Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Chiefs and Bears for real?

After three weeks, how serious do you take the Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears? Most experts predicted an improvement for both teams, but certainly not to this extent. I know it's still early, but teams that start the season 3-0 have a much greater chance of making the playoffs than those who don't. We also know the nfl is notoriously kind to the underdog. Every year, a cellar dweller from a year ago makes the playoffs. Do I believe? At this point I have to. The New Orleans Saints are the reigning champions. If the expert preseason predictions were correct, then the Chiefs and Bears have combined to knock of San Diego, Dallas, San Francisco, and Green Bay. Four teams that were all picked to win their divisions. Can the Chiefs and Bears pull this thing off and play for it all? The next 14 weeks will answer that question. True reality tv.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Remenber the Titans?

Remember the Tennessee Titans? You know, the team that started the 2006 season 0-5 behind starting quarterback Kerry Collins. The team who put in rookie phenom Vince Young who lead the team to a six game win streak and 8-8 finish. A home loss to the Patriots in the regular season finale kept them from the playoffs. Wait, do you remember the 2008 Titans? You know, the team who started the season 10-0 and finished a league best 13-3? Only this time starting quarterback Vince Young was benched for the season for backup Kerry Collins. Or what about the 2009 Titans that started the season 0-6, went on a six game win streak yet again, and finished the season 8-8? As expected, starting quarterback Kerry Collins was benched for the season for backup Vince Young. See a theme here?

It's now 2010, and I still have no clue about who or what the Tennessee Titans are. The cast of characters are basically the same, but after two games I am more confused than ever. The Titans started the season with a 38-13 beat down of Oakland. The defense was dominant, Young finished the game with the day's best qb rating, and Chris Johnson notched his twelfth straight 100 yard game. Spirits were high in music city as last year's 0-6 start was clearly in the rear view mirror. Enter the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Final score was 19-11, but the game was completely dominated by Pittsburgh. The Titans could do nothing on offense, and committed an embarrassing seven turnovers. Wouldn't you know it, Young was benched late in the game for Kerry Collins. Head coach Jeff Fisher said that Young is still the starter, but given his track record how can anyone in that locker room believe him? We don't know if a quarterback switch is eminent, but we do know the Titans are a streaky team for better or for worse. If a streak is on the horizon, Sunday's game against the Giants will be their most important game since their playoff loss to the Ravens at the end of the 2009 season.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

0-2 is the worst for who?

The nfl is America's most popular sport and parody is one of the main reasons. It seems that every year a team that finished at the bottom of the pack the previous season makes the playoffs the following year. Fans of all teams (well most teams) go into each new season feeling like it could be their time, their turn. That also means that at least one team that made the playoffs last year will not go back. We all know how unforgiving the nfl is to teams that start the season 0-2, and five of the eight division winners from a year ago lost their opener. Of San Diego, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Minnesota, and Dallas, which team would be least likely to overcome an 0-2 deficit?

Let's rule out Indy and Minnesota. Manning? Favre? Ok, moving on. San Diego lost a heart breaker, but the Chargers under head coach Norv Turner have a reputation for strong finishes. The afc west is also the weakest division of this group. Cincinnati seems most likely to start 0-2 with a confident Ravens bunch coming to town. They should be ok with Carolina, Cleveland, and Tampa Bay following. The Bengals should be at worst 4-3 when they head into their Monday Night showdown with the Steelers on November 8. The Dallas Cowboys are the team that absolutely can not afford to lose to Chicago this weekend, and for so many reasons. Owner, general manager, and head coach Jerry Jones put a ton of public pressure on his team to be the first to host the super bowl as a participant. Following the Cowboys head scratching defeat to the Redskins, rumors started surfacing out of the local media of a possible riff between co head coach and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and co head coach slash offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. The offense was offensive in the preseason and atrocious in the regular season opener. Now lets get to the schedule. The Cowboys face the Texans, Titans, Vikings, and Giants next. Throw in a dreaded trip to Lambeau Field and both super bowl participants from last year in back to back weeks and you have a must win game on your hands Sunday.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Changing of the guard?

The Houston Texans made a statement yesterday with their 34-24 win over Indianapolis. If you did not see the game, it was not as close as the score. The Colts were dominated up font on both sides of the ball. Now the question is whether or not this win was a fluke. Playing the season out will ultimately answer this question, but history shows there may be a changing of the guard on the horizon. The Texans 1-15 record against the Colts had been well documented, with each game a little more competitive and each loss a little more excruciating. Especially last season when the Texans let one game slip away against Indy and gave away another. While Indianapolis remains the unquestioned king of the afc south, Houston's gradual improvement could spell doom for the Colts. In fact, Indianapolis is standing in the cross hairs of an impending domino effect they were once apart of.

The Jacksonville Jaguars were King of the "then" afc central from 1997-1999 with a talented roster that included Mark Brunell, Fred Taylor, and wide outs Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell who were all in their prime. The Tennessee Titans entered the 1999 season as a virtual unknown team who spent the past three seasons stuck at 8-8. Although the Jaguars finished the season as division champs, the Titans handed them their only three loses of the season including the afc championship game and went on to Super Bowl XXXIV. The Jaguars never recovered and ultimately blew that team up a few seasons later.

Tennessee followed their surprising super bowl appearance by winning the division two of the next three seasons, including the afc south's first division title in 2002. A new division that now included Peyton Manning and the upstart Indianapolis Colts. Indy sported their own talented trio of Manning, running back Edgerrin James, and wide receiver Marvin Harrison. The Colts improved as a team each year, but they could not beat the Titans or win a playoff game from 1999-2002. Questions about Manning's ability to win the big one ran rampant until he ultimately won the division title in 2003. The Colts have not let up since, winning all but one division title six of the past seven seasons. The Titans run came to an abrupt end, and that team was eventually blown up as well.

Which brings us to yesterday's game. The Colts came in as the hunted and the Houston Texans are the new upstart team with the talented trio of Matt Schaub, running back Arian Foster, and wide receiver Andre Johnson. The Texans are looking to turn the corner after posting a mediocre record of 25-23 the past three seasons. The Texans know they must go through Indianapolis to take their turn at the top, and did so in convincing fashion yesterday. Maybe they wanted it more than Indianapolis. Maybe the Colts did not take Houston seriously. Whatever the reason, the gauntlet has officially been laid down and history has an inevitable way of repeating itself.

CJ2K makes classy statement

Tennessee Titans running back and ultimate weapon Chris Johnson notched his 12th straight 100 yard game in their 38-6 beat down of Oakland. He needs two more to tie Barry Sanders all time record of 14. Three to sit atop the record books. Johnson's 142 yard, two touchdown performance was seen as a "normal" day to those who closely follow the Titans. A true testament to Johnson's ability and big play potential. While his 76 yard touchdown run in the second quarter was impressive, Johnson's most impressive performance came in the post game interview.

In an off season full of labor disputes, contract holdouts, bold predictions, and all out trash talking, it was good that Johnson did not take the bait when asked about his goals for the season. The out spoken self titled CJ2K made his own contributions to the nfl's "what about me" off season persona with his highly publicized contract dispute with the Titans. Cooler heads prevailed, and Johnson reported to camp on time. His 2500 yard rushing goal is also well publicized, but when asked about his personal performance in the Titans victory Johnson responded "I feel like if I do my job and do my situation that in any game I can get over a 100. I'm really not going into any game right now thinking about any records, making sure I get over a 100 and this and that. My main focus is winning." Johnson made no mention of Sanders, no mention of 2500 yards, and no mention of Young's touchdown throw from the one yard line. That would have been an eyes closed, stat padding touchdown for Johnson. The Titan's blowout victory was a total team win and Johnson made a total team statement. Someone should remind Patriots receiver Randy Moss that Johnson is playing for a new deal as well.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Hokies pay back Boise State

James Madison pulled off this week's upset of the year by knocking off Virginia Tech 21-16. Obviously the Hokies BCS hopes are all but gone, and a fall out of the top twenty five is a foregone conclusion. As bad as Hokie nation feels today, no one feels worse than Boise State. Criticized for having a weak schedule and playing in an inferior conference, Boise State needed a victory over a quality opponent. The Bronco's victory over then tenth ranked Va Tech was the high profile win they needed to impress the coaches and computers. If Virginia Tech continues to struggle, Boise State could be void of a true quality win once the first BCS rankings are released. So it seems the Broncos won the battle, but may ultimately lose the war.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Who do you watch in week 2?

If you are a fan of college football, you will liken this weekend's games to a smorgasbord of your your favorite foods all in one buffet. Top twenty five match up over hear. Storied rivalry over there. Sprinkle in a few power house programs and umm. A meal fit for a king. And I'm just talking about the 2:30 games. So I propose this question, if you could only watch one game in it's entirety at 2:30 and you are not a die hard fan of either team which game would it be?

Michigan and Notre Dame renew their rivalry in South Bend. Both teams broke in new starting quarterbacks and both teams played well. A 2-0 start would be a huge morale boost to either team, but a 1-1 start would not bury either team from an expectation stand point.

Florida State travels to Norman to face Oklahoma. The Sooners were unimpressive in week 1 and fell 3 spots in the poles. The Noles were dominate, and climbed 3 spots in the poles. Both will be facing the real deal on Saturday. Both teams also have a chance to show their performance last week was a fluke.

I am a die hard Michigan fan, but from a national implication standpoint I would have to watch Miami and Ohio State collide in Columbus. For one, it's an out of conference showdown between two teams with legitimate shots at an automatic BCS bid. Ohio State should be the favorite, but it's about more than Ohio State. It's about Boise State. After their come from behind victory over 10th ranked Virginia Tech, the Broncos enter week 2 with seven first place votes under their belt to go with their #3 ranking. Ohio State is currently #2. Let the controversy begin! If Ohio State wins but does so in a marginal way, the gap could close between them and Boise State. If the Buckeyes were to get upset? Let the controversy begin! With a relatively light schedule in front of them, the Broncos would be poised to finish the season at worst #2 in the poles. Traditionalist and power conference one loss teams will state their case. The beautiful thing is, their case would be valid as well. And let's not even try to guess what the computers will do. I am going to kick back, relax, and let the game after "the game" begin.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Should Titans trade for Haynesworth?

The Tennessee Titans failed to resign their all pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth at the end of the 2008 regular season. Washington signed Haynesworth to a lucrative 100 million dollar contract just seconds into free agency. In the final two years of his contract in Tennessee, Haynesworth had his best two statistical seasons as a pro. The Titans greatly benefited, finishing in the top ten in yards allowed and points allowed on defense. The Titans also made the playoffs in both campaigns. Without Haynesworth last year the Titans fell to 28th in both yards per game and points per game allowed, and the domino effect of an invisible pass rush lead to big gains in the passing game. The same secondary that sent numerous people to the pro bowl in 2008 were rendered helpless as they attempted to cover receivers for an extra second or two. Teams had to constantly double team Haynesworth, which allowed the linebackers to flow to the ball without resistance. That made it hard to establish a consistent run game as well. Titans defensive line coach Jim Washburn teaches a quick off the ball and up the field approach, a technique embraced by Haynesworth. The Washington Redskins and new head coach Mike Shanahan will use a 3-4 scheme this year, a move that has been publicly criticized by Haynesworth. From cashing his 21 million dollar bonus check and missing mini camps, to reporting to training camp out of shape, to a mysterious illness causing more missed time. Shanahan is clearly at his wit's end and would rather move Haynesworth than let him become a distraction.

So who is rumored to come calling? The Tennessee Titans. I believe the Titans might have made more of an attempt to resign Haynesworth if the asking price had not been so high. With Washington already paying Haynesworth in excess of 30 million dollars guaranteed, the asking price is a lot more attractive to the Titans now. And as far as the stability of Haynesworth, remember he wore a Titans jersey the day he stomped on Andre Gurode's unprotected head. So a draft pick or two and his base salary may be enough to pull the trigger. Especially when you consider the Titans will likely start a rookie cornerback opposite Cortland Finnegan this Sunday. With middle linebacker Gerald McRath missing the first four games and David Thornton starting out on the pup list, it may not be a bad idea to take a chance on someone who's familiar with your system and can come right in and dominate. Head coach Jeff Fisher can ill afford another disastrous September. If you can afford it Tennessee, make the deal.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Welcome back Revis

If you are a rabid football fan like myself then your thought process is this. The nfl season is like Christmas, you wait all year for and it comes and goes in a day. With such a small window in which to enjoy your favorite past time, you want to see the best players on the best teams playing for the highest stakes. Commissioner Roger Goodell must agree as he is in full favor of replacing two preseason games with regular season games. This is not a debate over the newly proposed 18 game regular season. This is an official welcome back to one Mr. Darrelle Revis. Revis, the all world shut down corner for the New York Jets, ended his holdout and is rumored to take the field in the Jets Monday night opener against the Ravens. Whether you are an owner of the Jets defense in your fantasy football league, a die hard Jets fan, or casual fan flipping through the stations, you'd be hard pressed to not watch Revis battling with a great wide receiver with the game on the line. We wont have to wait long with the likes of Anquan Boldin, Randy Moss, and Brandon Marshall first up to bat. Throw in the fact that the opponents themselves (Ravens, Patriots, Dolphins) have playoff caliber teams and you have the makings of another dramatic, entertaining, and headline filled season. Yes sir Hank Williams, I am ready for some football.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Robinson keeps buzzards away

Michigan Wolverines head coach Rich Rodriguez came into Saturday's opener against Connecticut sitting on the hottest coaching seat in America. No coach could afford to lose their game more than Rodriguez, who knows the buzzards smell blood and are circling above his head. Coming into his third season as the head coach, Rodriguez's message has been patience as he tries to rebuild a roster that was once proud and dominate. The first two years were a well documented disaster and the quarterback play was not to the liking of a Rodriguez offense. Patience quickly turned into frustration as the Wolverines lost seven of their last eight games and missed a bowl game for an unprecedented second straight year. NCAA sanctions, off field issues, and injuries to an already anemic secondary had buzzards circling the newly renovated Big House. Enter Denard Robinson.

Sophomore quarterback Denard Robinson made his first collegiate start on Saturday for the Wolverines. All he did was complete 86% of his passes, rush for a school record 197 yards as a qb, and torch the Huskies for 383 total yards. Robinson's two touchdowns paved the way for an impressive 30-10 rout of Connecticut, who most had picked to win the game. Images of former West Virginia great Pat White came to mind as Robinson surgically dissected the Huskies defense with electrifying runs and precision passing. It seems that Rodriguez may have finally found "his" quarterback, and the Wolverines have finally found an identity in the post Lloyd Carr era. With a relatively "light" scheduling stretch on the horizon, the Wolverine's annual bash with arch rival Notre Dame will not be as big of a must win as it would have if the Wolverines had lost. A 4-1 record heading into their meeting with Michigan State would seem almost forgivable after what we saw Saturday. A 5-0 start would make the maize and blue nation ecstatic and presumably nationally ranked. We all know a losing streak will bring those buzzards back out, but for now Rodgiguez can thank Robinson for keeping them at bay.