NFL Week 7 Featured Preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions

October 17th, 2007 8:24 am
by Pro Set

Tampa Bay (4-2) @ Detroit (3-2) 1pm ET on FOX

Former NFC Central rivals clash in a pivotal conference match-up. The game is especially important for Detroit. The Lions are in danger of falling further behind Green Bay in the NFC North, whereas the Buccaneers are leading the mediocre NFC South.

Detroit

On the ground, Detroit is present in form only. I am sure (with apologies to John Madden) that big old offensive linemen like C Dominic Raiola and T Jeff Backus would prefer more emphasis on the running game. G Damien Woody left the Patriots to come to Detroit. I hope that he actually needed the extra money. RB Tatum Bell is another in a long line of backs that have come from Denver only to struggle at another NFL city. And he has been seeking a trade. With that hope now extinguished, Bell has a chance to prove his professionalism The Buccaneers have been fairly solid in run defense this season. But in truth, looking at the depth chart, the TB front four is a pale shadow of the unit that strangled NFL offenses from 1998 thru 2002, claiming a Superbowl. Statistically, however, the unit is performing.

In the air, it is all about whether QB Jon Kitna can put together a full game. Kitna is completing well over 60% of his pass attempts. He will be looking to hit WR Roy Williams and WR Calvin Johnson over the top of the Bucs pass defense. The Buccaneers used to pride themselves on stopping the deep pass, and tackling any receiver immediately when a reception was made. This means that the key issue here is whether Kitna can hit the talented DET receivers in stride. For the TB pass defense, there is no secret in how to beat Kitna. Pressure up the middle has always brought out the worst in him.

Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay running game is even less threatening than the Detroit version. The Buccaneers traded with Kansas City to acquire RB Michael Bennett. He is a good runner. But to expect him to make a real difference in the famously complex offense of Jon Gruden is unrealistic. Remember, too, that he will be a liability in pass protection. This limits his ability to be a pass catching threat on third down. Expect QB Jeff Garcia to provide the most potent running threat.

In the passing game, the Buccaneers will aim to exploit the Teflon-esque Detriot secondary. There is a reason that NFL watchers keep seeing S Idrees Bashir and S Kenoy Kennedy change teams: they are just not very good. When a team is facing WR Joey Galloway, safety help is critical. With DT Shaun Rogers not playing, the pass rush that DET would have to possess to pressure Garcia will not be there. In a sight for the ages, expect the Buccaneers to march up and down the field. Do not underestimate the depth of the TB tight end group, which could further exploit the poor DET safeties as well as stretching the zone coverage.

Prediction: Tampa Bay

Posted in Detroit Lions, Game, Jon Gruden, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL Players, Tampa Bay Buccaneers | No Comments »

NFL Week 6 Monday Night Football

October 15th, 2007 9:24 pm
by Pro Set

New York Giants 21-10 Atlanta Falcons Half Time

Second Quarter thoughts 

It took three plays for the Manning mistake to come. He held the ball too long and did not step up on the 3^rd & 11 passing play. 

And the Falcons could not take advantage. ATL K Morten Andersen missed a 48 yard FG attempt to cap a 4 play (-2 yards) drive. 

In a well-predicted read of the square-in, ATL picked off Manning for the second big mistake inside the two minute warning, blowing a real chance to extend the NYG lead.

Ron Jaworski predicted this in an example of why football men always need to be given time in the booth to explain what they know. If this game blows out in the second half, get ready for the Suzy Kolber human-interest-story-a-thon to begin.

Back to the game, Manning is improving, but still does not seem able to play 60 Mins mistake free football.

New York Giants 14-10 Atlanta Falcons End of First Quarter

First Quarter thoughts

I have previously spoken about how the Giants hide their defensive deficiencies with blitzing. Tonight Atlanta has already busted them for one huge rush. Atlanta will need more big plays against the blitz.

The Giants look good with the ball. Eli Manning inevitably makes mistakes in games. If the Falcons cannot capitalise on whatever gifts the Giants provide, this one is over.

The Falcons cannot keep up with the Giants in a track meet.

Posted in Atlanta Falcons, Monday Night Football, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NY Giants | No Comments »

Week 6 Showdown in Dallas

October 13th, 2007 10:13 pm
by NFL Freak

It’s a huge week in football as the undefeated New England Patriots prepare to meet the undefeated Dallas Cowboys in a showdown that’s bigger than Texas.

Pro Set offers his NFL Week 6 Best Bets.

Pro Set’s preview of the Patriots @ Dallas gives you his final verdict on why the Patriots will win.
Meanwhile Big Dog claims that if the Cowboys play smart, New England can’t win. He’s already copping some heat in the comments for that notion.

Pro Set has also detailed a preview of the Carolina Panthers @ Arizona Cardinals game.

The guys once again face off with their NFL Game Selections for the week.
There’s also the Love ‘em and Leave ‘em list for Fantasy Football fans.
Don’t forget to check out the NFL on TV page to catch what games are showing in your part of the world.

Finally here’s an update on the AFC so far.

Posted in Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Game, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL on television, New England Patriots | No Comments »

If the Cowboys play smart, New England can’t win

October 13th, 2007 7:10 am
by Big Dog

Last Monday the Dallas Cowboys and QB Tony Romo gave their fans a scare as they nearly fell to the Buffalo Bills. In an amazing comeback that included rookie K Nick Folk entering Dallas folklore by kicking the winning goal twice, the Cowboys proved that they have the determination and drive to win no matter where they’re at in the game.

While pretty much every so called expert in football is predicting that the New England Patriots will win as a result of their superior offensive options and stronger defense, this demonstrates an ignorance of one of the most important lessons in all footballing codes.

I’m talking about the impact of Jonny Wilkinson on the sport of rugby union. Of all the codes of football around the world, rugby is the one that shares the most in common with American football. Jonny Wilkinson is a player who has made his name in world rugby as a specialist kicker, capable of making drop-kick field goals from well over halfway. Jonny has already led England to one World Cup victory and is on his way to a second. (Here’s a bonus clip of Jonny and soccer superstar David Beckham kicking a few balls of different shapes)

The lesson here (if Dallas want to learn it) is that field position and kicking can win big football games. With a kicker capable of making not one, but two 53 yard field goals under real pressure, Dallas can choose to win this game with the boot and there is little that the Patriots can do about that. I just hope that Wade Phillips has paid attention in class and learned this lesson.

Posted in Analysis, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Game, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, New England Patriots, Nick Folk, Tony Romo, Wade Phillips | 2 Comments »

NFL Week 6 Featured Preview: New England Patriots at Dallas Cowboys

October 12th, 2007 8:46 pm
by Pro Set

New England (5-0) @ Dallas (5-0) 4:15pm ET on CBS

Two big name undefeated NFL teams dominate this Week 6 schedule.

New England

RB Laurence Maroney is out. RB Sammy Morris has run the ball well, but against Cincinnati and Cleveland. This will be tougher. New England did not run the ball well in their last two big losses: both playoff games. Just because they have the most amazing pass offense for now does not mean it will always be so.

When the ball is in the air, it’s simply a question of whether Dallas can get pressure. If Dallas can’t get to QB Tom Brady, it’s over. Brady is completing passes everywhere. Expect WR Randy Moss to have a monster game. He loves Texas Stadium. Just remember Thanksgiving Day 1999 if in doubt.

Dallas

The Cowboys need to run the ball well in order to maintain possession. They face a smilar challenge to that faced by most opponents of New England: they need to keep the ball for long periods. DAL RB Julius Jones has been solid without being spectacular. I would like to see him attack the line of scrimmage more and carry tacklers forward. It is these yards on early downs that bring up manageable 3^rd down situations.

In the air, we know that QB Tony Romo loves to get rid of the ball. He might be having second thoughts after the bizarre occurrences last Monday at Buffalo. Against the Patriots, if his first 2 reads are covered on short drops, he must be prepared to keep the ball. Romo must avoid turnovers, and therefore put all the pressure on the NE offense. It’s possible that Brady could have a bad day.

Conclusion

New England has more weapons than Dallas. If Dallas pulls off the upset, I think that WR Terrell Owens will have had a big day in yards after the catch.

Prediction: New England

Posted in Dallas Cowboys, Game, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, New England Patriots, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Tom Brady, Tony Romo | No Comments »

NFL Week 6 Featured Preview: Carolina Panthers @ Arizona Cardinals

October 12th, 2007 8:01 pm
by Pro Set

Carolina (3-2) @ Arizona (3-2) 4:05pm ET on FOX

Carolina is undefeated on the road and winless at home. Arizona was a road favourite last week and won. Truth is stranger than fiction.

Arizona

The Cardinals have lost QB Matt Leinart for the season. RB Edgerrin James must continue to improve the running game. Backup QB Kurt Warner has a poor history of fumbling when pressured. This means that the running game cannot be an afterthought. Unless James can get positive yardage on first down, the Panthers will only need to defend the pass.

When the Cardinals throw, the interior offensive line will need to block DT Kris Jenkins. If Jenkins gets pressure up the middle, as he will in obvious passing situations, Warner does not have the speed to break containment and leave the pocket. DE Julius Peppers and DE Mike Rucker will cause havoc in his scenario. If ARZ can protect Warner, WR Larry Fitzgerald could have a big day. WR Anquan Boldin may not play. Expect the Cardinals to throw on first down with no hesitation if they cannot establish the run early.

Carolina

When Carolina has the ball, QB David Carr is questionable. The Panthers may start free agent signing QB Vinny Testaverde. RB DeShaun Foster ran well last Sunday at New Orleans. If C Justin Hartwig can handle DT Darnell Dockett, the panthers should attack the Cardinals straight up the middle. They also look good running right, where RT Jordan Gross has been playing well.

In the passing game, the real issue is whether WR Steve Smith can break the big plays. Last week, Carr struggled to get the ball to Smith on time. When Carr did find Smith on a quick out, Smith broke a tackle and scored. Expect some end around plays and maybe even a reverse in order to get Smith touches. CB Eric Green must be aware of short passes and focus on fundamental tackling skills. If CAR does play a quick pass game, the ARZ pass rush must not get frustrated.

Conclusion

This game looks like a close one. Carolina looks like the more solid football team, and showed great heart last week to win. Arizona needs these home conference wins. With Kurt Warner in better shape than the entire Panthers QB corps, the bottom line here is simple. If Warner stays upright, and thereby avoids turnovers, the Cardinals get the win. It’s time for Russ Grimm to earn his cash.

Prediction: Arizona

Posted in Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, DeShaun Foster, Game, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL on FOX | No Comments »

NFL Week 5 Analysis: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers

October 10th, 2007 8:40 am
by Pro Set

Chicago 27-20 Green Bay

Green Bay fell from the ranks of the undefeated in a terrible home loss to Chicago. Giving up a halftime lead of 17-7, and a third quarter lead of 20-10, the Packers conceded 17 unanswered points and lost their chance to eliminate, effectively, the Bears from the NFC North race.

As was correctly identified by Al Michaels and John Madden on NBC, the key play was the third quarter INT thrown by QB Brett Favre. Chicago scored on the next play to move within a FG and never gave up the momentum. 

For the Packers, 5 turnovers and a dozen penalties were too much to overcome. The standout penalty in the first half kept a Bears drive alive when the Packers were deemed to have lined up over the centre on a CHI FG attempt. In the second half, however, penalties on early downs killed GB drives. Even when GB seemed to have recovered impetus with the tipped 4^th quarter INT off an underthrown QB Brian Griese pass, a penalty contributed to a 3 & out. A truly amateurish final drive made a joke of the 2 minute drill and never gave the Packers a chance. 

For the Bears, they executed the classic NFL road strategy of hanging around until the home team ran out of steam. It also helped that the Packers gave up two fumbles on long drives early in the game. RB Cedric Benson had a serviceable game, despite his low YPC figure. I also thought that the Bears did well in picking up GB blitzes. Griese was always looking for the unmarked swing pass and this prevented him from locking on downfield and giving his reads away. 

One moment, in a game splattered with huge plays, was the TE Greg Olsen TD rec off the MLB Brian Urlacher INT. the TD was awarded under the “force-out” judgment of one official. In my opinion, the “force-out” provision is a terrible rule that places an impossible burden on the field judge, side judge, line judge and head linesman. 

It is simply not right that an official is required to judge whether a player would have come down in bounds with two feet unless contacted. It seems to me as if the slightest contact now justifies a force out ruling when the receiver simply did not get two feet in bounds. The rule is a clear and unwarranted artifice to increase scoring. Subjective judgments from officials should not decide games. 

If a receiver cannot catch a pass and get two feet in bounds, why does he deserve a touchdown? What is so wrong about a defender preventing a receiver from landing in bounds? How much contact is required? Does the receiver have to make a “best effort” to get his feet in? In the even world of the NFL, it’s time to let the players decide the outcomes of games. 

Roger Goodell should stop focusing on players’ private lives and continue to address his primary concern: the games themselves.   

Posted in Al Michaels, Analysis, Game, John Madden, NFL on NBC, Week 5 Instant Analysis | No Comments »

NFL Week 5 Analysis: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints

October 10th, 2007 8:05 am
by Pro Set

Carolina 16-13 New Orleans

Rarely does a game have such a seminal drive. New Orleans, spanning the third and fourth quarters, drove for over 20 plays and 10 minutes. The drive yielded nothing. A great tackle on RB Reggie Bush set up fourth down inside the CAR 10 yard line. The energy and desire that DE Julius Peppers showed to muscle through the line and block the K Olindo Mare field goal attempt was peerless. This was the single best example of heart that I have seen this 2007 NFL season.

Duly buoyed by the offense, the final CAR drive was highlighted by good running from RB DeShaun Foster. The reward for this effort was an opportunity for K Jon Kasay to win the game. From 50+ yards, the kick was good and Carolina moved to 3-2, leaving New Orleans winless.

For Carolina, this was the perfect reposte to a terrible home loss. The Panthers must find offensive consistency. WR Keary Colbert has to take some of the load of WR Steve Smith in the passing game. QB Jake Delhomme is sorely missed, with backup QB David Carr still too slow to release the ball.

For New Orleans, the performance was close, but still not complete. The defense was much improved at pressuring the passer. The Saints managed to record their first sack of the season. The mega drive that yielded 0 points broke the building belief in the Superdome. The Saints now travel to Seattle, and a loss next Sunday night ends their season.

Posted in Analysis, Carolina Panthers, David Carr, DeShaun Foster, Game, Jake Delhomme, New Orleans Saints, Reggie Bush, Steve Smith, Week 5 Instant Analysis | No Comments »

NFL Week 5 Featured Preview: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints

October 6th, 2007 10:32 pm
by Pro Set

Carolina (2-2) @ New Orleans (0-3) 1pm ET on FOX

This divisional game will be an opportunity for two disappointing teams to get back on track. One of them, however, will fall into a deep abyss.

New Orleans

When the Saints have the ball, RB Reggie Bush needs to be decisive against a supposedly dominant defensive front. With RB Deuce McAllister out (knee), Bush will be doing most of the running. I would like to see New Orleans run Bush from the true I formation. From what I have seen of the Saints this season, running from singleback has not been working. Bush needs to be disciplined and hit the right holes. Good lead blocking will reduce the amount of decisions he needs to make, and allow him to let his talent take over.

In the passing game, some actual catching of the ball would assist QB Drew Brees. WR Marques Colston has to be able to beat CAR CB Chris Gamble or drive back to the ball. Brees has been throwing into coverage and serving up turnovers. To reduce the giveaways (7 INT so far this season) the Saints must block DT Kris Jenkins and DE Julius Peppers. When the Panthers made the Superbowl in the 2003 season, their NFC title game win was highlighted by front four pressure and excellent cover corner play.

Carolina

When Carolina has the ball, QB David Carr is likely to be the leader. QB Jake Delhomme likely won’t start against his former employer. With potential uncertainty in the passing attack, RB DeShaun Foster will be expected to be the showpiece of the offense. Foster is a solid back, but has not progressed sufficiently since taking over from Stephen Davis. Look him to favour right side runs behind road-grader RT Jordan Gross.

Clearly, when Carolina throws, all attention will be upon game-breaker WR Steve Smith. Frustrations were evident last Sunday, in the home loss to Tampa Bay. Carr will need to take advantage of any matchup where Smith is one-on-one. I think that New Orleans has little option but to use CB Mike McKenzie to shadow Smith wherever he lines up. McKenzie, remember, was part of the famous “Stop Moss” draft campaign where the Packers selected whatever defensive backs they could to combat Randy Moss.

Conclusion

This game is hard to read. Carolina looks like the more solid football team. New Orleans, however, has a proven quarterback and an angry team that is coming off a bye week. This game has the feel of a tight contest between clubs with much to lose.

Prediction: New Orleans

Posted in Carolina Panthers, David Carr, Deuce McAllister, Drew Brees, Jordan Gross, Kris Jenkins, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL Players, New Orleans Saints, Reggie Bush, Steve Smith | No Comments »

The AFC so far

October 4th, 2007 9:43 am
by NFL Freak

For most NFL teams, the season is already 25% complete. Let’s examine what’s happened so far in the AFC.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills (1-3)

A season-saving divisional win (vs NYJ) has given a spark to the Bills. The only NFL team based in New York can build on that momentum when Dallas visits Orchard Park for the first MNF game in Buffalo in 13 seasons. The Buffalo folk prefer day games, since so many of their fans have such long car trips to the game. Expect the Bills to be out of contention by the halfway point of the season. Dick Jauron is a nice guy, but he just can’t win playoff games, so there is no future in that relationship.

Miami Dolphins (0-4)

What a contrast for the former San Diego coordinators. MIA Coach Cam Cameron finally gets some heat applied after a terrible loss at home to Oakland. Despite acquiring a veteran (and proven) QB in Trent Green, I think that the Dolphins are just too old on the defensive side of the ball. If I’m Wayne Huizenga, I would ask why LB Zach Thomas and DE Jason Taylor ought not to be traded to real contenders in order to beef up the team in next year’s draft. Sorry, Dolphins fans, but this season will not extend into January. Expect a mid-season rally of sorts, but 0-4 in the AFC is irreparable damage.

New England Patriots (4-0)

The standout team in the entire NFL has been the Patriots. Courtesy of the overzealous hysteria about Spygate, the Patriots have clearly bonded and look to be too good. I missed the Salem witch trials, but it’s always refreshing to see history repeating itself. I’m sure, however, that QB Tom Brady is fired more by the crushing disappointment of consecutive seasons with playoff losses. An NFL career is only ever one play away from ending (as we unfortunately saw with BUF LB Kevin Everett). Most Patriot players are set for life. It is the diminishing window of opportunity that drives them. NE is the clear favourite for now. If Roger Goodell had some steel, he’d instruct the Patriots to print post-season tickets now.

New York Jets (1-3)

It’s been a disappointing 4 years since QB Chad Pennington led the Jets to the AFC East title. With RB Thomas Jones combining with RB Leon Washington, I expected the Jets to be able to run the ball well. Pennington needs good play action to be able to hit WR Laveranues Coles. The loss last Sunday at Buffalo will really hurt. I just cannot see the Jets grabbing an AFC Wild Card without 10 wins. And I don’t think that the Jets can go 9-3 from here with games against Dallas, New England and Baltimore still to go.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens (2-2)

This is the one of the most disappointing 2-2 starts in the NFL. The Ravens are 0-2 in the division and will need to sweep Pittsburgh to win the AFC North. QB Steve McNair looks like he’s just had one campaign too many. There are only so many big plays that SS Ed Reed can make. This team has issues on both sides of the ball. As for Brian Billick, his 2001 axing of Trent Dilfer in favour of a passing philosophy with QB Elvis Grbac should have already led to his removal. The Ravens are in decline.

Cincinnati Bengals (1-3)

Clearly the Bengals have issues on defense. QB Carson Palmer has too much pressure on him to produce scores on every drive. This team will give up at least 24 points per game on average. With RB Rudi Johnson not being a true breakaway threat, this means that Palmer needs to have 35-40 TD passes this season. He might just get there. Whether the Bengals are playoff-calibre or not will be determined by their series against the NFC West. If Cincy cannot dominate a division without a standout team, the show is over. Remember, WR Chris Henry is nominally able to play after midseason (assuming Goodell reinstates him). Henry is better than the nickel corner for most teams. Anything less than a playoff win is a failure for Cincinnati.

Cleveland Browns (2-2)

After an opening week that exceeded even the most dismal prognostications, the Browns are now 2-1 in the division. QB Derek Anderson has been the man of the moment. It also appears that Cleveland has avoided the receiver curse in the draft with WR Braylon Edwards. I’m just not sure what to make of this team. In Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow, Cleveland has top class weapons. Unfortunately for Browns fans, I think that the Dawg Pound will be empty come January. The Browns have 3 divisional road games to come, as well as facing the Patriots. A winning record is possible, and I think that a winning record will save Romeo Crennel from the chop.

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)

It’s hard to get a read on the Steelers. They key will be winning divisional games. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, it seems as thought the Steelers can rely on the rest of the AFC North knocking each other off. QB Ben Roethlisberger is the best game management QB in the division. Unlike the other teams in the AFC North, Pittsburgh does not have that brittle edge that can lead to implosion. I see PIT going at least 4-2 in the division, and 3-1 against the AFC East. Splitting their other games brings out a 10-6 record, so expect PIT to make the playoffs.

AFC South

Houston Texans (2-2)

For the first time in my life, I backed the Houston Texans (-3) at Atlanta last Sunday. Despite my retained bitterness, I am still impressed by the 2-2 start. The struggles against JAX (against whom HOU has a great record) and TEN will be fascinating. I like this division as the supplier of two playoff teams. For the Texans, QB Matt Schaub must continue to improve. Unless RB Ahman Green can prove me wrong and show that his best is not yet a distant memory, I think that the Texans can only win through the air. WR Andre Davis will need to stay healthy. I think that the Texans will run out of steam and finish 8-8, but at least HOU season ticket holders will have meaningful football to watch come December.

Indianapolis Colts (3-0)

The Colts are looking good without making too much noise. The Colts are already 2-0 in the division. I can’t see them losing to any team from the NFC either. QB Peyton Manning is now truly an elite NFL QB. I was one of the last doubters. The division is theirs if the Colts defensive front four can stay healthy. The loss of DT Anthony McFarland will be keenly felt. DE Dwight Freeney is deadly when the Colts have the lead in the second half. I still think, despite all the hype about S Bob Sanders, that teams can run on Indy with success. With the Chargers struggling, all signs point to another AFC decider between the Colts and the Patriots. The venue will matter.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1)

The bombshell that began the JAX season has proven to be successful so far. QB David Garrard has led the Jags to wins at Denver and verus Atlanta. JAX coach Jack Del Rio will still be upset that the inevitable teething problems of the Byron Leftwich issue spilled over into an opening day home divisional loss. If JAX misses the playoffs by a game, he will bitterly regret not acting earlier. For mine, RB Fred Taylor is in his final effective season. Between Taylor and RB Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX has to get back to pounding the ball, and then stopping the run through DT John Henderson and DT Marcus Stroud. Remember, however, that TEN ran for over 200 yards at JAX. With JAX already having had their bye, injuries will hurt them more than most as the season progresses.

Tennessee Titans (2-1)

The Titans are looking like the most improved team in the NFL. When one recalls their steamrolling finish to 2006, however, this is to be expected. QB Vince Young has clearly brought a sense of belief and excitement to the team. His passing is still developing, but he has the intangible quality of competitiveness that separates good players from winning players. I have been most impressed with the TEN defense. As long as the Titans can get pressure on the passer with only 4 down linemen, they will win games. With winnable games against AFC West teams and a weak NFC South, TEN should get 10 wins. The crucial games are, obviously, the divisional rivalries. If TEN goes 4-2 in the AFC South, expect them to be returning to the playoffs for the first time since the 2003 season.

AFC West

Denver Broncos (2-2)

Denver have given themselves a reliable start to the season and can build on their early success. Given their performance so far, you have to like the Broncos as they prepare to face the San Diego Chargers this Sunday. There’s no question that Mike Shanahan has his work cut out for him and will need to build more consistency into the team on both sides of the ball, but the Broncos are a real playoff chance.

Kansas City Chiefs (2-2)

The Chiefs crushed the San Diego Chargers last week, and it’s hard to tell if this is more an indication of the Chiefs’ form, or the Chargers’. QB Damon Huard seems to be settling in well and the Chiefs have made some ground on their passing game. That said, there’s still a long way to go till the playoffs – Chiefs fans, don’t hold your breath.

Oakland Raiders (2-2)

Oakland haven’t had the convincing start many expected. While they’ve had some strong wins and individual performances (including Daunte Culpepper against Miami), Oakland will need to win convincingly against the San Diego Chargers in order to convince the rest of us that they’re a genuine prospect.

San Diego Chargers (1-3)

San Diego have by far and away been the shock disappointment of the season so far. Expectations have been high following their 14-2 record of last season. It was big news when Norv Turner was brought in as a replacement coach for a successful team. Many Chargers fans can now justifiably question the sanity of that decision. Despite Turner’s reputation as an offensive specialist, the Chargers have comprehensively failed to ignite that half of their game. Star RB LaDainian Tomlinson has struggled to get things going, and there are serious questions to be asked about QB Philip Rivers’ decision making. At this point it’s difficult to see San Diego being able to realistically aim for much more than trying to finish the season with a winning record. Especially now that they’ve marked themselves as the weak team in the division. Everyone will be gunning for them.

Posted in Ahman Green, Analysis, Andre Davis, Anthony McFarland, Baltimore Ravens, Ben Roethlisberger, Bob Sanders, Braylon Edwards, Brian Billick, Buffalo Bills, Cam Cameron, Carson Palmer, Chad Pennington, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Damon Huard, Daunte Culpepper, David Garrard, Denver Broncos, Derek Anderson, Dick Jauron, Dwight Freeney, Ed Reed, Fred Taylor, Game, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville Jaguars, Jason Taylor, John Henderson, Kansas City Chiefs, Kellen Winslow, Kevin Everett, LaDainian Tomlinson, Laveranues Coles, Leon Washington, Marcus Stroud, Matt Schaub, Maurice Jones-Drew, Miami Dolphins, Mike Shanahan, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Norv Turner, Oakland Raiders, Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Romeo Crennel, Rudi Johnson, San Diego Chargers, Steve McNair, Tennessee Titans, Thomas Jones, Tom Brady, Trent Green, Vince Young, Zach Thomas | No Comments »