http://www.sportscolumn.com/ The Revolution in Sports Journalism en-us Copyright 2006 - SportsColumn.com Fri Nov 21 18:49:23 2008 Sportscolumn Sportscolumn http://www.sportscolumn.com/images/logosmall.jpg http://www.sportscolumn.com/ http://www.sportscolumn.com/story/2008/11/18/1507/7725
Most analysts are positive we'll be seeing the Titans and Giants square off in the final game of the season, and maybe I'm just seeing things differently, but I'm not completely sold on either team.

The Jets win over New England proves their relevancy, and a win over Tennessee would definitely garner some more national attention. And how about the Giants? Well, with two 6-4 teams in their division, as well as the Buccaneers and Panthers in their conference, they aren't as safe as a lock as we once thought.

Ok, so where do we go from here?

I think the winner of the NFC North might do some damage in the post-season, but who that will be might not be decided until the final week of the season (the same could be said for the AFC East, as well).

But the most important thing to look at this season is the teams (other than Tennessee) that have come out of nowhere to request to be listed among the contenders.

Yes, whether we like it or not, we may have to start realizing the potential of the Cardinals and Dolphins, and possibly even the Falcons.

One thing is for sure, even after 11 weeks, we still have no idea how this will unfold. That is, unless you're Merril Hoge, who is still backing the Steelers (and always will), or unless you're Mike Ditka, who still believes it's 1985 and the Bears will realize how good they really are.

But it's too early for predictions, folks. So, for now, here's where the teams stand. You'll have to wait a few more weeks before I unleash my post-season predictions. But judging by the way the season has gone, I'm sure I will fall short.]]> http://www.sportscolumn.com/story/2008/11/13/13334/337
On one side, you have Brett Favre and his Jets going up against the Patriots for first place. The new guy with his new girlfriend, and he's already gearing up for marriage? Nah.

Forget about the Jets winning the game, the playoffs, the Super Bowl, whether or not Favre comes back next season. No, none of that matters.

The main thing is what this off-season led up to. Was Ted Thompson right?

Well, Aaron Rodgers has performed well, but a closer look at the games and his stats show that while he hasn't really been winning games, he hasn't exactly been losing them, either.

So, while everyone watches the Jets and Patriots on Thursday night, in the back of their minds, whether they like it or not, they're continuing to watch the beautiful play that is Favre vs Rodgers.

If you ask me, it's just a guy playing on a new team, and if they win their next game, they just might be a shoe-in for the Super Bowl.

The way this season has gone, though, there are no guarantees. Unless you count the Lions losing every week. That's almost a lock. But no, for almost every other team and player in the league, you can't assume anything. You just have to keep watching...]]> http://www.sportscolumn.com/story/2008/11/4/203536/432
In the bottom five this week, all the teams have issues at the quarterback position, which is a perfect reason why their offenses are so ineffective.

In the top half, most of the teams have solid defenses, and know how to pound the ball at the end of games, and most importantly, know how to win.

The real question is, which team is best, and which team is worst?

While a lot of people would like to get technical and crunch the numbers, or read into the rest of each team's schedule, I prefer to point out the obvious, and run with it.

The Titans and Lions are mirror images of each other. The Titans have stability at the quarterback position, can run the ball effectively, and can stop anyone when they have to.

The Lions, not so much.

After that, we've got the Steelers and Giants, who are the only other truly dominant teams. Everyone else is stuck together, as we await another week that hopefully provides answers.

Still not convinced your team is finished, or if the Colts or Patriots can get back to the top ten? Read on to see where your team rests.]]> http://www.sportscolumn.com/story/2008/10/30/12513/235
No, not the Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers, or even the undefeated Tennessee Titans.

Try the sloppy Cleveland Browns, the surging Houston Texans, and the surprising Miami Dolphins.

All three of these teams are still below .500, are inconsistent as can be, and quite possibly could be out of the playoff picture completely in three weeks.

However, their recent re-emergence into playoff relevance has me giddy with all the possibilities they bring to the table.

1. A quarterback controversy, combined with a coach on the hot seat, heading into a potential divisional opponent playoff match-up. If you haven't guessed, that would be the Cleveland Browns.

2. How about the Wildcat toting, trick-play dealing, Ted Ginn running Miami Dolphins? Come on, who out there wouldn't want to see Ricky Williams win a championship and take a drag while holding the Lombardi trophy? Yeah, me neither. But I feel for Chad Pennington.

3. Lastly, the Texans are so hot, I'm getting blisters, and I live in Wisconsin. The Schaub to Johnson connection is better than high-speed internet (sorry, roadrunner), and I simply cannot get enough of it. Oh, and Owen Daniels is becoming an elite tight end.

At the very worst, these three average teams have helped make this season fun to watch. And because of these three teams, I can't wait to see what else 2008 has in store for us. But there's 29 more teams to keep track of, whether we like it or not, so take a look:]]> http://www.sportscolumn.com/story/2008/10/22/131954/55
Well, first of all, it means literally any team can beat any other team. The Chargers, Patriots, Dolphins, and Browns are all you need to look at to believe it. They've all beaten and lost to opponents they probably shouldn't have, and I've got news for you. It's not ending here.

With the St. Louis Rams winning their second straight game over a solid opponent, they become the new Miami Dolphins, and they place themselves back in playoff contention. For now.

The only constant we can rely on in today's NFL is the Tennessee Titans haven't lost yet, and that uncertainty is the name of the game. If you're still in love with the days when Brett Favre was always wearing green and gold, no matter the injury or the weather, then you better start forgetting. It's time to adapt.

Even when considering Tennessee, it's time to realize there's no sure thing in this league. As discombobulated as the Colts seem to be, they're sure to give the Titans a tough game next Monday. And the week after that the former Oilers get the surging Packers. Can they really make it to 8-0?

In today's league, it's anyone's guess. And as I've said all season: Stop guessing, and start watching. This isn't a tarot card totin' man's land. This is for football fans. Leave your bets in Vegas, because baby, you're gonna lose.]]> http://www.sportscolumn.com/story/2008/10/15/12510/975
Seriously, who would have thought match-ups between the Lions and Vikings, the Bears and Falcons, and even the Dolphins and Texans, would have been the best games of the week?

But the most interesting note of all, probably isn't the odd close games, or the wacky endings (see Dallas @ Arizona), but how about the Browns dismantling the reigning champs, or the Patriots getting embarrassed by the Chargers?

After the Rams get their first win over the previously surging Redskins, just exactly who is for real? Are the Packers, Saints, Jaguars, and Chargers all finally prepared to turn the corner, or will we be questioning their worth after another loss next week?

This all needs to be taken into consideration when piecing together the Power Rankings each week, and since almost every team has been about as consistent as J.J. Redick's playing time, then it's safe to say the top then is a tough call.

With that said, I'm vouching for the Colts and Saints, while giving up on the Patriots. I'm not sure what we have in Dallas, Washington, or New York, anymore, especially with all three losing this week, and all to teams that are undoubtedly inferior to them. The only team to win in the NFC East was the Eagles, and they might be the one coming out on top when it's all said and done.

However, until we do finally come across the final six squads for each conference, we have to go with what we know. Forget the big names, the huge off-season signings, and don't talk to me about gaudy stats. All I need to know right now is the Tennessee Titans are 5-0, and the only team in the entire league that can say so.

Here are the NFL Power Rankings in review of week six in the NFL:]]> http://www.sportscolumn.com/story/2008/10/7/19244/4243
And the worst part? The two teams from last season's AFC Championship couldn't stop them. So who does that speak louder for; those teams or the Mighty Dolphins?

I, much like you, am "all aboard" for a "who cares" train trip to week six. There are too many disappointing teams that are supposed to be contenders, that a team like this is a real treat. And quite honestly, they're one of the most exciting teams to watch.

They lost Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor, yet their defense is playing very well, and stuffing offenses that normally dominate teams. And we were dogging the Jets for barely beating this team?

The Fins' won't be in the top 5 anytime soon, but their tricky style of "Wildcat" offense has got us, and every NFL team that isn't undefeated, reeling. They've got us all thinking, "Could they really make the playoffs?". And while it's unlikely, especially with the Pats', Jets, and Bills standing in their own division, it is a definite possibility.

So, aside from reading my rankings and sly comments, I beg of you to do one thing: Keep watching. Because as I say each week, it's only going to get better.]]> http://www.sportscolumn.com/story/2008/9/30/21124/8297
However, this offensive outburst displayed improved communication and chemistry. It showed that with Brett Favre at the helm, this offense can score points, and a lot of them, when it has to. It also showed, that at 38 and with a new team, Favre is still a darn good quarterback.

You don't score 34 points in a quarter by luck. The Jets defense harassed Kurt Warner all game, forcing four fumbles and three interceptions. Do you think they minded giving up 470 yards through the air and 35 points? Of course not. Their job was done at halftime.

These Jets, at worst, bring some extra life to the AFC. A conference with undefeated teams such as the Bills and Titans, and supposed Super Bowl contenders Jacksonville and San Diego gasping for air in the land of 2-2, is as wide open as it has ever been. And as long as Favre is slinging passes, he's going to have something to say about it. If you haven't been impressed yet, have no fear. I have a strong feeling that things are about to get even more interesting... ]]> http://www.sportscolumn.com/story/2008/9/24/3255/61871
What else do we know about the AFC East that we're either not quite ready for or don't want to admit to? First, Brett Favre and the Jets are not on the same page, and it's becoming a real possibility that they never will be. Second, the Buffalo Bills need to be taken into serious consideration as a division title contender. Lastly, not a whole lot separates the Patriots from the other teams in their division. The last two weeks have shown that.

Look at the other side of the league, and you find the NFC East with the most disgusting display of talent and good coaching you might ever find compiled in one division. But that's where I stop myself and say: "It's only week three, man".

While the Redskins' offense has come to life, it doesn't have the power to stay above water against the other three strong teams in the division. We could seriously be looking at three playoff teams out of this division. Believe that.

But enough of me wasting your time with thoughts and predictions in paragraph form. Here are your top 32 teams (guess who's 32), and a very good reason why they're there, or where you can expect them to be headed. SPOILER: The Miami Dolphins have not jumped 10 spots. Enjoy.]]> http://www.sportscolumn.com/story/2008/9/16/121448/980
Aaron Rodgers continues to impress, while backed by a quite clearly explosive defense. However, the Packers were facing the Lions.

Interesting circumstances had certain teams winning or losing games, and sending a bunch of pre-season Super Bowl contenders to the dreaded 0-2.

Just off the top of my head, it's looking like Mike Holmgren's swan song is going downhill before it could really ever get started, the Chargers desperately miss Shawne Merriman already, and the Minnesota Vikings, despite already being labeled as one-dimensional, are...well, just that.

However, what has not changed, is that Tony Romo and the Cowboys are the team to beat in the NFC, the Colts are still relevant in the AFC, and Tom Brady or no Tom Brady, the Patriots are undefeated.

But aside from the rise and fall of many teams, the most telling fact in the league has remained the impact of the 2008 draft class.

Felix Jones returned a kickoff for a touchdown on Monday night, DeSean Jackson registered his second straight 100 yard game to start his career, Eddie Royal caught his second straight touchdown, and Jonathan Stewart had two rushing touchdowns. And that's just on the offensive side of the ball.

Here are the week two NFL Power Rankings...]]> string http://www.sportscolumn.com/search/