The Tennessee Titans announced that Jeff Fisher would no longer be coaching the team. This comes as a bit of a shock. Just last month, in a battle of wills, it seemed that Fisher had won out to remain in Tennessee instead of embattled former number three pick Vince Young. Owner Bud Adams decided differently on Thursday night. There have been reports that the possible final straw was the push that Fisher made for his son to be given a position with the Titans, though Adams had made it a policy to not hire family members within the organization.
Fisher was the longest tenured coach in the NFL, but he longevity with Tennessee did not get him a pass in Adams' mind. Having had disagreements in the past, and with the team finishing below .500, Adams decided a new direction is necessary.
The question is where to next? Could it be a hire within with someone like Mike Munchak. Or will they go outside the organization and bring in someone like a Perry Fewell or Russ Grimm. The other questions hanging out there, does this change the future of Vince Young? Many had thought that it was either Fisher or Young, now with Fisher gone do the Titans backpedal and hold onto Young? That should be an interesting debate inside Titans camp, especially with Adams' public approval of Young.
So how many people were coming out and attacking Jay Cutler during Sunday's game? Simple, a lot. Former players, current players, sportswriters, casual fans, everyone had their own opinion, and many were not in favor of Cutler. He was certainly trending on Twitter.
There were a lot of things being said: 'He is not that hurt, why is he still on the sideline,' 'He has been standing the whole time, how hurt can he be?' 'he has no heart, he is just scared to play out there,' 'he is a wimp, how can he not go back in now, he can't be hurt that bad, he just can't take it,' and finally 'if I was on the Bears I would not be able to stand it, he better not come in the locker room. I would be playing no matter what.'
Maybe some of those are fair to say, maybe not, but the way it was a storm of criticism it was certainly as much the talk of the two teams making it to the Super Bowl. So, with Monday came the MRI that everyone was waiting for, and the results...a sprained MCL (which can also be referred to as a torn MCL, not everyone understands that and has jumped on his back that much more with the word sprain being used).
Now I am a Cutler fan, and I for one was not thrilled with everyone calling him out and jumping on his back having no facts of which to back what they were saying up with. What I will say about Cutler is that he has gotten abused in his football career, and always stood back up and been in that huddle the next play. At Vanderbilt, in the vaunted SEC, they had by far the worst team most of his career, and he got manhandled. He won SEC player of the year as a senior and he never just sat out against teams like Florida, let alone in the NFC Championship game. Last year and this year with the Bears, he was getting clobbered, sacked a record amount of times early on, but he was still getting up and competing, in games that were not the NFC Championship game.
So why would he then say I can't do this anymore, knowing the storm that he was walking into? He had to truly have something wrong, and then we also find out that doctor's and coaches are making these decisions. Then on Monday the reports that he has a torn MCL and it is a grade II, which typically lends itself to a three to four week minimum recovery time. So to call him out I think is unfair, and unprofessional.
The worst part in all of this, the Bears defense is getting no credit for keeping that team in the game with shutting down the new quarterback darling and hottest player/offense in the NFL.
Lastly, I love all of those who had comments, for the most part, now taking steps back and trying to change their words and what they said, or how they were aimed. I wish that people would now take the criticism that they deserve, rather than say they never questioned the injury, but how he was acting. The fact that they try to insult the intelligence of people is almost a joke, because those who have seen and read those comments know exactly what was being said. To step back now and try and say otherwise is a joke, and they look like cowards and fools. You said it, accept it and say you were wrong and should not have jumped the gun. This is the beauty of a network like Twitter, people can give knee jerk reactions, and now they should feel the effects of doing the wrong thing, not try and lie their way out of it. Sad really.
The game's first drive started out the way that all the "experts" said that it would, Aaron Rodgers finding Greg Jennings a couple of times for big gains, well timed and blocked run plays, and a touchdown for the Packers, 7-0. That was supposed to happen for most of the game, just Rodgers and Packers domination. Then it was 14-0 as the Packers were moving the ball, and it seemed like this one was going to be like last week in Atlanta. Then the Bears defense started playing, and Brian Urlacher would not let this game get away from them.
From that point on Aaron Rodgers was intercepted twice, and the Bears defense did not give up any more points. The Packers were still able to move the ball a little bit, but the Bears and their defense were not going to let this game be lost by them. They took the Packers best hit and said 'oh no, we are still here.' Problem is the offense for the Bears could not do the same, and that's because the Packers defense had something to say about this game too.
Jay Cutler left the game early in the third quarter because of an injury to his knee that will get an MRI, but before that he was not exactly effective. He threw for only 80 yards and was picked off once, for a nice quarterback rating of about 30. Todd Collins came in for a couple of drives, only to be taken out because of terrible play, and in comes Caleb Hanie.
Hanie was able to get the job done to a certain extent though, leading both of the touchdown drives for the Bears, making it a game again. The Packers defense was not going to lose this game to the third string quarterback though after how they had manhandled the first two. In between those two touchdowns Hanie did throw another touchdown, only it was taken in by 337 pound defensive tackle B.J. Raji on a Packer interception. The game winner as it turned out.
That was not the only play made by the Packers though, rookie Sam Shields also picked off Hanie on their final drive attempt to cement the win, and the Packers their fifth trip to Super Bowl Sunday. The Packers took a knee and that was all she wrote.
This was a defensive game through and through, and both of them played extremely well. The Bears were able to take the Packers punches early and then completely shut down the hottest team and offense in the NFL, and do it rather convincingly. The Packers were the defense that made the plays for the win though, as that pick six was what won this game for Green Bay, and what sets up a date with the Pittsburgh Steelers in a Super Bowl that will be rich in tradition.
The efforts of Brian Urlacher can not go unmentioned though, as he was everywhere on the field, and did everything possible to get his team the win. If he could have played quarterback he might have. Urlacher not only intercepted Aaron Rodgers on a huge play in the red zone, bu he had 10 tackles, nine of which were solo, a pass deflection, and a sack in the first half that forced the Packers out of field goal range and had to punt. He was a beast on the field, and it is a shame that he had to walk off the field without a win.
The Packers visit the Bears on Sunday, making this the NFL record 182nd meeting between the two. So these two teams might know a little bit about each other. This year in their two games they split, with each team winning at home in one score games. So who will be heading to the Super Bowl then, the red hot team in the Packers, or the stout defensive juggernaut at home?
The Bears have Soldier Field on their side, so their is a tiny victory before the game even starts. The biggest key for the Bears today will be pass protection though. The Bears may try to run the ball, show a lot of run early to keep them honest, but the Packers and everyone watching know the Bears with Jay Cutler and Mike Martz want to pass the ball. The offensive line has progressed immensely this year, but today they need to keep Cutler upright in order to win. Give Cutler time and he will make the throws necessary to give the Bears a chance to win.
Secondly, just like the Bears will try to do, the Packers will want to try and run the ball for balance, and the Bears must shut James Starks and that running game down. If they are able to do what they did all year then they should be able to eliminate the balance from the Packers offense. Knowledge is power with a defense as good as the Bears, and if you give them a solid game plan to execute they will almost always do it well. They need to pressure Aaron Rodgers, and that first step might be stopping the running game.
The Packers are as hot a team as there is, and they will be hitting on all cylinders presumably the way they are going. In order for them to win, they have to rely on games from a pair of players on each side of the ball. On the defensive side it is those two that you would look to if you are a Packers fan in Charles Woodson and Clay Matthews. The two are two of the most elite pass rushers at their positions, and if they can get to Cutler early then this game could be under the Packers control throughout.
On offense the Packers will get what is expected from Rodgers, Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. The two that will make or break this game for that offense are James Jones and Jordy Nelson. These two are going to find themselves open and getting balls thrown to them, if they can make plays and move the ball then the Packers will be in good shape. The more balls they catch early, the more open Jennings and Driver may be later in the game. Their offense is already great, if these two have solid games they will be hard to stop, even for the Bears.
This game should be a close, hard fought grudge match between two teams that do not like each other. It really is a matter of are you going with the Bears defense or the Packers offense. My head says to go with the Packers, but my heart says the Bears will step up at Soldier Field. The heart just might win out this time.
Everyone says that you have to win all three facets of the football game to win, you have to win special teams so that you can control the field position. These teams seem to be the haves and the have nots when it comes to special teams though. They are well equipped, or they have their problems in terms of special teams.
1. Chicago Bears
The Bears could be put number one in this ranking for one guy alone, the NFL career leader in return touchdowns, Devin Hester. He is the most dangerous player in the league, and he can always return a kick, no matter the coverage and the placement. He is a one man wrecking crew, and you simply should not kick it to him.
They also are a good coverage team on their own kicks, and they have maybe the best kicker remaining in the playoffs in Robbie Gould. Gould is among the best kickers in the NFL, and this year he went 25-30 kicking, and has made nearly 86% of his kicks in his career. This year he went three of four from over 50 yards as well, so he has the distance. He has only missed two kicks in the second half of the season on top of it, and throughout his career he has hit game winning field goals for the Bears, and at Soldier Field.
2. New York Jets
The Jets have a pretty good return game of their own, and they are able to throw numerous returners back there that can really get a great return, and even numerous guys scoring a touchdown for them.
Brad Smith is the main return guy, when healthy, and he is a feared return man throughout the league. He has returned three kicks in the last two years, including two this year, with a return average of over 28 yards. When Smith isn't in there they can then throw one of the fastest players in the NFL into the return game with Antonio Cromartie, who really was a big part in the win over the Indianapolis Colts, with his big kickoff return on the game winning drive for the Jets. Then they can throw Santonio Holmes out there, or Jerricho Cotchery, both of which that have kickoff returns in their careers.
Their punter, Steve Weatherford, averaged over 42 yards per punt this year and was able to get 42 punts inside the 20, with only four touchbacks, in a solid campaign. Then Nick Folk is a solid kicker, who will be remembered for that game winning kick against the Colts in that Wild Card match up to help get the Jets this far.
3. Green Bay Packers
The Packers return game is solid, with Jordy Nelson as a more than serviceable return man, but they are not exactly anything to write home about. The key for the Packers in the return games is to just make sure that they cover their own kicks well. They are a team that relies heavily on their offense to move the ball, and their defense to stop it.
Mason Crosby however is one of the better kickers in the NFL, with a big leg, which is why the Packers find themselves in the top three. While he had a slow year going only 22-28, his long was a 56 yarder, and he can kick it with anyone from distance. Though one of his misses did come against Chicago this year, his only missed field goal against the NFC North division this year.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers do not have the return game that they once had. They had Holmes returning kicks for them and they were dangerous. Back when Antwan Randle-El was there in his first stint, he was one of the better return men in the league. He has now gotten older and his dangerousness has left him a little bit. Like the Packers the Steelers more rely on their ability to cover their kicks, rather than returning them.
The kicking game is not up to par with the other three teams as well. Heinz Field took Jeff Reed and spit him out, leading them to bring in a new kicker after releasing their long time starter, in the middle of the year. Their kicking game has been fine, with Shaun Suisham coming in and going 14-15 this year, but the confidence can only go so far in a player who was brought in mid-year.
When it comes to these teams the Bears with Hester and Gould, and then the Jets and their plethora of return men, they are heads and shoulders above the others. In these conference championships those should definitely be advantages for those two.
It's the famous cliche, defense wins championships. This season makes it not seem so cliche though, given that the four teams still playing all have some of the top defenses, if not arguably the four top defenses, in the NFL. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets and Chicago Bears all dominated at one point or another the defensive landscape this year. They were all able to shut teams down and really get them to where they are now. Which defense is the best though?
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are the king of kings when it comes to the defensive side of the ball. Their rankings are great, their schemes and coaches are great, and they simply have great players in their positions.
Their coaching staff consists of the youngest coach to ever win a Super Bowl, and a former defensive backs coach, so they got that going for them. The actual defensive coordinator though, he was just inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this past August. Dick LeBeau is one of the greatest defensive minds that the NFL has ever seen, and he is the man behind the madness of the Steelers defense, an amazing advantage to have with their schemes.
In Troy Polamalu they have arguably the best safety in the league, and one of the all time great safeties to ever play the position. He is everywhere on the field, and seemingly able to diagnose every single play, and able to meet the ball. Their rest of the secondary is great, but outshined by the linebacker unit that has one of the elite linebackers in James Harrison. This defense is full of play makers and elite talent, including pass rusher Lamarr Woodley who has recorded double digit sacks in each of the last three seasons, after only four as a rookie.
Finally, to name them the number one all you have to do is look at their rankings in the NFL. In total yards per game defense the Steelers were number one at an amazing only 126 per game, 91 passing yards against per game which was tops in the NFL, and came in second by a yard with only 35 rushing yards per game. They also led the league only allowing an average of 14.5 points a game. Every which way you look at this defense they are the best defense remaining, simply because they were the best defense in the league. The next three spots are the tough ones to choose.
2. Chicago Bears
Who had the Chicago Bears winning the NFC North and making it to the NFC Championship game this year? Yeah I doubt there were too many predicting that, but the reason they are where they are is because of that defense that they have. As much of a team defense that you will find, they play spectacularly off of one another. Whether it be the secondary playing as one, or Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs attacking from the linebacker positions, and then you have an incredibly strong and disciplined defensive line with Julius Peppers, who is a top five defensive end.
The Bears are also led by Lovie Smith, who was a standout defensive coordinator before head coach of the Bears, and Rod Marinelli was in the same position, a top defensive coordinator that got a head coaching opportunity. When that did not workout he finds himself back in a comfortable spot doing what he is great at.
The Bears are an incredible team defense, their rankings rival that of the Steelers this year, as they finished fourth in points per game at a shade under 18, as well as total defense, while edging out the Steelers for fewest rushing yards allowed per game. And when you want to look at a game they played, week 17 against the red hot offense from the Packers they only allowed 10 points in a must win at Green Bay for the Packers, showing them nothing but base defense.
3. New York Jets
The New York Jets are easily one of the most feared defenses in the league, earning them respect from all teams. They have a solid defensive line headed by Shaun Ellis. A linebacking core that Bart Scott anchors, creating one of the most lethal blitzing defenses and run stoppers. Then their secondary is headlined by two of the best cover corners in the NFL. They are a team built around their solid defense.
Rex Ryan is the third head coach we have talked about, and the third who comes from a strong defensive coordinator background. As a defensive coordinator he was able to develop the Baltimore Ravens into the best defense in the NFL, and the work he put in there, along with their personnel, has allowed them to remain a top five defense with his departure a couple of years ago. Talk about lineage as well, his brother his currently one of the better defensive coordinators in the NFL currently, and their father Buddy Ryan is known as one of the best defensive coordinators in NFL history. It is no wonder the defense is so strong for the Jets with him at the helm.
While the Jets have good stats among the NFL leaders in point allowed per game finishing sixth, seventh in yards per game, and sixth in rushing yards per game. They were easily a top 10, numbers wise top 6 defense.
The thing that makes them such a good defense is their secondary, mainly their cornerbacks. Having Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie on the outside is what makes this defense ranked number three of the four remaining teams. Revis is widely considered the best cornerback in the NFL, with some going as far lately to put him in the best ever talks, and Cromartie is on the short list of cover corners you would want on your team.
In the playoffs Revis and company have shut down two of the top offenses in the NFL, holding the Colts and Patriots to only 37 total points. Revis held Pro Bowl wide receiver to only one catch in the Wild Card match up. Revis has the ability to shut down a receiver he is covering completely, making them the number three defense.
4. Green Bay Packers
The Packers defense is good enough to be the number two defense on this list, but with Revis being able to almost single handedly shut down half the field to go along with the Jets pass rush, and the performance in their base defense, to go along with their statistical output over the whole season, by the Bears against the Packers in week 17, the Packers find themselves at number four.
Then again statistically speaking the Packers were among the top five in rushing yards per game allowed, total yards per game allowed, sacks, and interceptions. They are statistically more impressive than the Jets, and equal to the Bears. Dom Capers is also one of the better defensive minds in the NFL, and a great read of talent.
With the stats that they have you can assume their personnel is amongst the best in the league. With Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson on the defense they have last year's defensive player of the year, and probably this year's defensive player of the year. Matthews finished fourth in the league in sacks, to go along with his 60 tackles. Woodson is all over the field, one of the most lethal blitzing cornerbacks in the league, and a great cover corner. Those two, along with Pro Bowl snub Tramon Williams, put the Packers into the upper echelon of the NFL defenses. The common factor that all of these teams have are elite players at their positions, but also incredible defensive minds. The abilities of these coaches and staffs to use their abilities to the upmost of their potential is what have these defenses playing so well, and these teams in their conference championships.
The most solid part of the passing game is obviously the quarterbacks, but The Four Corners of Sports already ranked the remaining quarterbacks, and you can read that here. The passing game we are going to talk about is all about the routes, the hands, the speed, elusiveness that the receivers bring to the game. This ranking will include the complete passing game, the receivers, running backs and tight ends.
1. New York Jets
This might be surprising to people, but the Jets definitely have the best overall passing game. Now if Mark Sanchez was factored into this then there would be differences, both because of his rank amongst the remaining quarterbacks, and just their overall skills. The other passing games don't have the depth of talent that the Jets does though.
Just look at the receivers that the Jets have in Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery. A few years ago Cotchery was the number one receiver in a decent passing game for the Jets, and since then they have added two Pro Bowl receivers to the mix. Holmes has won two Super Bowls, and was the MVP in the second of the two with his unforgettable late game-winning catch. Then when you look at Edwards he has had a touchdown in two of his last three playoff games, in addition to the huge catch on the game winning drive against the Colts in the Wild Card round this year. Edwards and Cotchery both rank in the top five in yards this postseason, both passing the 100 yard mark so far.
Not only do the Jets have those receivers, but also one of the best, if not the best, receiving running backs of the last decade in LaDanian Tomlinson, who was able to score the first touchdown of the game against the Patriots on Sunday with a very smooth over the should catch in the second quarter. On top of that Dustin Keller might not be the best overall tight end remaining, but he is arguably the most skilled tight end left in the passing game. Just another target for Sanchez to find on the field.
The Jets have the total package, tight end, running back, and three receivers that can get it done, and get it done when it matters. They are deserving of the number one passing game in terms of receivers.
2. Green Bay Packers
With the Packers passing game, due to injuries, they are receiver heavy. The receivers they have though is more than enough to put them into the number two slot in this ranking. Aaron Rodgers is amazing, but he doesn't lack any talent when it comes to his receivers.
Greg Jennings is on a short list when you are talking about the best receivers in the NFL right now. He is a superb at route running, and is very quick in his cuts, giving him opportunities to lose the defense before he even unleashes his great speed. During the regular season he had nearly 1,300 yards and found himself tied with Calvin Johnson for second in the league with 12 receiving touchdowns.
This postseason Donald Driver has stepped up his game, coming off a bit of a down year for him. In the playoffs though he has caught the third most yards, and has had four catches over 20 yards already. He is constantly a safety valve for Rodgers, and continues to maintain his speed and route running skills. He was surpassed this year, in terms of yards only, by James Jones. The young speedster gives the passing game another element on the outside, and might have given them a better chance of getting bumped up to the top spot if it weren't for his suspect hands at times.
The tight end position was strong to start the year for the Packers, but with injuries they are not getting the same production from there, and the running backs are only check downs for the most part, though Brandon Jackson was able to score a very important screen pass touchdown against the Eagles.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
This year was a breakout year for Mike Wallace, and he alone puts them in the third spot. Unfortunately in these rankings the rest of the cast was not enough to move them up further. Their lack of real diversity is what keeps them in this third spot.
Mike Wallace is that home run threat that teams are looking for, the DeSean Jackson type of receiver. Wallace was able to finish fifth in the league in yards, with over 1,250 of them, and came in second on yard per catch average only to Jackson, by those with over 20 catches. With his 10 touchdowns Wallace is Roethlisberger's biggest threat, and he will have to deal with that in these playoffs, as he will probably see Darrelle Revis across from him Sunday.
Hines Ward is still a very productive number two receiver, and he will do a lot in the blocking game, but he is losing some of that speed he once had. He will give them looks over the middle and screens, but not quite what he used to. The team will rely on the young guys to step up, the way that Emmanuel Sanders did last week against the Ravens when he had four receptions for 54 yards. Heath Miller is also an option for the Steelers, he had a touchdown reception against the Ravens, and though he is more of a blocking tight end Roethlisberger is able to trust Miller when he throws his way.
The Steelers have maybe the most explosive receiver left, though the Bears receivers might have something to say about that, in Wallace, and a plethora of possession receivers to go with the blossoming young guys.
4. Chicago Bears
The Bears have a group of receivers that could be among the most explosive and dangerous in the league, they just do not seem to make the progressions that a James Jones and Mike Wallace do, and seem to stick in their roles they have had over the years. Devin Hester and Johhny Knox could be two of the most feared receivers on the outside, but they just have not reached that level yet, and that is why they find themselves in the fourth spot of these rankings.
They have two of the best receiving running backs in Matt Forte and Chester Taylor. They are both wonderful options out of the backfield for Jay Cutler, and both have thrived in the offense. Forte had three receiving touchdowns on the year, including a game in which he caught over 150 yards. He also had seven games that he averaged double digit yards per catch. Taylor was not used nearly as much as he has been in the pass, but before the Bears was the third down back for the Vikings because of his ability to catch out of the backfield.
Greg Olsen at tight end is extremely talented and can take over a game. Last week against the Seattle Seahawks he had three catches for 118 yards and a touchdown, including a touchdown on Cutler's first pass attempt to give the Bears a quick 7-0 lead.
The Bears have talent on the outside, a good tight end and very capable running backs. If those two receivers on the outside were to develop, this time next year the Bears would be finding themselves higher up on a list like this.
When you look at these teams three of them prefer to pass, whether it be because of personnel or the coach's philosophy, but the three of them are much more prone to throw the ball and find themselves in more of a comfortable place. The Jets would be the one exception as they are trying to control the ball, the clock, the tempo, and keep their elite defense fresh. The other three do rely on the run though, the Steelers rely on Mendenhall much like the Jets do their backs, they just fall into the group with a great quarterback that is preferred over the run game. Packers and Bears are more in the line of business of opening up the passing game with their run, trying to keep the defense honest. With that being said, how do you rank these teams with their run games.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers running game is extremely dangerous and effective. Rashard Mendenhall is a young running back that in the next few years can grow into the tier of the top running backs in the league. This year he was able to lead Pittsburgh to a 3-1 record when Roethlisberger was out due to suspension, with the one loss being to the Baltimore Ravens.
This year he finished seventh in the league in yards, gaining 1,273 yards and averaging just under 80 yards a game. He also finished tied for second with 13 rushing touchdowns. Only thing that is a negative in his play this year might have been the number of carries to gain those yards, as he averaged less than four yards per carry (second lowest of the top 10 in overall rushing yards).
Mendenhall puts the Steelers run game at the top with his ability to run well in short yardage and goaline situations, as well as his long run ability. Mendenhall finished fifth in the league with 11 runs over 20 yards. The Steelers also have a great change of pace back in Mewelde Moore and another short yardage back with a high success rate in Isaac Redman. They have the overall best running back, and the overall best running game remaining with Moore and Redman being able to come in and get the job done as well.
2. New York Jets
The Jets really rely on their running game, and that attention that they pay to it has made it a really good one, and the second best of the teams remaining. They have two different styles of running backs, and both of them, especially in the playoffs, have been able to be effective.
With LaDanian Tomlinson they have that scat back, and the veteran that they are able to trust. He is really strong with the ball, rarely fumbles, and knows where the holes are going to be, and how to then read the blocks well.
Shonn Greene is that bruiser back that they can bring in, and he is also really good at reading his blocks. He seems to get better as the season goes along, and he is playing his best football right now in the playoffs, much like last year when he was the only back with over 300 yards in the playoffs, and averaged nearly six yards a carry. He also replicated his run that crushed the San Diego Chargers last year with the game clinching run against the Patriots on Sunday.
The two Jets running backs are currently over 100 yards in the playoffs, they are two of the four. They are both averaging over four yards a carry, and each have scored at least once. The Jets have the most balanced backfield with these two, and they are both capable of getting the job done.
3. Green Bay Packers
The Packers sneak their way into the third spot because of the emergence of rookie James Starks, and having maybe the best of the short yardage backs still in the playoffs in halfback John Kuhn. Starks had an injury plagued regular season, but now healthy has really stepped it up for the Packers, and made them as balanced, and maybe as dangerous, as they have been all year.
Starks has shown that he has a good burst, and is very shifty. He reads his blocks incredibly well, and also has good patience in setting up his blocks. He was able to really help the Packers control the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles when he ran for 125 yards. He is leading the postseason in rushing yards with an average of over 94 yards in the two games, with the next closest yard total being 43 yards away (or one off of Chester Taylor's playoff total).
Starks, along with the burly Kuhn and his ability to run in between the tackles and in short yardage situations, have given the Packers a nice sense of balance for the seemingly unstoppable of late Aaron Rodgers. The pressure they are putting on the defense, and taking off of Rodgers makes the Packers favorites going into Chicago.
4. Chicago Bears
The Bears fall in at fourth because of the balance they can get from their two runners, much like the Jets but on a smaller scale. The Bears are led by Mike Martz, who has decided to run the ball more, and they have done a decent job with it. With Matt Forte and Chester Taylor they have two guys that can really break one loose at any time. Taylor has really come in as a free agent and shown that he is not only a third down back like he was in Minnesota, but he is also an above average short yardage back, especially for his size.
Forte is a back that is great in the passing game because of his speed, quickness and elusiveness and he also brings that to the running game which makes him so dangerous. The problem with Forte is those long bursts have not really been coming, and he is better in the passing game. Taylor too is better out of the backfield, and though he has done well as a runner this year, Forte is the lead back and just does not bring the consistency of the other three teams. Though the Bears run the ball more under Martz now, it really is still just a way of keeping the defense honest.
When you look at a football team the first thing you look at to determine their success is the signal caller, the guy you hope to be your leader, your quarterback. You want them to be able to put guys on their backs and take them into each game and lead them to victory, be able to adapt and persevere in any condition. These four teams remaining, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears all have quarterbacks that have been through many things, and are being looked at to lead them. So, who is the best equipped?
1. Ben Roethlisberger
Is Ben Roethlisberger the most talented of the four quarterbacks? You will have some that say yes, but it might be the majority that says no. In terms of pure quarterback skills and essentials. But in terms of winning, you can not put any of the other three ahead of him, and in the Conference Championship stage of the season, that is all you are looking for. In Roethlisberger's career he is 9-2 in the playoffs, and in case you forgot 2-0 in Super Bowls. What other quarterback, especially of these last four, would you want leading your team at this time of year? Maybe just one or two others in the whole league, if that. Roethlisberger has that drive and ability to win any sort of game, whether it be a defensive struggle or a shootout, and he proves that time and again, year after year.
He has all the intangibles you want, he can make the deep throws, knows when to check down, great pocket awareness, and the ability to shrug off the rush and get you yards on the ground. Ask AFC North defenders how difficult it is to bring him to the ground. In last week's game against the Baltimore Ravens, one of the top defenses in the league, he was able to come from 21-7 down, and with the game tied late at 24 all, and win 31-24. He only threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns, no big deal right?
Big Ben is able to shine at the most necessary times, just ask the Arizona Cardinals of a couple years ago on that final drive. He is a proven winner that will just simply make the plays needed, and that is why he has to lead these quarterbacks.
2. Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers came into these playoffs without winning a playoff start to this point in his career, and now he has won two against two of the toughest teams in the NFL this year. By the way, he has had a quarterback rating of over 130 in these playoffs doing it. He has been scary good. Against the Falcons, who are almost unbeatable at their place, he was able to go a measly 31-36 for 366 yards and three touchdowns, plus a rushing touchdown on top of it. Yeah.
Like Roethlisberger Rodgers has all those intangibles, a strong arm, ability to know what the defense is doing and where to go with the ball, experts say quickest release since maybe Dan Marino, and the ability to scramble and add that other dimension to frighten the defense that much more. With everything that Rodgers can do, and has done this season, it is tough to not put him at number one, but that just means he has to be number two.
3. Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler is what you would call a feast or famine quarterback. You are going to love what he brings, or probably hate what he brings. But for the Bears lately they have been enjoying what they see from Cutler. The quarterback who had a league leading 26 interceptions last year, was able to cut that number by 10 and just cracked the top 10 in the category this year (behind guys like Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, who are pretty good).
Cutler has really sharpened his game, and a lot of that credit should go to himself, but Mike Martz has also been a wonderful hire for the Bears and Cutler's maturation. Since they have gotten comfortable and in sync with one another the Bear's offense and Cutler have been very fluid and successful (though they did only score three points in a defensive battle that they lost to Green Bay 10-3 week 17). Cutler has arguably the strongest arm in the NFL, and rushing for 43 yards and two touchdowns last week, proved he can also run like Rodgers and Roethlisberger.
Cutler has the ability to reach that level that these first two quarterbacks have, and a win to get the Bears into the Super Bowl with a solid performance this week could get him that much closer to that top tier of quarterbacks.
4. Mark Sanchez
The New York Jets love their young quarterback, and while he makes mistakes sometimes how can you blame them right now. In his two years he is 4-1 in the playoffs, beating the likes of Carson Palmer, Philip Rivers, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. All on the road. Not a bad resume he has built so far in his career.
Sanchez has a great record, and he has definitely made plays when he has to, just look at that pass to Braylon Edwards on the last drive against the Colts. Or the pass to Santonio Holmes when the Patriots had cut the Jets lead to 14-11. While he may not be the best scrambler, have the strongest arm, or asked to do too much by his team he does get the job done.
The only reason he can not be ahead of fourth at this time is because he has only been asked at this time in his career to manage a game rather than win a game, have the team really rely on him to make the plays to win. Unfortunately the time they truly felt that way was last year in the loss to the Colts. Win this weekend at the Steelers though, and you will not be able to rank him fourth next week.
All of these quarterbacks have shown they can make plays, they can win in the playoffs, and they have teams that can be confident going into Sunday. Right now, these are the order I have to place them and want them if I am leading my team into the conference championship, but come Monday morning, I might be singing a different tune.
So the Patriots stayed silent, for the most part, all week. Had shrugs and wry smiles as they prepared for a game they expected to win after their dominance in the last meeting.
The Jets talked, and talked, and talked all week. Rex Ryan made it personal. Antonio Cromartie attacked Tom Brady. Bart Scott threatened Wes Welker.
Then the game was played, one that many thought would be at least a win by the Patriots, if not similar to the domination that took place last time.
Then as time expired Ryan was screaming, the players were flying around the field arms outstretched like "jets", and Braylon Edwards was doing back flips. All their talking, promising, expressing their feelings worked out in the end as the Jets beat the Patriots, giving Tom Brady his third straight playoff loss, 28-21. The Jets defense was what won them the game, putting constant pressure on Tom Brady and not letting the receivers get open. Deion Branch for example didn't have a catch until the last three minutes of the third quarter. Wes Welker might as well have not been there, and the tight ends seemed to be an after thought for Brady. The running game also averaged four yards per carry, but when they needed a yard here, two yards there, they were shut down.
The Jets quarterback also deserves a lot of credit, he played within himself, had good decision making and ball placement and led his team to the win with three touchdowns
With half of the conference championship games filled the four teams playing Sunday know what they have in front of them, it is just the getting there that they have to take care of. Both of the games are an interesting draw in their own right, but it is obvious which one will garner the most attention, and which one the people are looking forward to witnessing.
The New England Patriots and the New York Jets have been going back and forth all week, well most of the season, alright in the preseason too I guess, and yeah they were talking last year too. It has really reached a breaking point though, whether it is Antonio Cromartie swearing at and about Tom Brady, or Rex Ryan's newest personal grudge match, or a tussle of words in pressers and on Twitter.
When it comes down to it though, they have to play the game, and the last time that happened the Patriots dominated the Jets. Why will tomorrow be different? Well to be honest I am not sure that it will be, but there are steps to be taken if it will.
First, the Jets will need to establish the run game. Without the run game, without taking time off of that clock, they will be giving Brady that much more time to dissect them. He did a pretty good job of that last time tossing four touchdowns in the 45-3 romp.
Second, put Mark Sanchez in positions to make plays, but not in a position where that play is going to be something impromptu. He is still at the point in his career, or maybe peaked in his career growth, where he gets into more trouble more often than not when improvising. Schottenheimer it is your job to call plays and put your offense in the right positions to succeed, tomorrow would be a good time to do that for Sanchez. Quick slants, go patterns, screens galore, they have to put him in position to be a player, but not have to win the game.
Third, get your match ups straight on defense. If you want to shut down the short game, put Darrelle Revis on Wes Welker. If you want to try and limit the downfield throws put him on Deion Branch. If you want to lose put him on Brandon Tate. But seriously though, if it were me I would want quick Revis on Welker to try and force Brady to hold the ball more, because if Revis is grabbing and holding Welker (like he does to everyone) then that safety valve is gone and Brady is taking up more time in the pocket, giving your rushers a chance to make a play. Jets you rely on your defense, give them a chance.
Finally, the Jets have to go for it. You lost by six touchdowns last time, you know that overused phrase of 'leaving it out on the field'? Do that. If Sanchez is going to struggle again, because he absolutely did with three interceptions last time, then don't be afraid to give LaDanian Tomlinson a throw. Have Brad Smith, given he is playing with his groin injury, take 15-20 snaps in wildcat. Do whatever is needed to outscheme...or trick, the Patriots.
When it is all said and done, the Jets will make it closer simply because that last game was pitiful. But the Jets are lacking secondary depth, and even if the receivers are taken away by Cromartie and Revis, which is possible, those tight ends on the Patriots can carve them up all by themselves. And with the Patriots forcing Sanchez to beat em, and probably mixing up some crazy blitz packages for the kiddo, it seems hard to think that they will survive and advance to Pittsburgh. I will say though, their offensive line plays well, similar to against Indianapolis, then their chances do increase greatly. But as it is, gotta go with the Patriots 31 Jets 16, they will start quick and not look back. They will not run away with it immediately, but rather let the lead grow through the second and third quarters, a slow decisive win with Wilfork and Gronkowski taking the leads on their sides of the ball.
Yeah I do not really like Wes Welker, but that is priceless. Oh and Nick Mangold, your retort was not that great. Please tell me what "open the gate" means. At least Welker's flowed, you were just saying that to say it, like to make sure we understood. Yeah, we got it.
The first game tomorrow is between the Seattle Seahawks, Cinderella if you will, and the Chicago Bears, pretty much the team that everyone else looks at like a real life Cinderella (dirty, low and unimportant that is). The first time these two teams met the Bears allowed six sacks of Jay Cutler and the Seahawks were able to go into Soldier Field and grab a 23-20 win.
This game is a little bit more easy to change the outcome, because the Bears are simply just a much better team since then and the Seahawks are roughly the same. The Bears have cleaned up their pass protection from its abysmal beginnings, and they are getting to be a more and more balanced offense under Mike Martz. For the Bears to win they have to do three things, number one is to protect Jay Cutler. Cutler has the ability to light teams up, and while he is obviously no Drew Brees, Brees was able to throw for a ton of yards last week, and move the Saints up and down the field. Cutler was able to do it recently against the Jets defense, so the capabilities are there, he just needs to be protected. Number two thing that the Bears have to do is get pressure on Matt Hasselback. Last week he was great against the Saints, and really led them to that win with wonderful touch passes to a variety of receivers. He was just dead on. With the pass rushing attack that the Bears have, along with a solid secondary and covering linebackers, they should be able to get him out of his comfort zone and be able to force some mistakes by Seattle's offense.
Lastly, the Bears have to ironically not start slow. The Seahawks are flying high right now as they are coming off to very big and emotional wins to get into the playoffs and to start them, they can not let them get started quickly and keep that momentum and confidence. If the Bears score first I think that will go a long way in winning the football game, because putting them in a hole early on the road might lead to the critics and criticism to start to creep into their minds. Get self doubt flowing throughout their sideline.
Now for Seattle to win they have to only do one thing, find a way to get Roman Harper onto the Bears and have him start. Seriously though, they have to make sure that they do not forget about Marshawn Lynch and the running game. The more pressure taken off the passing game by running the ball 20-30 times the better, especially if they are controlling the clock and ultimately their own destiny. If they are able to control the ball with their running game, and opening things up down the field and across the middle, they are putting themselves in a position to win and unbelievably host the NFC Championship game.
So when it comes to picking this game it is not me picking against the team that is below .500, it is picking against the team that simply should not win this game. Have to go with the Bears winning this one, 23-13. I think it will be close throughout the first half, but a quick score in the third quarter will really hurt the Seahawks and will eventually lead to the Bears controlling the game from there.
With all of the coverage this week on sports television, newspapers, magazines, and online publications I have noticed that this is probably the first time I have ever seen the number one seed, a team who has a quarterback that is 16-1 at home in his last 17 (the one loss being by three points to the defending champs), actually seem like the underdog. Oh by the way, these two teams also met earlier in the year and the Falcons won that match up.
It really is odd to see, but the consensus seems to be that the Packers will go into Atlanta and be leaving with plans that will either lead them to Seattle or Chicago. Interesting given that Aaron Rodgers won only his first playoff game last week against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Though when looking at the teams, you can see the aspects of the Packers personnel that leads to the idea that the Packers are almost expected to win. They have a quarterback who became the first in NFL history to record a quarterback rating of over 120 in his first two playoff starts, and who some say is the most skilled in the game today. Then they have a rookie running back in James Starks who had over 100 yards last week and has fresh legs given his injury plagued regular season, to go along with a veteran and highly skilled receiving corps.
The defense has the leading candidate for defensive player of the year in Clay Matthews, as well as last year's award winner in Charles Woodson. The defense as a whole has only given up more than 17 points twice in the last 10 games.
So what are the Falcons to do? Well, I suppose they can just do what they have done all year, and that is go into their home building, with their raucous crowd, and win another football game. The Falcons are somewhat getting treated like the Seahawks, because while they are getting respect for having had a great season, nobody seems to think they can do it in the playoffs. Despite having Matt Ryan, who finished in the top ten in the league in yards, touchdowns, and interceptions. He also led the Falcons to a 5-1 record in games this year decided by five points or less, Matty Ice knows how to win the tight ones.
Then there is Michael Turner, he only finished the season in the top five for running backs in yards, touchdowns, and runs for first downs. Not to mention Roddy White who led the league in receptions, was second only to Brandon Lloyd in yards, and was in the top 10 for touchdowns. This team also boasts one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFC in John Abraham.
This is where it does not make sense, you look at the results, the players, and the intangibles and it is hard to understand why the Falcons are being picked to lose at home by so many. The Falcons keys to winning are simple, control the ball and the clock with Turner on the ground. If Turner is getting the ball 20-25 times then they will be in good shape to win (they were 8-0 in games that Turner ran the ball over 20 times). Get White and Tony Gonzalez going early, the threat of them across the middle and over the top on the outside will open the field up for Turner. Stop James Starks and the run game, because Rodgers is going to get his yards and his points you, but if you make them one dimensional then you have a much greater chance of winning the game.
My prediction: Falcons 27 Packers 21
I think the Falcons are going to be able to take control early, mostly by giving the ball to Turner, who I would not be surprised to see well on his way to over 100 yards by halftime. I also think Matt Ryan will orchestrate at least a couple of second half drives that will eat up the clock and create a rushed sense on the Packers. Rodgers will keep it close, despite the Packers newly found run game getting stuffed for the most part in the first half, and Mike McCarthy deciding to then abandon it in the second half. The lack of balance will put Rodgers in a tough position, and the Falcons defense will rise to the occasion and hold them off, giving Turner and the offense the chance to seal the deal. When all is said and done, though the Packers do have a great shot at winning and could very easily, I think the Falcons will host next week's NFC Championship with a win in what I believe to be the second most intriguing game of the weekend, following the highly anticipated Ravens at Steelers.
With Wildcard weekend come and gone, there are only eight teams remaining with a shot to win the Super Bowl, and all four seem to be games that will draw a lot of interest. From trash talking to bone breaking hits, and underdogs to maybe the two best teams in football, the match ups all have their own underlying stories. So which one should you look forward to the most?
1. Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
This has to be the number one game of the weekend because of how close these two have played each other this year, both teams having won a game by three points apiece. Most recently the Steelers were able to score 10 fourth quarter points en route to a 13-10 victory.
These two teams fit the trend of the AFC divisional round because like the other game, they hate each other. If you like football, and like football being played right with big hits, this is the game you are most looking forward to.
Both teams have quarterbacks who know how to get it done in the playoffs, Ben Roethlisberger already has two Super Bowl rings, and Joe Flacco has only gone 4-2 in road playoff games in his three year career.
Lastly, both Rashard Mendenhall and Ray Rice topped the 1,200 rushing yards mark, landing both of them in the top 10 by league's end. So against both those top defenses the rushing attacks are a focal point for each team, making a battle in the trenches supremely important.
Both these teams are ones that could easily win the Super Bowl. They boast top defenses, quarterbacks that know how to win in the playoffs, and top tier running backs. In terms of games that you have to see this weekend, this tops the list.
Oh, and just for trash talking purposes, the Ravens broke Roethlisberger's nose this year. Something that coach John Harbaugh was proud of simply saying, "He’s a tough guy. He had the broken nose. ... I was glad we broke his nose."
2. Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons
Maybe a surprise to be in the top two, but you have to look at this match up without thinking of the intangibles of the other games this weekend. When you are talking about the match ups how can you look at this game and not be salivating as a football fan?
Take the fact that the Packers are coming off of a win in Philadelphia where they slain Superman in Michael Vick. But they have been a pick as a Super Bowl favorite from before the season ever even began. They are now getting healthier and becoming a smoother team all around, especially with the emergence of rookie James Starks, coming off a game of over 100 rushing yards last week.
This game is full of offensive firepower, top signal callers in Aaron Rodgers and Matt Ryan, two of the best wide outs in football in Roddy White and Greg Jennings, and defensive studs in John Abraham and Clay Matthews (a leading candidate for defensive player of the year).
Oh and on top of all the star power, these two teams faced off earlier this year. The difference was three points. Those three point, they were earned with an Atlanta field goal with only nine seconds left. Yeah this should be a close game with a lot of great plays. Why wouldn't this be in the top two games to watch this weekend?
3. New York Jets at New England Patriots
Finally, the one that everyone may be talking about this week, but realistically only coming in third on must watch. Yes this game is ripe with storylines, Rex Ryan versus Bill Belichick, Tom Brady against Antonio Cromartie and his tirade aimed at him, and that whole 45-3 demolishing that was brought on the Jets by the Patriots mere weeks ago.
With all of those in the background this game is extremely intriguing and entertaining, but the game simply might not live up to it. The Jets have a great defense, and in last weeks game against the Indianapolis Colts their run game was dominant. However, the Patriots knew all about their defense and run game going into that last game. Brady picked apart a defense that since then has last another member of its secondary in Drew Coleman, and the Patriots defense has allowed just over nine points per game in the last five games.
The Jets will have to capitalize in three areas, ball control, strength at the cornerback position, and special teams. If they can control the clock with their run game this game completely changes, because otherwise Brady and his ability to throw to his tight ends and avoid Darrelle Revis and Cromartie could run away with this one again at home. Jets will need Brad Smith to be a difference maker both in special teams and as a wildcat quarterback, he is the X-factor and if he doesn't step up it is fair to say the Jets are in trouble.
Simply put this game is going to be wildly entertaining in many aspects, just when you look at their last match up and where the teams are now it is hard to say it is more intriguing and watchable than the two previously mentioned. Then again, the Patriots have two losses this year, one of which came at the hands of the Jets.
4. Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears
The final game of the weekend has those lovable underdogs in the now 8-9 Seahawks traveling to Chicago, where they beat the Bears earlier this season. This game may not be as glamorous as the other three, but the Cinderella story that grips March Madness so much is now alive and well in the NFL, and is bringing in more and more viewers. Last weeks game against the New Orleans Saints helped NBC boast a record for Wildcard Saturday.
The Bears have one of the best defenses in the league, and with Seattle coming off a game in which they scored 41 points, the chess match begins. Matt Hasselback had a brilliant game tossing four touchdown passes, and nobody will soon forget Marshawn Lynch's absolutely incredible 67 yard touchdown run to seal the win. The Seahawks will not only have momentum, but memories of going into Chicago and winning back in week six. That game included six sacks for the Seahawks, but this is something that Mike Martz and the Bears offensive line has seemed to fix in previous weeks. There is also a matching of wits between Martz, the offensive genius, and Pete Carroll a defensive minded coach.
Despite the record, and also despite the previous meeting, this game seems to be two teams that people still do not know what to expect from. That mystery and uncertainty certainly makes this match up intriguing; and that idea of a Cinderella team, a team that people did not want in the playoffs, making it to the NFC Championship, now that is a story that will bring the people.
All of these games, as you would hope in the Divisional round, are set to be great games, and all intriguing in their own right. The rivalries in the AFC, the star power and Cinderella story in the NFC, all bring a different level of anticipation. While there are no guarantees, this weekend of football should be quite entertaining no matter what angle you are looking for.
The Tennessee Titans announced that Jeff Fisher would no longer be coaching the team. This comes as a bit of a shock. Just last month, in a battle of wills, it seemed that Fisher had won out to remain in Tennessee instead of embattled former number three pick Vince Young. Owner Bud Adams decided differently on Thursday night. There have been reports that the possible final straw was the push that Fisher made for his son to be given a position with the Titans, though Adams had made it a policy to not hire family members within the organization.
e like a Perry Fewell or Russ Grimm. The other questions hanging out there, does this change the future of Vince Young? Many had thought that it was either Fisher or Young, now with Fisher gone do the Titans backpedal and hold onto Young? That should be an interesting debate inside Titans camp, especially with Adams' public approval of Young.
