Mizzo’s NFL Top Five: Carolina Pulls Into the Lead
Two weeks left in the season and so much to figure out. Two games in each conference with the number one seed on the line this weekend…wow. Some questions…Will the Eagles tie help or hurt? What has the lack o’ Plaxico done to the psyche of the New York football Giants? What will Tavaris Jackson do for an encore? Is Dallas benefiting from an cynically omnipresent media? How will Tennessee respond after hearing Haynesworth is done for the last two games at least? Has Pittsburgh been the most consistent team this year? Is the NFC South overrated? Discuss these questions and more as we rank the NFL elite heading into Week 16…
1. Carolina Panthers
11-3. Won 3 straight. Carolina has historically been one of the league’s most slept on outfits this time of year. With a Nebraska circa ‘83 type running game and the vertical domination of arguably the best player in the game, Steve Smith, the Panthers are possibly the most feared team in the NFL.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
11-3. Won 5 straight. Pittsburgh has allowed a lead low of 192 points. The Steelers defense is synonymous with this time of year. They will punch your quarterback in the face and slap the mess out of receivers who dare come over the middle. Crazy as it sounds, I don’t think they’ve played their best game yet. Can they keep Big Ben clean? A crazy 9-1 against the AFC. Tomlin gets my vote for Coach of the Year. The rest of the league better prepare for that cold rock stuff.
3. New York Giants
11-3. Lost two straight. Since Plax was banished, the Giants have been in a steady and heavy free fall. Yeah the Giants are banged…I mean banged up. Will Tom Coughlin turn this around in time for the playoffs? If you’ve ever been a quarterback and you have a tall wideout, you miss seing his length over the offensive line coming out of a pattern as the rush collapses the pocket. Eli is going to have to make a quick adjustment. This defense is still a monster and it’s crazy Justin Tuck is the only Pro Bowl rep, but don’t be surprised if the bottom falls out.
4. Indianapolis Colts
10-4. Won 7 straight. Remember when the Colts were 3-4 after losing to Tennessee on Monday Night Football and Tony Dungy had a smile of confidence in the press conference? Look at what has happened since. I don’t know why this man doesn’t get his just due as one of the all time great coaches, but he could win Coach of the Year. The Colts have been physically challenged all year by so many injuries that I think it’s galvanized their resolve to the point where they feel they are the best in the league. Lord help the league if Bob Sanders gets healthy because along with Dwight Freeney and Peyton Manning on offense, this team might give the sports something it’s never seen before…a Manning Super Bowl threepeat.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
8-5-1. Won 3 straight. Yeah, I could have ranked the Titans, Dolphins, Vikings, Ravens or Patriots higher, but realistically are any of those teams playing better ball right now than the Eagles? If not for some dumb play calling and even more ridiculous luck, this team could be wrapping up the NFC East division. Coulda, woulda, shoulda. After McNabb’s benching, the Eagles have not so quietly won 2 huge games (and a cupcake) and look like the team they were coming out the box. The offense has the balance every Eagle fan across the land has wished for since the days of Cunningham. Again, will the tie help or hurt?
********************
As far as the Titans, the Haynesworth and Vanden Bosch losses hurt bad. Yes, they have a coach who makes great adjustments and a sick rushing attack, but I’m just not convinced they have enough steam to do this. Steelers and Colts left? Sorry.
Dallas ain’t winning jack with Tony Romo at quarterback when it’s money time. Terrell is up to his old tricks but that’s what motivates him and he still is one of the best despite what he does to a team. I’d go to war with him on the field. Dallas is playing well right now and if they beat the Eagles in Philly, the Cowboys without question have enough talent to win it all. They better ask somebody about Ed Reed this week before anything else.
Minnesota is on a high after TJ threw 4 touchdowns on 11 completions. Adrian Peterson will win the rushing title barring injury, but the defense is the question mark. What’s going to happen with the Williams tandem?
Miami hasn’t allowed a TD (three straight games or twenty-nine possessions) since Mercury Morris spit 16 bars, but can they do it offensively? They have given up only ten turnovers all year.
Ravens? See Miami.
The Patriots play an interesting foe this week in Arizona. Looks like an airshow, but you know sweater Bill wants to keep the score down. Matt Cassel won a big game after the unfortunate passing of his Father last week, but trust the emotion is unbearable and never stops.
Atlanta is a joke. Who have they beaten? Check the schedule because they sure have lost to a lot of good teams.
Sphere: Related Content
December 17th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
1. Carolina
2. Pittsburgh
3. Tennessee
4. NY Giants
5. Dallas
I’ve been saying all year that Carolina will represent the NFC in the SuperBowl. That running game is sick and Steve Smith is, well…Steve Smith. Jake D has been playing exceptionally well and hasn’t turned the ball over to hurt the team. He’s made great decisions and managed the game well. Their defense is playing good at the right time. If they beat the Giants this weekend, it’s a wrap. I don’t see anyone beating them at home come playoff time.
The Steelers have the best defense i’ve seen in years…but their achilles heel is their offense. Bruce Arians needs to be stoned with an array of football filled with rocks. They need to go back to power football, whether they’re running Parker or Mewelde. Parker is not his usual self so that is also hurting the offense. As long as Ben doesn’t turn the ball over, the Steelers will be hard to beat. If they beat the Titans this weekend, they control the home field advantage throughout the AFC. It’s gonna be tough….especially in Tennessee. But if they stop the run, the Titans can forget about it. They will blitz Collins all day long.
Tennessee is not the same team they were 4 weeks ago. They’ve had some injuries and letdowns. They can’t afford to lose this game against the Steelers because if they do, Indy will have something to play for on the last game of the season. As I mentioned earlier, they must be able to run the ball against the Steelers to have a chance. If they can’t, they’re in trouble.
The Giants miss Plax…and they miss BJ. Without that running game, Eli can’t run the play-action effectively. Without Plax, Eli is having trouble finding receivers down field. Amani Toomer is a solid WR but he’s not a #1, especially at this stage in his career. Teams can afford to not double the Giants receivers and put 7 or 8 in the box and dare them to run. If the Giants can’t run the ball, they can forget about it.
Dallas is playing inspired football after the distractions last week created by ESPN’s Werder, who pretty much LIED about the entire ordeal. The Cowboys’ defense is playing better and better every week. The real question is whether or not Romo can shake that December monkey off his back. Well, the opportunity is presenting itself in the last 2 weeks of the season in the form of the Ravens and the Eagles. I think the Cowboys can win both but Romo has to play well. If he does, Dallas will win out; if not, Wade Phillips might be without a job next year.
That’s my top 5…….
December 17th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Even as an Eagles fan, I see nothing pointing to a Dallas win. I would never say that in years past. If the Eagles lose this week, it definitely ain’t happening.
December 17th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
My top 5 are:
1) Pittsburgh
2) Carolina
3) Eagles
4) Cowboys
5) Giants
From where I’m sitting, the absence of Brandon Jacobs is the thing that’s really killing the Giants. The absence of Burress is a big deal, but its not something the team can’t play through as long as Jacobs is on the field. I believe that the absence of Burress allows teams to stack the box against the run — but with Jacobs on the field, that approach is STILL not as effective as it is when only Ward and Bradshaw are running the ball. The Giants can run against 8 or 9 man fronts with Brandon Jacobs and every defense MUST respect the play action pass when he’s on the field. With him on the bench, defenses do not have to stack the box vs. Bradshaw/Ward. They also don’t have to honor play action fakes because neither Ward nor Bradshaw has the raw power to break big runs. Defenders can play the Giants straight up which places additional pressure on Eli to be accurate and pressure on Toomer, Smith and Hixon to get open and actually make catches. Eli, as we know, is not the most accurate passer and none of those receivers are #1’s. They’re all complementary. So, the absence of Jacobs (for me) is the really, really big deal.
When Burress left Pittsburgh, the Steelers were able to win a Super Bowl not merely because Hines Ward was still on the team, but because the presence of Jerome Bettis (especially in short yardage situations) forced teams to honor the threat of the run and, by extension, to honor play action passes. When Brandon Jacobs comes back, the Giants will go right back to squashing people.
I think the Titans are no longer a top 5 team. I know they have the record, but I put a lot of stock in the quality of opposition that teams face. They’re playing a 3rd place schedule and they’re folding down the stretch. Kerry Collins is showing warts. Haynesworth is out until the playoffs. Vanden Bosch is out until the playoffs. None of their receivers can get separation or make plays against solid cornerbacks. The success of their team is predicated on defensive domination. The Texans were able to hit Andre Johnson all over the field because Finnegan and Griffin simply cannot muscle Johnson. That’s not to say they can’t beat the Steelers. They can. The Steelers are barely averaging 100 yds per game rushing. I think the Titans know the Steelers very well and match up well against them. They also have Chris Hope on their squad. That can’t hurt.
I like the Panthers, but I don’t think their the top team in the league. Their running attack showed its chops against Tampa Bay, but that looks less impressive after Atlanta went out and had similar success. The Panthers passing game is still a mess as far as I’m concerned. Delhomme is the 11th ranked passer in the CONFERENCE. That’s going to be a problem as soon as they face a defense with a stout line and a scheme to take Smith away (remember those playoff games vs. Seattle?). The Giants have the defensive line to stuff Williams and Stewart and can devise a scheme to make Delhomme look awfully bad. The question is whether or not Jacobs can come back in time to save Eli from a nightmare.
I said several weeks ago that if the Eagles continued to run the ball, they would not lose — not that they’d be tough — but that they wouldn’t lose. The team ranks very highly in terms of net points and the defense is simply formidable. Asante Samuel is the key for me. He intimidates QBs who are reluctant to throw the ball his way. When you combine his skill set with reliable pressure, teams are compelled to go to the other side and Brian Dawkins’ presence is enough to ensure that most X receivers are running outs and flys. Not too many cats line up on the left side and run deep digs to the middle or slants. They don’t even think about it…so that makes the work of the other corner that much easier. The Eagles are for real — as long as BW gets the rock and stays upright, they’re going to win.
I like the Colts, but their streak has been built on the backs of busters. They beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh. That game still bothers me because the guy who leads the entire NFL in picks dropped one in the flat against Manning that would have made the score 21-3. Reggie Wayne scored off a tipped pass. The Colts earned the win, but I wasn’t impressed. Since then, its been smooth sailing against the lower lights in the league. My Coach of the Year is Mike Tomlin. 11-3…toughest schedule in years…injured Willie Parker…injured Ben Roethlisberger…bust year from Santonio Holmes including WEED OUT game suspension vs. Giants.
I think the Cowboys simply aren’t getting the proper respect. For the most part, when Tony Romo and Marion Barber have been healthy, the team has won. The team also deserves some serious KUDOS for drafting Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. The defense has played wonderfully. Jay Ratliff is going to the Pro Bowl. DeMarcus Ware is the bomb. Terrence Newman has been excellent. Ken Hamlin has solidified the secondary in a way that Roy Williams could not. He’s a huge hitter with much more range. I like what Dallas has to offer — but I don’t believe they have an answer for Westbrook. If I were Wade Phillips, I’d be inclined to run a 4-2-5 defense and blitz a bunch from the corners to keep Westbrook from running to the outside — play Newman in one slot and another guy like Sheppard in the other slot and shadow Westbrook. When the Eagles pass — they pick him up when he comes out…when he runs, they blitz. By the time the Eagles figure that out and get the ball to their subpar wide outs, the game will be over.
We’ll see how it goes.
Thanks for the post Mizzo. Udaman!
December 17th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Mizzo:
1 more thing…the other huge under the radar game this week is Minnesota vs. Atlanta. #1 rush defense vs. #1 rush offense. Should be epic.
December 17th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Mizzo — 1 more thing.
You called the Falcons a joke and asked who have they beaten, but you have Carolina ranked #1 in the league.
What happened 3 weeks ago? Somebody got pimp smacked with an old 45. Holla back!
December 17th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
T3,
You make some great points about Jake Delhomme, but in their system, Jake doesn’t have to be a top tier passer. As a matter of fact, he never has been, even the year they went to the SuperBowl (if my memory serves me correct). Fox’s system is based on running the ball and controlling the clock. If teams do take Smith away, they now have Muhammad, who they DIDN’T have when they played Seattle. He was in “the CHI” and was the missing piece. Now that he’s back in Carolina, I think they will run the table in the NFC. If the Giants try stuffing the run, they’re going to get beat in the passing game because now they must account for Smith AND MUhammad.
The reason I have the Panthers at #1 is because their running game is better than the Steelers. As you alluded to, the Steelers are barely breaking the century mark per game, but I think that will change come playoff time. I’ll agree with Mizz on one thing — I don’t think they’ve played their best football yet. If that’s indeed the case, the rest of the league better be scared.
I also think that Tomlin deserves to be “Coach of the Year”, but something tells me Tony Sparano will get the nod.
December 17th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
I think the Steelers should be number 1. DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE!!!! Is anyone other than me wondering why Brees made the Pro Bowl? It’s a shame Lamar Woodley didnt make it. He’s had a great year.
December 17th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
GN:
I am wondering about Delhomme because he had a couple of clunkers this year. The games were so bad, folks were starting to wonder. Ha may have been injured or merely confused. When they played the Raiders, he was 7 of 27 with 4 picks. When they were throttled by Tampa, he had 3 picks. Since then, he’s been much better…but I’m not sold because Muhammad is not the same guy he was years ago. He had 1 breakout game all year — early vs. ATL.
He’s really only dangerous in the red zone — if they can actually get to the red zone. I guess I’m not sold yet because they’ve disappointed me at times DURING the season. They certainly seem to be rounding into shape, but I’m reticent about giving too much love after strong running performances vs. 1 team that looked really tired (Tampa) and another with arguably the WORST run defense in the league (Denver).
The last time they played a team with a single D. Line player whose name I knew was vs. ATL. They were smoked 45-28.
I definitely hear what you’re saying. Like I said, my issue is that I’ve been watching them (mostly on Defense - my FFL D) and got burned a few times…(Tampa, Arizona, Detroit, Atlanta and Green Bay). I’m still a skeptic. I’m going to leave it up to Fred Robbins.
December 17th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
GNl:
What do you think about the Cowboys - Eagles game?
December 17th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Yeah somebody did get smacked but that was then and it’s money time now. I don’t know what it is about ATL, but they don’t impress me in any way besides Ryan’s poise and White’s athleticism and route running.
I neglected to speak on Jacobs because I do feel he’ll play this week. Too much is at stake.
If Plaxico plays against the Eagles, then we are discussing where McNabb plays next year this week. He’s that big against Philly.
I don’t like the Colts schedule either, but since they’ve been there and Dungy is one of the most reticent competitors this side of Dre Miller, I can’t bet against them.
December 17th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
T3,
I like how Dallas has been playing eversince Romo came back, especially their defense. Donovan and the Eagles have been playing well as of late but I like Dallas in that game.
Dallas needs to play more of a spread attack on Offense. That way Philly can’t send as many blitzes as they would like. If Dallas is wise, they would line up T.O. in the slot BESIDE Jason Whitten, which would really cause problems. That way, Whitten AND T.O. would get their share of catches because Philly doesn’t defend the crossing patterns well. That was evident in their last meeting after Dallas made that adjustment in the 3rd QTR.
And, of course, my man Marion Barber needs to get the ball at least 20 times. When he runs for 100+, Dallas is tough to beat.
December 17th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Mizz,
“I don’t know what it is about ATL, but they don’t impress me in any way besides Ryan’s poise and White’s athleticism and route running.”
Michael Turner doesn’t impress you? He’s the main reason why the Birds are 9-5. Without Turner, the Falcons probably win 5 games.
December 17th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
GN. How the hell can I forget about Turner? My bad, I need to sleep.
December 17th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Mizzo and T3,
You know you bruthas are alright with me, but y’all are some straight homers. Philly? PHILLY??? Probably the most inconsistent team in the league and you have them in the top 5? Yes, they are on a roll, but let us not forget that there has to be some level of consistency. They are not sold enough defensively to be in this convo to me.
December 17th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Ok. I see why Brees made the Pro Bowl. Problem is all that throwing isn’t turning into wins but I also see that their defense isn’t very good.
December 17th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
I’ll let Temple speak for himself, but brotha man brotha man, the Eagles D has been shelling out that Cold Rock Stuff all year.
Uh…the game against your boys don’t count bruh
December 17th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Dredded One:
I HATE the Eagles. I’m a Steelers fan.
I think the Eagles are very, very good when they’re balanced. When I evaluate teams, I look at things like Net Points. The Eagles are currently ranked 5th in the league. Only 2 other teams on that list are playing top notch schedules — the Giants and Pittsburgh. Tennessee and Baltimore are playing 3rd place schedules based on their mediocrity of a year ago.
The Eagles have been more physical than most of their opponents. They’ve significantly upgraded their secondary. They have 3 corners that would start on 9 of 10 teams in the league. They have a Hall of Fame that turns light off. They have solid defensive linemen and linebackers who get blitz pressure — and they have the QB with the 3rd lowest INT percentage in the entire history of the NFL.
When you look at all of that, on balance, if this teams runs the ball with a healthy Brian Westbrook — they’re not going to lose. You have to turn them over to beat them. And, I still HATE the Eagles.
Besides, I can’t be a homer — I’m from Harlem!!
December 17th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
I meant to say Hall of Fame safety in Brian Dawkins…pardon.
December 17th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Mizzo:
I think you’re going to have to get over it with Atlanta — seriously. I know I did. Ryan’s running the system they had in BC. Roddy White is going to the Pro Bowl and so is Michael Turner. Abraham has 15 sacks. They blew Carolina out less than a month ago. They just beat Tampa Bay. They beat San Diego on the road. They’re #1 in the NFL in rushing. They play in a TOUGH division.
What do you want them to do? Bring back Steve Bartkowski? Billy White Shoes? William Andrews? Eugene “Pass tha Poom Poom” Robinson?
I like Minnesota more than the Falcons, but if they beat the Vikings on the road (Doubt it, but you never know), you are just going to have to suck it up.
December 17th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
T3,
If Minnesota beats Atlanta, their defense is going to have to stop the run and force some turnovers. Actually, that’s the formula to beat any team
.But with Atlanta, you have to “bait” Ryan into thinking that he can make a throw when something is there when in actuality it isn’t. Tampa did that to him twice this year, but unfortunately in the last game, they couldn’t muster up enough points on offense. I think that if Jeff Garcia had played, the Falcons lose that game.
I just don’t see the Falcons stopping A-Pete and that running game. Minnesota’s defense has been playing well as of late, but if they put 7 or 8 in the box, can Matt Ryan beat them over the top? I do know that when the Falcons play teams with a very good defense, Ryan struggles (i.e. Tampa, Philly, 1st game @ Carolina) so we’ll see what happens.
December 17th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
I totally agree. The Vikings can stop most teams from running with 5 or 6 guys because teams cannot get their guards past the Williams’ (Kevin/Pat) to make 2nd level blocks on the linebackers. I am quite impressed with what Minnesota has done lately.
Don’t you think, though, that Minnesota will have a similar problem if the Falcons stack the box to stop Peterson…or do you just think ATL won’t be able to him regardless of what they do?
December 17th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
I think that Atlanta will put 7 or 8 in the box and dare T-Jax to beat them. I think they will feel that he isn’t good enough to beat them. As strange as this may sound, Minnesota should (and probably will) come out throwing the ball. If T-Jax lights them up early, A-Pete will run wild against their 4 or 5 men sets.
I will say that the Falcon’s d-line has been playing better against the run, especially Babineaux and Big Grady. But the thing is this — Adrian Peterson runs away from the stacks, he doesn’t try to run through them. When or if you ever watch him on tape you’ll notice that his vision is amazing. All he needs is a millisecond and he hits the hole and is audi.
The Falcons don’t have the speed at the Linebacker position to contain him. They had that player in DeMarrio Williams but he’s no longer here. Keith Brooking cannot and will not be able to run with Adrian Peterson. Michael Boley is their best option but I would think that they won’t run to his side of the field that often. They have to devise some sort of scheme that Tampa used to contain him. But even still, the Bucs held him to like 85 yds.
December 17th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
BTW….I got the new Sports Illustrated mag today….it has LaMarr Woodley on it after laying out Joe Flacco.
The headline states the following:
“STEEL CURTAIN II”
———————–
“DEFENSE”
“That Same Old December Song in the NFL”
I haven’t read the article yet but i’m sure that it will be a good one.
December 17th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
I don’t think Gerald Riggs and William Andrews both rushing for 1500 would convince me this team is for real. They just seem pink socks flip flop soft to me. Has nothing to do with the past.
December 17th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
There is one team in the NFC South.
December 18th, 2008 at 12:03 am
He did not say “pink socks flip flop soft”
BWA HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!
Steelers #1 BABY!!! YEAH!! (bias alert: My parents attended Alabama A&M….John Stallworth was a bulldog…so we were Steelers fans no matter who, what, when or where)
December 18th, 2008 at 12:58 am
Okay Mizzo. I hear you.
I felt the same way until they smoked the Panthers.
December 18th, 2008 at 12:59 am
GN:
Thanks. That’s more info than I had on the Falcons defense. Very helpful.
December 18th, 2008 at 1:16 am
HAHA Mizzo you are a trip man.
Them dudes are pink socks flip flop soft…..LOL!!!!
F the falcons I still hate them dudes. I wish I could get a Matt Ryan Voodoo Doll.
I say Minnesota will beat the falcons for teh simple fact is I’m not sure that they can consistantly win on the road.
And the Vikings are a beast at home. Plus no more of sorry @ss Gus.
And I agree with you the Titans are dead. I said it in week 8. They just can score points and Collins really doesn’t bring anything to the table.
Jets vs Steelers in the conference championship.
Titans won’t even win a playoff game…….nor their last 2 regular season games.
December 18th, 2008 at 1:44 am
“F the falcons I still hate them dudes. I wish I could get a Matt Ryan Voodoo Doll.”
LOL@origin
December 18th, 2008 at 2:32 am
OMG….origin..you a fool!! LMAO!!!
December 18th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Mizzo:
I think that Tony Dungy gets as much respect as any coach in the history of the game with only 1 Super Bowl ring. The upper echelon of reverence for coaches is reserved for the select few with multiple rings: Lombardi, Shula, Landry, Noll, Parcells, Walsh, Gibbs, Shanahan, Belichick. The cat who really doesn’t get respect is Tom Flores. He won twice with the Raiders as head coach, and he beat Gibbs and Vermeil - but still takes a back seat to Madden in the Raider pantheon of leaders.
Dungy, to me, gets alot of love and is even credited by many, many folks with the Tampa Bay SB win even though Gruden coached the game. The biggest barrier to Dungy getting his props was the time it took to conquer two teams — the Rams in the NFC and the Patriots in the AFC. You can’t really get to the top of the props ladder when you have a nemesis.
All things considered, I think he’s done very well and is well regarded enough that his proteges have been able to land some of the BEST football jobs with old school franchises across the league: Lovie Smith in Chicago; Herman Edwards in Kansas City; and Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh.
Tony Dungy is the man and there are very, very few people who don’t know it.
December 18th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
The Giants aint shit without a running game. To me the game against Carolina on Sunday is going to come down to whether or not their second back-up RB Ahmad Bradsahw is healthy enough to come in and help make up for the missing Jabobs. If he can play, and they beat the Panthers, I’d put the Giants back in the NFC championship.
December 18th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Temple I mean strictly from a wins per year basis. If you’ve read he’s the best coach in the league somewhere let me know.
He’s never mentioned in that regard ala Shula with Marino.
At this point, I really think he is.
December 18th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
He’s not the BEST coach in the league, though. He has the highest regular season winning percentage right now, but that (”best”) designation is ALWAYS reserved for playoff coaching. No coach gets props for just regular season wins…you have to win in the post season.
As great as I think he is, he’s only .500 in the postseason. I think much of that has been due to personnel problems. The Glazer’s didn’t want to pay for an offense until it was too late. The Colts didn’t know how to pay for a defense (or maybe they were just gun shy after losing out on the Steve Emtman/Quentin Coryatt draft picks). If those had panned out, Dungy may not have ever been offered the Indy job.
Bottom line, the only guys who are even in the conversation are Belichick and Shanahan. They’re post-season percentages are better…and until recently, the Patriots owned the Colts.
If you can find an article giving props to coaches based strictly on regular season work where the post-season doesn’t measure up, holla at me. Cowher was killed for years about his post-season games…same for Marv Levy, Bud Grant, Chuck Knox, George Allen, and on and on. People in SF didn’t even think George Seifert was a great coach.
The regular season isn’t where its at. It’s about finishing the job.
As an aside, Don Shula’s legacy as one of the greatest coaches of all-time was cemented when Dan Marino was in diapers.
December 18th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
What I meant by that was that these are the only 2 that I’ve heard get more props than Dungy. Even Shanahan is a bit diminished by failing to get over the hump without Elway.
Bottom line, dude’s teams have been outscored by an average of 24-9 in 9 season-ending playoff games (Tampa and Indy). They’ve scored 24, 18, 3, 14, 0, 9, 3, 6, and 7. They’ve lost at home (Pittsburgh, San Diego) and on the road (New England, St. Louis, Philadelphia. They’ve lost as favorites and as underdogs. It’s a tremendous accomplishment to do what he’s done. I guess I just don’t where he’s been slighted — especially in light of his post-season performance in relationship to his nemesis.
December 18th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
1. Carolina (the bucs lost a chance at a home super bowl by not beating them 2 weeks ago)
2. Pittsbrugh
3. Indianapolis
4. New York Giants
5. Philadelphia
December 22nd, 2008 at 1:31 am
I guess the Falcons and Titans will get some respect around these parts now!
And you should be able to see from this first drive that Jacobs is sufficiently important to the Giants pass game to overcome the loss of Burress. I don’t know if they’ll score, but receivers who’d be covered if Ward or Bradshaw were running are open — and actually catching balls — unlike those busters in Philly.
Panthers are gang-tackling looking for Brandon to do his usual.
Steelers laid a big egg. My first mind (throughout the season) has been tinged with conservatism and doubt about their overall performance. The one week I go out on a limb, they take their first blowout loss — u.g.l.y.
Better luck next week.