Last week saw me go 2-2 again, putting me at an even 4-4 for the playoffs thusfar.
As for this weekend's games...
Sunday at 3:00pm ET -
Green Bay (6-seed) @ Chicago (2-seed)
A cold-weather divisional game in Chicago for two outdoor teams. This is what January football is all about right here. Chicago will have home-field advantage, but Green Bay is comfortable out in the cold, so I question just how advantageous that will be, especially with the two cities close enough that the crowd could very well be split. Both teams have solid defenses - Chicago's might be slightly better due to experience, but Green Bay's might be slightly hungrier being the younger of the two. Chicago has the better run game as well, giving them an advantage if the weather gets really bad and in the clock management department, too. However, I like Aaron Rodgers over Jay Cutler if the game is close and calls for some heroics. I think up to now, Chicago has been the luckiest team in the league, ever since that TD-not-a-TD catch by Calvin Johnson in the first game of the season. I like Aaron Rodgers and a better overall Packers team to give them a dose of reality. I think it'll be close and I take Rodgers in a clutch, cold-weather situation over Cutler any day of the week. Green Bay to the Super Bowl.
Sunday at 6:30pm ET -
NY Jets (6-seed) @ Pittsburgh (2-seed)
Much like the earlier game, this is going to be a cold-weather outdoor game between two outdoor, cold-weather teams. Much like the other game, both teams have solid defenses - in fact, these two teams have two of the best defenses in the league. So the question becomes, which offense can overcome? I believe have won their big game already - they beat the Patriots and the Colts. But I have to feel like they're out of gas. They've slain their dragons and the Steelers are a new beast entirely. Without the ability to run the ball on the Steeler defense, I don't trust Mark Sanchez to be the game-changing quarterback the Jets might need. He can manage a game just fine, but win it... well, we'll see. Ben Roethlisberger, meanwhile, has two Super Bowl rings and plenty of big-game playoff experience. He's a gamer, a winner and I believe that this game will come down to which QB can make the big play at clutch time - and in that case, it's no question to me, it's Big Ben. Pittsburgh to face Green Bay in the Super Bowl.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Pierce's Picks - Divisional Playoff Weekend
Wild Card Weekend was just that - wild - and I went 2-2 on my picks.
Let's move on to this week's matchups:
Saturday at 4:30pm ET -
Baltimore (5-seed) @ Pittsburgh (2-seed)
A huge matchup against one of the best rivalries of football right now. These teams are virtually mirror images of each other, built to punch each other right in the mouth and keep punching. I think the Ravens are on the rise with their retooled offense and while they're a great playoff road team, I find it hard to go against a gamer like Ben Roethlisberger, who is one of those guys who goes out there and puts it all on the line to win the game. Defensively, they have Troy Polamalu doing the same thing. I love the intensity of Joe Flacco and Ray Lewis for Baltimore, but at the end of the day, I think Ben can make the big play in the big moment and Joe isn't quite there yet.
Saturday at 8:00pm ET -
Green Bay (6-seed) @ Atlanta (1-seed)
The two best teams in the NFC are matched up here and I have zero doubt that the winner goes to the Super Bowl. They played a close match in the regular season and while part of me thinks momentum can carry the Packers through the Falcons, I'm sticking to my guns on one of my steady rules of picks over the past two years - don't go against the Falcons at home. I think Aaron Rodgers is a better gamer than Matt Ryan, but I think the healthy Falcons team is better overall than a Packers team ravaged by injury over the season. The Falcons play mistake-free football and their home-field advantage gives them the edge here for me.
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Seattle (4-seed) @ Chicago (2-seed)
I don't like either team in the playoffs. As I think about these teams, I see one who stumbled into the playoffs due to a weak division and another who stumbled into the playoffs due to lucky break after lucky break. But one of them has to win and go to the NFC Championship. This is less about which team is better, to me, than it is which team is less worse. It boils to to which I like less... the Seahawks on the road, or Jay Cutler in a pressure situation. Given that it's going to be absolutely freezing out there, I'm going with the home team, perhaps against my better judgment.
Sunday at 4:30pm ET -
NY Jets (6-seed) @ New England (1-seed)
All week long, the Jets have yap-yap-yapped. And the Patriots maintain their usual business-like silence. I'm not sure how a team can yap-yap-yap when the last time these teams played, it was a 45-3 obliteration that made one team look like they were still playing high school ball. I consider Tom Brady one of the top-5 all-time QBs and one of the best playoff QBs - I'm not going against him in the playoffs after he's had the most masterful regular season of his career. I don't expect 45-3 to be the score again, but I think this will still likely be the widest margin of victory of the weekend... I get the feeling that Belicheck and the Patriots like rubbing the Jets' nose in it after all the yap-yap-yap... and to be honest, I don't blame 'em.
Let's move on to this week's matchups:
Saturday at 4:30pm ET -
Baltimore (5-seed) @ Pittsburgh (2-seed)
A huge matchup against one of the best rivalries of football right now. These teams are virtually mirror images of each other, built to punch each other right in the mouth and keep punching. I think the Ravens are on the rise with their retooled offense and while they're a great playoff road team, I find it hard to go against a gamer like Ben Roethlisberger, who is one of those guys who goes out there and puts it all on the line to win the game. Defensively, they have Troy Polamalu doing the same thing. I love the intensity of Joe Flacco and Ray Lewis for Baltimore, but at the end of the day, I think Ben can make the big play in the big moment and Joe isn't quite there yet.
Saturday at 8:00pm ET -
Green Bay (6-seed) @ Atlanta (1-seed)
The two best teams in the NFC are matched up here and I have zero doubt that the winner goes to the Super Bowl. They played a close match in the regular season and while part of me thinks momentum can carry the Packers through the Falcons, I'm sticking to my guns on one of my steady rules of picks over the past two years - don't go against the Falcons at home. I think Aaron Rodgers is a better gamer than Matt Ryan, but I think the healthy Falcons team is better overall than a Packers team ravaged by injury over the season. The Falcons play mistake-free football and their home-field advantage gives them the edge here for me.
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Seattle (4-seed) @ Chicago (2-seed)
I don't like either team in the playoffs. As I think about these teams, I see one who stumbled into the playoffs due to a weak division and another who stumbled into the playoffs due to lucky break after lucky break. But one of them has to win and go to the NFC Championship. This is less about which team is better, to me, than it is which team is less worse. It boils to to which I like less... the Seahawks on the road, or Jay Cutler in a pressure situation. Given that it's going to be absolutely freezing out there, I'm going with the home team, perhaps against my better judgment.
Sunday at 4:30pm ET -
NY Jets (6-seed) @ New England (1-seed)
All week long, the Jets have yap-yap-yapped. And the Patriots maintain their usual business-like silence. I'm not sure how a team can yap-yap-yap when the last time these teams played, it was a 45-3 obliteration that made one team look like they were still playing high school ball. I consider Tom Brady one of the top-5 all-time QBs and one of the best playoff QBs - I'm not going against him in the playoffs after he's had the most masterful regular season of his career. I don't expect 45-3 to be the score again, but I think this will still likely be the widest margin of victory of the weekend... I get the feeling that Belicheck and the Patriots like rubbing the Jets' nose in it after all the yap-yap-yap... and to be honest, I don't blame 'em.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Pierce's Picks - Wild Card Weekend
I went 11-5 to close out the regular season, putting my final season record at 161-95, giving me a regular season mark of 63% or so, the rough equivalent of a 10-6 average.
Now, onto the playoff picks - as well as a winner, I'll offer my justification.
Saturday at 4:30pm ET -
New Orleans (5-seed) @ Seattle (4-seed)
It's hard to pick for the weakest division winner in the history of the NFL, although I think they have a slight chance here. Qwest Field is a tough place to play and the Saints have run-game troubles. But the Seahawks have been blown out at home this year against other winning teams and I don't expect a team with a losing record to make it a round in the playoffs. The Saints are banged up and not in an ideal state, but I expect them to pull out a win here.
Saturday at 8:00pm ET -
NY Jets (6-seed) @ Indianapolis (3-seed)
Part of me wants to go with the Jets here - they tooled themselves for this game and they gave Peyton and the Colts one heck of a game last year when the Colts were healthy. But I think swagger can only carry you so far and the team has been out of sync lately. I also think the Colts, with their mechanical style of (usually) mistake-free offensive efficiency are one of the best swagger-killers in the league as a result. Much like the Saints, I think the Colts have their problems and aren't likely to go far, but I think they send the Jets packing early.
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Baltimore (5-seed) @ Kansas City (4-seed)
Joe Flacco and his Ravens are one of the better road playoff teams around right now and while I do think the Chiefs are a sound team, I think Baltimore's got the big-play capability that the Chiefs lack. In some ways, these teams mirror each other, but Baltimore is a little further along in the process. The Chiefs promising season ends here.
Sunday at 4:30pm ET -
Green Bay (6-seed) @ Philadelphia (3-seed)
The clear game of the weekend, this game will feature two unstoppable, high-power offenses. To me, this game boils down to one simple question - which defense do I expect to make a big play when needed? If that's the question, then the answer is Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson. I think the young Eagles defense isn't ready and the seasoned Packers defense is.
Now, onto the playoff picks - as well as a winner, I'll offer my justification.
Saturday at 4:30pm ET -
New Orleans (5-seed) @ Seattle (4-seed)
It's hard to pick for the weakest division winner in the history of the NFL, although I think they have a slight chance here. Qwest Field is a tough place to play and the Saints have run-game troubles. But the Seahawks have been blown out at home this year against other winning teams and I don't expect a team with a losing record to make it a round in the playoffs. The Saints are banged up and not in an ideal state, but I expect them to pull out a win here.
Saturday at 8:00pm ET -
NY Jets (6-seed) @ Indianapolis (3-seed)
Part of me wants to go with the Jets here - they tooled themselves for this game and they gave Peyton and the Colts one heck of a game last year when the Colts were healthy. But I think swagger can only carry you so far and the team has been out of sync lately. I also think the Colts, with their mechanical style of (usually) mistake-free offensive efficiency are one of the best swagger-killers in the league as a result. Much like the Saints, I think the Colts have their problems and aren't likely to go far, but I think they send the Jets packing early.
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Baltimore (5-seed) @ Kansas City (4-seed)
Joe Flacco and his Ravens are one of the better road playoff teams around right now and while I do think the Chiefs are a sound team, I think Baltimore's got the big-play capability that the Chiefs lack. In some ways, these teams mirror each other, but Baltimore is a little further along in the process. The Chiefs promising season ends here.
Sunday at 4:30pm ET -
Green Bay (6-seed) @ Philadelphia (3-seed)
The clear game of the weekend, this game will feature two unstoppable, high-power offenses. To me, this game boils down to one simple question - which defense do I expect to make a big play when needed? If that's the question, then the answer is Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson. I think the young Eagles defense isn't ready and the seasoned Packers defense is.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Looking ahead from 2010 - NFL Playoffs and 2011
I said it first...
First of all - I must gloat just a moment in saying right now that I called it. Andrew Luck will stay at Stanford. Like I told people, you don't go to Stanford to leave school early for the NFL. You go to graduate. Once his degree is in hand, the NFL will be ready and waiting for him. Now, where his coach ends up, that's a more interesting situation. A month ago, I would have said Michigan, but that appears to be not happening anymore and with Luck staying at Stanford, I wouldn't be surprised if Harbaugh did, too. San Francisco seems logical to me, and I wouldn't be surprised if Jon Gruden ends up in Denver. As for Miami... maybe, but I also read that Harbaugh would prefer to coach in the NFC, as opposed to facing his brother on a semi-regular basis in the AFC. We'll see.
Meanwhile, in the Maize & Blue...
As for the University of Michigan, say what you want, but it was time to let Rich Rodriguez go. I expect him to be successful elsewhere, but his bull-in-a-china-shop attitude when he came to Michigan, trampling on tradition at times without even being aware of it, made it clear he wasn't the right man there, not from day one. Maybe that wasn't fair to him, but at the same time, he was ignorant for not being aware of the traditions he came to at Michigan and for disregarding them as he did. It was time for the university to move on and I expect Denard Robinson to do so, too. But in 3 years, RichRod hadn't gotten the program beyond a one-man offense and a shoddy defense... winning eases lots of wounds, but he wasn't able to accomplish that. Whoever comes in will come to a bare cupboard and the Wolverine faithful will have to be prepared for another couple rough years ahead.
And how about the Silver & Black...
How do you fire a coach who goes 6-0 in division? Tom Cable took the Raiders from a dysfunctional 5-11 to a gritty, tough, respectable 8-8 and got fired for his troubles. I'm still in awe. The Raiders were built in his image and it was an image that fit Raider football - tough, in-your-face, not-gonna-knock-us-down, etc, and now after a season of marked progress, he's gone. It's a mystifying move to me and only continues to demonstrate just how dysfunctional Al Davis and the Raiders are. Even if he wanted Hue Jackson to coach, or an outside shot at Harbaugh, I don't think you let a player's coach like Cable go, not if he has his players winning. Terrible move, Oakland. To the fans of the Silver and Black... ouch.
Coaching Predictions -
I like Denver to go after an offensive-style coach who will mesh well with Elway's front office and Tebow at QB. I think Jon Gruden, if he wants to return to coaching, is a good fit here, especially in a division he's coached in before that would give him a shot at Al Davis twice a year.
In Carolina, I'd keep my eye on Rob Ryan. He's overdue for a head coaching job (I thought he'd get one before Rex, honestly) and I think he fits what Carolina wants and needs - a tough defensive guy who can build a team that can withstand the offensive firepower of Atlanta, Tampa Bay and New Orleans. He'll need an experienced offensive coordinator for that side of the game, but otherwise, I think it's a very likely scenario.
San Francisco is the most likely Harbaugh scenario, but I'm not sold on it yet. If I had to put money on it, I'd probably go with Harbaugh. As for alternatives to that, there's not a lot of high-caliber coaching talent that seems readily available. If he was interested, I could see Brian Billick returning to the NFL here, but I expect if no Harbaugh, they'll find an up-and-coming offensive assistant like Hue Jackson, unless Oakland makes him their head coach.
Cleveland is a tough one and part of me expects to see Mike Holmgren step in, which isn't an ideal situation, but very possible. Mularkey from Atlanta appears to be a high possibility, but I expect them to be fairly exhaustive in their search - I wouldn't be surprised if Cleveland is the last team with a coaching vacancy to fill it.
On my NFL Awards -
MVP - Tom Brady. There's just no question here. If you watched the Patriots or look at his stat-line, you can see why.
Offensive Player - Michael Vick. Absolutely electric. Not perfect, but he's the one who has the Eagles surging and when it comes down to a single offensive player you're forced to design your entire gameplan around, it's Michael Vick.
Defensive Player - Troy Polamalu. The Steelers defensive lives and breathes by this guy - if he's gone, so are they. And much like Vick, when you look at a single defensive player that you have to design your gameplan around, Polamalu and his flowing locks are exactly that. He's a dervish on the field capable of whatever the game calls for. That he missed time this year and the Steelers floundered a bit without him is testament to his deserving of this award.
Offensive Rookie - Sam Bradford. Boring, predictable, but he had a great rookie year as QB and was a main reason the Rams were NFC West contenders.
Defensive Rookie - Ndamukong Suh. The lynchpin of the Detroit Lions defense from here on out, he is as good as advertised and his disruptive line play only makes his fellow linemen better.
Coach of the Year - Bill Belicheck. The mad genius dumped Randy Moss, prompting many people (not including yours truly) to think that he'd given up on the season. Instead, this very young Patriots roster was coached to one of the most stunning seasons of football I've seen. I hold Belicheck to a high bar and normally wouldn't select him for this award, but the sheer youth and inexperience on defense, which has improved as the season went on, as well as the young skill players on offense, is too compelling for me to overlook.
First of all - I must gloat just a moment in saying right now that I called it. Andrew Luck will stay at Stanford. Like I told people, you don't go to Stanford to leave school early for the NFL. You go to graduate. Once his degree is in hand, the NFL will be ready and waiting for him. Now, where his coach ends up, that's a more interesting situation. A month ago, I would have said Michigan, but that appears to be not happening anymore and with Luck staying at Stanford, I wouldn't be surprised if Harbaugh did, too. San Francisco seems logical to me, and I wouldn't be surprised if Jon Gruden ends up in Denver. As for Miami... maybe, but I also read that Harbaugh would prefer to coach in the NFC, as opposed to facing his brother on a semi-regular basis in the AFC. We'll see.
Meanwhile, in the Maize & Blue...
As for the University of Michigan, say what you want, but it was time to let Rich Rodriguez go. I expect him to be successful elsewhere, but his bull-in-a-china-shop attitude when he came to Michigan, trampling on tradition at times without even being aware of it, made it clear he wasn't the right man there, not from day one. Maybe that wasn't fair to him, but at the same time, he was ignorant for not being aware of the traditions he came to at Michigan and for disregarding them as he did. It was time for the university to move on and I expect Denard Robinson to do so, too. But in 3 years, RichRod hadn't gotten the program beyond a one-man offense and a shoddy defense... winning eases lots of wounds, but he wasn't able to accomplish that. Whoever comes in will come to a bare cupboard and the Wolverine faithful will have to be prepared for another couple rough years ahead.
And how about the Silver & Black...
How do you fire a coach who goes 6-0 in division? Tom Cable took the Raiders from a dysfunctional 5-11 to a gritty, tough, respectable 8-8 and got fired for his troubles. I'm still in awe. The Raiders were built in his image and it was an image that fit Raider football - tough, in-your-face, not-gonna-knock-us-down, etc, and now after a season of marked progress, he's gone. It's a mystifying move to me and only continues to demonstrate just how dysfunctional Al Davis and the Raiders are. Even if he wanted Hue Jackson to coach, or an outside shot at Harbaugh, I don't think you let a player's coach like Cable go, not if he has his players winning. Terrible move, Oakland. To the fans of the Silver and Black... ouch.
Coaching Predictions -
I like Denver to go after an offensive-style coach who will mesh well with Elway's front office and Tebow at QB. I think Jon Gruden, if he wants to return to coaching, is a good fit here, especially in a division he's coached in before that would give him a shot at Al Davis twice a year.
In Carolina, I'd keep my eye on Rob Ryan. He's overdue for a head coaching job (I thought he'd get one before Rex, honestly) and I think he fits what Carolina wants and needs - a tough defensive guy who can build a team that can withstand the offensive firepower of Atlanta, Tampa Bay and New Orleans. He'll need an experienced offensive coordinator for that side of the game, but otherwise, I think it's a very likely scenario.
San Francisco is the most likely Harbaugh scenario, but I'm not sold on it yet. If I had to put money on it, I'd probably go with Harbaugh. As for alternatives to that, there's not a lot of high-caliber coaching talent that seems readily available. If he was interested, I could see Brian Billick returning to the NFL here, but I expect if no Harbaugh, they'll find an up-and-coming offensive assistant like Hue Jackson, unless Oakland makes him their head coach.
Cleveland is a tough one and part of me expects to see Mike Holmgren step in, which isn't an ideal situation, but very possible. Mularkey from Atlanta appears to be a high possibility, but I expect them to be fairly exhaustive in their search - I wouldn't be surprised if Cleveland is the last team with a coaching vacancy to fill it.
On my NFL Awards -
MVP - Tom Brady. There's just no question here. If you watched the Patriots or look at his stat-line, you can see why.
Offensive Player - Michael Vick. Absolutely electric. Not perfect, but he's the one who has the Eagles surging and when it comes down to a single offensive player you're forced to design your entire gameplan around, it's Michael Vick.
Defensive Player - Troy Polamalu. The Steelers defensive lives and breathes by this guy - if he's gone, so are they. And much like Vick, when you look at a single defensive player that you have to design your gameplan around, Polamalu and his flowing locks are exactly that. He's a dervish on the field capable of whatever the game calls for. That he missed time this year and the Steelers floundered a bit without him is testament to his deserving of this award.
Offensive Rookie - Sam Bradford. Boring, predictable, but he had a great rookie year as QB and was a main reason the Rams were NFC West contenders.
Defensive Rookie - Ndamukong Suh. The lynchpin of the Detroit Lions defense from here on out, he is as good as advertised and his disruptive line play only makes his fellow linemen better.
Coach of the Year - Bill Belicheck. The mad genius dumped Randy Moss, prompting many people (not including yours truly) to think that he'd given up on the season. Instead, this very young Patriots roster was coached to one of the most stunning seasons of football I've seen. I hold Belicheck to a high bar and normally wouldn't select him for this award, but the sheer youth and inexperience on defense, which has improved as the season went on, as well as the young skill players on offense, is too compelling for me to overlook.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Pierce's Picks - Week 17
The fantasy season is over and so goes the regular season. Last week I went 8-8, putting my season mark through 16 up to 150-90.
Winners in gold.
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Carolina (2-13) @ Atlanta (12-3)
Pittsburgh (11-4) @ Cleveland (5-10)
Minnesota (6-9) @ Detroit (5-10)
Oakland (7-8) @ Kansas City (10-5)
Miami (7-8) @ New England (13-2)
Cincinnati (4-11) @ Baltimore (11-4)
Tampa Bay (9-6) @ New Orleans (11-4)
Buffalo (4-11) @ NY Jets (10-5)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Chicago (11-4) @ Green Bay (9-6)
Tennessee (6-9) @ Indianapolis (9-6)
NY Giants (9-6) @ Washington (6-9)
Jacksonville (8-7) @ Houston (5-10)
Dallas (5-10) @ Philadelphia (10-5)
Arizona (5-10) @ San Francisco (5-10)
San Diego (8-7) @ Denver (4-11)
Sunday Night -
St. Louis (7-8) @ Seattle (6-9)
We'll finish the season with one storyline that'll be talked about going throughout the playoffs - finding out whether or not the NFC West will finish with a division winner under .500. Let's hope not. I'm picking St. Louis. Lots of these games mean little and many teams will rest starters, so it's hard to discern winners always. I like Dallas and Miami for those reasons. I like Detroit to beat Minnesota and finish the season strong. Jacksonville loses David Garrard, as well, giving Houston the opportunity to finish with a win, also.
I'll be continuing my picks throughout the playoffs and I'll continue to bring my thoughts to this blog as time allows.
Winners in gold.
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Carolina (2-13) @ Atlanta (12-3)
Pittsburgh (11-4) @ Cleveland (5-10)
Minnesota (6-9) @ Detroit (5-10)
Oakland (7-8) @ Kansas City (10-5)
Miami (7-8) @ New England (13-2)
Cincinnati (4-11) @ Baltimore (11-4)
Tampa Bay (9-6) @ New Orleans (11-4)
Buffalo (4-11) @ NY Jets (10-5)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Chicago (11-4) @ Green Bay (9-6)
Tennessee (6-9) @ Indianapolis (9-6)
NY Giants (9-6) @ Washington (6-9)
Jacksonville (8-7) @ Houston (5-10)
Dallas (5-10) @ Philadelphia (10-5)
Arizona (5-10) @ San Francisco (5-10)
San Diego (8-7) @ Denver (4-11)
Sunday Night -
St. Louis (7-8) @ Seattle (6-9)
We'll finish the season with one storyline that'll be talked about going throughout the playoffs - finding out whether or not the NFC West will finish with a division winner under .500. Let's hope not. I'm picking St. Louis. Lots of these games mean little and many teams will rest starters, so it's hard to discern winners always. I like Dallas and Miami for those reasons. I like Detroit to beat Minnesota and finish the season strong. Jacksonville loses David Garrard, as well, giving Houston the opportunity to finish with a win, also.
I'll be continuing my picks throughout the playoffs and I'll continue to bring my thoughts to this blog as time allows.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 16
It's been an eventful season and it's winding down. The playoff pictures are mostly clear, but there's still plenty of excitement to be had.
I went a rough 8-8 last week, taking my season mark to 142-82.
Winners in gold.
Thursday Night -
Carolina (2-12) @ Pittsburgh (10-4)
Saturday Night -
Dallas (5-9) @ Arizona (4-10)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
New England (12-2) @ Buffalo (4-10)
NY Jets (10-4) @ Chicago (10-4)
Baltimore (10-4) @ Cleveland (5-9)
San Francisco (5-9) @ St. Louis (6-8)
Detroit (4-10) @ Miami (7-7)
Washington (5-9) @ Jacksonville (8-6)
Tennessee (5-9) @ Kansas City (9-5)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Indianapolis (8-6) @ Oakland (7-7)
Houston (5-9) @ Denver (3-11)
San Diego (8-6) @ Cincinnati (3-11)
Seattle (6-8) @ Tampa Bay (8-6)
NY Giants (9-5) @ Green Bay (8-6)
Sunday Night -
Minnesota (5-9) @ Philadelphia (10-4)
Monday Night -
New Orleans (10-4) @ Atlanta (12-2)
That's a great Monday Night matchup there, but I'm not betting against the Falcons in their dome, no way. Meanwhile, I'm starting to feel bad for the Vikings - that's a nice run on national TV they've got going, at a time when the team has really just fallen to pieces. I'm amused by the NFL Network's various attempts to sell the Panthers/Steelers game... ouch. I'm not seeing a lot of upsets this week, I think most teams are plotted on their course. I do like the Jets over the Bears, though, as they regain their swagger. I also like Green Bay over the Giants with Aaron Rodgers playing. I think the Rams put the nail in the 49ers season (finally) as they march to 8-8 and the NFC West title. I also like the Lions to notch a 3rd-straight win against a Dolphins team incapable of winning on their own turf, although I admit I like them better with Drew Stanton than Shaun Hill right now, who reportedly took 1st-team reps in practice today. I like Oakland to upset the Colts, though... I don't buy the Colts and I think a team with upfront toughness like the Raiders has a legitimate shot to pound them. I'm tempted to pick Denver over Houston, as I think Tebow will gut that team to at least one win while he's starting, but... that defense is horrible and I expect the Texans to shred 'em no matter what Tebow does.
The Draft Race is on. Carolina has the inside track on the 1st overall pick and I think they'll hold onto it. It'll be interesting to see, though, if Denver and Cincinnati remain the 2/3 or if they win a game or two and let the 4-win teams have a track at the top 3.
My hat's off to Devin Hester of the Bears - 14 KR/PR TDs in 5 seasons is actually a bit misleading... he didn't score any KR/PR TDs in two of those five seasons when the Bears tried to convert him to a full-time WR (and subsequently didn't make the playoffs). So in reality, that's 14 KR/PR TDs in 3 seasons as a full-time returner. What a talent. And what humility - I saw his post-game press conference and he wanted to make sure his 10 special teams teammates got as much glory as he did. It was really something to see him get choked up when a reporter asked him how he felt about those guys. As electric as a guy like DeSean Jackson is, it's clear right there that he's got nothing on Hester in the character department. Congratulations to Hester - who will undoubtedly add much, much more to that current record total.
I went a rough 8-8 last week, taking my season mark to 142-82.
Winners in gold.
Thursday Night -
Carolina (2-12) @ Pittsburgh (10-4)
Saturday Night -
Dallas (5-9) @ Arizona (4-10)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
New England (12-2) @ Buffalo (4-10)
NY Jets (10-4) @ Chicago (10-4)
Baltimore (10-4) @ Cleveland (5-9)
San Francisco (5-9) @ St. Louis (6-8)
Detroit (4-10) @ Miami (7-7)
Washington (5-9) @ Jacksonville (8-6)
Tennessee (5-9) @ Kansas City (9-5)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Indianapolis (8-6) @ Oakland (7-7)
Houston (5-9) @ Denver (3-11)
San Diego (8-6) @ Cincinnati (3-11)
Seattle (6-8) @ Tampa Bay (8-6)
NY Giants (9-5) @ Green Bay (8-6)
Sunday Night -
Minnesota (5-9) @ Philadelphia (10-4)
Monday Night -
New Orleans (10-4) @ Atlanta (12-2)
That's a great Monday Night matchup there, but I'm not betting against the Falcons in their dome, no way. Meanwhile, I'm starting to feel bad for the Vikings - that's a nice run on national TV they've got going, at a time when the team has really just fallen to pieces. I'm amused by the NFL Network's various attempts to sell the Panthers/Steelers game... ouch. I'm not seeing a lot of upsets this week, I think most teams are plotted on their course. I do like the Jets over the Bears, though, as they regain their swagger. I also like Green Bay over the Giants with Aaron Rodgers playing. I think the Rams put the nail in the 49ers season (finally) as they march to 8-8 and the NFC West title. I also like the Lions to notch a 3rd-straight win against a Dolphins team incapable of winning on their own turf, although I admit I like them better with Drew Stanton than Shaun Hill right now, who reportedly took 1st-team reps in practice today. I like Oakland to upset the Colts, though... I don't buy the Colts and I think a team with upfront toughness like the Raiders has a legitimate shot to pound them. I'm tempted to pick Denver over Houston, as I think Tebow will gut that team to at least one win while he's starting, but... that defense is horrible and I expect the Texans to shred 'em no matter what Tebow does.
The Draft Race is on. Carolina has the inside track on the 1st overall pick and I think they'll hold onto it. It'll be interesting to see, though, if Denver and Cincinnati remain the 2/3 or if they win a game or two and let the 4-win teams have a track at the top 3.
My hat's off to Devin Hester of the Bears - 14 KR/PR TDs in 5 seasons is actually a bit misleading... he didn't score any KR/PR TDs in two of those five seasons when the Bears tried to convert him to a full-time WR (and subsequently didn't make the playoffs). So in reality, that's 14 KR/PR TDs in 3 seasons as a full-time returner. What a talent. And what humility - I saw his post-game press conference and he wanted to make sure his 10 special teams teammates got as much glory as he did. It was really something to see him get choked up when a reporter asked him how he felt about those guys. As electric as a guy like DeSean Jackson is, it's clear right there that he's got nothing on Hester in the character department. Congratulations to Hester - who will undoubtedly add much, much more to that current record total.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 15
Last week was an impressive 13-3, improving my season mark to 134-74.
Winners in gold.
Thursday Night -
San Francisco (5-8) @ San Diego (7-6)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Cleveland (5-8) @ Cincinnati (2-11)
Washington (5-8) @ Dallas (4-9)
Houston (5-8) @ Tennessee (5-8)
Jacksonville (8-5) @ Indianapolis (7-6)
Kansas City (8-5) @ St. Louis (6-7)
Buffalo (3-10) @ Miami (7-6)
Detroit (3-10) @ Tampa Bay (8-5)
Arizona (4-9) @ Carolina (1-12)
New Orleans (10-3) @ Baltimore (9-4)
Philadelphia (9-4) @ NY Giants (9-4)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Atlanta (11-2) @ Seattle (6-7)
NY Jets (9-4) @ Pittsburgh (10-3)
Denver (3-10) @ Oakland (6-7)
Sunday Night -
Green Bay (8-5) @ New England (11-2)
Monday Night -
Chicago (9-4) @ Minnesota (5-8)
Where to begin... I'd like Kansas City if Matt Cassel were healthy, but he's not, so St. Louis gets a big win there in their quest to win the worst division in football. The Jets/Steelers matchup looked good a couple weeks ago, but you have to believe the Steelers defense has a field day with the Jets. If Green Bay can't put Aaron Rodgers on the field, they don't hold a candle to the Patriots and their slim playoff hopes are snuffed out. I think the Lions have a fair shit at breaking their road losing streak against a bruised and banged-up Bucs defense, but I'm still not betting on them on the road. The Vikings look abysmal and I don't see that improving, sadly, especially not outside in the cold, as they should be Monday Night. Jacksonville against Indianapolis for the division should be a fun game, but I like the Jags to get over the hump against a Colts team missing too many parts to function efficiently. Miami plays poorly at home, Buffalo could play spoiler there. I think Dallas gets revenge for their most humiliating loss earlier this season against Washington. I think Cincinnati picks up another win because, as dysfunctional as that team is, Jake Delhomme is simply awful and I can't bet on a team playing him to win again, ever. Which is sad, because I won my first fantasy football championship with him as my quarterback. If Colt McCoy were playing, I'd like the Browns in this one, but he's not, so it's all Bengals. Big game for the NFC East this weekend too, as it comes down to this - and I like the Giants. They almost beat Philadelphia last time, if not for an unfortunate Eli Manning fumble. I think they win at home and take the division.
Also, I'm going to say it here first, my first draft prediction for 2011 - Andrew Luck of Stanford will not declare and will be quarterbacking Stanford next season.
Winners in gold.
Thursday Night -
San Francisco (5-8) @ San Diego (7-6)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Cleveland (5-8) @ Cincinnati (2-11)
Washington (5-8) @ Dallas (4-9)
Houston (5-8) @ Tennessee (5-8)
Jacksonville (8-5) @ Indianapolis (7-6)
Kansas City (8-5) @ St. Louis (6-7)
Buffalo (3-10) @ Miami (7-6)
Detroit (3-10) @ Tampa Bay (8-5)
Arizona (4-9) @ Carolina (1-12)
New Orleans (10-3) @ Baltimore (9-4)
Philadelphia (9-4) @ NY Giants (9-4)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Atlanta (11-2) @ Seattle (6-7)
NY Jets (9-4) @ Pittsburgh (10-3)
Denver (3-10) @ Oakland (6-7)
Sunday Night -
Green Bay (8-5) @ New England (11-2)
Monday Night -
Chicago (9-4) @ Minnesota (5-8)
Where to begin... I'd like Kansas City if Matt Cassel were healthy, but he's not, so St. Louis gets a big win there in their quest to win the worst division in football. The Jets/Steelers matchup looked good a couple weeks ago, but you have to believe the Steelers defense has a field day with the Jets. If Green Bay can't put Aaron Rodgers on the field, they don't hold a candle to the Patriots and their slim playoff hopes are snuffed out. I think the Lions have a fair shit at breaking their road losing streak against a bruised and banged-up Bucs defense, but I'm still not betting on them on the road. The Vikings look abysmal and I don't see that improving, sadly, especially not outside in the cold, as they should be Monday Night. Jacksonville against Indianapolis for the division should be a fun game, but I like the Jags to get over the hump against a Colts team missing too many parts to function efficiently. Miami plays poorly at home, Buffalo could play spoiler there. I think Dallas gets revenge for their most humiliating loss earlier this season against Washington. I think Cincinnati picks up another win because, as dysfunctional as that team is, Jake Delhomme is simply awful and I can't bet on a team playing him to win again, ever. Which is sad, because I won my first fantasy football championship with him as my quarterback. If Colt McCoy were playing, I'd like the Browns in this one, but he's not, so it's all Bengals. Big game for the NFC East this weekend too, as it comes down to this - and I like the Giants. They almost beat Philadelphia last time, if not for an unfortunate Eli Manning fumble. I think they win at home and take the division.
Also, I'm going to say it here first, my first draft prediction for 2011 - Andrew Luck of Stanford will not declare and will be quarterbacking Stanford next season.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 14
Last week was 11-5, putting me at 121-71 on the season thusfar.
Winners in gold.
Thursday Night -
Indianapolis (6-6) @ Tennessee (5-7)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Cleveland (5-7) @ Buffalo (2-10)
Green Bay (8-4) @ Detroit (2-10)
NY Giants (8-4) @ Minnesota (5-7)
Cincinnati (2-10) @ Pittsburgh (9-3)
Tampa Bay (7-5) @ Washington (5-7)
Atlanta (10-2) @ Carolina (1-11)
Oakland (6-6) @ Jacksonville (7-5)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Seattle (6-6) @ San Francisco (4-8)
St. Louis (6-6) @ New Orleans (9-3)
New England (10-2) @ Chicago (9-3)
Miami (6-6) @ NY Jets (9-3)
Denver (3-9) @ Arizona (3-9)
Kansas City (8-4) @ San Diego (6-6)
Sunday Night -
Philadelphia (8-4) @ Dallas (4-8)
Monday Night -
Baltimore (8-4) @ Houston (5-7)
Big win if the Patriots can beat the Bears in Soldier Field, I think. Do the Jets bounce back against Miami? I think so. Dallas is a possible trap for Philly, as are the Lions for the Packers, but I think the better team wins in both. KC/SD could be a very good game... Indy's season goes down in flames if they lose to Tennessee. St. Louis could make a statement with a win against the Saints. Lots of losing teams at home against winning teams... there will be some upsets, but it's hard to see where.
Winners in gold.
Thursday Night -
Indianapolis (6-6) @ Tennessee (5-7)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Cleveland (5-7) @ Buffalo (2-10)
Green Bay (8-4) @ Detroit (2-10)
NY Giants (8-4) @ Minnesota (5-7)
Cincinnati (2-10) @ Pittsburgh (9-3)
Tampa Bay (7-5) @ Washington (5-7)
Atlanta (10-2) @ Carolina (1-11)
Oakland (6-6) @ Jacksonville (7-5)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Seattle (6-6) @ San Francisco (4-8)
St. Louis (6-6) @ New Orleans (9-3)
New England (10-2) @ Chicago (9-3)
Miami (6-6) @ NY Jets (9-3)
Denver (3-9) @ Arizona (3-9)
Kansas City (8-4) @ San Diego (6-6)
Sunday Night -
Philadelphia (8-4) @ Dallas (4-8)
Monday Night -
Baltimore (8-4) @ Houston (5-7)
Big win if the Patriots can beat the Bears in Soldier Field, I think. Do the Jets bounce back against Miami? I think so. Dallas is a possible trap for Philly, as are the Lions for the Packers, but I think the better team wins in both. KC/SD could be a very good game... Indy's season goes down in flames if they lose to Tennessee. St. Louis could make a statement with a win against the Saints. Lots of losing teams at home against winning teams... there will be some upsets, but it's hard to see where.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 13
I gambled on my Lions last week and the other traditional Thanksgiving team, the Cowboys, last week, against my better judgment, and paid for it with two losses. As a result, I went 9-7 last week.
On the season, that means I'm 110-66.
Winners in gold.
Thursday Night -
Houston (5-6) @ Philadelphia (7-4)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
New Orleans (8-3) @ Cincinnati (2-9)
Chicago (8-3) @ Detroit (2-9)
San Francisco (4-7) @ Green Bay (7-4)
Jacksonville (6-5) @ Tennessee (5-6)
Denver (3-8) @ Kansas City (7-4)
Cleveland (4-7) @ Miami (6-5)
Buffalo (2-9) @ Minnesota (4-7)
Washington (5-6) @ NY Giants (7-4)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Oakland (5-6) @ San Diego (6-5)
Atlanta (9-2) @ Tampa Bay (7-4)
Carolina (1-10) @ Seattle (5-6)
St. Louis (5-6) @ Arizona (3-8)
Dallas (3-8) @ Indianapolis (6-5)
Sunday Night -
Pittsburgh (8-3) @ Baltimore (8-3)
Monday Night -
NY Jets (9-2) @ New England (9-2)
What a slate of primetime games this week. Well, not so much HOU/PHI (really, Houston's defense against Philly's offense? Go go Eagles for fantasy this week!). But that BAL/PIT and that NYJ/NE game... both of those are huge. Possibly the four best teams in the NFL there and both games will have huge impacts on those division races. Can't ask for better primetime games than that at this stage of the season. If Minnesota beats Buffalo, I'll buy into them a little right now, but Buffalo is one scrappy team and they keep pushing everyone they play to the max. I have more respect for them than the Vikings right now, so we'll see if they make good on it. I don't like the Lions to win, but the Bears should be wary of that as a trap game... I want to believe it, but that Patriots game left a really bad taste in my mouth. I could see Seattle losing to the Panthers, possibly, too. Also, Colts beware, but I expect them to play angry after the Chargers embarrassed them. Tennessee won't win another game until they have a credible QB starting again.
On the season, that means I'm 110-66.
Winners in gold.
Thursday Night -
Houston (5-6) @ Philadelphia (7-4)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
New Orleans (8-3) @ Cincinnati (2-9)
Chicago (8-3) @ Detroit (2-9)
San Francisco (4-7) @ Green Bay (7-4)
Jacksonville (6-5) @ Tennessee (5-6)
Denver (3-8) @ Kansas City (7-4)
Cleveland (4-7) @ Miami (6-5)
Buffalo (2-9) @ Minnesota (4-7)
Washington (5-6) @ NY Giants (7-4)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Oakland (5-6) @ San Diego (6-5)
Atlanta (9-2) @ Tampa Bay (7-4)
Carolina (1-10) @ Seattle (5-6)
St. Louis (5-6) @ Arizona (3-8)
Dallas (3-8) @ Indianapolis (6-5)
Sunday Night -
Pittsburgh (8-3) @ Baltimore (8-3)
Monday Night -
NY Jets (9-2) @ New England (9-2)
What a slate of primetime games this week. Well, not so much HOU/PHI (really, Houston's defense against Philly's offense? Go go Eagles for fantasy this week!). But that BAL/PIT and that NYJ/NE game... both of those are huge. Possibly the four best teams in the NFL there and both games will have huge impacts on those division races. Can't ask for better primetime games than that at this stage of the season. If Minnesota beats Buffalo, I'll buy into them a little right now, but Buffalo is one scrappy team and they keep pushing everyone they play to the max. I have more respect for them than the Vikings right now, so we'll see if they make good on it. I don't like the Lions to win, but the Bears should be wary of that as a trap game... I want to believe it, but that Patriots game left a really bad taste in my mouth. I could see Seattle losing to the Panthers, possibly, too. Also, Colts beware, but I expect them to play angry after the Chargers embarrassed them. Tennessee won't win another game until they have a credible QB starting again.
What is the NFL thinking?
I've been ruminating on this for a little while, because all in all, I'm very confused. The NFL, this year, has had a very firm stance on player safety. This has turned into the manifestation of some pretty egregious fines for men who are, for all intents and purposes, just playing the game the way they've been taught. No one has been singled out more than James Harrison of the Steelers on this matter, who was fined again this week for a great hit on Ryan Fitzpatrick of the Buffalo Bills - a hit that this writer thinks was not late, not dirty and just an example of a great pass rusher making a solid hit and trying to make a play. As I mentioned, for his efforts, he was fined.
What staggers me the most on this is that, on the same week, Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan and Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson shed their helmets and started beating on each other like they were on ice, not a field and were levied the same fine as Harrison afterwards. Richard Seymour of the Raiders punched Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers right in the face during a game and was fined similarly. What I don't understand is how the league can be so heavy-handed in doling out fines on guys who are just trying to play the game, but basically give guys who are throwing punches little more than slaps on the wrist.
I'm of the opinion that anyone who throws a punch or otherwise displays violent acts that have no part of the game of football should be fined significantly - I'm talking six figures, not five - and suspended for at least one game, if not more. I find it astounding that men brawling on the field is somehow acceptable - and the low fines being levied for it encourage it. Trust me on this - if Richard Seymour had been suspended for a full game after throwing his punch at Big Ben, I have a feeling Finnegan and Johnson might have reconsidered their little game of Punch-Out.
As for the big hits thing, well, that's gotten out of hand, too, but I'll talk about that another time. But never before in an NFL season have I seen so many flags thrown arbitrarily. Hines Ward spoke out against it this week and so has Brian Urlacher of the Bears. One of these flags is going to make a huge difference in a playoff game. I think Troy Polamalu - and Urlacher - suggested the best idea - a committee of NFL executives, personnel men and retired players who evaluate and decide on fines. As it is, these fines are handed out in a way that seems, at best, as arbitrarily as the flags being thrown.
Coaches on the Hot Seat
Ah, a favorite late-season and off-season topic - the coaching carousel - who stays, who goes. Or in this case, who will probably go. The below are all guys I think need to find new teams or step back down to coordinator:
(In no particular order)
Mike Singletary - San Francisco 49ers. Sorry Mike. I love his enthusiasm and the vigor he brings to the game, but I think it's clear he's in over his head. He reminds me of Rod Marinelli in his last season as Lions coach - out of his depth, repeating the same mantra over and over as his team continues to flounder. Marinelli is thriving as a defensive coordinator in Chicago now. I think Singletary would benefit from a similar move.
Gary Kubiak - Houston Texans. Too many years of no progress. This team continues to stay stuck at .500 or a game within it. Time to move on. This team is too talented to be .500 and be content about it and their defense is underperforming to be ranked as low as it is.
Jack Del Rio - Jacksonville Jaguars. Unless they have a huge surge to end the season and make the playoffs, virtually the same case as Kubiak. This team is almost always at .500 or one game above/below it. No progress over too much time. Move on.
John Fox - Carolina Panthers. His contract is up at the end of the year anyway, but I have to believe he's counting the days til he can walk out that door and has no desire to stay anyway.
Marvin Lewis - Cincinnati Bengals. Same as Fox, only amplified times ten or so.
Norv Turner - San Diego Chargers. Win a playoff game or else. They fired a better coach for not winning playoff games after a 14-2 season. If Turner can't find postseason success, they need to move on. His inability to get them playing good football until November is of concern, also.
Ken Whisenhunt - Arizona Cardinals. He took over a good team with good veteran leadership, but those veterans are gone now. Can he keep this team competitive without Kurt Warner? I give him another year after this one to find out, or I chalk up his success to Warner's skill at QB.
Josh McDaniels - Denver Broncos. Every coach deserves 3 years. But starting 6-0 and being a .250 team after that sort of sets an expectation early. One more year is deserved here, but if the Broncos aren't over .500 next year, I think it maybe safe to let him go.
Jim Schwartz - Detroit Lions. As above, everyone deserves 3 years. But the Lions are more talented than they have been in a long time and still lose games. I question their fundamentals, their mental toughness and their discipline. Schwartz needs to pull this team to .500 or better next year or I question his ability to remain a head coach.
What staggers me the most on this is that, on the same week, Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan and Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson shed their helmets and started beating on each other like they were on ice, not a field and were levied the same fine as Harrison afterwards. Richard Seymour of the Raiders punched Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers right in the face during a game and was fined similarly. What I don't understand is how the league can be so heavy-handed in doling out fines on guys who are just trying to play the game, but basically give guys who are throwing punches little more than slaps on the wrist.
I'm of the opinion that anyone who throws a punch or otherwise displays violent acts that have no part of the game of football should be fined significantly - I'm talking six figures, not five - and suspended for at least one game, if not more. I find it astounding that men brawling on the field is somehow acceptable - and the low fines being levied for it encourage it. Trust me on this - if Richard Seymour had been suspended for a full game after throwing his punch at Big Ben, I have a feeling Finnegan and Johnson might have reconsidered their little game of Punch-Out.
As for the big hits thing, well, that's gotten out of hand, too, but I'll talk about that another time. But never before in an NFL season have I seen so many flags thrown arbitrarily. Hines Ward spoke out against it this week and so has Brian Urlacher of the Bears. One of these flags is going to make a huge difference in a playoff game. I think Troy Polamalu - and Urlacher - suggested the best idea - a committee of NFL executives, personnel men and retired players who evaluate and decide on fines. As it is, these fines are handed out in a way that seems, at best, as arbitrarily as the flags being thrown.
Coaches on the Hot Seat
Ah, a favorite late-season and off-season topic - the coaching carousel - who stays, who goes. Or in this case, who will probably go. The below are all guys I think need to find new teams or step back down to coordinator:
(In no particular order)
Mike Singletary - San Francisco 49ers. Sorry Mike. I love his enthusiasm and the vigor he brings to the game, but I think it's clear he's in over his head. He reminds me of Rod Marinelli in his last season as Lions coach - out of his depth, repeating the same mantra over and over as his team continues to flounder. Marinelli is thriving as a defensive coordinator in Chicago now. I think Singletary would benefit from a similar move.
Gary Kubiak - Houston Texans. Too many years of no progress. This team continues to stay stuck at .500 or a game within it. Time to move on. This team is too talented to be .500 and be content about it and their defense is underperforming to be ranked as low as it is.
Jack Del Rio - Jacksonville Jaguars. Unless they have a huge surge to end the season and make the playoffs, virtually the same case as Kubiak. This team is almost always at .500 or one game above/below it. No progress over too much time. Move on.
John Fox - Carolina Panthers. His contract is up at the end of the year anyway, but I have to believe he's counting the days til he can walk out that door and has no desire to stay anyway.
Marvin Lewis - Cincinnati Bengals. Same as Fox, only amplified times ten or so.
Norv Turner - San Diego Chargers. Win a playoff game or else. They fired a better coach for not winning playoff games after a 14-2 season. If Turner can't find postseason success, they need to move on. His inability to get them playing good football until November is of concern, also.
Ken Whisenhunt - Arizona Cardinals. He took over a good team with good veteran leadership, but those veterans are gone now. Can he keep this team competitive without Kurt Warner? I give him another year after this one to find out, or I chalk up his success to Warner's skill at QB.
Josh McDaniels - Denver Broncos. Every coach deserves 3 years. But starting 6-0 and being a .250 team after that sort of sets an expectation early. One more year is deserved here, but if the Broncos aren't over .500 next year, I think it maybe safe to let him go.
Jim Schwartz - Detroit Lions. As above, everyone deserves 3 years. But the Lions are more talented than they have been in a long time and still lose games. I question their fundamentals, their mental toughness and their discipline. Schwartz needs to pull this team to .500 or better next year or I question his ability to remain a head coach.
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