Where Now for the Oakland Raiders?

After what must be classified as yet another disappointing season, the Oakland Raiders stand once again at a crossroads. Little within the organization remains stable, and that includes the two most important positions on the team—head coach and quarterback.

In order to go forward, we need to know where we are going, and who with.

I don’t think that anyone would like to put their house on whether Tom Cable will return next year as head coach or not, JaMarcus Russell is on the bench and out of favour, and Bruce Gradkowski is a free agent at the end of the year.

The head coach and quarterback questions need answering as soon as possible.

It may be on Sunday that the team is playing for Cable’s job, or it may be that this decision has already been made. Either way, how this team performs against a Baltimore Ravens team with everything to play for will say a lot about them. They have shown a brand of tenacity and pride already this season that has been sadly lacking in years past, and a win would give them a 6-10 record.

Not much on the face of it, but it would be the best record the franchise has had since 2002-03.

The revolving door of coaches since then has been a hugely negative force within the team, and players have struggled to reach their potential due to the lack of continuity surrounding coaching styles and systems.

In a recent poll on the Bleacher Report, more than two-thirds of fans thought Cable should stay at least for an extra year. Cable clearly has the locker room with him, and he also has solid if not overwhelming support from the Raider Nation. Maybe Cable was right when he said that this team would be in the playoffs with even average play at quarterback, maybe not. But this team would certainly have been better.

One more win? Two? Three? I don’t know, but it would have at least brought us back to respectability.

The other question to ask is if Cable gets fired, who replaces him?

A huge factor here is that over the last six years the Oakland Raiders have been a coaches graveyard, and the list of candidates for the job will consist mainly of retreads or the unproven and underqualified.

So my plea to Al Davis is to give this organization some stability by making it clear where we are going as soon as possible. At the end of the season, announce that Cable will be here next year, and sign Bruce Gradkowski to a new contract (plus pay him some decent money). That way the whole team gets some stability and focus for next year.

Pay the quarterback who produced for us, and make sure we hang on to him. 

Once that is done, we can start sorting out the run defense and the offensive line.

And finally, a very happy new year to all those in the Raider Nation, and I hope this year is better than the last.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Fourth & 1 Debate: Fantasy Football Sleeper Keepers

Before we get started, check out my Week 17 NFL picks .

Hatty, of www.hattywaiverwireguru.com , was responsible for this week’s Fourth & 1 Roundtable debate topic.

Click here to see the full article .

 

This Week’s Topic :

“The regular season is almost over and dynasty leaguers are picking their keepers. Everyone knows to keep Fitzgerald, Peterson, and the like, but who are some sleeper keepers for next year?”

My Response :

The first name that comes to mind is Miles Austin .

He enters this week with 1230 receiving yards and 11 TDs. His numbers are bloated by the 421 yards and 4 TDs he had before and after the Cowboys’ bye, as he had seven games with fewer than 50 yards receiving.

Still, he’s a big, strong WR that will turn 26 this Summer. He has a good rapport with Tony Romo and should continue to develop into one of the league’s best WRs. The only issue I see is his contract, but rest assured, Jerry Jones won’t let his prized WR walk away.

Another keeper that came out of nowhere was Jamaal Charles . When you look at his production from Week 10 on you can’t help but wonder why he wasn’t given an opportunity sooner.

Charles showed he could handle the full load, averaging 21.8 carries in Weeks 13-16. He also showed the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield with 39 receptions entering Week 17. Finally, he showed big play ability. He truly was Chris Johnson Lite the last half of the year, and makes an intriguing keeper option heading into 2010.

Panelists
RC of www.junkyardjake.com
Ryan Lester of www.lesterslegends.com
Paul Greco of www.fantasypros911.com
Bryce McRae of www.kffl.com
Kurt Turner of www.top-fantasy-football.com
Lee of www.footballjabber.com
Smitty of www.fantasyfootballxtreme.com
Jacob of www.fantasyfootballfools.com
Hatty of www.hattywaiverwireguru.com

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Week 17 Predictions: Ins and Outs

Note: the quotes in this article are fictional.

San Francisco @ St. Louis (+7)

With a win in St. Louis, the 49ers would finish 8-8, with a winning percentage just slightly lower than Alex Smith’s completion percentage, but much higher than the typical percentage fee charged by bail bondsmen, or, as known to Michael Crabtree, “agent responsible for negotiating my financial security.”

“Hey, I’ve learned a lot this year,” says Crabtree. “Most importantly, the fact that in contract negotiations, it’s best if your agent doesn’t carry a sidearm. I’ve heard of signing contracts with a ballpoint, but never at gunpoint.

“And speaking of ‘warning shots,’ a win over the Rams would give us a 5-1 division record, best in the West, and would signal to our division rivals that there’ll be a new sheriff in town come 2010.

“And said sheriff’s gun won’t be just for show. With the Christmas season past us, sightings of flying reindeer will become just as rare as sightings of ‘winning’ Rams. In St. Louis, we’ll prove that men are men, and sheep are nervous.”

Frank Gore rushes for 102 yards and a touchdown, and the 49ers ground out a 24-20 win.

 

NY Giants @ Minnesota (-9)

With reasons for motivation in abundance, the Giants played with a total lack of it in a 41-9 destruction at the hands of the Panthers last week.

Sunday’s game was the last at Giants Stadium, and New York was desperate for a win to strengthen hope for a playoff berth, but the G-Men laid an egg anyway, turning the ball over four times and surrendering 247 yards on the ground.

“One would think,” says Eli Manning, “that with Lawrence Taylor in attendance, we would have gone out there and played like a bunch of crazed dogs. But the presence of a ‘slimmed down’ Taylor doesn’t quite pack the motivational punch of a ‘coked up’ Taylor. In a time of year when many make vows to be better, we showed very little ‘New York resolution.'”

The Giants will face the Vikings, who lost for the third time in their last four game with a 36-30 overtime loss at Chicago on Monday night. Minnesota would clinch the number two seed with a win and a Philadelphia loss, while a loss would drop them to either the number three or four seed.

“That’s right,” says Brad Childress. “It’s a case of an NFC power struggle. Oh no, I’m not talking about the Vikings, Eagles, and Cardinals. I’m talking about Brett Favre and myself battling over who’s making decisions on this team.

“You would think Favre would acquiesce at least once in his life, but when have we known Favre to ‘walk away’ from anything in his career? Does he think just because he’s one of the NFL’s all-time greats he can do as he please?

“Maybe he should star in a movie called There’s Something About Legend-ary . You know, Joe Montana had no trouble at all walking away from the game. And nothing could drag him back, not even an exorbitant appearance fee to show up at Super Bowl XL in celebration of the games’ MVPs.”

Vikings win, 31-24.

 

Jacksonville @ Cleveland (-3)

Just four weeks ago, the Jaguars were 7-5 and first in line for one of the AFC’s two wild card berths. Since then, they’ve lost three straight, and although they’re still in contention, they’d need a series of unlikely events to clinch a playoff spot.

“This is Florida,” says Jack Del Rio. “Stranger things have happened. Hopefully, we’ll remain motivated, and maybe a ‘spirited practice’ or two will change the course of history.

“We just need to handle our business and beat the Browns, which won’t be easy in Cleveland Stadium. We’re 2-5 on the road, which is awful, so we need to treat this as if it’s a home game. That will be easy, because there will be about 126 Jag fans in the crowd.

“As for those reports that have the Jags drafting Tim Tebow, as well as Urban Meyer replacing me as coach, well, those Jesus freaks may be able to put people in the pews , but not in the stands . This team doesn’t need to be closer to God; we need to be closer to the Colts.”

The Browns walloped the Raiders 23-9, improving to 4-11 and now riding the wave of a three-game winning streak. Eric Mangini has remained collected in the face of recent front office changes, and that calm demeanor has been the catalyst for the Browns recent run.

“Coach Mangini has a lot of support,” says Joshua Cribbs, “mostly in his girdle. But the attitude in the locker room is a far cry from what it was early in the season. Earlier this year, the team was standing firmly behind him, but that was when asked if we’d take a bullet for him.

“Now, he has our full support, and he’s kept this team together. We’re cool. He’s cool. So cool, in fact, that we no longer call him the ‘Ice Man(gini).’ Now, he goes by the moniker ‘Funky Cold Mangini.'”

Jags finally play like it means something and wins, 23-16 . In the end, though, it doesn’t mean anything.

 

Pittsburgh @ Miami (+3)

The Steelers are 9-7 after a big win against the Ravens, and while their playoff hopes are slim, there’s still a chance Pittsburgh could slip in.

The Steelers need to win in Miami, and would benefit from losses by the Ravens, Jets, Broncos, and Texans.

“Five-game losing streaks tend to loosen your grip on destiny,” says Ben Roethlisberger. “And make your teammates start questioning your toughness. And cause your coach to make unwise decisions, like onside kicking with a lead .

“And make you start doubting whether Head And Shoulders shampoo does, in fact, provide seven benefits to healthy hair, or is there something in it that is keeping your star safety from playing. If there’s one thing this defense is lacking, it’s mettle, ‘hair’ mettle.”

Despite losing to the Texans last week to fall to 7-8, the Dolphins still have a chance to make the playoffs, but the explanation of such a scenario would be a difficult concept to comprehend even for Jets coach Rex Ryan, much less the average football fan.

In fact, Dolphins coach Tony Sparano is himself surprised that the ‘Fins have a chance.

“Just when I think I’m out,” says Sparano, “they pull me back in. That’s what my great-grandfather Vito Sparano said back in ’35 when he tried to get out of the family olive oil business to pursue a career in the circus. And it applies to our playoff chances this year.

“Now, from what I understand, we need to win, and the Jets, Ravens, Broncos, Texans, and Jaguars all need to lose. Sure, the odds are long, but nobody wants to see me throw in the towel, lest not on the season, and especially not in the sauna.”

Steelers win, 27-20 .

 

New England @ Houston (-7)

The Patriots clinched the AFC West with a convincing 35-7 rout of the Jaguars as Randy Moss caught three touchdown passes from Tom Brady.

Since his low point against the Panthers, when his heart was questioned, Moss has caught four TD passes, and the Pats again look like a team to be reckoned with.

“There was never any doubt in my mind that Randy would be ready for the postseason,” says Brady. “When has he ever been caught ‘with his pants down’ in the playoffs? Despite Joe Buck’s overreaction to that incident, Randy did not, in fact, pull his pants down. It was a ‘simulated’ mooning, just as Randy’s effort is often ‘simulated.'”

While the Patriots are in, the Texans are still fighting for a playoff spot, and need a win, plus two losses among the Jets, Broncos, and Ravens.

Houston features the NFL’s yardage leaders in passing and receiving in Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson, respectively.

“Andre is Moss without the drama,” says Schaub, “and the hillbilly homeboy accent.”

“Win or lose, though, you’d have to say we’ve had a successful season. If just a few balls would have gone our way, particularly, two over the crossbar against the Colts, then we’d be facing a vastly different situation right now. That’s why we call our kicker, Kris Brown, by his wife’s name, ‘Miss’ Brown.”

Bill Belichick has said that “whoever plays, plays” in regards to how much his starters will play against the Texans.

Quick, somebody chisel that into a stone tablet so, 1,000 years from now, some genius can translate so everyone will know what the hell those words mean.

Schaub throws for 315 yards and three scores, two to Johnson, and the Texans win, 31-17.

 

Atlanta @ Tampa Bay (-1)

The Bucs stunning overtime defeat of the Saints left many observers doing a double-take, including Saints owner Tom Benson, who unwittingly celebrated a Saints win although New Orleans kicker Garrett Hartley missed the game-winning field goal.

But those double-takes pale in comparison to the “spit-takes” unleashed in reaction to rumors that Bill Cowher may be the new head coach of the Buccaneers.

“Hey, you know what they say about rumors,” says Cadillac Williams. “‘Loose lips sink ships.’ Well, if Cowher is, in fact, headed to Tampa, that saying should be revised to ‘Loose lips rebuild ships.’ But let’s not jump too far ahead on this matter.

“The ink’s not even dry on the contract, nor is the spittle. Raheem Morris is still the coach, but in the world of the impatient Glazer brothers, owners of the Bucs, a coach can be gone in a heartbeat. If you listen closely, you can hear music coming from the pirate ship in the end zone. It’s Nancy Sinatra’s ‘This Plank Was Made For Walking.'”

Atlanta wins, 23-21.

 

New Orleans @ Carolina (-7)

It’s not often a 13-2 team can be classified as “reeling,” but the Saints, who just weeks ago looked like the favorite as NFC champions, have now lost two in a row.

After being bullied by the Cowboys on Dec. 19, the Saints blew a 17-0 lead to the Bucs and lost 20-17 in overtime.

On Sunday, they face a rejuvenated Panthers team that would like nothing more than to knock the Saints down another notch.

“Obviously, we’ve lost our ‘meaux jeaux,'” says Drew Brees. “Maybe it’s lost somewhere in our rush defense, and I’m sure the Panthers, decent people that they are, will offer us ample opportunity to find it.

“But thanks to the Vikings loss on Monday, we’ve clinched homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. And we’ve got to thank the Bears for that. Heck, they owed us. The last time a Bear showed that much generosity, Mike Ditka gave away our entire draft for Ricky Williams.”

The Panthers pasted the Giants 41-9 for their second straight impressive victory after Week 15’s 26-7 win over the Vikings.

Matt Moore threw for 3 touchdowns in the win over the Giants, and has made a strong case to keep the starting job in 2010. Moore is 3-1 in his four starts this year.

“Jake’s stock has sunk like a rock in the swamps of his native state of Louisiana,” says John Fox. “Since he broke his finger and Matt’s started, this team’s done a complete ‘Bayou’-turn. Not only that, but Julius Peppers has lately been playing like a man possessed. And that’s as it should be. At a price of $1 million per game, you’d think we’d need an exorcist to manage Peppers’ ‘possession.'”

Panthers win, 30-20.

 

Philadelphia @ Dallas (-3)

The NFC East title will be on the line when the 10-4 Cowboys host the 11-5 Eagles.

Dallas locked up a playoff spot with a 17-0 win in Washington on Sunday night. If you watched that broadcast on NBC, you saw the video of Jerry Jones saying he didn’t feel the need for a coaching change, although he would like that feeling “ratified” by a playoff win.

The Cowboys’ last postseason success came in 1996.

“I regularly have my feelings ‘ratified’ by beautiful blonde starlets,” says Tony Romo. “But you know Jerry, he’s the only owner who can offer a vote of confidence and and then a backhanded retraction in the same sentence .”

The Eagles, winners of their last six, appear primed for a postseason run much like last year’s, which culminated in a loss in Arizona in the NFC Championship Game.

“We’re certainly the hottest team in the NFC right now,” says Donovan McNabb. “Most of the credit for our success in that span goes to DeSean Jackson, who can break down defenses in a number of ways. He’s carried us. I haven’t seen this many people relying on a ‘Jackson’ since Michael Jackson passed away. His kin give parasites a bad name.

“Anyway, the Cowboys have as much to gain with a win as we do. And just as much to lose. This is truly a ‘loser leaves town’ match. The loser likely goes on the road for the first-round of the playoffs.”

Romo out-duels McNabb, and throws for 245 yards and 2 touchdowns, and the Cowboys win, 34-28.

 

Indianapolis @ Buffalo (-7)

Hey, the Colts used to be members of the AFC East, and a feeling of overwhelming nostalgia must have been responsible for Indianapolis’s seasonal kindness towards their former East rivals.

Jim Caldwell pulled Peyton Manning and several starters in the third quarter, thus enabling the Jets to storm back from a 15-10 deficit to a 29-15 win, a victory which kept their playoff hopes alive.

“And that had to thrill the members of the 1972 Dolphins team,” says Peyton Manning. “With our many undefeated starts, we’ve made it a habit to please those old timers quite often when we lose. You could say we’re like their colostomy bags—we’re the reason they can ‘relieve’ themselves.”

“As you could tell by my agitated state on the sideline, I was not very happy with Jim Caldwell’s decision to pull the starters. But let’s give him credit—it’s the first decision he’s made all year. And who am I to argue with a decision a coach makes? Wait a minute. I change nearly every play called in the huddle.”

The Colts will face a 5-10 Bills team eager for a win, no matter how tainted.

“Hey, if the Colts want to play their second- and third-string,” says Terrell Owens, “it’s fine by us. It might be the first evenly-matched game we’ve played this year. And I think it’s wrong for Colts fans to be upset with Caldwell’s decision. Don’t call the man names. Well, if you must call him a name. why not call him the ‘Skeet Shooter,’ because where his starters are concerned, he’s always saying ‘Pull!'”

Indianapolis wins, 24-21.

 

Chicago @ Detroit (+3)

In the Bears’ 36-30 overtime win over the Vikings on Monday night, Jay Cutler threw for 273 yards and four touchdowns, including the game-winning score in overtime.

“That’s the kind of performance we expected out of Cutler when we traded for him in the offseason,” says Lovie Smith. “Maybe the expectations were just too much for Jay to live up to. God knows Rex Grossman set the bar high.

“In hindsight, the trade wasn’t a good idea. If I had it to do over, I probably would have ordered Cutler and Josh McDaniels to seek couples counseling. It would have done us good had they stayed together. I think we celebrated a little too much here when Cutler arrived. He was feted. Since then, for the most part, he’s been fetid .”

Lions win, 27-24.

 

Washington @ San Diego (-6½)

The Chargers clinched a first-round bye with a 42-17 win on Christmas over the Titans. With the longest current winning streak in the league right now, at 10, many feel that San Diego will be the most dangerous team in the playoffs.

“Do you know what rhymes with ‘first-round bye?'” says Philip Rivers. “‘Evil eye.’ And that’s exactly what we’re giving the Colts. People say lightning doesn’t strike twice. It already has where Indy is concerned. I don’t want to say we’re certain to beat the Colts should we meet. I’m just saying their chances to beat us are far from a ‘lock’; they’re a ‘dead bolt.'”

In Washington, the talk of Mike Shanahan’s hiring has become louder, and Jim Zorn’s firing has become imminent. The ‘Skins suffered their first shutout of the year, falling 17-0 to Dallas last week.

“There’s a lot of unhappy people in Washington,” says Albert Haynesworth. “And I’m one of them, which proves the age-old adage that money, not even $100 million, can buy happiness. It does, however, pay off quite a few fines.

“I would love to have a coach like Mike Shanahan in Washington. Right now, there’s nothing of his caliber in Washington, except for maybe the contents of Gilbert Arenas’ locker.”

San Diego wins, 27-13.

 

Baltimore @ Oakland (+10)

Despite losing to the Steelers last week, the Ravens still have a firm grasp on their playoff destiny, needing a win to qualify.

They have to do that in Oakland against the unpredictable Raiders, a team that has beaten the Steelers and Bengals this year, yet lost to the Browns last week. Ray Lewis and his fellow Ravens know that there is a job to do.

“‘Black Hole’ chore,” quoth the Raven. “‘Black Hole’ chore.”

“Of course, it’s never easy playing in Oakland, especially for the home team. I can’t imagine the pressure of having to please the likes of Darth Vader, Skeletor, and the hordes of other characters that occupy the Black Hole.

“And I’m sure the Grim Reaper is somewhere amidst the crowd. At least he is when he’s not busy tapping Al Davis on the shoulder. But, like the Raiders, those creatures are nothing to fear. The Raiders are mediocre; those beasts are ‘medi-ogres .'”

The lone bright spot in the Raiders’ 23-9 loss in Cleveland last week was kicker Sebastian Janikowski, who booted three field goals, including a 61-yarder, a Raiders record.

“This is something that I’ll remember forever,” says Janikowski. “I’ve had many ‘dates’ in my life, but none of them could ever say that. But ‘records’ don’t really mean much to me, because I already have one. I like my goal posts ‘upright,’ but not my dates.”

Joe Flacco throws for two scores, including the game-winner to Ray Rice, and Baltimore wins, 20-13.

 

Kansas City @ Denver (-11)

It seems that in the AFC, “destiny” is much like a hot potato: no one wants to hold it in their hands.

The Broncos are no exception. In the course of a season, Denver has gone from “sure-fire” AFC West champions (after a 6-0 start) to a “sure-fire” wild card team (8-4 after Week 13) to a team on the bubble.

That’s where they stand now.

After three consecutive losses, the Broncos are 8-7 and win or lose, need lots of help to make the playoffs.

“We’ve made our bed,” says Brandon Marshall, “and now we have to sleep in it. Unfortunately, it’s a bed of nails, which is a might more uncomfortable than former Bronco running back and procreator Travis Henry’s bed of ‘nails.’ I’m not sure what number is higher—my re ceptions, or Henry’s con ceptions.”

“Anyway, I don’t think Josh McDaniels will allow us to lose sight of our goal. He has a special way of motivation us, and can always find just the right word to move us in the right direction. That word starts with ‘f’ and ends with ‘-ers.'”

Marshall has ten catches for 99 yards and a touchdown, and the Broncos win, 24-7 .

 

Green Bay @ Arizona (-3)

With a wild card berth already sealed, all that remains for the Packers is determining their travel plans for the playoffs.

With several NFC seeding scenarios yet to be solidified, Green Bay could very well be making a return trip to Arizona for a wild card playoff game.

“It doesn’t compare to the Lambeau Field ‘mystique,'” says Aaron Rodgers, “but University of Phoenix Stadium has a certain ‘aura’ of its own. I believe it’s called a ‘roof.’ At Lambeau, you can soak up the lore of NFL championships past. You can’t do that at the U of P Stadium, although you can get an online degree.”

Due to Minnesota’s loss last week, the Cardinals have a shot at acquiring the number two seed and a first-round bye.

A win over the Packers, in conjunction with Vikings and Eagles losses, would give Arizona that distinction.

“We’d love to capture that two seed and take a week off,” says Larry Fitzgerald. “And I like our odds. Usually, when you ‘go number two,’ you ‘take a seat.'”

Arizona wins, 31-27.

 

Tennessee @ Seattle (+5)

With both the Titans and the Seahawks eliminated from the playoff picture, all of the attention in Sunday’s game in Seattle will be on Chris Johnson’s pursuit of the NFL rushing yards and yards from scrimmage records.

Johnson needs 233 yards to tie Eric Dickerson’s NFL record of 2,105 set in 1984, and needs only 74 yards to reach Marshall Faulk’s record of 2,429 yards from scrimmage set in 1999.

“It was very kind of the Seahawks to rename their venue Qwest Field on my behalf,” says Johnson. “What’s that? It’s always been called that? That’s too bad.

“Anyway, I’ll be the only brush with greatness the Seahawks have seen this year. Dickerson’s record may be out of reach, but Faulk’s is sure to fall—hard. With apologies to LenDale White, ‘Smash and Dash’ will be a solo project in Seattle.”

Johnson easily surpasses Faulk, racking up 168 yards from scrimmage, but falls short of Dickerson’s mark. However, Johnson rushes for 139 yards, bringing his season total to 2,011, which all but guarantees he’ll grace the cover of EA Sports Madden 2011 game.

Titans win, 24-17.

 

Cincinnati @ NY Jets (-9)

Cincinnati officially clinched the AFC North with a sloppy 17-10 win over the Chiefs, and will enter the playoffs as either the number three or four seed.

That seeding depends on the outcome of the Bengals Sunday night game in the Meadowlands against the Jets, as well as the New England/Houston tilt earlier in the day.

“So, by all accounts,” says Carson Palmer, “we’ll know our position before the game even starts. Let’s assume the Patriots win, which will leave us nothing to play for. In turn, our starters won’t play a full game, thus giving the Jets a likely, and needed, win.

“Apparently, there’s a consensus among playoff teams that they all want the Jets in the playoffs . So, in essence, if the Jets playoff hopes are a hot dog, then their final two games this year are ‘all the fixins,’ because with teams laying down in front of them, they Jets can go ‘all the way’ to the playoffs.”

With a win, the Jets will clinch a playoff spot regardless of what the AFC’s other six wild card contenders do.

“I resent the allegations that the Colts ‘let’ us win,” says Rex Ryan. “And I think it’s ludicrous to surmise that the Bengals will do the same because it’s advantageous for them to face us in the playoffs.

“What do we look like? The gift that keeps on giving? It is, however, ironic that the famous words of Herman Edwards, ‘You play to win the game,’ won’t be heeded by our opponents. So, once again, no one’s listening to Herman.”

Jets wins, 27-10

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Tampa Bay Bucs-Atlanta Falcons Preview: Making 2010 a New Odyssey

Before we begin, I just wanted to wish you and your families a very happy and prosperous New Year.

The dropping of the ball in Times Square always leads to renewed hope. We move into the decade where we should visit Mars, have flying cars (at least that’s what I was told when I was a kid), and the Buccaneers have some hope for a much better 2010 than ’09.

The Buccaneers are coming off their first two-game winning streak since November 2008. What’s more is it’s a two-game winning streak on the road in two of the toughest venues to play in the NFL

Granted, the Seattle Seahags have mailed in the rest of ’09, but the highflying New Orleans Saints certainly hadn’t. Home field advantage was on the line, and they wanted to get themselves back on track before the playoffs.

The Bucs kept the best team in the NFC derailed.

So for their finale, the Bucs entertain another division rival, the Atlanta Falcons, at Raymond James Stadium. The Falcons are also playing for something, back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in their franchise’s history.

What would be better for Tampa Bay than to end the season with the authority of a three-game winning streak and keep one of the more dubious statistics in the NFL alive and well?

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Passing game vs. Atlanta Falcons Pass Defense

Josh Freeman had his best day as a pro against the Falcons suspect secondary in their last meeting. Completing 20-of-29 passes for 250 yards, two touchdowns and most importantly, no turnovers.

If Freeman can duplicate that performance in Tampa, the Bucs will have a tremendous chance to win.

On the season, Tampa Bay remains 25th in the league in passing, while the Falcons are 28th against the pass.

Advantage: Tampa Bay

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rushing Attack vs. Atlanta Falcons Rush Defense

The Bucs have had a new dedication to the running game, and they responded with their best consecutive outings of the season. Carnell Williams rushed for over 100 yards in a game for the first time since 2006. He was the battering ram that got the Bucs down the field for the game-winning field goal against the Saints.

Atlanta’s defense is better against the run than it is the pass. In their previous meeting, Atlanta were able to limit the Buccaneers to just 75 yards on the ground.

The Bucs need to a lot more than that to make the play action effective and keep Josh Freeman out of trouble.

Atlanta’s 17th against the run, while the Bucs’ running game is now up to 23rd.

Advantage: Push

 

Atlanta Falcons Passing Game vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pass Defense

Matt Ryan returned behind the center for the Falcons last week against Buffalo. It appears the time off did not hurt him. He tossed for 250 yards and three touchdowns.

The Bucs put heavy pressure on the second -quarterback and knocked Ryan out of the game early in the first meeting. Tampa Bay finished the game with a season high six sacks on Ryan and backup Chris Redman.

Still, Redman was able to pass the Falcons down the field for the game-winning touchdown late.

Tampa Bay has since corrected a lot of their deficiencies in the passing game under head coach Raheem Morris’ play calling. Their 202 passing yards average over the last five games would be good for 6th in the NFL, if played over the course of the season.

Atlanta’s 13th in the league passing the ball.

Advantage: Tampa Bay

 

Atlanta Falcons Running attack vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Run Defense

Even under Morris, the Buccaneers continue to struggle in stopping the run. However, in their last meeting with the Falcons, the Bucs managed to limit Atlanta to just 75 yards on the ground.

Michael Turner continues to have issues with his ankle and may not be there for the Falcons in the season finale, hurting the already depleted corps of backs.

The key to this game may very well be the Bucs’ ability to shutdown the Atlanta running attack. Everything the Falcons do breathes off the running game. Shut it down and you have a great chance at winning the game. Fail and the Falcons might run you into oblivion.

Atlanta boasts the 17th ranked running attack in the league, while Tampa Bay continues to struggle, ranked 30th against the run.

Advantage: Atlanta

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Special Teams vs. Atlanta Falcons Special Teams

The one unit the Bucs can point to and say no one is better than is the special teams. The “We-fense”, as special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia calls it, remains among league leaders in coverage, return yards, and return touchdowns. The Bucs are also getting consistent play from replacement kicker Connor Barth and punter Sam Paulescu.

Atlanta’s been pretty solid in kick coverage, but not so good in punt coverage. They also are in the top 10 in kickoff and punt return average.

Former Buccaneers kicker Matt Bryant replaced Jason Elam as kicker but is suffering from the effects of an injury and the sad loss of his father.

Michael Koenen continues as a solid punter for the birds.

Advantage: Tampa Bay

 

Coaching

Raheem Morris is completing his first season as Buccaneers head coach, and he is 3-12.

Mike Smith is in his second season with the Falcons and is 19-12 as head coach. He took the Falcons to the playoffs in his first season.

Advantage: Atlanta

 

Intangibles

• Tampa Bay looks to win their third straight game for the first time since November of last season.
• Several Bucs players have come out in support of Morris, and they’ve played hard for him down the stretch.
• Atlanta looks to put together back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in their 43-year franchise history.

Advantage: Push

 

Prediction:

The Bucs enter the season finale with renewed confidence, thanks to consecutive victories. There are turning points in franchises when the players finally buy into what the coaches are selling, go out, and perform.

The Bucs may be at a critical juncture here. A victory over the Falcons may give ownership enough confidence to keep continuity and avoid the seduction of the quick money grab of Bill Cowher.

A loss could invalidate the last two ball games, further disenchant an already jaded fanbase and lead to Morris’ dismissal.

This is, without question, the biggest game of Morris’ coaching career.

The Bucs should have beaten the Falcons in Atlanta, and they weren’t even playing at the level they are right now.

Atlanta comes in very banged up, and with the Bucs having a lot to play for, I think they pull this one out in a nailbiter.

Final Score: Tampa Bay 20, Atlanta 17.

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Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson Await Mike Holmgren’s Decision

Happy New Year to you and yours! One game left, and a whole pile of questions greet Cleveland Browns fans in the New Year.

 

Derek Anderson has one game left to impress Mike Holmgren enough to be kept around for one more year, but even a 300-plus yard performance probably won’t be enough for Anderson to wear brown and orange another year.

 

It’s not a bad or a good thing. It’s a disappointing end to what was once considered a very promising career.

 

Anderson grabbed the reigns in the 2007 season and took his game to new heights. Unfortunately, cracks began appearing in his game fairly early on, and supporters of that year’s first round draft pick, Brady Quinn, were quick to jump on those cracks.

 

Then the meltdown against Cincinnati forever sealed his fate with a good majority of the fanbase. When a quarterback intercepts a team out of the playoffs, that doesn’t bode well for his future, Pro Bowl selection or not.

 

Going into the 2008 season, Anderson was the starter, but Quinn was lurking should Anderson falter. Anderson did nothing but give Quinn supporters fodder for their argument, but Quinn injured his throwing finger almost immediately after being named starter.

 

In 2009, the scars from the debacle that was the quarterback competition still linger. Once again, Quinn is injured, but now having had time to show more “stuff.” The problem is that Quinn hasn’t been very impressive.

 

Quinn throws fewer interceptions, but he seems to have the same accuracy problems Anderson has. Throw into this mix offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s soul-killing, mind-numbing awfulness, and the jury still really should be out on Quinn.

 

However, Holmgren is the one in charge now, and if he knows one thing, it’s quarterbacks. Holmgren most likely already has a good idea of what he wants to do. Whatever his decision is, the fans should throw their full support behind it.

 

Unlike Eric Mangini, Holmgren has earned the benefit of the doubt. That’s not meant to be an easy bash on Mangini; it’s stating the reality of the situation.

 

Mangini defenders’ line of argument has been that Mangini wasn’t given a fair chance and was maligned and doomed in the eyes of the local media, and a good portion of the fanbase, from day one.

 

While not completely false, as I’ve said before, Mangini does a lot of his own grave digging. No one should feel sorry for him because of it. Dealing with the media is part of the job. If you don’t like it, don’t take the job.

 

Add to this the fact Mangini never won anything as a head coach, and his arrogance over the position and tendency to be heavy-handed never sat well with anybody.

 

Now Holmgren is in charge, and Mangini is on the hot seat.

 

Holmgren had a teleconference with the media earlier this week, and I talk about it here .

 

The only things to really add are questions. Does bringing in the “right guys” as quickly as possible spell the end for Mangini, whose early mistakes doomed the season before it really began?

 

If Holmgren decides to scrap both quarterbacks and start over, who will he go for in the draft? Or will he go the free agency route?

 

Has Mangini done enough over the last month to save his job? Does Holmgren believe Mangini can accept no longer being the guy in charge in Cleveland?

 

The next 10 days will start answering many questions and set the tone for the 2010 season. Hopefully, that tone will be a winning one.

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Green Bay Packers: Ten New Year’s Resolutions for 2010

The Packers are completing a successful season in 2009, but the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl is a longshot this year, and there are simple things that can be done for the team to go to the next level. With the new decade rolling in, here are my top ten Packers’ New Year’s resolutions for the upcoming year to make that jump to the Super Bowl.

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Kansas City Chiefs-Denver Broncos: Three Key Matchups

The season is dead, but the team’s pulse is still pumping. 

If fans only care about outcomes, then they were walking for the exits on the Kansas City Chief’s season weeks ago. 

However, a team with nothing left to play for but pride can be a very scary team to face for an organization under the pressure of earning a playoff birth.

When the Chiefs march into Denver to face the Broncos, the red and gold will attempt to cast themselves as spoilers to the playoff hopeful Broncos.

In their last meeting, Denver trounced Kansas City to the tune of 44-13, and some key matchups can be examined to see if the result will be something different or painfully similar.

 

Jamaal Charles vs. Knowshon Moreno

Knowshon Moreno, rookie out of Georgia, running back for the Denver Broncos, is 103 yards from a 1,000-yard rushing season while averaging 3.8 per carry. 

Jamaal Charles, second-year running back for the Chiefs, who assumed the starting role since Week 10, is 139 yards from a 1,000-yard rushing season while averaging 5.2 yards per carry. 

Unfortunately, against Denver in Week 13, Charles averaged 3.1 yards per carry, a low since assuming the starting role.     

Still, the numbers clearly show Charles to be the more explosive runner, but an impressive game from both ball carriers is likely. 

Moreno is facing an atrocious Kansas City run defense.

Charles is on a hot streak that puts him on par in recent weeks with the likes of Barry Sanders. 

In fact, in 1998, Sanders would average only 3.1 yards on 22 carries against the Minnesota Vikings, while the rematch in Week Eight would see Sanders with a 5.3 yards-per-carry average.

Can Charles show a similar resilience and make his bid to be considered the elite running back of the AFC West as the incumbent LaDainian Tomlinson’s career continues to fade?  Or will Moreno prove the type of back in the Bronco running back carousel that continues to give Kansas City defenses nightmares?

 

Matt Cassel vs. Kyle Orton

The franchise quarterback of the future in Kansas City, Matt Cassel, came into camp and signed a monstrous long-term contract. 

Since then he has thrown for 2,717 yards with 16 touchdowns and 15 picks for a 70.1 quarterback rating. 

Oft-booed in Chicago, Kyle Orton appeared to be a desperate reach for Denver when their hand was forced to make a trade of pro bowl quarterback Jay Cutler. 

The former offensive coordinator for New England and new Bronco head coach, Josh McDaniels, disgruntled Cutler by conducting trade talks regarding Cassel, who had one year of experience under McDaniels.    

This season, Orton has thrown for 3,371 yards with 20 touchdowns and only nine picks for a quarterback rating of 89.3.

With the dust settling from all of this, two story lines emerge.

Do the Broncos have their quarterback of the future, or are they looking to supplant Orton with a player capable of making “all the throws,” so they can better stretch the field?

In fact, the Bronco’s pass game is a short game with lots of receiver bubble screens.

With the Chiefs locked into a long-term deal with Cassel, has the franchise been set back by commitment, is their enough flexibility to move in another direction, or is Cassel showing enough to merit the tenure of the starting quarterback spot?

 

Kansas City Chiefs’ Defensive Coordinator Clancy Pendergast vs. Job Security 

It was an offseason of upheaval and new faces for Kansas City.  New general manager, new head coach/offensive coordinator, new quarterback, and new defensive coordinator.

Kansas City also introduced a new 3-4 defense.

The Chiefs have stumbled their way through a season of transitioning to the 3-4. 

Kansas City has been gashed with big plays and average next-to-last in the NFL for rushing yards allowed. 

It is unlikely Kansas City will have similar offseason changes this summer as the new faces will be given more than a year to prove their merit.  However, the one person least likely to have some leniency regarding performance is Pendergast. 

In the late ’90s Kansas City had a powerful defense with limited offense to match it with. 

In the early part of the new millennium, Dick Vermeil led a Kansas City team with a dominant offense and no defense to provide support.

As we enter the second decade of the new millennium, Kansas City is a team with a weak defense partnered with a struggling offense. 

Kansas City is currently 3-12 and it’s a small mystery why.  

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Quiet Achiever: How Matt Schaub Has Kept Houston Alive

Silent but deadly.  Those three words have never proved truer for Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub who is looking to possibly boost his team into the playoffs this weekend with a win over New England.

Originally starting his career with the Atlanta Falcons, Matt Schaub was one of the few players that had a 50/50 shot at making a proper career in the NFL.  After being signed to the Houston Texans in March of 2007, Schaub hasn’t looked back.

Most NFL fans know the Texans are one of the very best young, up-and-coming teams in the NFL.  The franchise is celebrating its seventh birthday this year, and most players in its locker room could turn around and applaud Schaub for his hard work in making his team what it is today.

This is all well and good, but the more impressive stat is that Schaub has played every game this year, and has posted great stats in doing so.  He has thrown for 4,467 yards on the season along with 27 touchdown passes, which are great numbers from this three-year veteran of the Houston Texans.

Schaub’s abilities have come a long way from what they used to be.  Looking up the teams with the best passing games in the NFL this season, you’d be surprised to see the Houston Texans ranked second behind none other than the Indianapolis Colts. 

As shaky and sluggish as the Texans have been at times, they have still done enough to maintain an 8-7 record, and can pray and hope everything goes their way next week in the AFC.

“It’s a huge game for us and it’s a chance for us to get to 9-7, which we haven’t been able to do. Obviously there’s a lot [riding] on the game. It’s a playoff game in our mind, a must-win game to stay in the hunt,” Schaub said in a press conference.

Superstar wide receiver Andre Johnson also commented on Schaub’s high-caliber performance and said how glad he is that Schaub is among the elite quarterbacks in the NFL this year.

“He’s taken a lot of criticism, but I think, this year, by what he’s done, he’s kind of shut some people up,” Johnson said. “In this league, it’s about being consistent. So, he has to come back and hopefully have a similar year like he had this year, and hopefully we can go out and win more games and he’ll get the recognition he deserves.”

For the Manning, Favre, and Brees fans out there who are questioning Schaub’s true performance, keep in mind Schaub’s previous seasons have been plagued with injuries, and to cap it all off, he has had to deal with numerous offensive line changes and tight end movements.

Along with other quarterbacks in the league such as Aaron Rodgers, Josh Freeman, and Matt Ryan, Schaub has proven that he deserves to be mentioned in the top younger generation of quarterbacks in the NFL.

Entering a new decade, there is no telling how far Schaub will go.  Super Bowl or bust?  Who knows.  His future, along with the Texans, looks promising though.

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Bears-Lions: Chicago Loss Would Hasten Lovie Smith’s Departure

Despite the goodwill generated from the Chicago Bears improbable win over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night, a Bears loss to the hapless Lions this Sunday might be a fatal blow to head coach Lovie Smith.

A loss to Detroit on Sunday could make firing Smith that much easier for Jerry Angelo. That is, assuming Angelo himself is still here after the season.

For if it were up to me, I would blow up the whole thing. But to end the season with consecutive wins might make it easier for the McCaskeys to retain the Bears coach.

Look, Detroit is a bad football team. Yes, it has young QB Matthew Stafford to look forward to, but for now, it stinks.

I realize the Bears are not a good team themselves, but at least they aren’t 2-13. Even being on the road shouldn’t hurt the Bears, since the Lions are a mere 2-5 at home this season.

Detroit ranks 31st in team defense and 25th in offense.

The Lions do hold an edge over the Bears in some categories, however. The Lions rank 24th in rushing, while the Bears rank 30th. The Lions also hold a slim edge defending the run.

Meanwhile, they are dead last in defending the pass, and they allow a league-worst 30 PPG. Heck, they have even thrown more interceptions than the Bears!

Detroit ranks last in turnover differential, at minus-16.

In other words, this is a game that the Bears simply must win.

Still, this could be a classic trap game in the sense that the Bears are coming off a short week, and a big win, and may be taking Detroit lightly.

But if a loss means the end of Lovie and his staff, maybe a loss wouldn’t be so bad for the Bears after all, come to think of it.

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It’s Time To Keep The Faith New Orleans

If someone would have told you in August that the New Orleans Saints would have a record of 13-2 when we ring in 2010, you would have said what?

I’m sure you would have been singing the same old tired tune of how the Saints will never be able to do that.  They’ll never be more than a last minute add for a wildcard spot this year especially with a new defensive coordinator.   

Why not its been the usual way of thinking for the better part of 40 years.

But not this year, this year is different. For the first time in Saints history, we ring in a New Year as the No. 1 seed in the NFC. You would think everyone in the city, whether local or visitor, would be elated at such a feat and jubilant beyond belief.

And yet there are still those negative Nellies who have to find some way to throw water on the fire. Of course those same negative Nellies where/are the last to jump on the bandwagon andwill be the first to jump off.

Watch your step and good bye!

The rest of us are having too much fun.  An undefeated season and a Superbowl win would have been fabulous for all of the years of suffering.

Now it’s time for us,the true BELIEVERS, to not lose the Faith! 

Its gut check time for player and fan alike. Time to ask yourself if you have what it takes.

Time to make a statement.

As a fan, I say let’s show the boys just how much we believe in them and instead of waiting at the airport when they return be there as they fly off to their last battle of the regular season. They leave around 1pm on Saturday.

Thank them for the ride so far and wish them a safe return as they continue on their/our quest of the Lombardi Trophy.

Happy New Year!

 

 

 

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