Grades for the eliminated!
By: Tom Nappi
Here is the grades I give the teams eliminated from Super Bowl contention and why!
We are down to the final 8 in the playoffs, 22 teams are on vacation and this article is to show how they did this season overall. I will rank the other 8 teams as the playoffs proceed, obviously you can't rank the others until they win or go home.
Grade Scale:
A+ = Awesome,
A = Pretty Awesome,
A- = Sweet Season,
B+ = Not too shabby,
B = Not half bad,
B- = Pretty Good,
C+ = Future looks bright,
C = ehhh ok,
C- = Needs improvement,
D+ = Need a lot of improvement,
D = Disappointment,
D- = Just about a failure,
F= Failure and completely awful
NFC EAST
New York Giants - They made it to the Super Bowl Win or Lose = A+
Philadelphia Eagles (8-8) - They spend massive amounts of money on defense such as the most notable signing CB Namdi Asomugha. They have Vick at QB, who was beat up and terrible most of the year, McCoy at Rb and Maclin and DeSean Jackson at WR. The Eagles were my Super Bowl favorite heading into the year and failed miserably finishing the season .500. No excuse for missing the playoffs.
GRADE - F
Dallas Cowboys (8-8) - Any year the Cowboys finish .500 with the talent they have on both sides of the ball is a failure, especially since they lost the last game of the season to the Giants to miss the playoffs.
GRADE - F
Washington Redskins (5-11) - They started off the year nice but finished as just about everyone expected, no surprises here. However they have spent way too much money for constant failure.
GRADE - D-
NFC North
Green Bay Packers (16-2) - Packers were the overall favorite this year after winning 15 straight, but were shocked by the Chiefs in week 16, then they were beat by the Giants who have a habit of upsetting the elite. The Packers should have beat the Giants with home field advantage and should be a Super Bowl contender but there is always next year. BTW I told you Giants would win this game, DON'T FORGET WHERE YOU HEARD IT FIRST, however any time you have the roster Packers have, a shortened post season is a big negative! Packers must improve their defense.
Grade - B+
Detroit Lions (10-7) - The Lions made the playoffs but clearly did not have the defense to contain unbelievably good offenses such as the Saints and at times struggled offensively. They certainly fu-filled expectations this year and should be a good team for years to come with the amount of young talent on the roster, next year they will have to play more disciplined.
Grade = B
Chicago Bears (8-8) - Cutler went down, a once good season went to hell as Caleb Hanie sucked. Next year I am sure the Bears will look into a back up. The defense was solid and the play of the O-Line was much improved but they finished 8 and 8.
Grade = C-
Minnesota Vikings (3-13) - Donovan McNabb = Fail. The Vikings were o.k. when McNabb was not playing but had a very rough season finishing 3 and 13.
Grade = F
NFC South
New Orleans Saints (14-4) - Another tough playoff loss for the Saints as Alex Smith shocked the world beating Drew Brees in an offensive bout 36-32. The Saints had the talent to go a lot further than they did this year but simply could not take the next step for the 2nd year in a row. Good season by the Saints, but the big easy only has a limited number of years left with Brees being an elite QB, so they must win soon. Saints must step up the defense next year!
Grade - B
Atlanta Falcons (10-7) - 3rd year in a row the Falcons were one and done in the playoffs, they were a Super Bowl favorite to start the season in the NFC with the addition of Julio Jones but ended up in the end as the Falcons typically do, losers!
Grade = D-
Carolina Panthers (6-10) - The expectations were not so high in Carolina and there was no reason for them to be but Cam Newton took the Panthers on his back to 6 wins, and the Panthers were competitive in nearly every game. The Panthers will get better and better as they surround Newton with weapons.
Grade = B+
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) - Bucs were expected to be a competitor for a wild card spot after they had a nice season last year but instead they were a competitor for the number 1 draft pick, Freeman fell into his sophomore slump and 2011 was a disaster for the Bucs.
Grade = F
NFC West
S.F. 49ers - Excellent season by a team that unexpectadly made the playoffs, I still am shocked Jim Harbaugh was able to get a 49ers team that went 4-12 last year into the NFC Championship, turn around of the year!
Grade - A+
Arizona Cardinals (8-8) - Kevin Kolb surprisingly failed, while John Skelton looked good, Cardinals were not expected to do much this year but in a what used to be weak before Jim Hardbaugh came to the 49ers. Cards have a lot of talent and should be a little better next year
Grade = C-
Seattle Seahawks (7-9) - I did not expect much more than what the Seahawks brought to the table, a couple impressive upset and competitive in most games, this is a team that should get better however as they looked good at the end of the season.
Grade = C-
St. Louis Rams (2-14) - What the hell happened to Sam Bradford and the Rams as a whole? After being competitive last year and showing signs of Rams on the rise, you would expect much better than 2 wins!
Grade = F
AFC East
New England Patriots - They made it to the Super Bowl with a questionable defense, Win or Lose = A+
New York Jets (8-8) - This is the grade I could not wait to give, Rex Ryan talks, talks, talks but he could not even get the Jets into the post season this year. Oh yeah and Sanchez has not improved what so ever and could be the main hold back for the Jets, besides their cocky attitudes and bad team chemistry.
Grade = F
Miami Dolphins (6-10) - Did not really expect much, overall the Dolphins downgraded their roster this year. They did get better as the season went on however and should continue to get more competitive as long as they make some upgrades.
Grade = C-
Buffalo Bills (6-10) - Bills start off really good and even beat the Patriots once, Fitzpatrick signs a long term contract and they fall apart with injuries, Stevie Johnson antics on the field and their lack of talent showed in the end.
Grade = D
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens - They made it to the AFC championship to lose by a field goal, great season by a 1960's looking team that plays ugly football but hey they win big games! However they had some losses to bad teams and it was coaching that cost them the game tying field goal, regardless of what the down clock said, they left a time out on the table so they get a slightly less than perfect grade.
Grade - A-
Pittsburgh Steelers (12-5) - Great season for the Steelers, but they lose to Tebow in the first round because of failure to change defensive scheme at anytime. Regardless of the injuries the Steelers had, you have to win against the Broncos as long as Big Ben can play.
Grade = D-
Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) - They beat 8 teams with below .500 records this year but their schedule is not their fault, they shockingly made the playoffs and although they lost to the Texans in the first round for the Bengals to make the playoffs with their roster and the loss of Carson Palmer is quite impressive.
Grade = A
Cleveland Browns (4-12) - Peyton Hillis showed to be a whiny baby uncompetitive loser this year and the whole Browns season pretty much evolved around the failure of Hillis. The Browns have a lack of talent, especially offensively and you should not expect much for years to come.
Grade = D-
AFC South
Houston Texans (11-7) - Matt Schaub goes down midseason, 2nd string Matt Linehart goes down but yet T.J. Yates the 3rd string QB steps in and they are able to win the division, the first round of the playoffs and give the Ravens a challenge, that is an overall successful year under the circumstances. When Schaub returns next year look out! Great job with the defense Wade Phillips (wish the Pats had him as their defensive coordinator!)
Grade - A
Tennessee Titans (9-7) - Exceeded my hopes this year, being a competitive team and just barely missing the playoffs. Hasselbeck played pretty well and the Titans have some good momentum heading into next year.
Grade - A-
Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11) - I at least expected the Jags to be competitive and they simply were not at all, another terrible season for the Jags and I don't see the rain stopping anytime soon in Jag Town. This was the year with Peyton Manning out for the Jags to step up.
Grade - D-
Indianapolis Colts (2-14) - O.K. even with Peyton Manning out look at the Colts roster and tell me if they should have enough loses to get the 1st draft pick in 2012. Ridiculous season and the Colts need to wipe out the entire ownership group and whoever has anything to do with scouting and finding back up QB's. We watched an entire team fail this year because 1 guy was out, regardless of Manning being out the collapse of the Colts this year means the Colts were poorly assembled and are not well coached.
Grade - F
AFC West
Denver Broncos (9-9) - Grade Pending, but the fact that Tebow beat the Steelers in the first round of the playoffs is unreal, so they will get an A. Year one goes to Felger, if you listen to the Sports Hub you will know what I am talking about. Tebow sucked against the Patriots but he single handedly turned the Broncos season around and got them past the Steelers, quite impressive but have no clue what to expect from Tebow next year, he must get better at passing, but year one goes to Tebow.
Grade - A
S.D. Chargers (8-8) - NORV TURNER SUCKS AND SO DOES PETER KING. Way to pick this A-hole team to win the Super Bowl, all the talent in the world and they cannot get over 8 wins, pitiful!
Grade - F
Oakland Raiders (8-8) - Raiders were competitive but uphold their reputation as the most undisciplined team in football. Also with Al Davis passing away who knows what the future of the Raiders is.
Grade - C-
Kansas City Cheifs (7-9) - Cassel went down, collapse insued, Romeo Crennel took over as head coach and restored life in Chief town, look out next year as Crennel is the permanent head coach. NICE MOVE BY THE CHIEFS!
Grade - C+
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Week 16 NFL Power Rankings
Here are the Tom Nappi Week 16 NFL Power Rankings, (#) - Last Week
Teams still alive for Playoffs (NFC) - Dallas, New York Giants, Detroit, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, Arizona....(We could actually have multiple teams in NFC west finish above .500
Teams In Playoffs (NFC) - Green Bay, New Orleans, San Francisco
Teams still alive for Playoffs (AFC) - Jets, Bengals, Titans, Oakland, Chargers, Kansas City, Denver
Teams In Playoffs (AFC) - New England, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Houston
32-(32) Indianapolis Colts (1-13) - Got a win against the Titans this week, but still awful. Seems like they wanted to win 1 to avoid embarrassment, I would be shocked if they do not lose out on purpose. #Pathetic
31-(31) St. Louis Rams (2-12) - What happened to Sam Bradford...falls from first to worst!
30-(30) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-10) - Another great rookie QB last year...terrible this year.
29-(26) Buffalo Bills (5-9) - Bills have fallen to the pathetic stage losing their 7th game in a row.
28-(29) Cleveland Browns (4-10) - Peyton Hillis is back and was heavily affective....but too little too late. #SeeyounextyearHillis
27-(23) Jacksonville Jaguars (4-10) - The Jags fall back to pathetic, getting slapped by the Falcons last Thursday.
26-(28) Minnesota Vikings (2-12) - Awful beating by the Saints but I do like Christian Ponder for the future.
25-(25) Miami Dolphins (5-9) - Look out for the Dolphins next year, they have won 5 of their last 7 and should be good next year.
24-(24) Washington Redskins (5-9) - Soon as the Skins get a good QB they will be elite, excellent defense, coaching and running game #DitchGrossman
23-(22) Carolina Panthers (5-9) - I had to move them down because they are officially out of the hunt for the playoffs but look out for Cam Newton and the Panthers next year
22-(17) Chicago Bears (7-7) - Jay Cutler breaks the heart of Bears fans everywhere as Hanie has another awful game against the Seahawks, the Bears now have some serious competition for a wild card spot and have no offensive production whatsoever. Tough break with Cutler and Forte going down and losing WR Sam Herd for buying way too many drugs.
21-(16) Oakland Raiders (7-7) - The Raiders lost to their identical twin Detroit Lions today 28-27, both hard hitting, cocky, undisciplined, under achieving teams. Raiders still in the hunt but I will be shocked if they are smart enough to keep themselves from causing stupid penalties to blow games.
20-(21) Philadelphia Eagles (6-8) - The Eagles are thanking the Lord Vick is back, because they now have a very small chance at either a NFC East title shot or even a smaller shot at the wild card. Eagles are finally starting to look like the so-called dream team again and are back in the playoff picture.
19-(14) Tennessee Titans (7-7) - Did the Titans seriously lose to the formally known as winless Colts to just about blow their playoff hopes? #AnyGivenSunday
18-(27) Kansas City Chiefs (6-8) - The Chiefs beat the Packers, they deserve to be moved here, because if they can be the Packers they can beat anyone in the league. I think the Chiefs have found themselves their next coach in Romeo Crennel, they need some help to win the AFC West. Kyle Orton was a huge boost to the Chiefs offense, what the hell took so long to pull Palko out? #ToddHaleyFiring=Good Idea
17-(19) Arizona Cardinals (7-7) - One of the biggest games in Week 16 will be Cardinals-Bengals, both teams in the heat of their playoff races, Arizona is red hot winning their 4th straight and are now in the heat of a NFC Wild Card Spot.
16-(20) Seattle Seahawks (7-7) - Seahawks clobbered the Bears this week and are another team white hot that have worked their way back into the NFC Wild Card Race. Can Pete Carroll actually do it again? Marshawn Lynch is in beast mode at 1000+ rushing on the season #MarshawnLynchisabeast
15-(15) Cincinnati Bengals (8-6) - Bengals control their own destiny, if they win out, they are in the playoffs, if they lose one still may be in, but don't count on it with the Chargers and Broncos in the hunt. Arizona and Baltimore coming up so it will most likely not be easy.
14-(18) San Diego Chargers (7-7) - I hate the Chargers, they suck the entire 1st half of the year, now decide to win some games to get back in the wild card and AFC West Race, Chargers will need to win out and need either the Broncos, Bengals or Jets to lose games to have a shot at playoff contention. Chargers have Lions and Raiders left.
13-(11) New York Giants (7-7) - The Giants fall back to 2nd in the AFC East after somehow managing to lose to the Redskins. Giants continue to be one of the most inconsistent teams in football.
12-(13) Detroit Lions (9-5) - Lions would have to lose both remaining games to miss the playoffs, but with the Chargers and Packers left it may not be the easiest task. Lions beat their AFC twins this week the Oakland Raiders 28-27. Lions must play disciplined football to pull this off.
11-(10) New York Jets (8-6) - Jets got crushed by the Eagles sunday and are now in danger of missing the playoffs, the Jets will probably have to win out to make the playoffs and with the playoff hungry Giants and upset hungry Dolphins left, it is going to be a very hard task especially if Mark Sanchez keeps playing terrible.
10-(5) Houston Texans (10-4) - Texans have clinched the AFC South but I do not think they can handle elite teams in the playoffs without Schaub.
9-(7) Denver Broncos (8-6) - The Patriots revealed all the holes the Broncos defense has and gave a good example of how to shut down Tebow in the 2nd half, if the Broncos are to meet an elite offense the result of today's game will likely be similar. Remember the Broncos were 2-5? Broncos need to beat the Bills and likely Chiefs to make the playoffs....#Tebowmaniaisover
8-(12) Dallas Cowboys (8-6) Sometimes Romo Good, Sometimes Romo Awesome, Sometimes Romo Awful, this week he was great and the Cowboys control the NFC East destiny. Cowboys have must win division games with the Eagles and Giants left.
7-(8) San Francisco 49ers (11-3) - Great win against Steelers on Monday Night Football but I am still not convinced if they meet a high powered offense they will be able to stop them or keep pace, but the 49ers are a huge threat because of their defense in the playoffs.
6-(9) Atlanta Falcons (9-5) - Falcons are more than likely in the playoffs because they play the Bucs on the last week of the season and only need 1 more win and in. Falcons can also compete with the elite of the NFL, big game this week against the Saints.
5-(3) Baltimore Ravens (10-4) - A tough loss to the Chargers on Sunday Night Football as Flacco looked AWFUL in the 34-14 loss. Ravens have clinched a playoff spot but need the Steelers to lose to have a shot at the AFC North. The Ravens offense can be very questionable if Flacco turns the ball over to often.
4-(6) New England Patriots (11-3) - Patriots have clinched the AFC east, defense looks very questionable still, but the Patriots showed they have an affective Pass Rush and can shut down the playoff contenders with their high powered offense. A huge loss to the Patriots in the win against the Broncos this week as DE Andre Carter will be out for the season with a Quad Injury.
3-(4) Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4) - Worse record than the Patriots after losing to the 49ers on Monday Night Football, but their defense is a lot better and their schedule was a lot harder.
2-(2) New Orleans Saints (11-3) - Brees continues to look stupidly good as the Saints crush the Vikings 42-20, look out Packers.
1-(1) Green Bay Packers (13-1) - O.K. O.K. Rodgers finally had a bad day, give the guy a break. This is the Packers first loss in 19 games. The last loss for the Packers before today was in 2010 on Sunday December 19th to the Patriots... I think there is just something about this week with the Packers. The Chiefs defense played well, but don't expect stopping Rodgers to be a habbit.
Upset To Remember (December 18th 2011)
Green Bay Packers - 14 Kansas City Chiefs - 19
Other Games:
TNF Falcons - 41 Jaguars - 14
SNF Cowboys - 31 Bucs - 15
Miami - 30 Bills - 23
Seahawks - 38 Bears - 14
Titans - 13 Colts - 27
Packers - 14 Chiefs - 19
Bengals - 20 Rams - 13
Saints - 42 Vikings - 20
Redskins - 23 Giants - 10
Panthers - 28 Texans - 13
Lions - 28 Raiders - 27
Patriots - 41 Broncos - 23
Jets - 19 Eagles - 45
Browns - 17 Cardinals - 20 O.T.
SNF: Ravens - 14 Chargers - 34
MNF: Steelers @ 49ers
Tom Nappi's Top 10 MVP's of the 2011/2012 NFL Season
Tom Nappi's
Top 10 most valuable players so far this year, if these players were not around their teams would be lost!
10) Calvin Johnson - WR - Detroit Lions - Calvin is 4th in the NFL in receiving yards and without him the Lions would not be anywhere near a playoff contender, I know the Lions have a good defense but they have no running game with RB Jahvid Best on the I.R. and without Calvin making amazing touchdown catches or taking the top off the defense, they would be lucky to finish 6 and 10 this season.
9) Houston Texans Defense - Matt Schaub went down on November 13th against the Buccaneers and then backup Matt Leinart would go down a couple weeks later with an injury and T.J. Yates who is an average passer at best would take over, but the Texans defense has stepped up even more so and currently are the number one overall defense in the NFL. The Texans are 5-0 since Schaub went down and you can thank the defense for allowing the Texans to clinch the AFC South and keep the Texans as a Super Bowl contender this year. The Texans have only given up an average of 12.8 points to opponents in the last 5 games.
8) London Fletcher - LB - Washington Redskins - Fletcher leads the league with 134 tackles on the season and is one of the main threats in the struggling Redskins potent defense. The Redskins are ranked 10th defensively in the NFL. I also put him in here because defenses do not get enough credit and with awful Rex Grossman as QB its defensive players like London Fletcher that make the differences.
7) Maurice Jones Drew - RB - Jacksonville Jaguars - MJD is pretty much the only offensive threat the Jaguars have had in the last half of the season as Blaine Gabbert has struggled as of late. MJD leads the league in Rushing Yards with 1222 and is tied for 7th in touchdowns with Adrian Peterson and Ray Rice.
6) Wes Welker - WR - New England Patriots - Welker leads the league in receiving yards with 1339 yards and is 11th in touchdowns with 9 in the Patriots potent Brady-Welker-Gronkowski combo offense.
5) Cam Newton - QB - Carolina Panthers - The Panthers are 4 and 9 this year and there is 1 simple reason....Cam Newton who is an effective passer as well as a great rushing QB. Newton is 3rd in the league in touchdowns with 13 and is the only reason besides Steve Smith the depleted Panthers have 4 wins this year. An unbelievable rookie season by Newton.
4) Tom Brady - QB - New England Patriots - Brady is great as usual with a 106.0 passer rating. Brady is 2nd in passing touchdowns with 33 and 2nd in passing yards with 4,273 and although he has thrown 11 interceptions this year, with a defense as bad as the Patriots and only 1 effective receiver and the tight end combo, the Patriots would probably be 8 and 8 if Brady went down this year instead of a Super Bowl contender.
3) Drew Brees - QB - New Orleans Saints - Brees is 3rd in passer rating and besides Rodgers is one of the best at spreading the ball around. The Saints have faced numerous offensive injuries this year but Brees has overcome injuries with no problem. Brees is 1st in passing yards with 4,368 and 3rd in passing touchdowns. Brees also has a 105.9 passer rating this year. Brees is also an expert at helping the Saints keep the ball to keep their questionable defense off the field.
2) Rob Gronkowski - TE - New England Patriots - I am convinced that if it was not for Gronk the Patriots would have 5-8 losses right now, because the opposing defense would have no problem covering Welker or Hernandez, Gronk is a super natural human being that is so big it is nearly impossible to cover him. He is 2nd in the league in Touchdowns behind LeSean McCoy with 16 and has 71 receptions this year, he is a beast and is just about as valuable to the Patriots as Brady.
1) Aaron Rodgers - QB - Green Bay Packers - Is there really any debate about this? He spreads the ball around to his mostly no-name receivers but leads the league with a 123.3 passing rating, compared to the 106.0 passer rating by Brady, Rodgers is on a level of his own! Rodgers is 3rd in yards, 1st in passing touchdowns with 39 and is the primary reason the Packers are undefeated and will probably win the Super Bowl again this year!
Other Considerations:
Peyton Manning - Indianapolis Colts QB - I am sure you understand why looking at the Colts without him. (Sort of a joke....Sort of)
LeSean McCoy - Philadelphia Eagles, RB - 1,172 Rushing yards, 2nd in the league and 1st in touchdowns with 17.
Jarred Allen - Minnesota Vikings - DE - Leads the league in sacks with 17.5.
D'Qwell Jackson - Cleveland Browns - LB - 2nd in tackles with 125.
Kyle Arrington - New England Patriots - CB - tied with Eric Weddle of the Chargers and Charles Woodson of the Packers with 7 interceptions and is the only threat in the Patriots awful secondary.
Michael Turner - Atlanta Falcons - RB - 2nd in rushing yard with 1,068 and has kept the Falcons alive through Matt Ryan's struggles this season.
Ray Rice - Baltimore Ravens - RB - Flacco has been up and down this season but Ray Rice has been on fire and is probably the main reason in the Ravens questionable offense, the Ravens are on top in the AFC North.
Victor Cruz - New York Giants - WR - Injuries have riddled Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham this year and Cruz is one of the main reasons the Giants are on top in the AFC East, coming through as one of Eli's new favorite targets, Victor is 3rd in receiving yards.
Greg Jennings - Green Bay Packers - WR - Rodgers favorite target, tied for 4th in touchdowns with Welker.
Vincent Jackson - S.D. Chargers - WR - Before Jackson came back the Chargers were a mess offensively between Rivers having a questionable season and the Chargers having a struggling running game, since Jackson has come back he has helped the Chargers to playoff contention.
Laurent Robinson - Dallas Cowboys - WR - With injuries riddling Miles Austin and Dez Bryant being ineffective and Tony Romo being Tony Romo, Robinson is the last breath of hope for the Cowboys.
Steelers Defense, 49ers Defense and Ravens Defense - Obviously consider separately but these 3 defenses are the top 3 of the most important defensive statistic, points given up a game and with offensive struggles at points during the season for either of these teams, you need to credit their defenses.
OK FINE Tim Tebow - QB - Denver Broncos too, Broncos are 7 and 1 with the guy and lead the AFC West since the supernatural force known as Tim Tebow took over at QB.
Points A Game Surrendered
1) S.F. 49ers - 14.0
2) Pittsburgh Steelers - 15.2
3) Baltimore Ravens - 15.5
4) Houston Texans - 16.0
Fun Fact: Did you know as bad as the Patriots secondary is, they are ranked 14th behind the Bengals and Jets with an average of only 21.4 ppg given up.
Listen to the Sports Blast at 8pm tonight right here on MSEN Radio as we all break down our NFL MVP's so far this season!
NFL Power Rankings Week 13
Here are the Week 13 from Tom Nappi Power Rankings, (#) - Last Week
If the Team is in Bold they are serious contenders in the playoff hunt, by the way you will notice only 5 teams mathematically out of it....WOW!
Power rankings are in order by teams that have best shot at the Super Bowl!
32-(32) Indianapolis Colts (0-11) - 0-16 here we come. Quickest from first to worst ever!!!
31-(31) Minnesota Vikings (2-9) - Christian Ponder ehhhh.....Awful
30-(30) St. Louis Rams (2-9) - Lost all creditability this week with a loss to the Cardinals
29-(29) Carolina Panthers (3-8) - They Beat the Colts....If they did not they would be ranked 32 this week.
28-(28) Jacksonville Jaguars (3-8) - Jack Del Rio Fired....Well Deserved!
27-(22) Cleveland Browns (4-7) - Peyton Hillis came back and they still lost!
26-(27) Arizona Cardinals (4-7) - If only the 49ers sucked like last year, they would be in the race
25-(24) Seattle Seahawks (4-7) - Bag of Suck that may sometimes upset good teams
24-(25) Miami Dolphins (3-8) - Almost beat the Cowboys on thanksgiving...but lost so see ya next year!
23-(26) Washington Redskins (4-7) - Is John Beck the starter?
22-(16) Philadelphia Eagles (4-7) - They must run the table for a wild card spot but I just don't see it.
21- (23) Tampa Bay Bucs (4-7) - The Bucs can't buy a win right now!
20- (18) S.D. Chargers (4-7) - 6 Losses in a row...wow does Norv Turner suck, there is no way they weasel there way into the playoffs this year!
19-(21) K.C. Chiefs (4-7) - Tim Tebow and the Oakland Raiders are in your division....bye!!
18-(20) Buffalo Bills (5-6) - You can thank Stevie Johnson for most likely costing you the season with his choke!
17-(17) Tennessee Titans (6-5) - Very much in the race with the Texans for the SOuth since Schaub went down.
16-(11) Chicago Bears (7-4) - May skid into a wild card seed but no Jay Cutler kills you!
15-(15) Houston Texans (7-4) - A win over the Jags does not convince me Leinhart can play, but a decent shot at the South title...they control their own destiny.
14-(8) Detroit Lions (7-4) - Maybe its just Donkey Kong stomp on you Suh but they seem to be falling apart a little and have no shot at the division and have another date with the Packers.
13-(19) Cincinnati Bengals (7-4) - Most likely must beat Baltimore or Pittsburgh at least once to claim a wild card spot. Andy Dalton is great!!! Bengals will be good for years to come!
12-(14) N.Y. Jets (6-5) - Barely skidded by the Bills and have no shot at the division with the Patriots J.V. High school schedule, but still have a slim shot at a wild card spot.
11-(9) New York Giants (6-5) - They have looked awful since beating the Patriots....What a lopsided season by the G-Men so far.
10-(13) Denver Broncos (6-5) - Tim Tebow stares the crap out of me, How the hell does he keep winning? Tebow can't throw but I am now convinced Jesus is on his side. I will move these guys into the top 5 if they beat the Pats in a couple weeks.
9-(12) Oakland Raiders (7-4) - I am expecting the Raiders to close out the west, but if not Tebow will be scary in the playoffs.
8-(10) Atlanta Falcons (7-4) - Looking better and better each week...without a doubt in my mind they will be an NFC wild card spot.
7-(7) Dallas Cowboys (7-4) - Should win the NFC east, but no way they get through the NFC playoffs. Tony Romo = Choke against good teams
6-(2) S.F. 49ers (9-2) - Thursday nights loss to Baltimore proved they do not seem to be able to keep up with the elite, but still a great shot at the NFC championship with there championship defense.
5-(4) New England Patriots (8-3) - I need to see their defense slow down a powerful offense to be able to give better judgement, Brady is playing great obviously but is stopping Tyler Palko and Vince Young enough reason to believe they can win the big one. However the road to the AFC championship with their tomato soup can schedule could be very easy.
4-(3) Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) - Ravens control the destiny of the AFC North and the Steelers offense is sometimes sketchy such as almost losing to the Chiefs but there defense is magnificent.
3-(6) Baltimore Ravens (8-3) - The lacking Ravens offense raises question to if they can keep up with a high powered offense but there defense is arguably the best in the league.
2-(5) New Orleans Saints (8-3) - After crushing the Giants and witnessing the Saints extremely high powered offense, I hope they play the Packers in the playoffs I will bet $3000000000000000 on the over, at times they are unstoppable and the defense seems to be playing much bettwe.
1-(1) Green Bay Packers (11-0) - I think they will run the table and win this years Super Bowl!
Flagged: Pink Hats, Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Article by Jess Dempsey
Although it has recently been explained to me that the derogatory term “pink hats” has come to describe any fair-weather sports fan, it originally described the women who I like to call Brady Blondes, who wear pink sports paraphernalia to look “like, so totally cute!” while knowing nothing and caring not about the game. I must add a disclaimer that pink is my favorite color, so this post is not an attack on the color or those who like wearing sports paraphernalia that is pink. Also, notice that it’s not just the knowing nothing that counts. Every sports fan has to start somewhere, and not all of us are lucky enough to have a mother obsessed with NFL football (Hi, Mom) and a Dad who kept WEEI on during entire car rides to hear the Red Sox games (Hi, Dad).
Those who are genuinely eager to learn about a sport but have no knowledge of the sport are not included in this term. I am talking about the girls who know who Tom Brady is only because “he’s like OMG so hot and married to Gisele.” I call them the Brady Blondes, as they generally wear a #12 jersey to games (because none of them could name another play if they tried). Although now, I am seeing more and more #83 jerseys popping up. (Wes just has those dreamy blue eyes, doesn’t he?)
Some may argue that they fill seats so that’s all that matters. I would counter against that argument strongly. If you don’t like something, don’t care to engage in it or learn about it, why pay money to sit around looking bored and making an “ugh” face for several hours – inevitably making the game LESS enjoyable for the true fans around you?
I absolutely hate golf. Not mini-golf, but real golf. I think it’s boring and I can’t understand how people who watch it derive some sort of enjoyment from it. I may try to play a round at some point in my life, but it probably won’t become a regular thing. Due to all the aforementioned reasons, I don’t talk about, write about, watch, or pretend to know about, golf. I respect people who do, I just don’t.
Life is short enough as it is, so why spend any time pretending to like something you don’t like? It baffles me. I have a dear friend whose name shall remain private, who absolutely hates football. Hates. And that’s fine. But the minute she dates a guy who likes football, suddenly she’s trawling ESPN every day for things to impress him with. The thing is, people can spot a fake. And not being true to yourself will always come back to bite you in the ass. Want to impress someone who likes football? Know nothing about it yourself? A simple, “Oh, I don’t follow football, and am not sure I like it. But I am interested in the business side of women’s sports apparel (or something like that)” will do.
Bottom line: pink hats, stop being fake. You make it hard for the rest of us ladies who are actually real fans to get any sort of respect.
Week 12 NFL Power Rankings
Here are the Week 12 from Tom Nappi Power Rankings, (#) - Last Week
If the Team is in Bold they are still mathematically in the playoff hunt, by the way you will notice only 4 teams out of it....WOW!
Power rankings are in order by teams that have best shot at the Super Bowl!
32-(32) Indianapolis Colts (0-10) - Peyton Manning may play this season.....but no point
31-(31) Minnesota Vikings (2-8) - Christian Ponder will be better as time goes on.
30-(25) St. Louis Rams (2-8) - Lloyd is a huge improvement, but still can't win.
29-(30) Carolina Panthers (2-8) - The Carolina Cam Newton's have a chance to beat you but probably won't if your team has any kind of offense.
28-(27) Jacksonville Jaguars (3-7) - Hanging on for dear life, most likely out. A pretty good season for Blaine Gabbert
27-(23) Arizona Cardinals (3-7) - Out of the division race, but an extremely slim wild card chance, a team with good pieces on offense but could never put it together.
26-(28) Washington Redskins (3-7) - Hanging on for dear life in the East, but playing awful. Rex Grossman got benched last week, Skins never seize to fall apart.
25-(26) Miami Dolphins (3-7) - No way in hell they win the division, but if they run the table they could open up a wild card spot. Dolphins have won 3 straight and Reggie Bush looks great.
24-(24) Seattle Seahawks (4-6) - Have won 2 straight, 49ers own the west, but if they somehow manage to run the table they could slide in to the playoffs, they should have a win this week against the Redskins.
23-(19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) - 4 Losses in a row in the south with the Falcons and Saints, must run table for any hope what so ever...don't count on it.
22-(29) Cleveland Browns (4-6) - Potential for some upsets, no shot at playoffs but mathematically still in.
21-(21) Kansas City Chiefs (4-6) - In the AFC west but Matt Cassel is done for the season and so are the Chiefs.
20-(20) Buffalo Bills (5-5) - Very much alive but went from good to garbage in a span of 3 weeks.
19-(15) Cincinnati Bengals (6-4) - Andy Dalton is going to be fantastic in the future, but they still meet the Steelers and Ravens and there schedule is brutal....Get Em' Next Year!
18-(18) S.D. Chargers (4-6) - Very much alive in the new NFC West a.k.a. the AFC West, but 5 losses in a row, please don't tell me they could actually slip in after that!
17-(16) Tennessee Titans (5-5) - With Matt Schaub down, the Titans have a real chance to win the A.F.C. South with a reasonable schedule coming up and Matt Hasselbeck playing well.
16-(22) Philadelphia Eagles (4-6) - Vince Young and good defensive play may have resurrected the Eagles, the win over the Giants was HUGE, but the G-men played awful!
15-(14) Houston Texans (7-3) - Would be ranked a lot higher but Matt Schaub is gone and Matt Leinart is not really a great QB to rely on....Call Favre up!
14-(10) New York Jets (5-5) - Obviously a lot of talent, but they got T-Bowed last week and upcoming schedule is not too easy.
13-(17) Denver Broncos (5-5) - A real shot to win the West, only a game out and Tebow scares me, he can't throw too good but somehow wins games and proved he can beat good teams, plus the defense has played superb!
12-(13) Oakland Raiders (6-4) - Looking very good lately and may be a candidate for a playoff upset special if they manage to win the West over the Denver Tebows.
11-(6) Chicago Bears (7-3) - No Jay Cutler for the rest of the season really hurts, but the Bears no how to win using defense and a QB that can manage the game, QB Caleb Hanie does have big game experience and showed last year in the NFC championship he could put up some points, The Bears are also rumored to have brought back the recently waived QB Kyle Orton.
10-(11) Atlanta Falcons (6-4) - Have lost both games to the Saints this year, but always a threat with their strong running game and defense.
9-(8) New York Giants (6-4) - The Cowboys are getting red hot and the Giants are getting ice cold with 2 straight losses.
8-(12) Detroit Lions (7-3) - Tough Schedule coming up as they meet the Packers twice, thanksgiving will determine everything!!!
7-(9) Dallas Cowboys (6-4) - Tony Romo starting to look sharp, 3 straight wins heading into a thanksgiving battle with the Dolphins, Cowboys looking to be a huge threat after an awful start.
6-(7) Baltimore Ravens (7-3) - They are very unpredictable, one week they lost to the Seahawks, then the next week they beat the Steelers....I just don't know anymore.
5-(3) New Orleans Saints (7-3) - Looking very good but defense gives up a lot of points, but with Brees the Saints are always in Super Bowl contention.
4-(5) New England Patriots (7-3) - They have a pee-wee football schedule coming up that can lead them right to a bye week in the playoffs. Be careful or you might get GRONKED!
3-(2) Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) - The only consistent team in the AFC, but certainly NOT a dominate force that can't be beaten, if they meet the Ravens in the playoffs look out!
2-(4) S.F. 49ers (9-1) - 8 Wins in a row, I have to rank them here, a monster of a game thanksgiving night against the Ravens that could chance everything but it is guaranteed the 49ers will win the NFC West unless they get hit by an asteroid.
1-(1) Green Bay Packers - Will they ever be beaten!!!! Close call with the Bucs last week but the key word is close, one of the most dominate teams I have ever seen! Between this season, last season and 2010 post season, the Packers have won 16 games in a row.
STAY TUNED TO THESE RANKINGS AFTER THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL AS THEY WILL CHANGE....PERHAPS DRASTICALLY
Todays Headlines 10/21/2011
Bruins got their 3rd win of the season as they took down the Toronto Maple Leafs last night 6-2.
Tim Thomas got the start at goalie, he’s now 3-2 on the season.
In the 1st Period Nathan Horton, Zdeno Chara and Chris Kelly all had goals, no one scored in the 2nd period, but in the 3rd period Milan Lucic, Patrice Bergeron and Tyler Seguin knocked in goals for the Bruins.
Mark Bartkowski has been sent back down too providence and Stephen Kampfer is in!
David Krecji saw action last night, he has been out since the early part of the season with a core injury. 
According to reports The Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox are finishing up negotiations that would send Theo Epstein to the Cubs. The current hold up appears to be reviewing of medical records of players that the Red Sox would receive in exchange of Epstein. San Diego Padres General Manager Jed Hoyer is expected to join Theo in Chicago and would take over as Cubs GM.
The Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals played game 2 of the World Series last night, the Cards took game one with a 3-2 Victory, but in game 2 the Rangers struck back scoring 2 runs in the 9th to take game 2 2-1 and tie up the Fall Classic at 1.
Colby Lewis for the Rangers went 6.2 IP and gave up 4 hits and 1 run while Jamie Garcia went 7 scoreless innings for the Cardinals. Josh Hamilton and Michael Young both had sacrifice hits in the 9th to drive in runs. Jason Motte gave up both runs, only 1 run was earned. 
A trade that would have sent Running back Ronnie Brown to the Lions has been voided after Jerome Harrison, the player that Brown was being traded for, failed his Phycial, reports are now that a Brain tumor was discovered during Harrisons Physical.
Week 7 NFL Power Rankings
NFL Week 6
Bills - 24 Giants - 27
Colts - 17 Bengals - 27
Jaguars - 13 Steelers - 17
Eagles - 20 Redskins - 13
49ers - 25 Lions - 19
Rams - 3 Packers - 24
Panthers - 17 Falcons - 31
Browns - 17 Raiders - 24
Texans - 14 Ravens - 29
Saints - 20 Bucs - 26
Dallas - 16 Pats - 20
Vikings - 10 Bears - 39
Dolphins - 6 Jets - 24
Take a look at these final scores and read more for Craig's Power Rankings and all the Latest News about your favorite NFL Team!
Jim Schwartz, Jim Harbaugh draw scuffle after 49ers defeat Lions
Jess Dempsey:
After the San Francisco 49ers dealt the Detroit Lions their first loss on the season, 49ers Coach Jim Harbaugh trotted happily over to Lions Coach Jim Schwartz for the traditional coaches’ handshake and gave him a strong grip and spirited pat on the back. Then we see Schwartz turn around with fire in his eyes and chase after Harbaugh, bumping Harbaugh’s shoulder with his. As a growing number of players from both sides rally around their coaches, we see Schwartz continue to follow Harbaugh.
Schwartz refuses any culpability in the incident, saying:
“I went to congratulate Coach Harbaugh and got shoved out of the way,” Schwartz said. “And then I didn’t expect an obscenity at that point, so it was a surprise to me at the end of the game.”
I’ve seen the video several times, and don’t clearly see an obscenity being mouthed by Harbaugh. Regardless, it seems that Schwartz was already upset by his team’s first loss of the season and Harbaugh’s overzealous contact threw him into a fit. But that is no excuse for Schwartz’s behavior. This is a passionate game, and Schwartz should know that as his overreactions on the sideline this season have been plentiful – cursing at players and referees alike. Hypocritical much? Perhaps.
What should be mentioned is Harbaugh’s statement after the game. He said, simply:
“That is totally on me,” Harbaugh said. “I shook his hand too hard. I really went in, and it was a strong, kind of a slap-grab handshake.”
A classy statement to be sure, but no expletive or overzealous pat could warrant Schwartz’s inappropriate reaction. Being an NFL coach, you need to behave with a certain measure of integrity and class, which may in some instances require ignoring barbs and insults. Because, as the leader of your team, you set a very powerful example. What does it say to the Lions that their Coach could not maintain his composure in this situation?
We may have more information tomorrow from the league about whether an investigation will occur or if the coaches will face any fines.
Tuesdays Headlines:
Carson Palmer traded to the Raiders for two first round draft picks
Brandon Lloyd to the Rams for 5th or 6th round draft pick
Jon Lester say's the Red Sox only drank beer and ate fried chicken in the clubhouse once a month
Jets crush the Dolphins on Monday Night Football 24-6
Jim Scwarts, Jim Hardbaugh not fined after confrontation
Patriots Update
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R.I.P. Al Davis (1929-2011)
Al Davis, legendary NFL owner, commissioner and deal-maker, passed away last week. The tributes to the stoic pro football mainstay have flooded into ESPN, Fox Sports and many blogs. But we have also heard about the not-so-nice side of Al Davis. As a man who “demanded excellence” from players and personnel, he did not seem to demand the same from himself as the Raiders had merely merely a handful of winning seasons in the last 20 years. The team’s facilities were also among the worst in the NFL.
What good can be said about Al Davis? Well, for one, he was an innovator who had a great eye for scouting up-and-coming talent like Jim Plunkett, who Davis scooped up after the San Francisco 49ers released him in 1977. Most importantly, in my view, he was color-blind in his hiring practices during a time when most NFL owners were rich old white men who thought diversity belonged only belonged on the field. Davis hired the first Latino and African-American coaches, and first female CEO in the National Football League.
But as loyal as he was to his team, he could also turn on you in the blink of an eye. An old curmudgeon, Davis often berated players and members of the press for no specific reason – he had a cantankerous personality and was quick-tempered. Bill Belichick shows more joy and emotion than did Al Davis.
Despite misgivings about him, we should remember the contributions he made to the game, and the league as a whole. After all, he played an interesting role in the AFL-NFL merger – an absolutely fascinating story if you have the time.
On Sunday, the Oakland Raiders beat the Houston Texans 25-20 in an emotional victory that rang true to Davis’ famous demand, “Win, baby win.”
Week 6 NFL Power Rankings
NFL Week 5
Bills - 31 Eagles - 24
Chiefs - 28 Colts - 24
Cardinals - 10 Vikings - 34
Seahawks - 36 Giants - 25
Titans - 17 Steelers - 38
Saints - 30 Panthers - 27
Bengals - 30 Jaguars - 20
Raiders - 25 Texans - 20
Bucs - 3 49ers - 48
Chargers - 29 Broncos - 24
Jets - 21 Patriots - 30
Packers - 25 Falcons - 14
Bears - 13 Lions - 24
Take a look at these final scores and read more for Craig's Power Rankings and all the Latest News about your favorite NFL Team!
Sports Update October 10th 2011
Nelson Cruz hits a walk off grand slam and the Texan Rangers take a 2 game lead over the Tigers after Monday Night's 7-3 victory!
Meetings between the NBA players and owners are over, sides remain very far apart, The First two Weeks of the NBA season have officially been Cancelled.
Colorado Avalanche take down the Boston Bruins 1-0. The Bruins are now 1-2 on the season and head to Carolina to take on the Hurricanes Wednesday Night at 7:30. 
The red hot St. Louis Cardinals took down the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 2 12-3 to tie up the NLCS at 1-1.
The Detroit Lions beat up on the Chicago Bears on the first Monday Night Football game in Detroit since 2001, 24-13 and the Lions are now 5 and 0 for their first time since 1956.
Week 5 NFL Power Rankings
NFL Week 4
Panthers - 29 Bears - 34
Bills - 20 Bengals - 23
Titans - 31 Cleveland - 13
Detroit- 34 Cowboys - 30
Vikings - 17 Chiefs - 22
Redskins - 17 Rams - 10
49ers - 24 Eagles - 23
Saints - 23 Jaguars - 10
Steelers - 10 Texans - 17
Giants - 31 Cardinals - 27
Falcons - 30 Seahawks - 28
Denver - 23 Packers - 49
Patriots - 31 Raiders - 19
Dolphins - 16 Chargers - 26
Jets - 17 Ravens - 34
Colts - 17 Bucs - 24
Take a look at these final scores and read more for Craig's Power Rankings and all the Latest News about your favorite NFL Team!