The Brady-Manning rivalry is easily the greatest rivalry in the history of the sport. To a certain extent, the "rivalry" is overrated between these two quarterbacks since they're never on the field at the same time, but I don't think it's a stretch to say that this is a rivalry on par with Russell-Chamberlain or Magic-Bird or any other of the great individual rivalries in the all of sports. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning transcend football, and that's really why this rivalry has captivated football fans for fifteen years. I could sit here and try and convince you that one is better than the other because of 100 different stats, but I won't (the one thing I will point out is just something I found somewhat humorous: Brady now holds an 11-6 all-time record against Manning head-to-head; however, although Brady is arguably considered to be the greatest postseason quarterback ever, Manning won three of the five postseason meetings, including three of the four AFC Championship meetings, and although Manning is arguably considered to be the greatest regular season quarterback ever, Brady won nine of the twelve regular season meetings). Instead, I will just be thankful that I had the opportunity to watch the both of them throughout their Hall of Fame careers, as Peyton's will likely end in a week and a half, and as Brady's continues for however much longer he has left. They are two of the best to ever play, and I will always remember how fortunate I was to get to watch them.
By: Stephen C. I started year one of this blog talking about Peyton Manning. I started year two of this blog talking about Tom Brady. Starting year three of this blog, let's just appreciate both of them. If you were anywhere near a sports channel last week or on Sunday, you may have heard that Tom Brady and Peyton Manning played against each other for the 17th time of their illustrious careers. You may be sick of hearing about these two, and that's fair, but watching them compete once more, for what will likely be the final time (all indications are that Peyton Manning will retire after the season), was a truly great sporting event. Yes, it wasn't the Peyton of old (the Broncos won that game on the strength of their defense), but Peyton did just enough, and kept care of the ball just enough, to squeak by Brady's Patriots 20-18. Brady felt constant pressure throughout the entire game, but still was able to lead one of the most impressive drives of the season to nearly tie the game late in the fourth quarter. It was a classic game, easily one of the best of the 17 times they've played each other. If Peyton does retire, next year's Patriots-Broncos game simply won't be the same.
The Brady-Manning rivalry is easily the greatest rivalry in the history of the sport. To a certain extent, the "rivalry" is overrated between these two quarterbacks since they're never on the field at the same time, but I don't think it's a stretch to say that this is a rivalry on par with Russell-Chamberlain or Magic-Bird or any other of the great individual rivalries in the all of sports. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning transcend football, and that's really why this rivalry has captivated football fans for fifteen years. I could sit here and try and convince you that one is better than the other because of 100 different stats, but I won't (the one thing I will point out is just something I found somewhat humorous: Brady now holds an 11-6 all-time record against Manning head-to-head; however, although Brady is arguably considered to be the greatest postseason quarterback ever, Manning won three of the five postseason meetings, including three of the four AFC Championship meetings, and although Manning is arguably considered to be the greatest regular season quarterback ever, Brady won nine of the twelve regular season meetings). Instead, I will just be thankful that I had the opportunity to watch the both of them throughout their Hall of Fame careers, as Peyton's will likely end in a week and a half, and as Brady's continues for however much longer he has left. They are two of the best to ever play, and I will always remember how fortunate I was to get to watch them.
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By: Stephen C. Happy New Year! Another crazy NFL regular season has come and gone. In case you missed the first 17 weeks of this football year, only twelve teams remain with a shot at a victory in Super Bowl 50. The playoffs begin this Saturday, but here's what you need to know to get ready:
Wild Card Weekend A5 Kansas City Chiefs vs. A4 Houston Texans (1/9 at 4:35 PM, ESPN) Two of the hottest teams in the league will open up this year's playoffs. Winning a combined 16 of their last 18 games, and boasting two of the best defenses in the league down the stretch, this is a game that should be close throughout. The Texans defense is of course led by J.J. Watt, and he will need to be at his best to slow down the balanced Kansas City offense. The Texans will also need a big game out of WR DeAndre Hopkins against a secondary that has been among the streakier in the league. These teams met in week one, but they're both vastly different than their first meeting 17 weeks ago. In the end, the balance of KC should lead them past the inexperienced Texans once again. Houston's best chance may be to hope that Andy Reid remembers this is a trap game and not a playoff game. FINAL SCORE: Kansas City 21, Houston 10 A6 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. A3 Cincinnati Bengals (1/9 at 8:15 PM, CBS) In the second playoff meeting of these longtime rivals, this one may be as simple as "does Andy Dalton play?" If the Bengals QB can suit up, and play effectively, the Bengals have proven that they can play with any team in the league. If he can't, it'll be a tall task to ask of backup QB A.J. McCarron to win a playoff game. The stage isn't too big for McCarron (he led Alabama to two national titles during his college career), but the simple fact that one team has Ben Roethlisberger and the other has A.J. McCarron could be enough to swing in Pittsburgh's favor. The health of RB DeAngelo Williams will also be key for Pittsburgh, but Ben and the passing attack is probably good enough to steal a game in Cincy even if Williams can't go or is limited. Plus, Ben is nearly unbeatable in his home state of Ohio, so there's that. FINAL SCORE: Pittsburgh 27, Cincinnati 20 N6 Seattle Seahawks vs. N3 Minnesota Vikings (1/10 at 1:05 PM, NBC) The two time defending NFC Champions will need to play their first NFC playoff game on the road since they lost to the Atlanta Falcons in the 2012 playoffs. They'll be going to Minnesota for a rematch with the Vikings. In the first game, also played in Minnesota, the Vikings didn't stand much of a chance, losing 38-7 in week 13. Russell Wilson has continued his hot streak since then, with only two relatively poor games since the Seahawks' week nine bye, and Seattle should get RB Marshawn Lynch back for the first time since week ten. For Minnesota, this game will ultimately come down to how effective they can be running the football with this year's rushing champ, RB Adrian Peterson. AP should get a healthy amount of touches, and how he can run against the stout Seattle front will be key to determining the winner of this one. FINAL SCORE: Seattle 27, Minnesota 13 N5 Green Bay Packers vs. N4 Washington Redskins (1/10 at 4:40 PM, FOX) I can't live in a world where Kirk Cousins beats Aaron Rodgers in a playoff game, can you? FINAL SCORE: Green Bay 24, Washington 20. Divisional Round A5 Kansas City Chiefs vs. A2 New England Patriots (1/16 at 4:35 PM, CBS) The Patriots raced off to a 10-0 start before losing four of their last six. Talent wise, they're still as good as any team in the league, but injuries have decimated this team all year. WR Julian Edelman should be back, and Gronk should be 100%, giving Brady his two top targets on the field together for the first time since week ten. How effective Edelman will be remains to be seen. Foot injuries tend to linger, but it'll be nine weeks since the injury for Edelman by game time. He should be good to go. The more pressing issue for New England will be how their offensive line can keep the gimpy Brady upright. He's been sacked at least twice in his last six games, and with the Patriots makeshift offensive line in place, the Chiefs should be going after Brady a ton in this game. The Chiefs get after the quarterback as well as any team in the league, led by OLB Justin Houston, who should be healthy and ready to go for the Wild Card game. If the Patriots' struggles in recent weeks in pass protection continues, it could be a long day for the Patriots. It's tough to pick against Brady and Belichick, but the Chiefs may be the hottest team in the league, and they have they talent on both sides of the ball to pull the upset. And if for no other reason, Andy Reid has proven he can make the Conference Championship game over and over and over and over and over again. FINAL SCORE: Kansas City 27, New England 21 N5 Green Bay Packers vs. N2 Arizona Cardinals (1/16 at 8:15 PM, NBC) These two teams met in week 16 in Arizona, with the Cardinals winning a game by the final score of 38-8. Trust me when I tell you it wasn't even that close. The Packers offense has been brutal over the last ten games, as the wide receivers have really struggled against man coverage. The Cards are one of the better man cover teams in the league. Couple that with the fact that Arizona's offense is as good as any, and the Cards should have no problem beating the Packers for the second time this season. FINAL SCORE: Arizona 34, Green Bay 10 N6 Seattle Seahawks vs. N1 Carolina Panthers (1/17 at 1:05 PM, FOX) Another rematch for the Seahawks, this time of the week six home loss to the Panthers, this game could be the most compelling of the entire playoffs. The Panthers were eliminated by the Seahawks in this round last year, but this Panthers team is playing at a much higher level than the team last year, mostly because of how well Newton has played. Whoever wins this game could very well be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at season's end. Should be a classic. FINAL SCORE: Carolina 24, Seattle 16 A6 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. A1 Denver Broncos (1/17 at 4:40 PM, CBS) The way I'm picking, there are a ton of rematches, huh? This is another one, a rematch of the 34-27 week 15 victory by the Steelers. Against the league's best pass defense, Antonio Brown had one of the best games of his entire career, catching 16 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns. The Broncos will need to figure out a way to slow down Brown if they want to win this game. Everyone is expecting Peyton Manning to be able to play, and the offense certainly looked better with him than it did with QB Brock Osweiler in the Broncos' week 17 win over the San Diego Chargers, but this has also easily been the worst season of Manning's career, even when he was on the field. Still, the Broncos defense is good enough to lead this team to a win, as long as Manning (or Osweiler) plays a decent game and they can at least slow down Brown (neither is a given...). FINAL SCORE: Denver 30, Pittsburgh 24 Conference Championships A5 Kansas City Chiefs vs. A1 Denver Broncos (1/24 at TBD, CBS) The top two teams in the AFC West are the two teams that could easily be playing for a chance to go to the Super Bowl. They split their season series, with each team winning the away game. Both teams are built around their defenses, but it's the offensive balance of Kansas City that has me leaning their way. Peyton (and Osweiler for that matter) has been just a tad too inconsistent to trust for a deep playoff run. The Broncos defense is as good as it gets, but the Chiefs defense is good enough to keep the Broncos' struggling offense from scoring too much to get this game out of reach. First to ten points may win this game. FINAL SCORE: Kansas City 16, Denver 13 N2 Arizona Cardinals vs. N1 Carolina Panthers (1/24 at TBD, FOX) This is the matchup that everyone has been waiting all year to see in the NFC. The 15 win Carolina Panthers and the 13 win Arizona Cardinals. In my opinion, these are the two best and most balanced teams in the league right now on both sides of the ball. They're the only two teams to average at least 30 points per game (31.3 for Carolina, 30.6 for Arizona), while both defenses held opponents to under 20 points per game (19.3 for Carolina, 19.6 for Arizona). It's strength against strength all over the field, with the marquee matchup being Arizona's offense against Carolina's defense. As much fun as a potential Cardinals-Seahawks round three would be for the NFC Championship, this is the game that everyone should be hoping for. FINAL SCORE: Carolina 35, Arizona 31 Super Bowl 50 A5 Kansas City Chiefs vs. N1 Carolina Panthers (2/7 at 6:30 PM, CBS) This would be a magical run for both teams if they met in the Super Bowl. If Kansas City can make the Super Bowl, they will be on a 13 game winning streak. If Carolina can make the Super Bowl, they'll be 17-1 for the season. Although I think the Chiefs are good enough to win a Super Bowl, this basically comes down to Cam Newton and just how good that Panthers' defense has been this season. J.J. Watt will probably win Defensive Player of the Year, but Panthers CB Josh Norman and LB Luke Kuechly should probably finish second and third in some order, and deserve serious consideration for the award in their own right. And on the offensive side of the ball, Cam Newton has simply been the best player in the league this season. He can do what no other quarterback in the history of the league can do. He's the league's best red zone threat, and he's already tied Hall of Fame QB Steve Young for the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in NFL history. He's one of five players in NFL history with at least five seasons of 500 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, and at least 4.8 yards per carry. The other four are, you know, running backs. But it's been his development as a passer that has provided another level for the Panthers. They're the best, most balanced, and most complete team in football this year, and they should go all the way to win Super Bowl 50. FINAL SCORE: Carolina 27, Kansas City 24 SUPER BOWL 50 MVP: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers By: Stephen C. Let me be one of the first to wish you a happy Thanksgiving. There is a lot for me to be thankful for as I reflect back on yet another year, and I wouldn't be able to do it all justice in a blog post, so I'll talk about football instead. I'm still trying to figure out whether I'm thankful for football or not seeing as how I'm a Philadelphia Eagles fan. At this point in the year, all the bye week are over and each team has played exactly ten games. With only six weeks to go, there's still a lot of football left to be played for teams to try and jockey into playoff position, starting with three games tomorrow (PHI @ DET, CAR @ DAL, CHI @ GB). We have a season where it seems like the majority of the wins are with the top four or five teams in the league, we have two divisions that are absolute dumpster fires in the AFC South and the NFC East (yes, I used the phrase "dumpster fire" two weeks in a row to describe the AFC South. How else would you like me to describe it?), and we have two teams that have yet to lose, sitting at a perfect 10-0. Similar to my previewpalooza, I'll rank every team, worst to first, with the team I rank at the top the team I believe will go to Santa Clara and win Super Bowl 50 at this point. Shall we? TIER 8 - THE EAGLES32. Philadelphia Eagles - Preseason With a PH rank: 6 (With a PH's Biggest Disappointment!), Current Record: 4-6, Projected Final Record: 6-10 Alright, they're probably not actually the worst team in the league. They probably fall somewhere in the low to mid 20s (somewhere in tier six sounds about right), but this was a team that was supposed to use the win over Dallas a few weeks ago to springboard into a second half run and take advantage of a relatively weak schedule. They responded with a meltdown loss against Miami and arguably the single worst performance I have ever seen from this team on Sunday against Tampa Bay. They have the Lions tomorrow, another game they should win, but with this team, you never know. Of their four other losses, two of them were games they absolutely should have won, another was the first Dallas game where they just forgot to show up, and the final was against a really good Panthers team. The simple fact is that the Philadelphia Eagles are just not a good football team right now. I still believe in Chip Kelly the head coach (and I still believe that he will be the head coach to start 2016), but Chip Kelly the GM has some work to do to fix this. A quarterback is clearly the first and foremost need for this team. Maybe he'll take a shot on "fixing" San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick. Maybe it's Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin, III (I would still think it's RG3, somehow). Maybe it's someone else. It's pretty clear that it's not QB Mark Sanchez, and I think it's also clear that it's not Super Bowl 50 MVP QB Sam Bradford. The Eagles are in need of a QB. Nothing else really matters until they get one. After that, the Eagles need to fix the offensive line. This is a unit that has simply underperformed this year. RT Lane Johnson has played well, but LT Jason Peters and C Jason Kelce have both been streaky at best, and the two OGs, no matter who they are, have been a disaster. It's gotten better as the season has progressed, but it's still not good. CB Byron $63M Maxwell has been a major disappointment, so cornerback is yet another need heading into next year. This team is still quite a few pieces away from competing. I understand they're only one game out of the division, but with New England and Arizona on the schedule, to go along with Detroit, Buffalo, Washington, and NY Giants, and the way this team has looked the last two weeks, it's tough seeing them win more than two or three games. Three wins may be a stretch. Heck, TWO wins may be a stretch. This has turned from a season of so much hope to a lost season. TIER 7 - BETTER LUCK NEXT YEAR31. Tennessee Titans - Preseason: 28, Current: 2-8, Projected: 2-14 Rookie QB Marcus Mariota has played well, but injuries all across the roster have helped keep the Titans down among the worst teams in the league. The future may be relatively bright, especially if Mariota continues to develop into a QB worthy of the second pick in the draft, but this season, it's tough to see them win another game. 30. Cleveland Browns - Preseason: 31, Current: 2-8, Projected: 3-13 WR Travis Benjamin has been a nice surprise for the Cleveland offense, as has TE Gary Barnidge. QB Johnny Manziel has shown flashes that he could maybe be the starter, although this latest slip up by Manziel may be enough for the Browns to move on for good. The defense still can't stop anyone though, and the offense, even with the emergence of Benjamin, Barnidge, and occasionally rookie RB Duke Johnson, Jr., struggles to get anything going consistently. The Browns seem to be right in line for a top five pick, where they could draft any number of impact players to help them (I think they'll go defense, especially because there's no wide receiver that currently warrants a top five pick, but the possibility of them taking a quarterback is real, especially given how "disappointed" head coach Mike Pettine is in Johnny for his latest partying outburst. It was reported yesterday that Johnny will be benched as a result). 29. San Diego Chargers - Preseason: 23, Current: 2-8, Projected: 3-13 In what may be the final season for the Chargers in San Diego, they seem to be going out with a whimper rather than a bang. The run defense has been the worst in the league by a wide margin, and QB Philip Rivers can only do so much to help a struggling offense ravaged by injuries. WR Keenan Allen was on a record setting pace before a lacerated kidney ended his season. Rookie RB Melvin Gordon has been a massive disappointment. TE Antonio Gates is trying to tough it out through a knee injury, but he's clearly not as effective as he could be. This is a team that should end up with a top five pick in the draft. 28. Baltimore Ravens - Preseason: 9, Current: 3-7, Projected: 3-13 No team has suffered worse injury luck this season than the Baltimore Ravens. It started week one when they lost their best defense player, OLB Terrell Suggs. It continued week eight when they lost their most dangerous offensive player, WR Steve Smith. And it culminated with the ultimate pyrrhic victory on Sunday, losing both RB Justin Forsett and QB Joe Flacco for the season. Given their current state, the Ravens may not win again in 2015. For a team that had Super Bowl aspirations coming into the year, a likely top five pick is a rather disappointing consolation prize. 27. San Francisco 49ers - Preseason: 25, Current: 3-7, Projected: 4-12 The Niners are trying to rebuild on the fly, and this season has predictably had some growing pains. QB Colin Kaepernick has regressed to the point where he was benched in favor of QB Blaine Gabbert. Kap will now head to the IR after season ending shoulder surgery. The defense simply lost too many pieces to be competitive again this year, and on offense, outside of Kap's struggles, RB Carlos Hyde's injury woes have robbed the team of their most consistent playmaker. WR Torrey Smith has been a bust, although it remains to be seen whether that's his fault or the quarterback's. WR Anquan Boldin has struggled through a hamstring injury, and he's clearly less than 100%. The hope is that Gabbert can at least be serviceable enough to bridge the gap to whoever the next quarterback is, since the team will likely move on from Kaepernick. Cal QB Jared Goff seems to be a logical fit, especially if Gabbert proves to be good enough to give Goff time to sit back and learn rather than being thrown into the fire. 26. Detroit Lions - Preseason: 19, Current: 3-7, Projected: 4-12 The Lions were a playoff team last year. This year, they were the last team to pick up a win. They also went into Green Bay and actually won for the first time in about a quarter century. The defense seems to be starting to put it together, as they finally at least look like a team that isn't sorely missing DTs Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. CB Darius Slay has actually turned into one of the better cover corners. Still, the Lions have struggled to be a consistent football team. They've basically had no running game on offense, and QB Matthew Stafford continues to be one of the most puzzling players in the league. 25. New Orleans Saints - Preseason: 21, Current: 4-6, Projected: 6-10 The Saints defense has been so bad that it's tough to actually believe they've won four games this season. They've been absolutely lit up their past three games by QBs Eli Manning, Marcus Mariota, and Kirk Cousins (the AVERAGE for the past three games: 348.33 yards, 4.67 touchdowns, zero interceptions). For the season, there have only been two weeks where they haven't allowed multiple passing scores (weeks two and four). QB Drew Brees has the offense playing well enough to at least be a .500 team, but until that defense gets fixed, specifically the pass defense, the Saints won't be able to do much. TIER 6 - SO YOU'RE SAYING THERE'S A CHANCE?24. Jacksonville Jaguars - Preseason: 29, Current: 4-6, Projected: 6-10 I hope the Jags somehow win the AFC South. They're actually more fun to watch than the dud performance last Thursday night against Tennessee. They have exciting young skill position players, led by QB Blake Bortles and WR Allen Robinson, along with WR Allen Hurns, RB T.J. Yeldon, and TE Julius Thomas. The defense has been solid against the run, and a bit leaky against the pass, but overall, not terrible. The Jags have the makings of a team that could put it together soon and be a solid team in the league. 23. Washington Redskins - Preseason: 32, Current: 4-6, Projected: 5-11 Washington has certainly played better than I thought they would this season. QB Kirk Cousins has been a welcome surprise (YOU LIKE THAT?), and the defense hasn't been completely terrible (they've played better this season than they did on Sunday in Carolina). If RB Matt Jones could hold on to the football, he has the talent to be difference maker there, and TE Jordan Reed is among the very best tight ends in the league when he's healthy. Washington will also influence the NFC East race the most, as they still have all three division rivals on their schedule, including Dallas twice. The biggest threat to the Giants right now to win the division isn't Philly. It isn't Dallas. It's Washington, since they pretty much control their own destiny, down by one game in the standings with four division games remaining. It's a stretch to see them actually win the division, but the path is right there in front of them if they can just take advantage of it. 22. St. Louis Rams - Preseason: 20, Current: 4-6, Projected: 7-9 The three remaining wins I see on the Rams schedule is more a product of the teams they'll play. Rookie RB Todd Gurley has been sensational and the defense has been very good (maybe not as good as some expected, but still good enough). Outside of that, well, not great. QB Nick Foles has been underwhelming. His replacement is QB Case Keenum, who was allowed to finish the game yesterday despite having his head slam against the ground. Good look, NFL. WR Tavon Austin has shown flashes of the playmaking ability that made him a high pick, but then he vanishes. If Foles can remember how to play quarterback (he'll likely be the starter next year as he signed a mini-extension shortly after the trade that landed him in St. Louis), this is a team that may be able to do something next year, especially with how good Gurley has been. If not, they'll probably still float right around .500 unless Gurley pulls an Adrian Peterson MVP type season out. Which is definitely possible. 21. Miami Dolphins - Preseason: 8, Current: 4-6, Projected: 6-10 Miami had such high hopes coming into this season. This was the team that was supposed to push the Patriots for AFC East supremacy. It hasn't exactly gone according to plan. Just when the defense seemed to start to put it together, DE Cameron Wake was lost for the season. DT Ndamukong Suh has started to play much better in recent weeks, but he's still yet to live up to the $100M contract he's signed. The offense continually yo-yo's between bad and competent. Maybe next year will be the year the Dolphins can make it back to the playoffs. Their slow start to 2015 seems to have doomed this season. 20. Chicago Bears - Preseason: 26, Current: 4-6, Projected: 7-9 The Bears have been one of the surprise teams in the league so far. They played Denver tough on Sunday, nearly stealing a win. QB Jay Cutler has put together his best season in a long time, and offensive coordinator Adam Gase has impressed enough to earn a head coaching job next year somewhere. The defense hasn't been as bad as expected, and if RB Matt Forte and WR Alshon Jeffrey can return healthy for the stretch run, da Bears may do enough to influence the NFC North race. TIER 5 - ONE STEP AWAY19. Dallas Cowboys - Preseason: 7, Current: 3-7, Projected: 6-10 Welcome to the hardest team in the league to rank right now. Given their current season performance, slotting the Cowboys at #19 is entirely too high, but with injuries to their two best players, QB Tony Romo and WR Dez Bryant, seven straight losses was almost to be expected. The Cowboys will likely have to go at least 4-2, probably 5-1 or 6-0, down the stretch if they want to win the division and sneak into the playoffs. Given the fact that Carolina, Green Bay, and Washington twice (a team that always seems to find a way to beat Dallas at least once) are still on the schedule, it's tough to see them do that. Instead, they'll probably finish in a spot to land Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott in the draft. Awesome. 18. Oakland Raiders - Preseason: 27, Current: 4-6, Projected: 7-9 QB Derek Carr has continued to develop into a legitimate starting quarterback, and despite Sunday's poor performance, WR Amari Cooper has all the makings of a star wide receiver. Opposite Cooper, WR Michael Crabtree has put together one of his best seasons. The defense has tons of young talent, and when they figure out how to play together, they should be one of the better defenses in the AFC. With four division games left, including two against Kansas City, and a game against Green Bay, Oakland will be one of the most important teams down the stretch to determine playoff positions. The future is bright for the Silver & Black. 17. New York Jets - Preseason: 24, Current: 5-5, Projected: 8-8 The Jets looked to be one of the better teams in the league to start the season. They started off 4-1. Then they lost a heartbreaker in New England and the wheels fell off. They're 1-4 in their last five. The vaunted bazillion dollar secondary, led by CB Darrelle Revis, was continually roasted on Sunday by Houston (DeAndre Hopkins is really good), and the offense has stalled. There are pieces in place for this to be a playoff team, but the Jets seem to still be a step away from being a top tier team. 16. Tampa Bay Bucs - Preseason: 30, Current: 5-5, Projected: 7-9 The Eagles made the Bucs look like the greatest team in the history of the world on Sunday, but the truth is, the Bucs have quietly put together a very respectable season. Rookie QB Jameis Winston has played outstanding after a turnover-prone start to the year. RB Doug Martin has regained his form that made him such a dangerous runner his rookie year. WR Mike Evans has been a bit of a roller coaster, making difficult catches seem routine and routine catches seem difficult, but he's still as good as it gets and has helped Jameis tremendously. The offensive line has played much better than anyone expected, and the defense, behind DT Gerald McCoy and LB Lavonte David, has been solid. The Bucs are without question one of the brightest young teams in the league. 15. Houston Texans - Preseason: 15, Current: 5-5, Projected: 8-8 If the Jags don't win the AFC South, I want the Texans to. Houston is pretty much the opposite of the Jets right now. They started out 1-4, but have gone 4-1 since. They're tied for the division lead right now with Indianapolis, and the week 15 showdown (in Indy) with the Colts will likely determine who wins the division. QB Brian Hoyer has played well enough so far, and, especially without a consistent running game, he'll be leaned on heavily to try and get the Texans in the playoffs. WR DeAndre Hopkins has been one of this year's breakout stars, and he's putting together an absolutely fantastic season. If any wide receiver deserves any MVP consideration, it's him. DE J.J. Watt continues to prove he's the best defensive player in football week after week. He currently leads the league in sacks, which is even more incredible when you realize that he's the one player on the Houston defense that offensive gameplans are designed to try and neutralize. TIER 4 - QUESTION MARKS14. Atlanta Falcons - Preseason: 12, Current: 6-4, Projected: 9-7 The Falcons are ranked this high in large part due to their 5-0 start. Since then, they're 1-4, with the one win being a 10-7 victory over the Marcus Mariota-less Titans in week seven. Not exactly inspiring football. Although they're currently the sixth seed in the NFC, it's tough to see them hanging on to the playoff spot if their current level of play continues. WR Julio Jones has been wonderful this season, and RB Devonta Freeman has emerged as one of the more dangerous backs in the league (he suffered a concussion on Sunday, so his status for this week is still up in the air). The defense has actually been far better than anyone thought, but the inconsistencies on offense will likely leave Atlanta out of the playoffs after such a promising start. 13. Indianapolis Colts - Preseason: 2, Current: 5-5, Projected: 9-7, AFC South Champions, AFC #4 Seed, Loss in AFC Wild Card Round The Colts were my pick to win the AFC in the preseason. As I said then, they play in arguably the worst division in football, their two toughest games on the schedule (by FAR) were both at home, and they had one of the games brightest stars in QB Andrew Luck. Luck, however, has been one of the biggest reasons why this team is sitting at only 5-5. His play has been erratic at best and downright bad at worst. He's currently recovering from a lacerated kidney, but all signs point to him being available if the Colts can make the playoffs. There's even a chance he's ready for what may be the AFC South Championship game against Houston in week 15. The Colts will go as far as Luck will take them, but given how Luck has played in 2015, that doesn't seem to be very far. 12. Buffalo Bills - Preseason: 16, Current: 5-5, Projected: 9-7 The Bills playoff hopes may be decided next week with a trip to Arrowhead to play the Kansas City Chiefs. Given how the Chiefs have played the last few weeks, plus the fact that Arrowhead is a tough place to get a win anyway, that's no easy task, but owning a head-to-head tiebreaker over Kansas City could be crucial to make the playoffs. Buffalo played New England tough on Monday night, but with a short week to prepare for a suddenly dangerous Kansas City team, it may have to wait another year until the Bills can break their playoff drought. 11. New York Giants - Preseason: 17, Current: 5-5, Projected: 9-7, NFC East Champions, NFC #4 Seed, Loss in NFC Wild Card Round The Giants lead in the NFC East seems to be much more than one game. They've easily been the most consistent team in the division, and should be able to hold on and win. They have to play Carolina and Minnesota, but the other four games on the schedule aren't too difficult. The Giants are just dangerous enough on offense and cause just enough turnovers on defense that they could make something happen if they can get in to the playoffs. Especially given their track record, you can't count the Giants out, but the two wild card teams in the NFC are both more complete and should be able to dispose of the Giants in the first round. Should. Please. Don't let them make another run. Although it seems to almost be destiny that if the Patriots are going to win the AFC, the Giants win the NFC and will be standing in their way for yet another Super Bowl. For the love of God, please don't let that happen again. TIER 3 - POSSIBLE CONTENDERS10. Kansas City Chiefs - Preseason: 10, Current: 5-5, Projected: 10-6, AFC #5 Seed, Loss in AFC Divisional Round The Chiefs have the easiest road to the playoffs due to the fact they have the easiest remaing schedule out of all 32 teams. Buffalo, at Oakland, San Diego, at Baltimore, Cleveland, and Oakland. Not exactly murderer's row. They're all trap games, so can head coach Andy Reid find a way to lose all of them?!? Not likely. The Chiefs should be able to ride their easy schedule into the playoffs. The defense is playing well enough and the offense has figured out how to play without RB Jamaal Charles that the Chiefs could spoil one of the top two seeds Super Bowl aspirations in the Divisional Round if they can beat whoever wins the AFC South. 9. Seattle Seahawks - Preseason: 3, Current: 5-5, Projected: 10-6, NFC #5 Seed, Loss in NFC Divisional Round If Dallas isn't the hardest team to rank, it's Seattle. Here is a complete and accurate list of the five teams that Seattle has beat this season: a Jimmy Clausen led Chicago Bears, the Detroit Lions (helped by a blatant blown call in the final seconds), twice over the San Francisco 49ers, and a one point victory over the Matt Cassel led Dallas Cowboys. I don't think you can say any of them are exactly "quality" wins. Meanwhile, their five losses came against St. Louis, Green Bay, Cincinnati, Carolina, and Arizona. Four of those five teams are ranked above Seattle here, and the Seahawks have led in all five of those fourth quarters at some point. I have no idea what to make of any of that. They're up in the top ten by a combination of reputation and the fact that the rest of the league just hasn't been that good (exactly one team that I have ranked below Seattle has a better record than 5-5, the Atlanta Falcons, and given that they're 1-4 in their last five with the one being a 10-7 win over the Marcus Mariota-less Titans, I think it's warranted). To be fair, a lot of the same questions were being asked last year around this time about Seattle. Then they ripped off win after win down the stretch and came within one yard of winning the Super Bowl. RB Marshawn Lynch may be lost for the season with a sports hernia, but RB Thomas Rawls has played quite well in his place. The offensive line is the biggest area of concern, and QB Russell Wilson may not survive the season as a result, but you would have to expect the defense to stop with the major concentration lapses and start to keep Seattle in games. The talent level is still there for them to make a third straight trip to the Super Bowl, but this is also a team that could easily miss the playoffs. Should be a fun final month in Seattle. 8. Minnesota Vikings - Preseason: 11, Current: 7-3, Projected: 10-6, NFC #6 Seed, Loss in NFC Wild Card Round I think the Vikes have proven that the week one disaster against the 49ers was just a bad fluke. RB Adrian Peterson has come back with a vengeance and is currently leading the league in rushing as the only person to have topped 1,000 yards thus far. QB Teddy Bridgewater is developing into one of the better quarterbacks in the league. The defense has quietly been among the game's best. Sunday exposed some of the flaws that this team has, but behind AP and a solid defense, the Vikes could make something happen come playoff time. 7. Pittsburgh Steelers - Preseason: 13, Current: 6-4, Projected: 10-6, AFC #6 Seed, Loss in AFC Wild Card Round What the Steelers have done this season is pretty remarkable if you think about it. They had their four best offensive players on the field together for about one half of one game, and yet, they're still right there with the game's best. WR Antonio Brown is playing at a Hall of Fame level when QB Ben Roethlisberger is on the field, and RB DeAngelo Williams has played very well in the absence of RB Le'Veon Bell. As long as Ben is on the field, the Steelers are a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The defense has actually not been awful, ranking tied for fifth in points allowed through ten games, but it's Ben and the offense that makes the Steelers such a dangerous football team. TIER 2 - SUPER BOWL OR BUST6. Green Bay Packers - Preseason: 1, Current: 7-3, Projected: 13-3, NFC North Champions, NFC #2 Seed, Loss in NFC Championship Game The Packers started off on fire, but then lost three straight before righting the ship and winning in Minnesota on Sunday. The offense has looked quite inconsistent over the past four weeks, and the team is clearly missing WR Jordy Nelson. Still, they have QB Aaron Rodgers. Despite Rodgers' recent struggles, he's good enough to lead the Packers to win the NFC. The defense has actually held things together as the offense works out their issues. They'll need to get after the quarterback a little more to really be one of the better defenses in the league, but they've been quite good at this point. If RB Eddie Lacy can build upon his first good game of the year, the Packers offense should be just fine enough to be a threat in the NFC. 5. Cincinnati Bengals - Preseason: 18, Current: 8-2, Projected: 12-4, AFC North Champions, AFC #3 Seed, Loss in AFC Divisional Round After an 8-0 start, the Bengals have dropped their last two to a suddenly resurgent Texans team and a really good Cardinals team. The Bengals should still have enough of a cushion to win the division, but a week 16 matchup with Denver looms large on the schedule if they want to pick up a first round bye. QB Andy Dalton is playing some of his best football, the defense is playing well, and TE Tyler Eifert has been a touchdown machine this season. WR A.J. Green is still one of the best wide receivers in football, plus the RB tandem of Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard has proven to be quite effective (Gio moreso than Hill). They're a complete football team, and they have a great shot of winning the AFC. 4. Denver Broncos - Preseason: 5, Current: 8-2, Projected: 13-3, AFC West Champions, AFC #2 Seed, Loss in AFC Championship Game It appears a foot injury will rob us of Brady-Manning XVII this week, as QB Peyton Manning has been ruled out. In his place will be QB Brock Osweiler, who played well enough for the Broncos to squeak by the Chicago Bears on Sunday. The Broncos are still this high on the list because of their defense. Although it hasn't been quite as dominate in recent weeks, this is a defense that can absolutely shut down opposing offenses (see Green Bay in week eight). We'll see just how good they really are on Sunday night against the Patriots. I still see Denver as the biggest threat to both New England's perfect regular season and their return trip to the Super Bowl. This week's matchup with New England and week 16's matchup with Cincinnati will both play a major part in how the top three seeds shake out in the AFC. 3. Arizona Cardinals - Preseason: 14, Current: 8-2, Projected: 13-3, NFC West Champions, NFC #3 Seed, Loss in NFC Divisional Round Week 16 is apparently going to be an absolutely huge week for a variety of reasons outside of fantasy football championship week. The #2 seed in each conference will likely be up for grabs, as Green Bay visits Arizona for the NFC's final first round bye spot on the line. With Carolina up by two games, they should be able to hold on to at least a first round bye, but the second seed is still far from being settled. Arizona has been the best offensive team in the league so far this season, as QB Carson Palmer has returned from a torn ACL to lead this high-powered attack. WR Larry Fitzgerald is easily having his best season since QB Kurt Warner retired, and the defense is playing as well as any in the league. The Cards are probably the Panthers' biggest threat right now in the NFC. TIER 1 - PERFECTION2. Carolina Panthers - Preseason: 22 (With a PH's Biggest Surprise!), Current: 10-0, Projected: 15-1, NFC South Champions, NFC #1 Seed, NFC Champions, Loss in Super Bowl 50. 1. New England Patriots - Preseason: 4, Current: 10-0, Projected: 16-0, AFC East Champions, AFC #1 Seed, AFC Champions, Super Bowl 50 Champions. Just looking at the schedule, the Panthers probably have an easier final six games than the Patriots do. Most of that has to do with the fact that New England has to travel to Denver this week on a short week. The Patriots seemed to be exposed to a certain extent Monday night against the Bills. The offensive line struggled against the blitz and the wide receiver corp seems to be getting thinner with each passing week. If I had to pick which of these two is playing better football right now, I'd probably say Carolina. But I've also gone on record of saying I think a team that is undefeated and the defending champion in their sport is #1 until proven otherwise. No one has proven otherwise, so putting anyone other than the Patriots at #1 is hypocritical. The fact that these teams are undefeated at this point is no fluke, and both seem to be the most talented and most complete teams in their respective conferences. A matchup in Super Bowl 50 between the two is still a long ways off, but if they both continue playing like this, it's definitely possible. Both quarterbacks are playing at incredibly high levels, and they're the likely first and second place finishers in the MVP race this season. As I've said before, if I had a vote, it'd go towards Panthers QB sCam Newton, but I can definitely see the argument for Patriots QB Tom Brady. Carolina also has two Defensive Player of the Year candidates with CB Josh Norman and MLB Luke Kuechly. Plus, Carolina is averaging 29.9 points per game on offense, more than Pittsburgh, Denver, and Green Bay (three offenses that were considered to be the best three in the preseason), so this isn't just a defensive football team anymore. I'd love to see these two teams play for a Super Bowl, especially since the Eagles are pretty much dead in the water, but as I said, there's still a lot of football to be played between now and February 7, 2016. I can't wait. SCAAAAAMMMMM!
Comeback Player of the Year 1. Adrian Peterson, MIN 2. Carson Palmer, ARI 3. Tyler Eifert, CIN 4. Navorro Bowman, SF 5. Eric Berry, KC HM. Super Bowl 50 MVP Sam Bradford, PHI (is this still okay?) The NFL's Thanksgiving games kickoff with the Philadelphia Eagles at the Detroit Lions at 12:30 PM on FOX, the Carolina Panthers at the Dallas Cowboys at 4:30 PM on CBS, and the Chicago Bears at the Green Bay Packers at 8:30 PM on NBC.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. By: Stephen C. Quarterback is the glamour position of the NFL. It's arguably the most important position in sports, and as a result, it's scrutinized more than all other positions on the field combined. In today's NFL, you almost need a superstar quarterback just to be competitive. You can win without one, but you need A LOT of other things to go right (really, really good running game and defense, for starters). So let's look at the 32 starters in the NFL today (we'll try to ignore injury for simplicity's sake) and see which ones do the best job of putting their team in a position to win each and every game. 32. Case Keenum, St. Louis Rams Keenum just got the job this week, and as a result, has yet to start a game this season, so I'll take the easy road and rank him last. His track record isn't particularly good, and he's probably not better than the guy he just replaced, Nick Foles, but Foles was REALLY struggling, so it was a good time to make a move. I still think Nick Foles can be a starting QB in this league, but other than week one, he really hasn't been too great this season. With this move, the Rams may have thrown their hat into the ring of teams that will be taking a long look at the quarterbacks in the draft class of 2016. 31. Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns Johnny Football can be fun at times to watch, but he's got a long way to go to prove he can be the long-term option in Cleveland. He's made major improvements this season (he was awful as a rookie last year, so it really wasn't that hard for him to be better), but he still makes bad decisions a bit too often. His footwork is a work in progress and he misses a lot of easy throws as a result. He can be electric once he gets outside the pocket and play basically a backyard style, but that's not a consistent option in the NFL. Defenses are just too fast and too good. Scramble drills can work (look at Seattle. We'll get there), but it's tough to rely on them. 30. Blaine Gabbert, San Francisco 49ers Gabbert is mostly down here on past reputation (his time with the Jags was, well, let's say less than ideal), but he actually looked like he could be a legitimate NFL quarterback in his lone start this season. He's probably still better suited as a backup, but he may just be decent enough to guide the Niners through the rest of this season and have them move on from Colin Kaepernick in the offseason (Kap's deal is team-friendly to the point where they can cut him by April 1, 2016 and they won't owe him another dime). I doubt Gabbert is the answer long term, but with the 49ers likely to get a high draft pick in April's draft, maybe they'll pick the guy who is and Gabbert can fill in until then (Cal QB Jared Goff is a popular name linked to the Niners, and Memphis QB Paxton Lynch has been flying up draft boards. Plus, there's Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg, who I still think will be the best QB in this class, but we'll get to that in a few months). 29. Super Bowl 50 MVP Sam Bradford, Philadelphia Eagles SB50MVP Bradford was injured this past Sunday, so it looks like the Eagles will be starting Mark Sanchez for at least one, probably two, weeks. While on the field, SB50MVP Bradford has been a colossal disappointment this season for the Eagles. The Eagles gave up Nick Foles (who, as I mentioned, hasn't exactly been lighting it up for St. Louis and just got benched for Case Keenum as a result) and a second round pick to bring in the former #1 overall pick to try and run head coach Chip Kelly's offense. A lot of the beat writers say that SB50MVP Bradford is one of the best shorts and t-shirt QBs they have ever seen, but it just doesn't translate to the game. He's shown flashes that he can be a starting QB in the NFL, but the overwhelming evidence says that he won't do it here in Philly. Maybe I have him ranked this low because I've watched him the most this season, so the disappointment brings him down, but there are simply throws that he makes that you can't make as an NFL QB, specifically in the red zone. It seems more and more unlikely that SB50MVP Bradford will not be back next season with the Eagles in any capacity, especially as the starter. If I had to guess who the Eagles starting quarterback will be next season at this point, I honestly believe it will be Robert Griffin, III, who's currently wasting away at the bottom of Washington's roster (although the injury concerns should be giant concerns. On both the Eagles and RG3's side. Three straight years, including this year once they rule SB50MVP Bradford out this week, the Eagles' starting QB will miss time due to injury), although Michigan State QB Connor Cook has been a popular name linked to the Eagles recently if the Eagles were to draft a quarterback, but it seems like most scouts look at him as a second round prospect, and lo and behold, the Eagles don't have a second round pick this year as a result of the trade that brought SB50MVP Bradford to Philly! Fun stuff, right? The Eagles should've traded up for Marcus Mariota when they had the chance. 28. Brian Hoyer, Houston Texans Hoyer has actually been a pretty serviceable QB for Houston. He exited Monday night's upset win over Cincinnati with a concussion, but he's been at the very least respectable this season. He hasn't made too many awful decisions that have doomed in the past (outside of the game ending interception against Indianapolis in week five). Still, Hoyer seems to be better served as a quality backup and stop-gap while Houston waits for their franchise quarterback. It's lazy to automatically assume that Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg is the answer in Houston simply because head coach Bill O'Brien coached Hack in college, but it does seem to make sense. Hack easily had his best college season with BOB at the helm, and Houston needs a QB. Maybe it makes too much sense. We'll see. 27. Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins Cousins has actually played quite well for Washington, so it seems a bit unfair to have him sit here at 27. We'll see how he plays against Carolina's defense this week, but he tore up the sad excuse of what the Saints call a defense this past week. Cousins' play has been good enough that Washington has apparently began to talk contract extension, so at least for the moment, they believe he can be the long term solution. Cousins still has a tendency to turn the ball over in obvious passing situations (he's been much better this year than last year with this), but he's been a solid option who has kept Washington competitive this season in a terrible NFC East. At this point, they're as good a bet as any to win the division. You like that? 26. Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Bucs 25. Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans These two quarterbacks will be linked for the rest of their respective careers. Since they were drafted first and second in this past draft, that's to be expected. Both have played well thus far, and both seem to have the makings of being a franchise quarterback for their respective teams. They're rookies, so they predictably have been inconsistent and make some bad decisions, but they should continue to rise these ranks. I'll take Mariota over Winston (I also had it that way for the draft), but it's essentially a pick 'em. Let's just sit back and enjoy watching these two progress. 24. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions Stafford may be the toughest quarterback on this list to rank. He has a great arm and has shown that he can keep the Lions competitive. The natural talent is there for Stafford to be among the game's elite, but he just hasn't put it all together on a consistent basis. His team's record against other teams with a winning record is horrible, and he still seems to make way too many poor decisions. If he can string together some consistent play, he could easily move up these ranks, but it's tough to trust him. 23. Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars Bortles is a lot like Stafford, but he's on his way up, while Stafford seems to have (best case) plateaued or (worst case) regressed. It's only Bortles' second year, but he's proven he has the talent to be the Jags' franchise QB. The Jags actually have a golden opportunity to steal a playoff berth this season, and Bortles and the offense (also led by standout WRs Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns) is the biggest reason why. Bortles is a fun QB to watch, and if he continues to cut down on the unnecessary turnovers, he's got a chance to be something special. 22. Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills If I had made this list in the offseason, I may have put Taylor last. A career backup, who has always struggled with accuracy and pocket poise, Taylor has completely flipped the script. He's completing an absurd 70.5% of his passes (not that he had a huge sample to go off of, but his NFL completion percentage prior to this season was only 54.3% and his four year completion percentage at Virginia Tech was only 57.2%), and his legs give him the versatility to extend plays. The running of Taylor almost single-handily won them a game against the Titans earlier this year. Taylor has played well enough that the Bills should be a playoff team in the AFC and he should be able to hold onto the starting job for the foreseeable future, even if the Bills draft a quarterback. 21. Ryan Fitzpatrick, New York Jets FitzMagic has been just that this season for the Jets: magic. He wasn't even supposed to start, but a broken jaw for Geno Smith vaulted Fitz into the starting lineup and he hasn't looked back. Clearly comfortable in offensive coordinator Chan Gainey's system, Fitz has put the Jets on the cusp of being a playoff team in the AFC. They were almost assured of a playoff spot up until their recent skid (they've lost three of their last four after winning four of their first five), and a thumb injury to Fitz could keep him out for a week (although it seems like he'll play). Still, Fitz has been a stabilizing force for a Jets' offense that is much better than many hoped for in the preseason. 20. Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins Considering Tannehill was a wide receiver five years ago, he's a pretty good quarterback now. Tannehill can make all the throws necessary, and has the legs needed to extend the play and throw accurately on the run. In Miami, he's surrounded by tons of offensive weapons, but the Dolphins have been one of the more underwhelming teams so far this season. It's been much better since interim head coach Dan Campbell took over, but Tannehill needs to continue to improve if the Dolphins want to make the playoffs this year and compete with the Patriots in the AFC East. Tannehill seems to be close, but he's a step or two away from elevating his game to that top status. 19. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears Cutler is another guy who's always had the talent, but never seemed to be able to put it all together. This season, Smokin Jay has been quietly putting together a great year. He and offensive coordinator Adam Gase have gotten along fantastically, and it's translated to success on the field. As long as Cutler isn't turning the ball over, he's a quarterback that you can win with, and he's been great at protecting the ball this season. The Bears offense has been set up for Cutler to take advantage of his strengths, and the Bears are one of the surprise teams of the year so far (four wins was supposed to be around their full season total, not their midseason one). They're still probably not a playoff team, but they're competitive with Cutler on the field. That's all you can ask. 18. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos If this were a career accomplishment list, Peyton would easily rank in the top two with Tom Brady. But it's not (and let's be honest, the sole reason he's this high on this list is because his name is Peyton Manning. He's proven he can still put it together, but it hasn't been near consistently enough to put him among the game's elite). Peyton is coming off what was easily the worst start of his entire career, as he completed only five passes to his team for 35 yards and four passes to the other team. It's been revealed that Peyton played through a foot injury that may have helped contribute to it, but the simple fact is that this is not the Peyton Manning that we're accustomed to seeing. He's put together a couple throwback performances (week two, three, and nine), but they've been overshadowed by the fact that he's clearly not where he once was. I hope we haven't seen the last of Peyton Manning, and he should be healthy in time for the playoffs, but the sad truth is, if the Broncos are going to win the Super Bowl this season, it looks to be in spite of Manning rather than because of him. 17. Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings 16. Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders Two other quarterbacks that will forever be linked due to their draft positions (Minnesota drafted Teddy with the 32nd pick last year, Oakland drafted Carr with the 36th pick). Both have progressed fantastically so far and both seem to be the real deal. Teddy has been tasked as being more of a "game-manager" so far, but he absolutely has the talent to make the throws needed in the league. The Raiders have been much more reliant on Carr, and he's risen to the occasion, putting together a fantastic year. The two square off this Sunday, and it's hopefully going to be fun watching both of the quarterbacks play for a long time. 15. Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs Stephen H. is probably over-the-moon that I ranked Alex Smith above Peyton Manning. He's probably sitting at his computer, triumphantly throwing his fist in the air, thinking "I told you!" while also yelling "YOU LIKE THAT?" at his computer screen (let's see how many times I can use that vine in this post). But for good reason. Alex Smith will likely never be one of the game's elite quarterbacks, but he doesn't have to be. He came within a muffed punt of leading his team to a Super Bowl and single-handily kept the Chiefs in a playoff game against the Colts a few years ago when the rest of the offense was hurt. The Chiefs haven't had a great season so far, but it's not to the fault of Smith. The defense has played far below expectations, and the loss of RB Jamaal Charles has been a major blow to the offense. Still, Smith has been doing enough to keep his team in games. He's very accurate on short and intermediate throws (we don't know if he's accurate on deep throws because he's never thrown the ball deep), and he's much more athletic than he's given credit for. He's not a true "dual-threat" QB, but Smith is more than capable of getting out of the pocket and running if room is there. He takes what the defense gives him, and he avoids mistakes. Both are very important. He's always been a solid QB, and he's the living embodiment of a quarterback who's floor and ceiling are right around the same level. You could do much worse than Alex Smith. 14. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons Ryan seems like he should be better than he is. He's really struggled over the last few games, and he's become increasingly reliant on WR Julio Jones to get open and make a play. He's put up virtually the same stats over the last four seasons (average of 4,526 yards on 65.9% passing, with 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. If you look at each season individually, you pretty much see those numbers as well). He's been the model of consistency for Atlanta since coming into the league, but they're going to need a bit more out of him if they want to get over the hump and contend for a Super Bowl. 13. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens I have to make the distinction between Playoff Joe Flacco and Regular Season Joe Flacco. Playoff Joe Flacco is the greatest quarterback to ever walk the face of the earth. No one stands a chance against Playoff Joe Flacco. He's unstoppable. Regular Season Joe Flacco, on the other hand, is an above average NFL quarterback. I still don't think he's quite "elite" ("Is Joe Flacco elite?" is the greatest existential question of our generation) since Regular Season Joe Flacco has a tendency to turn the ball over a bit too much, but he's more than good enough to get the job done. The Ravens have struggled this year, but their record would be even worse with someone else under center. 12. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals Welcome to Bizarro Joe Flacco! Dalton has been one of the best regular season quarterbacks in the NFL since coming into the league, but has failed to win in the playoffs thus far. He's been great again this year, and he's handled the playoff question about as well as you (he's been almost robotic in his reply, saying that he can only focus on the next game), but he seems to be even better than he was when he was already a great regular season quarterback this season. He's cutting down on the mistakes that have plagued him in the past, and his comebacks against Seattle and Pittsburgh are wins that the Bengals probably don't get if he plays like he has in the past. We'll see if he can finally get over the playoff hump, but he's doing everything he can to convince the league he's a legitimate starting quarterback, one week at a time. 11. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts On potential and upside alone, Luck probably tops this list, but he has regressed in a major way this season. Maybe it's injuries, maybe it's the offensive line, maybe it's the fact that his defense can't stop anyone (it's probably some mix of those three and more), but Luck has simply looked awful this season. He's currently on the shelf for about six more weeks due to a lacerated kidney, but that might end up being a blessing in disguise. His decision making has been horrible and he's turning the ball over at a ridiculous rate (the turnovers have been his constant Achilles heel since entering the league). Luck seems destined for superstardom, but he also clearly still needs some work. He's mechanically as sound as they come in the league, but he needs to make better decisions on a more consistent basis if the Colts want to beat the better teams in the league. Hopefully, taking a step back and resting up will help Luck clear his and head be alright for the rest of this season (if the Colts can hold on and make the playoffs in the dumpster fire that is the AFC South), or get it together in time for next season. 10. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks I hope the "Russell Wilson isn't a great quarterback" narrative has finally died. He's won a Super Bowl, came within a yard of winning another one, and has been the key aspect of the Seattle offense this season. Russell Wilson is not a "system quarterback." Right now, Russell Wilson is the system. He can make every throw you need, makes great decisions, keeps plays alive with his legs, gains yards with his legs when needed (which is a lot behind that makeshift offensive line in Seattle), and puts his team in the best position to win. RB Marshawn Lynch has been not nearly the same back we've come to expect this season, and Wilson has had to keep the Seahawks afloat in the meantime. He's among the best in the game, and he's an integral part of the Seahawks stretch run as they attempt to make the Super Bowl for the third consecutive year. 9. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers Outside of maybe Tom Brady, no quarterback has been tasked to do as much for his team this season as Rivers has. The Chargers have pretty much abandoned the run game at this point and are allowing Rivers to throw the ball about 60 times per game. Although that hasn't translated to many wins this year, the Chargers would probably be winless without him. He's kept games competitive, and has been among the winningest quarterbacks in football since entering the league. Although his throwing motion is a bit unorthodox, Rivers has been one of the most successful quarterbacks in football, and definitely belongs within the top ten. 8. Eli Manning, New York Giants Eli gets a terrible reputation because he looks confused out on the field (I've seen him look like this after a throw more times than every other quarterback combined), he's Peyton's little brother, and because he has struggled with interceptions most years. But Eli has been fantastic this season (and last year as well). Having WR Odell Beckham, Jr. helps things, but Eli is the engine that makes the Giants offense run. He's protecting the ball and putting it where it needs to go, all with WR Dwayne Harris playing the role of #2 wide receiver. The Giants have struggled to run the ball consistently this year, making Eli all the more important, and he's delivered so far. Going into the bye, the Giants are in a position to make the playoffs. And we all know what can happen if the Giants can just make the playoffs. 7. sCam Newton, Carolina Panthers I detailed Newton's MVP season last week, so I won't do that again, but just know that Newton's place among the games best quarterbacks is warranted. He's the best current dual-threat quarterback in the league, as he now has six games this season with at least one passing and one rushing touchdown. He became the second quaterback in NFL history to have 30 such games, joining Hall of Fame QB Steve Young. His play is the single biggest reason why the Panthers are now 9-0. And also, if you don't like his dancing after he scores, as he said, don't let him in the end zone. He has fun playing football. Since when was that a crime? 6. Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals Outside of Brady-Belichick, Carson Palmer and Arizona head coach Bruce Arians are probably the head coach - QB combo best suited for each other. Arians loves calling plays that fit right into Palmer's strengths, and Palmer has proven over and over again that he can execute those plays. He's on a short list of the single most important players on his team (we saw what Arizona looked like in the playoffs last season without Palmer), and he's about as technically sound a quarterback as we have in the league today. Also, this article and this article, both from MMQB, about Palmer and the gameday prep involved was fascinating. Great insight on what it takes to play quarterback from a mental perspective each and every week. Highly recommend both. 5. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints All he does is continue to put up numbers, eye popping season after eye popping season. I know I just said the Palmer-Arians combo may be the best after Brady-Belichick, but Brees and Saints head coach Sean Payton will take issue with that. Brees was left for dead after week three this year, when a shoulder injury was supposed to derail his season. All he's done since then is throw for 2,362 yards and 18 touchdowns, including an epic 505 yard, seven touchdown performance, all while leading his team to a 4-3 record. Despite what the first couple weeks may tell you, Drew Brees is still right there with the best quarterbacks in the game today. 4. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys If these last eight weeks haven't proven how important Romo is to the Cowboys, nothing will. The Cowboys went 0-7 while Romo was out of the lineup, and, even in a bad NFC East, they probably need to run the table down the stretch to win the division and make the playoffs. Romo is not nearly the turnover machine that his reputation would lead you to believe, and he's one of the more accurate passers in the league. His command of the Dallas offense is fantastic, and he honestly looks similar to peak Peyton Manning calling audibles and protections at the line to put his team in the best position to win on each and every play. He uses all the time needed to set his team up for the best play to succeed. That's what you what out of your quarterback, and right now, Romo is as good as anyone at doing it. I really wish he wasn't on the Cowboys because I'd definitely enjoy watching him play a lot more if it wasn't for Dallas. 3. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers I believe Ben Roethlisberger is the most underrated quarterback in football today. He constantly gets taken for granted for a variety of reasons, with the two biggest being the Steelers' defensive reputation in the beginning of his career, and the fact that people don't really like him due to his past actions. But Big Ben is as good as it gets in the NFL at the quarterback position. His stature makes him incredibly difficult to tackle, which helps him extend plays for one of the best complement of weapons on any offense in the league, and he can accurately put the ball wherever he needs to on the field. He may throw the best deep ball in the league, and his chemistry with WR Antonio Brown on short and intermediate routes is nearly unmatched. The Steelers are a dangerous team with Ben at the helm, and he's proven time and time again that he's one of the very best in the NFL. 2. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers 1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots For my money, Rodgers is still the most talented quarterback (and player) in football today. But what Brady has done this season is absolutely incredible. While Rodgers has struggled at times (and his team is on an almost unprecedented three game losing streak), Brady's play has been as good as it ever has been (which is saying something. This is a guy who led a team to one undefeated regular season while throwing 50 touchdowns and just eight interceptions, and has another regular season where he threw 36 touchdowns and just four interceptions). Rodgers is the most technically sound quarterback I think I've ever seen. His release is quick, he can make plays with his legs, his footwork on his throws is perfect, and he puts the ball pretty much exactly where it needs to be, regardless of where the throw is on the field. If you designed a quarterback in a lab, that QB would come out like Aaron Rodgers. The difference between these two quarterbacks right now is razor thin, but Rodgers' struggles this year has him just ever so slightly below Brady for the time being. Brady is the best quarterback in the history of the league, and he's playing like the best quarterback in 2015, even at the age of 38. Watching him play right now is watching the quarterback position in its highest form. Although he doesn't rely on the deep ball like his record setting 2007 campaign, Brady's short passing game has been superb so far this year. It helps to have a walking matchup nightmare in TE Rob Gronkowski, but Brady's level of play is unparalleled right now. What do you think? Who did I overrate? Who did I underrate? Or, did you like that and think I did a pretty good job ranking them?
By: Stephen C. The Most Valuable Player in the NFL through the first half is Carolina Panthers QB sCam Newton. That's right. Don't get me wrong, New England Patriots QB Tom Brady has been absolutely incredible. He's probably the best player in the league right now. Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton has been great, and he's a huge reason why the Bengals have started the season 8-0. Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is definitely still the most talented player in football. But the MVP of the NFL doesn't go to any of them. That belongs to Newton.
His stats don't jump off the page. Out of 32 qualified QBs, his QB rating of 81.3 is ranked 26th, a full ten points below the average QB rating at this point in the season. His QBR (ESPN's attempt to replace QB rating that I still think is just a made-up number) is 50.7, where 50 is considered "average." He's only completing 53.7% of his passes. He's thrown 14 touchdowns to nine interceptions. He's thrown for 1,820 yards, good for 22nd in the league. He's good for a solid two or three passes per games that he simply misses his target. And yet, he's the Most Valuable Player in all of the NFL. The easy answer is to say his rushing stats help his case, and that's definitely accurate to a certain extent. He's run for 343 yards and five touchdowns, both tops among all QBs, on 4.7 yards per carry. The Panthers have the top rushing offense in the league (on a per game basis), and Newton's rushing (and threat of rushing) is a major reason why. His receiver group, after losing his top WR target of Kelvin Benjamin, has constantly swung between serviceable and terrible (as an example, WR Ted Ginn has seven drops on only 51 targets), with TE Greg Olsen being the only consistent option. RB Jonathan Stewart has been solid, but far from spectacular. The defense has been very good, especially with CB Josh Norman playing at a Defensive Player of the Year level, but the biggest reason for the Panthers' 8-0 start is none other than SuperCam himself. Watch a Panthers game. ANY Panthers game. You'll see just how much Newton means to that offense. He's not simply a game-manager any more. He's running the offense through him to put his team in the best position to succeed on each and every play. Everyone knows that Newton is among my favorite players in the league. I love watching him play, despite his flaws at the quarterback position. He has an infectious enthusiasm for the game that just simply makes him fun to watch. So it's easy to say that I'm just saying he's the midseason (completely arbitrary) MVP so far because he's one of my favorite players or that I'm taking Brady's greatness for granted. But I truly believe that Newton is deserving of the award because he keeps finding ways to lead his team to victory even though everything else about the Panthers offense tells you they shouldn't be 8-0. Guess which team has the longest active regular season win streak? You guessed the Patriots, didn't you? Well, you probably guessed the Panthers because this whole post is about the Panthers and Newton, but yea, it's the Panthers. Last year, they were 3-8-1 (lol ties) before winning their last four regular season games last season and the first eight games this season. The Panthers are the most complete team in the NFC, and Newton's performances against two of the best teams in the NFC (Seattle and Green Bay) are a huge reason why the road to the Super Bowl in the NFC may very well run through Charlotte. Two 80 yard drives in the 4th quarter in Seattle to beat the Seahawks? His most complete game to date against a Packers' defense that was the number one scoring defense in the NFL? Newton is playing his best on the biggest stage, and he has his team in prime position to make a run at Super Bowl 50. He has all the makings of an MVP, and he's certainly playing like one. Brady is the front runner for the MVP award through the first half, and rightfully so, but if I had a vote, it would go towards Newton. No one, not even Brady, means more to his team than Newton. Panthers' backup QB Derek Anderson is among the more capable backups in the league, but if he comes in for Newton, the Panthers would experience a significant drop-off on offense. Newton's talents help mask the deficiencies that the Panthers offense clearly has. The offensive line has been much improved, but they're still a work in progress, especially while pass blocking. The receiver group, outside of Olsen, is nothing special. Even the run game outside of sCam hasn't been that wonderful. Newton is the classic case of elevating his team to a level that they simply would not be able to reach without him. Without him, the Panthers may be closer to the first pick in the draft instead of the first seed in the NFC. That reason alone is reason enough for sCam to be the MVP of the league. By: Stephen C. Tonight, the first meaningful NFL game will be played since the epic conclusion of Super Bowl XLIX, where the New England Patriots dramatically held on to defeat the Seattle Seahawks. Since then, all we've talked about are deflated footballs, so it's kinda nice that football games that actually matter begin tonight. Just like last year, I'll rank all 32 NFL teams, from #32 to #1 on how I think they finish in the regular season. Also just like last year, my top twelve teams are all in the playoffs. The teams that I don't have in the playoffs will be ranked from #32 to #13 in order of the number of wins I think they'll get based on their schedule. Then I'll rank the teams I pick in the playoffs from twelve to one (with #1 being my Super Bowl 50 Champion) in order of how I think they'll do in the playoffs. 32. Washington Redskins: 125/1 2014 RECORD: 4-12 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 2-14 We start with the biggest mess in football. With QB Robert Griffin, III having worn out his welcome in Washington for it seems like the 47th time, the team named QB Kirk Cousins the starter. Which is all well and good except for the fact that defense has major holes, the offensive line can't block anyone (other than Pro Bowl LT Trent Williams), and Cousins has been pretty underwhelming in extended play time when given the chance. Washington is a time still trying to figure a lot out, and especially in a division where the Eagles and Giants have improved to go along with an already good Cowboys team, Washington may have a tough time getting many wins this season. The good news is they'll have their pick of a loaded top of the 2016 draft, which, yes everyone, still includes QB Christian Hackenberg, provided he survives that long. 31. Cleveland Browns: 150/1 2014 RECORD: 7-9 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 3-13 The Browns were a huge surprise last year to start the season (they started 7-4 before crashing back down to earth and losing their last five games) in a historically good AFC North. Unfortunately for Cleveland, it looks like the last five games are a little more indicative of how the Browns are as a football team rather than the first eleven. Last season, the Browns were phenomenal at stopping the pass and solid at running the football. They were pretty terrible at everything else. This season, the wide receivers are easily the least spectacular in football (think Kansas City last year, with WR Dwayne Bowe and everything, only worse), the backfield has been a complete crapshoot, and QB Josh McCown is the starter. It's likely that rookie disaster QB Johnny Manziel will take over at some point because everyone knows exactly what you get in Josh McCown, and he can't do much worse than last season, but the Browns may be in for a long season that, given how the Browns handle things in the past, may cost head coach Mike Pettine his job. 30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 100/1 2014 RECORD: 2-14 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 3-13 Last year's favorite sleeper never woke up all the way to the #1 pick in the draft. With that pick, the Bucs selected QB Jameis Winston as a much needed upgrade at the game's most important position. The Bucs still have major question marks along the offensive line, but the rest of the offense has the pieces in place to be respectable with WR Mike Evans, WR Vincent Jackson, and TE Austin Sefarian-Jenkins being massive targets for Winston to literally just throw it up to (heights, respectively: 6'5", 6'5", 6'6"). RB Doug Martin has impressed this preseason and sophomore RB Charlie Sims should be healthy from the start. The defense should be solid behind anchor DT Gerald McCoy. Even with all that and an easy schedule, it's tough to see the Bucs winning many games. One of the NFC South teams are probably going to be here at the very bottom, and I can't quite bring myself to make it the Panthers (Magic of sCam!). 29. Jacksonville Jaguars: 350/1 2014 RECORD: 3-13 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 3-13 Jacksonville is a team that will probably play better than their record suggests. Second year QB Blake Bortles had an eventful rookie season, but should hopefully cut down on the turnovers. Added TE Julius Thomas will be a major upgrade for a red zone offense that was among the worst in football last season when he gets back from injury (he's supposed to get back around week 5). WR Allen Robinson showed a ton of promise catching the football from Bortles before his season ending foot injury. The defense routinely yo-yos from dominate to disaster, with a potentially great pass rush coupled with a bad pass defense. Adding free agent CB Davon House should help, but he's not exactly CB Darrelle Revis. The Jags should keep games close, and they'll definitely start to flash the potential of a team that has consistently picked in the top five, but it may take a least another year for them to realize that potential. 28. Tennessee Titans: 185/1 2014 RECORD: 2-14 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 3-13 Destined to be an Eagle QB Marcus Mariota is reason enough for hope in Tennessee. Another team where that hope may not translate immediately, the Titans with Mariota have the potential to be a solid passing football team. Everyone's concerns regarding Mariota's development as a pocket passer seem to have quieted for now after a solid preseason. WR Kendall Wright and TE Delanie Walker provide the young QB with very solid security blankets. Add in the potential of WR Dorial Green-Beckham and the Titans have the potential of a great passing football team. The running game is where the questions are. Last year's second round pick RB Bishop Sankey has been thoroughly underwhelming, so much so that the Titans drafted RB David Cobb (who's on short-term IR to start the year) and traded for RB Terrance West from the Browns. Someone needs to emerge from a disappointing backfield, but whoever does should see a decent boost with Mariota under center. The defense should also be better with Hall of Famer player and future Hall of Fame coach defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau calling the shots now. There's a lot of reason for optimism for the Titans for beyond 2015. 27. Oakland Raiders: 90/1 2014 RECORD: 3-13 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 4-12 The Raiders are as interesting a team as there in in football. They have loads of young talent, but they can't seem to quite put it together yet. The defense has the makings of a solid defense down the road, led by OLB Khalil Mack. The offense seems to have found their QB in QB Derek Carr and they decided to actually give him someone to throw to in rookie WR Amari Cooper. New head coach Jack Del Rio has proven in the past he make the most of fringe pieces into a respectable defense, and now he has raw talent. The Raiders are another team on the rise, just probably not for 2015. Maybe in 2016 when they're potentially in Los Angeles. 26. Chicago Bears: 100/1 2014 RECORD: 5-11 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 4-12 The Bears pretty much come down to how you feel about QB Jay Cutler. With new head coach John Fox and new offensive coordinator Adam Gase (both with Denver last season), Cutler will need to prove to the new regime that he still belongs as a starter in Chicago. The talent has always been there for Cutler. It's now a question of his maturity as a passer. He still forces too many throws and makes bad decisions at the worst possible times. It's tough to win in the NFL when the QB does that. The only thing worse for Chicago is that the backup QBs are QB Jimmy Clausen, who has been spectacularly underwhelming in his NFL career and QB David Fales, a sixth round pick last year. Couple that with a terrible defense, and Fox has his work cut out for him. RB Matt Forte and WR Alshon Jeffery should help Cutler, but they've been around with Cutler for his entire Chicago tenure, and it hasn't exactly been ideal for him so far. With Minnesota on the rise, to go along with Green Bay and the forever question mark that is the Detroit Lions, the Bears find themselves in a tough position. 25. San Francisco 49ers: 85/1 2014 RECORD: 8-8 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 5-11 To say this offseason was eventful for the 49ers would be a bit of an understatement. Retirements, coaching changes, more retirements, players being cut due to off the field concerns. This team looks like a vastly different football team than the one who made it to three consecutive NFC Championship games prior to missing the playoffs last season. They'll need QB Colin Kaepernick to take the major strides forward as a passer that I thought he would make last season when I picked the 49ers to win the Super Bowl. If he can prove to be a useful QB outside of just running around, the 49ers have a fighting change to avoid the cellar. If he can't, especially in a tough NFC West, five wins may be the ceiling. 24. New York Jets: 105/1 2014 RECORD: 4-12 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 6-10 I actually think the Jets can do something this year. The defense last year had major holes in the secondary. Well, now they have CBs Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie (Batman and Robin reunited!). The front seven is still good, anchored by a solid defensive line (although the depth along that line is thinning every day and the linebackers are a bit of a question). Plus, new head coach Todd Bowles is among the better defensive coaches in football The offense should be better with new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey making the calls. RB Chris Ivory has always been solid, WRs Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker provide a respectable 1-2 punch on the outside, and QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has proven that he can be decent in short stretches. QB Geno Smith is still the starter on this team when he gets back from a broken jaw, but if FitzMagic can hold down the fort, the Jets could win a few more games than many are expecting in 2015. 23. San Diego Chargers: 50/1 2014 RECORD: 9-7 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 6-10 The Chargers will be hoping QB Philip Rivers plays at the MVP caliber he played at to start last season. If not, it could be a LONG year for San Diego. There's reason to hope that rookie RB Melvin Gordon can buck the trend of Wisconsin RBs busts in the NFL, but outside of him, Rivers, and RB Danny Woodhead, the Chargers offense is, well, not great. Rivers will lean heavily on WR Keenan Allen to have a bounce back year, as well as newly acquired veteran WR Stevie Johnson and Charger mainstay WR Malcolm Floyd. With TE Antonio Gates suspended for the first four games, and TE Ladarius Green suffering from a concussion, Rivers will need to rely on his receivers more than ever. The defense could be alright, but the secondary is still the biggest question mark. When you're in a division with QB Peyton Manning, that's not exactly ideal. The Chargers are the team most likely to take a step back this season for what could possibly be their last in San Diego. 22. Carolina Panthers: 75/1 2014 RECORD: 7-8-1 (Lol ties), NFC #4 Seed. NFC South Champions. Loss in NFC Divisional Round. 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 7-9 I'm scared for sCam this year. QB sCam Newton leads a Panthers team that could potentially only win four or five games. I have them at seven mostly because sCam is magical, but another year of beatings behind a woefully awful offensive line may cause sCam to not even make it through the whole season (although, he survived that offensive line, a nagging ankle injury, and a freakin car crash where his truck flipped around last year. It's a good thing he really is Superman). The offense outside of sCam will rely heavily on oft-injured RB Jonathan Stewart. If Stewart can stay healthy, the Panthers running attack should be able to take advantage of the pretty terrible run defenses that make up the NFC South. If he can't, the Panthers will be relying even more heavily on sCam as a dual-threat. As much as I love him, sCam definitely needs some work as a passer. An absolutely depleted wide receiver group doesn't help anything though. TE Greg Olsen is far and away the best receiving threat on this team. After that, just loads of question marks. As far as the defense, the front seven should be good, led by MLB Luke Kuechly who literally tackles everything that moves. The secondary is where the Panthers may be a bit suspect. Veteran CB Charles Tillman was added for some experience, but he's a shadow of his former self, especially coming back from a torn triceps that ended his season last year. The talent is there in the front seven to have this defense make it back to the #2 unit it was in 2013, but the Panthers are a team on a serious decline unless sCam can save them. 21. New Orleans Saints: 45/1 2014 RECORD: 7-9 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 7-9 The Saints were a massive disappointment last season. Expected to contend for home-field advantage in the NFC, the Saints stumbled their way to a 7-9 record, including a shocking 3-5 record at home last season. QB Drew Brees will lead an offense with a few less weapons on the outside this year, with TE Jimmy Graham being traded to Seattle and WR Kenny Stills being shipped to Miami. RB C.J. Spiller should be a nice addition once he sees the field and RB Mark Ingram proved he can be a solid RB when actually on the field. Still, as long as Brees is under center, this is an offense that will be able to put up points in bunches. The defense will need to be better though for the Saints to win a wide open NFC South. Adding CB Brandon Browner should help what was a pretty terrible secondary last season. Still, the defense is a major question mark that could ultimately hold the Saints out of the playoffs once again. 20. St. Louis Rams: 70/1 2014 RECORD: 6-10 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 7-9 The Rams are a team that could see themselves in a race for the division crown if everything breaks just right. First, they need new QB Nick Foles to stay healthy. Then, they need rookie RB Todd Gurley to get on the field and be kind of Adrian Peterson / Marshawn Lynch hybrid that everyone keeps saying he is. They also need that ridiculously good defensive line to be the best in football. If all that happens, plus if the Cardinals come back down to Earth a little bit, and the Seahawks realize they miss Chancellor more than they thought, the Rams may be able to sneak into the playoffs. That's just a lot of ifs... 19. Detroit Lions: 50/1 2014 RECORD: 11-5, NFC #6 Seed. Loss in NFC Wild Card Round. 2015 RECORD: 7-9 The Detroit Lions are among the biggest question marks in the league. Prior to last season, they were historically awful in close games. Then, last year, they fantastic, going 6-1 in games decided by a touchdown or less. They have QB Matthew Stafford who has routinely gone from horrific to incredible on back-to-back throws. They have WR Calvin Johnson, who is still among the games best when he's on the field. They have a defense that should still be good, even with the losses of DTs Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. So why only seven wins? Well, for starters, I think the defense will miss Suh and Fairley more than they realize. DT Haloti Ngata is a great player, but he's not nearly the interior pass rusher that either Suh or Fairley is. The secondary is still decent at best, and without a sustained pass rush, they should get exposed this season. Plus, Matthew Stafford has still yet to beat a team with a winning record on the road yet in his career (0-18, including playoffs). It's tough to buy in to a team with this many question marks, especially when they're in the same division as the Packers and what should be a much better Vikings team. 18. Cincinnati Bengals: 50/1 2014 RECORD: 10-5-1 (Lol ties), AFC #5 Seed. Loss in AFC Wild Card Round. 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 8-8 Bill Barnwell pointed out an interesting historical comparable team to these Cincinnati Bengals, the 2012 Houston Texans. From Barnwell's piece, the Texans "had a stable coach (Gary Kubiak) who had been there forever and a quarterback (Matt Schaub) who was just good enough to produce competent numbers and look bad in almost every key game. The Texans seemed steady and set to sing their same song for another season, yet the bottom absolutely fell out, as they won their first two games by a combined nine points before losing their final 14, including nine games decided by one score or less." As he goes on to say, it's not necessarily fair to say that the Bengals will be this year's version of that Texans team, but it's not completely ridiculous to think so. QB Andy Dalton and head coach Marvin Lewis have both been there forever with a total of zero playoff wins to their credit, despite four straight appearances. The offense, led by WR A.J. Green and sophomore RB Jeremy Hill, should be fine as long as both stay on the field (Green missed six games last year. That can't happen again if the Bengals want to contend). The defense struggled through a ton of injuries last year, but should be healthy enough to get the Bengals back in contention. Still, I think Cincy is a step behind both Pittsburgh and Baltimore in the AFC North, and they're due for a dip in win totals soon. Maybe not the historical dip that the 2012 Texans had, but a dip just enough to cause the Bengals to miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2010 season. 17. New York Giants: 60/1 2014 RECORD: 6-10 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 8-8 The Giants have the most potential to be this year's version of the Dallas Cowboys. As you remember, last year in the preseason, everyone was saying that the Cowboys had an offense that was easily good enough to make the playoffs, but it was the defense that could be historically bad, especially once injuries set in. However, once the games started, the defense was good enough to help that great Cowboys offense to twelve wins and an NFC East division crown. This season, the Giants are the team with a potentially fantastic offense, easily one that is good enough to get the team to the playoffs. However, the defense couldn't stop anyone last year and they haven't shown any signs of being able to do so. Injuries have depleted the secondary, specifically both safety positions. Maybe they'll end up with disgruntled Seattle Seahawks SS Kam Chancellor (although I think he'd look better in Eagles green, and Seattle doesn't seem like they're too interested in trading him right now). Still, the Giants have the potential to make a run at the playoffs behind QB Eli Manning and what should be a very good offense. If the defense can get any semblance of a stop every once in a while, the GMen could be dangerous. 16. Buffalo Bills: 45/1 2014 RECORD: 9-7 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 9-7 The Bills defense is phenomenal. The Bills offense, not so much. Led by a stacked defensive line, the Bills defense can just wreak havoc on opposing offenses all season. Add in the best defensive mind in all of football, new head coach Rex Ryan, and this already great defensive unit could be even better. The only problem is the offense. Newly minted starting QB Tyrod Taylor hasn't exactly inspired a ton of confidence. He's athletic and will use his legs to help move the ball, but he's a below average passer, even dating back to his college days. New RB LeSean McCoy is as talented as any back in the league, but he'll be facing more eight man boxes than ever before and will have a leaky offensive line blocking for him. Granted, he may touch the ball about 800 times this year. WR Sammy Watkins is an incredibly gifted wide receiver, but he can only do so much when the quarterback can't get him the ball. These Bills seem oddly reminiscent of the first few Jets teams that Rex had, ones he led to the AFC Championship game in back-to-back seasons. I don't think the Bills will be able to do that against a highly competitive top of the AFC, but if Taylor can put together a respectable season, nine wins is definitely obtainable. 15. Houston Texans: 60/1 2014 RECORD: 9-7 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 9-7 The Texans should be able to use a light schedule and an easy division to springboard into another winning season with an outside shot at playoff contention. The only problem is, once again, the QB position. In their never ending quest for a franchise QB, Houston turns to journeyman QB Brian Hoyer, the same Brian Hoyer who was benched last season in favor of Johnny Football. DE J.J. Watt is as good a player as there is in football, but he can only do so much. The Texans will need to figure out a way to beat Indianapolis if they want to make the playoffs this season, something they haven't had much success with. Also, especially if Hoyer and backup QB Ryan Mallett struggle, I hope you're ready for all the Texans-Hackenberg rumors for this offseason, given the fact that head coach Bill O'Brien coached Hackenberg in his standout freshman season. It'll be like Eagles-Mariota, part 2. I can't wait. I hope it happens. BOB and Hack belong together forever. 14. Arizona Cardinals: 45/1 2014 RECORD: 11-5, NFC #5 Seed. Loss in NFC Wild Card Round. 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 9-7 If QB Carson Palmer can stay healthy for the entire season, Arizona has a chance to contend for a playoff spot and maybe even the NFC West division crown with Seattle. If not, well, you watched them down the stretch last year, didn't you? It wasn't pretty. The defense suffered major losses though, with former defensive coordinator now the head coach of the Jets and DT Dan Williams now in Oakland. Still, with a healthy Palmer, the Cards should be good enough to return to the playoffs this year. I just don't think he'll be able to stay healthy for the entire season, especially after watching him take a beating behind that offensive line in the third preseason game against Oakland. If that continues, nine ways may be out of reach for this team. 13. Pittsburgh Steelers: 23/1 2014 RECORD: 11-5, AFC #3 Seed. AFC North Champions. Loss in AFC Wild Card Round. 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 9-7 Injuries, suspensions, and a suspect secondary. Those are the biggest reasons why the Steelers, who could very well have the best offense in football, may not make the playoffs this year. Those, plus the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have the added benefit this year of playing the slightly easier schedule than the Steelers, which could be all the difference needed to cause Pittsburgh to be on the outside looking in come playoff time. Make no mistake, QB Ben Roethlisberger is among the game's best signal callers. He's easily a top five QB today, plus he has the games most consistent WR in Antonio Brown, and one of the brightest rising stars in the backfield at RB Le'Veon Bell. But it's not the skill position players on offense that worry. It would be the offensive line, although Big Ben has proven time and time again that he doesn't need pass protection. The defense will need to overcome 12. Atlanta Falcons: 40/1 2014 RECORD: 6-10 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 9-7, NFC #4 Seed. NFC South Champions. Loss in NFC Wild Card Round. Someone has to win the NFC South, right? It's close between New Orleans and Atlanta, but I'll give the slight edge to Atlanta. The pieces are all in place for QB Matt Ryan and WR Julio Jones to have absolute monster seasons as long as the offensive line holds it somewhat together. If the defense can improve even in the slightest, this is a team that will could be dangerous throughout the regular season. They should be able to take advantage of a weak division and a weak schedule to win the division and make the playoffs. The defense may not be good enough to let them do anything come playoff time, but the Falcons are definitely a team on the rise this season. 11. Minnesota Vikings: 30/1 2014 RECORD: 7-9 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 10-6, NFC #6 Seed. Loss in NFC Wild Card Round. Minnesota is a team that could easily see an jump into the playoffs last season. QB Teddy Bridgewater looked much more like the guy who was projected to be a top five pick as he was very impressive throughout the season. Any other year besides the most incredible rookie wide receiver group in league history, and Teddy is the likely Offensive Rookie of the Year. Plus, they get this RB Adrian Peterson guy back. Regardless of what you may think of him off the field, dude can play football. He is one of the greatest running backs of all time, and he's got a chip on his shoulder to prove to everyone that he's still the best in the league. A year away from football is never a good thing for normal football players, but AP has proven time and time again that he is anything but a normal football player. The Vikes are a dangerous football team who will only get better as the season progresses. 10. Kansas City Chiefs: 40/1 2014 RECORD: 9-7 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 11-5, AFC #6 Seed. Loss in AFC Wild Card Round. The Chiefs are a team that are better than their record from last year suggests, and they won nine games. With an improved wide receiver group, led by former Eagle WR Jeremy Maclin, Captain Checkdown QB Alex Smith may actually throw the ball past the line of scrimmage this season. RB Jamaal Charles is still among the top backs in the game, and TE Travis Kelce looks ready for a breakout season. The defense should be quite good again, led by reigning sack champion OLB Justin Houston. If Kansas City can figure out a way to defeat Denver, they could win the AFC West and be in play for a first round bye. Head coach Andy Reid has done more with less. 9. Baltimore Ravens: 22/1 2014 RECORD: 10-6, AFC #6 Seed. Loss in AFC Divisional Round. 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 10-6, AFC #4 Seed. AFC North Champions. Loss in AFC Wild Card Round. The Ravens are just ever so slightly a more complete team than the Steelers, which is why I have them winning the division. New offensive coordinator Marc Trestman should help improve an offense that was already among the better offenses last year. If rookie WR Breshad Perriman or really any other receiver can prove to be a solid #2 WR opposite ageless wonder WR Steve Smith, and if RB Justin Forsett can prove that last year wasn't simply a journeyman fluke, this is a team that should be in the playoffs again this year. And Playoff QB Joe Flacco is the best quarterback in the history of the world. Regular Season Joe Flacco is average, but Playoff Joe Flacco is some other-worldly combination of Tom Brady, Joe Montana, and Peyton Manning. It's uncanny, really. 8. Miami Dolphins: 30/1 2014 RECORD: 8-8 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 11-5, AFC #5 Seed. Loss in AFC Divisional Round. Another team that seems prime to make a big jump, the Miami Dolphins are the team that should push New England for the AFC East title this year. QB Ryan Tannehill looks like a more than serviceable QB and he's surrounded by tons of weapons, beginning with RB Lamar Miller. Miller is the most underrated back in the game, and he should be able to help lead the Dolphins offense to a double digit campaign. Add in newly acquired TE Jordan Cameron, WR Kenny Stills, and rookie WR DeVante Parker, and the Fins offense could be among the league's elite. An already good defense got even better this offseason with the addition of DT Ndamukong Suh. Suh and DE Cameron Wake could end up being the best pass rushing tandem in the league when it's all said and done. Miami is the team that no one in the AFC should want to face come playoff time, especially if Tannehill continues to develop into one of the better QBs in football. 7. Dallas Cowboys: 18/1 2014 RECORD: 12-4, NFC #3 Seed. NFC East Champions. Loss in NFC Divisional Round. 2015 RECORD: 11-5, NFC #5 Seed. Loss in NFC Divisional Round. The Cowboys should be in the playoff mix again this year, and could easily repeat as NFC East division champs if the injury issues facing the Eagles come into play. The offense, behind QB Tony Romo, is great. They may not be as effective running the football now that RB DeMarco Murray is gone, but Romo and WR Dez Bryant lead a very capable and dangerous passing game. If the defense can keep it together like last season, and if the running game develops around Romo, Dallas is in play as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. If not, well, 8-8 sounds good to me. 6. Philadelphia Eagles: 10/1 2014 RECORD: 10-6 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 16-0, WORLD #1 Seed. SUPER BOWL 50 CHAMPIONS! (Alright fine...) REAL 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 12-4, NFC #3 Seed. Loss in NFC Divisional Round. No team in the league was half as interesting this offseason as the Philadelphia Eagles. It wasn't even close really. Head coach Chip Kelly completed a complete roster overhaul. Every single player who threw a pass, caught a pass, or ran the football for Andy Reid's Eagles is no longer on the team. These are officially Chip's Eagles now. That being said, the roster is more talented than it was last season. There's no question that Super Bowl 50 MVP QB Sam Bradford is a more talented QB than Nick Foles. SB50MVP Bradford is an incredibly talented quarterback when on the field. He's accurate and makes good decision, two necessities for Chip's offense. But even after all that, the gigantic elephant in the room is that he's missed the last two seasons with a torn ACL in each year, so staying on the field is no given. However, if he's on the field for 12-14 games this year, the Eagles should win the division. New RB DeMarco Murray has looked fantastic this preseason, as has new RB Ryan Mathews. This is an offense that should be easily among the best in the league. They're too talented across the board. The front seven is among the best in football, and got even better with the addition of ILB Kiko Alonso. DE Fletcher Cox is a beast and DT Bennie Logan gets better with each snap. If OLB Brandon Graham can continue to get after the quarterback, and if OLB Connor Barwin is half as good as last season, the front seven will be great again this year. Of course, it was the Eagles secondary that was the issue last year. If CB Byron Maxwell can play like a #1 CB, this is a very dangerous football team. 5. Denver Broncos: 15/1 2014 RECORD: 12-4, AFC #2 Seed. AFC West Champions. Loss in AFC Divisional Round. 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 12-4, AFC #3 Seed. AFC West Champions. Loss in AFC Divisional Round. The Broncos are the team among the top that are most precariously placed. Kansas City is a legitimate contender behind them in the AFC West, and the rest of the top of the AFC (New England, Indianapolis, and Baltimore specifically) all seem to just be a bit more complete than the Broncos. The biggest question mark, for probably the first time in his career, is QB Peyton Manning. Peyton simply didn't look like himself down the stretch of last season as he dealt with a injured quad. Still, the Broncos are as good as it gets in the league, especially with Manning under center. If RB C.J. Anderson can play well again this season, as he'll reportedly be leaned upon heavily in new head coach Gary Kubiak's zone blocking run game, the Broncos can definitely remain among the game's elite. 4. New England Patriots: 15/2 2014 RECORD: 12-4, AFC #1 Seed. AFC East Champions. Super Bowl XLIX Champions. 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 13-3, AFC #2 Seed. AFC East Champions. Loss in AFC Championship Game. Last year's Super Bowl Champions face the difficult task of doing something that no one has done since these Patriots last did it: repeat as Super Bowl champs. The Seahawks came within a yard of doing so, but the Patriots held on and prevailed in what was one of the better football games I can remember watching. As long as QB Tom Brady is on the field and not suspended, the Patriots have as good a shot as any team to win the whole thing. The team will be in collective us-against-the-world mode again after the Deflategate saga. Still, it's tough to pick a team to repeat. But then again, they do have TE Rob Gronkowski. 3. Seattle Seahawks: 15/2 2014 RECORD: 12-4, NFC #1 Seed. NFC West Champions. Loss in Super Bowl XLIX. 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 13-3, NFC #2 Seed. NFC West Champions. Loss in NFC Championship Game. Seattle came within one yard of repeating Super Bowl champions. One yard. They are probably still the most complete team in football. They're a smash mouth run first team, led by RB Marshawn Lynch. QB Russell Wilson is one of the best decision makers in the game, and their one serious issue on offense (red zone passing) should be a little easier now that TE Jimmy Graham is on the team. The defense is still among the league's elite, but they may miss SS Kam Chancellor more than they're letting on. Kam was the captain of the defense, as well as one of the best safeties in the league. Now, because of his contract, he's a threat to hold out into the season. It's already being reported that he'll miss week one, and he may very well miss more time. Chancellor is an integral part of the Legion of Boom, especially with both CB Richard Sherman and FS Earl Thomas not at 100%. The Seahawks are good enough on paper to make it back to the Super Bowl, but the leadership of Chancellor may affect this team just a bit too much, especially if they have to go to Lambeau come playoff time. 2. Indianapolis Colts: 9/1 2014 RECORD: 11-5, AFC #4 Seed. AFC South Champions. Loss in AFC Championship Game. 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 14-2, AFC #1 Seed. AFC South Champions. Loss in Super Bowl 50. It's a perfect storm kind of season for Indianapolis to roll through to 14 or 15 wins. Arguably the two toughest games on the schedule (Denver and New England) are both played in Indy, and if they could just figure out a way to tackle Patriots RB LeGarrette Blount, the Colts could very well be the class of the AFC. QB Andrew Luck keeps getting better and better, which is terrifying because he's already really freakin good. Throw in the fact that the Colts play in the worst division in the AFC, plus the additions of WR Andre Johnson (who may finally get to ten receiving touchdowns in a season in his Hall of Fame career for the first time) and RB Frank Gore, who will be facing less than eight in the box for pretty much the first time in his Hall of Fame career, and this is an offense and a team that looks ready to move past the other giants of the AFC. 1. Green Bay Packers: 15/2 2014 RECORD: 12-4, NFC #2 Seed. NFC North Champions. Loss in NFC Championship Game. 2015 PROJECTED RECORD: 13-3, NFC #1 Seed. NFC North Champions. Super Bowl 50 Champions. The meltdown loss in the NFC Championship game against Seattle will do one of two things for the Packers. It will either be the mental block that they will never get over, or it will serve as the motivation to make them never feel that way again. I'm banking on the later. QB Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback and best player in the game today, and even without WR Jordy Nelson, this offense is easily still good enough to contend (the whole "let's see how good Rodgers is without Nelson" narrative is WAY overblown. Rodgers is the best QB in football. Period. Stop it. He'd be the best QB in football with Stephen H. and me as his wide receivers. Did I go too far?). The defense is solid, and should be good enough again this year to allow the Packers to dominate the NFC. Plus, Seattle comes to Lambeau this year, which could very well be the difference between the #1 and #2 seed. The Pack are a different beast at Lambeau, and if the road to the Super Bowl has to go through the Frozen Tundra, the Pack will probably end up representing the NFC in the Super Bowl. The Packers are incredibly talented, and behind Rodgers, they should get all the way to Santa Clara and hoist the Lombardi Trophy as Super Bowl 50 Champions. The NFL season kicks off tonight with the defending Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers at 8:30 PM EST on NBC.
Happy football season! By: Stephen C. Did you miss me? Actually, don't answer that. This whole work thing got in the way the last couple weeks, but I should be back to your regularly scheduled weekly dose of me. Before we jump back in to the wonderful world of Presidential politics, we'll take a two week detour to preview the upcoming football seasons, both college and pro. Since college football starts this week, here's what you need to know about each of the Power Five conferences (the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and SEC) as they all attempt to dethrone the defending champion Ohio State University Buckeyes in year two of the new Playoff Era. Remember, four spots for five power conferences and Notre Dame. I like pointing out the obvious hilarity in that. ACC The ACC is the best bet of the Power Five to not get a team into the playoffs. The Florida State Seminoles, last year's Conference Champions, begin life post-QB Jameis Winston as they attempt to make it back to the playoffs under new QB Everett Golson. Golson, a transfer from Notre Dame who led the Fighting Irish to a berth in the National Championship game in 2012, transferred to Florida State following his graduation from Notre Dame in May. Since he graduated from Notre Dame, he is able to play immediately at Florida State due to NCAA rules. His presence keeps Florida State in the playoff hunt. They may be one of the youngest and most inexperienced teams in the country, but Florida State is incredibly talented. Georgia Tech, Louisville, Clemson, and Virginia Tech are probably the best bets to take down the Noles, but each have just a few more question marks than Florida State. With Golson, Florida State should be knocking on the door of the playoffs once again. Offensive Player to Watch: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson Defensive Player to Watch: Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida State Conference Game to Watch: Louisville at Florida State, 10/17 @ TBD Non-Conference Game to Watch: Ohio State at Virginia Tech, 9/7 @ 8 PM Atlantic Division Champion: Florida State Coastal Division Champion: Virginia Tech Dark Horse: Virginia Tech Conference Champion: Florida State Big Ten I went to Penn State, so it pains me to say this, but Ohio State is absolutely incredible. They should not only win the Big Ten again, but they should roll through to a second consecutive National Championship. On paper, there's no team that can match up with them. They're too talented, too deep, and too experienced to not make it back to the playoffs. That being said, the Big Ten should give the Buckeyes a strong test. Outside of unanimous preseason #1 Ohio State, the conference has #5 Michigan State and #20 Wisconsin in the preseason top 25, to go along with much improved Penn State and Michigan teams. Speaking of Penn State, the Nittany Lions should win at least 9 games this year. This is not just Penn State bias speaking (I'm sure there's some of it in there), but behind junior QB, and likely 2016 NFL Draft top five pick, Christian Hackenberg, Penn State is poised to make a run at a New Year's Six Bowl game this year. The offense should be better behind an offensive line that will actually block someone, another year of seasoning for the very young receivers corp, and one of the best quarterbacks in the nation at the helm. The defense boasts one of the best front seven units in the country to go along with an improved secondary. To top it off, the first six games for Penn State are all within the state of Pennsylvania. They kick off the season this Saturday with a "road" game at Temple, played at Lincoln Financial Field, then they're home for five straight against Buffalo, Rutgers, San Diego State, Army, and Indiana. Not exactly a murderer's row. Penn State should walk into Columbus the night of October 17 with a perfect 6-0 record. Penn State probably isn't good enough to beat the Buckeyes, but it also shouldn't be the 63-14 shellacking that occurred the last time the Nittany Lions visited the Shoe. The next three games include a home game against Illinois sandwiched between road trips to Maryland and Northwestern before finishing up the season with Michigan at home and Michigan State on the road. Depending on how Michigan responds to new head coach Jim Harbaugh, Penn State could easily see ten wins this season, which will be my final prediction. 10-2 and a berth in a New Year's Day bowl (not a New Year's Six bowl unfortunately, but a game on New Year's Day) is definitely obtainable. Offensive Player(s) to Watch: Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State, whoever's playing QB for Ohio State, and Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State Defensive Player to Watch: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State Conference Game to Watch: Penn State at Ohio State, 10/17 @ 8 PM (alright fine...) REAL Conference Game to Watch: Michigan State at Ohio State, 11/21 @ TBD Non-Conference Game to Watch: Wisconsin at Alabama, 9/5 @ 8 PM in JerryWorld East Division Champion: Ohio State West Division Champion: Wisconsin Dark Horse: If I say Penn State, will you throw something at me? Conference Champion: Ohio State Big 12 The highest scoring conference in the history of the world has two teams in the preseason top five with #2 TCU and #4 Baylor. Throw in #19 Oklahoma, and the Big 12 is definitely a respectable enough conference to land a team in the playoff, despite no conference championship game, after seeing two teams narrowly miss last season. Both Baylor and TCU will be fighting for conference supremacy again this season, but if Oklahoma can rebound from a slightly disappointing 2014 and if Texas can continue to build on a decent first year under head coach Charlie Strong, the Big 12 has the makings of a very strong conference. Just don't expect many defensive stops with these video-game-like offenses that make up the Big 12. Offensive Player to Watch: Trevone Boykin, QB, TCU Defensive Player to Watch: Lol. The Big 12 doesn't play defense. Except for Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor. Conference Game to Watch: Baylor at TCU, 11/27 @ 7:30 PM Non-Conference Game to Watch: Texas at Notre Dame, 9/5 @ 7:30 PM Dark Horse: Oklahoma Conference Champion: Baylor Pac-12 With six teams in the top 25, the Pac-12 is easily at least the second best conference in the country. Led by last season's national runner up and preseason #7 Oregon, the Pac-12 will look to win it's first national championship since the USC dynasty of the early 2000s. The South Division seems to be a little more unpredictable this season, led by #8 USC, but strong teams in Arizona, Arizona State, and UCLA could all push the Trojans for the division title. The North seems to be Oregon's to lose, but a 11/14 trip to Palo Alto could be the Ducks downfall. If there's one team in the Pac-12 that has proven to be Oregon's kryptonite, it's Stanford. Offensive Player to Watch: Cody Kessler, QB, USC Defensive Player to Watch: Scooby Wright, III, LB, Arizona Conference Game to Watch: USC at Oregon, 11/21 @ TBD Non-Conference Game to Watch: USC at Notre Dame, 10/17 @ 7:30 PM North Division Champion: Stanford South Division Champion: USC Dark Horse: Stanford Conference Champion: Stanford SEC The SEC may not have won the National Championship last season (or the year before), but they're still the best conference in the country. With eight teams making the preseason top 25, there isn't a conference that can match the SEC in terms of talent and depth. Once conference play starts, it seems as though there's a top 25 match-up just about every week in the SEC. Alabama and Auburn are the two best teams in the conference (preseason #3 and #6, respectively), and the Iron Bowl on 11/28 could very well determine who gets to play in the SEC Championship Game and ultimately the playoff, but LSU and Ole Miss should both be able to make a push for a spot in the SEC Championship game out of the West Division. Georgia is the best team in the comparatively weaker East Division, but both Florida and Tennessee should be able to make a run at the division title. Offensive Player to Watch: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU Defensive Player to Watch: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida Conference Game to Watch: All of them? I'll go with the Iron Bowl though. Alabama at Auburn, 11/28 @ TBD Non-Conference Game to Watch: Florida State at Florida, 11/28 @ TBD East Division Champion: Georgia West Division Champion: Auburn Dark Horse: Tennessee Conference Champion: Auburn Heisman Trophy 1. Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU 2. Trevone Boykin, QB, TCU 3. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State 4. Cody Kessler, QB, USC 5. Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State (it's my fake ballot, okay?) New Year's Six Fiesta Bowl: Cincinnati vs. USC
Peach Bowl: Florida State vs. LSU Rose Bowl: Michigan State vs. Stanford Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. TCU Orange Bowl (Semi-Final #1): #1 Ohio State vs. #4 Baylor Cotton Bowl (Semi-Final #2): #2 Auburn vs. #3 Notre Dame (a decent schedule, including Texas, Georgia Tech, Clemson, USC, and Stanford where ND should go at least 11-1 or 12-0 has the Fighting Irish in the playoff, bumping a Power Five Conference champion) National Championship: #1 Ohio State vs. #3 Notre Dame National Champion: #1 Ohio State (it'll be tough for them to repeat, but it's even tougher to come up with an argument as to why they won't) Happy college football season everyone! By: Stephen C. Happy Draft Day! I've had a ton of fun preparing for this draft. I started preparing for this post way back in December and I've been patiently waiting for tonight ever since. Basically, I'm determined that when my favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles, is on the clock with their first selection, I won't be left blankly staring at the television saying "WHO?" for the second year in a row (love you, Marcus Smith). The NFL draft is a fascinating subject because so much has happened to everyone's draft stock since January 12, but no one has done anything other than run in shorts since (does the Senior Bowl REALLY count?). We've seen players rise and fall on draft boards based solely on how fast they run in a straight line or how they can move in the pocket with a broom sweeping at their feet. I guess that's what makes it fun. That, plus the fact that getting a round right in a mock draft is literally harder than trying to fill out a perfect NCAA bracket. Last year, I only mocked the first round. This year, I went all out. Three rounds mocked (only commentary on the first) and a full big board of my top 50 based on the ridiculous amount of articles I've read, with a top ten at each position. Chip Kelly's really going to have try hard to surprise me this year (please don't, Chip...). Also, there were so many trade rumors (most of them regarding the Eagles and Oregon QB Marcus Mariota) that I couldn't make sense of any of them, so I figured no trades in this mock. Too much going on, and a trade (or two) will probably happen, but it's so unpredictable, I decided to let it go. Less fun, but there's more stuff, so it evens out, right? Also, for clarity's sake, there will be some new(ish) terms here. Rather than using straight Madden positions such as Defensive End, Defensive Tackle, Outside Linebacker, and Inside Linebacker, these players have been categorized three ways: Defensive Lineman (DL), Edge Pass Rusher (EDGE), and Linebacker (LB). A DL plays the three-technique (lines up across an offensive guard) and would be the defensive tackles in a 4-3 or the defensive ends in a 3-4 or play the one-technique (nose tackle, lining up across the center) and play defensive tackle in a 3-4. An EDGE plays the five-technique (lines up across an offensive tackle) and would be the defensive ends in a 4-3 and the outside linebackers in a 3-4. An LB plays pretty much any of the three linebacker spots in the 4-3 or the two inside linebacker spots in the 3-4. Make sense? Okay, good. Without further ado, here we go: First Round 1. Tampa Bay Bucs - Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State Winston and Mariota have been among the most scrutinized prospects in recent memory (other than Johnny Football, of course), but for entirely different reasons. Winston's drawbacks are all off-the-field, while there are very few questions to his ability on the field. Yes, he struggled with turnovers at times last season, but when it comes down to it, if you're looking at what he can and cannot do on a football field, Winston is as polished a product as they come. There really isn't a throw he can't make, he shows good poise in the pocket, and he's also been able to rise to the occasion in big moments (such as a game winning drive in a National Championship game). The questions come up regarding his maturity (he was recently formally charged with sexual assault stemming from that infamous 2012 incident) and whether he's ready to be the "face" of an NFL franchise, but when it comes down to it, the Bucs need a quarterback and Winston is the most "NFL-ready." The Bucs have some other holes, but I can't see anyone other than Winston or Mariota coming off the board here at #1 because the hole at quarterback is so glaring. Personally, and this is coming from an Eagles fan, I'd find it absolutely hilarious if the Bucs just want to watch the NFL burn and take Mariota over Winston, but Winston seems to be the pick at the top of the draft. 2. Tennessee Titans - Leonard Williams, DL, USC Williams is almost universally considered the "safest" pick in this draft as he is an incredibly versatile defensive lineman. He can line up both inside and on the edge, fits both the 4-3 and 3-4, and just flat out makes plays. Considered to be too quick for interior lineman and too strong for offensive tackles, Williams has the ability to be a force on the defensive line for whichever team drafts him. The question here at #2, of course, is just how comfortable are the Titans with current QB Zach Mettenberger? If they think Mettenberger can be a starting QB in the league (a report came out saying they think he can be a "poor man's Tom Brady." I loled), they'll take Williams or the edge pass rusher of their choice (such as Florida EDGE Dante Fowler or Clemson EDGE Vic Beasley), but if they think they need a QB, Mariota becomes an obvious choice. The pick could also be traded to a team who covets Mariota (or Winston if the Bucs pass on him at #1). The New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, San Diego Chargers, and Philadelphia Eagles have all been linked to reports stating their interest in trading up to #2 to draft a QB (including a super-trade which would involve Tennessee, San Diego, and Philadelphia. The rumored trade has the Eagles moving up to #2 to draft Mariota, Tennessee getting San Diego QB Philip Rivers, and San Diego getting Philadelphia QB Sam Bradford plus picks). What Tennessee does with this pick is the most interesting part of the entire draft. The draft doesn't really start until Tennessee comes to a decision at #2. So many options, but if the Titans stay put, they should take Williams, especially because it seems to be clear that they're not sold on Mariota. If I absolutely had to make a guess as to what happens, I really do think the Eagles move into this spot. It would be the cherry on top of a crazy offseason. Go all in for Mariota. Pull the trigger, Chip. Why not? 3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Dante Fowler, EDGE, Florida Fowler is versatile enough to play both inside and on the edge (although he's much better suited for the edge), fits both the 3-4 and 4-3, and is probably the best pure pass rusher in the draft. He'll provide an added boost to a revamped Jaguar defense. Beasley is an option here (and may even be a better "scheme fit") and if it wasn't for his drug problems, Nebraska EDGE Randy Gregory would be in play for this pick as well, but my guess is it's Fowler if Williams goes at #2 and Williams if he's still available. Fowler's simply the best blend of natural talent and potential of all the edge rushers, and that makes him the top pass rushing prospect in the class. 4. Oakland Raiders - Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama The Raiders need playmakers on offense. Plain and simple. Cooper gives them one. He is the best wide receiver in a draft class full of potential impact wide receivers. I know West Virginia WR Kevin White wowed the scouts with his combine, but it's not like Cooper had a poor combine by any stretch. He's a proven receiver with sure hands and fantastic route running. He'll be an immediate upgrade to a depleted wide receiver corps and will provide sophomore QB Derek Carr a reliable target to throw to. Williams is also a strong possibility if available. 5. Washington Redskins - Vic Beasley, EDGE, Clemson Another team in need of pass rushing help, Washington will, in all likelihood, jump at the best edge pass rusher on the board. Due to drug and injury concerns for some other top pass rushing prospects, that's most likely to be Beasley at this point. Gregory will be considered as well, but Beasley is a guy who makes sense at #5. Reports came out stating Washington was also interested in Mariota, but that seems to have been a smoke screen to play up the value of this pick as Washington wouldn't mind moving down to stock pile a few extra picks. Beasley is a talented pass rusher and could help replace the departed EDGE Brian Orakpo immediately. I'd expect Washington to go defense with this pick, but if they select someone on the offensive side of the ball, the best bet is an offensive lineman such as Iowa OG/T Brandon Scherff. This spot also seems to be the floor for Williams (if the QBs go 1-2, JAC takes an edge rusher, and OAK takes a WR, you would think WAS takes the best player available, which would be Williams), whether Washington takes him or some other team trades in front of Chicago at #7 to take him. 6. New York Jets - Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon I can't see the Jets passing on Mariota (or better yet, I can't see Mariota getting by #6, whoever's picking in this spot). I know there were "reports" that they didn't like him or that they were good to go with QB Geno Smith (lol), but with Mariota on the board, and Fowler and Beasley both off the board, it's tough to see the Jets go in a different direction, especially after reuniting CBs Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie. Quarterback still seems to be the biggest need for the Jets, and Mariota may be the best one in the draft. There are still some questions regarding his ability to make some of the deep and intermediate throws (questions that Mariota did not answer during his pro day workout), but he has the size, athleticism, intelligence, and character to be a franchise quarterback, regardless of what offense he's tasked to run. For the Jets, even with the addition of WR Brandon Marshall, wide receiver is also an option, so whoever the Raiders don't take at #4 (Cooper or White) could also be in play, but the Jets need someone to actually throw the ball to those receivers. Running back is another potential pick here, and if Georgia RB Todd Gurley wasn't coming off a torn ACL, he'd probably go in the top ten (he still could go here. He's that good), but again, QB is a huge need and there's a good one on the board for the Jets. New head coach Todd Bowles would love to select a pass rusher, so if either Fowler or Beasley drop, they could be the pick, or the Jets can look at Gregory or Kentucky EDGE Bud Dupree as options as well. Also, this is another potential trade spot for teams that would want to move up to grab Mariota (Cleveland, San Diego, Philadelphia) or Cooper / White (Miami) as the Jets may want to move back to the teens and stock pile some picks later in the draft. 7. Chicago Bears - Kevin White, WR, West Virginia Maybe the most physically gifted receiver in the draft, White put on an absolute show at the combine. Still, White is not just a workout warrior. He's a pretty good football player in his own right. The Bears should be in best player available mode, and White is just that. He can replace departed WR Brandon Marshall and give QB Jay Cutler another weapon besides RB Matt Forte and WR Alshon Jeffery. If Mariota drops, the Bears could take him since the new regime doesn't seem too high on Cutler, or they could take one of the edge rushers, or Washington DL Danny Shelton. The Bears are in a good spot to simply take the player they like the best. I think it'll be either White or Cooper. 8. Atlanta Falcons - Randy Gregory, EDGE, Nebraska As stated earlier, Gregory is a guy who could have easily been in play as a top five pick before his failed drug test at the combine. He very well could still go in the top five because he's as talented as pass rusher as there is in this class, but it's more likely those concerns will push him down boards, possibly out of the first round entirely. Atlanta, however, is a team that is in desperate need of help rushing the passer as they ranked tied for 30th in the league with only 22 sacks as a team (Kansas City EDGE Justin Houston got 22 sacks by himself last season). Gregory is talented enough to immediately upgrade Atlanta's pass rush. He's versatile enough to line up all over the field and attack the quarterback from different angles, he's fast enough to blow past opposing tackles on the edge, and he uses his hands well to battle the tackle if he's engaged. If the Falcons don't want to roll the dice and deal with his off-the-field concerns, look for this pick to be Dupree or Beasley if he gets by Washington. Running back is another big need for Atlanta, so Gurley has become a major option here as well. 9. New York Giants - Brandon Scherff, OG/T, Iowa The Giants need offensive line help, and Scherff seems to be the best offensive line prospect in this draft. He was a tackle at Iowa, but he possesses the versatility to play all across the line. He's a day one starter for the Giants at guard, and could eventually move outside to tackle if need be. A mauler of a run blocker and a solid pass blocker, Scherff is a complete lineman who can make life just a little easier for QB Eli Manning. The Giants could also be looking at wide receiver if Cooper or White falls and they LOVE their defensive linemen, so Shelton is an option. Defensive backs such as Michigan State CB Trae Waynes, Washington CB Marcus Peters, or Alabama S Landon Collins are in play as well, and there's been a lot of Gurley buzz in this spot in the last week (Please, God, no. I like Gurley. Please don't put him on the Giants...), but Scherff is such a good fit for the Giants, he should be the pick if he's on the board. 10. St. Louis Rams - La'el Collins, OT/G, LSU Collins may have the highest ceiling of any offensive lineman prospect in the draft. Like Scherff, he's versatile enough to play all across the line and can step in and start from day one at guard while developing into a long term tackle. He's big and extremely athletic for a lineman, and is a physical blocker who can help upgrade a shaky offensive line in St. Louis. Cornerback and wide receiver are two other areas of need for the Rams, so Waynes, Peters, and Louisville WR DeVante Parker are all options as well. 11. Minnesota Vikings - DeVante Parker, WR, Louisville I know it seems like I'm copy-and-pasting team needs, but for Minnesota, it probably comes down to wide receiver or cornerback, which means, if you believe "reports," it comes down to Parker or Waynes. Apparently the Vikings absolutely love Waynes and view him as a corner who can come in and make an impact from day one in Minnesota, but the Vikings will be hard-pressed to pass on a wide receiver prospect like Parker, especially given the history that he and QB Teddy Bridgewater shared at Louisville. Parker has been overlooked to a certain extent due to just how good Cooper and White are. Make no mistake, Parker is a stud wide receiver prospect as well who has the potential to blossom into a legitimate number one wide receiver. That, plus the fact that I view wide receiver as a bit bigger of a need for Minnesota than corner as of now, gives Parker the slight edge over Waynes at #11. Gurley is also an option to replace disgruntled RB Adrian Peterson, especially if Minnesota actually does trade him, but as of now, it looks like either Parker or Waynes. 12. Cleveland Browns - Danny Shelton, DL, Washington Shelton is a beast of a defensive tackle. The massive nose tackle can give Cleveland's developing 3-4 defense a force in middle of the defense. He's the kind of player who can take up multiple blockers, stuff the run, and is quick enough to give interior linemen problems. He's an ideal fit for any team in need of a nose tackle, such as the Browns. The question, though, is whether the Browns will be on the clock at #12. With two first round picks (#12 and #19), the Browns seem to have the most ammunition to make a move into the top of the draft to select the player of their choice. Whether that player is Mariota remains to be seen, but if they stay put, Shelton at #12 could be one of the best value picks of the draft. Offensive line and wide receiver are also areas of need for Cleveland (if Minnesota goes Waynes over Parker at #11, I'd be Parker is the pick here at #12), and Gurley has been considered in this spot after passing his medical re-check as well. 13. New Orleans Saints - Bud Dupree, EDGE, Kentucky Dupree seems to get overlooked at times because he went to Kentucky (admit it, you didn't even know Kentucky had other sports besides basketball), but in my view, he's the best pass rushing prospect in this draft outside of Fowler and Beasley (Gregory would rank ahead of him if not for the drug concerns). Still a bit of a raw prospect, Dupree is an absolutely outstanding athlete (4.56 40 and a 42" vertical leap) who uses that ridiculous athleticism to get after the quarterback quite well. Once he develops some more legitimate pass rushing skills (he pretty much gets by on athleticism alone at this point), he could be incredibly dangerous off the edge. Dupree has the sheer potential to go in the top ten, and since the Saints need help all over the field after their offseason firesale, Dupree is an immediate upgrade to their toothless pass rush. 14. Miami Dolphins - Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State The Dolphins have been linked to recent reports stating they want to move up into the top ten to draft one of the top three receiver prospects, but if they stay put at #14 and Waynes is on the board, he'd be a great fit in Miami. Waynes shot up draft boards after his 4.31 40 yard dash time at the combine. He was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award (top defensive back) as a junior last year, and is a very good, physical man-to-man cover corner. He can be a bit too handsy at times, which could lead to a lot of defensive holding and defensive pass interference calls (especially given the points of emphasis from last year), but if he can make that adjustment to the NFL game, Waynes has the potential and confidence to be a true number one corner in the league. If one of the top three receiver prospects drop, Miami will probably use this pick on one of them because they've apparently been trying to trade into the top ten to select one, or they could look at receivers such as Oklahoma WR Dorial Green-Beckham, USC WR Nelson Agholor, UCF WR Breshad Perriman, or Arizona State WR Jaelen Strong if they stay put. 15. San Francisco 49ers - Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma Trying to figure out a landing spot for DGB was one of the tougher things to do in this draft. On talent alone, he may be the top pick in the draft. He stands at just about 6'6", weighs 237 pounds, runs a blazing sub 4.5 40 yard dash, and can jump as high as just about any receiver in the draft (let's put it this way: his NFL comparison is Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson). He has the ability to make spectacular plays on a regular basis. So why isn't he going higher? Well, DGB's off-the-field issues make Winston's look like child's play. He was dismissed from Missouri after two years due to multiple run ins with the law, including burglary and domestic abuse accusations (he allegedly pushed a woman down the stairs) and was arrested twice for marijuana related issues. He enrolled at Oklahoma after leaving Missouri, but wasn't allowed to play due to transfer rules. In today's NFL, those are massive red flags. If he checks out off-the-field, he's a steal for the Niners at #15 and will provide a much needed boost to an offense that simply struggled to make plays last year. The Niners could also look to add some defensive help, specifically Oregon DL Arik Armstead, but DGB may be too interesting a prospect to ignore at this point in the draft. If the Niners are set on someone like Armstead, they could trade back a few spots to try and pick up a few extra picks later in the draft. 16. Houston Texans - Landon Collins, S, Alabama Collins is widely regarded as the top safety in a relatively weak safety class. He's a big hitter who is a very physical safety and has experience at both safety spots, but projects a bit better as a "strong" safety (the safety who's more run support / in-the-box). He's a solid cover safety who will be able to cover tight ends better than wide receivers. Collins is one of the more interesting prospects in this draft, as he's been going as high as top ten in some mocks and going in the second round in others. Many have concerns over the ability of his game to translate at the NFL level, as he is one of the more aggressive players in the draft, so sometimes that aggressiveness is used against him in coverage as he'll try to make a big play. A veteran quarterback could easily look him off and find a hole in the zone left by him trying to jump a route. He's an excellent tackler though, and could basically be another linebacker against the run. The Texans still can use some help in the defensive backfield and at linebacker, so Collins projects to help them (to a certain extent) in both areas. If Houston were to go for an actual linebacker, Washington LB Shaq Thompson, UCLA LB Eric Kendricks, and Mississippi State LB Benardrick McKinney would be the top ones on the board, but #16 may be a bit too early for each. Houston could also look at a wide receiver such as Strong, DGB, Perriman, or Agholor, or a pass rusher like Dupree if he somehow falls. 17. San Diego Chargers - Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia As I said earlier, if Gurley wasn't coming off a torn ACL, he'd probably go in the top ten or even top five in this draft (although he was cleared in his medical re-check, so all signs point to him being ready to go week one. Obviously, that only helps his draft stock). He's considered to be the best running back prospect since Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, and (when he gets healthy) can be a big upgrade over the collection of scat-backs currently in San Diego. Probably my favorite player in the draft, Gurley can be a feature back for a long time once his knee heals up with an NFL comparison of Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch. San Diego has also been linked to trading up for Mariota (or being the third team to let the Eagles trade up for Mariota) due to Rivers being in a contract year and his concerns with the team's potential move to Los Angeles. A deal including Rivers could almost make sense if the Chargers package him and this pick to send to Tennessee to reunite Rivers and former Chargers offensive coordinator (and current Titans Head Coach) Ken Whisenhunt. Defensive tackle is also a need for San Diego, so Shelton is a strong possibility if available, as is Texas DL Malcom Brown. 18. Kansas City Chiefs - Malcom Brown, DL, Texas Even after the signing of former Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin, wide receiver still seems to be the biggest need for the Chiefs. Still, if there's one thing I know from watching 14 years of Andy Reid drafts, it's when in doubt, draft a lineman. Brown is quick at the point of attack and can be a disruptive force in the middle of a defense due to his fantastic athleticism for a defensive tackle. That athleticism gives him the ability to play all across the line in both 3-4 and 4-3 sets, something that should fit well with Kansas City's hybrid defense. With the health concerns surrounding S Eric Berry, Collins is an option if he's on the board, as are wide receivers such as DGB (although given DGB's past in the Missouri area, him going to the Chiefs could be an absolutely terrible idea...), Strong, Agholor, or Perriman. 19. Cleveland Browns (From Buffalo Bills) - Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford With their second first round pick (compliments of last year's trade with the Bills to enable Buffalo to select WR Sammy Watkins), offensive line and wide receiver should be the two areas to look at here at #19. With Peat, the Browns select one of the most NFL ready tackles in the draft. For Cleveland, he can immediately step in and play right tackle opposite Pro Bowl LT Joe Thomas, and move over to the left side once Thomas' time with the team is over. Peat projects better on the right side in the short term anyway, as he is a big, powerful run blocker who still needs a bit of work in his pass protection. He has the size and upside to easily warrant first round selection as a tackle prospect. 20. Philadelphia Eagles - Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF Let's assume the Eagles stay put and every single one of the 47 million rumors involving the Eagles trading up for Mariota are false. Let's see what they would do if they're boring and are still at #20. Landon Collins has been a popular pick here in mock drafts since the Eagles have such a glaring hole at safety and Collins is regarded as the best one in a relatively weak draft class (although Arizona State S Damarious Randall has been making moves up draft boards lately with a lot of first round buzz). However, I don't have Collins going here at #20 for two reasons: first, he's not available since I have him going #16 to the Texans and second, he doesn't seem to be the typical safety that head coach Chip Kelly covets. Chip seems to want converted corners playing safety (such as current starting S Malcolm Jenkins), guys who he can slide down to cover slot receivers and provide more options in coverage. Although I do think Collins is more apt in coverage than he's been getting credit these last few weeks, it's still not his strong suit. There are safeties available later in the draft such as Randall (although it seems increasingly unlikely that he'll be on the board for the Eagles second pick), Utah CB/S Eric Rowe, and Penn State S Adrian Amos who seem to be a better scheme fit. With that being said, the Eagles other big areas of need besides safety include wide receiver, cornerback, edge pass rusher, and offensive line (specifically guard, but tackle as well). With the departure of Maclin, Perriman could develop into an ideal replacement and a #1 wide receiver. Although he's still noticeably raw, specifically in his route running, and he can struggle making routine catches at times, Perriman's measurables jump off the page. He has ideal height, weight, and speed for a wide receiver (6'2", 212 lbs, 4.26 40). He's incredibly quick off the snap, an explosive leaper (36.5" vertical), and an overall plus athlete who can make plays all over the field. Chip loves big, fast, athletes, and Perriman definitely fits the bill. Once he develops into a more consistent and cleaner route runner, Perriman has the potential to be a fantastic wide receiver in the league (think Cleveland Browns WR Josh Gordon type ceiling receiver, but without the off-the-field concerns). With Perriman and WR Jordan Matthews, the Eagles could have a formidable 1-2 punch at wide receiver for years to come for whoever ends up actually playing quarterback, which is good transition back to Mariota. There's obviously still a good chance the Eagles trade up with some package of this pick, future picks, QB Sam Bradford, DL Fletcher Cox, and LB Mychal Kendricks, but what will it actually take and how many teams will be involved? A package of Bradford, Cox, #20, a 2016 first round pick, and their 2015 third round pick (#84 overall) may be enough to move all the way up to #2 in order to draft Mariota. As I said, the draft starts at #2. That's where all the fun is. If the Eagles stay put and go with anyone other than Perriman or Collins, look for them to select either Georgia RB Todd Gurley (kidding. Kind of. Chip seems to like collecting running backs and guys who tore their ACL. Gurley checks both boxes. Just sayin...), UConn CB Byron Jones, Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson, Washington CB Marcus Peters, USC WR Nelson Agholor (Agholor seems to be the other WR most likely to be taken by the Eagles), Arizona State WR Jaelen Strong, Kentucky EDGE Bud Dupree, or Washington LB Shaq Thompson (Chip loves versatility and Shaq can play just about anywhere on defense. He'd be an intriguing fit as someone who has experience at safety, nickel corner, and linebacker). Or if Chip wants to draft only Oregon players, DL Arik Armstead and OT Jake Fisher are both players who went to Oregon and actually do fit other needs the Eagles have. Basically, I have no idea what the Eagles are going to do. They've been, by far, the most interesting team in the NFL this offseason. This draft could be just another moment for Chip to be Chip and try to shock us all. Nothing would surprise me at this point. Or, better yet, at least I hope nothing would surprise me... Also, important side note: TEEEEEEEEEEEBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. 21. Cincinnati Bengals - Shane Ray, EDGE, Missouri The Bengals ranked dead last in the league in sacks last season with only 20, so they need pass rushing help in the worst way. Ray, once considered to be a top ten (and even top five) pick, has slid down draft boards due to some injury concerns and his arrest on Monday for marijuana possession and speeding. Where Ray will go is a complete mystery at this point. He could still go in the first round, but there were also reports saying he could drop all the way to the fourth round. He and DGB are the biggest question marks in this draft. It's anyone's guess as to where either of these two players will go. Although Ray is a better fit for the 3-4 than the 4-3 defense Cincinnati runs, the fact that the Bengals pass rush was as bad as it was last season could have Cincy rolling the dice on Ray, a prospect with one of the quickest first steps off the snap in the draft. If the Bengals want a bit of a safer pass rushing prospect, they could go with either UVA EDGE Eli Harold or UCLA EDGE Owa Odighizuwa (although #21 may be a little high, so possibly a trade back?). Safety is also a big area of need, so if Collins is still available, he could be the pick, and offensive line is an option as well. The Bengals also have some old corners, so they could look there, but Ray could be a decent value pick, despite some concerns, that also fills a need for a team that had less sacks than both Justin Houston and Houston Texans DL J.J. Watt had by themselves. 22. Pittsburgh Steelers - Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest The Steelers need help in the defensive backfield in the worst way with the retirements of CB Ike Taylor and S Troy Polamalu. Although he doesn't have ideal size / frame (he's 6'0", but under 200 pounds) for a corner, Johnson is probably the most solid cover corner in the draft. His cover skills easily translate to the NFL and he can be a day one starter for Pittsburgh. Johnson is also touted as one of the most competitive players in the draft, which is an obvious plus for any corner and a trait that will stand out to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. There are some questions about his frame / size and his ability to help in run support, but Johnson is the kind of cover corner prospect the Steelers have been looking for. Peters is an option if they go with a different defensive back (although his off-the-field concerns would seemingly disqualify him from being a Steelers selection), as are Jones, Collins, and Florida State CB Ronald Darby. They could also use some help on both sides of the line, and the Steelers are always a threat to draft a linebacker, but the holes in the secondary are probably too big to ignore. 23. Detroit Lions - Arik Armstead, DL, Oregon Even with the addition of DL Haloti Ngata, with the departures of DLs Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley (plus the fact that Ngata could end up being a one year rental for Detroit), the Lions still have a hole in the middle of the defense that Armstead can help plug. One of the younger players in the draft, Armstead has the potential to develop into a top-tier defensive lineman alongside Ngata. Another player with the versatility to play both on the interior and on the edge, Armstead is a raw prospect who can be groomed to fit whichever defense is run around him. Granted, his current best fit is as a 3-4 defensive end, but he has the raw ability to play wherever need be. Especially given the fact that Lions may be moving to a 3-4 defense full time, Armstead is the kind of athletic, run-stuffing 3-4 end that Detroit could use to help make the transition a little smoother. Cornerback is another area of need for Detroit, as is running back, so Peters, Jones, or Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon, III are all options as well. 24. Arizona Cardinals - Melvin Gordon, III, RB, Wisconsin The Cardinals could use a running back, and Gordon is as good as they come. There's still a chance this pick is sent to Minnesota as part of some package to land the disgruntled Adrian Peterson, but with Gordon on the board, the Cardinals get to select the workhorse back they desire. Although he's still a bit limited when it comes to pass protection and catching the ball out of the backfield, that wouldn't be a concern if he's in Arizona, as current Cardinals RB Andre Ellington excels in those situations and can help Gordon ease into the league. A Gordon-Ellington combo would give the Cardinals an elite ground game to take the pressure off veteran (and injury-prone) QB Carson Palmer. Gordon has great size for the position and has a fantastic nose for hitting the right hole at the right time. As was clear in the playoffs last year, the Cardinals biggest need is at the quarterback position, but with no QBs other than Winston and Mariota worth a first round pick, they can look to upgrade the rest of the offense while taking a project quarterback like UCLA QB Brett Hundley or Baylor QB Bryce Petty in the second round and letting them learn under Palmer. The Cards could also use some help in their pass rush and at linebacker, so this may be a landing spot for Ray if he continues to fall. 25. Carolina Panthers - D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida You don't need to be a draft expert to know that the Panthers need some serious help on the offensive line. Even with the signing of OTs Michael Oher and Jonathan Martin, the Panthers most obvious need is still at the offensive tackle position. QB sCam Newton was roughed up quite a bit last season and spent most of the year running for his life on his surgically repaired ankle. Humphries is the type of high upside, athletic tackle prospect that can protect sCam's blindside for the rest of his career. The Panthers will also look at Miami (FL) OT Ereck Flowers and Oregon OT Jake Fisher, but the Charlotte native Humphries seems to be where this pick is going. If the Panthers choose to go somewhere other than the offensive line, providing sCam with options outside of WR Kelvin Benjamin and TE Greg Olsen seem to top priority, so wide receivers such as Agholor or Strong are in play. 26. Baltimore Ravens - Marcus Peters, CB, Washington Another guy that on talent and upside, he's probably in the top ten in this draft. On-the-field, Peters ranks as the best corner prospect in the draft. He has tremendous ball skills for a corner and has the confidence and size needed to be a number one, shutdown corner in the NFL. He's still a bit raw, as he relies on his athleticism rather than technical skills, but the potential is there for him to develop into one of the best cornerbacks in the league. It's off-the-field where many have their concerns. He was dismissed from Washington because of multiple issues between him and the coaching staff, which allegedly led to an altercation between Peters and an assistant coach in November. The fact that he has the reputation for not being open to coaching if a massive red flag. Still, Baltimore needs help in the secondary, and at this point in the first round, Peters may be worth the risk. Wide receiver is another big need for Baltimore (again, Agholor and Strong) and I would love to see Melvin Gordon run on this team if he gets by Arizona (even with the re-signing of RB Justin Forsett) because the fit would be just too good, but the talent and potential of Peters could be too big to ignore. This could also be a potential landing spot for DGB and Ray if they continue to slide. 27. Dallas Cowboys - Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington The Cowboys need a running back? Give Shaq the ball. The Cowboys need a safety? Shaq can do that, too. The Cowboys need a linebacker? Shaq's got it. Easily the most versatile player in the draft, Shaq Thompson is an intriguing prospect. At first thought to be a top ten pick, then he slid into the late second, now he's back around the turn of the first and second rounds. Although he played all over the field at Washington, he wants to be a linebacker in the NFL. Many scouts see him as more of a safety prospect, but regardless of where he plays for Dallas, he can immediately help a defense that, although they were much improved last year, could still use some help in the middle of the field. If either Gurley or Gordon fall, with the departure of RB DeMarco Murray (#GoEagles), the Cowboys could very well go with one of them, but in a deep running back draft class, it's not the worst thing for Dallas if neither of them are available at #27. With Miami (FL) RB Duke Johnson, Boise State RB Jay Ajayi, Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah, Indiana RB Tevin Coleman, Alabama RB T.J. Yeldon, and Minnesota RB David Cobb all projected in the second or third round, there are plenty of other backs for Dallas to target later while upgrading their defense in the first round. 28. Denver Broncos - Cameron Erving, C, Florida State The switch that Erving made from tackle to center during the season may have been the best thing that could have happened to Erving for his professional career. Already good size for a tackle, as a center, Erving is enormous and imposing. Saying a prospect has the potential to play all five offensive line positions is one thing. With Erving, he's actually proved it. Keeping QB Peyton Manning upright and protected will be the Broncos chief concern on their quest to win the Lombardi Trophy, and Erving is the kind of NFL ready offensive lineman who can immediately help from day one. Denver has a need in the middle of their offensive line, and Erving seems to be just the right fit. 29. Indianapolis Colts - Eddie Goldman, DL, Florida State With Goldman, the Colts get an absolute stud against the run and a player with ideal size to be a long-time nose tackle. However, due to his limitations in the pass rush, he's a back end first round / early second round pick. Still, Goldman is an absolute force in the middle of a defense. He's a space-eater who requires multiple blockers and uses his hands incredibly well to shed blockers. The Colts need help straight up the middle of the defense, namely at defensive tackle, inside linebacker, and at safety, so Goldman would be a good start to make sure the Patriots can't just have RB LeGarrette Blount maul his way through them in the playoffs again next year. Indy could probably stand to add another weapon for QB Andrew Luck and a running back as well, but with their defense looking as vulnerable as it did in last year's AFC Championship game, defense should be the way to go here in the first round. 30. Green Bay Packers - Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut Not many players actually live up to the term "freak athlete." Byron Jones is one of them. He set a WORLD RECORD at the combine with his 12'3" broad jump, jumped an absurd 44.5" on his vertical leap (just a half inch from another WORLD RECORD), and ran a 4.3 40 at his pro day. He uses a combination of his world-class athleticism with his top-notch instincts on the field to consistently make plays. Jones' season ended early last year due to a shoulder injury, but he should be fully recovered by the time the season rolls around. The Packers, having lost CB Tramon Williams to free agency, could use a corner, and a player with the instincts and athleticism of Jones could fit in well in Green Bay. The Pack also definitely need help at inside linebacker (they moved EDGE Clay Matthews inside last year because they were so desperate for someone to make a play there. It actually worked out alright, but they would prefer to have Matthews on the edge), so both Kendricks and McKinney are options, but the ceiling of Jones added to the fact the Packers could use a corner due to free agent losses give him the slight edge. 31. New Orleans Saints (From Seattle Seahawks) - Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State McKinney is among the best tacklers in the draft. He isn't flashy, but he is a consistent tackler in the middle of the field who seems to always find his way to the ball-carrier, which is something the Saints definitely need. He has all the makings of a very solid linebacker in the NFL. As with at #13, the Saints could go in a variety of ways here at #31 (this is the pick they acquired in the TE Jimmy Graham trade) on either side of the ball, but the thinking is still to upgrade the defense. With Dupree and McKinney, the Saints have done just that. If New Orleans does go after someone on the offensive side of the ball with this pick, you can expect them to try to draft a skill position player for QB Drew Brees to throw the ball to, such as Strong, Agholor, Michigan WR Devin Funchess, or Minnesota TE Maxx Williams. There's also talk that the Saints are interested in DGB if he falls this far. Funchess is the player on that list, however, that seems to be the best fit as he played both wide receiver and tight end at Michigan and could be seen as the kind of player who can step in immediately into the role that was vacated by Graham's trade. Still, I think the Saints want to select defense early and often, and that makes McKinney the choice here at #31. If the Saints can't grab one of the top pass rushing prospects at #13, this could also be a spot for them to take Harold or Odighizuwa. 32. New England Patriots - Nelson Agholor, WR, USC With the loss of DL Vince Wilfork and CB Darrelle Revis to free agency, defensive tackle and cornerback seem to be the two biggest areas of need for the defending Super Bowl champions. So naturally, head coach Bill Belichick goes in a different direction because that's what he does. Agholor has been an incredibly hot name in recent weeks. Once thought to be available for the Eagles' second round pick, Agholor has been shooting up boards, and rightfully so. He's an excellent route runner and makes just about every catch. Agholor is an ideal fit in the Patriots' offense, and should be ready to catch passes from QB Tom Brady from day one. New England is also a potential landing spot for the red flags candidates mentioned above, such as DGB, Ray, or Peters (if they drop) and Oklahoma DL Jordan Philips is also an option here as a Wilfork replacement. The Patriots are also a big threat to trade out of this spot in order to obtain more picks for later in the draft. Second Round 33. Tennessee Titans - Eli Harold, EDGE, Virginia 34. Tampa Bay Bucs - Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon 35. Oakland Raiders - Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State 36. Jacksonville Jaguars - Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (FL) 37. New York Jets - Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State 38. Washington Redskins - T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh 39. Chicago Bears - Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA 40. New York Giants - Michael Bennett, DL, Ohio State 41. St. Louis Rams - Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State 42. Atlanta Falcons - Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota 43. Cleveland Browns - Philip Dorsett, WR, Miami (FL) 44. New Orleans Saints - Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan 45. Minnesota Vikings - Jalen Collins, CB, LSU 46. San Francisco 49ers - Paul Dawson, LB, TCU 47. Miami Dolphins - Laken Tomlinson, OG, Duke 48. San Diego Chargers - Jordan Phillips, DL, Oklahoma 49. Kansas City Chiefs - Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M 50. Buffalo Bills - Damarious Randall, S, Arizona State 51. Houston Texans - Stephone Anthony, LB, Clemson 52. Philadelphia Eagles - Owa Odighizuwa, EDGE, UCLA (can't wait to hear my dad try to pronounce this one) 53. Cincinnati Bengals - Preston Smith, EDGE, Mississippi State 54. Detroit Lions - Duke Johnson, RB, Miami (FL) 55. Arizona Cardinals - Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA 56. Pittsburgh Steelers - Henry Anderson, DL, Stanford 57. Carolina Panthers - Gerod Holliman, S, Louisville 58. Baltimore Ravens - Carl Davis, DL, Iowa 59. Denver Broncos - Ty Sambrailo, OT, Colorado State 60. Dallas Cowboys - Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana 61. Indianapolis Colts - Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska 62. Green Bay Packers - Denzel Perryman, LB, Miami (FL) 63. Seattle Seahawks - Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State 64. New England Patriots - Grady Jarrett, DL, Clemson Third Round 65. Tampa Bay Bucs - Danielle Hunter, EDGE, LSU 66. Tennessee Titans - Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor 67. Jacksonville Jaguars - T.J. Yeldon, RB, Alabama 68. Oakland Raiders - Mario Edwards, Jr., DL, Florida State 69. Washington Redskins - A.J. Cann, OG, South Carolina 70. New York Jets - David Cobb, RB, Minnesota 71. Chicago Bears - Nate Orchard, EDGE, Utah 72. St. Louis Rams - Quinten Rollins, CB, Miami (OH) 73. Atlanta Falcons - Kwon Alexander, LB, LSU 74. New York Giants - Alex Carter, CB, Stanford 75. New Orleans Saints - Quandre Diggs, CB, Texas 76. Minnesota Vikings - Xavier Cooper, DL, Washington State 77. Cleveland Browns - Ramik Wilson, LB, Georgia 78. New Orleans Saints - Garrett Grayson, QB, Colorado State 79. San Francisco 49ers - Hau'Oli Kikaha, EDGE, Washington 80. Kansas City Chiefs - Charles Gaines, CB, Louisville 81. Buffalo Bills - Ali Marpet, OG, Hobart 82. Houston Texans - Lorenzo Doss, CB, Tulane 83. San Diego Chargers - Lorenzo Mauldin, EDGE, Louisville 84. Philadelphia Eagles - Eric Rowe, CB, Utah 85. Cincinnati Bengals - Donovan Smith, OT, Penn State 86. Arizona Cardinals - Jordan Hicks, LB, Texas 87. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jaquiski Tartt, S, Samford 88. Detroit Lions - Jacoby Glenn, CB, UCF 89. Carolina Panthers - Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn 90. Baltimore Ravens - Clive Walford, TE, Miami (FL) 91. Dallas Cowboys - Trey Flowers, EDGE, Arkansas 92. Denver Broncos - Frank Clark, EDGE, Michigan 93. Indianapolis Colts - Derron Smith, S, Fresno State 94. Green Bay Packers - Rob Haverstein, OT, Wisconsin 95. Seattle Seahawks - Hroniss Grasu, C, Oregon 96. New England Patriots - David Johnson, RB, Northern Iowa 97. New England Patriots - P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State 98. Kansas City Chiefs - Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State 99. Cincinnati Bengals - Cody Prewitt, S, Mississippi
The NFL Draft begins tonight at 8 PM with the first round. The second and third rounds will start tomorrow at 7 PM. The final four rounds will begin Saturday at noon. Happy Draft Day!
By: Stephen C. The man moves quick. After assuming control of player personnel, Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Chip Kelly made a series of moves this past week to part ways with many notable Eagles from last year’s roster. The two longest tenured players, OG Todd Herremans and OLB Trent Cole, were released, as was CB Cary Williams, but the biggest move of all was the trade of All-Pro RB LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills for ILB Kiko Alonso (the trade can’t be finalized until the league’s new calendar year begins next Tuesday). At face value, the trade looks pretty lopsided in favor of Buffalo. I mean, come on. They got one of the top running backs in the league for a guy who just missed an entire season. Definite win for the Bills, right? In reality, I believe the trade was pretty even and I’ve talked myself into the merits of the trade for the following reasons:
Final judgment on the trade should wait until at least next Tuesday (and probably next February) to see what the Eagles can do with this new found cap space (Chip cleared almost $23M on Tuesday alone and the impending release of Ryans due to acquiring Kiko will push that number up to the $30M range of cleared space in a week, which is insane), but the more I think about the trade, the more okay with it I am. The Eagles fan in me is still sad because Shady was my favorite Eagle, but the football side of me sees the trade as a win-win for both teams as long as Kiko’s healthy (just assume the disclaimer “if Kiko’s healthy” is attached to every sentence). With free agency set to start on Tuesday, here are five guys (in order of how likely they are to sign with the Eagles) that the Eagles will want to throw that $50 million at:
Of course, you can’t mention the Eagles offseason without mentioning the possibility that they trade up to draft Mariota. Trading Shady makes the logistics a little bit tougher (one of the more feasible deals that had come out was a package of Shady and picks to Oakland for #4), but it’s definitely still a possibility. It’s funny how trading a RB for an OLB can indicate that Chip’s going to trade up for a QB, but in a weird way, this trade makes it seem more likely that Chip will pull the trigger on a draft day deal. With the Shady trade, Chip’s proved he’s not afraid to go make a move, regardless of who the player is or what he’s done in the past. No one on the roster is safe. Other than Cox, QB Nick Foles is an obvious choice to be traded in a possible Mariota deal, but other players include DE Vinny Curry (more a 4-3 fit and unlikely to re-sign next season), CB Brandon Boykin (he won’t re-sign either because the Eagles refuse to let him play anything other than slot corner), and RT Lane Johnson (shown flashes and on a relatively cheap rookie deal). If I had to guess, based on everything I’ve read that people post on the Internet (SO IT MUST BE TRUE), from both league wide sources and Eagles specific sources, I would put it at 60-40 that Chip makes a draft day move. He wants to make this roster his own, as every single move that’s been made over the past few weeks would suggest, and Mariota would be one of the quickest and boldest ways to do that. It’s been a wild offseason for the Eagles already and free agency hasn’t even started and the draft is still over 50 days away. It’s Chip Kelly’s world, Eagles fans. We’re all just along for the ride. By: Stephen C. It’s 2nd-and-goal from the one yard line. There are 26 seconds left in the game. You’re down by four points, so you need this touchdown. You have one timeout. What’s your play call? Thursday morning quarterbacking, it’s pretty easy to say that Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll made the "wrong" call by letting QB Russell Wilson throw the football instead of giving the ball to RB Marshawn Lynch, who very well may be the best running back in football right now (and if he's not the best, he's probably at least the most important given that the entire Seattle offense is built around him). Carroll has been ridiculed an unbelievable amount these last few days for the call made (whether it was his call or Seahawks Offensive Coordinator Darrell Bevell’s is irrelevant), and given the result of the play, that’s to be expected. But is it warranted? Carroll is anything but a conventional coach, and choosing to throw the ball in that situation defied conventional wisdom, but so did throwing the ball from the 11 yard line with no timeouts and only six seconds left in the first half. The Seahawks scored on that play, so it was a brilliant play call, but if Seahawks WR Chris Matthews doesn’t come down with that pass and the six seconds all tick off the clock, it’s a bonehead call that costs your team at least three points. A fake field goal, down 16 points late in the third quarter in the NFC Championship game, also defied conventional wisdom. Part of what makes Carroll such a great coach is his ability to weigh when to take risks that can pay off huge for his team. It seems that more often than not, Carroll finds a way to make these risks pay off in his favor. It just so happens that this one didn’t in the biggest situation of the season. If it was me, I probably would have chosen to run the ball with Lynch, especially given how Lynch was running at that point in the game (he nearly scored the play before if not for another play that seemed to get lost in all the controversy over the final play call, a great tackle by New England Patriots LB Dont’a Hightower). I’m a big believer that if you can’t pick up one yard with your best player in a big situation (especially if given two or possibly three chances), you don’t deserve to win the game anyway. Post-game, it sounded that Carroll was playing the clock more than playing the game. He all but said the 2nd down pass was a waste of a play to run some clock without having to burn his final timeout and to leave the Patriots with as little time as possible. Carroll said the plan was to pass the ball on 2nd down, then turn to Lynch (or some Wilson-Lynch option) and run on 3rd and 4th down if need be. It should also be noted, for whatever it's worth, that Lynch was a paltry one of five on goal-to-go from the one yard line during the season, with the one coming week 10 against the New York Giants, so it's not like the one yard was a sure thing, even for such a dominate short yardage back like Lynch. And actually, for Lynch's career, in goal-to-go from the one yard line situations, he's 15 of 36, which is just 41.67%. You have one play to potentially win the Super Bowl. Are you going to trust something that's worked less than 50-50 in the past? Then again, in Russell Wilson's (albeit shorter) career, he was seven of 16 prior to Sunday in those same exact situations, which is 43.75%. Despite all that, I would have trusted my best player (Lynch) in the biggest situation of the season, tried to score without worrying about playing the clock, and trusted my #1 ranked defense to hold on to the lead and win the game for me. But all that being said (and again, it’s very easy to sit here and say all that Thursday morning), the actual play that was called should have worked. It was a simple slant designed from a bunch formation to go quickly to Seahawks WR Ricardo Lockette, who was supposed to be freed up by a pick from Seahawks WR Jermaine Kearse. Lockette definitely looked to be open and Wilson delivered the ball to a spot where Lockette should have been able to make a play and catch a potential Super Bowl winning touchdown, but Patriots CB Malcolm Butler made an absolutely unbelievable play on the ball. So much has been made about should he or shouldn’t he be throwing the ball that the play that Butler made has almost been cast aside. All things considered, given the situation, Butler’s play was remarkable. He closed ridiculously quickly, sprinted past a pick from Kearse, and beat the bigger Lockette for the ball during the biggest play of his life. As you can see in the below picture, Lockette definitely looks open as Russell Wilson gets ready to throw the ball. Butler had to close a crazy amount of space in a split second, but he made a fantastic play. Let's put it this way: if Butler's star teammate CB Darrelle Revis made the play, or if the situation was reversed and Seahawks star CB Richard Sherman made the same play Butler did, we would never stop talking about how unbelievably great the play was. If Butler doesn’t do everything precisely right, Lockette most likely scores (or at the very least, the ball falls harmlessly to the turf and we move on to 3rd down), we continue to revere Carroll as the unconventional genius that he is, and we’re second guessing why Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick didn’t call a timeout to preserve some time for his offense to try and tie the game with a field goal (Andy Reid approved the way Belichick handled the clock during the final minute, by the way. Actually, it may have been the right call. Doesn't mean it wouldn't have been second guessed for all eternity). Instead, he’s brilliant and Carroll’s just the guy who lost the Super Bowl with a "bad" play call. Such is football.
Super Bowl XLIX was as good a football game as I’ve ever seen. Game MVP QB Tom Brady played about as well as a quarterback could during the fourth quarter to bring his team back from down ten points against the unquestioned best defense in the league, and both teams absolutely had their chances to win. The game came down to one team making one final big play. When the teams play as well as they both did on Sunday, sometimes, that’s all the difference needed. So, again, it’s 2nd-and-goal from the one yard line. There are 26 seconds left in the game. You’re down by four points, so you need this touchdown. You have one timeout. What’s your play call? |
Stephen C.If nothing else, I am consistent. I got LASIK to correct my vision, so I have no flaws. Stephen H.I am so damn good looking. I am also a guest contributor at this point who will probably never post again. Archives
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