Super Bowl Week Random Thoughts:

Is it just me or does it seem like the more ESPN and NFL Network talk about the impending Super Bowl, the more it sounds like the Giants are the favorite? Could they be trying any more blatantly to sell the game? Hey, we’re going to watch, you don’t need to spend hours building up the Giants out of fear that people won’t want to watch a blow out. People would watch even if it weren’t:

1. A rematch of a 3 point game from a little over a month ago.
2. Boston versus New York.
3. Brady versus Manning, albeit, the lesser Manning. This brings me to another point though; Eli needs a nickname. Peyton, like Michael, Tiger, Bird, Magic, Pele and (ugh) Barry only needs one name. Eli isn’t that guy, so he’s going to need a nickname. I’m thinking either “Manning Minor” or “The Little Dipper.” The obvious reference to the fact that although Eli looks like Peyton, he’ll never be as big and his star shines no where near as bright.
4. The first ever 18-0 team is going for the first 19-0 season and the first undefeated season in 35 years.
5. Spygate versus one of the 31 teams in the NFL who don’t cheat…riiiight…
6. Evil versus…well Tom Coughlin.
7. The 6^th round draft pick turned Cinderella story versus the #1 overall pick whose entire family whined and cried til he got traded out of San Diego. Again allow me to digress, who in their right mind complains about having to live in San Diego? Has he been to San Diego? Everything about it is beautiful; the weather, the people, the ocean, the Tomlinson, what’s not to like?
8. Tom Brady weren’t injured (is he? Is this Belichick’s way of screwing with Coughlin’s head while diverting attention from Moss’ domestic dispute?). The Injury Report has finally been released and as you heard here last week, Brady is listed as Probable (R Shoulder).
9. Brady weren’t dating a supermodel and receiving marriage proposals from women in wedding dresses at Media Day.
10. Plax Burress hadn’t said that the Giants were going to hold the Patriots’ greatest offense ever assembled to 17 points (that hasn’t happened all season) and in perfect weather no less

I’m sure I could think up more, hell I didn’t even mention the commercials which have really dropped off in the last 5 or 10 years, or Tom Petty’s halftime show despite the fact that his career really dropped off a couple decades ago.

So Johan Santana finally got traded to New York… the Mets that is, and it looks like the Twins got… uh… well, not much. They didn’t get the Mets top prospect. Allow me to be perfectly clear, The Twins were so over confident and waited so long to pull the trigger on this deal that they ended up settling for the fourth best deal on the table. Jacoby Ellsbury (1.162 OPS at AA-Portland and .903 OPS in 33 games in Boston) at 24 years old is much better than 22 year old Carlos Gomez who managed a pitiful .777 OPS at AAA-New Orleans. Throw in 23 year old Jed Lowrie (.911 OPS at AA, second only to Ellsbury) who would start at second base or short stop on Opening Day 2008 for the Twins and 22 year old Justin Masterson (4-3, 4.34 ERA, 1.16 WHIP at AA), Boston’s 2006 second round pick, who would certainly start as either Minnesota’s fifth starter or long reliever, and the Twins are immediately improved. If the Twins had taken the Yankees offer, headlined by Phil Hughes (5-3, 4.46, 1.28 in the Bronx) a 21 year old who would probably have been Minnesota’s number three starter as of Opening Day 2008 and 23 year old Melky Cabrera (.728 career OPS in the Bronx) would be the starting centerfielder and two or three prospects with time to develop in the minors. Finally, in the Sox other offer, 24 year old lefty Jon Lester (11-2, 4.68, 1.57 and 1 World Series Clinching victory in his short career in Boston) would be the Twins’ number two or three starter Opening Day 2008. We’ve talked about Lowrie and Masterson. Coco Crisp is a gold glove caliber center fielder with above average speed and who can hit at the top of the lineup in a pinch and there was the possible inclusion of 21 year old Michael Bowden (8-6, 4.28, 1.43 at AA) who is a very highly regarded pitcher who spent last year at AA Portland and happens to be the guy the Sox took third out of five guys you may have heard of in 2005’s first round: after Clay Bucholz (no-hitter in second MLB start) and Craig Hansen (parts of the last three seasons in Boston’s bullpen), and just ahead of Lowrie and Ellsbury. Instead of one of those packages, the Twins will get Gomez, and three pitchers: 25 year old Phil Humber (11-9, 4.27, 1.24 at AAA), 22 year old Kevin Mulvey (11-10, 3.32, 1.24 at AA-Binghamton) and the “gem” of the group, 18 year old Deolis Guerra (2-6, 4.01, 1.17 at A-St. Lucie). Way to underachieve Minnesota. Maybe Kevin McHale isn’t the worst GM in the state. Of course it could just be that the Governor stepped in and nixed any more trades to Boston. I mean after David Ortiz, Randy Moss and Kevin Garnett, hasn’t Minnesota suffered enough?

Geography and Stuff...

Has anyone had a chance to look at the Senior Bowl Rosters? Since when are Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New Mexico, Arizona, Oklahoma and North Carolina in the North? And yet USC, UCLA, Oklahoma State, New Mexico, Arizona State, UNLV, UNC and NC State are represented on the Senior Bowl “North” team. All of this while Maryland, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Ohio and, once again, Oklahoma and North Carolina are in the South. Maryland, Pitt, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Bowling Green, OU and Wake Forest are all represented on the South team. Isn’t this an NCAA event? This is how you represent higher learning? By telling the kids around the country watching this game (I’m sure there will be 5 or 6) that Ohio and Pennsylvania are south of Arizona and New Mexico? You know what’s south of New Mexico? Old Mexico! Then the Equator. Definitely not Pittsburgh or Bowling Green, Ohio! I guess we can’t expect the world of sports to teach us geography though. After all, for years the Indianapolis Colts were in the AFC East and the Arizona Cardinals were in the NFC East. The Atlanta Braves spent decades in the NL West.

This was the quote when Bill Belichick was asked about Brady’s ankle injury: "The injury report will be out next Wednesday and we're excited to give that to you. That form will be filled out completely and I can't wait to give that to everybody.” I’ve got 7-2 odds that Brady is listed as “Probable (Shoulder)” any takers? Seriously, does it matter? As I recall, in 2002, after sustaining an ankle injury in the AFC Championship game that January, which allowed Drew Bledsoe to momentarily regain his starting quarterback position, Brady returned to lead the Patriots to a last second victory in quite possibly the second greatest upset in Super Bowl history against “The Greatest Show on Turf.” If you’re Tom Coughlin, and you’ve got your team preparing for anyone else than Brady, you need your head examined.

I really feel for Sean Taylor’s daughter. I can’t imagine what it’s like to grow up without a father, especially when your father is murdered. That being said, when Chris Samuels and Chris Cooley wear Taylor’s number 21 during the Pro Bowl and then auction the jerseys off to benefit Taylor’s daughter, I can only think, “isn’t there somewhere that money would be better placed? Taylor was a 1st round draft pick. In four years, he’s made millions in 4 years as a premier player, not to mention signing bonus money. His daughter won’t be hurting for money. Wouldn’t the $15K-$30K that those jerseys yield be better spent on crime deterrent/prevention programs in Taylor’s homes in Miami or Washington D.C.?

A Republican last won the state of Massachussets in 1956. That may change in 2008. Hillary Clinton is a Senator from New York of all places, and her husband, Bill… you may have heard of him?... recently told reporters that he’d be pulling for his “home town” Giants… really Bill? Last I checked, you were from Arkansas. When did you establish a residence in Jersey? Way to cough up 15 electoral votes for the wife…

ESPN.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs07/news/story?id=3210094) did a ranking of the 1-106 players on each Super Bowl roster this week. Out of the top 40, 6 of the top 10, 6 out of the 2nd 10, ½ of the third 10, and 7 of the 4th ten were Patriots. When 24 of the top 40 players (oh, and by the way, you only have 22 starters) are on the same team, that team is going to win. Basically, the Pats have two BACKUPS who are better than 6 Giants STARTERS!

Look for my First Round Mock NFL Draft next weekend.

Conference Championship Notes and Early Super Bowl Thoughts

AFC Championship Notes:

-When LDT sat after 3 touches for 6 yards, you knew SD was in for a world of hurt.

-You could feel the Pats pick up Big Mo after the Moss reverse and Faulk swing pass.

-My dad is convinced that Kevin Faulk is going to the Hall of Fame. He's not, but if the NFL had an award equivalent to the 6th Man Award in the NBA, Faulk would have to be a perrennial finalist. I thought that it would be Jabar Gaffney having the huge day as Brady's 4th option and it ended up being Faulk filling that role.

-How huge has Kelley Washington been on special team this year!?

-Why is it that SD's defense attacked between the 30's only to drop 7-8 on seemingly every down in the Red Zone? Haven't we learned yet that no pressure on Brady = Touchdown Patriots? (Ok, Cromartie had 1 INT but I'm pretty sure the Pats will take 21 points in 4 trips any day of the week)

-Phil Rivers should have been pulled after the Ellis Hobbs INT. I've gotta admire the guy playing through the pain, but part of being a leader is knowing when you are hurting the team. Rivers couldn't throw a deep pall or put a lot of zip on the short to ontermediate stuff which meant the Pats only had to play ~60% of the field. No need to cover the out routes or the deep stuff.

-Norv Turner finally showed up for this game. Calling consecutive Draws, the second with 1:08 left in the 1st half, followed by a short pass in the middle of the field, followed FINALLY by a timeout with 0:26 left in the half. 2 plays 42 seconds off the clock. Terrible clock management. And he wasn't any better in the second half calling an early timeout, then using his last two with 5:49 and 3:36 left in the 4th quarter.

-And here comes Norv again, SD down by 9, punting with 9:20 left from the Pats 36 yard line (it would've been a 52-53 yd field goal)? SD should've been in 4 down mode from the moment they crossed the 50. A draw or screen was a must on 3rd and 10 to at least give you a shot at a 50 yd field goal. Punting to the best offense in history is not the way to beat a 17-0 team.

-Did anyone catch NE's defense on 3rd and 1just before the half? Cover 3 deep with OLB Adalius Thomas and FS James Sanders in press coverage on the wide receivers. Another example of Belichick > Turner.

-Tom Brady claimed: "I'm freezing my you know what off." Don't worry Tom, I'm sure Gisele will warm it up for you...

NFC Championship Notes:

-The Giants were looking awfully impressive through the air early with Eli going 5/6, and then...pbbbbbttttthh!

-I have more notes for this game, but being as we started a celebratory game of Asshole shortly after the Patriots win, most of my notes read similar to the following:

"E1i sif?*ubc meXiefn def @#doif 0ckew9; idg_dsifm=dxikfm"

On to the Super Bowl Thoughts!

-Brady is walking around in a boot. Please God let it be his newest fashion statement!

-Does everyone remember when the weather was nice and the Patriots were dropping 40+ points per week on people? Well have you ever seen a bad day in Arizona?

-The last time the Giants won a Super Bowl Bill Belichick was the Defensive Coordinator

-Randy Moss has 3 touches for 46 yards in the post-season, Tom Brady has 3 INTs and Eli Manning has none. Anyone think those trends will continue?

-If the Giants want to win, they'll have to sell out. They should playcall like they're in 4 down territory anytime they are on the Pats side of the 50, and should be going for it on anything less than or equal to 4th and 3.

Roy Jones Jr. v. Felix Trinidad Recap and Some Last Minute Football Stuff

Jones v. Trinidad Thoughts:

-For what it's worth, I had this one even more in Jones favor than the official scoring with Tito Trinidad winning only the 1st and 3rd rounds giving Jones a 118-108 victory.
-Jones predicted a 4th round KO and then barely threw a punch in the first 3 rounds?
-Contrary to what is apparently popular belief, I think this was a better fight than it would have been when both these guys were in their primes 6-8 years ago. Jones' vastly diminished hand speed was still enough to totally dismantle Trinidad while maintaining an impenetrable defense despite terrible fundamentals (sticking the chin out to bait Tito, carrying his left hand at his waist, no footwork, etc).
-What's with Trinidad's trainer slapping the shit out of him after every round? With friends like these...
-Is it just me or was Jones having so much fun showboating that he let Tito off the hook in the 7th round when he had him wobbly?
-Finally, did anyone have any idea where Max Kellerman was going with the Bobby Fischer rambling after the fight? Kellerman has to be the worst thing that's happened to sports broadcasting since Dennis Miller joined the MNF crew. Just awful.

Conference Championship Sunday Thoughts:

-So Phil Rivers is going to play despite missing almost the entire week of practice. Nothing points to success like a warm weather quarterback playing in sub-freezing temperatures with no practice on two bad knees...
-While the Chargers might be able to match up to some degree with Moss, Welker and Stallworth, who is San Diego going to put on Jabar Gaffney? Look for him to have a big day; something along the lines of 7 catches for 65 yards and a touchdown.
-The Giants are making way too big a deal about the cold. Warming cream, lambskin inside their helmets, new heated benches; it all reminds me of the 1981 Bengals v. Chargers game, and I'm expecting a similar result.
-Aaron Ross and Sam Madison better be ready to stop the run because if I'm Mike McCarthy, I'm starting the game with power sweeps, outside traps and screens to punish, and test the health, of the only two guys the Giants have with a prayer of stopping the Packers passing game.
-Is ESPN paying Emmitt Smith or is he like Milton from Office Space and just showing up because he was never told he was fired. On Sunday Countdown today, Smith rambled for nearly five minutes about how tough it is to play in mud and how Brandon Jacobs, being a bigger back, was going to have all kinds of trouble when he's sinking in the mud. Um... it's going to be 1 freaking degree with a windchill that could reach into the negative twenties. Water freezes at 32 degrees. Where is this mud coming from? This is like 2nd grade science. It may be time for ESPN to start making former players take a Wunderlic like test before hiring them.

Conference Round Playoff Picks

Conference Championship Round Picks Against the Spread (HOME teams in caps):
So did anyone on the planet go better than 2-2 either against the spread OR straight up last weekend? I mean if you went 2-0 Saturday (like yours truly) you had to feel pretty good that at worst you were going 3-1 for the weekend right? Can we put that Colts loss up there with the 2004 Yankees, the 1776 British and the 1066 Angols (for the record this was the last time the French won a war… several decades later they would anoint a 16 year old girl as the head of their army…wow) among the worst choke jobs in the history? How do you get every call, have your opponent lose their starting quarterback, the best tight end in the NFL, and a perennial MVP candidate running back, move the ball inside your opponents 35 twice in the last five minutes and still lose at home by four? Can we at least put the “Best Quarterback in the NFL” question to an end permanently? Is there any doubt that Tom Brady would’ve won that game? Another thing, if you’re Tony Dungy, how do you let Norv Turner of all people beat you at home with a backup QB and running back? You can’t retire with that being your last game. That would be like Joe Dumars trading Rip Hamilton, Chauncey Billups and Tayshaun Prince to the Knicks for Stephon Marbury and Malik Rose and then immediately retiring. You’ve got to come back Tony… and that’s coming from a Patriots fan.

Barstool Quarterback Aggregate Positional Rankings will be in order of:
Offense Rank + Defense Rank + Special Teams + Coaching = Total (Rank)

Chargers (+14) over PATRIOTS:
And the top ten reasons why this line scares me are:
1. First and foremost, the Patriots haven’t shown that will they had to disembowel the opponent that they had the fist 10 weeks or so.
2. I know that nothing bothers the Pats, but this Moss thing worries me a little.
3. Vegas is terrified of the Pats and adjusts its’ spreads as such
4. LDT and Rivers will play, and even if they don’t, the drop-off to their back-ups is smaller than that of any other team. Turner is a starter on 10-12 other teams and while Volek could probably be a starter on 2-4 teams, Rivers could only be a starter on 4-6 teams.
5. The temps are going to be in the mid-twenties at game time and the wind chill will be in the low to mid-teens. That’s a good 20 degrees colder than last week’s Pats game. I can’t see the passing game being as prolific.
6. Rodney Harrison made some dumb penalties last week and he may be starting to lose his mind.
7. Packers v. Pats would be the NFL’s ideal match-up and I can’t remember the last time that happened.
8. Unlike the Jaguars, the Chargers can actually mount a pass rush.
9. Chris Chambers+Vincent Jackson > Ernest Wilford+Reggie Williams
10. You don’t win by two touchdowns or more without creating early turnovers, and the Pats back 8 has been ineffective the last couple months at doing that.

You’ll notice I don’t have Anthony Cromartie on the list. Cromartie was on the field for most of the first Pats v. Chargers game as a nickel back and he couldn’t shut down Donte Stallworth. You think he’s going to shut down Moss?
All that said; the Pats will win this game. Bill Belichick v. Norv Turner and Brady v. Phil Rivers/Volek, I mean come on, who you got? Pats 27-23.
BSQ APR:
Chargers: 4+4+4+12=24 (5)
PATRIOTS: 1+1+1+1=4 (1)

PACKERS (-7) over Giants:
I really looked for reasons to pick the upset here because the Packers terrify me as a Patriots fan. I just can’t see it. Of all the people in the NFL who could stop Brett Favre from reaching his destiny of winning in Super Bowl XLII, Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning (on the road) are probably somewhere in the bottom 10%. I mean they’re saying that game time temperatures are going to be in the low single digits with wind chill in the negative teens. I’m not saying that Eli is soft, but…well yes actually that’s exactly what I’m saying. Pack 31-3.
BSQ APR:
PACKERS: 5+1+6+5=17 (4)
Giants: 8+9+12+11=40 (12)

Random Thoughts

I haven't done one of these in a while, so what better way to spend a Tuesday night?

I'm a little miffed that we aren't going to get to see Super Bowl 41.9999999 Sunday afternoon, but I gotta tell you, after the drubbing the Fighting Favres handed to Seattle, I was a lot more afraid of the Pack than I was about a few teams the Pats had already beaten in San Diego, Indy and Dallas.

Did everyone catch the fans in the RCA Dome during halftime of the Chargers @ Colts game? Booing the 14 year old girl who won the Punt-Pass-Kick competition because she was wearing a Patriots jersey. You stay classy Indianapolis...

The Yankees have reportedly pulled out of the Santana Sweepstakes... whoa, deja vu.

Phil Rivers needs to shut up and play. Um, when you are sitting on the training table as your backup leads you team back to win a playoff game on the road, you need to worry a little less about talking trash to the guy in the front row who has just finished a case of Schlitz and worry a little more about getting healthy so you can play next week and not lose your job. Idiot.

Jason Garrett has been offered the Ravens head coaching position. Hmm the opportunity to take over a team coming off of a 5-11 season with an aging defense and absolutely nothing of value at quarterback or wide receiver. Well at least until they draft Matt Ryan in April. How can he turn this down!? Jason, wait til next year. One of two things will happen. Either Wade Phillips will blow it in the playoffs and you'll be able to step in to take over one of the 5 most talented teams in the league, or the Bengals will bitch and moan their way through another season costing Marvin Lewis his job and you'll be able to step in, trade away a few high talent, high maintenance, over-rated guys (Chad Johnson & Carson Palmer) for some high draft picks and coach a team with a chance to go somewhere in the next decade. Whatever you do don't go to Hot-lanta or Baltimore.

Does anyone outside San Diego and New York not want to see Brady v Favre in the Super Bowl? This would be the highest rated Super Bowl in history. The Evil Pats going for 19-0 versus one of the mythical heroes of American sports. Fox has to be salivating to be so close. John Madden and Tony Kornheiser have been to the emergency room a combined 26 times due to Priapism since Dallas lost and a Green Bay v New England Super Bowl became a probability.

Norm Chow got fired by the Titans today. Not too often you see a team that went to the playoffs and led a team that's in the AFC Championship game at halftime (twice) fire it's offensive coordinator. I'd like to know the whole story there.

In the last week and a half, the University of Michigan has lost an incredibly talented Senior class, last year's #2 high school QB to a transfer and it's top two wide receivers, both underclassmen to the draft. Exactly who is Rich Rodriguez going to coach next year? And if you're Michigan, wouldn't you want to bring in a coach who would complement the kind of players you have? Michigan has become a QB and WR factory over the last 20 years with every Michigan QB at least making a practice squad since Jim Harbaugh and every #1 WR being drafted going back to Amani Toomer. Why would you get a guy who would change this dynamic. Don't forget, talent wins games, but NFL talent wins Championships. Pat White and Steve Slaton are nice players, but they aren't Big Ten players and Rodriguez better find a way to bring in NFL talents like Arrington, Manningham and possibly even Mallet or he'll be looking for another job in 4 or 5 years.

Both the Chargers and the Jaguars have someone bad-mouth the Patriots in the last 48 hours...

First Jags Safety Reggie Nelson, A ROOKIE, had this to say of Tom Brady's record setting performance: "It was a dump-down game. Anyone can go 26-of-28 in a dump-down game." Really? Anyone? Then how come it has NEVER HAPPENED!? Somebody needs to shut this ROOKIE up. Are the Jags and the Pats playing next year? If not they should be, because after that comment, you just know the Pats will be looking to make Brady 28-28 including no less than 3 touchdowns right over the head of young Mr. Nelson. Has Anthony Smith taught the NFL nothing? The ball is in your court Mr. Weddle...Mr. McCree? Well, we'll be waiting...

Then after the Chargers beat the Colts, Igor Olshansky was asked about the upcoming game against the Patriots. After seeming to not remember who they were (as a reminder Igor, that was the team that beat you like a drum 38-14 in week two) he assured us that the Patriots were worried about his Chargers. Is there anything in the collective bargaining agreement that says coaches aren't allowed to muzzle players? If not, why isn't muzzling a common practice?

Was T.O. flipping off the camera while pretending to rub his nose as he walked off the field Sunday?

Scott Rolen's trade to Toronto takes him from being the second best 3B in the National League (behind David Wright) and a perennial All-Star candidate, to being the third best 3B in the AL East with no chance in hell of making it to another All-Star game. And you waived a no-trade clause for that? Wow.

Sunday's Divisional Round Picks

Sunday's Divisional Round Picks Against the Spread (HOME teams in caps):
David Garrard really impressed me Saturday night. The Jags really don’t have a go to receiver, and Garrard was still able to keep the Jags in it for 3 quarters. Seriously, can you say that any of the Jaguars wideouts would crack the Patriots top 4? I don’t think so. The Jags always seemed to be one broken tackle from the big play which would’ve changed this game. Instead the Pats D was able to play “bend but don’t break” and just let Brady & Co. throw up 31 points to advance.
As for the Packers/Seahawks game, even when Seattle led 14-7, you just knew that Favre was going to bring Green Bay back. Of course it ended up being Ryan Grant that led the Packers through the near-blinding snow to victory, but whatever. You knew the result, you know, kinda like when the Pats trailed the Giants by 12 in week 17, and the moment you thought wait Tom Brady versus Eli Manning… ok the Pats are going to come back and win this. On a final Favre note, you gotta love a guy who starts a snowball fight in the middle of a playoff game.
One last thing before I get to this week’s picks, what is going on with the Celtics? All of a sudden they’ve lost 2 of 3 including losses to Charlotte and Washington? Ugh. On to Sunday’s picks…

Barstool Quarterback Aggregate Positional Rankings will be in order of:
Offense Rank + Defense Rank + Special Teams + Coaching = Total (Rank)

COWBOYS (-7.5) over Giants:
I never trust bandwagon teams. The Giants have over-achieved the last two weeks. I wouldn’t expect it to continue. T.O. appears to be healthy enough to play, and his presence really opens up the Dallas offense. Also, the Jags covered; so I don’t need to worry about the whole ‘at least under-dog covers in the first two weeks of the playoffs’ karma. There is a reason I waited til after the Saturday games to make my Sunday picks…
BSQ APR:
COWBOYS: 3+1+2+9=15 (3)
Giants: 8+9+12+11=40 (12)

COLTS (-8) over Chargers:
The Chargers picked Peyton Manning 6 times. They had 2 special teams touchdowns. Adam Vinatieri, the greatest clutch kicker in the history of football, missed a chip-shot late in the fourth quarter…and the Chargers only won by two points. The Colts are going to win this game by at least two touchdowns. Seriously, they don’t make drugs strong enough for me to think that San Diego has a prayer while their coach is Norv Turner and their QB is Phil Rivers. Sorry LDT, but you might want to consider asking for a trade to a team with a halfway decent QB and coach. I think the Seahawks might be looking for a runningback…
BSQ APR:
COLTS: 2+6+3+2=13 (2)
Chargers: 4+4+4+12=24 (5)

Saturday's Divisional Round Picks

Saturday's Divisional Round Picks Against the Spread (HOME teams in caps):
From last week’s picks…”I’m turning it around starting today, so don’t go betting against me. Ok, that might be the beer talking.” Um, definitely the beer talking. 0-3-1 against the spread last week. Ouch. 2-2 straight up isn’t much better. That being said, I prevailed where the Dolphins failed. It looked like my dream season was over when the Titans took a 6-0 lead into half time, but as usual, Vince Young and company found a way to not cover the nine point spread and keep my perfect season intact. 0-17 picking Titans games this year. There are so many people I’d like to thank; first and foremost, Sam Adams, Arthur Guinness and all the fine people at Anheuser-Busch. Without their influence, there’s no way I could have made picks like CHIEFS (+4) over Titans. I’d also like to thank my buddy Snow, who over the last two years has found a way to convince me that Vince Young is Jesus in shoulder pads. Finally, I’d like to thank Eli Manning. Its not that he had anything to do with it, but I feel it’s my duty to blame just about everything bad that happens on a football field on the person that Archie assures us is in some way related to Peyton. On to this week’s picks…

Again, Barstool Quarterback Aggregate Positional Rankings will be in order of:
Offense Rank + Defense Rank + Special Teams + Coaching = Total (Rank)

PACKERS (-7.5) over Seahawks:
On Sunday NFL Countdown (and excuse me for thinking that when ESPN runs this show on a Saturday, they could spend like 10 seconds and change the graphic to Saturday NFL Countdown) Tom Jackson said it perfectly. Picking against Brett Favre is like picking against America. Favre is going to get every call, because no one, including the refs, is even remotely interested in the possibility of a Giants v. Seahawks NFC Championship game. Seriously, regardless of what happened in week 17, does anyone think that anyone other than Green Bay or Dallas has a chance to keep within 3 touchdowns of whoever comes out of the AFC? In addition to the Favre Factor, the Pack has a few other things going for it. Deion Branch will apparently play, but I’d expect Al Harris and Charles Woodson to bump him at the line on every play and really test the durability of that right calf. The Seahawks are still soft. They can’t run the ball with any kind of consistency, and that doesn’t translate well to playing in January on the road; especially at Lambeau. Finally, the Packers are 7-1 at home, and Seattle is 3-5 on the road. I really can’t think of any reason why the Seahawks will keep this one close.
BSQ APR:
PACKERS: 5+1+6+5=17 (4)
Seahawks: 10+5+5+4=24 (5)

Jaguars (+13) over PATRIOTS:
Granted, the Patriots are 16-0, and the forecast for the game is 40 degrees, clear with little wind, but I’m a very surprised that this line is so big. The Pats will win, but they weren’t blowing people out the last few weeks of the regular season. Here’s the thing, Jacksonville has become the huge bandwagon team in this year’s playoffs… kind of like the Redskins were last week. There’re a few problems though. The strength of Jacksonville D is beat up. DTs Marcus Stroud is on IR and though John Henderson will play despite being listed as Questionable, how effective can he be playing on one leg? Mike Peterson, the only playmaker the Jags have at the linebacker position is still out. On the other hand, the Pats took advantage of the Bye to get Healthy on the O-line. RG Stephen Neal (shoulder) and RT Nick Kaczur (leg) will both be back. With their D-line depleted, the Jags are going to have to blitz to get to Brady which will open up some holes for Moss, Welker, Stallworth, and yes, even Gaffney to exploit in the secondary. The Patriots are going to put up 31+ points. As much as the Pats ability to stop the run has been questioned, do you really think that the Jags ground game is going to put up points like that? Jacksonville will keep it close by grinding the clock, but by the end of the 3rd quarter, the Pats will be up by 10, and while David Garrard is one of the better game managers in the league, he’s just not a guy who can lead a team back from a double digit deficit in the 4th quarter on the road.
BSQ APR:
Jaguars: 5+10+8+8=31 (7)
PATRIOTS: 1+1+1+1=4 (1)


On a totally unrelated note, I assume everyone has heard by now that Brian McNamee is saying that his knowledge of an abscess on Roger Clemens ass is proof that he was injecting Clemens with steroids as he has claimed. Of all the things I could hear about on Sports Center for the next several weeks, the status of a boil on Clemens' ass may not be last on the list, but it's close.

Wild Card Round Picks

Playoff Picks: (Home teams in caps)
I’m going to do this week a little differently…mostly because what I’ve been doing so far this year hasn’t been working. I mean, has anyone ever gone 0-16 betting on a single team? Well if not, I’m happy to be the first. But now it’s the playoffs. I’m turning it around starting today, so don’t go betting against me. Ok, that might be the beer talking.

Barstool Quarterback Aggregate Positional Rankings will be in order of:
Offense Rank + Defense Rank + Special Teams + Coaching = Total (Rank)

Redskins (+3.5) over SEAHAWKS:
The Seahawks are a soft team. The O-line doesn’t impress me, Shaun Alexander apparently switched souls with Ron Dayne over the offseason, and the receivers can’t stay healthy. It looks like Deion Branch will be out… again. The Skins on the other hand are white hot winning four straight behind Todd Collins, the Pride of Walpole, Massachusetts. Greg Williams has a beat up defense playing like madmen, and Joe Gibbs is reminding us of why he’s the only guy who’s won three Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks. The Skins aren’t just going to cover, I’m taking them straight up.
BSQ APR:
Redskins: 12+7+10+3=32 (T8)
SEAHAWKS: 10+5+5+4=24 (5)

Jaguars (-2) over STEELERS:
I’m a little surprised that this line is so small. Didn’t the Jags just win this game while Willie Parker was still on the field? I’d have thought this line would be more like 5 or 6 points in favor of the Jags. I get a little worried in times like this that Vegas knows something I don’t, but I just haven’t seen anything to make me think the Steelers are going to keep this within a field goal.
BSQ APR:
Jaguars: 5+10+8+8=31 (7)
STEELERS: 8+7+11+10=36 (10)

BUCCANEERS (-2.5) over Giants:
Seeing the two worst teams in the playoffs square off could actually be a lot of fun. In the pre-season, there’s no way you saw the Bucs in the playoffs, let alone hosting a game. On the other hand, is there any quarterback you want less than Eli Manning knowing you have to win three straight road games? Is there any coach (non-Norv Turner Division) who you’d want less than Tom Coughlin? It’s like the Perfect Storm of Suck which I think was the working title of the new Rambo movie. Whose idea was that? Has Sly just given up? I mean I guess his career has come full circle. Start with Rocky and Rambo, end with Rocky 6 and Rambo 4. What’s next a couple years of soft core porn (shudder) and then start wearing diapers? Actually given Stallone’s age that last part isn’t out of the question… what was I talking about? Oh yeah, by the end of this game, the over/under on Giants defensive linemen trying to kill Coughlin and/or Manning is 2.5.
BSQ APR:
BUCCANEERS: 12+10+9+7=38 (11)
Giants: 8+9+12+11=40 (12)

Titans (+9) over CHARGERS:
Let me be perfectly clear, the Chargers will win, but nine points is a lot to cover for a Norv Turner led team. If Vince Young can’t go, the Titans have pretty much nothing going on at their offensive or defensive skill positions, and if he can go, it’s pretty much a death knell for the Titans hopes of a passing game. If the Chargers throw the ball more than 7 times in the first half, we should all be treated to Norv Turner being strapped to the bench and whipped by LDT in lieu of a halftime show.
BSQ APR:
Titans: 11+8+7+6=32 (T8)
CHARGERS: 4+4+4+12=24 (5)

Divisional Round Picks (Straight up)
PATRIOTS over Jags
COLTS over Chargers
PACKERS over Buccaneers
DALLAS over Redskins (although I'm not sold on this pick yet, stay tuned)

Championship Round Picks (Straight up)
PATRIOTS over Colts
Packers over COWBOYS

Super Bowl (Straight up)
Patriots over Packers

Positional Rankings: Defense

Defensive Line:
1. Giants - The Giants are one of the few teams in the league that can get consistent pressure without blitzing. That allows them to put seven men in coverage and really constrict the passing lanes.

2. Patriots – The best 3 man front in football sports three 1st round picks in Jarvis Green, Richard Seymore, and Vince Wilfork. Depth is a bit of an issue, and they don’t get a lot of pressure without blitzing, but the Pats blitz almost every play, so that’s not really an issue.

3. Titans – Kyle Vadnen Bosch and Albert Haynesworth are a couple of STUDS! However, Haynesworth has been bothered by injuries, and without him, this unit is barely above average due to lack of depth.

4. Cowboys – Much like their offensive line, Dallas’ D-line is a group of giants. All five guys in the two deep are within 5 pounds of 300. They do a great job of keeping linemen off of their linebackers.

5. Chargers – Jamal Williams is a beast at 6’3” and nearly 350 lbs, but he just had surgery on BOTH knees in mid-October, and missed out on the last two games of the season. The rest of the Chargers D-linemen are competent if not spectacular

6. Packers – Aaron Kampman is having a career year on an athletic D-line. He’s taking attention away from an aging Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila somewhat rejuvenating KGB. A pair of solid DTs clog up the middle, and keep pressure off of MLB Nick Barnett.

7. Jaguars – This D-line would probably be fourth or fifth on this list if Marcus Stroud hadn’t been lost for the season. Without him, the onus will be on John Henderson to fight his way through constant double teams and disrupt the opposition’s running game.

8. Seahawks – Other than Patrick Kerney, this is a very young and very average group.

9. Steelers – Casey Hampton is solid in the middle, but Brett Keisel and Nick Eason don’t scare anyone which means that at least one opposing offensive lineman is going to be free to go downfield on ILBs James Farrior and Larry Foote in the running game. The Steelers will also have to blitz extensively to get pressure against better O-lines. Lucky for Pittsburgh, they are very proficient blitzers.

10. Redskins – The Skins D-line is more than the sum of its’ parts. Greg Williams uses a great scheme to make the most of average players.

11. Colts – Talk about injury depleted. The Colts D-line would be top three on this list if healthy, but the loss of Dwight Freeney allows teams to double team Robert Mathis on every snap.

12. Buccaneers – The Bucs D-line is a weird combination of very old and very young, and yet young or old, all are very ineffective. Just 16.5 sacks from the front four. Ugh.


Linebacker:
1. Cowboys – DeMarcus Ware and Greg Ellis are sack machines playing behind a massive D-line that keeps the opposing O-line busy. While not outstanding at the ILB spots, the Cowboys are deep, and can use different packages depending on their opponent.

2. Chargers - Another team with outstanding athletes on the outside. Shaun Phillips and Shawne Merriman are guys you have to game plan against. While not great on the inside, Stephen Cooper and Matt Wilhelm are solid and don’t hurt their team against the run or pass.

3. Steelers – Lose a Pro Bowl linebacker and don’t miss a beat has been a Steeler mantra for a couple decades now. Most recently Joey Porter brought his mouth and his game to Miami, and James Harrison responded. While Harrison is doing everything on the right side, James Farrior and Larry Foote are competent vets roaming inside, and Clark Haggans and LaMarrWoodley don’t let you forget about them on the left.

4. Packers – Nick Barnett is a Pro Bowler who can play the pass and the run. A.J. Hawk seems to have improved by the week since entering the league. Playing behind a D-line that gets pressure on the QB without forcing the linebackers to blitz is always nice too.

5. Seahawks – Julian Peterson is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. Lofa Tatupu is undersized, but is a play maker in the middle with 4 INTs this season.LeRoy Hill is average at best on the weak side.

6. Patriots – While the Patriots have a savvy group of veterans, these guys are OLD! Junior Seau, Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel average almost 14 years in the league. Adalius Thomas, the baby of the group is in his 8th year. Granted, none of these guys play their age, indeed Vrabel earned his first Pro Bowl selection in this, his 11th year, and Bruschi and Seau are still solid contributors. The loss of any of these guys to injury could be disastrous though as there is no depth of value at this position.

7. Colts – Losing Dwight Freeney impacted all levels of the Colts defense. Only Gary Brackett is an above average NFL player at his position, and this group relies on Bob Sanders to come into the box to stop the run.

8. Titans – Keith Bullock defends the pass well as his 5 picks this year can attest, but he isn’t a guy you need to account for in a pass blocking scheme. There’s not a lot of quality in the depth at any position.

9. Redskins – No one in this group scares you. London Fletcher is an overachiever at 5’10” and Marcus Washington is having a nice year coming off surgery in 2006. Randall Godfrey is a guy you can attack in the pass and the run.

10. Buccaneers – The bottom half of this list is a pick ‘em. Barrett Ruud is having a good year. Cato June was a nice pick up from Indy. And Derrick Brooks still plays at a high level in his 13th season.

11. Jaguars – This group might be a couple spots higher if Mike Peterson were healthy and if Marcus Stroud were still around to keep offensive linemen off of the ‘Backers. Neither of those things are the case. It will be interesting to watch how this group does in the playoffs.

12. Giants – Another group that’s been beat up this season. Injuries to Mathias Kiwanuka, and now Kawika Mitchell have depleted the Giants at the outside ‘backer position. Antonio Pierce is an above average MLB, but not by much.


Defensive Back:
1. Packers – The Packers have the best corner tandem in the league in Al Harris and Charles Woodson. Their safeties are VERY young, but when you can shut down a team’s top two receivers with man coverage as Green Bay can, you can scheme a lot of ways to shut down the rest of a team’s receiving threats.

2. Colts – Bob Sanders is one of the top two or three safeties in the league. Marlin Jackson has come on strong this year after sealing the Colts win over the Patriots in the AFC Championship last year. Depth is an issue, especially at safety, but when healthy, this is one of the best defensive backfields in the NFL.

3. Patriots - Asante Samuel has followed a breakout 2006 with another Pro Bowl caliber season this year. He’ll be getting a nice pay raise next year. Rodney Harrison is still a force against the run, but can be a liability in coverage. There is some depth and Bill Belichick has shown an ability to replace just about anyone on his defense through the years.

4. Buccaneers – Ronde Barber is a versatile corner who plays well in Tampa’s Cover 2 system. No real standouts in this secondary, but they can all hit, and while individual cover skills aren’t great across the board, they play well as a group.

5. Seahawks – Marcus Trufant is the only real difference-maker in Seattle’s secondary. They are a deep group and can match-up well against 3 or 4 receiver sets, but lack a real presence at either safety position.

6. Cowboys – Oh-Ver-Ray-Ted! Roy Williams is a big time hitter but is useless in coverage to the point that he has been subbed for in passing situations at times this year. Anthony Henry started the season on fire, but has just 1 INT in the second half of the season. Terrance Newman and Ken Hamlin are above average at their positions, but when half of your secondary can’t cover, you better expect a lot of shoot outs.

7. Chargers – Antonio Cromartie has had an amazing second half of the season and Quentin is no slouch at the other corner. The Chargers have 3 quality safties, and Drayton Florence is a solid nickel corner with starting experience.

8. Jaguars – Rashean Mathis, Brian Williams, and Reggie Nelson are all above average players at their positions, and Sammy Knight is a solid vet who can play the pass and run.

9. Steelers – Troy Polamalu has been hampered by injuries but is still one of the best at his position. Deshea Townsend and Ike Taylor are both solid cover corners. Anthony Smith needs to learn to shut the hell up and just play ball.

10. Redskins – Before the losses of Sean Taylor and Carlos Rodgers this was arguably the best unit in the NFL. Fred Smoot is a huge step down, and Shawn Springs can’t cover the top receivers anymore. LaRon Landry is a big hitter, but is still developing his coverage skills.

11. Titans – No stars here but Michael Griffin appears to be on his way Imagine if they had another 1st round pick at the other corner…Anyway, everyone is willing and able to hit but don’t expect any game changing performances from this group.

12. Giants – Aaron Ross is the most talented player in the group. Sam Madison and R. W. McQuarters are aging but able second and third corners. There isn’t much going on at safety. Think a less talented version of the Seahawks.

Special Teams:
1. Patriots
2. Cowboys
3. Colts
4. Chargers
5. Seahawks
6. Packers
7. Titans
8. Jaguars
9. Buccaneers
10. Redskins
11. Steelers
12. Giants

Positional Rankings: Offense

Quarterback:
1. Patriots – Tom Brady is having the greatest season in the history of the position, and he’s got 3 rings to prove that this season is no fluke.

1A. Colts – Peyton Manning had the second greatest season in the history of the position, and after getting his first ring last year, he’s out to prove that it wasn’t a fluke.

3. Packers – I was going to put them a spot lower, but the Packers are the only team on this list with something close to a competent back up. So although I would put Hasselbeck ahead of Favre, it’s close enough that Rodgers’ presence puts the Packers on top. And so…

4. Seahawks – With the demise of Shaun Alexander’s career, Matt Hasselbeck is the only person keeping Seattle afloat, and he’s done a masterful job of it at that. While Hasslebeck was mediocre against the AFC (220 ypg, 7 TD, 6 INT in 4 games), he was dominant against the NFC (257 ypg, 21 TD, 6 INT in 12 games) and there’s no reason to believe that these trends will not continue.

5. Cowboys – Tony Romo is Favre-esque in his ability to make something from nothing. He leads from the front, and can make some great plays under pressure. He is however susceptible to an occasional awful game.

6. Steelers – Ben Roethlisberger is the best of the “game manager” type quarterbacks. He is tough to sack, takes care of the ball and can even make a play or two with his feet.

7. Jaguars – David Gerrard is another quality “game manager.” Only throwing 3 INTs in 328 attempts over 13 games is more than impressive. That he threw for 18 touchdowns and over 2500 yards isn’t too shabby either.

8. Buccaneers – Jeff Garcia doesn’t have a big arm, but he is deadly accurate and can still make the occasional play when things break down. Durability is an issue, and Garcia’s backups won’t win any playoff games, so if Garcia can’t go, the Bucs drop to the bottom of this list.

9. Redskins – This feels high considering Todd Collins is a career backup in his 13th year, but considering the rest of the guys available, this was the only possible place to put the Skins. Collins, like Garcia is incredibly accurate in the short to mid range passing game, but doesn’t have much of a deep game. Jason Campbell has all the tools, but is injured and often inaccurate. His game management is also questionable.

10. Chargers – Philip Rivers has taken a step back this year despite having one of the best quarterback coaches in the NFL coaching him. Still, he has all the tools and can make every throw.

11. Giants – Eli Manning had the game of his life, indeed the game everyone in the Giants organization hoped to see from him regularly, against the Patriots. Yet he still managed to throw a his only interception at a crucial point of the game. He may be a above average QB who sporadically gets his team to the playoffs for the next decade, but he’ll never join his brother and Brady anywhere near the top of this list.

12. Titans – Neither Vince Young nor Kerry Collins inspires a lot of confidence in the playoffs. Young is inaccurate in his sophomore season, and hasn’t shown the ability to carry his team to victory through pure magic as he seemed to be able to do as a rookie. Collins is an accurate passer, but no longer has the tools to be a legit threat to a defense that can get to the quarterback with any regularity.


Wide Receiver & Tight End:
1. Patriots – Randy Moss and Wes Welker lead a group that can’t be stopped for 60 minutes. If Marvin Harrison is healthy this would at least be close, but with his status up in the air, the Pats win this one easily.

2. Cowboys - This would be the Colts position if Harrison were healthy, and I know you’re thinking that T.O. isn’t healthy and Terry Glenn has been out almost the entire year. But Jason Witten is a BEAST, and Patrick Crayton has come along nicely. T.O. will be back in two weeks, and Glenn will get plenty of reps in the meantime to get back in sync with Romo.

3. Colts – Reggie Wayne has some serious skills, but everyone around him has been hurt. Harrison has been out most of the year, Clark has been bothered by different ailments throughout the year, and even the rookie Gonzalez is questionable having missed 3 games in the second half of the season, and largely ineffective in two others.

4. Packers – Donald Driver is one of the more underrated wide outs in the league. Greg Jennings has shown big play ability, and Donald Lee and James Jones can keep a drive alive.

5. Seahawks – If these guys could stay healthy, they’d be a lot higher on this list. Like maybe even second. But they haven’t been healthy, and as a result, Seattle’s top four receivers have 22 touchdowns between them. Or, 1 less than Randy Moss has by himself.

6. Steelers – Hines Ward and Heath Miller keep a lot of drives alive with great routes and tireless blocking. Santonio Holmes is a big play threat, but durability issues remain, and his value is diminished with the loss of a play action threat due to Willie Parker’s injury.

7. Giants – Jeremy Shockey’s loss knocks the G-men down 2 spots. Plaxico Burress is a tough and extremely gifted athlete who can change a game. Amani Toomer is usually a reliable vet, but drops a few too many passes.

8. Redskins – Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El are nice complimentary receivers who can come up with a big play, but neither is a true #1, nor is either an elite possession receiver. However, they are the best among the remaining group of uninspiring receivers.

9. Chargers – Antonio Gates is the best TE in the game. Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson are talented, but are after thoughts in the San Diego passing game.

10. Buccaneers – Joey Galloway is a serious deep threat…and that’s about all they’ve got going on. Neither Ike Hilliard nor Michael Clayton is more than a 4th receiver for the top 5 teams on this list.

11. Jaguars – A lot of talent here, but only Reggie Williams has even started to tap into that to become a playmaking threat.

12. Titans – When your top receiving threats are Roydell Williams, Justin Gage, and Bo Scaife… um you really need to upgrade. Oh and Williams is out at least for the first round, and Scaife is out for the playoffs. Ugh.


Running Back:
1. Chargers – It’s not close. LDT leads a talented stable of backs. Michael Turner, and Darren Sproles can break one any time they touch the ball.

2. Jaguars – Fred Taylor is having a great year, and Maurice Jones-Drew makes for a great change of pace back, and as Shawne Merriman can attest, a tough blocker.

3. Redskins - Clinton Portis is still one of the better backs in the NFL, and Ladell Betts is a strong between the tackles change of pace back. Mike Sellers is a versatile full back who is a very solid blocker and capable receiver out of the backfield.

4. Cowboys – Julius Jones is the starter, and Marion Barber is going to the Pro Bowl. Jones is the home run hitter and Barber is the punishing between the tackles brute.

5. Colts – Joseph Addai perfectly complements the Indy offensive scheme. He can run inside and outside, and is a quality receiver out of the backfield. Depth is a bit of an issue, but Addai has been durable so far.

6. Giants – No real thoroughbreds here, but Brandon Jacobs and Ruben Droughns are big backs who can punish the center of the defense. Ahmad Bradshaw shows enough burst to be an occasional change of pace back.

7. Patriots – I’ll say this for the Pat’s corps of backs, they are deep. Laurence Maroney seemingly leads a cast of thousands, and everyone contributes. Kevin Faulk is the primary change of pace and third down back and has over 600 yards out of the backfield this season. Heath Evans is primarily a full back, but will see some action in single back sets. Even Kyle Eckel has 33 carries and 2 TDs this season.

8. Titans – LenDale White and Chris Brown have been a competent 1-2 punch. Houston’s passing game really hurts this group though. The onus will be on White and Brown to perform if Tennessee is to prevail against San Diego.

9. Packers - Ryan Grant really turned the Packers ground game around down the stretch. Though this is still a pass first offense, the emergence of Grant as a legit threat really opens up Green Bay’s options. Brandon Jackson and Vernon Morency are both talented, and while none of these three would be your first choice as a running back, at least there isn’t a severe drop off from first to third string.

10. Steelers – This is the best of the rest. Najeh Davenport doesn’t scare you, but he’s a vet who’s proven himself to be competent. But without Willie Parker, Davenport will have to prove himself early if anyone is going to respect the play action. There is no depth to speak of either. If Davenport goes down, the remaining backs on the roster have a combined 21 yards rushing on the season.

11. Buccaneers – Earnest Graham has been a fair replacement since Cadillac Williams was lost for the season. He’s running for 4 yards per carry, and 49 catches on the season is nothing to scoff at. Michael Bennett and Michael Pittman provide depth.

12. Seahawks – Shaun Alexander’s career has fallen apart as fast as I’ve ever seen. Maurice Morris would ideally be more of a change of pace back, but with Alexander’s struggles he’s been shoved into a starting role.

Offensive Line:
1. Patriots - 3 Pro Bowlers, 2 Starters
2. Cowboys – Average size: 6’6” 329 lbs. These guys can plow the road. 3 more Pro Bowlers, and 2 more Starters
3. Colts – A group that is very strong up the middle led by Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday, but which struggles against premier outside rushers.
4. Chargers – Pro Bowler Chris Dielman is the best of an above average group.
5. Jaguars – A very under rated group which keeps its’ quarterback on its feet, and opens gaping holes for its’ running backs.
6. Redskins – Pro Bowl backup Chris Samuels leads an under rated group.
7. Titans – This is a big line with solid play at both tackle positions and a veteran signal caller at center in Kevin Mawae.
8. Giants – A tough group that plays well together, but premier pass rushes will get to Manning
9. Packers – Chad Clifton leads a group playing as more than the sum of it’s very average parts.
10. Steelers – Alan Faneca is their best, but Mike Tomlin has led this team away from the run which is the strength of this group.
11. Buccaneers – A confident group playing with above average athleticism.
12. Seahawks – Not a lot to like other than perennial Pro Bowl starter Walter Jones

Coaching:
1. Patriots – Coach of the Year with 3 rings.
2. Colts – Last Year’s Coach of the Year and Super Bowl Champ.
3. Redskins – Hall of Fame coach with 3 rings with 3 different career backup QBs. Sound familiar? He also has one of the hottest teams in the league.
4. Seahawks – Three Super Bowl appearances and one ring.
5. Packers – The number two seed has Brett Favre, Donald Driver and…uh… hmm... a good coach.
6. Titans – Jeff Fischer has done another great job, but Norm Chow hasn’t gotten the most out of Vince Young.
7. Buccaneers – Gruden has a ring, but it’ll take a miracle to get another this year.
8. Jaguars – Jack Del Rio has gotten all you could hope for out of this team.
9. Cowboys – Wade Philips hasn’t gotten in the way of a team full of stars.
10. Steelers – Mike Tomlin has done a nice job. He’s won most of the games he was supposed to win and lost all the ones he was supposed to lose.
11. Giants – Tom Coughlin managed to not kill his team’s chemistry for a change.
12. Chargers – Ugh. Norv Turner. I think I just threw up in my mouth. My mom could coach this team to ten wins. The game plan would go something like this: give LDT the ball 25-28 times per game, and get the hell out of the way.

Defense and Special Teams tomorrow.