Conference Division Battles (cont.) The NFC South

The PANTHERS have a test this week with Kurt Warner and the CARDINALS coming to town. The CARDS beat the BILLS and BOYS without Anquan Boldin, and if he is back this week, look for some fireworks in Charlotte. The PANTHERS last six games of the year are the toughest they come. In week 12 they go from the Dome in Atlanta to week 13 out in the cold at Lambeau. If they can put the FALCONS and PACKERS away in back to back road games, I look for them home and put away the BUCS for the Division.

Are the FALCONS the surprise of the NFC this year? Michael Turner is performing like everyone knew he would, but Matt Ryan is doing way better than anyone expected. Ryan has only thrown 5 TDs, but with the exception of week 2, he hasn’t made many mistakes. He had his first 300 yd. game against the BEARS back in week 6, but that was against one of this year’s worst defenses against the pass. The FALCONS head to PHILLY this week and M. Turner has to face the best run Defense he has faced this year. If Turner can’t run through the EAGLES, I don’t expect M. Ryan to be able to make the plays to win the game. The FALCONS, my opinion have too tough a schedule remaining and let’s remember, a ROOKIE at QB. On the other hand, where would they be without him?

Can the SAINTS rebound from last week? Drew Brees is putting up MVP numbers this year and could surpass the 5,000 yard mark. New flash for the SAINTS, you can’t win games if you can score TDs. All the SAINTS can hope for is that Reggie Bush is healthy by week 13. I think the SAINTS can pull off the win in Atlanta just by passing the ball, but they will need a good overall offensive game to beat the BUCS and PANTHERS later down the road.

This Division is a tough one to call. The PANTHERS, SAINTS, and FALCONS all rely heavily on one player (Delhomme, Brees, Ryan) to get them to the promise land. The BUCS have two (Garcia and Griese) that have shown the ability to win this year. Takers anyone???

The Best by Jersey continued...

#13

Winner: Dan Marino QB Miami Dolphins (1983-1999)

9 time Pro Bowl selection. 8 time All Pro selection. NFL MVP 1984. 1984 Offensive POY. 2nd All Time in passing yards (61,361), passing TDs (420) and completions (4,967). First Rookie QB to start in a Pro Bowl. Holds record for most passing yards in season (5,084) in 1984. Third all time wins by a starting QB (147).
Runner up: Dan Marino QB Pittsburgh Panthers (1979-1982)

Career record of 40-7 while at Pitt. If anyone can find more stats on him while at Pitt, please post them.


#14

Winner: Dan Fouts QB San Diego Chargers (1973-1987)

6 time Pro Bowl selection. 1979 Pro Bowl MVP. NFL Offensive POY 1982. NFLs All Decade Team (80s). 9th All Time in career passing yds (43,040). 12th All Time in career Passing TDs (254). Led NFL in passing yards from 1979-1982. The first QB to throw for 4,000 yds. in back to back seasons.

Runner up: Ty Detmer QB Brigham Young Cougars (1987-1992)

Had arguably the greatest seasons for a starting QB in the history of the NCAA in 1990. He passes for 5,188 yards and 41 TDs. He finished that year with 42 NCAA records. Heisman Trophy, Davy O'Brien and Maxwell award winner in 1990. Davey O'Brien award winner in 1992. Finished 3rd in Heisman voting 1992. Amassed over 16,000 passing yards and 127 TDs. Finished his career with 59 NCAA records.

The Best Battle continued...the NFC North

There's a new leader in Green Bay, the BEARS may have found the running game in RB Matt Forte, and the VIKINGS are wishing they had Brett right about now. All three of these teams are tied in the win - loss column but the PACKERS have the edge through week 6.

The PACK may have some trouble this week with Peyton Manning and the COLTS, who just dismantled the top defense in the NFL last week. With Al Harris out again this week, can the PACKERS secondary stop the duo of Harrison and Wayne? Doubt it. After a much needed rest in week 8, Aaron Rodgers will take the team on a two game road trip against the TITANS (who I expect to be 6-1 at that point) and the VIKINGS whom they beat in week 1. The PACKERS chances to win the Division should be clear by week 12 and it doesn't look good. I have them losing that three game stretch (weeks 11 - 13).

The BEARS are sitting at .500 due to 3 losses in which they lost by a total of 8 points. All three losses,by the way, came from 3 pretty good teams all from the same Division. The BEARS have the ability to put points on the board, but can their defense do enough to keep them in the win column? It going to be a tough road but I think they have the best chance to win the division. We'll have to wait and see but they should beat the VIKINGS twice and may split with the PACKERS.

Finally, the VIKINGS. Adrian Peterson may be the only reason the VIKINGS have a chance this year, but without a QB, I just don't see them finishing on top. The trouble for them comes in weeks 10 through 13 where they face two Division rivals and two road games against the BUCS and JAGS. Bye week 13 the VIKINGS my be too beat up to finish. I have them playing for the Division lead when the BEARS come to town, but I have the BEARS walking out winners.

My pick for the NFC North....Da' BEARS.

The Best NFL Conference Battle This Year?

Looking around the league through week 6, there are some tight races going on in each conference. With the exception of the NFC West and AFC North, the rest of the conferences will be fun to watch from here until the end.



Today, let's touch on the NFC East. I knew the EAST had the possibility of going 1 for 4 last Sunday after the SKINS loss but wasn't looking for the EAGLES to be the team with the one win.

First you had the SKINS go in against a winless RAMS team, and blow a 9 point lead in the 4th Qtr to lose by 2. The SKINS need to get away from playing down to the competition and be ready this week for an energized BROWNS team.

The COWBOYS followed up by losing against the CARDINALS in OT. I picked the COWBOYS to lose but thought it would happen during regulation. Just like back in week 4 against the SKINS, you could tell who was going to win this one in the 1st Qtr. Steve Breaston filled in well for the injured Boldin, but could you imagine what would have transpired if Boldin had returned? Warner, Fitzgerald and Boldin could have had career days. The BOYS have alot of issues to overcome. You got the Romo injury...does he sit out or continue to play? The PACMAN Jones issue. I can't believe that Jerry Jones even wasted his time with this guy. This won't be the last time this year that Jones has issues. I predict he will be out of the league permanently by Christmas.

Monday night the GIANTS were supposed to come away big and remain one of the two undefeated teams in the NFL, but the BROWNS had other plans. The GIANTS defensive secondary may have been exposed as well as just how good they really are. Let's review: They beat a SKINS team who looked totally lost, both on the field and on the sidelines. Then they rattled off wins against a terrible RAMS team, and even more terrible BENGALS team (who remains winless) and the 1 win SEAHAWKS. Can you say O-V-E-R-R-A-T-E-D? I can. The GIANTS have 5 tough road games remaining on their schedule and look for them to lose at least 3 of those.

Now on to PHILLY. McNabb has the offense putting points on the board, but the defense can't seem to keep their opponents from doing the same. They have a NFC ROY possibility in DeSean Jackson. The guy is explosive and has the ability to go the distance every time he touches the ball. Brian Westbrook is on the mend, and I was truly surprised that the EAGLES passed on the Roy Williams trade. Yes, Williams wasn't what everyone expected him to be in Detroit, but he didn't have a QB to make him the player he should've been. Donovan McNabb's ability to get the ball down field could have made Williams a better player and may have given the EAGLES the ability to put up enough points to secure a few more wins this year.

My unbiased opinion on who will win the NFC EAST: The Washington Redskins. They already beat the COWBOYS and EAGLES on the road, and now everyone has to come to FedEx field. They may be 7-2 coming off a bye week when the BOYS come to town. A good weeks rest and home field advantage could do wonders....

To Play or Not to Play...that is the question

So...will Romo play or not. Personally, with the way he played last week, I think they have a better chance with Brad Johnson this week. With the broken pinkie on the throwing hand, the BOYZ are better to sit him this week against the BUCS. It's a tough decision for Wade Phillips and Jerry Jones to make, especially since the RAMS will be trying to make it two in a row after beating the SKINS last week. The BOYZ have a tough road ahead with all the distractions on and off the field. I think the addition of Roy Williams will help the passing game, but do you really think he was worth a 1st, 3rd and 6th round pick?

My games of the week this week:

CHARGERS at BILLS. Which CHARGERS team will show up in Buffalo?
VIKINGS at BEARS. It's a three way tie in the NFC North...I'm leaning toward the Bears on this one.
49ers at GIANTS. Can the GIANTS rebound from the beating last week?
SAINTS at PANTHERS. This one is a toss up for me. I'll take Carolina.

I will obviously be watching the SKINS this week. The BROWNS are coming off the beat down they gave the GIANTS. Can the SKINS offense please put up enough points so that the D doesn't have to win the game for us in the 4th?

I don't have alot of time today to do numbers 11 through 15, but can hit a few.... Here's 11 and 12 on the all time Best Football players to wear the jersey:

#11

Winner: Norm Van Brocklin QB/Punter (Los Angeles Rams 1949-57) (Philadelphia Eagles 1958-60)
9 time Pro Bowl selection. 4 time All Pro. NFL MVP 1960. Two time Super Bowl Champion. Over 23,000 yds. passing. 42.9 punting average for career.

Runner up: Matt Leinart QB (University of Southern California 2002-2005) USC's All time leader in TDs. Left USC with over 10,500 career passing yds. Heisman Trophy winner 2005. Led USC to AP National Championship in 2003. 2003 Rose Bowl MVP. Led USC to BCS National Championship in 2004.

#12

Winner: Ok here we go...the great debate. We got three QBs that each won two, three or four Super Bowls.

I have to pick one and here he is... Terry Bradshaw QB Pittsburgh Steelers (1970-83)

Led the Steelers to 4 Super Bowl Championships from 1975-80. 3 time Pro Bowl selection. 4 time All Pro selection. Retired from the NFL with almost 28,000 career passing yds. 2 time Super Bowl MVP. NFL MVP 1978. Named to the NFL All Decade Team (70s). Inducted into College Football HOF in 1996. Pro Football HOF inductee 1989.

Runner up: Roger Staubach QB US Naval Academy (1962-64) Dallas Cowboys (1969-79)

Heisman Trophy and Maxwell award winner in 1963. Led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl Championships (1971 and 1977). Super Bowl VI MVP. 6 time Pro Bowl Selection. 5 time All Pro selection. Named to NFL All Decade Team (70s).

Honorable Mention: Tom Brady QB New England Patriots (2000-)

Led the Patriots to 3 Super Bowl Championships in four years. 2 time Super Bowl MVP. 4 time Pro Bowl selection. 3 time All Pro selection. NFL MVP 2007. AP NFL Offensinve POY 2007. Ok...done for tonight got to get to the recliner to settle in for the FSU-NC St. game and the BYU-TCU games. Fall out....

Alexander to the SKINS?

Makes sense to me. With the injury to Ladell Betts this week, the addition of the former NFL MVP could give the SKINS running attack the added dimension it needs when Portis is resting and enable the SKINS to finish off games from here on out.

Will the NFC East go 1 for 4?

What a day for the NFC East. Would have been 0 for 3 if the EAGLES didn't score 23 in the 4th qtr.

I knew the CARDS would win, but didn't think it would be in overtime. Romo was in rare playoff form, wasn't he? I doubt it will happen, but now I am hoping the GIANTS can slip up tonight so that the SKINS loss doesn't have that big of an impact on the standings.

Lookout AFC, Peyton and the COLTS came alive and put a woopin' on the RAVENS. The BUCS suprised me yesterday with a blowout of the PANTHERS. I thought it would be a closer game and that the PANTHERS would pick up the win but we have a battle on hand in the NFC South.

The suprise of the NFC has got to be the FALCONS. They play a tough run defense next week against the EAGLES, but could suprise us again and pick up 2 out of their next 3.

Anybody have a guess on the NFC North? Looks like .500 could win you the division in this one. Sounds like the NFC East....

What was with the PATS timeout last night with :02 left on the clock? Take the loss and get off the field why don't ya. Can the CHARGERS keep it going, or are they going to win one and then lose one all year?

Alright, had to rush through so I can get back to the Jersey list. Here's Numbers 6 -10:


#6

I did alot of research on this one, but I couldn't find anyone worthy to put up here:

Bubby Brister? QB Steelers, No.
Robbie Bosco QB BYU. Maybe. Led the COUGARS to only National Championship.

#7

Winner: John Elway QB Denver Broncos (1983-1998)


Number one pick in NFL Draft in 1983. 9 time Pro Bowler. 5 time All-Pro. 1987 NFL MVP. Super Bowl MVP. Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.


Runner up: Danny Wuerffel QB Florida Gators (1993-1996)

I played against this guy in High School. He put up some pretty good numbers at Fort Walton Beach High, and I can remember they squeezed a out a win our senior year in the rain. I think they went on to win State that year (1991). Heisman Trophy winner 1996. Led the GATORS to National Championship that year. Won 4 SEC Titles. Two time First Team All American. Two time Davey O'Brien award winner. Johnny Unitas award winner. Sammy Baugh award winner. Most decorated player in GATOR history.

Honorable Mention: John Elway QB Stanford (1979-1982)

#8

Winner: Troy Aikman QB Dallas Cowboys (1989-2000)

Number one pick in 1989 NFL Draft. 6 time Pro Bowler. 3 time All Pro. Led Cowboys to 3 Super Bowl Championships. Super Bowl XXVII MVP. Most wins by any QB in a decade (90s)


Runner Up: Davey O'Brien QB TCU (1935-1938)

O'Brien was the first player ever to win the Heisman, Walter Camp and Maxwell Award in the same year. Led TCU to National Championship in 1938. He has a College Award named for him so he has to be on the list.

Honorable Mention: Steve Young QB San Fransisco 49ers (1987-1999)
7 time Pro Bowl and ALL PRO selection. 3 time Super Bowl Champion. MVP Super Bowl XXIX. Two time NFL MVP. NFL Offensive Player of the Year 1992. 96.8 Career QB rating is best all time.

#9

Winner: Sonny Jurgensen QB Philadelphia Eagles (1957-1963) Washington Redskins (1964-1974)

5 time Pro Bowl and All Pro selection. NFLs All Decade Team (60s). One of the 70 Greatest Redskins.

Runner Up: Jim McMahon QB BYU Cougars (1977-1981) Over 9500 career passing yards at BYU. Left BYU with 70 NCAA records. 1st round Draft pick by Chicago Bears in 1982. Won Davey O'Brien award in 1981. NFC Rookie of Year in 1982. Two time Super Bowl Champion (Bears, Packers). 1991 Comeback Player of Year.

#10

Winner: Fran Tarkenton QB Minnesota Vikings (1961-66, 1972-78)
NY Giants (1967-71)

9 time Pro Bowl selection. 6 time All Pro. 1975 NFL MVP. 1975 Offensive Player of the Year. 1964 Pro Bowl MVP. Vikings career passing leader (33,098 yds) and TD leader (239). Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986 and College Football HOF in 1987.

Runner up: Vince Young QB Texas Longhorns (2003-2005)

Dual Threat QB who passed for 1,849 yds and rushed for 1,189 yds his sophomore season in 2004. Won Rose Bowl and finished 11-1 his first year as a full-time starter. Put up one of the most dominating single performances in NCAA history in 2005 during the BCS Championship Game against then No.1 USC Trojans. Ran for 200 yds. and passed for 267 yds. 2005 Rose Bowl MVP. 2005 Davey O'Brien award winner. Career record at Texas was 30-2. #10 on ESPNs all time College Players in the history of NCAA.

Honorable mention: Me. QB, TE Pine Forest High School (1987-1991)

Until next time....fall out.