411's NFL Round Up 12.30.08: Week 17 Breakdown and 2008 Awards Edition

Posted by Emmett Wilks on 12.30.2008

The NFL regular season has officially come to an end. Who's in, and who's out of the playoffs? Plus, the 2008 Round Up Awards are revealed. MVP, Rookie of the Year, and the Biggest Surprises of 2008 are all awarded! Check out the full column for all the details!


What an incredible football weekend. The NFL finished a great regular season with potential playoff births coming right down to the wire. The NFL could not have asked for a better two weeks to close out the regular season. And now with the playoffs set for 12 teams and to off-season beginning for 20 others, its time to let the real drama begin. Now, onto the Round Up!

QUICK NOTES

To take nothing away from the Dolphins and their great effort, I still believe that Baltimore is a little happier to be traveling to Miami instead of New England. The Patriots right now may be one of the three best teams in football. The defense has been spectacular in the past few weeks, and Matt Cassel and the offense have been effective in the clutch. An 11-5 football team not making the playoffs while the 8-8 Chargers are in does not seem right, but that's life. The Pats made there mistakes and lost divisional games. But if I were Joe Flacco, Ray Lewis and the rest of the Ravens, a Dolphins match up is certainly the lesser of the two evils.

Maybe too much is being made of this, but what was the deal with Brett Favre's pre-game speech to the offense out on the field. It essentially boiled down to "don't worry what happens, just as long as you give it your best effort, we're winners." Uh, my mom stopped telling me that one during high school. Look, not every speech needs to be a hoot and hollering, scream feast. After 11 years of football, some of the most motivational things I ever heard were said in a very calm voice. But Favre came off as an old, tired grandfather with no fire what so ever in that short sound bite. Should this be indicative of the entire game and season for him? Probably not, but it sure did not help the image he has been presently lately as broken down veteran with little a care in the world, even as his coaches job was on the line.

I know that coaches don't want to run up the score, but did the Eagles have to stop throwing the ball after they took a whopping 44-6 lead over the Cowboys. With starting QB Donovan McNabb on the sidelines, seldom seen backup Kevin Kolb was inserted and throw zero passes. Why not just put in a backup defensive lineman then? For me, there is no such thing as running up a score in the NFL. If you cannot stop a team, that's your fault. Kolb deserved an opportunity to get some legitimate reps in a real game after being thrown to the wolves against Baltimore a few weeks ago. Though Eagles coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Morninwhig were likely more concerned with showing some of there plays for the scouts, I don't see why they could do something to give Kolb a better look than that.

It seems like 2008 will be remembered as the Year of the Meltdown. Teams like the Jets, Bucs, Cowboys, and Broncos were all poised for playoff spots at the beginning of December. Now, they will all have to watch the playoffs with us at home. Each of these teams has there own distinct story to tell as to why they collapsed, but if this season teaches us anything, its this. The regular season is 16 games, and every single one of those games counts. Big time. While you cannot panic over one loss, consistency and level headedness are essential in complete and entire season, not three-quarters of one like the aforementioned teams above did. Take advantage of every opportunity.

In light of the head coaching firings, it seems that in today's game, the front office is as much a sought after commodity than what is on the field. Smart owners have always known that you need a good front office to have a good team, but in today's 24 hour sports media, fans are now beginning to appreciate just how vital they really are to a team. From the vilification of now fired GM's like Phil Savage (Cleveland) and Matt Millen (Detroit), a new and more emphatic emphasis is being placed on the guys who assemble the players. The two sexy names this season are familiar ones. New England VP of Player Personnel Scott Pioli and Indianapolis's Bill Polian are now going to be courted by a number of teams tired of losing. While football yesterday, today, and in the future will always be won and lost on the field, the front offices importance cannot be overstated. There is a reason why teams like the Pats, Colts, and Steelers seem to win every single year. It is a great front office constructing and building a team that allows that success to continue. Going after a new GM with as much intensity as a head coach or free agent is just smart business by any owner.


THE CAROUSEL BEGINS


Mangini was one of three coaches canned on Monday, with more likely to come

The carousel of coaching began quickly and ruthlessly on Monday. Three coaches, Eric Mangini of the Jets, Romeo Crennel of the Browns, and Rob Marinelli of the Lions all went on the chopping blocks. As I mentioned last week with Mangini, this may not be a good decision for the Jets, who with the potential loss of quarterback Brett Favre as well, will be back to square one. GM Mike Tannenbaum, the architect of bringing in Favre, remains safe. How the Jets can justify Favre's poor play on Mangini is beyond me. Yes, Mangini still controlled the offense and could have steered the play calling more towards the run, but Favre was supposed to be the veteran who knew how to win, not throw the game away (though some critics would say he was that before this season too.) Tannenbaum will begin the search for a new coach, with former Steelers coach Bill Cowher being rumored to be the top name. But everything is just speculation now with the Jets.

The other coaching decisions cannot be argued with. Crennel came to Cleveland with high hopes after winning his third Super Bowl as defensive coordinator with the Patriots. In his 4 seasons with the team, he has a record of 24-40, with no playoff appearances. His team's offensive production this season was in fact offensive. And the defense went from decent to totally porous depending on the week. It just was not working out in Cleveland, even for GM Phil Savage, who also was handed a pink slip. Word has Browns ownership being rejected by Bill Cowher already, and Pats draft guru Scott Pioli at the top of there wish list.

Detroit was another mess all together. 0-16 will now forever put the 2008 Lions in the least enviable place in history. The stigma of this season will also be carried by coach Marinelli forever. Nothing is working for them. Absolutely nothing. For all of his efforts, Marinelli simply did not know what buttons to push. This team is in need of a total overhaul that is far too detailed for this analyst to even get into now.

Other coaches may be facing the ax soon. Kansas City's Herm Edwards may (and according to the record should) be canned when a new President and GM is selected. St. Louis will likely not be keeping Jim Haslett around, and Buffalo's Dick Jauron is an up in the air situation. Couple that with the possible retirement of Tony Dungy, and that leaves a possibility of 7 coaching vacancies. In Oakland, I believe that Tom Cable will keep his job for not only his 4 wins (1 against archrival Denver helped), but also he is one coach who Raiders Al Davis is certain he can control. Not a good thing I know, but it's what it is. And San Fran made the right move in keeping the services of Mike Singletary, who at the very least had the Niners playing with some fire.

Perhaps the biggest news has been about the coach who was not fired. Dallas coach Wade Phillips has been the captain of a team that went 13-3 in 2007 (with 13 Pro Bowlers) to a squad embarrassed by a division foe in a game that would have sent them to the playoffs to cap off 2008. But owner Jerry Jones was emphatic in his support the day before the game. The question now is will that unwavering support remain. Right now, it seems like it will. Jones has apparently been alluding to his dismissal of coach Chan Gailey back in 1999 after just two seasons has reason for keeping the same course now. Gailey has just concluded a disappointing season like this one, and Jones fired him. Today, Jones believes that move sent the Cowboys back several seasons, which in fact it did until Bill Parcells righted the ship with great draft picks that are leading the team today. As with the Mangini situation, who had two winning seasons, I cannot in good conscience condone the firing of a coach after two seasons. Things can improve if you stay on course. Just ask Bill Cowher, whose approach never wavered during up and down seasons.

To say who will end up coaching any of these teams is way too speculative at this point. And don't forget that recent history has shown a plethora of dark horse candidates that come out of nowhere. Some of the name that will be sought after will be Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnola and Pats offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will be at the top of many lists.


WEEK 17 BREAKDOWN

Game(s) of the Week

Eagles- 44

Cowboys-6

AND

Chargers- 52

Broncos- 21

Both games were simple. For each of the four teams it was win and in. And if the 2005 Steelers and 2007 Giants can tell us anything, anyone has the chance to win it all if you are there. While the Ravens, Vikings, and Dolphins all clinched spots only in week 17, it was the dominant fashion of the Chargers and Eagles that put them here, giving them a huge emotional and confidence booster heading into the playoffs. Both team's offenses were stellar, making big plays up and down the field. And the defense, especially from the Eagles, was also mashing. The Eagles forced 5 turnovers (all converted to points) and made the once potent Cowboys offense look pathetic.

OUTLOOK

The Eagles travel to Minnesota next weekend, while the Chargers play host to the Colts. I am not so confident that the Chargers (or anyone right now) can withstand the Peyton Manning and the Colts. The hard fought division win may be consolation enough for the 2008 Chargers. For the Eagles, the Wild Card round could prove successful. The Eagles have on some weeks looked to be among the NFL's best teams, and in other looked putrid (see Ravens, Baltimore as exhibit A). But the important thing for both teams in accomplished. You are in and the other guys are not. And they did so in great style and dominant fashion, always a good thing.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Offensive

Michael Bush

The Oakland running back simply took over the football game in the fourth quarter against the Bucs. Playing for nothing more than pride, Bush bulldozed his way to 177 yards and 2 TD's on 27 carries.

Runners Up

Michael Turner- Yes, he had almost 30 yards more than Bush on few carries, but it was still against the Rams, whose defense has been abysmal all season. Still, a 208 rushing yard effort in certainly worth mentioning.

DeAngelo Williams- 178 yards in a hard fought effort for the division crown against the Saints. Just another day at the office for Williams.

Matt Schaub- Playing against a team vying for a playoff birth, Schaub was nothing short of fantastic, going 27-of-36 for 328 yards and 2 TD's in the Texans season finale.

Andre Johnson- And the man on the other end of most of Schaub's passes had a pretty good day too. Johnson finished his Pro Bowl season with 10 catches, 148 yards and both of Schaub's TD passes.

Defensive


The Eagles defense, led by Dawkins, forced 5 turnovers against the Cowboys

Brian Dawkins-

The ageless wonder of Philadelphia, Dawkins continues to play remarkable football in his 13th NFL season. Dawkins forced two fumbles that led to Eagles touchdowns. Want to know why Cowboys Tony Romo was scrambling so much. It was a combination of both the pressure and coverage, something Dawkins did on flawlessly on varying plays. He also netted 5 tackles, and led an Eagles defense that saved its best game for the best time.

Runners Up

Ed Reed- The NFL's interception leader (9) grabbed his last two of the regular season in the Ravens big win over the Jags, 27-7.

Aaron Goodman- Dolphins corner picked off the Jets' Brett Favre twice in what may be his final game, and also helped send Miami back to the playoffs after a 1-15 2007.

BUST OF THE WEEK

Tony Romo & Brett Favre

When there teams needed them the most, the two Pro Bowl level QB's turned into turnover machines. While Romo was just one of the many problems, his interception and fumble recovery for a TD both were bad plays in terms of ball security. As for Favre, well, I just don't know. Not wanting to beat the dead horse about the pre-game speech and his whole "well whatever happens" attitude, he played the majority of that game like it was week 2 with little on the line. Just a disappointing day from both guys.

BIGGEST SURPRISE OF THE WEEK

The Tennessee no show?

Hey, we all knew that it was a throwaway game that meant nothing in the standings for either team, but seriously, I thought the Titans would show a little more fire than that. The Colts second team, inserted in the second series of the game, made the Titans second team looks pathetic. I know the pre-season mentality of this game has almost nothing to do with what will likely transpire in the playoffs, but to be shut out in your regular season finale by a very hot football team cannot be that good a feeling.

LEAST SUPRISING DEVELOPMENT

San Diego storms back.

Now I will not be the so bold as to say I saw this coming when they were 4-8. But at the mid-point in the season, I did believe that this team was going to wind up taking the AFC West. Indeed they did, and they did it on the arm of Philips Rivers. Yes, running back LaDainian Tomlinson is a future Hall of Fame player, but it was Rivers arm that kept them in this season till the very end. There is just too much talent on this team to have been as bad as they were some times. But it does not matter anymore. They won the game they had too, and big time. Now they have a chance to make some noise with their newfound confidence, but it may end prematurely against a very hot Colts team. Irregardless, thanks for making me look just a little bit smarter this week San Diego. You stay classy.

2008 NFL AWARDS

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Peyton Manning Quarterback- Indianapolis Colts


Manning only further cemented his legacy with a brilliant 2008 season

Stats- 371-of-555 Passing (66.2%), 4002 yards, 27 TD's (12 INT), 95.0 Passer Rating

This has now become a universal pick among most NFL writers. Manning, the former two-time MVP recipient, may not of had his best statistical or team record season in 2008, but there has never been a time when he has been more important, or valuable, to the Colts than he was now. While no one can really know what would have happened, it would not be too much of a stretch to say this Colts team could very well have been under .500 had it not been for Manning. That is what makes an MVP. A guy, who with his talent and will can lift a team on his shoulders, and take them to the Promised Land. The Colts were ravaged by injuries throughout the year, including All-Pros on offense and defense. WR Marvin Harrison, DE Dwight Freeney, safety Bob Sanders, running back Joseph Addai, and linebacker Gary Brackett all missed significant time. And Manning was indeed hobbled early on, but did not let that bother him. His play brought the Colts back in multiple games, and made him this seasons MVP.

Runners Up-

Adrian Peterson- stats below

Drew Brees -stats below

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Adrian Peterson- Running Back- Minnesota Vikings

Stats- 345 Carries, 1760 yards (110.0 Per Game), 10 TD's

A very tough decision to put Peterson over both the Saint's Drew Brees and Atlanta's Michael "the Burner" Turner. While others say that record has no impact on this award, it still does for me. Two guys who are equal for the award (Peterson and Brees) will be separated by the big distinction, is one in the playoffs? In this case, yes, Peterson is in the playoffs and Brees' team is not. But this was the season that Peterson officially became the elite running back in the NFL. He led the league in yards, but more importantly, was the unquestioned offensive weapon on a team who had Tavaris Jackson and Gus Ferrotte under center, which few people would see as an ideal quarterback situation. Peterson accounted for a third of the team's entire offense this year. Week after week, game after game, Peterson was there for offense as the passing game struggled.

Runners Up

Drew Brees- Phenomenal season ended 16 yards shy of Dan Marino's yards in a season, with Brees finishing with 5,069 and 34 TD's, both leading the league.

Michael Turner- The best free agent acquisition became a superstar, rushing for 1,669 yards and 17 TD's.

Andre Johnson- The newest superstar was the Texans most consistent player, grabbing 115 passes for 1,575 yards (both league leading) and 8 TD's.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

This one was even harder than MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. Since defensive players don't win the MVP unless you are Lawrence Taylor, the Defensive Player of the Year can go to only one. It is also a tough position to account for. Sure, there are plenty of stats like tackles (though highly dubious in there recording), sacks, tackles for a loss, and interceptions. But defense can also be about presence. A nose tackle could have no tackles, but by his taking up two, sometimes three blockers, and clogging holes, he is the most important factor on a defense. Same with a shutdown corner. If the ball is never thrown his direction, it will be difficult for him to accumulate stats, but his impact is massive nonetheless. I made my final decision on a guy who not only performed at a high level every game, but also was directly responsible in his teams winning.


The best player on the NFL's best defense, Harrison was dominant in all facets of the game

James Harrison

When it comes to the 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers, they have 2 or 3 players that could garner consideration for this honor. Teammates Troy Polamalu and LaMarr Woodley also both had stellar, All Pro years. But Harrison proved to be the "Jack of All Trades" type linebacker that has been the cornerstone of the Steelers for over 30 years. 16 sacks, 59 tackles, 7 forced fumbles, and an interception for good measure marked the Kent State products best season and Defensive MVP award. The 2008 Steelers have been the best defense since the 2000 Ravens, and Harrison has been their best player.


Runners Up

DeMarcus Ware- 20 sacks is 20 sacks. An incredible season where Ware became one of the leagues most feared pass rushers.

Albert Haynesworth- The runaway winner at midseason, injury slowed him down slightly in the second half of the season. Certainly still warrants consideration, he anchors a great defense on the AFC's top seeded team.

Ed Reed- Lead the league once again in interceptions with 9, taking one back for 107 yard TD. The reinvigorated defense has monumentally helped rookie QB Joe Flacco, and Reed continues his Hall of Fame career.

Joey Porter- The 2008 season was major comeback year for Porter. In Week 3 was called by Mike Ditka "overrated and under-producing." Answered that charge this season with 18 sacks and 4 forced fumbles.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Tony Dungy Indianapolis Colts

Look, I know that just about everyone is going to award Dolphins coach Tony Sparano. And with good cause. Taking a 1-15 team in 2007 to a division title is quite remarkable. Also, fellow rookie head coaches Mike Smith of Atlanta and John Harbaugh of the Ravens warranted strong consideration for this award after leading their teams back to the playoffs But Dungy just wowed me so much this year. With an injury ravaged team, in a division with a team who opened 10-0 in the Tennessee Titans, Dungy orchestrated perhaps the best coaching of his career. And the Colts have now finished with 12 or more wins in six straight seasons. This after opening the season 3-4 and while many were saying there time had passed. Dungy remained calm, cool, and collected, never panicking, and staying on the course he knew would bring them success. Dungy has practiced his simple and effective Cover 2 defensive scheme to near perfection. This season, the Colts allowed just 6 touchdown passes against them, the fewest in a 16-game stretch in NFL history.

OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

A great year for offensive rookies. While the headlines were dominated by the QB's, the running backs and wide receives also had pretty good years. Tennessee's Chris Johnson, Houston's Steve Slaton, and Chicago's Matt Forte were all in the top 8 in rushing this season. But quarterback is the hardest position in all of pro sports, and the debate was between the two. I decided to go with Ryan…

Matt Ryan Quarterback- Atlanta Falcons

Stats- 265-of-434 (61.1%), 3440 yards, 16 TD's (11 INT), 87.7 Passer Rating

Some love of course needs to go to Joe Flacco and his exploits in Baltimore. But Ryan just edges him out here. Firstly, the numbers are a little bit better everywhere. Though tied with the most important one, wins (11), Ryan had more attempts, completions, yards, and TD's this season. Also, Ryan's challenges seemed to be just a little greater than Flacco's. Flacco entered a flawed, yet talented football team, especially with the NFL's second be statistical defense. Ryan did not have the same assistance on defense, with Atlanta ranked at 24th this year. Though Ryan did have a major boost from running back Michael Turner and his 1,669 rushing yards, Ryan did remain the big playmaker for the Falcons. Just one season after losing its head coach to college ball and watching its QB Michael Vick go to prison, the franchise was in need of a savior, and Ryan proved to be it. His first NFL pass went for a touchdown, and the Falcons have been flying ever since. It has been perhaps the best rookie season for a QB ever, even greater than Ben Roethlisberger's 15-1 rookie season. He has been everything they dreamed he'd be, and in a very short time frame.

Runners Up

Joe Flacco- Barely edged out by Ryan, Flacco was equally impressive in his exploits, leading a 5-11 team in 2007 back to the playoffs.

Eddie Royal- A terrific rookie campaign. Grabbed 91 passes for 980 yards and 5 TD's in a position that not easy for rookies to have success.

Jake Long- Quietly had a solid year for the out of nowhere Dolphins, anchoring the left tackle spot for a vastly improved offensive line.

Steve Slaton

Chris Johnson

Matt Forte- All three were big time players for their teams, leading them in rushing yards.

DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Jared Mayo- Linebacker- New England Patriots

In what was somewhat of a surprise draft pick, the Patriots selected Mayo with the 10th pick. Strange for the reason that New England coach Bill Bellichick favors using veteran players at the linebacker position. But Mayo proved a quick study, and had an even bigger impact than anyone in the Patriots organization could have hoped for. Mayo led the Patriots with 98 tackles, and was a monster on the field, making stops all over the place. His future under Bellichick and the Patriots will be very, very bright indeed.

BUST OF THE YEAR (TEAM)



The 2008 Lions redefined futility this year

Detroit Lions Record- 0-16

It could be no other team. While the Browns, Jags, and especially the Cowboys were big disappointments in terms of their respective seasons, it cannot even begin to compare to this. No other football team has ever lost 16 games in one season. This is the culmination of frustration, grief, and ineptitude that has come to be known Detroit Lions football. The worst imaginable season finally came true. Everything must be changed. Absolutely everything. The sole bright spot has been WR Calvin Johnson, who has been quite good in his time. But so little else has worked out. Here's to having Scott Pioli and Bill Cowher arrive in a mercy plea and make this team a winner for once. The great city of Detroit needs that right now.

BUST OF THE YEAR (PLAYERS)

Braylon Edwards and Derek Anderson

After a Pro Bowl year from both players, the city of Cleveland and the Browns organization rightly felt confident heading into the 2008 campaign. Edwards was seemingly ready to emerge as an elite wide receiver in the league, and Anderson, while maybe not the next Peyton Manning, was at least expected to be solid, competent starter. Both ended up flopping big time. Edwards led all NFL receivers with 16 dropped passes and his 2007 numbers of 80 catches for 1289 yards and 16 TDs feel to just 55 catches, 873 yards and 3 TD's this season. Anderson faired no better. In his 10 games before injury ended his season, Anderson throw for just 1,695 yards, 9 TD's and 8 picks. He was consistently unable to make big plays during the game. Granted, the barrage of dropped passes did not help matters, but his lack of arm strength was very apparent this season. Anderson was able to mask those weaknesses last season, but poor defensive play forced him to pass more often this season, and his limitations were now front and center. A tough year for two guys expected to lead their team out of the preverbal NFL wilderness and back into the playoffs.

BIGGEST SURPRISE OF THE YEAR

Miami Dolphins- AFC East Division Champs

Wow. Nothing else can really sum up how incredible this season has been for the Fins. Just one year after suffering an embarrassing 1-15 record, they have an astonishing 10 game swing and a division title. Just a remarkable feat for a team who many thought was a three year project, minimum. But that is the story of modern football. With the right tools, adjustments, and execution, anything is possible. The line between a playoff team and a 3-13 team is actually razor thin. For the Fins, it took a new QB in Chad Pennington, a rejuvenated and newly motivated defense led by Joey Porter and Channing Crowder, and the emergence of young players like Ted Ginn Jr. that really helped this team step out of the NFL cellar.


That's it for this week. See next week for playoff time!