Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Catching up on the NFL Season

Yeah, I know. It's been a while. All I can say is hockey happens! Lots of stuff transpiring since hockey season started, but the NFL season is getting interesting so it's time to get back on this horse, too.

A few observations with six weeks to go in the regular season:

Defense wins.
Exhibit A - Titans, Tennessee.
Exhibit B - Giants, New York.

The reason these two teams appear to be the best in the league right now is they are equally adept at stopping the run and the pass.

Don't be fooled by these teams:
1. Baltimore - the Ravens face three more NFC East teams down the stretch plus Pittsburgh again. 9-7 would be a great finish for the Ravens.
2. N.Y. Jets - Much is made of the Jets' improved defense, but in reality, they've had an easy schedule and thus have been able to overcome numerous turnovers on offense.
3. New Orleans - the preseason NFC South pick, the Saints can't stop anyone and are inconsisent running the ball. Their division has improved but they've regressed. I don't think they'll win eight games.
4. San Diego - It's tough for me to think of a more disappointing team than the Chargers. Playing in one of the two worst divisions in football, they are 4-6. The talent is there, but they can't seem to sustain drives when they need to or get defensive stops at key junctures.

Watch out down the stretch for these teams:
1. Indianapolis - the Colts are getting healthy and have won three in a row. Their schedule down the stretch is easy. Unfortunately for them they're playing for a wild-card spot.
2. Green Bay - Yes, I'm a homer, but if the Packers play as they did Sunday when they wiped out the Bears, they will win the NFC North and maybe a playoff game.
3. Dallas - Yup, I'm still on their bandwagon. This is a team with too much talent not to be a factor. In fact, I would not be shocked if they face the Giants at some point in the playoffs.
4. Pittsburgh - Sure the Steelers are leading the AFC North, but the worst part of their schedule is over and they're still standing. If they are remotely healthy, they are the biggest threat to the Titans in the AFC.

A bad year to be from California:
Three coaching changes at mid-stream - Raiders, 49ers and Rams. Turn back the clock to not too long ago, and all three teams were Golden State residents. The fourth team? The Chargers, whose coach, Norv Turner, is not making many points to stay beyond this season.

More to come.