even more productive.

 

3. Tennessee Titans – Chris Johnson / LenDale White

If it weren’t for LenDale White’s portly nature, it could be said that Tennessee features the best one-two punch in the NFL (see below for which team actually does). Chris Johnson is Al Davis’ wet dream; a slashing runner with 4.3 (or better) speed.

LenDale White loves all-you-can-eat-buffets as much as he loves the end zone, and few runners are equally efficient in the red zone. As a tandem, this duo is difficult to beat.

 

2. Carolina Panthers – DeAngelo Williams / Jonathan Stewart

The Carolina Panthers easily have the most rushing talent of any team in the NFL. DeAngelo Williams’ league-leading 18 rushing touchdowns were a surprise in 2008, a year when most experts predicted he would lose his job to newcomer Jonathan Stewart.

Williams and Stewart complemented each other perfectly last season, rushing for over 2,300 yards on 357 carries to lead the Panthers to an NFL-best 30 rushing touchdowns. Look for repeat success in 2009.

 

1. Minnesota Vikings – Adrian Peterson

The top of this list belongs to, in my opinion, the most talented running back in the NFL. Peterson was a workhorse in 2008, leading the NFL with 1760 rushing yards on 363 rushes.

The Vikings quarterback situation is still in turmoil, which isn’t good news for Peterson, who is getting used to seeing eleven defenders in the box. Regardless of how many defenders meet him at the line of scrimmage, Peterson will contend for the rushing title again in 2009.

 

That does it for my team-by-team running back rankings.

Please comment below with what you think I got right, what you think I got wrong, and what you would write if given this task.

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Team-By-Team Ranking of NFL Quarterbacks

There are many talented quarterbacks in the NFL, but in order to rank each team’s strength at the position, it’s important to focus only on those that are likely to take the field this season.

If a team has a clear-cut starter then they are ranked according to him alone, but if a team is mired in a quarterback controversy, both quarterbacks are taken into account when ranking their team.

Please read and react with what you think I got right and wrong.

Without further ado, here are the rankings!

 

32. Oakland Raiders—JaMarcus Russell

I’m not sure if this is commentary on the Oakland Raiders organization, JaMarcus Russell’s development as an NFL quarterback, or a depressing combination of both.

Russell has been a disappointment so far in the NFL, mostly because the Raiders’ coaching staff has yet to let him open up the playbook (partially because, in all honesty, he isn’t quite capable of opening up the playbook).

No worries though, because Al Davis drafted another 4.30 speed receiver for Russell to throw to.

Yeah, that will help.

Russell finished in the lower tier in nearly every passing statistic in 2008, and a repeat performance isn’t too far out of the question.

 

31. Detroit Lions—Daunte Culpepper and Matthew Stafford

Daunte Culpepper is currently listed as the starter for the Detroit Lions. He has had some great seasons in the NFL and is capable of winning, but his most important role now is teaching Matthew Stafford, or as the Lions’ front office calls Culpepper’s job, “making sure we don’t have another Joey Harrington fiasco.”

Like they say, when you have two quarterbacks, you have no quarterback, and this will be the case in a number of cities in 2009, including Detroit.

 

30. New York Jets— Kellen Clemens and Mark Sanchez

Mark Sanchez is listed as the team’s starter on the Yahoo! Sports depth chart. However, the most recent reports out of Jets minicamp have suggested that Clemens is outperforming Sanchez. The Jets know that Sanchez is the quarterback of the future, so it will be interesting to see how they handle his playing time in 2009.

The reason that New York gets the nod over Detroit here is because while both teams have a quarterback of the future, New York’s young quarterback will see the field a lot sooner than Detroit’s.

 

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Byron Leftwich and Josh Freeman

This offseason, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seemingly purged themselves of any semblance of 2008’s late season collapse. Jeff Garcia was cut loose in the fray, leaving the Bucs with no clear option at quarterback for 2009.

Veteran Byron Leftwich is listed as the team’s starter, but it’s possible that his main role will be mentoring quarterback-of-the-future Josh Freeman.

Keep in mind that while Leftwich has been a journeyman, he is only 28 years old. It will be interesting to see how the Buccaneers handle their quarterback situation this season. Regardless of who starts, it’s unlikely the Bucs will bank on their quarterback for victory any time soon.

 

28. Minnesota Vikings—Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels

They say that competition breeds success. This is only possible, however, when there is at least one ideal choice to settle on. In Minnesota, the coaching staff will have to choose between a mediocre Tarvaris Jackson and an unproven Sage Rosenfels to lead the team in 2009.

Jackson is known as a rusher with limited passing skills, but threw the ball well toward the end of 2008. Rosenfels, on the other hand, looked strong in the pocket while starting in Matt Schaub’s place in 2008. No matter which way the coaches go with this decision, don’t look for the Vikings to get much production from under center.

They should be fine, however, as long as whoever they choose can hand the ball off to Adrian Peterson.

 

27. San Francisco—Shaun Hill and Alex Smith

Note to whoever is taking snaps in San Francisco: Look for Michael Crabtree, he’ll be open. Shaun Hill played well in 2008, throwing for 2,000 yards, 13 touchdowns, and an 87.5 quarterback rating in a little more than half a season.

The question in San Francisco is, do you let the less-sexy choice in Shaun Hill keep the job or allow former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith to challenge him for it?

Most likely, Hill will be under center for the Niners this year. However, the 49ers organization has made it clear that they have not ruled Alex Smith out of their future quite yet. Hill has the talent to be an NFL quarterback (think Jon Kitna), and he might get the chance to prove it for an entire season.

 

26. Baltimore Ravens— Joe Flacco

Joe Flacco is a guy who got a lot of credit in 2008 for a lot of things he didn’t do. Flacco is a prototypical game manager quarterback, which fits perfectly on a team like Baltimore or Pittsburgh, but doesn’t say much about his individual skill set.

Flacco completed 60 percent of his passes in 2008, but threw for only 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, while failing to top 3,000 passing yards.

His 80.3 quarterback rating more accurately gauges his 2008 accomplishments, placing him 22nd in the NFL in that statistic. While he will not wow people in 2009, Flacco could grow as a quarterback and become a potential threat by the end of the year.

 

25. Buffalo Bills—Trent Edwards

The good news is that the Bills got a talented receiver in Terrell Owens. The bad news is that the Bills also got a complete basketcase and quarterback destroyer in Terrell Owens. Prior to the T.O. signing, Edwards would have held this same position in the ranks. He is a game manager who is most comfortable throwing the ball around 25 times a game.

If he throws it more than that, he will most likely start throwing it to the other team. Edwards now has limitless talent to throw to with wide receiver Lee Evans and the previously mentioned Owens, but don’t expect the world from him. He will produce good stats, but not great ones.

 

24. Denver Broncos—Kyle Orton

The good news is that Kyle Orton isn’t terrible. The bad news is that Kyle Orton isn’t good. Orton is a serviceable quarterback who can perform a Kerry Collins-esque game manager role in Denver, but the Broncos will soon learn that he is no Jay Cutler.

Fortunately for Denver, Brandon Marshall makes playing quarterback easy, and if rookie runningback Knowshon Moreno can get his feet under him quickly, Orton won’t have to worry about passing much at all.

Chris Simms sits behind Orton on the depth chart. Don’t be too surprised if Simms ends up taking snaps by mid-2009.

 

23. Tennessee Titans—Kerry Collins and Vince Young

I know, listing Vince Young here might be folly. Most likely, Collins will start nearly every game of the 2009 season and Young will continue going on midnight strolls to alarm family and friends. I listed him here, however, because it’s not often that a team spends a top five pick on a quarterback and abandons him this quickly.

If Young does not get at least one start this year, I will be genuinely surprised. Collins is a reliable starter with excellent fundamentals and has an outstanding game manager mentality.

Unfortunately, his game does not expand much beyond this due to Tennessee’s talented defense and running game. He remains, however, a better option at quarterback than a number of other starters, and definitely a safer choice than Vince Young.

 

22. Cleveland Browns—Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson

Brady Quinn is currently listed as the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback. It doesn’t help that new head coach Eric Mangini has publicly expressed his dislike for Quinn, or that Quinn fell face first when given the reins in 2008.

Current backup Derek Anderson also struggled in 2008, but he remains the only quarterback on the roster who has a productive season under his belt, throwing for over 3,700 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2007.

Quinn will most likely start and endure the growing pains of being an NFL quarterback, but as a tandem, the Cleveland Browns have an awful lot of talent and potential on the roster at quarterback.

 

21. St. Louis Rams—Marc Bulger

Yeah, this guy has made the Pro Bowl before. Twice. Bulger was stellar from 2004-06, but his last two seasons have taken a turn for the worse. In 2007 and 2008, Bulger combined for 22 touchdowns and an astonishing 28 interceptions. Hard to swallow from a quarterback coming off of three straight seasons with a 90-plus quarterback rating.

In 2009, Marc Bulger’s success will hinge on the success of first round draft pick offensive tackle Jason Smith and the health of marquee runningback Steven Jackson.

If Smith produces, Jackson can run. If Jackson can run, defenses will be forced to respect the run and open up some passing lanes for Bulger.

Will this happen? Probably not, but God, Bulger hopes so.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars—David Garrard

What happened to David Garrard? Jacksonville bought into Garrard when they sent former starting quarterback (and younger) Byron Leftwich out the door in 2006.

Garrard did not disappoint in 2007, producing a 102.2 quarterback rating while throwing 18 touchdowns and only three interceptions.

2008 was a different story, however, as Garrard was bitten by the turnover bug (13 interceptions, three fumbles lost) and saw his rating drop more than 20 points. 2009 is a wild card year for Garrard, as his 2007 or 2008 version could show up to play any given weekend.

 

19. Carolina Panthers—Jake Delhomme

Considering how painfully Jake Delhomme’s 2008 season ended, his regular season numbers weren’t that bad. Given, the numbers aren’t sending Delhomme to Hawaii any time soon, but an 84.7 quarterback rating, 3,288 passing yards, and 15 touchdowns are serviceable contributions.

Consider that Delhomme’s career passer rating is 85.1, and that even in his most productive years (2003-05) he averaged around 3,500 passing yards with a rating in the mid-80s, and you get a good gauge of what to expect in 2009. Delhomme was never built to impress, but he can provide serviceable production and strong leadership.

 

18. Houston Texans—Matt Schaub

When Texans fans weren’t enjoying Sage Rosenfels’ high-flying show against the Colts, they were entertained by emerging quarterback Matt Schaub. Schaub’s numbers in 2008 didn’t blow anyone away, but that’s because he only played in 11 games.

If Schaub’s numbers were projected for 16 games, he would have finished with just over 4,400 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Instead, he played in only 11 games and still cleared 3,000 yards through the air. Don’t forget that Schaub finished with a 92.7 quarterback rating in 2008, good for seventh best in the NFL and better than the likes of Romo, Cassel, and McNabb.

Sure, I could throw a touchdown to Andre Johnson (just lob it up there), but in 2009 Schaub could throw a lot of them.

 

17. Washington Redskins—Jason Campbell

The Washington Native Americans (see, I’m not racist) are in a precarious situation. They have a highly efficient former first round draft pick who boasts a career quarterback rating better than Eli Manning starting at quarterback…and owner Daniel Snyder isn’t satisfied.

Jason Campbell has plenty of room to improve as a quarterback, but he seems to have settled into a game manager role with the Redskins. In time, he could develop into a star quarterback, but as it stands he seems content with minimal passing attempts and a high level of efficiency.

 

16. Atlanta Falcons—Matt Ryan

Matt Ryan had a dream rookie season in 2008, leading a Falcons team that was destined to finish last into the playoffs. Despite this success, Ryan’s statistical output was nothing spectacular. En route to becoming America’s Sweetheart, Ryan failed to land in the top ten in quarterback rating, passing yards, or passing touchdowns.

Obviously his rookie season was productive, but Ryan still has much more room to grow as a quarterback before being considered one of the league’s best.

 

15. Miami Dolphins—Chad Pennington

Chad Pennington had an outstanding 2008 season, leading a once-left-for-dead Dolphins team to the playoffs. Pennington finished first in the league in pass completion percentage (67.4 percent) and more importantly he rarely turned the ball over.

Pennington was one of three quarterbacks in 2008 to play all 16 games and finish with a single-digit interception total, throwing only seven all season. Pennington is never going to blow the opposing team away, but he is efficient and consistent, which is enough to lead the Dolphins to victory.

 

14. Kansas City Chiefs—Matt Cassel

Matt Cassel was certainly the surprise story of the 2008 regular season. His emergence as an impact quarterback in New England led to a high-profile acquisition by the Kansas City Chiefs. While Cassel was never projected as an NFL starter, his 2008 season was productive to say the least.

Most impressive was Cassel’s final five games of the year, in which he threw 14 touchdowns and just four interceptions while registering a triple-digit quarterback rating four times.

It is yet to be seen if Cassel can produce outside of the New England Patriots’ system. Since the 2009 season will show whether he can thrive in another system, a productive year could shoot him significantly up the quarterback ranks, while a disappointing year could drop him just as much.

 

13. New York Giants—Eli Manning

Many fans who think of Eli Manning as a top-tier NFL quarterback get lost in Eli Manning’s lore rather than Eli Manning’s statistics. While his playoff performance against the undefeated Patriots was heroic, his career performance has been barely over par.

Consider this: Manning has never broken 4,000 yards, never thrown for more than 24 touchdowns, and never had a single-season quarterback rating above 90.

In fact, before last season, Manning had never had a single-season quarterback rating above 80! His career rating of 76.1 is more of an indicator of his skill set. While he may throw for a decent number of touchdowns (23 TD/yr over last four seasons) he will also throw a lot of interceptions (16.25 INT/yr over last four seasons).

 

12. Seattle Seahawks—Matt Hasselbeck

Hailing from the far-away Pacific Northwest, many experts have been quick to write off Hasselbeck after an injury-plagued 2008 season. Those same experts forget that in his last two full seasons, Hasselbeck earned a quarterback rating over 90 while averaging more than 3,700 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, and only 10.5 interceptions.

At only 33 years of age (critics will have you believing that he is 40), Hasselbeck is reportedly healthy and joined in 2009 by emerging tight end John Carlson and newly acquired wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh. A return to Pro Bowl form is not as far fetched as most would believe.

 

11. Pittsburgh Steelers—Ben Roethlisberger

I’m probably going to get barbecued for putting Big Ben this low, but consider that this isn’t a list of “best game managers.” Roethlisberger throws a fantastic short ball, and is excellent at eluding pressure in the pocket.

However, in terms of passing efficiency, many quarterbacks have produced better numbers in recent years. Had it not been for a memorable postseason, Big Ben’s 2008 season was forgettable. He threw for just over 200 yards per game, with only 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

Most forgettable, however, was his 80.1 quarterback rating, which was good for 24th in the NFL. Roethlisberger has the physical tools to succeed, but with Pittsburgh’s run-first mentality and his inexperience at taking over football games, it’s difficult to place him higher on this list.

He is the best game manager in the NFL, but he is a game manager first and a quarterback second.

10. Green Bay Packers—Aaron Rodgers

No, he doesn’t wear No. 4, but Aaron Rodgers quietly enjoyed a stellar 2008 season. While most Green Bay fans criticized Rodgers for the Packers’ 6-10 record, many overlook his significant statistical production. Rodgers passed for more than 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns, good for fourth best in the NFL.

Even if Packers fans were upset about Rodgers’ first season, they should remember this much: Rodgers finished the season ranked better than Brett Favre in quarterback rating, passing yards, passing touchdowns, and interceptions thrown. Rodgers has all the tools to be a top-five quarterback in the future.

 

9. Cincinnati Bengals—Carson Palmer

Prior to an injury-plagued 2008 season, Carson Palmer was one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the NFL. From 2005-07, Palmer played in all 48 games, producing no less than 3,816 yards and no less than 26 passing touchdowns. As Palmer returns from injury in 2009, it is fair to assume that he can return to form.

 

8. Chicago Bears—Jay Cutler

Josh McDaniels’ nemesis turned into one of the few 25-year-old Pro Bowl quarterbacks to ever land on the trading block. The Chicago Bears won the Jay Cutler Sweepstakes, and became the instant favorite in an ever-so-mediocre NFC North. Cutler had a phenomenal 2008 campaign, finishing with over 4,500 passing yards and 25 touchdowns.

Cutler did experience some problems, however, throwing for a near league-high 18 interceptions while missing the postseason due to one of the most notable late-season collapses in recent memory.

With the Chicago Bears’ defense in tow, Cutler could have a very successful 2009 season.

 

7. Dallas Cowboys—Tony Romo

If the NFL regular season ended in November, Tony Romo would be a god. As it stands, he is forced to annually punt, pass, and kick the Dallas Cowboys offense into the ground to close out the season. Despite a growing reputation as a choke artist, no one can dismiss Romo’s regular season success.

Statistically, Romo is one of the most productive NFL quarterbacks in recent years, but his inability to perform in big games has dropped him a few pegs on this list.

Unfortunately for Romo, Jessica Simpson’s hotness could not factor into this equation either.

 

6. Philadelphia Eagles—Donovan McNabb

Despite Philadelphia Eagles fans’ complete dissatisfaction with the status quo, Donovan McNabb remains one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL. After the Kevin-Kolb-might-be-good-but-wow-he-blew-in-the-one-game-he-played debacle, McNabb put together a string of five stellar performances.

In the final five games of 2008, McNabb led the Eagles to a 4-1 record, throwing for nine touchdowns, one interception, and a 98.7 quarterback rating, culminating in a 44-6 romp over the Dallas Cowboys in a win-or-go-home season finale.

McNabb is one of the most efficient and accurate passers in NFL history, and clearly ranks in the upper tier of NFL quarterbacks.

 

5. San Diego Chargers—Philip Rivers

If personal bias had anything to do with this list, Philip Rivers would be dead last. As much as I hate his personality, he seems to get better every year. While he was initially fostered by all-world back LaDainian Tomlinson, Rivers was forced to produce his own offense in 2008, a task which he executed quite efficiently.

In 2008, Rivers threw for over 4,000 yards while leading the NFL in quarterback rating (105.5) and touchdowns (34). Rivers has led the Chargers to three consecutive postseasons and may not have reached his full potential yet.

 

4. Arizona Cardinals—Kurt Warner

The ageless wonder had an outstanding season in 2008. He finished top three in passing attempts (second), passing completions (third), completion percentage (second), passing yards (second), passing touchdowns (third), and quarterback rating (third).

Warner has a roller coaster resume, featuring time spent as a grocery clerk, Arena League all-star, Super Bowl champion, one-touch fumble machine, Eli Manning backup, and now resides as an Arizona Icon. He is the essence of a pure passer, and seems to thrive in only one kind of offense—the kind that says “We’re throwing! Try and stop us!”

 

3. New Orleans Saints—Drew Brees

Drew Brees flirted with history in 2008, falling just short of Dan Marino’s record for passing yards in a single season. His season numbers were phenomenal nonetheless, as he threw for over 5,000 yards and a league leading 34 touchdowns. Brees’ career numbers are just as impressive.

He sports a 63.9 career completion percentage and 1.69:1 career touchdown to interception ratio.

 

2. New England Patriots—Tom Brady

If I were ranking quarterbacks based solely on prior accomplishments, Brady would occupy the top spot on the list.

If I were ranking quarterbacks based solely on what I expect from them in the 2009 season, Brady would be somewhere in the middle of the pack (ask Daunte Culpepper and Donovan McNabb how their first season back from the same injury went).

This list, however, is gauging the overall best quarterbacks in the NFL right now. Tom Brady is a proven winner who throws the most accurate short ball in the entire NFL. His skill set, coupled with his mastery of the New England playbook, easily makes him one of the top two quarterbacks in the NFL.

 

1. Indianapolis Colts—Peyton Manning

The top spot on this list came down to the upper echelon of current NFL quarterbacks; Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. While Brady’s accomplishments cannot be understated, Peyton Manning has done more with less than any quarterback in recent history (for an excellent summary, see this article).

That’s it! I hope you enjoyed the read. Please comment/rate/favorite this article as you see fit!

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