Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers: Future Joe Montana, Steve Young?

1991, a year before I was born, marked one of the greatest transitions in football. For those that were alive to see it, would remember it as a sore point among not only San Francisco 49er fans, but NFL fans nationwide.

Steve Young was just the backup guy, the one that no one thought about. After spending years on the bench behind the ‘The Great One’, Young finally got his start in 1991 after Montana went down injured and was forced to miss the entire season.

That was pretty much the start of it. Montana got hurt, Young stepped in and started off shaky, and then ended up as the main man in San Francisco for years to come—eventually winning a Super Bowl.

Story sound familiar? I bet it does. 

Two years ago when you thought of Brett Favre you automatically thought, Green Bay and the number 4. Think about him now and you think, Minnesota, and still among other things, the number 4.

Just like Steve Young, Aaron Rodgers spent a few years of his career on the bench behind Favre. Watching and learning, game in and game, out has no doubt helped Rodgers learn the game that he plays so well today.

Like Steve Young, Rodgers was of course questioned in every interview on “How are you going to follow the legend?”. Some fans felt Rodgers was good, others expected him to fail and see the Packers fall from grace, all the way down to an under performing team.

That scenario never happened though. Rodgers stepped up to the plate and delivered.  Sure Green Bay finished 6-10 last season, but look at him now, guiding the Packers to what could be a possible NFC Championship, Rodgers has already established himself as one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL today.

With all this said though, how do Favre and Rodgers compare to Montana and Young?  Well realistically, they don’t. Montana and Young have a combined seven Super Bowls between them, while Favre and Rodgers only have one.

Career wise it is arguable either way. The majority of fans will argue that Montana was by far a greater football player than Favre. Meanwhile Rodgers has only made a dent into his career, which promises to be full of milestones, and hopefully Lombardi Trophies also.

Comparing the two pairs is fair.  Following a legend is one of the toughest things to do in any professional sport, and both Young and Rodgers did it exceptionally well. 

Both of these stories are so similar it is uncanny. The only problem is that the Favre-Rodgers story is not complete just yet. In my opinion Rodgers is going to floruish in the NFL, and cap his career off just like Young did. Or maybe even better.

A Super Bowl is still a maybe for the Packers just yet, but if anything gives Packer fans hope, it’s that Young won his first Super Bowl within three seasons of being with the 49ers.

Is that a thing for Packer fans to count on? Who knows. If Rodgers continues how he is though, Favre and Rodgers may just yet outshine Montana and Young’s partnership by a long shot.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Playoffs Or Not, Broncos Exceed 2009 Expectations

As the New Year begins and the football season comes to a close, one cannot help but look back to the beginning of the season, and even the year, when the Broncos were entrenched in one of the most attention-getting and controversial offseasons in franchise history.

The Broncos had fired long-time head coach Mike Shanahan and in mid-January hired former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to replace Shanahan at the helm.

Little did we know what would transpire. A couple months following McDaniels’ arrival, rumors spread that the new head coach tried to trade quarterback Jay Cutler in a deal that would have sent former Patriots quarterback Matt Cassell to the Broncos.

The McDaniels-Cutler relationship soon disintegrated and the disgruntled quarterback was eventually traded to the Chicago Bears for quarterback Kyle Orton, as well as two first-round draft picks and a third-round draft pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

This trade spawned a myriad of negativity from the Broncos faithful as well as the entire football community. The Broncos were soon considered a mockery; their demise seemed imminent.

The Broncos offseason was not a complete disaster. Former San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Nolan was brought in as the new defensive coordinator and the defense as a whole underwent an extreme makeover.

Additions to the defense included veterans such as safety Brian Dawkins, linebacker Andra Davis, defensive back Andre Goodman, defensive back Renaldo Hill and others.

The offense was also revamped. McDaniels brought in running backs Correll Buckhalter, Lamont Jordan and J.J. Arrington (who would eventually be cut). Wide receivers Jabar Gaffney and Brandon Lloyd were also acquired, not to mention the acquisitions of Orton via trade and rookie running back Knowshon Moreno as a first-round draft pick.

Possessing arguably the toughest schedule in the NFL the Broncos went into the 2009 season with less than attractive expectations. With their backs against the wall, the Broncos soon proved all the naysayers wrong as they began the season with six straight wins heading into their Week Seven bye.

Following the bye, they promptly lost their next four contests and were looking like the team everyone expected at the beginning of the season. They came back with back-to-back wins against the New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs in Weeks 12 and 13. They proceeded to lose their next three games and are now in danger of missing out on the postseason.

However, even if the Broncos lose to the Chiefs on Sunday, and end up not making the playoffs, they will still finish at an even 8-8 on the season. Their defense, with one game left to play, has given up a respectable 280 points compared to the 448 points they rendered last season.

Kyle Orton has more than held his own this season and proven himself to be a very capable quarterback for the Broncos. Orton and wide receiver Brandon Marshall have established a potent Mile High connection as well.

Additionally, the Broncos are sending five players to Miami for the Pro Bowl in February, three of which are on defense. They had only three representatives in the Pro Bowl last year and they were all on offense.

Regardless of the outcome of Sunday’s game, the Broncos have overall been a pleasant surprise to their fans and it is hard to argue that they have not exceeded expectations this season.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Relocation is Not the Answer for NFL Teams

Most educated NFL fans remember what took place under the darkness in Baltimore on March 29, 1984. The Colts were on their way out of Baltimore and headed to Indianapolis, their new home. Ask any Baltimore fan how they felt about that, and I’m sure you will understand where this is going.

With the recent troubles affecting the Jacksonville Jaguars franchise, as well as a few others (Detroit, St. Louis, Buffalo) there have been many rumors of sending a franchise to Los Angeles. The ticket sales have been dramatically low, and the franchises are finding it hard to survive in this economy. While the economy isn’t the only thing to blame, moving to L.A. is not always the answer.

There have been many re-locations in the league, as well as other leagues, most recently the Seattle Sonics moving to Oklahoma City. There have been eleven football re-locations since 1921, with Baltimore being the main city in the two most controversial moves.

The first move is the well-documented escape of the Colts to Indianapolis, the second was after they received the Cleveland Browns’ franchise in 1996. This team changed their name to the now Baltimore Ravens. Three years later, the NFL made another franchise and gave it back to Cleveland.

Once the Houston Oilers made the move to Tennessee and became the “Titans” the city of Houston was awarded another franchise five years later, now known as the Texans. Two teams lose their franchise, only to gain another one a few years later?

Obviously the problem in Baltimore was the city did not want to fund the team with a new stadium, but the situation in Jacksonville is quite different. The attendance and money being taken in is not significant enough for the franchise, and they think that by moving to L.A. things will be resolved. The constant moving of football franchises is beginning to wear on the fans, as well as the cities.

Think about how you would feel if your NFL team decided to up and move the franchise overnight without telling anyone. The fans of Baltimore have experienced a great loss with the relocation of the Colts.

As a Colts fan here in Indianapolis, I particularly feel bad for the fans of Baltimore. Not only did they lose their team, but even 25 years later, the Indianapolis Colts are still using the same logo and colors.

At least when Baltimore got the Ravens, Tennessee got the Titans, and Houston got the Texans, they were able to change the team names, colors, and logo.

If the Jaguars, or any other franchise plans a move in the near future, for whatever reason, they should consider the consequences before making such a big decision. The fans in Baltimore will never forget what happened that night, and to this day, they still hold a giant grudge when playing the Indianapolis Colts, and I don’t blame them one bit.

When the Indianapolis Colts visit Baltimore, the scoreboard will always read “Indianapolis” instead of “Colts.” When the Ravens fans come here to Indianapolis for a game, you can see the hatred and disgust on their faces during the game. Although we as fans here didn’t steal the team from them, I can sympathize with them because of what the franchise did to them.

To the Baltimore fans, I understand your anger, especially when you see people in this town (Indianapolis) wearing their Johnny Unitas jerseys. What the Baltimore Colts did during their time in Baltimore will always stay in their record books, and should be counted towards the Ravens’ achievements.

When the Colts left town on that snowy, early March morning, they not only took the furniture and equipment, they took the spirit of the NFL away from the city of Baltimore. When will the owners learn that moving the team is not the answer.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Why DeSean Jackson Is Already Becoming Philadelphia’s New Fan Favorite

Philadelphia’s newest (and possibly fastest-rising) icon stands only 5′ 10″ and weighs a measly 175 pounds. Coming out of the University of California, DeSean Jackson was supposedly too fragile and had too big of an ego to survive in the NFL. But don’t remind the other 31 teams that passed on the opportunity to draft him a little over a year and a half ago.

Because they all wish they hadn’t.

DeSean Jackson gives the Philadelphia Eagles something that they haven’t had in a long time: a more-than-legitimate passing offense.

With the beastly Jackson, rookie speedster Jeremy Maclin, sure-hands Jason Avant, athletic Brent Celek, shifty Brian Westbrook, flashy Lesean McCoy, and offseason gem/bruiser Leonard Weaver at his disposal, quarterback Donovan McNabb has the best chance at winning a Super Bowl in his entire career.

So what types of people love DeSean Jackson?

DeSean is loved by the young fans of our beloved Iggles, and of the NFL overall. Really, though, what’s not to love? The kid’s a flashy playmaker with unbelievable speed. And let’s face it: The majority of today’s sports-inclined youth idolize the showstoppers, the game-breakers, and the outrageously visible talents.

People like Chris Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Adrian Peterson, Ray Lewis in his heyday…you get the idea.

He’s loved by the older, venerable fans as well. He worked with Jerry Rice, the unquestioned G.O.A.T. at the wide receiver position, before the NFL Draft. In addition, he runs ultra-precise routes and almost seems to glide down the sideline, deftly catching the wide variety of over-, under-, mis-, and perfectly-thrown passes thrown from Donovan’s cannon of a right arm.

And you have to love his consistency. I’m sure that I’m hardly the only one who sits at home, watching the week’s Eagles game and expecting Jackson to put up streaky stats.

After all, aren’t those to be expected from a “deep threat?” Instead, he’s been averaging 80 yards a game, and has 12 touchdowns scored on the season, spread out over 10 of the 14 games he’s played on the season.

But most importantly, it’s Jackson lack of an obviously-apparent diva personality that has truly endeared himself to the fans, the team, and the community. Jackson is an active member of the NFL’s Take A Player To School program and in the community.

And…he hasn’t been a headcase. Whatsoever. No drug charges, no public outbursts or temper tantrums, no DUIs. Sure, he’s been fined once…for a ridiculous equipment violation! (His shoes didn’t match his team’s shoes.)

In a sense, Jackson embodies the spirit of Philadelphia itself: Full of a (somewhat) quiet swagger, but with more than enough of a skill set, not to mention a compassionate personality, to back that confidence up.

Now, I don’t expect DeSean to become a headcase, but I wouldn’t be surprised. Young, superstar athletes with obscene amounts of talent can hardly be blamed for the polarizing personalities that arise. But Jackson hasn’t shown any side-effects of his sudden league-wide fame.

Yet. And I hope he never does.

Because if he never does, and stays as humble as the most dynamic receiver in the league can stay, then he’ll have throngs of fans across the country watching his every move, in utter disbelief at his ethereal abilities, for the next decade. As long as he keeps his head, and continues to produce on the field, everyone will remain in pure awe of the Man in Philadelphia, the streaking blaze in the green-and-white No. 10 jersey who was drafted with the 49th selection in the 2008 NFL Draft.

The seventh wideout chosen…right behind the likes of Donnie Avery, Devin Thomas, Jordy Nelson, James Hardy, Eddie Royal, and Jerome Simpson. Wait…who are those guys again? Oh yeah, that’s right: Not DeSean Jackson, the miniature savior of the future of the Philadelphia Eagles’ high-powered offense.

I guess ol’ Andy can draft successful wide receivers after all.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

The 10 Biggest Snubs of the 2010 Pro Bowl

It’s no secret that the 2010 Pro Bowl voting is somewhat a popularity contest, especially among the fans. Not every player that is deserving gets selected, and many overrated and over-hyped players do.

The 2010 Pro Bowl rosters are now out , and although the fans, coaches and players got many of the selections right, there is still a decent number of snubs.

These are the 10 most-glaring snubs in my book.

Begin Slideshow

Oakland Raiders: Could Former Raiders Fill Holes In The Coaching Staff?

Undoubtebly the Raiders have quite a few holes to fill. Whether they be on the roster, the coaching staff or even the front office. There is no denying they are there.

Could these holes be filled by former Raiders? I’m not suggesting giving Art Shell a third chance, hiring Warren Sapp as defensive coordinator and Bill Romanowski as JaMarcus Russells’ nutritionist .

I’m suggesting something much better.

The biggest holes on the coaching staff are on Offense: Offensive coordinator, Wide Receivers Coach and maybe QB coach.

So what about Marc Trestman, Tim Brown and Rich Gannon. Three integral parts to the last success the Raiders had.

Marc Trestman is the current head coach of the Champion CFL Montreal Alouettes. And was the offensive coordinator of the 2003 AFC Champion Raiders.

Some would say all doors of him coming to the NFL are closed as he just signed a contract extension with the Alouettes. But his website and blog  acknowledges the fact that NFL teams are interested in him. Would he void his new contract to come back to the NFL? Sure, maybe not the Raiders but what about other teams?

Then there is Rich Gannon. Could he be an offensive coordinator, or replace his former mentor as the Raiders QB coach.

Earlier this off-season he offered a detailed report on JaMarcus Russell’s problems. Then went on to say Russells problems could be fixed with coaching and that he has the ability to become a great NFL QB… He just has to want it.

Then in more recent weeks Gannon has been running his mouth on Sirius Radio. Claiming that he has been reaching out to JaMarcus Russell, to no avail, offering to tutor the young QB free of charge on his own time. Gannon says that he can help Russell, who hasn’t even responded to Gannons’ offers.

Only a few problems: First the Raiders already have a QB coach named Paul Hacket. Who Rich Gannon praised for being a “premier QB coach” specializing in foot work and fundamentals. Funny aren’t those the same problems Gannons’ detailed report pointed out?

Second, Gannon and Al Davis have a documented grudge. As Gannon tends to speak negatively about the Raiders organization prior to every Chiefs game prompting the Raiders to try and ban him from the facility two years in a row.

Could Gannon and Davis put their differences aside for the better of the Silver and Black?

Who knows.

But according to one of Rich Gannons’ former receivers , outside of his playing abilities, none of Gannons’ team-mates ever thought very highly of him.

“Gannon wasn’t a very well-like player his whole time with the Raiders. In fact he was downright hated.”

But hey he got the job done. He was here to win games not make friends.

According to that same former Raider receiver Rich Gannon hated the Raiders when he came to Oakland, while he was in Oakland, and still does to this day. That pretty much slams the door shut on Gannon ever helping Russell.

Sure some would say the opinion of one of Gannons’ former receivers holds little water. Except for the fact that former receiver is Mr. Raider, Tim Brown. One of the best receivers of all time and quite possibly the best ever to don the silver and black.

Tim Brown would be an awesome candidate to work in the front office, or replace Sanjay Lal as the receiver coach, or maybe even as GM.

When asked about working under Al Davis, Brown had this to say:

“It would take me about two seconds to make that decision. At some point, home is home, and even though I reside in Dallas, Dallas is not home for me when it comes to the NFL. The love I get when I’m in Oakland, that’s home for me. I realize that, and if the Raiders ever asked me to do anything in the front office, certainly I would jump at the opportunity because I do think, not just my presence in Oakland, but in some of the decision making as far as what’s happening with coaches and players that come in, I think I could be very instrumental in helping in that area.”

Could some of these guys help the Raiders coaching staff? Absolutely.

But will they? Probably, not but it’s still nice to dream.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Message to the Cincinnati Bengals: Lose to the Jets

The Cincinnati Bengals will play the New York Jets on Sunday (Game set for 8:20pm) but winning for the Bengals is not all that important since they have already clinched a playoff birth. The Jets, with a win, would hold on to a wild card spot and (ironically) play the Bengals again in the first round of the playoffs. If I were the Bengals, I would rest my players and lose to the Jets. Marvin Lewis has been the Bengals coach for years and should have the power and trust in his players to do so.

Although I am a Jets fan (you can stop reading now or hear me out), I am writing as if I were Bengals fan. This game has much more meaning for the Jets since it is not only a playoff-deciding game, but it is also the last game at the Meadowlands. These two factors will have the Jets pumped up and ready to (at the very least) leave everything on the field, since it is a win or go home situation.

If I am Marvin Lewis, I do not want to risk Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco and other impact players to injuries, just for pride. Lewis could allow OchoCinco to score a touchdown and do his celebrations before sitting him. As I said, the Jets are going to be playing hard and their defense is one of the fiercest, most physical defenses in the league. Yes, the Bengals would play the Jets in the playoffs but the other teams that could make the playoffs instead of the Jets (Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Denver and Texans) have strong defenses and stronger offenses.

If I were Marvin Lewis, I would let the Jets win for the simple fact that it gives them the ability to relax. They would not have to have scouting reports for the Jets, Denver, Texans, Ravens or Pittsburgh if they lost. They could have already started scouting the Jets and would have two weeks to scout them. The Jets would be playing all their starters and the Bengals would be able to study the Jets during the game. Also, the fact that it’s home for the Jets makes it easier for Lewis to bench his starters. Hey, if Jim Caldwell (first year coach) can bench his starters at home , Marvin Lewis can bench his starters away . 

If Marvin Lewis goes for the win, it would be a huge risk to the team. If Lewis decides to leave his starters in for the game and they lose, the loss would jeopardize the players confidence. The Bengals would not be nearly as confident against the Jets if they lost the past week with their starters in the game. Losing gives the Bengals the ability to rest, more time to scout the Jets and an excuse to lose. Excuses never justify the case fully but losing with your starters is more meaningful than losing without them. This goes to another level since the Bengals would be playing the Jets again. 

This might be wishful thinking but I believe I have a point. If the Jets talent level was immensely larger than the other teams that could make the playoffs, I would not suggest resting their starters and losing the game. The Jets were in a similar situation against the Raiders in 2001, where the Jets beat the Raiders to clinch a playoff birth, then lost to them in a rematch in the first round. 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Doug Baker’s NFL All Decade Team 2000’s: Offense

Following is the definitive offensive team of the decade for the years 2000-2009. In some cases I name two players when it is a particularly close call and the second player deserved a prominent mention on the team.

Mostly I name one player for each position.

I only use statistics where needed when players are fairly close and it helps differentiate between contenders for key spots.

Fact checking was done using the following: NFL.com, 2009 NFL Record and Fact Book, Pro-Football-Reference.com, and Wikipedia.com.

Begin Slideshow

El Mustachio’s Week 17 Picks and New Years Resolutions

(Originally posted on 4SportBoston.com )

Well it’s New Year’s Day, and it’s time to make some resolutions. For many of us we’ll be resolving to lose weight, exercise more, eat better, make more time for family, booze less, and pay off debt.

In the NFL, the resolutions are different and depending on the franchise—equally as unlikely to happen as our own resolutions.

So what do these teams need to change this year as some others start a playoff run? Some teams will be watching bowl games hoping to land themselves Ndamukong Suh, Eric Berry, or Jimmy Clausen in this year’s draft, and hoping their franchise players don’t have off-season killing injuries in the final game of the season.

By the way, why isn’t Freddie Barnes, the kid from Bowling Green who has 155 catches and 19 touchdowns even ranked by ESPN? He had 17 catches for over 200 yards and 2 TD’s in the Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl against Idaho.

The first resolution is for the NFL Owners and Players Union to come to terms on a new contract. Facing the potential of an uncapped year in 2010 and possibly even a lockout in 2011, a deal has to get done to keep the NFL rolling and the fans happy.

Not sure if you knew this NFL, but the fans are your customers. I don’t think the NFL will tank the way the NHL did when they locked out, but it’s been a long road to recovery for the NHL, and if you ask anyone at 4SportBoston (besides Chaz), not a single one of us could tell you players names or cite rule changes since the lockout. I’m still pretty sure Adam Oates plays for the Bruins.

On to the individual teams…

Indianapolis +8.5 over Buffalo

I know the Colts are throwing away the rest of their season, but to lose by 8.5 points playing Buffalo’s starters who are probably about the same skill level as the Colts’ backups is absurd. The Bills are out of the playoff picture too, so there’s nothing really to be won or lost in this game.

In fact, if the Bills lose, it helps their draft position. No team will admit to that, but the GM’s and the scouts are definitely thinking it in the back of their minds.

Colts Resolution: Get your starters back on the field for at least a half of football this week. You have a bye week next week to rest up, and you don’t want to be rusty. You’ve lost in past playoff tries with this strategy of resting your players, and I know you’re trying to keep guys from getting hurt, but it’s going to hurt your playoff run.

Bills Resolution: Lose this game. You’re sitting at the ninth overall pick in the draft right now.  If the cards fall right for you this weekend, you could be picking as high as fifth. You need a new quarterback and Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford projects somewhere between fourth and ninth overall.

Jacksonville +1.5 over Cleveland

Cleveland has won three in a row putting them out of contention for the top pick in the draft.  Jacksonville controlled their own destiny a few weeks ago, and now needs a truckload of luck to get into the playoffs.

Browns Resolution: Win this one at home. You’ve just hired a new GM, Mike Holmgren, so at this point everyone is playing for their job. Mike can make a good pick no matter where he is on the draft board, so it’s more important to go into this off season with a four game win streak and a mindset towards continuing that streak in 2010.

Jaguars Resolution: You have to win this one, but don’t expect much as a result.  Face it coach JackDel Rio, this season is blown. Go hide for a few months, hope you don’t get fired, make some good free agent changes (see: cornerback, add one) and enjoy the golfing season.

Chicago over Detroit +3

Yes, we’re going with Chicago here.  Matthew Stafford is gone, Kevin Smith is gone.  It should be a no brainer.

Bears Resolution: Offensive line. You have to bulk up your offensive line. You’ll get Brian Urlacher back next year, and we all knew your season was hosed the minute he went down in Week One (much the way Pats fans knew our season was done when Tom Brady went down in Week One in 2008). You can easily find offensive line help in free agency. If you can’t run the ball in the windy city, you can’t win games. That’s why you’re not in the playoff picture this year.

Lions Resolution: Lose this one and you’ve got the second overall pick locked up. Stafford will be back next year, and you know you’ve got a kid who can win some games for you there. Help out your defense. Either Nebraska’s DT Suh or Oklahoma’s DT Gerald McCoy will be available, and both are projected to go top three. You need to stop the run in a division with Adrian Peterson if you ever hope to become relevant.

San Francisco over St. Louis +7

The Niners are out of the playoff picture, but I don’t see them handing the final game away. That is un-Mike Singletary like. The Rams just aren’t good enough.

49ers Resolution: Is Alex Smith really the solution here? Singletary, pick an offense. Are you run first, or are you working out of spread formations? There’s a lot of decisions that need to be made in San Francisco before this team can hope to knock out the Cardinals as division champs. Make them and stick to your guns.

Rams Resolution: Congratulations St. Louis, you have the number one pick! Take Suh. The man is a beast. Look for a quarterback with your pick in the second round… Or offensive line… Or more defense. Let’s face it, you’ve got holes all over the field and no realistic plan to replace Steven Jackson. Take Suh though, the man is a beast.

Miami +3 over Pittsburgh

I don’t know why I like Miami here. I just do. Both teams have outside shots at getting into the playoffs. One of them definitely won’t make it, and I think it’s the Steelers.

Dolphins Resolution: Win this game and go into the off season on a good note. Ronnie Brown will be back, and with Ricky Williams you’ve got a dynamo running core. I like Chad Henne too, he could turn into a winner in this league. He needs weapons in the passing game though. Ted Ginn Jr is not a reliable receiver, no matter how explosive he may be in the return game. Devone Bess is a good underneath option, but he hasn’t broken a big play all year. Receiver Dez Bryant is available through the draft, and there could be a few options in free agency, but the Fins need to address that position.

Steelers Resolution:

Yes he extends plays and turns them into big gainers, but he needs to work on the clock in his head. Throw the ball away once in a while, you’ll find you won’t need as many of those big gainers when it’s not second and 18.

NYG +9 over Minnesota

The Vikes will win this one, but not by nine points. The Giants really have nothing to play for, and are ready for this season to be over. It’s been an up and down battle for them all year, with only themselves to blame for not making a run this year.

Giants Resolution: Replace Antonio Pierce. He’s not the every down linebacker he used to be, and proved this season he could be subject to breakdown. It’s easier said than done, obviously, but it’s a requirement to have a middle linebacker who can quarterback your defense.

Vikings Resolution: Win this game and hope for an Eagles loss. To me, you need the bye week more than any other team in the NFC. Your defense is floundering without EJ Henderson and you need a week off to get your act together.

As a more long term goal, you need to put Adrian Peterson in a room alone with Tiki Barber for six months. His fumbling problems need to be addressed. That issue alone cost the Vikings home-field advantage and possibly even the bye week and if it continues, could cost them a Super Bowl.

Atlanta over Tampa Bay +2.5

Atlanta has Matt Ryan back, and that means a whole lot for this team’s chances. His mid season turf toe injury, combined with Michael Turner’s high ankle sprain, cost the Falcons a playoff run. They should win this game.

Falcons Resolution: Make sure you go into 2010 with a spell back for Michael Turner, and work on that defensive secondary. You’re in good shape though, a playoff run in 2010 is in the cards.

Bucs Resolution: If Josh Freeman is your answer, give him some weapons. He needs wide receivers. With the third overall pick though, a more reasonable selection would be Tennessee safety Eric Berry. The Bucs haven’t had an impact player at that position since John Lynch left, and he could be the anchor this defense needs.

New Orleans over Carolina (off)

New Orleans needs this win and Steve Smith has a broken arm.

Saints Resolution: Defense, Defense, Defense. That’s the mantra for the Saints in the playoffs. They’ve lost two in a row after starting 13-0. It’s time to get back on track, and make the run to the Super Bowl.

Panthers Resolution: Matt Moore has shown he can lead this team to victory, and may be the replacement for Jake Delhomme in 2010. If not Matt Moore, it needs to be someone though. Delhomme is inconsistent and the position needs to be addressed in the off season.

New England +8 over Houston

This game doesn’t mean a whole lot to the Pats for the playoff picture, but the Pats never lay down deliberately. It’s just not the Belichick way. Houston needs some help to get into the playoffs, but I expect a Pats win, so good luck next year.

Patriots Resolution: Get back to the basics. Embrace the field goal as a viable scoring method, they make the difference. There’s no reason to go for it on fourth and two from the six yard line. It’s okay to punt too, play for field position. That’s how you win in the playoffs, so do it. They can beat any team on any week, so play like it.

Texans Resolution: The three headed monster of Steve Slaton, Ryan Moats, and Chris Brown at running back has been ineffective at best this season. I’m not sure if it’s the offensive line or the guys with the ball, but it needs to be figured out. This team is on the verge, and if they can figure out how to beat the Colts, of making the next step as a franchise.

Philadelphia +3 over Dallas

This could be the biggest game of the week in terms of playoff position. The winner takes the NFC East and gets home-field advantage in the first round. If the Eagles win, they have next week off and home-field advantage in the divisional round as well.

Eagles Resolution: Win in Big D and take a week off to prepare for round two. The road still goes through New Orleans though, but with the way Minnesota and New Orleans have played of late, the door is wide open in the NFC.

Cowboys Resolution: The Cowboys need this win too, and in order to do it, DeMarcus Ware needs a big day rushing Donovan McNabb. Michael Jenkins is turning into a good cornerback, but the Eagles deep passing game is too good for the ‘Boys if they don’t get pressure on Donovan. If they lose, they have to go to Minnesota next week, and I don’t think anybody wants to go there. Their biggest resolution is to win in the playoffs though. At some point, the finger will have to be pointed at Wade Phillips and Tony Romo if they can’t get a win.

Kansas City +13 over Denver

Okay, so I don’t think KC will win, but 13 is too large a spread against a Denver team without Brandon Marshall, who will be sitting on Sunday with a nagging hamstring.

Chiefs Resolution: Win this game and spoil the Broncos playoff bid. After that, get some help for your offensive line. ESPN’s Todd McShay projects you taking OK State’s OT Russell Okung, and I can’t disagree with your need for a stud left tackle. There was a time when the Chiefs had a dominant O-line, and if they want to compete with the Broncos and Chargers again, they need to get back there. Matt Cassel needs to be protected.

Broncos Resolution: I’m really quite surprised Marshall won’t be playing Sunday. Maybe it’s part of his plan to let the Broncos know how much he’s worth in the event of a Denver loss here. Conspiracy theories aside, they should win either way, and are next in line to make the playoffs in the event of a Ravens or Jets loss. In the off-season, they have the Bears’ first round pick, which means an early round pick. At this point, look for a play-maker on offense or defense, a difference maker that can turn games in your direction.

Oakland +10.5 over Baltimore

This could be our upset of playoff teams that control their own destiny. Oakland can win this game at home, and send the Ravens home for the season. In fact, I just called that.

Raiders Resolution: Re-sign Richard Seymour somehow. Otherwise, your 2011 first overall pick goes for nought, and you have to spend your 2010 first round pick to replace him with Florida DE Carlos Dunlap. Apparently he’s got questionable work ethic and a DUI, so he’ll fit right in with the silver and black. The most important advice I can give to Al Davis is to let go. Hire someone to run the team for you or you won’t see another winner before you take the infinite dirt nap.

Ravens Resolution: Baltimore needs a wide receiver. They got lucky that Desmond Mason decided to play another season. I’m certainly not sure he’ll make the same move in 2010, and in that event Joe Flacco will have no options in the passing game. Mark Clayton is not a number one receiver. Available Wide Receivers in the draft are Dez Bryant, Golden Tate, and Mardy Gilyard.

Green Bay +3.5 over Arizona

This game doesn’t mean much to either team, but depending on the outcome of the weekends games, these teams could be facing each other again next week.  Both teams should try to avoid that scenario.

Packers Resolution: You’ve done a good job adapting to a new 3-4 defensive scheme this year, and if I’m you, I stay on that track. Look for a cornerback to help out aging Charles Woodson and Al Harris. In the meantime, focus on winning playoff games. They’ve got as good a chance as any other NFC team to go the distance, and I think they’d like another shot at Minnesota.

Cardinals Resolution: In position to make it back to the Super Bowl, that is the Cardinals goal. Keep Kurt Warner on his feet and in the pocket and they can do that. In the off season, re-sign Darnell Dockett. He’s not a happy man when it comes to his contract, but needs to be because he’s a force on the Arizona defensive line.

San Diego over Washington +4

San Diego is good enough to win this game with LaDanian Tomlinson on the bench, and will do just that.

Chargers Resolution: The talk around town is that this is the Chargers year.  They certainly look like the team to beat in the AFC, as questions about the Colts dedication to excellence surface.  Although, the Chargers haven’t gotten it done in the playoffs in recent years with this group, led by LDT. Play like they have in the second half of the season, and they could be the AFC representative in the big game.

Redskins Resolution: Is the Jason Campbell experiment over yet in Washington? Certainly the Jim Zorn experiment is over. There will be changes in Washington, and Mike Shanahan as the head coach could be the best off season move the Skins could make.

Tennessee +4 over Seattle

The Titans should win this game and still have an outside shot of going to the playoffs.

Titans Resolution:   Playoffs or no Playoffs, this season was a success for Jeff Fischer and company. Though they started 0-6, they turned it around with vigor and rediscovered that Vince Young is a starting QB in the NFL and Chris Johnson established himself as possibly the most complete young running back in the league. WR Kenny Britt has also done well in his debut season, and should develop into a solid number two receiver or low end number one. In the off season, they should look for a true number one receiver if they can find one, and get younger in the defensive front seven.

Seahawks Resolution:   Look for a Matt Hasselback replacement. He’s 35 and apparently prone to injury, and Seneca Wallace is not the answer. They have the Broncos first round pick, along with their own pick. Perhaps a reach on Bradford or Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen with one of those picks is in order.

Cincinnati +10 over NYJ

I’m not sure I could turn down a spread this large. Everyone is saying the Bengals will lay down like the Colts did last week, but I’m not so sure that’s true. If the Bengals lose to the Jets this week, they have to play them again next week. That’s not a good scenario for Cincy.

Bengals Resolution:   Beat the Jets. This is Round One of the playoffs for Cincy. Then find some offense to go with their defense, otherwise they’re not going to go far in the playoffs. In the off season, look for a Tight End to compliment Chad Ochocinco andLaveranues Coles.  If this team is going to run an offense like this, they need a Todd Heap/Heath Miller type of player in their offense.

Jets Resolution:   Obviously start with a win on Sunday, then lose next week. I hate the Jets. They need to strengthen their offensive line in the off season.

So those are the resolutions, we’ll see how many of these teams follow through.

See you next week for the playoffs! 

I failed to fill out my Yahoo! Picks multiple times this year, so I’m going to have to do some heavy analysis to figure out how many I got right this year. I’ll let you know the final tally next week, so you can decide if it’s worth it to listen to me next year.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Week 17: NFC Picks

We’re down to Week 17 and there are several playoff scenarios remaining to be sorted out in each conference during the final games. 

Read my AFC picks here.

The NFC Playoff Picture

My Picks for the 2009 Week Seventeen NFC Games

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

« Previous Page — Next Page »

Sponsored Links

NFL Sport Channel Latest

• Just How Far Would You Go?
• Sorry Rex, But It Isn’t Happening
• Super Bowl Predictions: Five Stat-Free Reasons Why the Eagles Will Reach The Super Bowl
• Seahawks Attempt to Turn Corner With Heavy Pursuit of Pete Carroll
• Bill Cowher Unlikely to Coach in 2010