Category Archives: Kicking The Can

Simply put this is my opinion on a recent sports issue, whether it’s who I think should win the Cy Young or NBA MVP or it’s about concussion prevention insport. This is my commentary on everything going on now in sport.

A Tale of Two Linebackers

Posted by devandignan on

KickCanEarlier today, Ray Lewis announced that this postseason will be his “last ride” and regardless of the result of his push for a second ring, this postseason will be the last time that we see one of the most electric players in NFL history take the field.  Ray Lewis is an all-time great and five years from now will likely be enshrined in Canton.  More than that, he is the identity of the Baltimore Ravens and his #52 will likely be the first number the Baltimore Ravens retire.  You can debate the all-time greatest 49er or greatest Packer or Cowboy but when it comes to the Baltimore Ravens there is no debate, Ray Lewis is the greatest Raven to ever play the game.

As with any great player who retires, the media feels the need to reflect on that player’s career and more than anything, the recency-bias of the sports media comes out because we have a media that tends to forget there were sports prior to the existence of ESPN.  So of course today the debate was not whether or not Ray Lewis was a Hall of Famer (because that’s a given) but whether or not he is the greatest middle linebacker of all time.  ESPN writer Jamison Hensley took it a step further and called Ray Lewis, the “greatest defensive player in NFL history”.

With all due respect Mr. Hensley, how can you call a player the best defensive player ever when it’s arguable whether they weren’t the best at their position when they played? (You can read his asinine article here) For more than a decade all eyes have been on Baltimore but only 32 miles away there’s a linebacker with similar stats who has been just as good, if not better.

ESPN's Jamison Hensley had the audacity to call Ray Lewis the greatest defensive player ever when another player on the beltway could very well challenge him for the title of greatest middle linebacker of his era.

ESPN’s Jamison Hensley had the audacity to call Ray Lewis the greatest defensive player ever when another player on the beltway could very well challenge him for the title of greatest middle linebacker of his era.

Just two years after Ray Lewis was drafted, London Fletcher signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent where he was named the Rams Rookie of the Year in 1998.  In his second year (and first year as a starter), Fletcher anchored the Rams defense that went on to win the Super Bowl and was a key piece in the Rams returning to the Super Bowl after the 2001 season.   While Ray Lewis will always be “Mr. Raven” so to speak, Fletcher left the Rams after the 2001 season to join the Buffalo Bills and in his first year, set the Bills franchise record for tackles with 209.   He led the Bills in tackles every year that he was with the team and continued that tradition when he joined the Redskins in 2007.

Not only has Fletcher led his respective teams in tackles year in and year out, he has led the NFL.  Nobody has more tackles this millennium than London Fletcher.

But the fact is that when London Fletcher does retire he will probably go quietly into the night.  While five years from now Ray Lewis will bring his evangelical stylings to the podium at Canton, London Fletcher will likely have to fight for years and years to get in the Hall if he ever does get in and my question is why?

I have compiled the following to show the similarity in the careers of London Fletcher & Ray Lewis:

LondonRayAs you can see in two fewer seasons, Fletcher has posted similar numbers to those of Hensley’s “greatest defensive player ever” and he has done so in a number of different schemes for different teams that did not have nearly the defensive personnel that Ray Lewis has surrounding him.   These are both great sets of numbers but forget arguing for the best defensive player ever the question really is – who is the best middle linebacker on the Beltway?

While the stats will be cited (and it is impressive to note that Ray Lewis is the founding and lone member of the 40 sack/30 interception club) the big thing people keep talking about is the leadership and longevity of Ray Lewis.

But if we’re going to talk about leadership then we have to talk about the quiet, reserved leadership of a man who has won the Bart Starr Award and never had issues with the law.  A man who seems ageless and has set the single season tackles record for 2 different franchises; a man who has led his respective team in tackles for nine straight seasons;  and a man whose leadership propelled an ailing Redskins defense into the playoffs this season; and that man is London Fletcher.

If we’re going to praise the longevity of Ray Lewis at a physical position, then we should be reminded that London Fletcher has never missed a game playing in 240 games over 15 seasons.  His 195 consecutive starts are second most among active players behind Ronde Barber.

If we’re going to praise Ray Lewis for his longevity then maybe we should take the time to ask ourselves whether longevity should be judged by playing for a long time or the level you play at over that time?  The fact is that Ray Lewis’s legendary career peaked  in the middle of last decade while London Fletcher continues to play at a high level having led the league in tackles in 2011.  While Ray Lewis has 9 more Pro Bowl appearances than Fletcher, it is due to the folly of the voters; not to the fact that Ray Lewis was better than Fletcher for more seasons.

If we want to talk about true longevity then we need to remember that Ray Lewis has not topped 139 tackles in a season since 2004.   In that same span, Fletcher equaled or topped that mark 5 times.   Fletcher had more sacks in the month of December than Ray Lewis had all season.   London Fletcher’s interceptions (5) in 2012 were more than Ray Lewis has had in the last 4 years combined (3).   London Fletcher has 1 more forced fumble over the past four seasons (with 8) than Ray Lewis.  This is not to discount the career of Ray Lewis but in what is supposed to be the twilight of his career, London Fletcher is still playing at an incredibly high level and shouldn’t that be a true measure of a player’s longevity.

Today many are asking if Ray Lewis is the greatest middle linebacker of all time and those clouded with Baltimore or recency bias (or maybe a shred of both) are asking if Ray Lewis is the greatest defensive player of all time.    There’s no doubt he’s had a Hall of Fame career and while this is an acceptable conversation to have the better question is:

Was Ray Lewis the best linebacker/defensive player of his era?

Because while Lewis was dancing in front of the cameras in Baltimore, Fletcher was grinding away in St. Louis, Buffalo, and D.C. getting the same results.  While Ray Lewis was not much more than an emotional cheerleader the last two seasons, Fletcher was busy leading his team and the league in tackles.   While Ray Lewis dazzled the sports media and was voted into Pro Bowl after Pro Bowl, Fletcher put up the same (and better) seasons as Lewis and was ignored.

And while Ray Lewis will get a call from Canton within the first two years of eligibility; Fletcher will likely wait and wait on a call that may never come.   And it’s not because Ray Lewis was that much better but it’s because the story the sports media told us was a lie.

The media would’ve told us that Ray Lewis was the greatest defensive player ever when he wasn’t even the best active player at his position.

Questions? Comments? Snide Remarks? Let me hear ‘em!
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2012 NFL Power Rankings: WEEK 7

Posted by devandignan on

We’re at a point in the season where we’re not going to see as large as fluctuations as we’ve seen in the past.  The Falcons remain the last undefeated team and while the Texans were embarassed by Green Bay, I still believe they are the 2nd best team in the NFL.  There’s some slight fluctuation this week with the top 10 remaining largely unchanged.  For the second time this year the Seahawks have skyrocketed up the rankings, I have yet to figure out this team.

1. Atlanta Falcons (6-0)
Last Week: 1 (-)

At the end of the day they win games.  Blowing out good ones, winning close ones over bad ones – it doesn’t matter.  In the NFL, 6-0 is 6-0.

2. Houston Texans (5-1)
Last Week: 2 (-)

This team was absolutely crushed by a struggling Packers team but all that means is they might have to wait until Thanksgiving to clinch the AFC South instead of the week before.

3. Baltimore Ravens (5-1)
Last Week: 4 (+1)

Lately the Ravens have been just squeaking by lesser opponents but they are still winning.  Has Ray Lewis played his last game?

4. New York Giants (4-2)
Last Week: 9 (+5)

For the second time this year, excellent quarterback play made the 49ers defense look subpar.

5. Chicago Bears (4-1)
Last Week: 6 (+1)

Devin Hester gets to go against an anemic Lions special teams after the bye.  5-1 should be here soon enough for the 1st place Bears.

6. San Francisco 49ers (4-2)
Last Week: 3 (-3)

The defense has shown themselves prone to the big play at times.  Alex Smith has not shown an ability to get his offense back in games.  This team looks elite at times and at other like the 49ers of a few years ago.

7. Seattle Seahawks (4-2)
Last Week: 16 (+9)

This defense continues to hold some of the most prolific offenses in the NFL in check.  Last week they looked like a playoff team – what will they look like next week?

8. New England Patriots (3-3)
Last Week: 6 (-2)

Like the Seahawks, this team is hard to figure out.  One week they look like Super Bowl Champs, the next week they look like a 5 or 6 win team.

9. Minnesota Vikings (4-2)
Last Week: 7 (-2)

The defense that got this team off to a 4-1 start was nowhere to be seen in Washington.  One thing is for sure though, Christian Ponder is the future of this franchise.

10. Green Bay Packers (3-3)
Last Week: 13 (+3)

Now these are the Green Bay Packers everyone was expecting.

11. Arizona Cardinals (4-2)
Last Week: 8 (-3)

The Cardinals have lost two straight since starting off 4-0.   This offensive line needs to improve if they hope to win games again.

12. Denver Broncos (3-3)
Last Week: 18 (+6)

Are we finally allowed to say that Peyton is back?  That might’ve been the greatest Monday Night Football game I’ve ever seen.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-3)
Last Week: 11 (-2)

This team has yet to play a complete game on the road.  Will Ben Roethlisberger be able to rediscover his 4th quarter heroics?

14. Philadelphia Eagles (3-3)
Last Week: 12 (-2)

When will the turnovers end?

15. San Diego Chargers (3-3)
Last Week: 10 (-5)

Remember how I said the Packers vs. Colts was the worst meltdown I’ve ever seen?  Scratch that.

16. Washington Redskins (3-3)
Last Week: 19 (+3)

R.G.Must See

17. Miami Dolphins (3-3)
Last Week: 20 (+3)

We’re all talking about Luck and RG3 but what Ryan Tannehill has done the last two weeks is nothing short of impressive.

18. St. Louis Rams (3-3)
Last Week: 14 (-4)

Greg the Leg failed 3 more times than I expected him to this season.  Gotta love a coach that has faith in his kicker to go for the 66 yarder though.

19. Dallas Cowboys (2-3)
Last Week: 15 (-4)

They looked great on Sunday but they just didn’t come away with the win.

20. Cincinnati Bengals (3-3)
Last Week: 17 (-3)

Andy Dalton has got to take better care of the ball if he hopes to compete in the always-tough AFC North.

21. Detroit Lions (2-4)
Last Week: 22 (+1)

It’s amazing that this team has won 2 games, they spend the 3 quarters doing everything they can to lose.

22. New York Jets (3-3)
Last Week: 23 (+1)

When the Jets run the ball well they win, it’s that simple.

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-3)
Last Week: 24 (+1)

The Buccaneers offense finally came alive last week.  Can Freeman perform against better defenses?

24. Buffalo Bills (3-3)
Last Week: 27 (+3)

There’s the defense we’ve been expecting to see all year.  I had almost forgotten the Bills signed Mario Williams.

25. Indianapolis Colts (2-3)
Last Week: 21 (-4)

This team has struggled on the road but Luck continues to impress.

26. New Orleans (1-4)
Last Week: 24 (-)

Good news Saints fans, your team hasn’t lost since Week 4.

27. Tennessee Titans (2-3)
Last Week: 29 (+2)

If Chris Johnson can run the ball this team can win games.

28. Carolina Panthers (1-4)
Last Week: 25 (-3)

Was Cam Newton just a one year wonder?

29. Oakland Raiders (1-4)
Last Week: 28 (-1)

The Raiders were impressive against the Falcons last week and will hope to build off a tough loss.

30. Cleveland Browns (1-5)
Last Week: 32 (+2)

The Browns got a big win on the road in the division.  This is huge for a young rebuilding team.

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4)
Last Week: 31

Hopefully the receiving corps got better over the bye week.

32. Kansas City Chiefs (1-5)
Last Week: 30 (-2)

There was once such high hopes for this team but right now I don’t know how they win another game.

Questions? Comments? Snide Remarks? Let me hear ‘em!
Where does your favorite team belong?

2012 NFL Power Rankings: WEEK 6

Posted by devandignan on

Another week is in the books and we’re starting to get a better idea of this crazy NFL season.  The Falcons and Texans stayed undefeated and proved worthy of our top two spots.  We’ve learned that the Chicago Bears defense is back and that New England is capable of having a balanced offense.   The NFC West is better than many thought and the NFC North is almost the exact opposite of where it was at this time last year.   Both the western divisions are wide open and both of the southern ones are a closed case.   This is the time of year when we actually begin to have an idea of where teams stand.

1. Atlanta Falcons (5-0)
Last Week: 1 (-)

The Falcons have proven capable of blowing teams out but more importantly, capable of winning the close games.  Matt Ryan is playing better than any QB in the league.

2. Houston Texans (5-0)
Last Week: 2 (-)

If the Texans make it through the next two weeks with an unblemished record, that 2-0 streak would be more impressive than their current 5-0.

3. San Francisco 49ers (4-1)
Last Week: 4 (+1)

The Ravens continue to win but the 49ers moving up is a testament to how well they’ve played.  This team has absolutely dominated their last two games – putting up over 600 yards of offense against a Bills defense that was supposed to be “one of the league’s best”.

4. Baltimore Ravens (4-1)
Last Week: 3 (-1)

I hate to drop a team that is coming off a road win but the Ravens have struggled against subpar teams while the 49ers’ loss to Minnesota seems long forgotten.

5. Chicago Bears (4-1)
Last Week: 6 (+1)

In the past two weeks the Bears defense has scored 4 touchdowns.  Imagine if Cutler and Marshall find that old Mile High magic

6. New England Patriots (3-2)
Last Week: 9 (+3)

The Patriots offense is explosive and dynamic.  More than that, it’s balanced.  New England has a ground game for once which should have their opponents scared.

7. Minnesota Vikings (4-1)
Last Week: 14 (+7)

Christian Ponder finally threw his 1st (and 2nd) interception of the year but rebounded nicely to lead the Vikings to a shocking 4-1 start.  Percy Harvin has my vote for NFL MVP at this point in the season.  Is anybody playing better football than Harvin?

8. Arizona Cardinals (4-1)
Last Week: 5 (-3)

Everyone is talking about the injury to Ryan Williams but this teams success or failure has always been on the shoulders of their quarterback.

9. New York Giants (3-2)
Last Week: 11 (+2)

This offense is still struggling to find an identity but we are all aware that if the champs can stay in the thick of things, we’ll see them come January.

10. San Diego Chargers (3-2)
Last Week: 10 (-)

The Chargers are 2-0 in their division but that’s not nearly as impressive considering those wins are over the Raiders and Chiefs.  This weekend’s game against the Broncos will tell us a lot about the AFC West race.

11. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2)
Last Week: 18 (+7)

Big Ben continues to show his ability to rally his team late in games and win the close ones.

12. Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)
Last Week: 7 (-5)

If the Eagles don’t make the playoffs it will only be because of turnover differential.

13. Green Bay Packers (2-3)
Last Week: 8 (-5)

This was the biggest second half collapse I have seen in recent memory.

14. St. Louis Rams (3-2)
Last Week: 19 (+5)

The Rams have their first winning record since 2006.  More impressive is that they are off to a 2-0 start in the NFC West.

15. Dallas Cowboys (2-2)
Last Week: 15 (-)

Talk about consistently inconsistent.  Tony Romo is getting a lot of the blame but his wide receivers and offensive line must step up.

16. Seattle Seahawks (3-2)
Last Week: 16 (-)

The vaunted Seahawks’ D has a big test this weekend as they face the NFL’s most prolific offense.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (3-2)
Last Week: 12 (-5)

The game against the Dolphins is one this team should’ve never lost.

18. Denver Broncos (2-3)
Last Week: 13 (-5)

The Broncos’ offense is much improved over the 2011 playoff version but the defense is nowhere near their old form.  They must step up if they hope to stop Phillip Rivers this weekend.

19. Washington Redskins (2-3)
Last Week: 17 (-2)

Without RGIII in the game this team fell apart.  This struggling defense gets a huge test when they face Percy Harvin this weekend.

20. Miami Dolphins (2-3)
Last Week: 25 (+5)

It becomes much easier for a young QB to develop when he has an offensive line as good as the one that Ryan Tannehill has protecting him.

21. Indianapolis Colts (2-2)
Last Week: 31 (+10)

Andrew Luck put together an impressive second half for his absent coach Chuck Pagano as the Colts are now 2-0 against NFC North teams.

22. Detroit Lions (1-3)
Last Week: 22 (-)

If the Lions can take advantage of turnovers and limit special teams scoring by the Eagles, perhaps Detroit can get back to their winning ways.

23. New York Jets (2-3)
Last Week: 21 (-2)

The chants for Tebow are growing louder in East Rutherford…

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3)
Last Week: 24 (-)

If Josh Freeman can’t throw touchdown passes against Kansas City this week – who can he throw them against?

25. Carolina Panthers (1-3)
Last Week: 23 (-3)

Auburn & Blinn College fans know that Cam Newton can be unstoppable for one season.  Panthers fans are asking if he can do it for two?

26. New Orleans Saints (1-4)
Last Week: 29 (+3)

Drew Brees breaking Johnny Unitas’ record in a win against his former team was a special moment but it doesn’t change the fact that the Ain’ts are at least 3 weeks from .500.

27. Buffalo Bills (2-3)
Last Week: 20 (-7)

It’s not just that this team already has three losses – it’s the number of points they have given up in these losses.

28. Oakland Raiders (1-3)
Last Week: 26 (-2)

This team needs to win games now but it doesn’t seem likely that they’ll get the W against Matt Ryan & Co. in Atlanta

29. Tennessee Titans (1-4)
Last Week: 28 (-1)

This team’s fortunes are directly tied to those of Chris Johnson.  As he’s gone downhill, so has this team.

30. Kansas City Chiefs (1-4)
Last Week: 27 (-3)

This fan base is excited that Brady Quinn will start this week.  How far has KC fallen?

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4)
Last Week: 30 (-1)

For three quarters this team stood toe to toe with the Chicago Bears. Shame a game doesn’t end after three quarters.

32. Cleveland Browns (0-5)
Last Week: 32 (-)

Two weeks in a row this team has gotten off to a quick start against top tier teams – now they just have to learn how to finish.

Questions? Comments? Snide Remarks? Let me hear ‘em!
Where should your favorite team be ranked?

2012 NFL Power Rankings: WEEK 5

Posted by devandignan on

We’re at the quarter pole of the NFL Season and we don’t know a whole lot.  Here’s what we do know – the AFC South and NFC South are both incredibly weak.  Though each division’s best team are the top two teams in the league, the next highest ranked team in the “South” falls at 23 meaning the 6 remaining AFC/NFC South teams fall within the last 10 spots.   We know that the Arizona Cardinals defense is undeniable, the Texans, Falcons, and Ravens hardly have a weakness on their roster, the NFC West is not as weak as we all thought, and that the AFC West is going to be a fight to the finish.   What we don’t know is whether or not the Saints can finish a game, which New England team we’re going to get from one quarter to the next, where the Detroit offense has gone, and which Tony Romo will show up this week.  Without further ado, the Week 5 NFL Power Rankings:

1. Atlanta Falcons (4-0)
Last Week: 1 (-)

There are a lot of people who will argue that the Texans absolute domination of teams deserves my top spot.  While Houston has been impressive, the Falcons have gone 4-0 with a much tougher schedule.  Matt Ryan’s clutch throw out of his own endzone to Roddy White to come back against the Panthers showed the kind of poise he’ll need to win his first career playoff game.

2. Houston Texans (4-0)
Last Week: 2 (-)

What can be said about this team?  They have one of the best running backs in the league, one of its best receivers, and its most underrated quarterback.  The defense is intense and both lines are very strong. This team has been absolutely dominant this season and with such a weak schedule, there’s no reason to think it won’t continue.

3. Baltimore Ravens (3-1)
Last Week: 3 (-)

It wasn’t pretty but Joe Flacco & Company got the win to extend the longest active home win streak in the NFL.

4. San Francisco 49ers (3-1)
Last Week: 4 (-)

A week after getting dominated by the Vikings, the team rebounded in a big way.  Anybody start Colin Kaepernick on their fantasy team?

5. Arizona Cardinals (4-0)
Last Week: 6 (+1)

You know the old saying, “Any given Sunday…”  Good teams find ways to win games and that’s exactly what the Cardinals did on Sunday.

6. Chicago Bears (3-1)
Last Week: 10 (+4)

Defense wins championships and this team is in a tie for 1st in their division on the strength of their D.  As the offense continues to improve this could be a very scary team.

7. Philadelphia Eagles (3-1)
Last Week: 13 (+6)

The Eagles protected the ball for once and got a big win against the defending Super Bowl Champs to take sole possession of 1st in the NFC East.

8. Green Bay Packers (2-2)
Last Week: 8 (-)

What we do know about the Packers right now is that it doesn’t matter whether the officials are replacements or not – Green Bay cannot get a call in their favor.

9. New England Patriots (2-2)
Last Week: 11 (+2)

The team that came out of the locker room for the 2nd half looks like a Super Bowl contender.

10. San Diego Chargers (3-1)
Last Week: 14 (+4)

The Chargers got a much-needed win against the division rival Chiefs to firm up their AFC West lead.  Don’t get too excited yet though San Diego, the Chargers were 3-1 at this point last year too.

11. New York Giants (2-2)
Last Week: 5 (-6)

An 0-2 start in the NFC East is not what the Champs had in mind.

12. Cincinnati Bengals (3-1)
Last Week: 16 (+4)

This young team has won three straight since an opening week loss and this young offense is clicking.

13. Denver Broncos (2-2)
Last Week: 15 (+2)

Peyton Manning is getting better every week.  Brady vs. Manning Part LXVII is this weekend which will give Denver a chance to prove they’re for real.

14. Minnesota Vikings (3-1)
Last Week: 20 (+6)

The NFL has a utility player and his name is Percy Harvin.  Harvin has the surprising Vikings off to a 3-1 start and you could make an argument that he’s the MVP of this young NFL season.

15. Dallas Cowboys (2-2)
Last Week: 9 (-6)

Monday night’s loss was nothing short of embarrassing for Dallas.  Jerry Jones can already feel that window starting to close.

16. Seattle Seahawks (2-2)
Last Week: 7 (-9)

In Sunday’s game Russell Wilson looked like a rookie quarterback.  The defense is solid but the offense has to find consistent production.

17. Washington Redskins (2-2)
Last Week: 21 (+4)

RG3 showed poise in bringing his team back on the road last week.  He has to be the frontrunner for rookie of the year at this point.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2)
Last Week: 18 (-)

Coming off the bye, the battle for Pennsylvania is a must-win game for the Steelers.

19. St. Louis Rams (2-2)
Last Week: 26 (+7)

The Rams have already matched their win total from 2011 thanks to the leg of rookie kicker Greg Zuerlein.  Mark my words, he will break the NFL record for longest field goal.

20. Buffalo Bills (2-2)
Last Week: 17 (-3)

This team looked like a playoff team for the first half.  The talent is here but the Bills have to find away to stop divisional rivals from finding the endzone.

21. New York Jets (2-2)
Last Week: 12 (-9)

Darelle Revis is done for the year and now Santonio Holmes might be too.  Doesn’t seem like things can get much worse for the ailing Jets.

22. Detroit Lions (1-3)
Last Week: 19 (-3)

The difference between 3-1 and 1-3 is subpar special teams play.

23. Carolina Panthers (1-3)
Last Week: 23 (-)

The Panthers looked like the team many thought they could be against the Falcons but they failed to get the job done.

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3)
Last Week: 22 (-2)

Many considered the Buccaneers the winners of the offseason.  Now they must find a way to win in-season.

25. Miami Dolphins (1-3)
Last Week: 28 (+3)

Ryan Tannehill looked impressive as he broke Dan Marino’s rookie single game passing record against one of the league’s top defenses.

26. Oakland Raiders (1-3)
Last Week: 24 (-2)

Carson Palmer wants to win his first playoff game this year.  In order to do that he must find a way to win his first AFC West matchup this year.

27. Kansas City Chiefs (1-3)
Last Week: 25 (-2)

How bad is Matt Cassel?  The fans are asking for Brady Quinn.

28. Tennessee Titans (1-3)
Last Week: 25 (-1)

We’re 4 weeks into the season and the Titans are in second place and out of the running for the AFC South crown.

29. New Orleans Saints (0-4)
Last Week: 27 (-2)

The Saints looked like, well, the Saints last week but even with favorable calls could not win a game they had every chance to win.  Ladies and Gentlemen, I present the New Orleans Ain’ts…

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3)
Last Week: 30 (-)

If Blaine Gabbert is going to be an NFL starting QB, he needs receivers that can get separation and catch the ball.

31. Indianapolis Colts (1-2)
Last Week: 31 (-)

Rebuilding is a long, painful process.

32. Cleveland Browns (0-4)
Last Week: 32 (-)

They almost pulled off the biggest upset of the young season.  Brandon Weeden is getting better but on a Hail Mary, he’s got to put the ball in a place where his receivers have a chance.

Questions? Comments? Snide Remarks? Let me hear ‘em!
Where should your favorite team be ranked?

2012 NFL Power Rankings: WEEK 4

Posted by devandignan on

And as we approach Week 4, we know even less than we did last week.  We have only two teams that have yet to win and three that have yet to lose.  Many would’ve guessed the Falcons and Texans would be in this position but the Cardinals?  As you may recall, I picked this Arizona team to have the 2nd overall pick in the 2013 draft and that seems rather unlikely.  Many would’ve picked the Browns to start 0-3 but with the Saints playing Washington, St. Louis, and Kansas City many thought they would be 3-0.  By the way the only wins these three teams have is against New Orleans.  And to talk about craziness what do the Patriots, Packers, Steelers, Broncos, Lions, and Saints all have in common?  They all have a worse record than the Minnesota Vikings.  Can that be right?  Oh well, our power rankings have been jumbled again as we have a new top team.

1. Atlanta Falcons (3-0)
Last Week: 2 (+1)

Prior to the Matt Ryan era this team never had back to back winning seasons.  Now the Falcons look like a team that can do something that Matt Ryan has never done – win a playoff game.

2. Houston Texans (3-0)
Last Week: 3 (+1)

Without a doubt the AFC’s best team plays in the NFL’s worst division.  With their schedule Houston could have a playoff seed locked up before the NBA season tips off.

3. Baltimore Ravens
Last Week: 5 (+2)

The AFC is extremely weak this year but the two teams at the top are perhaps the two most complete teams in the NFL.  There is not a weakness on this Raven’s roster.

4. San Francisco 49ers (2-1)
Last Week: 1 (-3)

To say that the 49ers were upset on the road last week is an understatement.  The 49ers handled the two best teams from the NFC North a year ago with ease and then they go up against its worst team and are absolutely embarassed.  The 49ers should return to form this week.

5. New York Giants (2-1)
Last Week: 6 (+1)

The Super Bowl champs have found their rhythm again and should continue their winning ways against an Eagles team that does not protect the ball.

6. Arizona Cardinals (3-0)
Last Week: 14 (+8)

The Cardinals have made it clear they will not be ignored.  Their week 1 defeat was not a sign that the Seahawks were worse than we thought, it was simply a sign of how good this team was.  Big wins over the Patriots on the road and the Eagles shows that as long as there is steady QB play this is a team to be reckoned with.

7. Seattle Seahawks (2-1)
Last Week: 18 (+11)

Everyone is going to talk about the gaffe at the end of Monday’s game but let’s talk about the fact that at the end of 4 quarters Seattle was in a position to win.  This defense held the Packers to only 12 points and made Aaron Rodgers look like Mark Sanchez.  Russell Wilson is playing beyond his years right now and like the rest of the NFC West right now, this defense is performing at an elite level.

8. Green Bay Packers (1-2)
Last Week: 4 (-4)

Just three weeks in and the Packers have matched their loss total from a year ago.  Regardless of what you say about Monday’s game, this offense should never have been in a position to lose that game.

9. Dallas Cowboys (2-1)
Last Week: 12 (+3)

The biggest question I have about this team is the offensive line.  Everything else is there for this team to finally turn the corner.

10. Chicago Bears (2-1)
Last Week: 13 (+3)

I expected big things from Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall this season and so far I’ve been severely disappointed.  It is still hard to say how good this team is but they are 2-1 with a subpar offense.  If Jay Cutler shows up, watch out!

11. New England Patriots (1-2)
Last Week: 8 (-3)

I honestly cannot remember the last time the Patriots had a losing record.  The talent is here on this reloaded roster but this team is still trying to find an identity.

12. New York Jets (2-1)
Last Week: 16 (+4)

I want to give this team some credit before they freefall due to the loss of their best player for the season.

13. Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)
Last Week: 7 (-6)

I knew turnovers would eventually catch up to this team once they met a top tier defense.  How long before the Philadelphia fans start chanting for Foles?

14. San Diego Chargers (2-1)
Last Week: 10 (-4)

The San Diego Chargers are trying to get back to the playoffs.  This weekend’s game against Kansas City decides who takes the lead in the AFC West.

15. Denver Broncos (1-2)
Last Week: 11 (-4)

The Broncos have had one of the toughest early schedules in the NFL, there is no doubting that.  Peyton has shown he still has it but it’s unfair for Denver to expect him to lead 3+ touchdown drives in the 4th quarter of every game.

16. Cincinnati Bengals (2-1)
Last Week: 17 (+1)

The Bengals young offense continues to impress but this defense that was so great a year ago still has not shown up.

17. Buffalo Bills (2-1)
Last Week: 20 (+3)

When the Bills face the Patriots this weekend we’re going to get our first real idea of how good this Buffalo team really is.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2)
Last Week: 9 (-9)

Ben Roethlisberger is moving the ball on offense, the problem is that during the 4th quarter of games, the opposing QB is moving the ball a little better.  This defense needs to keep playing after the 45th minute.

19. Detroit Lions (1-2)
Last Week: 15 (-4)

The most “Penal-ized” team in the league is also among the most penalized.  This team’s success is going to be based on how healthy Matthew Stafford really is.

20. Minnesota Vikings (2-1)
Last Week: 27 (+7)

Christian Ponder put together his best game as a pro and Kyle Rudolph showed why he was the top tight end taken in the draft a year ago.  This surprising Minnesota team plays Detroit with the chance to take control of the NFC North.

21. Washington Redskins (1-2)
Last Week: 19 (-2)

You might have noticed that the Redskins have the best scoring offense in the league right now.  They also boast the league’s worst defense.

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-2)
Last Week: 22 (-)

This team is loaded with talent but the offense lacks any ability to move the chains.

23. Carolina Panthers (1-2)
Last Week: 21 (-2)

This team still lacks a rushing attack and a year after he took the league by storm, defenses are starting to figure out Cam Newton.

24. Oakland Raiders (1-2)
Last Week: 28 (+4)

The Raiders got a big win at home last week against the Steelers.  Now the Raiders have to travel to Denver in the hope of getting themselves back in the AFC West race.

25. Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)
Last Week: 29 (-4)

The Chiefs needed a win badly on Sunday and they got it.  This game was more of a statement for Jamaal Charles who proved that he still has the burst to be an elite NFL running back.

26. St. Louis Rams (1-2)
Last Week: 23 (-3)

In their first big loss of the season the Rams showed they still have a long way to go.  But they have to be excited about the leg on rookie kicker Greg Zuerlein.

27. Tennessee Titans (1-2)
Last Week: 27 (-)

The win against Detroit was a big one but I feel that after a loss to the Texans this week, Tennessee’s season will be officially over.

28. Miami Dolphins (1-2)
Last Week: 25 (-3)

Outside of Reggie Bush, who has blossomed in Miami, I cannot for the life of me figure this team out.

29. New Orleans Saints (0-4)
Last Week: 24 (-5)

Oh how the mighty have fallen.  A game against the Packers won’t help too much either.  Is this the return of the Aint’s?

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)
Last Week: 32 (+2)

Blaine Gabbert continues to impress, especially in the 4th quarter where him and Cecil Shorts have quite the chemistry.

31. Indianapolis Colts (1-2)
Last Week: 26 (-5)

There is a lot of young talent on this roster and they will get there but for now there must be growing pains – even for a highly touted prospect like Andrew Luck.

32. Cleveland Browns (0-3)
Last Week: 31 (-1)

There are some good pieces here but I do not see how this team wins a game in the always difficult AFC North.

Questions? Comments? Snide Remarks?
Let me hear ‘em!

Where should your favorite team be ranked?

2012 NFL Power Rankings: WEEK 3

Posted by devandignan on

As we go into Week 3 there are an unbelievable number of 1-1 teams which means there are only a few 2-0 and a few 0-2 teams.  Who would’ve thought that with 9 turnovers the Eagles would’ve gotten 2 wins, including one over the Ravens?  Who would’ve thought that Arizona would be among the 2-0 teams and not the 0-2s?  And did anyone believe that New Orleans would be 0-2 at this point?  There’s been a lot of upheaval but the good news is that NFL.com and ESPN.com have finally recognized what we tried to tell them last week – the San Francisco 49ers are the best team in the NFL.

1. San Francisco 49ers (2-0)
Last Week: 1 (NA)

The 49ers have beat the top 2 teams in the NFC North from a year ago to kick off the season and as they head into their 3rd straight NFC North game, the Niners should have no problem advancing to 3-0 against the Vikings.  Randy Moss’s first regular season game as an opponent in the Metrodome will make things interesting.

2. Atlanta Falcons (2-0)
Last Week: 2 (NA)

Tony Gonzalez continues to be reliable for Atlanta and the Matt Ryan-Roddy White connection is as prolific as ever.  This Falcons defense looks impressive and the offense is balanced.  This is a very scary team.

3. Houston Texans (2-0)
Last Week: 3 (+1)

The Texans are in a weak division and the question isn’t if they’ll win the division but how early will they rap it up.   This week Denver brings their first test of the season.

4. Green Bay (1-1)
Last Week: 6 (+2)

Green Bay silenced the critics with a crushing defeat of Chicago.  Questions of whether or not the Packers have a defense have been quieted… for now.

5. Baltimore Ravens (1-1)
Last Week: 3 (-2)

Baltimore had a crushing loss against Philadelphia this weekend.  The explosiveness this offense had against Cincinnati just was not present for all 4 quarters on Sunday.  This is a team that will win a lot of ballgames though.

6. New York Giants (1-1)
Last Week: 9 (+3)

The loss against Dallas had many worried.  Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks exploded as Manning threw for over 500 yards against the Buccaneers.

7. Philadelphia Eagles (2-0)
Last Week: 17 (+10)

Philadelphia has turned over the ball 9 times in their first two games and somehow find themselves alone atop the NFC East.  This team has gotten lucky and will need to find ways to protect the ball if they hope to stay there.

8. New England Patriots (1-1)
Last Week: 5 (-3)

New England dropped their first home opener at Gillette Stadium well.. ever.  They were not prepared to go up against this dynamic Arizona defense.  The chance was there to win it for the Pats and they blew it.

9. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1)
Last Week: 11 (+2)

It’s hard to believe the Pittsburgh Steelers lack a running game but so far the passing game has been getting it done for the Steelers.

10. San Diego Chargers (2-0)
Last Week: 14 (+4)

The Chargers were without their best two offensive weapons in Gates and Mathews last week and they still were able to put on a clinic against Tennessee.

11. Denver Broncos (1-1)
Last Week: 10 (-1)

The Broncos turned over the ball 4 times in the first quarter in a hostile Georgia Dome.  However, Peyton showed that he still has the command as he nearly brought his team back from a 13 point deficit.

12. Dallas Cowboys (1-1)
Last Week: 8 (-4)

The Cowboys were embarrassed against Seattle.  The stout Dallas D we saw in New York was nowhere to be found as Russell Wilson scored at will.

13. Chicago Bears (1-1)
Last Week: 7 (-6)

The Bears offense looked nonexistent against what was supposed to be a horrible Packers’ defense.  Jay Cutler had one of the worst single game performances for a QB in recent memory.

14. Arizona Cardinals (2-0)
Last Week: 22 (+8)

Nobody thought the Cardinals could go into Gillette and win.  If Kevin Kolb can get the win over his former team this week the Cardinals will find themselves with as many wins as most thought they’d have all season.

15. Detroit Lions (1-1)
Last Week: 12 (-3)

Tough loss against the 49ers last week.  This once prolific offense is still struggling to find a rhythm.

16. New York Jets (1-1)
Last Week: 13 (-3)

As good as Mark Sanchez was against Buffalo, he was that bad in Week 2.  It’s hard to figure these Jets out this early in the year.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (1-1)
Last Week: 21 (+4)

The Bengals’ offense has shown they can score, but the question is can this defense stop the other team from scoring?

18. Seattle Seahawks (1-1)
Last Week: 24 (+6)

Russell Wilson continued to look impressive as the Seahawks got a huge win over Dallas.

19. Washington Redskins (1-1)
Last Week: 15 (-4)

RG3 continues to look better than advertised and the weapons are there on offense to score.  However 2 huge injuries on defense could be the difference this year.

20. Buffalo Bills (1-1)
Last Week: 23 (+3)

C.J. Spiller averaged 10 yards per carry for a second straight week as he made Bills fans forget about Fred Jackson.

21. Carolina Panthers (1-1)
Last Week: 25 (+4)

The Panthers got a big win at home against New Orleans but are still struggling to find a rushing attack.

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1)
Last Week: 19 (-3)

The Buccaneers had a great opportunity to go 2-0 until the defense laid down and allowed Hakeem Nicks to explode for nearly 200 yards through the air.

23. St. Louis Rams (1-1)
Last Week: 28 (+5)

The Rams were impressive in their win over the Redskins.  Sam Bradford looked great and the offense was steady but it was Jeff Fisher’s defense that continues to turn some heads.

24. New Orleans Saints (0-2)
Last Week: 16 (-8)

The Saints expected to be 2-0 with their early schedule.  As everyone has pointed out already, it is incredibly rare for an 0-2 team to make the playoffs.

25. Miami Dolphins (1-1)
Last Week: 32 (+7)

Who knew that Miami could have this kind of scoring explosion? Reggie Bush is clearly the heart of this offense.  What’s more impressive though is this Miami defense.

26. Indianapolis Colts (1-1)
Last Week: 31 (+5)

Andrew Luck got off to a fast start against the Vikings and when it was necessary he hit his receivers to put his team in a position to win.  The future is bright for Andrew Luck and the Colts.

27. Minnesota Vikings (1-1)
Last Week: 26 (-1)

Kyle Rudolph has the tools to be an elite tight end and Christian Ponder has shown poise in the 4th quarter.  Unfortunately for Minnesota, it was them who came back just a little too early this week.

28. Oakland Raiders (0-2)
Last Week: 20 (-8)

This is a rough start for what many thought would be a good Raiders team.  Looking down the road to the Steelers, Falcons, & Broncos and 0-5 start is not out of the question for Oakland.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (0-2)
Last Week: 18 (-11)

This was supposed to be a big year for Kansas City – this team looks like the only thing its going to win is the Matt Barkley sweepstakes.

30. Tennessee Titans (0-2)
Last Week: 27 (-3)

When is Chris Johnson going to show up in Tennessee???

31. Cleveland Browns (0-2)
Last Week: 32 (+1)

I’ll give this to the Browns – they are competitive.  Weeden looked like a completely different QB than the one we saw against Philadelphia.  Trent Richardson will soon be a top tier running back in this league.

32. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2)
Last Week: 29 (-3)

Jacksonville didn’t have a prayer against Houston.   This Sunday’s game against Indy will be Jacksonville’s last chance to get a W for awhile.

Questions? Comments? Snide Remarks? Let me hear ‘em!
Where should your favorite team be ranked?

2012 NFL Power Rankings: WEEK 2

Posted by devandignan on

Now before you go looking back for Week 1 NFL Power Rankings, there aren’t any.  Truth be told I wanted to start doing NFL Power Rankings this season but my pre-season projections give a good enough idea of where I believe teams will end up that I did not see a need to give pre-season power rankings – I thought it would be awfully redundant.  A week ago I would’ve never imagined some teams as high or low as I have them and of course being early in the season we’re going to see a lot of fluctuation the first 3-4 weeks.  Without further ado, my week 2 power rankings:

1. San Francisco 49ers (1-0)

Is it fair to say that Jim Harbaugh has turned Alex Smith into a QB?  The glaring position of weakness from last year’s NFC Championship, wide receiver, has been overhauled.  The ferocious defense is still in place.  San Francisco is the team to beat in the NFL right now.

2. Atlanta Falcons (1-0)

Tony Gonzalez had the kind of homecoming in Kansas City that most only dream of – what a way to kick of his final NFL Season.  The days of ground and pound are in the rearview for A-Town as this has become Matt Ryan’s team.  With so many weapons on offense, it was easy to forget at times that Roddy White is still on this roster.

3. Baltimore Ravens (1-0)

We all know about what Ray Rice can do in the rushing game.  We’re more than aware of Ray Lewis & Company on the other side of the ball.  But now, Joe Flacco has arrived on the scene in style and has caused a Dennis Pitta waiver wire frenzy among fantasy owners.  The Ravens scored at will against one of the league’s top defenses from a year ago.  This is a very dangerous team.

4. Houston Texans (1-0)

The question is no longer whether or not the Texans can make the playoffs but how far they can go.  As long as Matt Schaub is under center I believe this is the most complete team in the NFL and everything I saw on Sunday confirmed that.

5. New England Patriots (1-0)

This team is fresh off it’s 5th Super Bowl appearance this century so we know that the offense was already great.  They focused on defense in the draft this year and their early picks are already paying dividends.  If this team can continue to perform this well on both sides of the ball – watch out.

6. Green Bay Packers (0-1)

I don’t believe this is a 15-1 team anymore but I still believe the talent is there for them to win 12-13 games.  The biggest question is, can this offense perform at a high enough level again to make up for the flaws of an anemic defense?  We’ll get our first answer to this question against Chicago.

7. Chicago Bears (1-0)

Many are quick to forget that had Jay Cutler stayed healthy last year, this would’ve probably been a playoff team.  This team is strong on defense as always and has added Michael Bush, Alshon Jeffrey, and Cutler’s all-time favorite target, Brandon Marshall on offense.  The game against the Packers will give us a better idea of just how good the Bears really are.

8. Dallas Cowboys (1-0)

How ’bout dem Cowboys?  It’s one game but what a huge win for Tony Romo and the boys. The offense can be explosive and the young cornerback additions of Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr may be one of the best duos in the league.  DeMarco Murray picked up right where he left off and Tony Romo looked like a franchise quarterback.

9. New York Giants (0-1)

Yes the Giants dropped the ball and became the first Super Bowl Champion to drop the home opener under the present format but it’s just one game.  If the Giants have not taught us anything else in the last four years they’ve at least taught us this – it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.  The Giants just better hope Victor Cruz finds his hands again and quickly.

10. Denver Broncos (1-0)

Out of what promises to be a down-to-the-wire AFC West race, Denver was clearly the cream of the crop this past weekend.  Peyton Manning looked at home wearing orange for the first time in 15 years.  He’s about to make Demaryius Thomas & Eric Decker household names.

11. Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1)

Big Ben lost his second straight game in Denver but this is still a very talented roster and a team to be reckoned with in the AFC.

12. Detroit Lions (1-0)

It wasn’t the prettiest thing, but the Lions got the W and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.  Against a much improved Rams defense, Stafford once again led his team to a comeback victory in dramatic fashion.  He has this team ready to make another playoff push.

13. New York Jets (1-0)

Not only did the “nonexistent offense” score more points than any team in the NFL, they did it against a defense that many (myself included) projected to be among the top 5 defenses in the league this season.  Sanchez didn’t just manage the game, he won it.  And Stephen Hill was explosive in the tradition of Calvin Johnson and Demaryius Thomas.  Who says the Georgia Tech triple option doesn’t prepare players for the NFL?

14. San Diego Chargers (1-0)

It was rough and it was ugly but the Chargers got themselves a key division win and found ways to move the ball against a tough Oakland defense.  The Chargers are looking for answers in the backfield while Ryan Mathews recovers from injury.  There are still plenty of other weapons on this offense to allow San Diego to contend for a playoff spot this year.

15. Washington Redskins (1-0)

I never expected to rank the Washington Redskins this high after week 1 but Robert Griffin III turned in the most impressive debut for a rookie quarterback that I can remember.  This roster has gotten better and like always, Mike Shanahan took a no-name running back and has made him work in that system.  The biggest question is – can this be sustained?

16. New Orleans Saints (0-1)

I do believe that New Orleans will find their rhythm and likely finish with a better record than the Redskins but after that shellacking there is no way I could rank them higher.  After that performance, there have to be some major questions about that defense.

17. Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)

Prior to the season, all of the questions were about Michael Vick being able to stay healthy prior to the season.  Now all of the questions are going to be about whether he can go a series without turning the ball over.

18. Kansas City Chiefs (0-1)

For the first half on Sunday, Kansas City looked like the team I expected them to be this season.  Cassel was playing smart football and Charles was moving the chains.  The second half was another story.  This team can be competitive as long as they put together 4 quarters of football.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0)

Tampa Bay spent a lot of money this offseason to improve their offense.  In turn, the Bucs did not get much production.  It was enough to beat the Panthers but this offense has got to find a rhythm.

20. Oakland Raiders (0-1)

For this team, it’s all about staying healthy.  If McFadden and Palmer can finish out this season, this team will be fighting for a playoff spot.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (0-1)

If an entire roster were ever to have a sophomore slump, it would be this team.  The Bengals did much to improve this offseason but were pretty terrible on both sides of the ball on Monday.  I will say the ability to convert on 4th down twice in the same drive was impressive.

22. Arizona Cardinals (1-0)

The defense picked up right where they left off at the end of last season and the offensive weapons are there.  With a quarterback this could be a very good team.

23. Buffalo Bills (0-1)

I am shocked to find the Bills this low to start the season but their highly touted defense was helpless against the Jets on Sunday.  And many of the teams high hopes have been dashed with the loss of Fred Jackson for the first quarter of the year.  C.J. Spiller has shown he can pick up his share of the load but this team needs to get back on track fast.

24. Seattle Seahawks (0-1)

I thought Russell Wilson had the 2nd best debut of any rookie quarterback.  He almost got his team a win on the road against a very tough Cardinals defense.   His height is an issue though as he had trouble seeing the field.  The bigger issue though is the apparent lack of an offensive line.

25. Carolina Panthers (0-1)

Ryan Kalil promised fans a Super Bowl title this offseason.  In order for that to happen this team must rediscover their ground game.

26. Minnesota Vikings (1-0)

It was the strength of rookie Blair Walsh’s leg that delivered the Vikes a much-needed win at home but its Adrian Peterson’s seemingly healthy leg that has got everyone talking.

27. Tennessee Titans (0-1)

Jake Locker is tough and his shoulder injury shouldn’t sideline him for too long.  This team’s fortunes though are directly tied to which version of Chris Johnson decides to show up this season.

28. St. Louis Rams (0-1)

While they have a long ways to go, Jeff Fisher has already transformed the defense of this young team.  The biggest concern for this team is offensive line depth followed by finding someone for Sam Bradford to throw the ball to.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)

The Jaguars are not going to win many games this year but Blaine Gabbert showed vast improvement from a year ago.  That 4th quarter go-ahead drive took poise  and that was impressive.  The improvements at the wideout position may have something to do with it.

30. Cleveland Browns (0-1)

When you have a rookie quarterback in his late twenties, the plan is not to develop him – it’s to start him.  Weeden posted a 5.1 passer rating which has to make Jamarcus Russell feel good about himself.  He stared down receivers and showed an inability to read defenses.  There is plenty of young talent on this roster but they are not going to contend in the always-difficult AFC North anytime soon.

31. Indianapolis Colts (0-1)

There remains a lot of work to be done in Indy but Pagano has the right pieces in place.  Luck and Fleener are going to be the cornerstones of this offense for years to come and Reggie Wayne is the veteran presence this young team needs.  The offensive line and rushing attack have to find a way to take some pressure off Luck.  They face a tough test this week against Jared Allen and Chad Greenway.

32. Miami Dolphins (0-1)

Is anyone surprised that the Dolphins have once again started the year 0-1?  Of all 5 rookie quarterbacks that started this weekend, there is no doubt that Ryan Tannehill has the least amount of talent surrounding him.  Miami is a long ways from being significant.

 

Questions? Comments? Snide Remarks? Let Me Hear ‘Em!
Where should your favorite team be ranked?

Peyton’s Dozen: The Odds on Who Will Land Manning

Posted by devandignan on

Ever since the Colts landed the first overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft, there has been speculation about if and where Peyton Manning would play again.  Yesterday, something I could’ve never imagined a year ago happened when the Colts decided to go into rebuilding mode and forgo paying Manning the bonus that was due to him today thus making him a free agent for the first time in his career.   And this is not just any free agent.  Peyton Manning has become the most coveted free agent in NFL history as the franchise he has been the face of for 14 years moves forward without him.   We are now aware that no Colts player will ever again wear #18 but the question is of course: which team will have a new #18 on their roster next season?

Multiple sources have mentioned that around 12 teams have been in contact with Manning’s representation and we know who some of those teams are, who some aren’t, and which teams remain a mystery.   We know that the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, and Kansas City Chiefs have contacted Manning’s representation.  We know that the Dallas Cowboys are not interested and neither are, clearly, the Indianapolis Colts.   It is also safe to assume that the New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, San Diego Chargers, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers.  I’m also fairly confident that the St. Louis Rams, Baltimore Ravens, and Chicago Bears will not go after Manning.  I also like to believe, that though there has been speculation, that the Texans will work to extend Schaub and develop Yates as opposed to cutting Schaub to bring in Manning.  So I do not believe the Texans are part of the twelve (but if they create the cap space and release Schaub they become a frontrunner).  However we can’t rule anyone out.   In my opinion, outside of a few, select teams that have elite NFL QBs, any team that does not at least ask itself the Peyton Manning question is doing themselves a great disservice.

So using what we know and what we don’t know I’ve broken down who I believe to be Manning’s dozen and their respective odds of landing the future Hall of Famer in descending order.

12. Jacksonville Jaguars

ODDS – 1:100

The Jacksonville Jaguars would love to sign their former rival for the next three years and develop the young Blaine Gabbert behind him.  I have no doubts about that.  It’s clear however that Peyton wants to win now because he only has somewhere between three and five years to win another ring.   The Jaguars definitely have the cap room and it could be attractive for Manning to play in Florida but the Jaguars have no personnel to put around Manning where he believes he could win right away.  A few years ago when the Vikings signed Brett Favre a lot of people referred to that team as a “ferrari without a driver” and I believe that’s exactly what Peyton is looking for.   The Jaguars can offer the contract but not much else.

11. Cleveland Browns

ODDS – 1:50

I give the Browns slightly higher odds than the Jaguars of landing Manning.   Once again this is a team in disarray but once that can afford Manning.  The reason I give them any kind of odds is because the Browns could potentially land one of Peyton’s former receivers in free agency (Garcon or Wayne), they have a stout and young offensive line and they have the draft picks to add playmakers to their roster now.  This is an AFC team in a smaller market which many say that Manning would prefer but I just do not see this happening.

10. Buffalo Bills

ODDS – 3:100

The Buffalo Bills are an interesting prospect.  This would put Peyton in the AFC in a small market with a passionate fan base and he would get the chance to play Tom Brady twice a year.  However, the Bills have made a huge commitment to Ryan Fitzpatrick.  This is a team that could make the playoffs with consistent quarterback play but I do not see the Bills making this happen nor do I see Manning wanting to play 7 home games a year in Buffalo and 1 every season in Toronto after 14 years of playing his home games in a dome.  They have the cap room, they have some playmakers, but I am pretty confident we will not see Manning in Buffalo.

9. Tennessee Titans

ODDS – 1:20

If the Titans have already called, I’m certain that Peyton Manning has listened.  He considers Tennessee a second home having played his college ball there.  He can look at Tennessee and see playmakers like Chris Johnson, Jared Cook,  and Kenny Britt.   They have a very athletic offensive line that Peyton would love.  This is a team that has some definite potential but once again I just do not see it.  Matt Hasselbeck had a really good year last year and I believe that the Titans are happy to play him another year and then move forward with Jake Locker who showed a lot of promise as a rookie.  I also do not know what Peyton’s feelings would be on playing the Colts twice a year after his ceremonious exit from the Colts but either way, I give the Titans a 5% chance but not much more than that.

8. New York Jets

ODDS – 1:19

The New York Jets have been linked to Peyton Manning for months and this is a team that is definitely talented and made it to back to back AFC Championships in spite of subpar quarterback play.  Manning is familiar with the Rex Ryan defense and would surely love to have that on his side.  He would play the Patriots twice a year and he would get to share a stadium with his brother.  He would have playmakers all around him but at the same time, there are a lot of issues with the New York Jets locker room.  New York is a large market and it’s his brother’s territory.   I personally think the Jets would be a great fit but I don’t see Peyton going to such an unstable situation or imposing on his brother’s turf.   Another big factor here is that the Jets would have to make some major moves to be able to even afford Manning.  They can’t afford him, it’s unstable, and I just don’t see it.

7. Washington Redskins

ODDS – 1:13

Alright, now we’re into the teams that I actually think have a shot.  A lot of people have the Redskins as an odds-on favorite to land Peyton Manning.  They like to cite that great offensive line the Redskins have and the presence of Roy Helu, Santana Moss, Fred Davis, Chris Cooley, and Jabar Gaffney.  It’s clear though that Washington will have to add a true #2 wide receiver to attract Peyton.  Washington does have the necessary cap room and they have an owner in Dan Snyder who loves to spend money.  However, Peyton’s preference is the AFC and I really don’t think he wants to play Eli twice a year.   Washington loves to bring in five star free agents and has the cap room to reunite Manning and Wayne as well as a high enough draft pick to bring in some young playmakers immediately.  While I believe the Redskins will be one of the most aggressive suitors for Manning but I don’t believe Peyton will bite.   This is a team that definitely has everything necessary to attract Manning with the largest drawbacks being the fact that they are a large market NFC team that would play the Giants twice a year.  Many don’t believe that Manning is interested in playing for Washington but on paper they have a pretty solid chance.

6. Arizona Cardinals

ODDS – 1:8

Everyone that follows Can of Corn on Twitter knows that for months I have been lobbying for Peyton Manning to team up with Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona.  This is a team that went .500 last season in spite of Kolb’s terrible play under center.   Manning has mentioned he would love to play on natural grass again but he does appreciate the advantages of a dome.  Good news – Arizona is the only place that can offer both.   Manning has never played with a wide receiver as talented as Larry Fitzgerald and if the Cardinals can re-sign Early Doucet or bring in another wideout (especially Wayne) then this could be a real possibility.  Combine that with tight end Todd Heap and Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams in the backfield and this becomes a very attractive offense.  Manning and Whisenhunt have long had a mutual respect and admiration for one another and so this relationship could definitely work.

The problem is that right now the Cardinals are projected to have, at most, $10.2 M in cap room.   Even if they release Levi Brown and free up $16M , move forward without Kolb and free up the necessary cap room, the Cardinals are left with an even more questionable offensive line.  I love this fit for Manning and like the idea of him throwing to Fitzgerald.  I think the Cardinals will be major players and they are a team that can compete right away with Manning but at the end of the day – I really don’t see Arizona being able to do what’s necessary to attract Manning.   If the Cardinals had the cap room to afford Manning, they would be in the top 3 without a doubt.  There’s a strong mutual interest here between Manning and the Cardinals.  Now it comes down to money.

5. San Francisco 49ers

ODDS – 2:9

What NFL fan does not want to see Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne keep playing together?  The 49ers offer the opportunity to do that.  This is a team that has the cap room necessary to sign Peyton Manning and then also tighten up their WR corps and with a deep WR draft could use their first round draft pick on a rookie wideout or exchange that pick for Mike Wallace.  This is a team that was a few muffed punts from going to the Super Bowl last season and if they were to bring in receivers they could easily attract Peyton there and on the flip side, the presence of Peyton Manning would attract free agent receivers.  This is a dynamic team and Peyton would only be required to put up 20 – 24 points a game with that stout defense.  Jim Harbaugh says he believes in Alex Smith and is trying to extend him but you have to believe the 49ers have at least reached out to Manning and that he would be interested in heading to the West Coast.  Both the 49ers and Peyton are well aware of what each could accomplish together and I think this will be a very attractive option.   I just do not know how hard Harbaugh will pursue this one.  Thus far the 49ers have denied interest in Manning but it’s hard to believe that giving Alex Smith a three year $27M contract is that much better of an option than giving Manning a 3 year $42M deal.

4. Denver Broncos

ODDS – 2:7

If John Elway really wants to move on from “Tebowmania” this is the only possible escape.  If Elway really wants a quarterback that reminds him of himself, then there’s nobody better.  After all, a number one overall draft pick by the Colts going on to lead the Denver Broncos to a Super Bowl is not unheard of.   The Broncos have some great young receivers on offense with Demaryius Thomas, Eddie Royals, and Eric Decker and the necessary cap room to sign Manning.  They are a playoff team with the necessary cap room to sign Manning and this is something that could really happen.  The Broncos have reached out to Manning’s people and with the Broncos being the reigning champion of a wide-open division I think they are an attractive option to Manning.

3. Seattle Seahawks

ODDS – 1:3

I really do not know why more people aren’t talking about the possibility of Manning landing in Seattle.   This is a team that could be very good with a great quarterback.  Manning would have a dynamic receiving corps with Sidney Rice, Doug Baldwin, Mike Williams, and Golden Tate as well as Jon Carlson and Zach Miller at tight end.  The Seahawks just recently extended running back Marshawn Lynch after a career year.  This is a team with a lot of talent on both sides of the ball and with Manning could challenge the 49ers right away.  The Seahawks are considered a frontrunner to land Mario Williams but they could instead direct their focus to Manning especially considering their draft position would allow them a chance to land Melvin Ingram or another top tier rookie outside linebacker or defensive end.   There are some question marks on the offensive line but given the division they play in and the amount of playmakers, Seattle has to be considered a serious contender to land Peyton Manning.

2. Miami Dolphins

ODDS – 2:5

We’ve heard it all, the Dolphins have the cap room to sign Manning and bring in another wide receiver.  Reggie Wayne wants to play in Miami and this could give Manning a 1-2 punch of Wayne and Brandon Marshall with Davone Bess in the slot.  Reggie Bush just had the best year of his career and is one of the best pass-catching backs in the game.  Peyton Manning has a home in Miami and the team has an owner that wants a star to latch his team onto.  This is a warm weather AFC team that would give Peyton the chance to play in the stadium where he twice appeared in a Super Bowl.   The Dolphins seem to be a really attractive option for Manning but the biggest question has to be the offensive line.  Outside of Jake Long, this offensive line is suspect.  Of course the 9th overall draft pick could allow the Dolphins to draft Iowa’s Riley Reiff or Stanford’s Jonathan Martin who could bolster this line immediately.  I think that Miami has a lot of attractive options.  I think Manning’s admiration of and friendship with Dan Marino plays a role.  While Miami has a great combination of playmakers, salary cap, and overall fit, there’s one team that has an even better combination of these things.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

ODDS – 3:7

There are a lot of commentators who have begun to mention the Kansas City Chiefs as an underdog or a dark horse candidate to land Manning.  The Seahawks are a dark horse, the Titans and Jets are underdogs, the Chiefs should be considered the favorite.   Anyone who has the Chiefs ranked lower than two is only kidding themselves.   There are a number of factors that make the Chiefs the odds-on favorite to land Manning in spite of the fact that they are “committed to Matt Cassel”.

The Chiefs have been projected to have as much as $50M in cap room next season which would be the 2nd highest in the NFL so they definitely have the financial flexibility to sign Peyton Manning and then to bring in anotherfree agent such as Carl Nicks or Jeff Saturday to solidify their offensive line.  The Chiefs have the necessary weapons on the offensive side of the ball with running back Jamaal Charles, tight end Tony Moeaki, and receivers Dwayne Bowe, Steve Breaston, and Jonathan Baldwin.  Then there’s always the threat of the very dynamic Dexter McCluster who can play in the backfield or line up in the slot.   They have a good young defense as well with playmakers like Tamba Hali, Glenn Dorsey, Derrick Johnson, and Eric Berry.    Scott Pioli and Romeo Crennel are both extremely familiar with Peyton Manning and with the restructuring of the coaching staff, this is a team that would be very open to letting Peyton Manning bring in his own offense.  This is a talented AFC team in a small market with a very passionate fan base and distinct home field advantage.   They play in the most wide-open division in the NFL.  This is a team that came within a game of the playoffs despite multiple injuries and inconsistent QB play.   Joe Montana finished his career in KC and got his team to the AFC Championship maybe Peyton can do one better.  If Manning really wants to be on an AFC team and become the first QB to lead two different teams to a Super Bowl win, this is a team that definitely fits that mold and can actually afford him.

Questions? Comments? Snide Remarks? Let me hear ‘em!

Remember to follow us on Twitter @can_of_corn!

My NFL Player Awards

Posted by devandignan on

With the conclusion of the 2011 NFL regular season, comes the individual player awards.  So before the award winners are named and the season is complete I would like to throw out who I believe deserve the awards, who I believe will win, and my preseason predictions.   So without further ado, my 2011 NFL award winners.

2011 NFL MVP

Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints

My Preseason Pick: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

My Midseason Pick: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

Who I Believe Will Win: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

This has been an unbelievable year at the quarterback position and traditionally the MVP award goes to a quarterback (unless a running back or wide receiver just has an off-the-charts year) so I continue that tradition.  Prior to the 2011 season there had only been two instances of a 5,000 yard passing season and now this year we saw three such performances including Brees becoming the first QB to ever pass for 5,000 yards in a season twice as he shattered Dan Marino’s record for passing in a single season.   We have witnessed the 1st, 2nd, and 5th best passing yardage totals in NFL history this season.  He also set an NFL record for most 300 yard games in a season and completion percentage while leading the most prolific offense in NFL history in terms of yardage and first downs. This is a tough call because I cannot discount what Rodgers has done this season – posting a 122.5 passer rating and passing for 45 touchdowns to only 6 interceptions while leading the Packers to a 15-1 record – and I’ve been conflicted the last couple of weeks between Rodgers and Brees but luckily something happened today that gave the edge to Brees.  Today Matt Flynn took the reins of a great Packers team and did something no Packers QB has ever done, not Rodgers, not Favre, not Starr.  He threw for 480 yards and 6 touchdowns – both Packers franchise records.  I am not trying to discount Rodgers but the MVP award is for the Most Valuable Player.  Without Rodgers, the Packers would still be a playoff team – this is not true of the Saints.  I believe that Drew Brees is more valuable to his team than any other player in the NFL and  for that reason he’s my MVP.

*On a sidenote Steve McNair and Peyton Manning showed us a few years ago there can be co-MVPs and this is one year where I would completely satisfied with Brees and Rodgers sharing the award

But High Fives all around to:

1. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

2. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots

3. Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

4. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions

5. Arian Foster, RB, Houston Texans

Offensive Player of the Year

Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England Patriots

My Preseason Pick: Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings

My Midseason Pick: Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions

Who I Believe Will Win: Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints

This was another tough award because a case can be made here for any of the 3 5,000 yard club quarterbacks, Calvin Johnson, and of course the all-purpose yards record holder Darren Sproles but I have to give the nod to Gronk.  He shattered the record for touchdowns by a tight end in a single season with 17.   If you throw in his more than 1,300 yards receiving and you realize that doesn’t make Gronkowski an elite NFL tight end, it makes him an elite NFL receiver.  When you look at his numbers you will begin to realize that he was responsible for nearly a third of Tom Brady’s passing yards this season and almost half of his touchdowns.   I would argue that Gronkowski was the Patriots’ MVP this year and was a big part of New England wrapping up the #1 seed in the AFC this year and Tom Brady posting the second best passing yards total in NFL history.

But High Fives all around to:

1. Darren Sproles, RB, New Orleans Saints

2. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints

3. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots

4. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions

5. Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

Defensive Player of the Year

Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota Vikings

My Preseason Pick: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Detroit Lions

My Midseason Pick: Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota Vikings

Who I Believe Will Win: Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota Vikings

It is a shame that the Vikings were so bad this season because Jared Allen just turned in one of the best defensive seasons any player has ever had.  He capped off an amazing 22 sack season with a 3.5 sack performance against the Bears on Sunday falling half a sack shy of Michael Strahan’s record.  Of course in Allen’s defense he didn’t have Brett Favre to fall on the ground for him like Strahan did.   Many know that I define Future Hall of Famer as someone who if they were to retire from their sport today they would get elected into the Hall of Fame.  This season with his 22 sack performance and becoming the 2nd fastest player to the 100 sack club, Jared Allen is indeed worthy of that title.  This was one of the easiest awards for me to choose because after today’s performance – who else would you choose?

But High Fives all around to:

1. DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Dallas Cowboys

2. London Fletcher, ILB, Washington Redskins

3. Brian Cushing, ILB, Houston Texans

Comeback Player of the Year

Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

Preseason Pick: Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

Midseason Pick: Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

Who I Believe Will Win: Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

There were many who were ready to label former #1 overall pick Matthew Stafford a “bust” in just his third season in the league because of an unbelievable streak of unrelated injuries.  There were many who thought he was just another cursed Lions quarterback.  Then all of a sudden this season not only did Stafford stay healthy, he became just the 4th quarterback to pass for over 5,000 yards in a season and had 41 passing touchdowns leading the Lions to their first playoff appearance in over 10 years.  There were some great comeback stories this year but in challenging for the NFL MVP award, Stafford takes the cake.

But High Fives all around to:

1. Nick Barnett, ILB, Buffalo Bills

2. D’Qwell Jackson, ILB, Cleveland Browns

3. Elvis Dumervil, DE, Denver Broncos

4. Plaxico Burress, WR, New York Jets

NFL Coach of the Year

Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers

Preseason Pick: Gary Kubiak, Houston Texans

Midseason Pick: Chan Gailey, Buffalo Bills

Who I Believe Will Win: Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers

The only thing I had the 49ers wrapping up in Week 17 before the season started was the Andrew Luck sweepstakes.  I never really thought the 49ers would make the playoffs, let alone win the NFC West or wrap up a first round bye.  What Harbaugh has pulled off this season is nothing short of incredible.  His team neglected to draft a 1st round quarterback when many (myself included) said that was what needed to be done and lost their second best defensive player and in turn they put together maybe the best defense in the League and have gotten a solid season out of Alex Smith.  I have been really impressed with Harbaugh and believe the 49ers will compete for years to come.

But High Fives All Around to:

1. Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati Bengals

2. Gary Kubiak, Houston Texans

3. John Fox, Denver Broncos

4. Jim Schwartz, Detroit Lions

5. Mike McCarthy, Green Bay Packers

NFL Executive of the Year

Mike Brown, Owner/President, Cincinnati Bengals

My Preseason Pick: N/A

My Midseason Pick: Mike Brown, Owner/President, Cincinnati Bengals

Who I Believe Will Win: Mike Brown, Owner/President, Cincinnati Bengals

I have had a few months to soak it in and am still in absolute awe of what Mike Brown has pulled off this season.  He shipped Chad Ochocinco to New England for a draft pick and then he used his first round draft pick to draft the ultra-athletic A.J. Green who just turned in the best rookie WR campaign since Anquan Boldin in 2003.  He then used his 2nd round draft pick on QB Andy Dalton who had a Pro Bowl caliber season and led the Bengals to the playoffs and just their third winning season in the last 20 years.   Nobody saw this kind of success for the Bengals but Brown had a plan.  And if that wasn’t enough, Brown then took a quarterback who was sitting on his couch and the Bengals had no use for (Carson Palmer) and traded him right before the deadline to the Raiders for two first round draft picks.  Brown has the Bengals in position to not only compete this year but for years to come.

But High Fives all around to: Just Mike Brown, no one else even comes close…

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

Preseason Pick: Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints

Midseason Pick: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

Who I Believe Will Win: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

I often discussed Cam Newton as a high risk/high reward draft pick for the Panthers and my personal thoughts were high risk and that he was going to be garbage.  I could not have been more wrong.  Cam Newton was not only impressive, not only did he turn in one of the best QB seasons of all time – he turned in  one of the best quarterback seasons of all time.  He became the first rookie quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards and the first quarterback to ever throw for 4,000 yards and rush for 500 in the same season.  Newton’s 4,051 yards passing and 706 yards rushing are impressive enough but even more amazing is that Newton set a record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a single season with 14.  Which by the way was more rushing touchdowns than every running back in the league except LeSean McCoy.   I have been amazed by Newton this season and looking forward to some really great things from him and the Panthers in coming years.

But High Fives All Around to:

1. Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

2. A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

3. Torrey Smith, WR, Baltimore Ravens

4. DeMarco Murray, RB, Dallas Cowboys

5. Doug Baldwin, WR, Seattle Seahawks

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Von Miller, OLB, Denver Broncos

My Preseason Pick: Von Miller, OLB, Denver Broncos

My Midseason Pick: Von Miller, OLB, Denver Broncos

Who I Believe Will Win: Von Miller, OLB, Denver Broncos

When the clock started ticking last April for the Denver Broncos, I thought Von Miller was the obvious choice.  Miller reminds me alot of Patrick Willis his rookie year, someone that just came into the league and right away and established himself as one of the best linebackers in the NFL.   I thought coming into the draft that Von Miller or Patrick Peterson were the most talented, NFL-ready players in the draft and Miller did not let me down.  In his rookie season, he finished 3rd in the AFC in sacks and while all the talk was about Tebow, Miller is the bigger story and the real hero of the Broncos making their postseason run.  He was the young leader of one of the NFL’s best defenses and he will be a premier linebacker for seasons to come.

But High Fives All Around to:

1. Aldon Smith, DE, San Francisco 49ers

2. Patrick Peterson, CB, Arizona Cardinals

3. Adrian Clayborn, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

4. Ryan Kerrigan, OLB, Washington Redskins

5. Mason Foster, MLB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Questions? Comments? Snide Remarks? Let me hear ‘em!


My 2012 NFC Pro Bowl Team

Posted by devandignan on

The NFC finally chose this year to overtake the AFC as the better conference in the league.  A lot of that has been due to stellar quarterback play, running back play, and the amazing defense we’ve seen this year.  My biggest regret in putting together my NFC Pro Bowl team is that some of my biggest snubs still did not make the cut because the NFC was way too good this year and there just was not room for them.  For instance, while mainstays Matt Forte and Adrian Peterson were on pace to make the Pro Bowl, their injuries were a major factor in not making it.  Another of my biggest snubs was the Rams’ Chris Long but do you put him in over Allen? Over Babin? Over Pierre-Paul?  Exactly.  The NFC has just been to dominant this season.

*denotes someone who did not make the Pro Bowl
** denotes someone who made the Pro Bowl but is not a Pro Bowl starter that I named a Pro Bowl Starter

Quarterback –

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay
Drew Brees, New Orleans
Matthew Stafford, Detroit*

Running Back –

LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia
Marshawn Lynch, Seattle*
Frank Gore, San Francisco

Fullback –

John Kuhn, Green Bay

Wide Receiver  –

Calvin Johnson, Detroit
Victor Cruz, New York Giants*
Jordy Nelson, Green Bay*
Steve Smith, Carolina

Tight End –

Jimmy Graham, New Orleans
Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta

Tackle –

Joe Staley, San Francisco
Bryan Bulaga, Green Bay*
Jason Peters, Philadelphia

Guard –

Davin Joseph, Tampa Bay**
Evan Mathis, Philadelphia*
Jahri Evans, Philadelphia

Center -

Scott Wells, Green Bay**
John Sullivan, Minnesota

Defensive End –

Jared Allen, Minnesota
Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants**
Jason Babin, Philadelphia

Interior Linemen –

Justin Smith, San Francisco
Jay Ratliff, Dallas
Kevin Williams, Minnesota*

Outside Linebacker –

DeMarcus Ware, Dallas
Aldon Smith, San Francisco*
Ryan Kerrigan, Washington*

Inside/Middle Linebacker –

London Fletcher, Washington*
Patrick Willis, San Francisco

Cornerback –

Charles Woodson, Green Bay
Charles Tillman, Chicago**
Brandon Browner, Seattle*

Free Safety –

Earl Thomas, Seattle
Dashon Goldson, San Francisco

Strong Safety –

Kam Chancellor, Seattle*

Punter –

Andy Lee, San Francisco

Kicker –

Matt Bryant, Atlanta*

Kick Returner –

Patrick Peterson, Arizona

Special Teamer –

Darren Sproles, New Orleans*

Well there’s my 2012 NFC Pro Bowl Team.  It’s disappointing that people like Peterson, Forte, Tulloch, Greenway, Bowman, Long, etc. can’t make it though they are worthy but there’s only so many positions available.

Agree? Disagree? Let me hear your thoughts!