Nfl head coach Jerry Glanville's side line conversation with a referee was caught on film one Sunday afternoon. The exchange lead to one of the nfl's most popular quotes, the nfl stands for not for long. Glanville was arguing a perceived blown call in that instance, but the the phrase has since been universally used. Some use the saying in reference to a coach on the hot seat. Others use the term in reference to the violent nature of the game. Five weeks into the 2010 season and the phrase is a warning to the 2009 playoff teams.
The nfc playoff teams from a year ago, New Orleans, Minnesota, Green Bay, Dallas, Arizona, and Philadelphia are a combined 14-14 after five weeks. The Cowboys and Vikings are sitting at the bottom of the nfc east and central. Their meeting in Minneapolis this Sunday afternoon is not a must win game, it's a play in game. The loser will drop to 1-4 and become a playoff after thought.
The afc playoff teams from a year ago, Indianapolis, San Diego, New England, Baltimore, Cincinnati, and New York have fared a little better with an 18-11 record at the five week mark. Their division counter parts are playing much better as well though. The Colts find themselves in a four way tie for the division lead at 3-2, but their 0-2 division record has them fighting up hill. The Chargers are also win less in their division at 0-2. With the emergence of the Texans, Titans, and Steelers, there may not be much wiggle room to squeeze in as a wild card this year. If recent parody is any indication, most of last year's playoff participants better enjoy it while they can.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
One of the more intriguing match ups of the weekend will play out in Cowboys Stadium when the Tennessee Titans make their regular season debut. The Titans (2-2) are coming off a gut wrenching loss to the Denver Broncos and have been plagued with inconsistency. The Cowboys (1-2) are coming off a bye and have been consistently bad until an impressive road victory over the red hot Texans saved their season. Both teams finished 09 strong and were perceived to be playoff participants this year. Both teams have been saved by their divisional counter parts. Both teams are polar opposites.
The Titans are a no name, no nonsense group of over achievers who play to the whistle and sometimes beyond. They know who they are. They run the ball, and run the ball. Tennessee is border line impossible to watch if you are a casual fan flipping through stations on a Monday night. The Titans will come into Sunday's game with a "dirty team" cloud hovering over their head. They lead the league in personal fouls and average 10 penalties per game. Tennessee will be looking for a fight. If they don't get one, they'll start one.
The Dallas Cowboys are America's Team. A name as familiar as McDonalds and Burger King. The Cowboys have a high profile and a load of recognizable super stars. Just as the Titans are perceived as dirty, the Cowboys are perceived as a finesse team. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett has one of the league's most talented rosters, and likes to get the ball down the field to a variety of weapons. Their lack of balance also poses a problem as defenses are able to tee off on an offensive line that's pass blocking fifty times a game.
The outcome of this game could very well come down to who can impose their will on the other. If the Titans are able to get Chris Johnson going and and keep theme time of possession on the plus side, they have an excellent chance to win. Defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil likes to rotate his defensive linemen so the pass rush can remain at a ferocious level. The Cowboy's offensive line problems could rear it's ugly head if Romo is forced to throw it fifty times this week. If there was an advantage for the Cowboys it would be their defense, and their defensive scheme in particular. Wade Phillips runs a 3-4 defense, the same defense that lead to the benching of Titans quarterback Vince Young in week two against the Steelers. Young turned the ball over four times and looked confused at various times prior to his benching. Dallas had two weeks to study, and possibly improve on Pittsburgh's game plan. The Titans have won 10 straight games against nfc opponents. Their last loss? A 45-14 home loss to the Cowboys. This isn't necessarily a must win game for either team, but the winner will clearly be back in their division title race.
The Titans are a no name, no nonsense group of over achievers who play to the whistle and sometimes beyond. They know who they are. They run the ball, and run the ball. Tennessee is border line impossible to watch if you are a casual fan flipping through stations on a Monday night. The Titans will come into Sunday's game with a "dirty team" cloud hovering over their head. They lead the league in personal fouls and average 10 penalties per game. Tennessee will be looking for a fight. If they don't get one, they'll start one.
The Dallas Cowboys are America's Team. A name as familiar as McDonalds and Burger King. The Cowboys have a high profile and a load of recognizable super stars. Just as the Titans are perceived as dirty, the Cowboys are perceived as a finesse team. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett has one of the league's most talented rosters, and likes to get the ball down the field to a variety of weapons. Their lack of balance also poses a problem as defenses are able to tee off on an offensive line that's pass blocking fifty times a game.
The outcome of this game could very well come down to who can impose their will on the other. If the Titans are able to get Chris Johnson going and and keep theme time of possession on the plus side, they have an excellent chance to win. Defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil likes to rotate his defensive linemen so the pass rush can remain at a ferocious level. The Cowboy's offensive line problems could rear it's ugly head if Romo is forced to throw it fifty times this week. If there was an advantage for the Cowboys it would be their defense, and their defensive scheme in particular. Wade Phillips runs a 3-4 defense, the same defense that lead to the benching of Titans quarterback Vince Young in week two against the Steelers. Young turned the ball over four times and looked confused at various times prior to his benching. Dallas had two weeks to study, and possibly improve on Pittsburgh's game plan. The Titans have won 10 straight games against nfc opponents. Their last loss? A 45-14 home loss to the Cowboys. This isn't necessarily a must win game for either team, but the winner will clearly be back in their division title race.
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