Playoffs Preview: Philadelphia Eagles

Offensive MVPs: QB Michael Vick and RB Lesean Mccoy

Lesean Mccoy celebrating after a TD vs. the Texans

The emergence of a consistent running game (5th best rushing attack with 145 yards rushing per game) and obviously Michael Vick's spectacular play in 2010, has elevated Philadelphia to a level of play unseen since the year McNabb and T.O. went to Super Bowl XXXIX. Vick, a MVP candidate, played uncommonly as one of the NFL's most elite quarterbacks. Subbing in versus Green Bay for an injured Kevin Kolb, Vick took the quarterback role and ran with it...Literally! Vick ran for 676 yards and 9 touchdowns, but more importantly had a QB rating 100.2, passed for over 3,000 yards, and threw 21 TDs to only 6 interceptions. Lesean Mccoy ran for over a 1000 yards and 7 touchdowns rushing; Vick and Mccoy combined for 39 total touchdowns.

Defensive MVPs: CB Asante Samuel and DE Trent Cole

Asante Samuel and Desean Jackson

Even with only 11 games, Asante Samuel finished 2nd in the NFL with 7 interceptions. Samuel was a key reason the Eagles defense held up as well as they did (winning 7 of 11 games played), and recording 7 interceptions within a 9 game span.

Trent Cole finished 2nd on the Eagles defense in total tackles, and first in sacks with 10.0 sacks in 2010. Cole's experience has helped with young Brandon Graham's progression in 2010 (albeit Graham suffered a season ending injury versus the Cowboys, Graham had a successful 1st year in my opinion.). Cole will have to be a disruptive force against the Packers this wild card weekend, getting hits and pressure on QB Aaron Rodgers. 

Desean Jackson game winning punt return

Best Win: Week 15 - At New York (Giants) 

Miracle at New Meadowlands was once upon a time, the greatest victory ever by the Philly Eagles ( Herman Edwards scoring on an improbable fumble late at the NYG), however something of similar proportions came to fruition in 2010. The Miracle at the New Meadowlands. Michael Vick led a 21 point fourth quarter comeback (as well as rallying my fantasy football team), capped off by a regulation ending muffed punt return by Desean Jackson for a game winning touchdown.

Rookie Grade: B-

Brandon Graham, drafted in the first round by the Eagles, performed up to expectations with 3 sacks and 10 games played; however a season ending injury now brings up health issues. The most notable rookie has to be WR Riley Cooper. Cooper has stepped in due to varying injuries to the receiving corps and reeled in 7 catches for 116 yards, a touchdown receiving, and a touchdown rushing.

How Can They Make It To The Super Bowl: Offensive line to keep Michael Vick upright

Michael Vick inside the huddle

The problem ending the season for the Eagles has been the amount of grueling hits that Michael Vick has accumulated over the 2010 season. Can Vick continue taking this punishment and single handedly win the Eagles football games? Because without Asante Samuel, this secondary is not that good. Michael Vick must be healthy, must have time to make smart decisions, and ultimately will be counted upon for success in the 2011 playoffs.

Playoffs Preview: Indianapolis Colts

Can Peyton win with an entirely new cast of receivers?

Offensive MVP: QB Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning, in a season filled with injuries for the Colts (league leading 17 players on the IR), performed like the great quarterback we have all come to know and love. Manning set an NFL record for completions in a season with 450, and has played with WRs and TEs 3 deep on the depth chart (Blair white, Jacob Tamme, Austin Collie have stepped up in a big way). Manning without a running game, once again led the Colts to a Division winner slot in the playoffs. 

Defensive MVP: DEs Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis

Freeney (10 sacks, 5 forced fumbles) and Mathis (11 sacks, 1 forced fumble) were once again dominant pass rush forces in 2010. Combined, Freeney and Mathis have registered an amazing total of 167 sacks during their careers, which to me makes them the best DE duo in league history. Enough said...

Austin Collie comes up big in win over JAX with 2 TDs

Best Win: Week 15 - Against Jacksonville 

With all the chips on the line, having lost earlier in the season to the Jags, the Colts had to win this game in order to knock out Jacksonville and get into the playoffs. Manning hooked up with Austin Collie for 2 passing touchdowns and threw zero interceptions. This win pretty much pushed the Colts over the edge and into the playoffs. 

Rookie Grade: B

Pat Angerer at inside linebacker has started all season long, and produced at a very high level for the Colts, finishing 2nd in overall team tackles. Blair White at wide receiver stepped in with injuries to Anthony Gonzales and Austin Collie.

How Can They Make It To The Super Bowl: Will Manning trust his young receiving corps?

Everyone understands why the Colts make the playoffs seemingly every year...Peyton Manning. Nevertheless, in the Colts biggest losses (NWE, SD, and DAL) Manning was the reason for defeat, throwing 3 interceptions or more in each of the three losses (4 picks in the 2 of 3 games). In those games, Manning showed major flaws unseen by NFL fans and scouts. He pressed, he forced passes, and he did NOT trust his receivers. Now with more playing time with younger players, Manning should have improved chemistry, and he will have to be able to count on these players to gain separation, get open, and catch the football. If the next generation of Colts receivers can play at a high level, the Colts will have an opportunity to return to the Super Bowl.

Playoffs Preview: New Orleans Saints

Offensive MVPs: QB Drew Brees

I understand 2010 was considered a "down year" for Drew Brees (throwing at least 1 interception in each of his last 12 games) having thrown 22 interceptions. Nevertheless, withstanding injuries at the tailback position, and at tight end, Brees still found ways to win football games. In 11 of 16 games in 2010, Brees threw 2 or more touchdowns, totaling 33 in the 2010 season. Brees' leadership has been the most valuable of all his contributions. 

Defensive MVP: FS Malcolm Jenkins

If you ask anyone who truly watches the New Orleans Saints, the biggest impact on defense has been the play of Malcolm Jenkins. Replacing last year's NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Darren Sharper who was a spark plug to the turnover hungry Saints defense. This year has been much different however following the loss of Sharper. Not as many turnovers forced, more turnovers given, but a defense that legitimately is one of the best in the NFC. Last season a ton of yards were allowed, but turnovers masked the weaknesses. This season, Jenkins insertion into the lineup has improved the defensive secondary, especially in pass coverage as he can cover sideline to sideline. A late season injury to Jenkins could deeply hurt the Saints chances at a 2nd Super Bowl, and Jenkins great impact will be realized.

Drew Brees at Atlanta on MNF

Best Win: Week 16 - At Atlanta on MNF

A defining moment in the Saints season, people across the nation saw that the Saints can actually play defense against top notch teams. Atlanta, the number one seed in the NFC, struggled versus the Saints secondary particularly until late in the ball game. A forced fumble at the goal line by the Saints D turned the tide, and Drew Brees proceeded to put the team on his back and lead them to victory. The Saints believe in themselves that they can beat any team, anywhere, at any time.

Rookie Grade: B+

Injuries throughout the season at the running back and tight end positions, forced rookies Chris Ivory and Jimmy Graham into vital roles within the Saints offensive scheme. Chris Ivory, undrafted rookie from Washington St. had numerous off field issues involving a criminal record, performed remarkably well; Ivory averaged over 5 yards per carry, rushing for over 700 yards, and amassing 5 touchdowns.

Jimmy Graham versus TB, injured his ankle

Jimmy Graham, drafted in the 3rd round by the Saints, was counted upon by Brees following Jeremy Shockey's rib injury. Graham proved very productive with 31 receptions, 356 yards receiving, and 5 TDs. Graham who recently injured his ankle, must be healthy in the playoffs in order that the Saints return to the Super Bowl.

How Can They Make It To The Super Bowl: Saints need to fill in holes left by injury and Drew Brees needs to stop throwing picks 

There are several key injuries to impact players, Malcolm Jenkins, Jimmy Graham, Anthony Hargrove, and Danny Clark; each of these players have been unable to practice and will need to get back to health before the playoffs begin. If either these players get healthy or backups step up and perform at a high level, then the Saints have a great opportunity to get to where they were last season.

Drew Brees must play at a similarly high level as he did last postseason, cut down on interceptions, and ultimately put the team on his back. Brees' play will determine the success/failure of this Saints offense in the 2011 postseason. All in all, its tough to bet against a competitor or winner like Drew Brees. This Saints team, despite its weaknesses, has one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and certainly has a shot at returning to the Super Bowl.


UPDATE (1-6-11 7:00 p.m. CT) : Chris Ivory and Pierre Thomas placed on IR, ending both players seasons officially.

Playoffs Preview: Kansas City Chiefs

Offensive MVPs: QB Matt Cassel, RB Jamaal Charles, WR Dwayne Bowe

Leaving anyone of these players out would just be unfair. All of them have had terrific years and the Chiefs would have a losing record if they were without anyone of them. Cassel may have had the best turn around of any quarterback in the NFL this year. He has 27 TD and 7 interceptions this year, up from 16 TD and 16 Interceptions (and 14 fumbles) from last year. Charles averaged 6.4 YPC and is a constant home-run threat. After having a bad game against the Colts Bowe went on an absolute tear racking up 13 touchdowns in six games.

Defensive MVP: DE Tamba Hali

Hali has been absolutely dominating this year. Hali seems to be in the backfield on every play and has racked up 14.5 sacks and countless QB hurries. The 6'3" 275 lbs converted linebacker hhas helped the Chiefs young defense really improve this year and become a very scary opponent come playoff time.

Best Win: Week 1 - Against San Diego on MNF

A game no one thought the Chiefs were going to be able to pull out. Most had predicted a blowout, but it ended up being a signature win for the Chiefs. This game had a little bit of everything, great special teams, big runs, and a big goal line stand to win the game. It showed that the Chiefs defense and running attack were for real and that they can stick with playoff caliber teams like the Chargers.

Rookie Grade: A+

The Chiefs rookies this year have been simply outstanding. S Eric Berry is the real deal, he has been Ed Reed like at times leading the team with 4 interceptions (1 for a score), and racking up 92 tackles 2 sacks and a forced fumble. He has started many games beside fellow rookie and 5th round pick Kendrick Lewis is second on the team with 3 interceptions. RB/WR Dexter McCluster and CB Javier Areanas have both contributed in the return game and played well when given the opportunity. The Late 3rd round pick TE Tony Moeaki may be their biggest find, he is second on the team with 47 receptions, 556 yards and 3 touchdowns.

How Can They Make It To The Super Bowl: Strong Running Game & Defense

Its hard to beat a team that controls the clock on offense and stops you on defense, when the Chiefs are playing well, that is exactly what they do. With how stacked the playoffs look to be this year, no one is giving the Chiefs any chance. Which is good news for them, because no one gave the 2009 Cardinals, or 2001 Patriots any chance and those team feature all current Chiefs coaches: Head Coach Todd Haley (Chiefs 2009 OC), OC Charlie Weis (Patriots 2001 OC), and DC Romeo Crennel (Patriots 2001 DC). If your looking for a team to pull off some playoff upsets, look no further than the Chiefs.

MNF: Falcons Perspective

Players To Watch:

WR Roddy White - White has really become a go to target for QB Matt Ryan when the game is on the line, he has showed that he can be clutch, and the 6'0" speedster has definitely put himself into the conversation of top receiver in the NFL. Much like WR Andre Johnson, White has gone about his business quietly but has still been ultra-productive notching a fourth year in a row with over 1,100+ yards receiving. Look for White to add to his NFL leading 106 receptions tonight.

DE John Abraham - Last year was the first time in Abraham's long career that he started more than 15 but was unable to get more than 10+ sacks (he had just 5.5). I thought that this was a sign that the 32 year old Abraham was simply getting old and would not be able to produce like we are used to seeing. This year, however, Abraham proved me wrong; he is back to his usual disruptive ways already registering 12 sacks. He has 4 sacks and 2 FF's in the last 4 games so watch for him to have a big game on MNF.

LB Curtis Lofton - A very underrated linebacker who has the job of roaming the middle of the field tonight. QB Drew Brees does a great job of passing in-between the numbers and exploiting matchups with linebackers. Lofton, who leads the Falcons with 107 tackles to go along with 3 forced fumbles 2 sacks and an interception, will have a tough test stopping the run and trying to slow down Brees.

Key Matchup - RB Michael Turner vs Saints front 7 - Even though QB Matt Ryan has really come on this year, Turner is the most important part of the Falcons offense. Turner is the Falcons work horse who just gets better as the game goes on. When the big 5'10" 244 lbs back has rushed for 50 yards or less this year the (12-2) Falcons are 2-2 with their wins only coming by a total of 8 points. The Saints defense allows 117 yards a game so look for Turner to have a big night.

Why the Falcons Will Win - The Falcons know how to get it done in front of a home crowd. The Falcons are undefeated this year at home, they seem to always have a flair for the dramatic and have the ability to win close games. I think that this game will come down to the very end and with the way the Falcons have been playing all year, I have no doubt they will be able to pull off another close victory.

Prediction: Falcons 34 Saints 31

College Football Preview: Week 4

Game of the Week: Alabama(1) at Arkansas(10)

Alabama NFL Prospects to Watch:

RB Mark Ingram (Jr.) – strong runner, with great vision and cutting ability.

WR Julio Jones (Jr.)- 6’4” 220 lbs receiver, has been a stud since he walked on campus, big, strong playmaker that should be a first rounder.

DT Marcell Dareus (Jr.) – was the MVP of the national championship game, big, quick d-lineman.

Arkansas NFL Prospects to Watch:

QB Ryan Mallet (Jr.) – Very good looking prospect, could make the draft very interesting if he come out after this season.

OT DeMarcus Love – A top senior tackle, that helps protect Ryan Mallet.

TE D.J. Williams – Only 6’2” but has 98 receptions in his career.

Overview: This is one of the biggest games for Arkansas in a long time. I really want to see how Mallet can perform against a tough Alabama defense. With Mark Ingram back in the lineup, Arkansas top rated defense will be tested.

Alabama -6 at Arkansas: This will be a tough road test for Alabama, but they are defending national champs for a reason. This is the kind of game that Coach Nick Saban will not let them lose.

Other Games:

NC State at Georgia Tech -8

North Carolina at Rutgers even

Wake Forest at Florida St. -20

Stanford -2.5 at Norte Dame

Georgia at Mississippi St. -2

Oregon St. at Boise St. -17

South Carolina at Auburn -3

Thursday Night College Football: Miami (19) at Pittsburgh

Miami NFL Prospects to Watch:

DE Allen Bailey – The 6’4” 285 lb defensive end has 13 sacks and 21 TFL in his two years as a starter.  He could  be a top 15 pick in the draft this year.

OT Orlando Franklin – The 6’7” 312 lbs lineman was considered one of the best guards in the country last year.  Franklin will be making the move to left tackle this year, a position he is probably better suited to play.

CB Brandon Harris – Harris is only a junior but was second in the nation last year with 15 pass break-ups.  The “U” has a tradition of putting some good corners in the NFL, and Harris should be no different.

WR Leonard Hankerson – Hankerson is a big physical receiver that can make plays.  He had 6 TDs and averaged 17.8 yards per catch last year.

Pittsburgh NFL Prospects to Watch:

WR Jon Baldwin – Unbelievable jumping and playmaking ability... oh and he is 6’5” 225 lbs:

OT Jason Pinkston – Has 28 career starts at left tackle and has paved the way for some good running backs.

DE Jabaal Sheard – With the injury to Pittsburgh's top defensive end prospect Greg Romeus, they need Sheard to step up and make plays.

Overview: The Hurricanes really need Jacoby Harris to step it up and have a good game.  He has struggled in big games in his career; he threw 4 picks in the loss to Ohio State earlier this year.  This will be another tough road test for Miami.  Pittsburgh lost their season opener to a tough Utah team, but they have a chance to jump back into theTop 25 rankings with a win over Miami.

The Pick: Miami -3.5, I think Miami’s defense will step up and make some plays and they will pull out a close win.

MNF: Week 2 Saints vs. 49ers

49ers' Keys to the Game:

RB Frank Gore – Gore is one of the best backs in the NFL, and the 49ers are going to need him to play much better than his 38 yards on 17 carries in week 1 against the Seahawks. It is clear that Alex Smith is not an elite QB in this league, so having him attempt 45 passes like last week is generally not a great idea. The offense, and really the whole season, may lie on RB Frank Gore’s shoulders.

Emulate the Vikings' Defense – The Vikings may have lost to the Saints, but they held them to just 14 points. In the first 13 games last year the lowest point total any team held the Saints to was 24 points, done by the Jets who had the number one defense. After letting up a quick touchdown, the Vikings were able to hold the Saints to a 3.2 yards per carry average and created long third down situations, where they were able to get the Saints off the field (Saints were 3-11 on third downs). Look for the 49ers to copy the Vikings game plan on defense.

Players to watch:

LB Patrick Willis – One of the best defensive players in the NFL, if not the best. I predicted him to win the Defensive Player of the Year award; we will see if he can have a big game against a great offense.

TE Vernon Davis – Davis is a playmaker at the tight end position, and nightmare for defenses to match up against. He is 6’3” 250 lbs and can run in the 4.4’s in the 40. He had a good first game with 8 receptions and 73 yards. It will be interesting to see how the Saints try to take away the 49ers biggest receiving threat.

WR Michael Crabtree – Crabtree held out for the first five games of his rookie season, but still had a nice season, with 48 receptions and 625 yards. I want to see what he can do with a full year.

Saints Keys to the Game:

Attack down the Field – Last week the 49ers made an average Seahawks offense look very good in their 31-6 loss. The Saints have a lot more weapons than the Seahawks and have QB Drew Brees under center.  They should have no problem moving the ball on the 49ers' defense.

Get up early and make the 49ers one dimensional – If the Saints can get up early on the 49ers, it could be a long day for the 49ers. Taking the ball out of the hands of RB Frank Gore and making QB Alex Smith try his luck against the Saints' talented defensive backs  plays right into the strengths of the Saints. The Saints did a good job last week of making Adrian Peterson, one of the best running backs in the game, irrelevant. I expect them to do much of the same this week.

Players to watch:

DE Will Smith – Smith is one of the top defensive ends in the game, but had a pretty quiet game against the Vikings. It should be an interesting match-up between the 49ers young offensive tackles and Smith, who can be very disruptive.

RB Pierre Thomas – A really hard runner and a fun back to watch, Thomas is a lot better tailback then Reggie Bush but does not receive nearly the same attention.

WR Robert Meachem – Meachem is a big play threat for the Saints. Last year he had only 45 receptions but averaged 16 yards per catch, and had 9 touchdowns.

The Pick: Saints -5.5, this game may be closer than people think, but I think the defending super bowl champs should have no problem beating the 49ers by at least a touchdown.

Week 1 Player to Watch: TCU RB Ed Wesley

After finishing the move and while casually watching a few games on TV one player stood out to me, and that was TCU's Sophomore running back Ed Wesley.

Wesley was TCU's third leading rusher a year ago with 638 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per carry and scoring four touchdowns.  He also caught eight passes and averaged 21.2 yards per catch, scoring three times through the air.

In a huge game for TCU Wesley carried the ball 17 times for 134 yards and a touchdown.  Wesley ran very hard, consistently gaining yards after contact, but what impressed me most was his ability to get to the corner.  At just 5'9" he is slightly shorter than ideal, but is very compact, listed at 200 pounds.

This season, Wesley will have to keep the fumbles down, as he coughed up the ball four times last year on just 109 touches.

Wesley is a redshirt sophomore this season, so he will be eligible for the draft after this season.  Whether he declares remains to be seen, but this is an exciting football player.

This video gave me chills, and I'm not even a TCU fan...the first song is just unreal.