Playoff Overtime

The NFL competition committee will propose a new playoff overtime format at the league meetings later this month.  Under the new rules a touchdown would end the game immediately, but if a field goal is scored then the opposing team would be given one possession to try and tie with a field goal or win the game with a touchdown.  If the opposing team ties the game then the overtime period continues and the next team to score wins the game.  Are you still with me?  It’s a never-before-proposed amendment to the sudden death format that has been in place since 1974.  Some speculate that this new proposal is due to the fact that Brett Favre never touched the ball in the Viking’s overtime loss to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Saints. 

I don’t have a huge problem with the current sudden death format, but nothing chaps my ass more than when a kicker decides a hard-fought, smash-mouth football game.  Kicking, while critical, is such a small part of the game.  No one wants to see two teams battle it out for 60 minutes only to have the game come down to a 160 pound kicker. 

I’m intrigued by this new proposal.  I think it could work and would be a much better solution than the stat-inflating college format. 

Running backs

The halfback position is as important as ever in today’s NFL, but the emphasis on the individuals playing the position is fading.  The NFL is transitioning away from superstar backs like Barry Sanders, who posted top five production in every season of his decade-long career.  Smart teams will no longer draft running backs in the top ten or give them huge paydays, because they can get comparable production with a sold offensive line and two slightly above average backs.  Why do you think the Jets aren’t willing to renegotiate the contact of Thomas Jones, who rushed for 1,402 yards in 2009?  Because they realize the leverage they have on their bench with Leon Washington and Shonn Greene.  Greene and Washington might go on to have long and productive careers, but the better odds are that they will fall in with the likes of Natrone Means, Chris Warren, Dorsey Levens, Jamal Anderson, Deuce McAllister, etc. etc. etc.  These are backs that shined for a few short years and then faded just as fast as their ascent to the spotlight.  Gone are the days when backs like Clinton Portis can cash in with record setting contracts.  Smart teams are going to opt for more economical options. 

I’m not suggesting that there aren’t any elite backs out there that shouldn’t get a pay day.  All I’m saying is that I would think twice before parking a dump truck of money in front of Chris Johnson’s house if I was the Tennessee Titans.  Smarter investors are going to be buying stocks in quarterbacks, left tackles, and pass rushing defensive linemen/outside linebackers. 

Eric Berry

Young Mr. Berry had this to say when compared to safety Ed Reed, “I think it’s a fair comparison based on potential.”  Berry went onto say, “Obviously Ed Reed has done a lot more than me in the NFL, but I feel like I can do some of the same things he has done.  If you look at our track records and compare them, you can see that I’m on pace to be Ed Reed or better.”

First of all, shut up.  I hate canned PC responses as much as the next guy, but this kid needs to show some humility.  “Ed Reed has done a lot more than me in the NFL…”  In eight seasons Ed Reed has 46 interceptions, 381 tackles, nine touchdowns, the record for longest INT return, and a Defensive MVP trophy.  Eric Berry has never step onto an NFL field. 

Berry also told reporters that he should be the top pick in this year’s draft and that he is the best player.  Berry is probably the best overall player in the draft and he has a lot of potential, but potential isn’t worth anything.  There have been tons of NFL busts with boatloads of potential.  I hope his desire is half as big as his ego. 

~ Pat Cary

1) Adrian Peterson is the most overrated Running Back in football. That’s the 4th time this year I’ve seen him fumble in a big spot. He holds the ball like he’s palming a basketball. I think Chester Taylor (when given a chance) isn’t that far off from A.P. as blasphemous as that sounds. Not to mention of those 4 fumbles I mentioned, 2 occurred on the goal line. I think he has something like 9 fumbles lost this year which is a joke.

He’s the type of back who really averages about 3 Yards Per Carry and then will have 1 or 2 long runs a game and everyone thinks he’s this unreal back. Good for you, Adrian, that you’re big enough to run people over. I love how we give him a “c’mon man” on primetime for hits like the one on William Gay earlier in the year (a game they lost) but, no one ever brings up how limited his capabilities are. He’s a homerun hitter, plain and simple. He’d be better suited as a 13-15 touch a game guy when the defense is tired as opposed to an every down back. 3 YPC is awful.  

Here’s a list of guys who, at this exact moment, are better than A.P.

*Chris Johnson, MJD, Thomas Jones, Frank Gore, Ray Rice, Ronnie Brown, Ryan Grant, Michael Turner (when healthy), Steven Jackson

That’s 9 guys I would put in front of him. Argue all you want but, the Vikings are much better when they rely on the pass more than the run.

2) Brad Childress is about the worst in game coach in the league and, just as A.P. is the most overrated back, Childress is one of the most overrated coaches. I don’t blame Favre for wanting to run the offense. Who calls a running play (the one in the 3rd quarter) at the 7 yard line when Brett has just torched that secondary. It allowed the Bears to make personnel changes and, they clearly knew a running play was coming, hell Rich Kotite knew a running play was coming. The next play Favre spreads the offense out again and, lo and behold, a passing TD and 6 points follow.

Let’s also not forget that Childress was hell bent on running the football time and time again in the first half when it clearly wasn’t working. It was almost like he wanted to show Brett who’s boss. Guess what Brad…Brett’s boss. If not for him, you would probably have an 8-8 team and be out of a job instead of signing your fat extension.

The Vikings special teams are also horrible. This is a team with a handpicked, Brad Childress coordinator. It’s been a problem all year and now, they give up 3 huge run backs and have an extra point blocked which would have won them the game. Not only did they give up 3 big returns but, to 2 different players (Manning and Knox)…that’s an absolute joke and, to me, if you’re going to can kickers in season, why not can your special teams coordinator who clearly has no clue on how to coach. Special teams is simply about getting some of your best athletes on the field and having them maintain their lanes. How hard is it to get them to do that?

3) Is anyone else salivating at the possibility that the Vikings and Packers may very well meet in the first round of the playoffs now?

~ Tim Rescigno

MVP: Peyton Manning (Colts)

What more can you say about Peyton when many are considering this year to be his finest body of work thus far. Chris Johnson may actually make this a closer race than Drew Brees when all is said and done though. He’ll go over the 1,000 Yard mark in his next game and we’re only at the halfway point. Peyton, though, is succeeding with a whole new cast of characters around.

Honorable Mentions – Chris Johnson (Titans), Drew Brees (Saints), Brett Favre (Vikings), Dwight Freeney (Colts)

Offensive Player of the Year: Chris Johnson (Titans)

See Above

Honorable Mentions – Drew Brees (Saints), Brett Favre (Vikings), Cedric Benson (Bengals), Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals)

Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Freeney (Colts)

While everyone is on the Jared Allen bandwagon (and rightfully so), Dwight Freeney is having, arguably, the best season of his career. His 9.5 Sacks are good for 4^th in the league and, no matter who you throw on him this season, he remains as un-blockable as ever. Peyton is their best player but, Dwight is a close number 2. Don’t count Darren Sharper out of this race just yet though.

Honorable Mentions – Jared Allen (Vikings), Darren Sharper (Saints), Elvis Dumervil (Broncos), Patrick Willis (49ers)

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Johnny Knox (Bears)

While everyone was on the Mark Sanchez bandwagon, all Johnny Knox has done is lead Rookie Wideouts in Receptions, Yards, TD’s and also has become a phenomenal kick returner having already returned 1 for a TD and coming close on a few others. With only 3 games under his belt, watch out for Crabtree though…he has 14 Catches for 167 Yards in his short career.

Honorable Mentions – Mark Sanchez (Jets), Michael Crabtree (49ers), Knowshon Moreno (Broncos), Beanie Wells (Cardinals)

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jairus Byrd (Bills)

Byrd isn’t just the best rookie you haven’t heard of but, possibly the best player. He’s tied for the lead league in Interceptions on a really bad team. Cushing is a close second as he has remained in the Top 5 in tackles all year and is simply a playmaker.

Honorable Mentions – Brian Cushing (Texans), James Laurinaitis (Rams), Brian Orakpo (Redskins), Clay Matthews (Packers)

Comeback Player of the Year: Cedric Benson (Bengals)

After being cut from the Bears at the beginning of last season, Benson looked like he was on the fast track to Lawrence Phillipsville. With all due respect to Tom Brady, take a look at who’s number 2 in the NFL in rushing on a Division Leading Squad. His two 100+ Yard performances against the vaunted Ravens defense are the first time that has happened in a single season since Jerome Bettis back in 1997.

Honorable Mentions – Tom Brady (Patriots), Kyle Orton (Bears), Willis McGahee (Ravens), Jeremy Shockey (Saints)

Executive of the Year: Mike Brown, Owner/Pete Brown Senior Executive V.P. of Player Personnel (Bengals)

These guys have drafted incredibly well for the past 4 years picking guys such as Leon Hall, Jonathan Joseph, Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga. Add MVP Candidate, Cedric Benson, Laveranues Coles and tough running back Brian Leonard to the mix and, all of a sudden, you have not only the formula to make the playoffs but, be successful in them. Heck, after a pre-season barrage of injuries to their TE Corp, the Bengals picked up J.P. Foschi, out of obscurity, to be their top Tight End. He’s come on lately as one of their top 3^rd down targets and was working at home on Long Island for the past 3 years until the Bengals gave him a call in August.

LVP (Least Valuable Player): Jake Delhomme (Panthers)

Sorry Jake, I’ve always been a big fan but, this would be a playoff team with even so much as a middle of the pack QB running the show. You could also make a case for this award going to anyone behind center in Cleveland.

Worst Off-Season Hire: Eric Mangini (Browns)

How to send an already bad Franchise into further peril…

Step 1: Hire a coach from an organization who hasn’t won a thing since 1969 and who alienated players and fans alike.

Step 2: Put him in a different colored hat on the sidelines in Ohio.

Step 3: 2-14?

NFC:

1) Saints (15-1)…NFC South Winner
2) Vikings (13-3)…NFC North Winner
3) Cowboys (11-5)…NFC East Winner
4) Cardinals (10-6)…NFC West Winner
5) Falcons (10-6)…Wild Card
6) Eagles (10-6)…Wild Card

Last 4 out: Giants (9-7), Bears (8-8), Packers (8-8) Panthers (7-9)

AFC:

1) Colts (14-2)…AFC South Winner
2) Patriots (12-4)…AFC East Winner
3) Steelers (11-5)…AFC West Winner
4) Broncos (11-5)…AFC North Winner
5) Bengals (11-5)…Wild Card
6) Chargers (10-6)…Wild Card

Last 4 out: Texans (10-6), Ravens (9-7), Jaguars (9-7), Titans (7-9)

Playoffs:

NFC:
Round 1: Cowboys over Eagles, Falcons over Cardinals
Round 2: Saints over Falcons, Vikings over Cowboys
NFC Title Game: Vikings over Saints

AFC:
Round 1: Steelers over Chargers, Bengals over Broncos
Round 2: Bengals over Colts, Steelers over Patriots
AFC Title Game: Steelers over Bengals

Super Bowl: Vikings 23 over Steelers 20

~ Tim Rescigno, JAS NFL Correspondent