Falcons-Buccaneers: Tampa Bay Fails To Launch in Season Finale

Surely it was a bit much to ask.

With good tidings and cheer, could it all come to a robust end for the Buccaneers? Could they possibly finish with three straight wins?

The Atlanta Falcons said “NO” with an exclamation point.

There was little firepower from the Buccaneers in chilly Raymond James Stadium on Sunday. Almost none came in the first 30 minutes that sent them stumbling to a 20-10 season-ending loss to the Falcons.

There was no carryover from the marvelous play in New Orleans a week ago.

Sure, it started out right for those Bucs. An Atlanta fumble on the opening kickoff led to a field goal and a 3-0 lead, but that was the extent of the good news in that first half.

Thirty minutes and 52 total yards of offense later, the Bucs trailed 10-3 at the half.

This team showed it has made huge improvements from the season’s first half. Instead of getting blown out, Raheem Morris’ guys worked themselves back into the mix and tied it up with less than 12 minutes left in the game.

Then it was an old problem that resurfaced and doomed the outcome.

You saw the problem as he ran all over the defense in the second half. The problem was Jason Snelling, who had a career day in the process. He ran over and through Raheem’s defense for 147 yards on 25 carries.

It was the Falcons dominating the final 10 minutes to end any hopes of a fourth win.

So these Bucs are done.

They are 3-13, and now the real questions will come.

This interesting, agonizing season will lead to an even more interesting offseason.

Will Morris be the head coach of this team in 2010?

Will Mark Dominik still have a job?

Which players can pack their bags and head elsewhere?

It will all unfold in this new year. And goodness knows 2009 was one rough ride for the Buccaneers. 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Falcons-Buccaneers: Tampa Bay Fails To Launch in Season Finale

Surely it was a bit much to ask.

With good tidings and cheer, could it all come to a robust end for the Buccaneers? Could they possibly finish with three straight wins?

The Atlanta Falcons said “NO” with an exclamation point.

There was little firepower from the Buccaneers in chilly Raymond James Stadium on Sunday. Almost none came in the first 30 minutes that sent them stumbling to a 20-10 season-ending loss to the Falcons.

There was no carryover from the marvelous play in New Orleans a week ago.

Sure, it started out right for those Bucs. An Atlanta fumble on the opening kickoff led to a field goal and a 3-0 lead, but that was the extent of the good news in that first half.

Thirty minutes and 52 total yards of offense later, the Bucs trailed 10-3 at the half.

This team showed it has made huge improvements from the season’s first half. Instead of getting blown out, Raheem Morris’ guys worked themselves back into the mix and tied it up with less than 12 minutes left in the game.

Then it was an old problem that resurfaced and doomed the outcome.

You saw the problem as he ran all over the defense in the second half. The problem was Jason Snelling, who had a career day in the process. He ran over and through Raheem’s defense for 147 yards on 25 carries.

It was the Falcons dominating the final 10 minutes to end any hopes of a fourth win.

So these Bucs are done.

They are 3-13, and now the real questions will come.

This interesting, agonizing season will lead to an even more interesting offseason.

Will Morris be the head coach of this team in 2010?

Will Mark Dominik still have a job?

Which players can pack their bags and head elsewhere?

It will all unfold in this new year. And goodness knows 2009 was one rough ride for the Buccaneers. 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

A Philadelphia Eagles Loss Drops Them From No. 2 to No. 6 Seed

In the crazy world of the NFL, a single game can hold plenty of ramifications for any team. But, that is putting it lightly for Philadelphia’s final game against the Dallas Cowboys.

A Philadelphia win and they win their division. They would enter the NFC playoffs as the No. 2 seed which includes a first round bye and home field advantage for at least one game, if not more.

A Philadelphia loss and they lose the division to Dallas who has them beat in a tie-breaker scenario. They would then enter the NFC playoffs as the No. 6 seed, losing the first round bye and losing home field advantage for any game.

They would have to win three road games on their way to the super bowl as opposed to only one home game and one road game, or two home games on their way to the super bowl.

What a world of difference their final game makes. An awful lot is riding on this game including the confidence they will need to make it all the way.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

A Philadelphia Eagles Loss Drops Them From No. 2 to No. 6 Seed

In the crazy world of the NFL, a single game can hold plenty of ramifications for any team. But, that is putting it lightly for Philadelphia’s final game against the Dallas Cowboys.

A Philadelphia win and they win their division. They would enter the NFC playoffs as the No. 2 seed which includes a first round bye and home field advantage for at least one game, if not more.

A Philadelphia loss and they lose the division to Dallas who has them beat in a tie-breaker scenario. They would then enter the NFC playoffs as the No. 6 seed, losing the first round bye and losing home field advantage for any game.

They would have to win three road games on their way to the super bowl as opposed to only one home game and one road game, or two home games on their way to the super bowl.

What a world of difference their final game makes. An awful lot is riding on this game including the confidence they will need to make it all the way.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

New England Patriots: Suddenly Stuck With More Questions Than Answers

The question for the New England Patriots all week was whether they should rest their starters to let them stay healthy, or let them play to get momentum heading into the playoffs.

The Patriots took the gloomy snowfall in New England with them on Sunday when they played their starters, and lost not only the game, but one of, if not the key cog in their offense.

Wes Welker held his knee in a manner eerily similar to Tom Brady’s Week 1 injury of yesteryear.

Just like yesteryear, Welker stared up from the ground, writhing in pain.

Just like yesteryear, Welker was helped off the field by two trainers.

Only difference is, no one struck Welker.

He fell of his own accord, his tendons stretching like an accordion as his knee bent to the inside toward the turf.

He wept on the sidelines, as he watched an historic statistical season come to a screeching halt just a week before the postseason.

He may have wept harder if he were present to watch the Patriots choke up yet another 4th quarter lead.

Now, just like Wes Welker, the Patriots’ hopes for the postseason are in doubt.

Just like Welker’s knee, the Patriots confidence is severely injured.

The Houston Texans had their way with the Patriots on both sides of the ball in the fourth quarter, putting up 21 unanswered points on the Pats.

The Patriots’ defense aren’t the only ones to blame. Tom Brady seemed to fall out of rhythm late in the game. I’m sure it didn’t help not having Welker in the slot, ready to convert 3rd-and-whatever all day. 

Instead, Brady was sacked on 3rd-and-4 to force a three-and-out, and then threw a rare late-game interception which allowed the Texans to score the go-ahead touchdown.

So the question all week was “what”; what will Belichick do—rest his starters, or play them?

And now, the question has become “why?”

As pointed out by a fellow columnist , this game was nearly meaningless for New England. It doesn’t really matter what seed the Patriots have going into the playoffs, as the caliber team they’ll be facing will be virtually the same.

I could understand playing the starters if the game meant something (and not just on a seeding level ), but Belichick risked harm to his starters for “what” reason, to keep his team in rhythm?

Clearly, that didn’t work.

Now, with the Patriots’ star player injured, their star in the playoffs appears to be fading.

The Patriots, as they have done several times this season, looked great for the first three quarters of the game.

When they play like that, they look like they can beat anyone.

But a game of football isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. The first three quarters of a game don’t matter if you can’t hold a lead in the fourth quarter.

The season is a marathon, as well; and the Patriots appear to be fading coming down the homestretch.

It’s uncertain which Patriots team we’ll see in the postseason; the team that started the season 7-3, or the team that finished the season 3-3.

The team that dominates the first three quarters of the game, or the team that chokes up fourth quarter leads.

The Patriots playoff hopes have shriveled like an onion in an oven.

There are still so many questions, and Belichick and the Patriots have begun to run out of answers.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

New England Patriots: Suddenly Stuck With More Questions Than Answers

The question for the New England Patriots all week was whether they should rest their starters to let them stay healthy, or let them play to get momentum heading into the playoffs.

The Patriots took the gloomy snowfall in New England with them on Sunday when they played their starters, and lost not only the game, but one of, if not the key cog in their offense.

Wes Welker held his knee in a manner eerily similar to Tom Brady’s Week 1 injury of yesteryear.

Just like yesteryear, Welker stared up from the ground, writhing in pain.

Just like yesteryear, Welker was helped off the field by two trainers.

Only difference is, no one struck Welker.

He fell of his own accord, his tendons stretching like an accordion as his knee bent to the inside toward the turf.

He wept on the sidelines, as he watched an historic statistical season come to a screeching halt just a week before the postseason.

He may have wept harder if he were present to watch the Patriots choke up yet another 4th quarter lead.

Now, just like Wes Welker, the Patriots’ hopes for the postseason are in doubt.

Just like Welker’s knee, the Patriots confidence is severely injured.

The Houston Texans had their way with the Patriots on both sides of the ball in the fourth quarter, putting up 21 unanswered points on the Pats.

The Patriots’ defense aren’t the only ones to blame. Tom Brady seemed to fall out of rhythm late in the game. I’m sure it didn’t help not having Welker in the slot, ready to convert 3rd-and-whatever all day. 

Instead, Brady was sacked on 3rd-and-4 to force a three-and-out, and then threw a rare late-game interception which allowed the Texans to score the go-ahead touchdown.

So the question all week was “what”; what will Belichick do—rest his starters, or play them?

And now, the question has become “why?”

As pointed out by a fellow columnist , this game was nearly meaningless for New England. It doesn’t really matter what seed the Patriots have going into the playoffs, as the caliber team they’ll be facing will be virtually the same.

I could understand playing the starters if the game meant something (and not just on a seeding level ), but Belichick risked harm to his starters for “what” reason, to keep his team in rhythm?

Clearly, that didn’t work.

Now, with the Patriots’ star player injured, their star in the playoffs appears to be fading.

The Patriots, as they have done several times this season, looked great for the first three quarters of the game.

When they play like that, they look like they can beat anyone.

But a game of football isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. The first three quarters of a game don’t matter if you can’t hold a lead in the fourth quarter.

The season is a marathon, as well; and the Patriots appear to be fading coming down the homestretch.

It’s uncertain which Patriots team we’ll see in the postseason; the team that started the season 7-3, or the team that finished the season 3-3.

The team that dominates the first three quarters of the game, or the team that chokes up fourth quarter leads.

The Patriots playoff hopes have shriveled like an onion in an oven.

There are still so many questions, and Belichick and the Patriots have begun to run out of answers.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Four Ways the New York Giants Can Add Some Much-Needed Punch

Even the most ardent Big Lose critics must admit that the team severely underachieved.  Except at Defensive and Offensive Tackles, the Giants, in other words, do not lack talent at critical positions.  Instead, they are severely mismanaged. 

Consider three critical areas which merely require simple adjustments: 

First, the running game is most indicative of this core problem.  Brandon Jacobs is a battering ram with deceptive speed.  Amad Bradshaw is a scatback with deceptive power.  Each looks like how they’re supposed to be used. However, the Giants’ offensive coordinator Kevin (Killdrive) Gilbride has reversed their roles at times.

Second, the passing game is completely unimaginative.  Steve Smith, Mario Manningham (when he manages to hold onto the ball), and Hakeem Nicks are not Plaxico Burress. 

These wide receivers thrive on misdirection, crossing routes, etc.  Let Kevin Boss chip a DE, then run over the middle for a quick gain. Boss would thrive like Jason Witten of Dallas.  Do that a few times and then that’ll free up BOTH the running game and deep route over which Killdrive obsesses.

Third, the Giants “defense” is a blitzing team that doesn’t blitz.  They were built, at least from the top-down perspective, to pressure the quarterback first and foremost.  Any perceived weakness from the secondary possitions would be covered up.  Instead, time after time the defensive ends are dropping back into coverage. 

What must be done

1. Sign Buddy Ryan to a one-day contract.  No further explanation should be required.  

2. Fire Bill Sheridan.  Hire Dick Jauron as a replacement.  He has a proven track record as Defensive Coordinator.  Plus, Tom Coughlin worked with him in Jacksonville.  Jauron should also be hungry to make amends for Buffalo. 

3. Emulate Andy Reid.  Draft the best available offensive or defensive tackle.  Kareem McKenzie and Fred Robbins are finally showing their age. David Dehl is a guard who can no longer hold-up against speed rushers.

Chris Canty apparently needs a full year to thrive as a Giant. Jay Alford was lost for the year in camp. Rocky Bernard vindicated the Seahawks, who were starved for defensive help themselves, for letting him sign here.

4. Speaking of the draft, grant Osi Umenyora his wish (re: post-game interview week 16). Package him and either the first or second round pick next April for a chance to move up. 

They could use a linebacker or that DT out of Nebraska (although Suh would be a long-shot). Umenyora does not show up in big games. 

In fact—Knicks fans will appreciate this comparison—he’s the Zack Randolph of the Giants. He’ll get turnovers (some of them for touchdowns) and sacks against the dregs of the league. There are only so many times you can play the 49ers or against Winston Justice (re: 6-sack game against Philly in 2007). Plus, he can no longer play alongside Michael Strahan. 

Jerry Reece and company showed the players that it was perfectly all right to walk-out.  Namely, Uemenyora was allowed to do so during training camp.  The rest of the team clearly picked up on his cues after the New Orleans game; the entire defense, except for Tuck just gave up. Jettisoning the overrated crybaby (Umenyora) would restore much needed order (re: Harry Cason’s “pride” comments). 

 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Four Ways the New York Giants Can Add Some Much-Needed Punch

Even the most ardent Big Lose critics must admit that the team severely underachieved.  Except at Defensive and Offensive Tackles, the Giants, in other words, do not lack talent at critical positions.  Instead, they are severely mismanaged. 

Consider three critical areas which merely require simple adjustments: 

First, the running game is most indicative of this core problem.  Brandon Jacobs is a battering ram with deceptive speed.  Amad Bradshaw is a scatback with deceptive power.  Each looks like how they’re supposed to be used. However, the Giants’ offensive coordinator Kevin (Killdrive) Gilbride has reversed their roles at times.

Second, the passing game is completely unimaginative.  Steve Smith, Mario Manningham (when he manages to hold onto the ball), and Hakeem Nicks are not Plaxico Burress. 

These wide receivers thrive on misdirection, crossing routes, etc.  Let Kevin Boss chip a DE, then run over the middle for a quick gain. Boss would thrive like Jason Witten of Dallas.  Do that a few times and then that’ll free up BOTH the running game and deep route over which Killdrive obsesses.

Third, the Giants “defense” is a blitzing team that doesn’t blitz.  They were built, at least from the top-down perspective, to pressure the quarterback first and foremost.  Any perceived weakness from the secondary possitions would be covered up.  Instead, time after time the defensive ends are dropping back into coverage. 

What must be done

1. Sign Buddy Ryan to a one-day contract.  No further explanation should be required.  

2. Fire Bill Sheridan.  Hire Dick Jauron as a replacement.  He has a proven track record as Defensive Coordinator.  Plus, Tom Coughlin worked with him in Jacksonville.  Jauron should also be hungry to make amends for Buffalo. 

3. Emulate Andy Reid.  Draft the best available offensive or defensive tackle.  Kareem McKenzie and Fred Robbins are finally showing their age. David Dehl is a guard who can no longer hold-up against speed rushers.

Chris Canty apparently needs a full year to thrive as a Giant. Jay Alford was lost for the year in camp. Rocky Bernard vindicated the Seahawks, who were starved for defensive help themselves, for letting him sign here.

4. Speaking of the draft, grant Osi Umenyora his wish (re: post-game interview week 16). Package him and either the first or second round pick next April for a chance to move up. 

They could use a linebacker or that DT out of Nebraska (although Suh would be a long-shot). Umenyora does not show up in big games. 

In fact—Knicks fans will appreciate this comparison—he’s the Zack Randolph of the Giants. He’ll get turnovers (some of them for touchdowns) and sacks against the dregs of the league. There are only so many times you can play the 49ers or against Winston Justice (re: 6-sack game against Philly in 2007). Plus, he can no longer play alongside Michael Strahan. 

Jerry Reece and company showed the players that it was perfectly all right to walk-out.  Namely, Uemenyora was allowed to do so during training camp.  The rest of the team clearly picked up on his cues after the New Orleans game; the entire defense, except for Tuck just gave up. Jettisoning the overrated crybaby (Umenyora) would restore much needed order (re: Harry Cason’s “pride” comments). 

 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Cleveland Browns Year End Awards for the 2009 Season

Another year, another season of Cleveland Browns fans saying “There’s always next year.”

A saying all too familiar for Browns fans worldwide.

Now that the season has come to an end, there is a big and bright shiny light at teh end of the tunnel with a silhoutte of a figure standing in the light and that person is new President Mike Holmgren.

More change is going to occur in the offseason, but Holmgren has promised that he will be quickly with his decision making, but Browns fans hope he is not too quick and can make all decisions wisely.

Only time will tell if Holmgren is the cure for the aches and pains the Browns have experienced since 1999, but he definitely brings a ton of hope with his arrival.

Now, not to delay the end of the year awards for the Browns.

Begin Slideshow

Cleveland Browns Year End Awards for the 2009 Season

Another year, another season of Cleveland Browns fans saying “There’s always next year.”

A saying all too familiar for Browns fans worldwide.

Now that the season has come to an end, there is a big and bright shiny light at teh end of the tunnel with a silhoutte of a figure standing in the light and that person is new President Mike Holmgren.

More change is going to occur in the offseason, but Holmgren has promised that he will be quickly with his decision making, but Browns fans hope he is not too quick and can make all decisions wisely.

Only time will tell if Holmgren is the cure for the aches and pains the Browns have experienced since 1999, but he definitely brings a ton of hope with his arrival.

Now, not to delay the end of the year awards for the Browns.

Begin Slideshow

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