Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears

129 Interceptions and Fumbles in 72 Games
109 Touchdowns Thrown, 61.2 Completion Percentage, 84.0 Quarterback Rating
36-36 Record

When the Denver Broncos selected Cutler in the first round of the 2006 draft, they thought they had their quarterback of the future. Especially after he made the Pro Bowl in 2008.

Then the Broncos suddenly traded him to the Chicago Bears for quarterback Kyle Orton, first- and third-round selections in 2009, and a first-round pick in 2010. The reviews on Cutler have been mixed since.

His first year in Chicago saw Cutler lead the NFL in interceptions thrown. While he reduced his number of interceptions in 2010, Cutler led the league in number of times sacked and yards lost off those sacks. Though his turnovers decreased, Cutler threw an interceptions seemingly every game with a 4.1 interception percentage with the Bears.

While Cutler led the Bears to the 2010 NFC Championship Game last year, he still throws a ton of interceptions. He also endured a wrath of criticism for taking himself out of that championship game after spraining his MCL, even though Bears head coach Lovie Smith stated he made the decision to take bench Cutler.

Cutler hasn't really justified that big trade yet, and he has already tossed four interceptions this year. The plus side is that he is entering the second year under offensive coordinator Mike Mart's system.

The down side is that the Chicago offensive line has been horrendous at times.. If they improve, giving Cutler more time to throw, perhaps he quarterback will decrease his turnover rate and show Bears fans why their team mortgaged so much of their future on his arm.






Donovan McNabb, Minnesota Vikings




215 Interceptions and Fumbles in 165 Games
234 Touchdowns Thrown, 58.9 Completion Percentage, 85.6 Quarterback Rating
97-61-1 Record

It wasn't long ago quite a few thought McNabb was headed for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day, especially after earning his sixth Pro Bowl in 2009. Then the wheels came off.

After being the second overall pick of the 1999 draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, he started six games as a rookie. McNabb then proceeded to carry the franchise on his back the next decade. He is the Eagles all-time leader in career wins, pass attempts, pass completions, passing yards, and passing touchdowns by a quarterback.

He was then traded to the Washington Redskins before the 2010 season, where he ended up being benched for the final three weeks of the season. Not only were there whispers that his productive playing days were over, some claimed he was out of shape and couldn't grasp the new offensive system he was playing under.

Washington decided to trade McNabb to the Minnesota Vikings at the end of the season. He has continued to struggle, as have the Vikings, to an 0-4 record so far in 2011.

His quarterback rating not only has gone down the past two years, but the 15 interceptions McNabb threw last year was a career high mark. He will be 35-years old soon, but some critics are wondering if his days as an NFL starter are about to end sooner than expected.

McNabb has endured his share of criticism since being drafted. Not only did a bunch of fans boo his selection that day, but he has had critics question his competence. McNabb has handled everything with dignity and class, and his selection in 1999 rivals Champ Bailey and possibly Torry Holt as the best first round draft pick that year.

If Father Time has indeed caught up with McNabb, he won't go down without a fight. He still ranks ranks fourth best all-time in career interception percentage in NFL history. He was the NFC Offensive Player of the Year after leading Philadelphia to Super Bowl XXXIX.

History shows quarterbacks nearing the end of great careers mostly never turn it on again, but people like Kurt Warner, Y.A. Tittle and others have showed it does happen. McNabb, who last year said he wanted to play for many more years, and the Vikings certainly hope he has some greatness left in him.






Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers




91 Interception and Fumbles in 58 Games
55 Touchdowns Thrown, 57.7 Completion Percentage, 73.8 Quarterback Rating
22-32 Record

Ever since Smith was the first overall draft pick in 2005, he has been on most lists as the worst starting quarterback in the NFL. He was probably put on the field too early, but the 49ers could not afford to give him time to sit and learn his position.

Yet Smith has only lasted a full year at starter once so far. He also may be running out of chances to be the starter, especially since the raw and athletic Colin Kaepernick was drafted this year. It hasn't always been Smith's fault that he he has yet to show why San Francisco drafted him, because he has been sacked 142 times in his career.

With the best receivers at his disposel in his career, Smith's 2011 season has seen him complete a career best 67.3 percent of his passes so far. He also has tossed just one interception, despite having no running game so far. New head coach Jim Harbaugh, a former NFL quarterback, has had a positive impact as the 49ers shot out to a 3-1 record.

Sometimes it takes a quarterback a few years to learn and get it all down. Canton has men like Len Dawson, Dan Fouts, Bart Starr and others as proof. So there is still a chance Smith can end up having a career comparable to those legends.







Tavaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks




44 Interceptions and Fumbles in 40 Games
29 Touchdowns Thrown, 59.3 Completion Percentage, 77.2 Quarterback Rating
11-13 Record

Jackson was drafted in second round of the 2006 draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He ended up starting in 19 games his first three season, but stayed on the bench mostly behind Brett Favre the next two.

He left Minnesota after 2010 and signed a contract with the Seattle Seahawks. Jackson not only has good receivers like Mike Williams and Kevin Boss, he rejoined former Vikings teammate Sidney Rice.

It is his first season in a new system, as well as the first time in his career he is the anointed starter. He already has five touchdown passes, which means he will pass his career high of nine soon if he stays healthy. But Jackson has already tossed four interceptions as well, which has helped the 1-3 Seahawks rank 29th in scoring so far in 2011.

Since Seattle can't seem to get their rushing attack going yet, they will rely heavily on Jackson. After being played too early at the beginning of his career, he should be as ready as he might ever be. Jackson's entire career has been played under offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, so system familiarity will not be a reason to hold him back.







Rex Grossman, Washington Redskins




71 Interceptions and Fumbles in 45 Games
46 Touchdowns Thrown, 54.6 Completion Percentage, 71.8 Quarterback Rating
23-15 Record

The Chicago Bears used a first round draft pick on Grossman in 2003. He did start seven games in his first three seasons, but the Bears started him all of 2006. He played decently as the Bears defense led the team to a Super Bowl before losing.

He lost his starting game after seven games the next year, and was released by Chicago after 2007. After sitting on the Houston Texans bench for a season, he followed offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan to the Washington Redskins and ended up starting the final three games of 2010.

He is now the starter, but it may not be for long. Grossman still makes innumerous mistakes every game he plays, often forcing passes that often hit the defenders in the chest. Though he is in his ninth season, Grossman often plays like a rookie who has had minimal experience at the quarterback position.

With his high turnover rate, it will be interesting to see how long the Redskins will put up with him. They are a team rebuilding, but their 2011 schedule has had some luck in the fact that Washington has faced opponents bereft by injuries already.

At their current 3-1 record, it may be unlikely Grossman is benched even though the media has begun whispers a change is on the Redskins horizon. If this happens, it is probably the last legitimate shot Grossman will have as a starting quarterback in the NFL.







Mark Sanchez, New York Jets




63 Interceptions and Fumbles in 35 Games
35 Touchdowns Thrown, 54.5 Completion Percentage, 71 Quarterback Rating
21-14 Record

Some fair-weathered fans might not like this selection of a guy who played college ball at USC, where he won a national championship, then has led a New York team a game within the Super Bowl each season since the Jets drafted him in the first round of the 2009 draft.

They basically gave up a second round draft pick to the Cleveland Browns, along with three players no longer in Cleveland, to get a player who became the first rookie quarterback to start for the franchise since their inaugural season. Both critics and fans of Sanchez have pointed to his lack of collegiate experience since that day.

Being a player in a fish bowl like New York is a double-edged sword. While a player may be severely overhyped much of the time, every move made is also met with scrutiny. Sanchez has handled this situation well so far.

Some call him a newer version of Trent Dilfer, a quarterback who once rode the Baltimore Ravens running game and defense to a title in 2000. The Jets are similar to that Ravens team in that their rushing game and defense is the main reason they reached the AFC Championship the previous two years.

Sanchez still makes a ton of mistakes, but he is in just his third season and was never allowed to sit and learn his position because of the $50 million he was given in 2009. But the Jets are winning, and that is all that matters at the end of the day. No matter who is manning the quarterback position.






Eli Manning, New York Giants




153 Interceptions and Fumbles in 109 Games
162 Touchdowns Thrown, 58.2 Completions Percentage, 81.1 Quarterback Rating
63-44 Record, Super Bowl XLII Champion and MVP

Manning made a few waves before he even played in the NFL after the San Diego Chargers used the first pick of the 2004 draft on him. Refusing to play with the Chargers, he was dealt to the New York Giants for Philip Rivers.

Manning started seven games as a rookie, splitting the duties with veteran Kurt Warner. The Giants were encouraged enough by Manning's performance to allow Warner to move on to the Arizona Cardinals.

While Rivers has gone to three Pro Bowls, as opposed to one for Manning, the Chargers have yet to reach a Super Bowl. Manning, despite leading the NFL in interceptions thrown in 2007, rode a strong rushing attack and smothering defense to Super Bowl XLII.

In a game most remember for a 32-yard prayer Manning heaved to David Tyree, who snagged the ball with one hand, the quarterback was awarded the Super Bowl MVP after two short fourth quarter touchdown passes helped New York win 17-14. That is enough legacy for most quarterbacks to hang their hat on.

Manning has two areas that both greatly help and sometimes detract from his true abilities. While playing in the fish bowl called New York, he is the little brother of future Hall of Famer Petyon Manning. His family has a rich legacy that carries him and often shades the reality of his skills.

Manning is coming off a 2010 season where he led the NFL in interceptions thrown for the second time in his seven seasons. Now entering his eighth year, he has thrown just two so far despite having several teammates hurt and many changes made to the Giants roster.

He may be the third best NFL quarterback in his own family, but Manning believes he is an elite player. That confidence will hopefully increase his completion percentage while reducing a high turnover rate.








Jason Campbell, Oakland Raiders




94 Interceptions and Fumbles in 69 Games
72 Touchdowns Thrown, 61.1 Completion Percentage, 83 Quarterback Rating
29-39 Record

It has been a wild ride since Campbell began playing college football. It seems he has played in a new system under a new offensive coordinator annually. He has also played behind some porous offensive lines, leaving him vulnerable to being frequently hit.

Since being drafted in the first round of the 2005 draft by the Washington Redskins, Campbell has been inundated with tons of plays by several different coaches. He has been reunited with offensive coordinator Al Saunders this year, a man Campbell played under the first two seasons of his career.

After starting seven games as a rookie, Campbell has basically started since. He has proven to be pretty tough and durable over this time. He was making progress in Washington, but ended up getting traded for a fourth-round pick to the Oakland Raiders after the Redskins signed free agent Donovan McNabb.

He was benched by since fired head coach Tom Cable for three games, all of which Oakland lost, before coming back to lead the Raiders to their best record since 2002. While the Raiders rushing attack has been the star of this team, Campbell has tried to work hard and develop a repertoire with his young wide receivers.

It may seem Campbell has been around forever, but he will be only 30-years old soon. Oakland is headed in a good direction and have the right man for the quarterback job, but must get better play from the blockers and receivers to help him out.








Chad Henne, Miami Dolphins




37 Interceptions in 36 Games
31 Touchdowns Thrown, 60.7 Completion Percentage, 75.7 Quarterback Rating
13-18 Record

Henne was drafted by the Dolphins in the second round of the 2008 draft. After sitting on the bench as a rookie, he has started since. The results have been mixed.

While Henne's progress has slightly been slowed by the single-wing formation, also called "Wild Cat," his team frequently ran the first two years of his career, he also continues to make mistakes in his reads. Miami got him an upgrade of receivers to throw to, but his completion percentage had shown no improvement.

Despite having a good size and strong arm, his ability to check down to secondary receivers and not force passes to covered receivers has held Henne back. After having veteran coach Dan Henning teach him at the beginning of his career, Henne is now in his first season under Brian Daboll as his offensive coordinator.

With head coach Tony Sparano seemingly in his last season with the team, Henne appears to likely to have a new coaching staff in his future. Whether that is with the Dolphins or not will be determined later, as will be his future as a starting quarterback in this league.







Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos



10 Games Played and Four Turnovers
11 Touchdowns Thrown or Rushed, 50 Completion Percentage, 82.1 Quarterback Rating
1-2 Record

How can such an untested youngster make this list? When he is an overhyped entity, courtesy of the media and zealots whose view of him extends beyond the gridiron.

Critics say Tebow is basically a fullback at this stage of his career, and Denver has run him 44 times already in a career that started last season after the Broncos used a first round pick to acquire him. Despite a terrible 2011 preseason that obviously showed he isn't ready, his legion of fans cry his name all game.

The media has peppered Denver head coach John Fox with more Tebow questions than questions about the Broncos team, exacerbating the hype. Even with the Broncos coaches and players showing support for starting quarterback Kyle Orton, the media and a few fans keep harping on Tebow.

  

So the 2011 Free Agent Frenzy has died down some for the NFL by now. There still are a few excellent players available, but the big push has ended.

This is a review on how teams did.

Note : Be sure to watch the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony this Sunday, where Chris Hanburger finally goes in. My ego tells me that I had a small part in that long overdue respect.

Happy Birthday YouGabSports!! Could David Meggett go all the way?? When is a $40 million guaranteed contract not worth $40 million?? When will College Football players learn?? Football at Wrigley and Yankee Stadium. Is that all? Maybe. You’ll have to find out inside this edition of Rants and Raves.

As ESPN’s Chris Berman would say “Look at the little Meggett Go!!” Look at him go all the way to jail for 30 years. Another stupid football player doing a senseless crime. A South Carolina court convicted Meggett on charges of criminal sexual conduct and burglary. David’s lawyers are going to appeal. This isn’t the first time, nor the second time that the former Giant, Jet and Patriot has had sexual encounter problems. In 1998, Meggett was arrested after he assaulted an escort worker in Toronto. The trial ended in a hung jury. Then, four years later, he was accused of sexually assaulting his former girlfriend in North Carolina. He received two years probation. Some people just can’t learn.

Common now. First the Skins sit Donovan McNabb down because he couldn’t handle the two-minute drill. Then they sign the quarterback to a five-year, $78 million contract with a reported $40 million guaranteed. But wait, It gets worse. The skins get humiliated at home by the Philadelphia Eagles, 59-28. On the heels of the loss, the Skins are reporting that they have an op-out at the end of this season that would pay McNabb only $3.5 million bonus if they cut ties with Donovan. It this a love/hate relationship between McNabb and Coach Mike Shanahan?

Three Southern Mississippi football players were involved in a shooting outside a Hattiesburgh nightclub parking lot. Linebacker Martez Smith is paralyzed from the waist down from a shot to his spinal cord. His teammates, Tim Green can’t talk after being shot in the neck and Derrick Jones was shot in the chest. All are in fair condition.

This weekend, Yankee Stadium and Wrigley Field will be hosts to college football. Yankee Stadium will be hosting Notre Dame versus Army while Wrigley will host Northwestern and Illinois. Wow, a new way to generate money for the Yankees and Cubs.

Did the Florida Marlins just throw away the 2012 season? Why in the world did they trade Dan Uggla to their Division rivals Atlanta Braves? Uggla, 154 homeruns in 5 seasons, gives the Braves the power hitter they desperately need. In return, the Marlins only got utility-man Omar Infante and pitcher Mike Dunn. Omar had a great season, hitting .321 with 8 homeruns and 47 RBIs. Dunn was 2-0 in 25 games with a 1.85 ERA.

Speaking of the Marlins, they really have started to shake things up with their team. Beside getting rid of Uggla, Florida sent the two primary players in the deal with Detroit for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis packing. Cameron Maybin went to San Diego in exchange for RHP Edward Mujica and RHP Ryan Webb, while Andrew Jones was sent to Boston in exchange for LHP Dustin Richardson.

Tiger Woods is in the news. He wrote an article for Newsweek. In it he says, “It made me think that if I was successful in golf, then I was invincible. Now I know that, no matter how tough or strong we are, we all need to rely on others." Tiger also says “Golf is a self-centered game, in ways good and bad. So much depends on one's own abilities. But for me, that self-reliance made me think I could tackle the world by myself."

Happy Birthday to YouGabSports. I didn’t realize that I have been a member since October of 2009. I posted several blogs from October until the end of December. Then for some reason I stopped. Then, with the end of SN near, I jumped ship (not good for a retired Navy man) in August 2010, and reconnected with YouGabSports. I am proud to say I‘m here for good. I would like to thank everyone for making me feel at home, in particular, Sully, fragnoli, sfelber9 (a fellow Cuse fan) and TheBeezer.

Pictures by: David Meggett - kimoracochran.com, Donovan McNabb - portscasm.com, Martez Smith - media.onsugar.com, Yankee Stadium - students.ou.edu/K/Gabrielle.D.Kellogg-1, Wrigley Field - destination360.com, YouGabSports - YouGabSports 

Yes people, The Gab is another year older...There were many doubters...A whole lot of Sporting News folks who had a bug up their asses about this place...Many who said it wouldn't last...How's Sporting News working out for ya?  Oh yeah...Dead and gone!  Many hated on us because we aren't politically correct...They loved to say how the only thing The Gab had was, the freedom swear in our blogs...Yes, we have the freedom to say FUCK, and so much more...

 Yes, we say fuck...We post pictures of woman wearing almost nothing, and we talk sports...Hell, sometimes we talk about other shit...Anything that's got us fired up...I can even post videos of Comedic Genius, Bill Burr, talking about women being assholes...

 We know exactly who he's talking about!

 There have been some who have tried follow in The Gab's footsteps, but they can't come close...I have to ask them, "Are you sad? Are you holding yourself, locked in your room?"

Oh, I should just let OLP handle that...

So a couple years ago, on November 17th, Steve started this site up, called his pal Sully, and the wheels started turning...They got Frag involved as the guy behind the curtain...SN members trickled in, and my buddy B-Dub pestered me for a month, and eventually got me to bring my talents here...That is, if you consider ranting and raving, and posting pictures of hot women, talents...Thanks guys for giving us this little tavern to talk sports, and shit...

Speaking of sports, let me drop a little bit in here...I saw a great tweet last night from Adam_Schefter ..."So if Donovan McNabb is worth $78 million, what is Michael Vick worth?"

That's a hell of a point...They way the two have played, Vick has looked better...A lot better...Oh, and he's younger...If Vick keeps playing at this level, and stays healthy, and doesn't kill any dogs...He's going to make a shit-ton of cash!

We all know LeBron James is a douche, but Monday evening I saw THIS ...Looks like Ms. Savannah Brinson had some smart lawyer in her ear...Although she probably could have gotten more...Then there is teh whole Kim Kardashian thing...Listen "King James", that gash is no Queen...She's one of the sports world's top cum buckets...What the hell is he thinking...Oh yeah, he's made it clear he doesn't do much of that...Now go cry about playing too many minutes, douchebag...

But enough of this...It's Hump Day...Let's get to the important stuff...

Last week's winner was Alana...

 So this week we'll she how she does against some stiff competition...On this Fall Hump Day, which of these ladies would most like lay the wood to...

A. Alana

 B. Kassie

  C. Laura

 As always, read and Respond...And remember, if you've got time to waste, The Gab will be here...

Later, The Beeze.

For more than a decade, the media has a tendency to overly promote and overrate the most overrated position in the NFL. The quarterback of today is more robotic than legendary, relying on a coach to tell him exactly what to do every play through means of telecommunications.

With rules pandering to them at every action possible, a quarterback no longer has to use his brains and show hid football IQ.No longer do they call their own plays, for the most part. Few are allowed to actually play football anymore, relying on what they were taught and have leaned.

Still, the media pushes them on the public with hopes of adoration so the public will buy the accessories sold at concession stands to keep the dream alive. This has led to banner headlines for a few who have failed to deliver the promise yet. This list of underachievers include Brett Favre, Matt Schaub, Matthew Stafford, Alex Smith, Jay Cutler, Jake Delhomme, and more.

Donovan McNabb may head the list of some who expected more from him so far. Expecting a backlash of an embarrassing trade from a team he carried over a decade to a long time divisional rival, McNabb has been let down more than he has disappointed.

From below mediocre play from his offensive line, to battered offensive tackles and running backs, to deceitful and dishonest coaches, it appears likely McNabb will be looking for another team next season after the impending players lock out is resolved. Though he says he plans to be a Redskin next year, McNabb still is without a contract or even an offer to play in Washington beyond 2010.

But no one knows what the back up plan is for the Redskins if McNabb leaves even with a contract offer due to the disrespect he has incurred by coaches who supposedly wanted him as the signal caller just a few months ago.

Rex Grossman is listed as the second stringer, but he is not an NFL caliber quarterback. Grossman needs a great defense and running game to look almost decent, like he did in Chicago for just one season in 2006. A year that saw him benched at one point due to sub par play.

In his first play of 2010, Grossman stayed true to his previous form by promptly fumbling the ball and watching it returned for a touchdown. The third stringer is journeyman John Beck, who is on his third team since 2007. Neither of these quarterbacks are building blocks of the future for even a UFL, CFL, or Arena team.

Added to the fact Washington has no quarterbacks on the practice squad developing, the future at this position is as bright as a mud puddle and it is very foreseeable none of the 2010 quarterbacks will be on the team next year.

Washington should consider getting one young quarterback to develop in case this happens, and there is one buried on a taxi squad right now. Nate Davis, of the San Francisco 49ers, was drafted last season and has had a few promising moments in preseason.

He came out after his junior season, but fell to the fifth round because teams were concerned about his dyslexia. Standing six foot two inches and weighing 225 lbs, Davis has had a few moments that showed why he was considered a second round prospect by some by displaying good arm strength and intangibles conducive to winning.

Taking a player off another teams practice squad would not cost the Redskins a player nor draft pick. Since Beck serves no real purpose rotting on the bench, taking a flier on a young quarterback to see if he can have a future to develop the last eight weeks of the season is a situation where no one loses.

If he shows promise, then Washington can at least have a little more reason to relax if none of the quarterbacks on this years roster returns. The Redskins will not be in a good enough draft position to draft a top college quarterback next year, unless they gamble by trading away too much in order to move up.

If Davis shows no promise, then they basically have the same dead weight that Grossman and Beck currently carry. Risking no future to develop while spitting in the face of the starter who becomes a free agent in a few months is a crazy gamble that no one in their right mind would plan out. Washington may now end up trying to overpay McNabb even more to bring him back, and there are no guarantees he will.

There are also no guarantees the Redskins will draft or sign a free agent next year capable of starting with success. They already have hinted at their desperation to this situation by asking JaMarcus Russell to work out for them last week. Russell is a lazy, uninterested flop the Oakland Raiders unfortunately wasted the first pick of the 2007 draft on before finally parting ways with him a couple of months back.

Redskins fans nervously await to see what their team has planned for 2011 at quarterback, because the team has shown no indication of a thought towards the matter yet. Confusion has taken over with head coach Mike Shanahan lying to the media, while his son continues to call poor plays that offer McNabb no real help.

When the Shanahan's tried to claim McNabb didn't know the playbook, that spoke more on them than him. It showed poor coaching, because no respectable coach would allow a player to start at any position unprepared. It also shows a lack of work ethic by the coaches. Last years head coach, Jim Zorn, may have been overmatched, but he had his players knowing what plays were being called.

Now is the time to act, instead of meander like the present pace. Either get a quarterback to develop or throw some trust in McNabb. If things stay the way they are now until seasons end, Mike Shanahan will have shown little improvement over Zorn whatever the teams record ends up as.. Something owner Dan Snyder did not pay $15 million for.




Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Two of the many erratic NFL teams this season. Both are capable of blowing each other out. While both teams run the ball well, neither is especially impressive on defense.

Jaguars quarterback David Garrard has been playing better as of late, and both of these .500 teams need to win to have realistic playoff dreams. Indianapolis sits with Tennessee over them in the division, so a loss here can quell aspirations.

It may come down to the passing game, but Houston's best receiver and tight end are hobbled. With both starting quarterbacks having tossed seven interceptions already, that may make a difference.

Jaguars 27 Texans 17







Tennessee Titans @ Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins 2010 season took quite a bad blow with a loss last week. Another loss may well be considered the final nail to the coffin holding post season aspirations, now barely on life support.

Tennessee's 26th ranked passing offense gets a much needed boost from the addition of wide receiver Randy Moss, especially after the promising Kenny Britt went down with a bad hamstring injury.

The starting quarterbacks will be in the spotlight here. The running games on both sides are well known and respected, but the passing games are not been consistent. Miami's Chad Pennington will need to be especially sharp attacking the Titans 23rd ranked passing defense, after surprisingly being named the starter this week.

Act of desperation by Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano?

Dolphins 23 Titans 17







Cincinnati Bengals @ Indianapolis Colts

The Bengals season is over, as most said it was the day the paired perennial jackasses Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco together. Though the dynamic duds have decent stats, it comes at the expense of the offense and quarterback Carson Palmer showed he was more submissive to the malcontents than a leader. It still isn't enough, because Ochocinco was last heard whining about being double teamed a few days ago.

Indianapolis should not be winning, yet they are. With seemingly half the roster injured, they are seemingly scooping guys off the unemployment line for quarterback Peyton Manning to throw to and succeeding. This may be the best season he has ever had.

Cincinnati has an excellent pair of young cornerbacks, yet both have had an off year. Though their defense isn't great at stopping the run, the Colts are playing with not much depth because of injuries. Manning will have to carry his team again.

Colts 34 Bengals 23







Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears

The Vikings went from contenders to crybaby losers in eight weeks. They now got idiots crying to the media about how much they hate their head coach instead of keeping it in-house and resolving it. Call this attention whore act the "Brett Favre Effect".

Yet they are sitting in a fork in the road that can easily lead them to a revival. A win Sunday has them a step closer to revival, though their future schedule will not be an easy task. This game will pretty much rest on the erratic arm of Favre, coming off his best game in this season.

For as much trouble as Chicago has had offensively, a win here vaults them into first place. They don't run the ball much, so the Vikings secondary has to be ready. Though they are the tenth best pass defense in the NFL in yards allowed, there is also a lack of interceptions and sacks so far.

Minnesota can get well real fast against a suspect Bears offensive line, but Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler was brought in, for a load of draft picks, to win these type of games. Yet it will have to be their defense that wins it as usual, as the 29th ranked offense may have issues against the Vikings fifth ranked defense.

Vikings 27 Bears 13






Detroit Lions @ Buffalo Bills

Too bad the late great author George Plimpton can't sue Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford for plagiarizing his "Paper Lion" shtick. He could give all that unearned money Stafford is pocketing, and give it back to the team while forcing a drop in ticket prices.

Stafford is probably gone for the year again, just like last year, because of injuries. Detroit has given him $50 million of guaranteed money for 13 games, 19 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions over two years. Move over JaMarcus Russell, we have the poster boy for a needed salary cap on rookies about to become the biggest bust in the past decade.

Buffalo is where the Lions were two years ago, as far as being without a win. Yet their future does not appear as rosy yet like the Lions did in 2008. Shaun Hill replaces Stafford, and has been mostly excellent. The best backup quarterback in the NFL has led Detroit to the eighth rank passing attack, but he is dealing with an injured forearm himself.

Buffalo is excellent against the pass, so the Lions need to run well to win. Their running attack has been poor all year, so it is quite a task. I have picked the Bills to win their first game the past two weeks to no avail. I will pick Detroit so Buffalo can finally win one.

Lions 17 Bills 13






New York Jets @ Cleveland Browns

Legendary defensive guru Buddy Ryan has pretty much stayed on his farm since leaving the NFL in 1995. Maybe he will make the trip to Ohio, because his twin sons will oppose each other. It is also Browns head coach Eric Mangini's time to face the team that fired him two years ago, and Jets wide receiver Braylon Edward's should expect to be lustily booed by the "Dawg Pound" upon his return to Cleveland.

The eldest Ryan won his first Super Bowl ring with the Jets in 1969, something Rex Ryan has long been claiming New York would do again this year. Rob Ryan has a Browns defense that has played poorly most of this season, but the unit appears to be turning the corner. After giving up just 17 points to the high powered New Orleans Saints two weeks ago, they held the New England Patriots to just 14 last week.

Both teams need to run to win, something that does not escape either Ryan. The young starting quarterbacks on both teams need to excel, and the Jets youngster has a lot more game experience under his belt than Cleveland's young signal caller.

This may be a game where Browns Pro Bowl returner Joshua Cribbs makes the difference, and he is due to break out because his 2010 season has been pretty mediocre so far.

Browns 16 Jets 9






Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Carolina has been devastated by injuries this year, and they played three quarterbacks last week. Tampa Bay needs to win this to keep pace in their division, while the one win Panthers seem destined to battle for the top draft pick in 2011.

Buccaneers 17 Panthers 14








Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos

Kansas City got dealt some reality in a tough loss last week. Their defense gives up a ton of yards, especially against the run. For as awful as Denver has been, they have the seventh ranked defense in yards allowed.

The Chiefs need to pound the ball against a suspect Broncos run defense., while Denver needs to find theirs for the first time this year. Denver's rushing attack is so erratic, they should consider putting reserve quarterback Tim Tebow at fullback.

Expect Denver to air it out when they need it most. Kyle Orton is second in the NFL in yards passing per game with 313.6, yet his 12 touchdown passes has been matched by the Chiefs Matt Cassell.

Chiefs 20 Broncos 17







Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals

Both teams are pretty lousy, yet they are both very much in contention for the NFC West title. Expect wacky plays to decide this snooze-fest.

Seahawks 21 Cardinals 17







Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants

Promoting offensive coordinator Jason Garrett to head coach over Wade Phillips is subtraction by subtraction. Though Phillips had to go, Garrett is probably one of the biggest reasons Dallas has only one win this year.

He has forgotten the running game, so the Giants pass rushers can pin their ears back. Though the Cowboys are telling reporters how pumped they were in practice this week, New York has a veteran squad who fully understands they will probably get the best shot that Dallas has to offer.


Giants 27 Cowboys 24







Saint Louis Rams @ San Francisco 49ers

Defense leads the way for the Rams as they look to continue their surprising 2010 season in this divisional battle against a disappointing 49ers. San Francisco has a good defense themselves, led by Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis and his 70 tackles and a sack. The Rams have linebacker James Laurinaitis with 61 tackles and two sacks.

The Niners expect to start 2006 Heisman winner Troy Smith at quarterback, while the Rams counter with 2008 winner Sam Bradford as their starter. Smith appears to be a journeyman type, while Bradford has shown some promise at times.

The halfbacks are the stars of the offenses. How effective Steven Jackson and Frank Gore are against very good run defenses will hold the key to the outcome.

Rams 24 49ers 16







New England Patriots @ Pittsburgh Steelers

This is an intriguing battle of a pair of 6-2 teams.

The Patriots are fresh off being stomped by a Cleveland Browns team that ran the ball down their throats while playing good defense. This is a formula Pittsburgh has practiced since 1970 for the most part.

While the Steelers do not have the smash mouth running back Cleveland has, they are effective on the ground despite having backs attempting to return from concussions. Losing left tackle Max Starks for the season is a tremendous blow.

While quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has not been horrible upon his return from suspension, Pittsburgh needs more from him if they are to improve their 27th ranked aerial attack. New England has the 29th ranked defense, and they struggle especially against the thrown ball.

New England will rely on quarterback Tom Brady, because trying to run against the Steelers top ranked run defense it near impossible this season. The pass defense is ranked 24th, so the Patriots will need to block well against the Steelers blitzes. New England, on the other hand, needs to beat the depleted Steelers offensive line to win.

Steelers 28 Patriots 24






Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Redskins
Game of the Week

Donovan McNabb seems to be at his best when the chips are down and against him. The Redskins veteran quarterback was embarrassed two weeks ago by being benched late in the game, then having his coaches, the Shanahan's, lie about the reasons as to why it occurred.

He has been benched before, in 2008 by Philadelphia. He responded to that by throwing 14 touchdowns against five interceptions over eight games, winning six. His ego bruised, his reputation besmirched by lies, and facing the team that dumped him a few months ago, McNabb knows his future in Washington is tenuous and a strong outing will shut up the Shanahan's and other critics.

Philadelphia has had their own quarterback stories themselves this season. Michael Vick stepped in for an injured Kevin Kolb and excelled until he was injured in the Eagles first meeting with the Redskins. He has now returned to health, and was sharp last week in a victory over a Indianapolis team that defeated Washington three weeks ago.

The Redskins need this win desperately, sitting at .500 now. Philadelphia needs it just as bad to stay within reach of the division leading Giants. They both face a tough schedule ahead, so this game can set a tone of how the rest of the season will go because so much emotion is riding high.

With the Redskins rushing attack in question, as Clinton Portis' return is questionable and Ryan Torain is coming off a knee injury, McNabb will have to be nearly perfect for Washington to sweep the series between the two rivals this year.

Redskins 31 Eagles 27






Power Rankings

1. Steelers
2. Giants
3. Jets
4. Patriots
5. Falcons
6. Colts
7. Titans
8. Ravens
9. Saints
10. Eagles
11. Packers
12. Buccaneers
13. Chargers
14. Raiders
15. Chiefs
16. Texans
17. Dolphins
18. Redskins
19. Rams
20. Bears
21. Vikings
22. Jaguars
23. Seahawks
24. Bengals
25. Broncos
26. Browns
27. Lions
28. Cardinals
29. Cowboys
30. 49ers
31. Bills
32. Panthers

Last Week : 11-2
Overall Record : 66-48