Are the Browns Playoof Bound? posted by Amari Harris

Although it is way too early to make any definitive statements about a 5-11 team, I definitely think these guys are headed in the right direction.  First they hired Mike Holmgren on as the president of football operations and then Holmgren decided to keep Mangini on as head coach.  I questioned Mangini’s tactics during the season but the fact is that the guy had to implement a culture change in Cleveland.  It was going to be a rough season either way, but once he was able to root out the guys that didn’t want to work and play smart football, this team ended the season on a 4 game winning streak that included the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers.  The addition of Tom Heckert from Philadelphia will also give them a boost at the GM position. 

The defense could still use some help, but they played spirited football down the stretch including a 6 point shut down of the Steelers.  The main questions for the Browns going into next season have to be their plains at the quarterback position and what they should do with Joshua Cribbs. 

The Browns have to upgrade at quarterback.  It’s as simple as that.  Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson handcuffed this franchise this season and they haven’t shown anything that would say otherwise.  I do think the Browns need to draft a quarterback, but not necessarily with the 7th overall pick.  Unless Sam Bradford is still on the board, the Browns should use one of their later picks on an undervalued QB and trade for Seattle Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck.  Holmgren has history with Hassleback and the Browns need a proven commodity at the QB position.  Hasselbeck won’t blow you over with his stats but he will take care of the football and he won’t lose games for you.  He will be a stop gap for the Browns until they can develop whoever they draft.

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Pick Six: Week 17 posted by Randolph Charlotin

It’s the kind of injury that believers in playing it safe use as an example. WR Wes Welker injured his knee when he planted his left foot to change direction, but the knee gave away. People believe he tore his ACL and MCL, ending Welker’s season just before the playoffs.

 

When Indianapolis’ head coach Jim Caldwell benched his starters with about 5:30 left in the third quarter in week 16, it was an injury like Welker’s Caldwell wanted to avoid to a key player. The Colts are already without safety Bob Sanders and had several others nursing injuries. It’s better to rest the starters and not put them in harm’s way.

 

That line of thinking is sound, but playing it safe wasn’t as important as playing to win. There wasn’t a player on the Patriots that would rather sit out a game than suit up and take the field, Welker included. New England needed the best players if they wanted to beat Houston.

 

Also at stake is momentum for New England. They won their last three games and they were playing better as the season was winding down. Riding the groove through the season finale and into the playoffs by winning the final regular season game, especially a road win, would build positive vibes going into Wild Card Weekend.

 

For those that think Welker’s injury is proof New England should had protected the starters, don’t forget that no one touched Welker when he injured his knee. Maybe the injury was bound to happen at some point. It could had happened in the next game for all we know. Maybe it wouldn’t happen ever if Welker sat. All we know is Welker collapsed trying to change direction like he has done thousands of time.

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Joe's Opening Drive: Week 15 posted by Joe Anello

After another dramatic Colts win, the still-undefeated Saints try their luck against the Cowboys on Saturday night while the second seed in the AFC is on the line on Sunday. Let's start the Opening Drive of week 15 in the NFL!

(8-5) Dallas Cowboys at (13-0) New Orleans Saints 

Dallas' DeMarcus Ware is going to play less than a week after suffering a neck strain, but that may not be enough for the free-falling Cowboys. Going into New Orleans and escaping with a victory will require near-flawless play and a lot of luck. Even without tight end Jeremy Shockey, Drew Brees has an abundance of weapons at his disposal. If the Saints move to 14-0, it will could signal the end of Dallas' playoff hopes and the end of Wade Philips' tenure as head coach.

***UPDATE: Dallas freaking did it. I'll be sure to cover this stunner in the Final Drive.

(8-5) New England Patriots at (5-8) Buffalo Bills 

Don't look now, but the rest of the AFC East is catching up to the Patriots. If Bill Belichick's squad loses another road game (which they've done consistently this season) and Miami or the Jets win, the Pats will fall out of the division lead and risk a playoff berth entirely. In a up-and-down season in Buffalo, this could be a signature win to carry them over into next year.

(9-4) Cincinnati Bengals at (10-3) San Diego Chargers

In the most significant game of the weekend, San Diego and Cincinnati are essentially playing for the number two seed in the AFC and an additional home game in the playoffs. San Diego has been lighting teams up in December while the Bengals were just lambasted by Minnesota. After the tragic loss of Chris Henry, I can't believe the Bengals are going to have enough in the tank to head out west and win.

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The Steelers are No Longer Providing Relief from the Rams posted by Ryan Turner

1. Usually, if I'm watching the Rams game and they play terribly, which has typically been the case for the past few years, there is at least a consollation prize for me. The Steelers win and since they're my favorite team anyways, it takes the edge off of the Rams getting their brains beat in. Four the past four Sundays, this has not been the case. The Steelers and Rams have both lost, forcing me to be 0-2 each week. The worst part, is the Steelers are winning for most of the game before tanking it on defense for the last drive. It's been like watching the 2008 baseball Cardinals. That team always had leads but ended up blowing more than 30 saves. If they had won half of those games, they would have won the division that year. The Cardinals didn't have Jason Isringhausen for most of the season due to injuries and mental issues. Sure, he may not have been the best guy for the job, but he was designated as the team's closer. The Steelers have been without their closer for most of this season. Troy Polamalu is just one defender out of 11, but the guy is all over the field making plays that other players just don't make. It took less than a season for the NFL to turn his one-handed interception on opening night against the Titans into a commercial.

  

 Polamalu closed out the AFC championship game last season with a ridiculous interception of a Joe Flacco pass. Even when he has a game where he doesn't make a huge play (which is fairly rare), his presence on the field gives the team confidence, which they're clearly lacking right now. The defense keeps waiting for the next thing to go wrong and when a team has that mentality, something usually does go wrong. They play the Browns on Thursday and will be without Polamalu again. I feel that the Browns are the worst team in the NFL, but I don't think much of the Chiefs or Raiders either. If the Steelers take the Browns lightly, their four-game losing streak could continue. They need this game to build momentum and right the ship before it's too late. That is, if it isn't already too late since they're now on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture. 

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Joe's Opening Drive: week 12 posted by Joe Anello

With three utterly craptacular contests on Thanksgiving, I’m looking forward to a little competitive football this Sunday. However, it’s not until Monday that the real showdown of week 12 takes place. Let’s get some Opening Drive in your diet!

Washington Redskins (3-7) at Philadelphia Eagles (6-4)

I don’t even know why this is even on my list of games to watch this week. Oh wait, Jim Zorn’s job is on the line. (If he hasn’t lost it already.) If the ‘Skins get embarrassed by a division rival, Zorn is gone for sure. On the Philly sidelines, they still have a chance to catch the Cowboys for the NFC East crown, so expect Andy Reid to come out McNabb’s blazing. I don’t expect it will be close for long.

Indianapolis Colts (10-0) at Houston Texans (5-5)

It may not important for the Colts, but this game is paramount for any chance of a Texans appearance in the postseason. With Jacksonville climbing past them last weekend, Gary Kubiak’s squad is losing pace in the AFC wild card race. Standing in their way is Peyton Manning: Crusher of Dreams, Destroyer of Worlds.

Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) at San Francisco 49ers (4-6)

This game has the recipe to be ugly. Jacksonville and Tennessee both love to mercilessly pound the ball at their opponent. The difference will be at the quarterback position. Between Alex Smith and David Garrard, the quarterback that makes the least mistakes will walk away with the win. To me, that means a Jaguars victory as Alex Smith hasn’t shown he’s dependable at all. Keep an eye on these Jags; they’re right in line for a wildcard slot.

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Joe's Final Drive: Week 10 posted by Joe Anello

With all of the surprise upsets, there’s no way I can take the time to properly address them all. I’ll hit the best and worst of week 10 in this edition of the Final Drive! 

(3-6) Tennessee Titans 41
(3-6) Buffalo Bills 17 
Biggest thing to come out of this game besides Chris Johnson’s awesomeness is the $250,000 fine on Titans owner Bud Adams, who flipped off the crowds. Nice one Bud. Oh yeah, and Dick Jauron was fired today. Saw that coming. 

(5-4) Jacksonville Jaguars 24
(4-5) New York Jets 22 

We hear Jets coach Rex Ryan cried during his post-game talk to the players. Man has that team crumbled in unspectacular fashion. Mean while the Jags are 5-4 and scarily unpredictable. Maurice Jones-Drew’s kneel-down at the end of the game is getting some criticism, but he only did what he was told to do. The coaches trusted their kicking game and didn’t want to leave the Jets any time on the clock. I get it. 

(7-2) Cincinnati Bengals 18
(6-3) Pittsburgh Steelers 12 

Okay, we all have to start accepting the Bengals as a legitimate AFC contender. Any team that beats Pittsburgh and Baltimore twice in one season thanks to their defense should be treated likewise. Have you noticed they’ve turned into a power-running team? That added to their defense a conference champion makes.

 
One of many. 

(3-6) Washington Redskins 27

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Joe's Opening Drive: Week 10 posted by Joe Anello

There were a few games I couldn’t even pretend to drum up a story for. Monday night’s Baltimore v. Cleveland match-up is beyond ugly. Still, there's plenty of drama for the week 10 edition of the Opening Drive! 

(6-2) Cincinnati Bengals at (6-2) Pittsburgh Steelers 

Ready for an AFC North slugfest? Well, that’s what you’re going to get today in a noon start. If you remember, the Bengals shocked the NFL with a come-from behind win over the Super Bowl Champs in their earlier meeting. Carson Palmer and will be trying to finish the season sweep when they visit Heinz Field. Unfortunately for them, Troy Polamalu will be back on the field for the Steelers defense. I have a hard time believing Mike Tomlin’s squad will drop this home game.

(3-5) Seattle Seahawks at (5-3) Arizona Cardinals 

I only put this game on my list because it’s the last chance the Seahawks have to meet my division-winning expectations. A loss would put their playoffs hope in a coffin and their team under the microscope for next year. Even Matt Hasselbeck could be on the hot seat. In Arizona, the Cardinals haven’t fared as well as they have on the road with all of their three losses coming in front of their home crowd. Oh well, they still have Kurt Warner and a hella-explosive offense. This one may not last long. 

(6-2) Dallas Cowboys at (4-4) Green Bay Packers 

A four-game winning streak will be on the line for tony Romo and the ‘Boys when they roll into Lambeau Field today. The Packers have lost two in a row and are in danger of an injury to Aaron Rodgers with the way Dallas rushes the QB. Green Bay desperately needs a successful running game to keep that defense off his back. Mike McCarthy is certainly feeling pressure to get his team back to the playoffs and dropping to 4-5 won’t do his job security any favors. 

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Pro Bowl Ben? posted by Randolph Charlotin

Pro Bowl balloting is open to the public. Choose wisely.

 

This year New England fans will have a tough time rationalizing Patriot players worthy of being selected. The offense’s big three of QB Tom Brady and WRs Randy Moss and Wes Welker will get their share of votes. Beyond them…good luck.

 

As much as we like ILB Jerod Mayo, his injury set him back. He’s eighth on the team in tackles. No one from the front seven has a chance of getting voted in.

 

And even though safetys Brandon McGowan and Brandon Merriweather are playing well, the star power at the position in the AFC (Pittsburgh’s Troy Polamalu, Baltimore’s Ed Reed and Indianapolis’ Bob Sanders) might keep either out, as well as costing each other votes.

 

There is one Pat besides Brady, Moss and Welker that actually has a slight chance of getting voted in. He would be the first Patriots tight end to be selected for the Pro Bowl since Ben Coates.

 

OK, so there’s no mystery that I’m referring to Ben Watson. I have to work on my foreshadowing.

 

Back to the point. At mid-season, Watson has just 15 receptions and 222 yards. His yardage puts Watson ninth overall, but his receptions drops him into a tie with Denver’s blocking TE Daniel Graham for 12th in the AFC. Not the kind of company a Pro Bowler is usually surrounded by.

 

Though Watson doesn’t get a lot of chances, he’s making the most of his opportunities. Of the tight ends with at least 10 receptions, only Oakland’s Zach Miller (15-yards per reception) has a better average than Watson’s 14.8. But like the Raiders, Miller isn’t going anywhere. Great players on bad teams typically don’t get little attention needed to draw votes.

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History Repeating: The Lost Inches posted by Amari Harris

After the last few years I’m beginning to wonder how many times I’ve thought to myself, “The Cowboys should have won that game.”  So many big games come to mind:

 

In 2007 the Cowboys were 13-3 and hosting the New York Giants in a divisional playoff game.  Although the Cowboys had already beaten the Giants twice in the regular season, everyone knew this would be a tough game (except for maybe the Cowboys).  On the first drive of the game, not only did Demarcus Ware get called for a bogus offsides penalty to give the Giants a first down, but Amani Toomer (who was way past his prime) managed to shake several Cowboys’ defenders on the next play for a 52 yard touchdown.  The rest was history as the Cowboys would lose to the eventual Super Bowl Champions 21-17.

 

Last year the Cowboys were in prime position to beat the eventual champions again as they played the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road.  They had outplayed and more importantly “out-hit” the rough and tumble Steelers in their own house.  That was until Tony Romo threw a disastrous interception for a touchdown with just minutes remaining in the 4th quarter.  Romo was unable to conjure up any 4th quarter magic and the Cowboys would fall to 8-5 and allow the rival Giants to clinch the NFC East.

 

After beating the hated Giants the week before, the only thing that stood between the Cowboys and a guaranteed playoff spot was a tough Baltimore Ravens team.  Once again, the Cowboys played good football and gave the Ravens all they could handle. They fought their way back into the game and into the lead in the 4th quarter.  This time

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Tuesday Evening Hangover: Dallas Cowboys reveiw and other NFL news posted by Amari Harris

Tuesday evening hangover…

Here are some of my astute observations from the Cowboys’ Monday night victory against the Panthers:

     1. The Cowboys played a very gritty game.

They actually “out-toughed” the Panthers, which hasn’t happened since week 3 of last season against Green Bay.  Despite giving up a few plays in the passing game, the defense shut down a vaunted Carolina rushing attack and managed to keep DeAngelo Williams out of the endzone.  The offense managed to pound the rock at Carolina’s undersized front seven and take advantage of their depth at the running back position (Felix Jones and Tashard choice managed over 80 yards rushing a piece).  More importantly, Tony Romo showed toughness and focus, and did not make the critical mistake that could have swung this game in Carolina’s favor.

     2. There is still a lot of room for this team to grow.

The tackling was still pretty bad.  Terrance Newman is showing his deficiencies as a tackler despite having a hell of a game shutting down Steve Smith and getting a pick-six.  Ken Hamlin is supposed to be the enforcer on this defense but I saw him whiff on a couple of plays.  And Hamlin’s coverage was just awful.  He pretty much gave the Panthers their lone touchdown allowing two big plays right over the middle.  I have backed Hamlin since he came to Dallas but I’m not sure he is deserving of that new contract he received last off-season.  The drive killing penalties were also devastating in the first half and Jason Garrett has to find some way to correct that (more on him later). 

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Holmes hopes Super Bowl has no winner (AP)

A year ago, Santonio Holmes got his hands on the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Watching someone else take a turn with the NFL's shiny silver chalice this season is a difficult reality for the Pittsburgh Steelers' standout wide receiver. As such, here was his Super Bowl pick: He wanted both the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints ... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Falcons hire Lewis as secondary coach (AP)

The Atlanta Falcons, looking for an improved pass defense, have hired Tim Lewis as the team's secondary coach. Lewis coached the Seattle Seahawks' defensive backs this season and is a former defensive coordinator with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants. He was Carolina's secondary coach in 2007-08. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Fichtner becomes Steelers QBs coach (AP)

Randy Fichtner is switching roles on the Pittsburgh Steelers' coaching staff, taking over as quarterbacks coach after previously coaching the wide receivers. Ken Anderson, the quarterbacks coach the last three seasons under coach Mike Tomlin, retired at the end of the season. Fichtner coached the quarterbacks at Memphis from 1990-93 and from 2001-06, when he also was the offensive coordinator. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports