NFL: Let’s talk about the playoffs
I wanted to post something thoughtful and witty about the NFL season. That was back when I thought I was going to be off today. Unfortunately, that was a couple of versions of the schedule ago. When my beeper went off at eight, it was clear that I missed a memo or two. So, instead of rolling out NFL predictions for today’s games, I will have to go over the playoffs. Hey, tell me where I’m wrong. Do you think that the Colts can turn it on and off at will? Are the Chargers the best team as you see it? Can we stick a fork in the Patriots?
AFC
Indianapolis Colts — Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts had a good year. They had an opportunity at a great year, but they decided to rest their starters. (Ask Bill Belichick about the wisdom of resting your starters in a meaningless game.) I think going undefeated during the regular season is a milestone, but it is more important to win the Super Bowl. It would be even more gratifying if the Indianapolis Colts could put together two or three seasons in which they win it all. They need to become a dynasty. I think they have that opportunity. Unfortunately, their defense just doesn’t seem to be up to the task. When the Indianapolis Colts put together that amazing run three years ago, their defense just got to it and came together. They need that defense to gel. If they’re able to do that, the Indianapolis Colts could be onto something very special.
San Diego Chargers — for some reason, every year the San Diego Chargers seem to start off slowly. They usually lose three or four of their first six games and people seem to forget about them. Well, this San Diego Chargers team may be unforgettable. Philip Rivers is playing as well as if not better than any other quarterback in the NFL. The NFL today requires a good quarterback in order to win. (The Miami Dolphins would be in the playoffs right now if they had a good starting quarterback.) They have a solid defense with outstanding special teams. If they have a weakness, I’m not sure that they do, it is at running back. I never thought I would say that LaDainian Tomlinson would be a liability. He just isn’t playing very well.
Cincinnati Bengals — I just spoke with my brother for about 20 minutes about football while I was typing this post. He is not all that psyched up about the Cincinnati Bengals but I am. I think because the Bengals do not have any superstars, they may have an advantage. They play together as a team. They have a solid defense and a great running game. This gives them the ability to control the clock. Cedric Benson may be their key. Cedric Benson and Larry Johnson may lead them deep into the playoffs.
New England Patriots — I know that with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick you can never count this team out, but I’m counting them out. The Patriot defense has been porous at best. Sometimes the offense plays well and sometimes they don’t. It looks like they’ve just lost Wes Welker. I think the Bangles, Chargers and Colts can handle the Patriots without much difficulty.
Baltimore Ravens — Joe Flacco is not playing as well as he did last year. I don’t know what the problem is: his receivers or his offensive line. Their running game is above average but their defense is not making the plays. The problem with the Ravens is their defense. They need Ed Reed. They need the great linebacker Ray Lewis to play like he did four or five years ago. They can clearly make some noise in the playoffs, but I don’t see them going past the first or second round.
New York Jets — Mark Sanchez is not quite ready. The Jets have a good solid defense. They have a great running game. The Jets need their quarterback to step up and play big. I just don’t think that Sanchez is ready yet. If they’re able to keep everything in place, the Jets are two or three years away.
Tomorrow I have something to say about the NFC playoffs.
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maroussia
