It's Up! It's Good!
A glorious season of football is now in the books. We look to the playoffs, and what the NFL likes to call "the second season". But before the new playoff predictions, we shall look at my preview and point, and laugh. I recall one little pick is bound to kill a man with laughter. Let's just say one of my division winners hasn't been in the race since.... ... the preseason.
New York Giants
The Giants responded more resiliently than many people thought they would... they didn't surprise me though. They proved that their defense, even banged up and after retirees, is still a force to be reckoned with. They were bar none the highlight of the year for the team. With their insane pass rush and massive linebacker core, they pounded the middle and assaulted all oncoming QBs and running backs. Even the rookies played like steely veterans. The cornerbacks are rapidly shoring up the secondary. Corey Webster and Aaron Ross are monsters and will be crucial for the playoff run.
The whole Plaxico situation makes me sad. He played with a lot of passion last year, granted that he did consistently miss practice and only played on gameday (also known as Allen Iverson Syndrome). His actions only worsened this season and culminated in some stiff fines and finally a full-on season long suspension. Lots suspect his days with the Giants are numbered. I have mixed feelings about that. One, they should drop his ass. A team doesn't need that kind of distraction, even how focused they claim they are, in the locker room. But on the other hand, elite receivers are few and far between. And it becomes apparent that, while they don't necessarily need it, the Giants are a better team when they have that deep threat over the top. It'll be interesting to see how it shakes out.
Eli Manning has finally become a real boy! This is by far his most consistent and upright season. It wasn't up and down, he didn't make stupid mistakes play after play after play. His turnovers were down, and he made the right play on most occasions. He didn't rack up the stats, but that's what you need.. the quarterback who knows what it takes to win. Its in the Manning pedigree. He proved it this year. It's shocking to think that, even up to a year ago, he did not look like a leader ready to become a big time QB. Eli has finally won over the New York fans.
THey have the #1 seed in the playoffs, and are the Vegas favorites to win the whole enchilada. But its why you play the game on the field. It'd be downright saddening to see them get axed just the way they axed last year. But at any rate, this team will compete, and it will be dominant. They will be the hardest out in the playoffs this year. Kudos to any team who does it (pfft.)
Seattle Seahawks
Wow....
....
What an ugly season. It's a shame that Mike Holmgren has to leave on such a disastrous note. It's not a reflection of his greatness. Murphy's Law is in full effect this season. Things went wrong, and how. They regressed from division giants to a scrappy, but uneffective team. Lucky for them they don't have to blow up the team and start from nothing. They have enough talent to be ready to compete again next year. Just gear up, stockpile from the draft, and hit them again under a new coach. Hopefully Hasselbeck and the rest of the team show good results under Jim Mora's system.
So a bad year, but I have my hopes for them next season.
St. Louis Rams
At least I didn't expect much from them this year, so it wasn't much of a surprise.
They've been bad for so long now it's hard to see them getting much better. But I did see some signs of life. Their defense looks like it could be good with some more pieces. And if they shore up that swiss-cheese O-line, they might find some more life for Bulger. Whether this is enough to translate to anything remains to be seen.
It also will be intersting to see if Marc Bulger is at least challenged at quarterback. Would it be in the cards for the Rams to draft Sam Bradford? It would be magnificently interesting. It would essentially tell Bulger to play better, or else. Whether Bradford ends up superceding him or Bulger has a Drew Brees-Philip Rivers mantra going on would be good.
They won't compete next year either, but maybe... just maybe... they can take the baby steps next year to be able to compete by 2010.
New York Jets
Let me just say this: I never approved of the Favre trade. I thought it would be pointless, and he would not help the team as much as they thought. Sure, it looked good earlier. But there was no way in hell he repeated his amazing season last year for this team. He showed his age, especially down the stretch. Losing 4 of 5, there was no way they deserved the playoffs. Any one of those wins would have essentially locked up their division. But here we go with another round of Favre retirement schpeals, and the Jets were knocked out the playoffs.
Mangini was fired today. Mixed feelings, but overall, I guess I agree. It all depends on who they bring in to guide them next year. They have the talent to go far. We saw that. The defense played stoutly and Thomas Jones became the back they always wanted. But every single player seemed to regress and give up the last 5 games. I'm a fan, but even I think they got their just desserts with Chad Pennington, who I am still a huge fan of, dumping on them and handing them an early vacation.
THEN AND NOW
NFC East
Then:
1 - Dallas Cowboys
2 - New York Giants
3 - Philadelphia Eagles
4 - Washington Redskins
Now:
1 - New York Giants
2 - Philadelphia Eagles
3 - Dallas Cowboys
4 - Washington Redskins
Never again, Dallas, will I pick you. The soap opera hit over drive and really threw the team down. The Eagles came on strong late, and the G-Men were explosive all season.
NFC North
Then:
1 - Detroit Lions
2 - Minnesota Vikings
3 - Green Bay Packers
4 - Chicago Bears
Now:
1 - Minnesota Vikings
2 - Chicago Bears
3 - Green Bay Packers
4 - Detroit Lions
"I'm just as shocked as you are. But Jon Kitna is the only "real" QB in this division now." My exact words in claiming the Lions would win. ... I have nothing to say to that... I'm just going to leave it as is.. and walk away..... walk far far away.
NFC South
Then:
1 - New Orleans Saints
2 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3 - Carolina Panthers
4 - Atlanta Falcons
Now:
1 - Carolina Panthers
2 - Atlanta Falcons
3 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4 - New Orlean Saints
With the emergence of the Falcons, the NFC South now becomes the best division in football. But at what point do you blame Sean Payton for the Saints consistent demise? They have the talent of a championship team. After that, you have to look at the coaches.
NFC West
Then:
1 - Seattle Seahawks
2 - Arizona Cardinals
3 - San Francisco 49ers
4 - St. Louis Rams
Now:
1 - Arizona Cardinals
2 - San Francisco 49ers
3 - Seattle Seahawks
4 - St. Louis Rams
Cards wrapped it up surprisingly early thanks to Kurt Warner and a punchy offense. They give everyone who's been claiming they were on the front step for years some validation finally.
AFC East
Then:
1 - New England Patriots
2 - Buffalo Bills
3 - Miami Dolphins
4 - New York Jets
Now:
1 - Miami Dolphins
2 - New England Patriots
3 - New York Jets
4 - Buffalo Bills
"When will this be a competition again?" I spouted. This year! Finally this division was fun to watch again. I'm still shocked that this one win team is heading into the playoffs. And how. They look really good, and may finally be a full time competitve team. Three 10-win teams in this division makes it one of the best in the league.
AFC North
Then:
1 - Pittsburgh Steelers
2 - Cleveland Browns
3 - Cincinnati Bengals
4 - Baltimore Ravens
Now:
1 - Pittsburgh Steelers
2 - Baltimore Ravens
3 - Cincinnati Bengals
4 - Cleveland Browns
I may have boarded the Cleveland fanbus a bit too early. Whoops! And honestly, I did not expect such an uprising by rookie Joe Flacco and the Ravens.
AFC South
Then:
1 - Indianapolis Colts
2 - Jacksonville Jaguars
3 - Tennessee Titans
4 - Houston Texans
Now:
1 - Tennesse Titans
2 - Indianapolis Colts
3 - Houston Texans
4 - Jacksonville Jaguars
This was the division with the most surprises. But no bigger than Jacksonville. How do you go from a championship caliber team to bottom feeders?
AFC West
Then:
1 - Denver Broncos
2 - San Diego Chargers
3 - Oakland Raiders
4 - Kansas City Chiefs
Now:
1 - San Diego Chargers
2 - Denver Broncos
3 - Oakland Raiders
4 - Kansas City Chiefs
Your division winner doesn't even have a winning record. An 8-8 division champ. Wow. Enjoy your 37 point playoff loss, San Diego. Didn't a whole bunch of people think they were going to win the Super Bowl? Idiots.
Wildcards
THEN:
New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns
NOW:
Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles
Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens
Oh god, revoke my prediction license. I only guessed correctly on 3 playoff teams... out of 12 spots. Oi vei.
First Round Byes
Then:
Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints
Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots
Now:
New York Giants, Carolina Panthers
Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers
At least I got one bye right. History has shown that it's more often than not that the teams who have byes will not meet each other in the conference championship. Expecting a New York/Carolina and Tennessee/Pittsburgh conference titles? I wouldn't.
Most Valuable Player
Then: Adrian Peterson - Minnesota
Another solid year from him, and he may indeed garner some votes. But overall probably not your 2008 MVP
Now: Chad Pennington - Miami
Fuck stats. You show me a player who has shown more impression on his team than this man. From one win to East champions. He was named as offensive captain only two weeks after arriving. That is valuable in ever aspect.
PLAYOFFS
Then:
New York Giants defeat Detroit Lions
Seattle Seahawks defeat Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Indianapolis Colts defeat Cleveland Browns
Jacksonville Jaguars defeat Denver Broncos
Dallas Cowboys defeat Seattle Seahawks
New York Giants defeat New Orleans Saints
Indianapolis Colts defeat New England Patriots
Pittsburgh Steelers defeat Jacksonville Jaguars
Dallas Cowboys defeat New York Giants
Pittsburgh Steelers defeat Indianapolis Colts
Pittsburgh Steelers defeat Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowl MVP: Willie Parker
Now:
Philadelphia Eagles defeat Minnesota Vikings
Atlanta Falcons defeat Arizona Cardinals
Indianapolis Colts defeat San Diego Chargers
Miami Dolphins defeat Baltimore Ravens
New York Giants defeat Philadelphia Eagles
Carolina Panthers defeat Atlanta Falcons
Indianapolis Colts defeat Tennessee Titans
Pittsburgh Steelers defeat Miami Dolphins
New York Giants defeat Carolina Panthers
Pittsburgh Steelers defeat Indianapolis Colts
New York Giants defeat Pittsburgh Steelers
Super Bowl MVP: Brandon Jacobs
I realize it's always dangerous picking your team to win it all, especially since it looks like you're a homer and biased. But honestly, I think that game with Carolina could go either way. And so could the Indy/Pitt game. It could very easily be the other way around, an Indy/Carolina Super Bowl.
...and if you think about it, this year will probably be the best, and potentially only, year we could witness the Manning Bowl. Don't think it'll happen, but it'd be an awesome match if it comes down to it.
New York Giants
The Giants responded more resiliently than many people thought they would... they didn't surprise me though. They proved that their defense, even banged up and after retirees, is still a force to be reckoned with. They were bar none the highlight of the year for the team. With their insane pass rush and massive linebacker core, they pounded the middle and assaulted all oncoming QBs and running backs. Even the rookies played like steely veterans. The cornerbacks are rapidly shoring up the secondary. Corey Webster and Aaron Ross are monsters and will be crucial for the playoff run.
The whole Plaxico situation makes me sad. He played with a lot of passion last year, granted that he did consistently miss practice and only played on gameday (also known as Allen Iverson Syndrome). His actions only worsened this season and culminated in some stiff fines and finally a full-on season long suspension. Lots suspect his days with the Giants are numbered. I have mixed feelings about that. One, they should drop his ass. A team doesn't need that kind of distraction, even how focused they claim they are, in the locker room. But on the other hand, elite receivers are few and far between. And it becomes apparent that, while they don't necessarily need it, the Giants are a better team when they have that deep threat over the top. It'll be interesting to see how it shakes out.
Eli Manning has finally become a real boy! This is by far his most consistent and upright season. It wasn't up and down, he didn't make stupid mistakes play after play after play. His turnovers were down, and he made the right play on most occasions. He didn't rack up the stats, but that's what you need.. the quarterback who knows what it takes to win. Its in the Manning pedigree. He proved it this year. It's shocking to think that, even up to a year ago, he did not look like a leader ready to become a big time QB. Eli has finally won over the New York fans.
THey have the #1 seed in the playoffs, and are the Vegas favorites to win the whole enchilada. But its why you play the game on the field. It'd be downright saddening to see them get axed just the way they axed last year. But at any rate, this team will compete, and it will be dominant. They will be the hardest out in the playoffs this year. Kudos to any team who does it (pfft.)
Seattle Seahawks
Wow....
....
What an ugly season. It's a shame that Mike Holmgren has to leave on such a disastrous note. It's not a reflection of his greatness. Murphy's Law is in full effect this season. Things went wrong, and how. They regressed from division giants to a scrappy, but uneffective team. Lucky for them they don't have to blow up the team and start from nothing. They have enough talent to be ready to compete again next year. Just gear up, stockpile from the draft, and hit them again under a new coach. Hopefully Hasselbeck and the rest of the team show good results under Jim Mora's system.
So a bad year, but I have my hopes for them next season.
St. Louis Rams
At least I didn't expect much from them this year, so it wasn't much of a surprise.
They've been bad for so long now it's hard to see them getting much better. But I did see some signs of life. Their defense looks like it could be good with some more pieces. And if they shore up that swiss-cheese O-line, they might find some more life for Bulger. Whether this is enough to translate to anything remains to be seen.
It also will be intersting to see if Marc Bulger is at least challenged at quarterback. Would it be in the cards for the Rams to draft Sam Bradford? It would be magnificently interesting. It would essentially tell Bulger to play better, or else. Whether Bradford ends up superceding him or Bulger has a Drew Brees-Philip Rivers mantra going on would be good.
They won't compete next year either, but maybe... just maybe... they can take the baby steps next year to be able to compete by 2010.
New York Jets
Let me just say this: I never approved of the Favre trade. I thought it would be pointless, and he would not help the team as much as they thought. Sure, it looked good earlier. But there was no way in hell he repeated his amazing season last year for this team. He showed his age, especially down the stretch. Losing 4 of 5, there was no way they deserved the playoffs. Any one of those wins would have essentially locked up their division. But here we go with another round of Favre retirement schpeals, and the Jets were knocked out the playoffs.
Mangini was fired today. Mixed feelings, but overall, I guess I agree. It all depends on who they bring in to guide them next year. They have the talent to go far. We saw that. The defense played stoutly and Thomas Jones became the back they always wanted. But every single player seemed to regress and give up the last 5 games. I'm a fan, but even I think they got their just desserts with Chad Pennington, who I am still a huge fan of, dumping on them and handing them an early vacation.
THEN AND NOW
NFC East
Then:
1 - Dallas Cowboys
2 - New York Giants
3 - Philadelphia Eagles
4 - Washington Redskins
Now:
1 - New York Giants
2 - Philadelphia Eagles
3 - Dallas Cowboys
4 - Washington Redskins
Never again, Dallas, will I pick you. The soap opera hit over drive and really threw the team down. The Eagles came on strong late, and the G-Men were explosive all season.
NFC North
Then:
1 - Detroit Lions
2 - Minnesota Vikings
3 - Green Bay Packers
4 - Chicago Bears
Now:
1 - Minnesota Vikings
2 - Chicago Bears
3 - Green Bay Packers
4 - Detroit Lions
"I'm just as shocked as you are. But Jon Kitna is the only "real" QB in this division now." My exact words in claiming the Lions would win. ... I have nothing to say to that... I'm just going to leave it as is.. and walk away..... walk far far away.
NFC South
Then:
1 - New Orleans Saints
2 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3 - Carolina Panthers
4 - Atlanta Falcons
Now:
1 - Carolina Panthers
2 - Atlanta Falcons
3 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4 - New Orlean Saints
With the emergence of the Falcons, the NFC South now becomes the best division in football. But at what point do you blame Sean Payton for the Saints consistent demise? They have the talent of a championship team. After that, you have to look at the coaches.
NFC West
Then:
1 - Seattle Seahawks
2 - Arizona Cardinals
3 - San Francisco 49ers
4 - St. Louis Rams
Now:
1 - Arizona Cardinals
2 - San Francisco 49ers
3 - Seattle Seahawks
4 - St. Louis Rams
Cards wrapped it up surprisingly early thanks to Kurt Warner and a punchy offense. They give everyone who's been claiming they were on the front step for years some validation finally.
AFC East
Then:
1 - New England Patriots
2 - Buffalo Bills
3 - Miami Dolphins
4 - New York Jets
Now:
1 - Miami Dolphins
2 - New England Patriots
3 - New York Jets
4 - Buffalo Bills
"When will this be a competition again?" I spouted. This year! Finally this division was fun to watch again. I'm still shocked that this one win team is heading into the playoffs. And how. They look really good, and may finally be a full time competitve team. Three 10-win teams in this division makes it one of the best in the league.
AFC North
Then:
1 - Pittsburgh Steelers
2 - Cleveland Browns
3 - Cincinnati Bengals
4 - Baltimore Ravens
Now:
1 - Pittsburgh Steelers
2 - Baltimore Ravens
3 - Cincinnati Bengals
4 - Cleveland Browns
I may have boarded the Cleveland fanbus a bit too early. Whoops! And honestly, I did not expect such an uprising by rookie Joe Flacco and the Ravens.
AFC South
Then:
1 - Indianapolis Colts
2 - Jacksonville Jaguars
3 - Tennessee Titans
4 - Houston Texans
Now:
1 - Tennesse Titans
2 - Indianapolis Colts
3 - Houston Texans
4 - Jacksonville Jaguars
This was the division with the most surprises. But no bigger than Jacksonville. How do you go from a championship caliber team to bottom feeders?
AFC West
Then:
1 - Denver Broncos
2 - San Diego Chargers
3 - Oakland Raiders
4 - Kansas City Chiefs
Now:
1 - San Diego Chargers
2 - Denver Broncos
3 - Oakland Raiders
4 - Kansas City Chiefs
Your division winner doesn't even have a winning record. An 8-8 division champ. Wow. Enjoy your 37 point playoff loss, San Diego. Didn't a whole bunch of people think they were going to win the Super Bowl? Idiots.
Wildcards
THEN:
New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns
NOW:
Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles
Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens
Oh god, revoke my prediction license. I only guessed correctly on 3 playoff teams... out of 12 spots. Oi vei.
First Round Byes
Then:
Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints
Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots
Now:
New York Giants, Carolina Panthers
Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers
At least I got one bye right. History has shown that it's more often than not that the teams who have byes will not meet each other in the conference championship. Expecting a New York/Carolina and Tennessee/Pittsburgh conference titles? I wouldn't.
Most Valuable Player
Then: Adrian Peterson - Minnesota
Another solid year from him, and he may indeed garner some votes. But overall probably not your 2008 MVP
Now: Chad Pennington - Miami
Fuck stats. You show me a player who has shown more impression on his team than this man. From one win to East champions. He was named as offensive captain only two weeks after arriving. That is valuable in ever aspect.
PLAYOFFS
Then:
New York Giants defeat Detroit Lions
Seattle Seahawks defeat Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Indianapolis Colts defeat Cleveland Browns
Jacksonville Jaguars defeat Denver Broncos
Dallas Cowboys defeat Seattle Seahawks
New York Giants defeat New Orleans Saints
Indianapolis Colts defeat New England Patriots
Pittsburgh Steelers defeat Jacksonville Jaguars
Dallas Cowboys defeat New York Giants
Pittsburgh Steelers defeat Indianapolis Colts
Pittsburgh Steelers defeat Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowl MVP: Willie Parker
Now:
Philadelphia Eagles defeat Minnesota Vikings
Atlanta Falcons defeat Arizona Cardinals
Indianapolis Colts defeat San Diego Chargers
Miami Dolphins defeat Baltimore Ravens
New York Giants defeat Philadelphia Eagles
Carolina Panthers defeat Atlanta Falcons
Indianapolis Colts defeat Tennessee Titans
Pittsburgh Steelers defeat Miami Dolphins
New York Giants defeat Carolina Panthers
Pittsburgh Steelers defeat Indianapolis Colts
New York Giants defeat Pittsburgh Steelers
Super Bowl MVP: Brandon Jacobs
I realize it's always dangerous picking your team to win it all, especially since it looks like you're a homer and biased. But honestly, I think that game with Carolina could go either way. And so could the Indy/Pitt game. It could very easily be the other way around, an Indy/Carolina Super Bowl.
...and if you think about it, this year will probably be the best, and potentially only, year we could witness the Manning Bowl. Don't think it'll happen, but it'd be an awesome match if it comes down to it.