411's NFL Round Up 01.01.08
Posted by Emmett Wilks on 01.01.2008
Regular season comes to a close. Find out how the playoff teams will fair this January, who garners this seasons awards, and why no game is "meaningless." All this and more in the Round Up.
2007 is now apart of history, as is the NFL regular season. While a huge chunk of the playoff picture had already been established, some teams needed to fight for a win in week 17 to gain a spot in the playoff show. Be sure to check out Derek Robbins BREAKDOWN for a great recap of the action. Surprisingly though, there was a host of good games around the league to close out the regular season, a welcome change from the past few years of boring games. But notice I did not say meaningless, because in my humble opinion, such a term doesn't exist for NFL teams.
QUICK HITS
Isn't is amazing how much difference a quarterback makes for a team. When Peyton Manning bowed out of the regular season finally against the Titan and turned it over to back up Jim Sorgi, it was like watching a different team. Not a knock on Sorgi at all, but quarterback is far and away the most important position is football.
Donovan McNabb may very well have extended his stay in Philly with a nice little three game win streak. The Eagles finished 8-8 this season, played in a division that sent 3 of the 4 to the playoffs, and were in just about every loss. Rumor mill is spinning that the Birds are concerned about the future QB Kevin Kolb, and McNabb may be staying put for next year.
Saturday's game between the Giants and Patriots featured two playoff bound teams with little to gain in a win. The resulting game was a donnybrook of a brawl between for essentially nothing more than pride. And I loved every second of it. Big ups to Tom Coughlin and Bill Bellichick for making it one of the NFL's best games all season.
NOTHING IS MEANINGLESS!!!
The big term going around a lot of games this week in the NFL was "meaningless." While it can never be debated that the most important thing you do in the NFL is play to win a championship, I cannot say, as a former player and columnist that it is not the only thing. First and foremost among players, the last game is an opportunity to win another game, no matter what the situation. You are a professional, and like anything, you want to perform your best. It is never fun to lose. Meaningless has little place in the discussion. The only teams who have the luxury of treating week 17 as meaningless are those playoff bound teams whose standing will not be affected by a win or a lose, but even they need to worry about injury to key backups and role players. Every game matters. Down here in Miami for example, with the arrival of Bill Parcells, each and every one of those players is putting on an audition for next season. Such can be said for a host of other players and coaches in the NFL. Each game is an assessment of someone's performance. Even beyond personal assessment, there is the simple fact that teams can still improve and move into the off-season with momentum. I know may would disagree with that, but really, has there ever been a team that with a totally new roster the next season. In reality, while several players will change uniforms, the vast majority of 2007's squad will be returning for 2008, whether it be a great team or a bad team. And winning is always a positive step forward, even if it has to be bridged by an off-season. Those who wish for there teams to lose and obtain better draft positions are ridiculous. Not just for the reason that the Draft has been such an immense crapshoot for years, but also that the thought that the majority of a team should take a step backwards to get one more player rather than collectively get better as a team is ridiculous. Winning is the best remedy to a teams shortcomings. Not better draft position, and most certainly not losing. Winning begets more winning. While it is true that there are valuable lessons in a lose, ones that cannot be conveyed during wins, you cannot build a fortune if you don't start with a little bit of dough. These so called meaningless games at the end of the season are just that. It is a way of building the foundation for next season. The prime example of this is the Packers, who entered this season on a four game winning. Using last years success as a spring board, the Packers launched into a pleasant surprise of a season. Don't you dare tell me that Brett Favre and coach Mike McCarthy thought those games were meaningless. Atlanta's 44 point outburst to end the season is another great example. While they will likely go through a multitude of changes into next season, such a win is both therapeutic and confidence building for a sad, struggling squad Every game matters in the NFL, even if it is for next season. .
The second season of the NFL is here. The playoffs are finally among us. Rather than give a game by game preview, I will defer to fellow 411 columnist Randy Isbelle for that. Rather, let's take a look at the path each team took to get to this point. Here is how we are shaking down right now.
NFC
1.) Dallas Cowboys (13-3)
The NFC's best team, Dallas was a bit of a surprise heading into the season. Bolstered by the free agent acquisitions of guard Leonard Davis to solidify the NFL's best O-line, Dallas was expected to be a good team, but certainly not the NFC's number 1 seed. First year coach Wade Phillips, who oversaw the teams improvement in nearly all important offensive and defensive stats. A regular season smacking by the Redskins may raise a few question marks, but this is still the safe bet for the NFC's representative in the Super Bowl.
Playoff Outlook- A letdown for this squad if they don't make it to the Big Show.
2.) Green Bay Packers (13-3)
The Cinderella who can dominate opponents, Green Bay capped the regular season with a spanking of the not ready for prime time Lions- 34-13. With most of the starters on the bench for majority of the game, the Packers should be well rested and focused. Brett Favre should be in MVP consideration, bouncing back from 29 and 18 interceptions the last two seasons to becoming a far more disciplined decision maker with 26 TD's and 15 INTS. But the real difference was the emerging defense, which rose from 25 to 6 in scoring defense. One of the all time great QB's, plus a powerful D could be the winning formula, despite the lack of a consistent running game.
Playoff Outlook- The only team to match Dallas in NFC, they will be in the Conference championship but fall short.
3.) Seattle Seahawks (10-6)
A slow start this season didn't hurt the Seahawks, who came on strong in the second half on the legs of former MVP Shaun Alexander and a resurgent running game. Playing in the atrocious NFC West was a big help for this squad, but the core of the Super Bowl team from two years ago is intact still, and this is my big upset pick for the playoffs. The both sides of the ball are laden with talent and veteran experience.
Playoff Outlook- A victory against the even hotter Redskins in Wild Card will likely be it for these guys, as too much inconsistency will hold them back against superior Dallas and Green Bay Squads.
4.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (9-7)
Proudly continuing the trend NFC of going from last the winning the NFC South, the Bucs continued this strange occurrence that has been good for the last six seasons. Starting QB Jeff Garcia and backup Luke McCown have guided coach Jon Gruden's aerial attack to perfection. Injuries so riddled this team during the year, but they remained resilient and won the division.
Playoff Outlook- This is the great example of "should be happy to be here." Coach Gruden saved his job, Garcia or McCown can play, and you have new, young stars on the D. Too many injuries won't let these guys go far, and a first round exist is on the way.
5.) New York Giants (10-6)
At 10-6, they still are an underachiever. My feelings about Eli and Co. are well known, but a strong second half of the season prevented yet another collapse that has become a Giants staple the last couple of years. Manning still makes stupid decisions, and a lack of discipline amazing even now permeates in this team. But the talent level is just too good not to take one playoff game. The O-line has been the linchpin of the team, and Brandon Jacobs is an emerging star in the league at tailback.
Playoff Outlook- First round victory will come in Tampa, and they will go as far as Eli will take them. Not a promising picture there.
6.) Washington Redskins- (9-7)
A team beset with the tragic death of safety Sean Taylor, the Skins appear to be the hottest team in the NFC right now, and as Pittsburg proved two years ago, that goes a long, long way. Back up QB Todd Collins is having a magical run, and the running game of Clinton Portis and Ledell Betts has been strong.
Playoff Outlook- Enthusiasm like this is only sustainable with a talented team, and I don't think Washington can do it. A definite positive to get back to the playoffs, but a first round exit is on the horizon.
AFC
New England Patriots (16-0)
The historical run of the Pats just keeps going. Week 17 concluded with the Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and the team setting scoring records which won't be broken for some time. Offensively, defensively, special teams, this is the most complete team the NFL maybe has ever fielded. The hyperbole and descriptions have been so numerous, to add more would be pointless. This is THE team to beat.
Playoff Outlook- Come on, if these guys aren't hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, it will be a colossal disappointment. While they are clearly beatable, I personally want to see history and watch the undefeated season. Your Super Bowl Champions are the New England Patriots.
Indianapolis Colts (13-3)
The only team capable of knocking down the Patriots, the defending champs are well rested and poised for a big run. Peyton Manning and friends churned out another double digit win season. The return of future HOF receiver Marvin Harrison to the lineup will be huge, and an AFC Conference Championship game with the Pats may be biggest non-Super Bowl ever.
Playoff Outlook- Will handle any challenger in divisional round and will battle New England in the greatest game of all time, but only to fall just short.
3.) San Diego Chargers (11-5)
Saving what appeared to be a disastrous season by sheer force of will, the Chargers grabbed the 3 seed in the playoff's with resurgent play from the NFL's best player LaDanian Tomlinson. So much talent won't help them too much, as I can't get those early season stumbles out of my head.
Playoff Outlook- A big win over Tennessee will bloat their heads, only to have them crushed by Indy in the RCA Dome.
4.) Pittsburg Steelers (10-6)
Like the energizer bunny, they just keep going and going. Year in and year out, new coach, new players, the Steel men are always contenders. The big story is the lose of Willie Parker, who lead the NFL in rushing before having his leg snapped. Without him, the running game fails of journeymen tailbacks, and in Pittsburg, you need balance to win.
Playoff Outlook- The Jags roll into Steel City and bring down Pittsburg in a major brawl. Coach Mike Tomlin still needs a lot of Coach of the Year votes.
5.) Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5)
The team everyone fears right now, and for good reason. All three phases of the game have been stellar. Running back tandem Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew have helped catapult the team into the realm of contender. The defense has been nasty all year, and QB David Garrard is nothing short of a revelation. Even with all this, the top two are just too mighty.
Playoff outlook- Will take a Wild Card game against Pittsburg, but will not make past New England.
6.) Tennessee Titans (10-6)
One gets the feeling that this squad backed into the playoffs. After struggling to take down the Colts backups, they grabbed the 6 seed away from Cleveland in a win. While Vince Young deserves a huge amount of credit for leading this squad into the playoffs in his first season as a full time starter, it was the ferious defense, especially the front 7 that really set the stage. These guys will get to the Promised land, but not this year.
Playoff Outlook- San Diego will show them what the playoffs look like. Huge ammunition for next season though.
AWARDS TIME
Some are just too plain obvious, while others are harder than you think.
MVP
Tom Brady
16-0. 50 touchdowns. Nuff said.
Coach of the Year
Jack Del Rio
The toughest one to pick this season. So many deserving candidates. At mid-season, I had Mike Tomlin, but I'm going with Del Rio for the fact that he rolled the dice big time on his QB and won. Also have to show love to Bill Bellichick, but with that talent, one kind of expected that.
Comeback Player of the Year
Brett Favre
There are people jumping out of there chairs right now saying he never went anywhere. But he look bad the last few years, and this season, morphed into a game manager that really propelled the Packers to a 13-3 record. Also in consideration, Randy Moss, but he had a helluva lotta help from fellow receivers, so the nod goes to Favre.
Defensive Player of the Year
Bob Sanders
I want to say Patrick Willis, but his team was too terrible. And when Sanders plays, they have won 94% of the last 22 games. A difference maker in every sense of the word.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Adrian Peterson
Sparked the Vikings to an unexpected strong season, with 1341 yards rushing until injury slowed him down. This is one of those obvious picks.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Patrick Willis
Lead the league in tackles, and at time this season, looked like the best linebacker in the league. San Francisco has a playmaker for years to come.
That'll do it for 2007. Thanks for reading this year. Hope everyone has a great start to 2008.
