The AFC has morphed into the NFL's dominant conference this decade, and it features several strong Super Bowl contenders again this season - not the least of which are defending champion Pittsburgh and New England, which eagerly welcomes back quarterback Tom Brady.
Here is a look at each of the AFC's four divisions (*denotes playoff team)
EAST
Predicted order of finish: New England*, Miami, NY Jets, Buffalo
Fast fact: Miami LB Jason Taylor needs eight sacks to move into the top 10 all-time in league history
The king: Much has been made of the return of Brady from a knee injury, but a bigger storyline in New England could be the extreme makeover of the defense. DE Richard Seymour, LBs Mike Vrabel, Rosevelt Colvin, Junior Seau and Teddy Bruschi, S Rodney Harrison and CB Ellis Hobbs all are gone. One guess is Coach Bill Belichick ultimately realized his defense needed to get faster (and younger). Remember, too, that the Pats have more high draft choices over the next two seasons than anyone as a result of trades of Seymour, Hobbs, Vrabel and QB Matt Cassell. The Brady-led passing game should be as potent as ever with the addition of WR Joey Galloway and RB Fred Taylor - two veterans itching for a Super Bowl ring.
The others: It says here Miami's rise from worst to first in the East was no fluke. The Dolphins were in the top 15 in the league in both defense and offense. The Chad Pennington-led offense was surprisingly balanced. And RB Ronnie Brown experienced a rebirth, thanks in part to the Wildcat formation. If the pass defense improves, the Dolphins could again hang with the conference's elite. ... The Jets have the potential to be a very good team, but they need a lot of things to come together - one more season from RB Thomas Jones, a quick integration of rookie QB Mark Sanchez into the offense, a receiver to step up, and the defense to take to new coach Rex Ryan's aggressive scheme. The latter shouldn't be a problem, but New York might have some problems scoring points unless some playmakers emerge. ... So the Bills added WR Terrell Owens, fired their offensive coordinator for being too creative in his play calling and completely rebuilt their offensive line, again. Oh, and their best offensive player - RB Marshawn Lynch - is suspended for the first three games. This doesn't sound like a winning formula.
NORTH
Predicted order of finish: Pittsburgh*, Baltimore*, Cincinnati, Cleveland
Fast fact: No team can match the Steelers' six Super Bowl victories.
The king: Pittsburgh can play it any way you want it thanks to a punishing defense, an underrated passing attack, a variety of running backs and a quarterback who appears to be a supersized version of John Elway. Ben Roethlisberger might not always put up the best numbers, but his flair for winning games in the final minutes certainly reminds me of the former Broncos great. The Steelers return largely intact, and it bears remembering that they had to overcome several key injuries last season, so they might be stronger this go around.
The others: I don't see a sophomore slump for Ravens QB Joe Flacco, and I do see a group of running backs that have pushed each other to be better. Much like the Jets, the Ravens need a young receiver to emerge to make Flacco's life a bit easier. The defense again should be stout, although losing coordinator Rex Ryan and LB Bart Scott to the Jets will hurt. The departure of stud offensive lineman Jason Brown didn't get as much attention but is equally important to Flacco and the offense. ... Cincinnati is mentioned as a darkhorse team by many prognosticators, and there are several reasons for this optimism. First, the return of QB Carson Palmer provides a massive upgrade at that position for an offense that ranked 32nd overall in 2008. Second, the defense continues to add players with plenty of upside through the draft (see LB Rey Maualuga). Third, Laveranues Coles isn't as big of a dropoff at WR from TJ Houshmandzadeh. The Bengals will have to run the ball A LOT better to sniff the playoffs. ... So who is the Browns' quarterback? Who will run the ball for Cleveland? Who will stop the run? The Browns' near-playoff berth two seasons ago looks more and more like a fluke. A return to form by WR Braylon Edwards would help the 31st-ranked passing offense, regardless of whether Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson is throwing to him.
SOUTH
Predicted order of finish: Tennessee*, Houston*, Indianapolis, Jacksonville
Fast fact: Colts QB Peyton Manning is fourth all-time in TD passes and needs just 10 more to take over third - behind only Dan Marino and Brett Favre.
The king: The Titans won't catch anyone by surprise this season. Despite the loss of DT Albert Haynesworth in free agency, Tennessee's 7th-ranked defense should not fall off much. The ground game is in good hands with RBs Chris Johnson and LenDale White. Tennessee really needs rookie WR Kenny Britt to develops into a No. 1 receiver.
The others: Two consecutive 8-8 seasons and a steady influx of talent have me convinced this is the year for the Texans to finally make the playoffs. The key is keeping QB Matt Schaub healthy. Schaub, who has missed an average of five games the past two seasons, has plenty of targets - WRs Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter, TE Owen Daniels and RB Steve Slaton. But Schaub doesn't have a quality backup like Sage Rosenfels this season. Houston has an excellent defensive front and a Pro Bowl middle linebacker in DeMeco Ryans. However, the rest of the back half of the defense could be the team's undoing. ... How will the Colts respond to not having Tony Dungy on the sideline and Marvin Harrison split out on offense? The former, as well as some other coaching staff turnover, is a greater concern at this point. It's tough to bet against QB Peyton Manning, but the Colts' ground game and play vs. the run both were near the bottom of the NFL last season. That is not a formula for reaching the playoffs in 2009. ... The Jaguars aren't particularly awful in any phase of the game, but neither are they outstanding, and that won't get you far in the NFL. A lot is riding on QB David Garrard and RB Maurice Jones-Drew. The defense lacks impact players at this point.
WEST
Predicted order of finish: San Diego*, Denver, Oakland, Kansas City
Fast fact: Another 1,000-yard season for Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson will catapult him to seventh all-time on the NFL career rushing list.
The king: The aforementioned LT is healthy, and so is rush LB Shawn Merriman. The Chargers clearly are the class of a week division, and their offense - behind QB Philip Rivers, TE Antonio Gates and RBs Tomlinson and Darren Sproles - should be one of the league's best. Merriman's presence and pass rush makes the entire defense more effective. The evidence? The Chargers' sack total dropped from 42 to 28 and interceptions went from 22 to 8 last season.
The others: The season can't start soon enough for Denver, which improved its chances for having a better ground game by signing LaMont Jordan and Correll Buckhalter and drafting Knowshawn Moreno. That's offset by dealing QB Jay Cutler. The defense ranked in the bottom eight against both the rush and the pass, so there is work to be done. ... The Raiders followed up one of the more baffling drafts in recent memory by cutting the QB (Jeff Garcia) who clearly gave them the best chance to win. JaMarcus Russell would have to make huge strides for Oakland to be competitive. On defense, the Raiders have to improve the NFL's second-worst run defense. ... Two seasons in a row the Chiefs have traded an impact player. Last season it was DE Jared Allen. This past offseason it was TE Tony Gonzalez. The result has been a bunch of extra draft picks and QB Matt Cassell. Kansas City will be very young at most positions.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Monday, September 07, 2009
NFC 2009 Predictions
Forgive the NFC if it has a bit of an inferiority complex this decade. Since the St. Louis Rams won the Super Bowl in 2000, the AFC has captured seven of the next nine contested this decade, including three by the New England Patriots and two by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Could this be the season the NFC begins to turn the tide? There is plenty of reason for optimism in some corners of the conference, which should feature three very strong divisions this fall.
Here is a look at each of the NFC's four divisions (*indicates playoff team):
EAST
Predicted order of finish: *NY Giants, *Philadelphia, Dallas, Washington
Fast fact: America's Team has not won a playoff game in the 21st Century
The king: The Giants simply are the toughest team in a very tough division. Outside of wide receiver, they are above average at every other position group, and terrific on the lines.
The others: There are significant ones for each of the other three teams. Philadelphia retooled its offensive line, but how well will it gel? Does having QB Michael Vick on the roster help or upset Donovan McNabb? Who replaces rising star MLB Stewart Bradley, who will miss the season due to injury? If the Eagles can answer these questions in the positive, they have the talent to go the distance. ... Dallas figures to have a good to very good defense, but it needs QB Tony Romo and RB Marion Barber to be more productive down the stretch. Romo's trend has been to play well when the games don't count as much then fade in December. How will he fare without Terrell Owens? Barber's numbers have declined the past two seasons significantly. RB Felix Jones' return from injury will help. ... Washington has a lot of holes, particularly on the offensive line and in the secondary. The former is very problematic in this division. One has to wonder how QB Jason Campbell, who is not under contract for 2010, will respond in light of the team's pursuit of Jay Cutler then Mark Sanchez in the offseason.
Bottom line: The Eagles proved last season they can beat the Giants, and given that they are more talented this season, it would not surprise to see them win the East.
NORTH
Predicted order of finish: *Minnesota, *Green Bay, Chicago, Detroit
Fast fact: The Packers' Aaron Rodgers is the only returning starting quarterback in the division
The king: Minnesota will run the ball and stop the run, as it always does. Can Brett Favre make a difference at QB? He might just enough to hold off his former team, but unless Favre has improved targets to throw to, it's hard to see the Vikings going all the way. One thing to watch will be team chemistry.
The others: Green Bay's offense should score almost at will if RB Ryan Grant plays more like the 2007 version than the 2008 one. Early returns on the Packers' new 3-4 defense are positive, and many personnel people have said it's only a question of how the d-line holds up because Green Bay has the athletes in its back eight. ... Chicago's defense has underachieved since its Super Bowl run three seasons ago, and it might be time to admit it's getting old in some places. Aside from LB Lance Briggs, the play of the Bears' other elite defenders (DT Tommie Harris, LB Brian Urlacher, CBs Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman) has slipped due to age, injury or indifference. QB Jay Cutler will make everyone, especially RB Matt Forte and TEs Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen, better. ... Detroit has begun (again) a long rebuilding process. The Lions did a decent job drafting and in free agency, but they still have many holes along their lines. WR Calvin Johnson and RB Kevin Smith are legit, and if either Matthew Stafford and Daunte Culpepper works out at QB, Detroit could be entertaining if not victorious from time to time.
Bottom line: Minnesota's defense is the best in the division, and that's why the Vikings will win it by a game over the Packers, who will be a dangerous team.
SOUTH
Predicted order of finish: Carolina*, New Orleans, Atlanta, Tampa Bay
Fast fact: The Panthers will try to become the first team to repeat as division champ since the NFL realigned to eight four-team divisions
The king: Is Carolina as good as it appeared at times last season (very) or as awful as it looked in losing to Arizona in the playoffs when Jake Delhomme seemingly completed more passes to the Cardinals than the Panthers. I think it's the former. If Delhomme bounces back, he has an elite receiver in Steve Smith to throw to and an elite running back in DeAngelo Williams to hand off to. The o-line is very good, and the back seven on defense also are very good. The only question is can the defensive line (read Julius Peppers) generate more pressure this season?
The others: The Saints are a trendy pick to win the South, and their Drew Brees-led offense provides plenty of ammunition for that assertion. However, their defense still isn't championship quality, and for all of the recognition new coordinator Gregg Williams has heaped on him, he brings a complex scheme. That and the host of new parts will take some time to adjust to. ... The Falcons were a surprise last season, but I wonder how they will respond now that teams have a year's worth of film on QB Matt Ryan. Obtaining TE Tony Gonzalez was genius, but the defense still has a lot of holes. A very similar situation as New Orleans. ... Tampa Bay changed coaches and waved good-bye to a lot of veterans. However, the Bucs have quite a bit of talent on offense, and if their QB situation is settled, they could surprise those who don't expect much. Losing defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin and cutting LB Derrick Brooks won't help the defense.
Bottom line: Any team could win this division, including Tampa Bay, but Carolina has the fewest holes.
WEST
Predicted order of finish: San Francisco*, Arizona, Seattle, St. Louis
The king: Staying with the tough teams win theory, the 49ers have a clear advantage in that department, from coach Mike Singletary on down. San Francisco has an excellent 1-2 punch in RBs Frank Gore and Glen Coffee, and an underrated QB in Shaun Hill. The defense has talent, especially LB Patrick Willis and CB Nate Clements. If the high draft picks in the front seven play up to their capabilities, the 49ers will be much tougher than expected.
The others: Was Arizona's Super Bowl run a fluke? Maybe not. The Cardinals have a lot of talent and QB Kurt Warner and WR Larry Fitzgerald were unstoppable in the playoffs. Arizona has more issues on offense than you might think, namely can it run the ball, can Warner stay healthy and can WR Anquan Boldin stay happy? The defense has some studs in DT Darnell Dockett, LB Carlos Dansby, CB D-R Cromartie and S Adrian Wilson. But they also were in the lower third of the league in pass defense and only average vs. the run. ... Seattle is a team on the decline, with an aging offense, and a defense that took some steps back last season, both individually and collectively. The Seahawks were racked by injuries in 2008, and the thinking goes that can't possibly happen again. But part of that is a product of wear and tear on the veterans. The odd coach-in-waiting scenario also didn't help. Have the Seahawks improved the 5-6 wins it will take to win the division? I don't think they have. ... St. Louis should have a harder edge to it this season, but the Rams, who have some talented individuals, don't have enough across the board talent to contend yet.
Bottom line: San Francisco is the pick because this is a division where the power game should work especially well. However, Arizona could win the division again. But really, that's not saying a lot.
Could this be the season the NFC begins to turn the tide? There is plenty of reason for optimism in some corners of the conference, which should feature three very strong divisions this fall.
Here is a look at each of the NFC's four divisions (*indicates playoff team):
EAST
Predicted order of finish: *NY Giants, *Philadelphia, Dallas, Washington
Fast fact: America's Team has not won a playoff game in the 21st Century
The king: The Giants simply are the toughest team in a very tough division. Outside of wide receiver, they are above average at every other position group, and terrific on the lines.
The others: There are significant ones for each of the other three teams. Philadelphia retooled its offensive line, but how well will it gel? Does having QB Michael Vick on the roster help or upset Donovan McNabb? Who replaces rising star MLB Stewart Bradley, who will miss the season due to injury? If the Eagles can answer these questions in the positive, they have the talent to go the distance. ... Dallas figures to have a good to very good defense, but it needs QB Tony Romo and RB Marion Barber to be more productive down the stretch. Romo's trend has been to play well when the games don't count as much then fade in December. How will he fare without Terrell Owens? Barber's numbers have declined the past two seasons significantly. RB Felix Jones' return from injury will help. ... Washington has a lot of holes, particularly on the offensive line and in the secondary. The former is very problematic in this division. One has to wonder how QB Jason Campbell, who is not under contract for 2010, will respond in light of the team's pursuit of Jay Cutler then Mark Sanchez in the offseason.
Bottom line: The Eagles proved last season they can beat the Giants, and given that they are more talented this season, it would not surprise to see them win the East.
NORTH
Predicted order of finish: *Minnesota, *Green Bay, Chicago, Detroit
Fast fact: The Packers' Aaron Rodgers is the only returning starting quarterback in the division
The king: Minnesota will run the ball and stop the run, as it always does. Can Brett Favre make a difference at QB? He might just enough to hold off his former team, but unless Favre has improved targets to throw to, it's hard to see the Vikings going all the way. One thing to watch will be team chemistry.
The others: Green Bay's offense should score almost at will if RB Ryan Grant plays more like the 2007 version than the 2008 one. Early returns on the Packers' new 3-4 defense are positive, and many personnel people have said it's only a question of how the d-line holds up because Green Bay has the athletes in its back eight. ... Chicago's defense has underachieved since its Super Bowl run three seasons ago, and it might be time to admit it's getting old in some places. Aside from LB Lance Briggs, the play of the Bears' other elite defenders (DT Tommie Harris, LB Brian Urlacher, CBs Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman) has slipped due to age, injury or indifference. QB Jay Cutler will make everyone, especially RB Matt Forte and TEs Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen, better. ... Detroit has begun (again) a long rebuilding process. The Lions did a decent job drafting and in free agency, but they still have many holes along their lines. WR Calvin Johnson and RB Kevin Smith are legit, and if either Matthew Stafford and Daunte Culpepper works out at QB, Detroit could be entertaining if not victorious from time to time.
Bottom line: Minnesota's defense is the best in the division, and that's why the Vikings will win it by a game over the Packers, who will be a dangerous team.
SOUTH
Predicted order of finish: Carolina*, New Orleans, Atlanta, Tampa Bay
Fast fact: The Panthers will try to become the first team to repeat as division champ since the NFL realigned to eight four-team divisions
The king: Is Carolina as good as it appeared at times last season (very) or as awful as it looked in losing to Arizona in the playoffs when Jake Delhomme seemingly completed more passes to the Cardinals than the Panthers. I think it's the former. If Delhomme bounces back, he has an elite receiver in Steve Smith to throw to and an elite running back in DeAngelo Williams to hand off to. The o-line is very good, and the back seven on defense also are very good. The only question is can the defensive line (read Julius Peppers) generate more pressure this season?
The others: The Saints are a trendy pick to win the South, and their Drew Brees-led offense provides plenty of ammunition for that assertion. However, their defense still isn't championship quality, and for all of the recognition new coordinator Gregg Williams has heaped on him, he brings a complex scheme. That and the host of new parts will take some time to adjust to. ... The Falcons were a surprise last season, but I wonder how they will respond now that teams have a year's worth of film on QB Matt Ryan. Obtaining TE Tony Gonzalez was genius, but the defense still has a lot of holes. A very similar situation as New Orleans. ... Tampa Bay changed coaches and waved good-bye to a lot of veterans. However, the Bucs have quite a bit of talent on offense, and if their QB situation is settled, they could surprise those who don't expect much. Losing defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin and cutting LB Derrick Brooks won't help the defense.
Bottom line: Any team could win this division, including Tampa Bay, but Carolina has the fewest holes.
WEST
Predicted order of finish: San Francisco*, Arizona, Seattle, St. Louis
The king: Staying with the tough teams win theory, the 49ers have a clear advantage in that department, from coach Mike Singletary on down. San Francisco has an excellent 1-2 punch in RBs Frank Gore and Glen Coffee, and an underrated QB in Shaun Hill. The defense has talent, especially LB Patrick Willis and CB Nate Clements. If the high draft picks in the front seven play up to their capabilities, the 49ers will be much tougher than expected.
The others: Was Arizona's Super Bowl run a fluke? Maybe not. The Cardinals have a lot of talent and QB Kurt Warner and WR Larry Fitzgerald were unstoppable in the playoffs. Arizona has more issues on offense than you might think, namely can it run the ball, can Warner stay healthy and can WR Anquan Boldin stay happy? The defense has some studs in DT Darnell Dockett, LB Carlos Dansby, CB D-R Cromartie and S Adrian Wilson. But they also were in the lower third of the league in pass defense and only average vs. the run. ... Seattle is a team on the decline, with an aging offense, and a defense that took some steps back last season, both individually and collectively. The Seahawks were racked by injuries in 2008, and the thinking goes that can't possibly happen again. But part of that is a product of wear and tear on the veterans. The odd coach-in-waiting scenario also didn't help. Have the Seahawks improved the 5-6 wins it will take to win the division? I don't think they have. ... St. Louis should have a harder edge to it this season, but the Rams, who have some talented individuals, don't have enough across the board talent to contend yet.
Bottom line: San Francisco is the pick because this is a division where the power game should work especially well. However, Arizona could win the division again. But really, that's not saying a lot.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
2008 NFL Rewind
There are roughly five weeks to go before NFL training camps open. Organized Team Activities and Mini-camps are wrapping. The NFL is about to go into its rest period (all one month of it).
Before I begin my annual preview, I wanted to revisit my predictions and those of three other sources I used - Pro Football Weekly, The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated.
The actual results were as follows (*-denotes playoff teams)
NFC
East - N.Y. Giants*, Philadelphia*, Dallas, Washington
North - Minnesota*, Chicago, Green Bay, Detroit
South - Carolina*, Atlanta*, Tampa Bay, New Orleans
West - Arizona*, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis
AFC
East - Miami*, New England, N.Y. Jets, Buffalo
North - Pittsburgh*, Baltimore*, Cincinnati, Cleveland
South - Tennessee*, Indianapolis*, Houston, Jacksonville
West - San Diego*, Denver, Oakland, Kansas City
How did I fare? I hit .500 on playoff teams.
In the NFC I correctly picked three of the six playoff teams (Minnesota, the Giants and Philly) and only one division winner (Minnesota). In the AFC, I also picked three playoff teams (Pittsburgh, Indianapolis and San Diego) and got two division winners correct (the Steelers and Chargers).
Where I missed: I had Dallas, New Orleans and Seattle winning NFC divisions, and New England and Jacksonville winning AFC divisions. Dallas disappointed a lot of prognosticators, the Jaguars had no offense, the Saints no defense, and the Patriots and Seahawks lost their starting QBs for much of the season.
In summary: I played it safe and had an average season.
How did PFW fare? Horrible.
The PFW boys picked just one division winner correctly (San Diego). Like me, they picked Miami and Baltimore last in their divisions, but compounded that by putting AFC top seed Tennesse in last place as well. New England, Indy and Dallas were logical division-winning picks, but Cleveland, Green Bay, New Orleans and Seattle all cratered.
How did the then-new combination of Sporting News and Street and Smith's far? Only slightly better.
The TSN/S&S tag team got two of eight division winners correct (Pittsburgh and San Diego). Their staff had the same four teams winning NFC Divisions (Dallas, Green Bay, New Orleans and Seattle) that PFW did, as well as New England and Indy in the AFC. Sensing a trend here?
How did SI fare? Better than their print brethren, hitting three of eight division winners (Pittsburgh, San Diego and Minnesota), same as yours truly.
Minuses for having Atlanta and Miami in last, but they weren't alone in that. But a plus for picking Arizona to finish second in the NFC West.
We've established 2008 was truly an unpredictable season, what will 2009 hold?
Before I begin my annual preview, I wanted to revisit my predictions and those of three other sources I used - Pro Football Weekly, The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated.
The actual results were as follows (*-denotes playoff teams)
NFC
East - N.Y. Giants*, Philadelphia*, Dallas, Washington
North - Minnesota*, Chicago, Green Bay, Detroit
South - Carolina*, Atlanta*, Tampa Bay, New Orleans
West - Arizona*, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis
AFC
East - Miami*, New England, N.Y. Jets, Buffalo
North - Pittsburgh*, Baltimore*, Cincinnati, Cleveland
South - Tennessee*, Indianapolis*, Houston, Jacksonville
West - San Diego*, Denver, Oakland, Kansas City
How did I fare? I hit .500 on playoff teams.
In the NFC I correctly picked three of the six playoff teams (Minnesota, the Giants and Philly) and only one division winner (Minnesota). In the AFC, I also picked three playoff teams (Pittsburgh, Indianapolis and San Diego) and got two division winners correct (the Steelers and Chargers).
Where I missed: I had Dallas, New Orleans and Seattle winning NFC divisions, and New England and Jacksonville winning AFC divisions. Dallas disappointed a lot of prognosticators, the Jaguars had no offense, the Saints no defense, and the Patriots and Seahawks lost their starting QBs for much of the season.
In summary: I played it safe and had an average season.
How did PFW fare? Horrible.
The PFW boys picked just one division winner correctly (San Diego). Like me, they picked Miami and Baltimore last in their divisions, but compounded that by putting AFC top seed Tennesse in last place as well. New England, Indy and Dallas were logical division-winning picks, but Cleveland, Green Bay, New Orleans and Seattle all cratered.
How did the then-new combination of Sporting News and Street and Smith's far? Only slightly better.
The TSN/S&S tag team got two of eight division winners correct (Pittsburgh and San Diego). Their staff had the same four teams winning NFC Divisions (Dallas, Green Bay, New Orleans and Seattle) that PFW did, as well as New England and Indy in the AFC. Sensing a trend here?
How did SI fare? Better than their print brethren, hitting three of eight division winners (Pittsburgh, San Diego and Minnesota), same as yours truly.
Minuses for having Atlanta and Miami in last, but they weren't alone in that. But a plus for picking Arizona to finish second in the NFC West.
We've established 2008 was truly an unpredictable season, what will 2009 hold?
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Another Super storyline
Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm were two of Bill Cowher's top lieutenants when he was coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both interviewed for Cowher's job when he retired after the 2006 season.
Neither got it, and now both are architects of the Arizona Cardinals' rise to NFC champions.
As you know the Steelers, and the man who was selected to replace Cowher, Mike Tomlin, will be their opponent in Super Bowl 43.
All of the above are pros, and it would be a shocker if any of them made a big deal out of this in the remaining 10 days leading up to the game (they do have more pressing work after all).
On a macro level, their success increases expectations on ALL NFL coaches. These are second-year coaches who followed tough acts - in Tomlin's case a revered leader, and in Whisenhunt's case a franchise that has done virtually nothing since the conclusion of World War II.
Neither got it, and now both are architects of the Arizona Cardinals' rise to NFC champions.
As you know the Steelers, and the man who was selected to replace Cowher, Mike Tomlin, will be their opponent in Super Bowl 43.
All of the above are pros, and it would be a shocker if any of them made a big deal out of this in the remaining 10 days leading up to the game (they do have more pressing work after all).
On a macro level, their success increases expectations on ALL NFL coaches. These are second-year coaches who followed tough acts - in Tomlin's case a revered leader, and in Whisenhunt's case a franchise that has done virtually nothing since the conclusion of World War II.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Super Bowl pits tradition vs. parity
The Arizona Cardinals are evidence that the NFL is getting what it wants - parity.
How many of you had the Redbirds going to the Super Bowl, much less winning the relatively weak NFC West? I didn't.
The Cardinals dis-spelled two popular notions about playoff teams.
First, teams that finish the regular season crawling to the finish line have no shot in the playoffs. Arizona didn't just lose, it was getting blown out, including a loss at Philadelphia on Thanksgiving night.
Second, teams that play wild-card weekend will be too worn out by the time the conference championship game arrives. This theory has been disproven in recent years by the Colts and Steelers, but it still exists in the minds of some. Of course the Eagles also played in the first three rounds of the playoffs as well, and they needed a near miraculous combination of events on Week 17 to reach the postseason.
So these desert upstarts have reached the Big Game, but how? Coaching and a veteran quarterback. The Cardinals were a step ahead of the Eagles most of Sunday's game, and Kurt Warner was unflappable.
The Steelers, on the other hand, reach the Super Bowl for the second time in four years. They were a fashionable pick to go this far, and with good reason. Their defense was outstanding, and they scored just enough to survive a brutal schedule. The AFC Championship game vs. Baltimore was one of the most physically punishing games I can remember seeing. One gets the impression that the playoffs started in Pittsburgh long before the postseason did.
One other thought on what this matchup means. In an offseason in which the coaching carousel turns faster and faster, the pressure on coaches will be higher than ever. Both Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin and Arizona's Ken Whisenhunt are in just their second seasons, giving more ammunition to fans, front offices and owners that win-now is a reality.
How many of you had the Redbirds going to the Super Bowl, much less winning the relatively weak NFC West? I didn't.
The Cardinals dis-spelled two popular notions about playoff teams.
First, teams that finish the regular season crawling to the finish line have no shot in the playoffs. Arizona didn't just lose, it was getting blown out, including a loss at Philadelphia on Thanksgiving night.
Second, teams that play wild-card weekend will be too worn out by the time the conference championship game arrives. This theory has been disproven in recent years by the Colts and Steelers, but it still exists in the minds of some. Of course the Eagles also played in the first three rounds of the playoffs as well, and they needed a near miraculous combination of events on Week 17 to reach the postseason.
So these desert upstarts have reached the Big Game, but how? Coaching and a veteran quarterback. The Cardinals were a step ahead of the Eagles most of Sunday's game, and Kurt Warner was unflappable.
The Steelers, on the other hand, reach the Super Bowl for the second time in four years. They were a fashionable pick to go this far, and with good reason. Their defense was outstanding, and they scored just enough to survive a brutal schedule. The AFC Championship game vs. Baltimore was one of the most physically punishing games I can remember seeing. One gets the impression that the playoffs started in Pittsburgh long before the postseason did.
One other thought on what this matchup means. In an offseason in which the coaching carousel turns faster and faster, the pressure on coaches will be higher than ever. Both Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin and Arizona's Ken Whisenhunt are in just their second seasons, giving more ammunition to fans, front offices and owners that win-now is a reality.
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