Fire from the Hip: Thoughts on Sports & Real Life

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With Week 8 in the rearview mirror, some teams have reached the halfway point of their season and others are on the cusp. I thought we might take a look back at the five biggest offensive acquisitions from the 2008 NFL Draft and how each player has impacted their respective teams.

1. MATT RYAN, QB, ATLANTA

It’s an absolutely remarkable achievement when an argument can be made for a rookie quarterback as the most valuable player on his team. And that’s been the case in Atlanta from the first snap in week 1. On literally the third snap from scrimmage, his first NFL pass went for a 62-yard touchdown and the unbelievable renaissance of the Atlanta franchise has continued as the Falcons find themselves at 4-3 after a tough loss in Philadelphia on Sunday. Against a tough Eagle defense that limited the Steelers to just 6 points and 179 total yards earlier this season, Ryan threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-14 defeat. Ryan is on track for a 3,000-yard season, an achievement that few, if any, pundits thought possible when the season began. More impressively, he has become the face of the franchise just a little more than a year after Michael Vick, the previous franchise quarterback, was sentenced to prison time for his role in a dog-fighting ring.

2. CHRIS JOHNSON, RB, TENNESSEE

In what could be looked back upon one day as one of the best drafts for running backs in recent history, Chris Johnson was the fifth running back taken behind Darren McFadden, Jonathan Stewart, Felix Jones, and Rashard Mendenhall as the 24th overall pick to the Titans. His speed was unquestioned but some draft experts wondered whether he had the size to stand up to the physical pounding of the NFL. Seven games into the season in the Titans ball-control offensive system, Johnson has been the game-breaker Tennessee has long lacked in the backfield. He is averaging nearly 90 yards per game, has scored four times, and has two runs of 40 or more yards for the undefeated Titans. Not even halfway into his first season in the NFL, defenses are being forced to game plan for him, a compliment that few rookie running backs receive.

3. MATT FORTE, RB, CHICAGO

With their second round pick, the Bears selected Matt Forte out of Tulane. With former first round pick Cedric Benson officially a bust, the Bears found themselves once again searching for a running back in the 2008 Draft. Although lacking the breakaway speed of Johnson, Forte won the starting job in Chicago during training camp and proved he deserved it in week one, rushing for 123 yards and a touchdown in a surprising road win over the Colts. Forte is on pace for a 1,000-yard season and his productivity has forced defenses to crowd the line of scrimmage, allowing QB Kyle Orton to find success down the field with play-action passes. Forte is a major reason the Bears are averaging 28 points per game, third in the NFL and seven points per game more than in 2007.

4. DESEAN JACKSON, WR, PHILADELPHIA

Other than the season and a half when the Eagles had Terrell Owens, Philadelphia has long searched for a receiver who could stretch the field and create big plays for Donovan McNabb and the offense. Jackson, a second round pick out of California, is averaging almost 16 yards per reception, leads the team in receiving yards, and appears likely to crack the 1,000-yard receiving barrier. McNabb is on pace for a career high in passing yards, a stat that can be directly traced to Jackson’s ability to make plays down the field. He also has added an element on special teams where he has had two returns of over 40 yards, including a 68-yard touchdown against Washington in Week 5.

5. JOE FLACCO, QB, BALTIMORE

Though his numbers pale in comparison to fellow rookie Matt Ryan, Flacco has also been impressive in the young season, earning the starting job for the rest of the year with his performance in the season’s first half. With Troy Smith and Kyle Boller felled by an illness and shoulder injury respectively, Baltimore turned to the rookie out of Delaware to start the season. He has managed the game admirably and avoided crucial mistakes in leading Baltimore to a 4-3 record, good enough for second in the AFC North. He is completing over 60% of his passes and has shown incredible arm strength, most recently against Oakland Sunday when he hit Demetrius Williams for a 70-yard touchdown. Flacco may not take Baltimore to the postseason in his first season, but Jon Harbaugh and the Raven coaching staff can rest easy knowing their rookie quarterback has a bright future in the NFL.

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As we near the midpoint of the 2008 season, parity is the buzz word in describing the NFL. But what about those bottom-feeding teams that are already looking ahead to 2009? With them in mind, I decided to take a look at some of the teams who will be at the top of the 2009 draft: What are their needs and which college players could potentially fill them?

CINCINNATI (0-7)

The Cincinnati Bengals are an utter disaster and at 0-7, figure to compete for the first pick overall. As the amount of guaranteed money has skyrocketed in recent years at the top of the draft, the number one pick has become a less-valued commodity. With fickle owner Mike Brown likely unwilling to spend the kind of money required to sign a top pick, the Bengals might look to deal the pick. But most general managers agree that the first pick isn’t as valuable as it once was, especially when there isn’t a consensus number one pick, which looks to be the case again in 2009. The Bengals have a number of needs on both sides of the ball: running back, offensive line, and another impact player along the front seven, to name a few. Rookie linebacker Keith Rivers, a first round pick in 2008, performed well this year before he was lost for the season with a broken jaw on Sunday, but he could use some help. If the Bengals keep the pick, I could see them following the blueprint of the Dolphins in 2008 when they selected Jake Long first overall and had him agree to a deal prior to the draft. Cincinnati could select offensive tackle Michael Oher out of Mississippi, a potential franchise tackle that might remind Bengal fans of Anthony Munoz or more recently, Willie Anderson.

DETROIT (0-6)

The Bengals figure to be challenged for the number one pick by the perpetually inept Detroit Lions. With team president Matt Millen finally out of the picture in Detroit, the Lions hopefully will not spend another top pick on a wide receiver. By trading WR Roy Williams, the Lions have started the massive overhaul that is necessary by stockpiling draft picks. Most NFL observers believe that interim general manager Martin Mayhew received excellent value by picking up a first and a third round pick in addition to a sixth round selection for the former Pro-Bowl receiver. Detroit will likely look to trade down in the draft in an effort to gain more picks that can help bring in impact players to expedite the rebuilding process. The Lions need help at almost every position on defense and need to identify whether or not Dan Orlovsky or Drew Stanton is the quarterback of the future. The offensive line needs help too. It’s not hard to imagine the Lions targeting Oher, or perhaps trading down into the middle of the top ten and selecting a dynamic defensive talent for the front seven like LB Rey Maualuga of USC or DE Michael Johnson of Georgia Tech.

KANSAS CITY (1-5)

Speaking of a dysfunctional team, the once-proud Kansas City Chiefs have quickly become one of the worst teams in the NFL. The team recognized the need to rebuild before the 2008 draft by trading All-Pro DE Jared Allen to the Vikings for a bevy of picks. General Manager Carl Peterson probably should have dealt TE Tony Gonzalez before the trade deadline last Tuesday but Kansas City will need to continue to garner picks through any means in an effort to bring in some offensive talent. The Brodie Croyle experiment as the future franchise quarterback is officially over after he was knocked out for the season with a knee injury. The only thing he proved during his stint with Kansas City was his brittleness and his inability to lead the team to a win (0-8 in his career as a starter). The Chiefs need help for their porous offensive line but let’s not forget to acknowledge the front seven of the defense, which has been torched this season and is ranked dead last in stopping the run. The Chiefs could use a defensive playmaker like Maualuga, Johnson, or LB James Laurinaitis of Ohio State. If he was to declare for the draft, the Chiefs would have to take a look at Matthew Stafford, the dynamic junior quarterback from Georgia, in an effort to solve their recent woes at the quarterback position.

SEATTLE (1-5)

Unlike the three teams above, the Seahawks made the playoffs a year ago and were expected to contend in the weak NFC West in Mike Holmgren’s last season as head coach. Next year, Jim Mora Jr., who has already been tabbed Holmgren’s successor, will inherit a team in flux. Just three years removed from a conference title, the Seahawks are in need of a pass rusher, secondary help, and a future successor for QB Matt Hasselbeck. Injuries have been a factor in the team’s struggles this season but the bottom line is the team doesn’t have enough depth at the skill positions. A number one receiver has long eluded the franchise as Deion Branch hasn’t been the same player since he arrived via a trade from New England and Nate Burleson hasn’t proved he can stay healthy. A player like CB Malcom Jenkins from Ohio State or a safety like William Moore from Missouri to replace the aging Brian Russell would be excellent picks for Seattle. A speed rusher off the edge a la Michael Johnson of Georgia Tech could provide the Seahawks with a sack specialist in the mold of Julius Peppers. WR Demetrius Byrd of LSU could fill a need although he figures to go later on in the draft.

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When Romeo Crennel was named Head Coach of the Browns in February 2005, Browns fans were generally pleased by the hire. After the disastrous Butch Davis era (a college coach in over his head), Crennel had the NFL coaching experience and Super Bowl pedigree many observers thought was needed to turn around the moribund franchise. Personally, I thought he would instill the values necessary to consistently win in the NFL: mental toughness and team discipline. But three plus years into his tenure, he has failed to implant those characteristics on his Cleveland team. And in his fourth year as head coach with a roster many pundits thought was talented enough to make the playoffs, the Browns are woefully short both on mental acuity and discipline. Yes, the time has come in Cleveland for a change at the head coaching position.

After a scintillating performance on Monday Night Football last week, the Browns and in particular, Derek Anderson were pathetic against Washington Sunday. The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Browns beat writer Tony Grossi described watching the team as comparable to "jamming a stick into your eye." Despite having time to throw, Anderson was tentative with his passes and out-of-sync with his receivers. His 14-37, 136 yard performance was atrocious and belied a player that lacks the mental strength to overcome adversity and perform with the game on the line. After keeping the ball and rushing for a first down at the Washington 36, Anderson ran to the sideline to get a play from the sideline because his helmet radio wasn't working. With the final minute ticking away, Anderson wasted 24 seconds by going to the sideline to get a play called instead of spiking the ball. Why weren't two plays called in the huddle before the sneak? Why didn't he think to spike the ball to stop the clock? His failure to pick up even a few yards in the final minute forced a 54-yard field goal try by Phil Dawson instead of a more managable distance. Anderson's lack of confidence leads to inconsistent play and at this point, it's enough to warrant a change at quarterback.

Anderson's inconsistency is a microcosm of the entire team's inability to consistently perform to their potential. And that falls squarely on the shoulders of the head coach. Braylon Edwards repeated mental breakdowns has led to him leading the league in drops. The team constantly commits mistakes that illustrate a lack of attention to detail. Last Monday night, it was the numerous illegal motion and false start penalties on offense. This week, the team looked confused about where to line up on several occasions and the receivers and the quarterback were often on the wrong page about passing routes. There is no excuse for a performance like Sunday's game against Washington.

Worse, Sunday's performance defines the Romeo Crennel era in Cleveland. The Browns failed to take control of a winnable game, fought hard and rallied, but ultimately lost when the team was neither able to execute nor manage the clock in the final moments of the game.

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Who would have ever thought before the season began that through six weeks, every team in the NFC South would be at or better than .500? On Sunday, Drew Brees continued his pursuit of Dan Marino’s record for most passing yards in a season and Falcons rookie QB Matt Ryan led Atlanta to a jaw-dropping last second victory over Chicago. The division deserves a closer look and perhaps, some accolades.

Tampa Bay (4-2)

Starting in place of injured Brian Griese, Bucs QB Jeff Garcia secured the starting job for at least one more week after Tampa Bay’s dominant performance in a 27-3 win over Carolina. Garcia returns to the starting lineup after being benched in favor of Griese following a season-opening loss to New Orleans. Head Coach Jon Gruden isn’t Garcia’s biggest fan as demonstrated by his quick benching after week one and by Gruden’s rather public pursuit of Brett Favre in the offseason. With that in mind, it’s hard to imagine Garcia starting the rest of the season unless he makes it impossible for Gruden to make a change with his play and the team’s performance. Continuity at the quarterback position is a key factor to a team’s success in the NFL. Tampa Bay’s lack of a clear number one QB concerns me but a stout defense and a favorable schedule that includes Seattle, Kansas City, Detroit, and Oakland down the line gives reason to believe that the Bucs will vie for a second consecutive division title.

Carolina (4-2)

Wow, it’s hard to overstate just how bad Carolina was Sunday in Tampa Bay. The Bucs blocked a punt (the third time Carolina has had a punt blocked this year!) and returned it for a touchdown early in the first quarter and Jake Delhomme tossed three interceptions, all of which went off the hands of intended receivers, in a lopsided 27-3 defeat. Much like the Bucs, the Panthers depend upon a normally stingy defense and steady turnover-free football from their quarterback. This season, Jake Delhomme has thrown five touchdowns and five interceptions. He must protect the football and get the ball to play-makers Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams for Carolina to have success on offense. Last year, good defense and consistent play from the quarterback was the key to Tampa Bay’s division title run. The Panthers will need to follow the same strategy. But Carolina’s division aspirations will ultimately be decided in December when they’ll host Tampa Bay and Denver before taking on the Giants and Saints on the road to end the season.

Atlanta (4-2)

I have to admit that I didn’t give the Falcons much of a chance against the Bears at home Sunday. I thought I had Atlanta figured out. Entering week six, the Falcons had won games against the 27^th, 31^st, and 32^nd ranked run defenses in the league and their two loses had come against teams with rush defenses ranked in the top half of the league. With the Bears ranked fourth (now fifth) against the run, I figured the Bears would shut down Michael Turner and Matt Ryan would struggle against an athletic and opportunistic defense. I was partially right; Michael Turner rushed for just 54 yards. However, rookie QB Matt Ryan threw for 301 yards and led the Falcons to a thrilling victory on a last second field goal by Jason Elam. More impressive, the Falcons had lost the lead, and what looked like the game, when the Bears went ahead 20-19 with 11 second to go in the fourth. But the Falcons received the ball on their own 44 after a squib kick and Ryan, standing tall in the pocket under pressure, made a perfect throw to Michael Jenkins for a 26-yard pass as he went out of bounds with one second to go to set up the winning kick. Head Coach Mike Smith is the coach of the year thus far in 2008 and Ryan is the hands-down rookie of the year. As for the rest of the season, the only thing you can say about Atlanta is that anything is possible, and as future opponents should take note, the team believes it too.

New Orleans (3-3)

Dan Marino threw for 5,084 yards in 1984, an average of just under 318 yards per game. In 2008 through six games, Drew Brees is on pace to break Marino’s fabled record, averaging more than 332 yards per game. Brees completed his first 16 passes Sunday and finished 26-30 for 320 yards and three touchdowns, another workman-like performance for the MVP of the first half of the season. Brees who is on his way to eclipsing 4,000 yards passing for the third consecutive season has been putting up impressive numbers ever since his arrival in New Orleans prior to the 2006 season. The problem with the Saints always seems to be whether or not they have enough defense to win games when the offense isn’t scoring thirty points. Turnovers also tend to be a problem as last week’s loss against Minnesota proved. The major issue with the Saints is the chemistry of this team is just like the 2007 squad that missed the playoffs: a mediocre defense buoyed by a high-scoring offense. Another concern is the team’s inconsistent special teams play. Martin Gramatica was placed on IR last week after converting just six of ten field goal tries this season, including critical misses in the final minutes in defeats against Minnesota and Denver earlier this season. Unproven rookie Taylor Mehlhaff converted two of his three kicks Sunday against the Raiders but I am not sure the Saints have a team formula in place that will take them very far in the playoffs, if they can even get there.

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10/10/08

After watching the Redskins surprise Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field and the Cowboys slip past the Bengals, it was high time to take an in-depth look at the strongest division in football right now, the NFC East. Did I mention the undefeated Super Bowl champions reside in the division?

1. New York Giants (4-0)

Often in sports, the phrase, “making the leap” refers to a young team that realizes their ability to be one of the elite teams in their sport. Though the Giants won the Super Bowl last year, their championship run, which included victories at Tampa Bay, at Dallas, at Green Bay, and culminated in a stunning victory over the vaunted Patriots was a true shock even to Giant fans. In 2008, the team has made the proverbial leap and is playing with a tremendous amount of confidence on both sides of the ball. Nowhere is this more evident than in the play of Eli Manning. He’s thrown just one interception in 2008 after tossing 20 in 2007 and his quarterback rating of 99.7 is nearly 25 points better than his career rating. Though its first four opponents combined record stands at 5-13, the fact is the Giants should be in the running for the number one seed in the NFC come playoff time.

2. Washington Redskins (4-1)

After a poor performance against New York in a season-opening loss, the Redskins have reeled off four straight victories, including two consecutive wins on the road against division rivals, Dallas and Philadelphia. Did I mention the Redskins offense has yet to turn the ball over this season? The Redskins completely dominated the line of scrimmage against the NFL’s top-ranked rush defense entering Sunday. Clinton Portis ran for 145 yards and a touchdown as the ‘Skins finished with 203 yards against the Eagles who had allowed just 215 yards on the ground in their first four games. What I like about the team going forward the rest of the season is their depth. Veteran Jon Jansen stepped in for injured Stephon Heyer at tackle and was a key component in protecting Jason Campbell from an Eagle defense that entered the game leading the league in sacks. At one point during Sunday’s game, Washington’s defense was without four starters, but still held the Eagles largely in check after Philadelphia’s opening drive. One other important fact to note: the Redskins remaining division games will all be played at home. Whether it be Washington or Dallas, the second best team in the NFC may end up the five seed in the NFC playoffs if they can’t overtake the Giants for the division crown.

3. Dallas Cowboys (4-1)

The Cowboys might be the most maligned 4-1 team in history. Such is the case when the expectations are nothing less than a Super Bowl triumph, and the roster is as star-studded as Dallas. The Cowboys jumped out to an early 17-0 lead over the winless Bengals before playing poorly for nearly two full quarters. The team woke up in the fourth quarter to preserve a 31-22 victory. After an impressive 3-0 start, the Cowboys have been sloppy on offense the past two weeks. Tony Romo and the rest of the offense needs to work on ball security. Meanwhile, the defense is in the bottom half of the NFL, giving up too many third down conversions while allowing more than 20 points per game. Luckily for the Dallas defense, the league’s most dynamic offense is averaging 30.2 points per game. Led by Tony Romo, the offense is difficult to defend with Marion Barber and rookie phenom Felix Jones on the ground, and the talented but mercurial Terrell Owens and Pro-Bowl tight end Jason Witten through the air. No matter what Dallas does the rest of the season, the soap opera in Dallas will be well-chronicled as the season goes forward.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (2-3)

Perhaps it’s something in the Eagles makeup, but I don’t understand how Philadephia always seems to underperform in big games. Two weeks ago, the Eagles were sitting at an impressive 2-1 despite a heartbreaking loss to Dallas on Monday night in week two. Philadelphia has since dropped two winnable games, culminating Sunday in a defeat against Washington, in which it led 14-0 in the first quarter. With an 0-2 record in the division, the team’s road to the playoffs appears very difficult, despite a healthy Donovan McNabb and the emergence of rookie wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Another developing problem for Philadelphia falls on the foot of David Akers. Andy Reid can’t like his team’s chances of winning close games when his kicker is 3-14 from 40+ yards since the start of the 2007 season. What must be particularly galling for Philadelphia fans is the likelihood that the team would almost certainly make the playoffs if it was in any other division in the NFC. At least the Phillies are taking some of the sting away.

Week 5 was as unpredictable as any other this season: the Colts rally from certain defeat to an inexplicable cover, the Saints get two Reggie Bush punt returns for touchdowns and lose, the Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger gut out a win on the road in Jacksonville without the hint of a running game. When I first looked at last week's slate of games, it looked like a straight-forward week with few chances for upsets. I touched on some of the headlines above but I didn't even mention the Dolphins defeating the Chargers for their second straight win or the Falcons behind rookie QB Matt Ryan getting a win at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. What is going on? This week's matchups on paper lack a headliner much like a week ago except perhaps the Patriots/Chargers game. Expert picks on ESPN.com reflect the seemingly predictable nature of this week's games. For nine of 14 games, the eight pundits either all or all but one of them pick the same team. But what the games thus far in 2008 have shown is that parity continues to flourish in the NFL and that matchups are never as clear cut as they appear on paper. On to the picks...

LAST WEEK: 9 - 5
SEASON: 47 - 23


CHICAGO AT ATLANTA - CHICAGO

I can't fully appreciate what the Falcons are doing because I haven't seen them play very much this season. The only thing I can really go on is their record and their success against teams with poor run defenses. Their wins have come against the 27th- (Packers), 30th- (Lions), and 31st- (Chiefs) ranked rush defenses in the league. Their two losses have come against teams with rush defenses ranked in the top half of the league. The Bears are ranked fourth in the league against the run and as I've been saying about the Falcons, Matt Ryan is not yet capable of carrying the Falcons to a win.

MIAMI AT HOUSTON - HOUSTON

How do the Texans respond after Sage Rosenfels' collapse against the Colts? I have no idea, but I like the way Houston played on defense last Sunday. Holding the Colts to just ten points for nearly 56 minutes impressed me. Steve Slaton looks real solid running the ball and I look for Matt Schaub to lead the Texans to their first win of the season against Miami. What a fall for Sage Rosenfels! He played error-free football for all but the final minutes of the Colts game but his comedy of errors cost him an opportunity at the starting job in Houston.

BALTIMORE AT INDIANAPOLIS - INDIANAPOLIS

With Troy Smith's improving health coinciding with Joe Flacco's recent struggles, Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh squelched any possible quarterback controversy in Baltimore by announcing that Flacco would start the rest of the season. In doing so, Harbaugh mortgages the 2008 season in the hopes of getting Flacco the necessary experience to find success in 2009. I believe that Harbaugh is also sacrificing the best defense Baltimore has had since their Super Bowl season in 2000. I wonder how happy 33-year old Ray Lewis is with the decision.

DETROIT AT MINNESOTA - MINNESOTA

Not much to say about this one, the Lions are horrible. Last week's effort against Chicago was abysmal. And worse, Calvin Johnson, of the District 5 Marauders fantasy football team, had just two catches for 16 yards. Rod Marinelli, I know you're biding your time on head coach death row, but please, get the ball into the hands of your best receiver.

OAKLAND AT NEW ORLEANS - NEW ORLEANS

New Orleans hasn't caught a break all year from the officials: the poor spot on 3rd and 1 in Denver and then the missed facemask call Monday night that cost New Orleans the ball in the red zone. Drew Brees continues to put up numbers comparable to Tom Brady in 2007 but with little fanfare. I am not sure Tom Gable, interim head coach for the Raiders after the ouster of Lane Kiffin, sparks his team on the road to a victory. I don't know what happened in Oakland between Al Davis and Kiffin, but the young head coach seemed to get maximum effort from his players.

CINCINNATI AT NEW YORK JETS - NEW YORK JETS

I am trying to be real careful here in picking this game. I've watched the Bengals play two games in a row that they could have won. And I willingly admit that I haven't given the Jets any credit in 2008. I am taking the Bengals; one of the winless teams get off the schneid...a term that I hear originates from the card game Gin Rummy. UPDATE: Twenty minutes ago, Marvin Lewis announced that Carson Palmer will not play Sunday against the Jets.

CAROLINA AT TAMPA BAY - CAROLINA

The last thirty seconds as they happened in my head:

Ohh, tough game...I don't know...physical game...Tampa at home maybe...I don't trust Jake Delhomme...but do I trust Brian Griese...Yeah, Tampa (typing Tampa Bay)...wait a second...JEFF GARCIA!!!...Tampa Bay??? (out loud)...Carolina.

ST. LOUIS AT WASHINGTON - WASHINGTON

At two different moments this week, I remembered St. Louis was playing Washington this week. On Tuesday when I first thought of the matchup, I picked up the Redskins defense in my fantasy football league. The second time I remembered this matchup was last night at about midnight. I picked up Washington's place kicker Shaun Suisham. I like the Redskins to win on Sunday.

JACKSONVILLE AT DENVER - JACKSONVILLE

This game and my pick proves that I am truly a forgiving person willing to give people and football teams second chances. Watching the Jaguars slowly and painfully lose to the Steelers was laughable. As the game went into the fourth quarter still within Pittsburgh's reach, I just waited impatiently for Ben Roethlisberger to lead the Steelers to an another inevitable "improbable victory." I like Jacksonville's ability to control the clock against Denver who looked sluggish for the second straight week in a victory over Tampa Bay. Denver's offense, which will have to outscore Jacksonville, has slowed down since it's explosive start to the season.

DALLAS AT ARIZONA - DALLAS

I would love to take Arizona here and the Cardinals are a difficult team to play at home. But the Cowboys have too many weapons on offense. It'll be a high-scoring affair but the athleticism on both sides of the ball for Dallas will be the difference. Look for Kurt Warner to put up big numbers but lose a fumble or throw a pick at the most inopportune time (as he is known to do) to cost Arizona a chance to pull the upset.

PHILADELPHIA AT SAN FRANCISCO - PHILADELPHIA

With Brian Westbrook now suffering from two broken ribs, you have to wonder if the Eagles are snake-bitten for the second consecutive season. Donovan McNabb has rarely shown throughout his career an ability to carry the Eagles in the absence of Westbrook. I do think the Eagles have enough offense to get by San Francisco but in the brutal NFC East, this team may not finish better than 8-8.

GREEN BAY AT SEATTLE - GREEN BAY

The NFC West is a refreshing division. No matter how poorly a team plays, they are just one win from contention. I am not even sure you can rule out the Rams yet. Despite Seattle's pathetic performances on the road where they've been outscored 78-16, the Seahawks are just a win and an Arizona loss from being a half game out of first place. Unfortunately, Green Bay is in desperate need of a win and has more talent on the offensive side of the ball than Seattle.

NEW ENGLAND AT SAN DIEGO - SAN DIEGO

At 2-3, San Diego needs a win this week before they head out on the road to Buffalo and then across the pond to London where they'll take on the Saints. But the Chargers haven't played well the last couple weeks. They needed 25 points in the fourth quarter to down Oakland two weeks ago before losing 17-10 in a sloppy game last Sunday in Miami. Meanwhile, the Patriots will play their second straight game on the West Coast after winning against the 49ers 30-21 last week. The Chargers are a better team than San Francisco and will be looking to avenge their AFC title game defeat from January. Matt Cassel will struggle against the Charger defense as San Diego prevails in a close, hard-fought, and physical game.

NEW YORK GIANTS AT CLEVELAND - NEW YORK

So I just typed Cleveland in and I took a moment to compose myself and take a sip of coffee...I should eat breakfast soon. It's nearly 3 p.m. Yup, I have to take the Giants as much as it disheartens me. Even if the Browns play well and have a lead late in the game, it won't be more than a one possession game. And as Browns Beat Writer Tony Grossi said in his podcast earlier this week, there is no way that I see Cleveland's defense stopping the Giants in the fourth quarter with the game on the line. Browns lose a heart-breaker. OR DO THEY???

So a friend of mine contacted me earlier this week, asking for a column about the baseball playoffs. I thought that I ought to oblige her although I am watching this postseason through the lens of last year's playoffs, which involved my Cleveland Indians.

1. Last night, while watching the Angels rally against the Red Sox in the eighth inning while simultaneously witnessing my friend, a die-hard Boston fan, suffer a complete meltdown, I was struck with one overwhelming thought: I am glad I am not experiencing what he is right now. Maybe this is an unrealistic goal, but I hope the next time the Indians are in the playoffs, I can watch in a detached manner. What's the major obstacle to this goal? Die-hard fans watch so many games during the regular season that when the playoffs roll around, the amount of time invested in a team becomes a psychological force so that the team's fortunes dramatically affect the mental state of the die-hard fan.

2. On the subject of the Red Sox, as I said just moments after Jason Bay slid home with the winning run in the ALDS, Boston fans are living a charmed life right now. Despite the fact that Boston has one of the best front offices in baseball and a plethora of talent on the field, results like Monday night's win go beyond talent. There has been an aura around this franchise since October 2004 and it has yet to dissolve, even though as Tom Verducci noted today, the stars from past postseason squads are no longer with the club. Treasure the ride New England.

3. You know the network executives are just praying for a Dodgers/Red Sox matchup in the Fall Classic: two teams with storied traditions, large television markets, and another thing they have in common: a future Hall-of-Famer happened to be traded from one team to the other this season. The Joe Torre-led Dodgers with the red-hot Manny Ramirez against the "scrappy" Red Sox could keep Peter Gammons, Joe Buck, and countless other postseason pundits talking endlessly...for better or worse.

4. Sure, the Brewers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. And yes, C.C. Sabathia didn't pitch well allowing a 300-foot pop fly grand slam to Shane Victorino in Game two. However, I still believe he deserves serious Cy Young consideration in the N.L. Sabathia was the reason the Brewers made the playoffs, going 11-2 in 17 starts with a 1.65 ERA. The Brewers went 14-3 in Sabathia's starts after he was acquired, 11 games over .5oo. In that period, Milwaukee went just 36-29 on days C.C. didn't start. His importance to the Brewers playoff run and his dominance of the N.L. cannot be understated. Are his stats impressive enough to sway voters? We'll see.

5. Though I am not sure the Red Sox are the best team in baseball, I think they'll win the World Series. Tampa Bay is a young team and they'll need to win at least one and I think, probably two games in Boston to defeat the Red Sox in the ALCS. I don't see it. The Boston lineup is filled with hitters that wear down pitchers by working the count. I don't see that same plate discipline for Tampa Bay. Their inexperience will get the best of them and Boston will take advantage winning the series in 6 games. As for the Dodgers or Phillies, Boston will have homefield advantage and are just too fundamentally sound to be defeated by teams that don't have the pitching depth to overcome the Sox lineup.