Fixing the Pro-Bowl

No matter how you slice it, the Pro Bowl is not entertaining.  Professional football is a grueling, purely physical sport that you can’t half play.  For the most part, the players are banged up and exhausted from a long season and are not willing to duke it out for an added 60 minutes.  Football has often been referred to as physical chess and anyone who follows the NFL closely knows how important play calling is to the success of any team.  In the Pro Bowl, The linemen aren’t used to playing together, the receivers and QB’s are out of sync and vanilla play calls make it even less entertaining.  No amount of players mic’d up or sideline interviews will make the on-field product any better.  However, I think I may have found a solution.

Instead of having a full 11-on-11 game, why not make it flag football?  86 players made the Pro Bowl this year.  Get 8 team captains, have a draft (just like the NHL did this season) and have a full day, 7 on 7 flag football tournament.  All the players should be mic’d up and considering they won’t be in helmets and pads, the players will be more recognizable to fans and it might create a better experience for fans.  The draft would be entertaining (I know I would be curious to see how guys draft) and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t enjoy seeing Michael Oher in coverage on Nick Mangold.  They could make it interesting by having a big prize for the winning team, although I don’t think it should be a monetary reward.

The NFL needs to stop trying to make excuses as to why their all-star game is bad.  It is actually a testament to how physically demanding professional football is.  You can’t play half-assed and if you do, not only is it boring, but guys can get hurt.  The potential for seeing Tom Brady picked off by Peyton Manning should be enough to sell this new concept.  

The Conference Championship Breakdown

Green Bay @ Chicago

When Green Bay has the ball

Aaron Rodgers has played exceptional these last few weeks.  He had one of the best playoff performances in NFL history last week in Atlanta.  For them to beat an Atlanta team that had an extra week of rest and loses at home once in a blue moon was impressive.  To blow them out was even more impressive.  The Packers have the best receiving corps in the world and Rodgers knows how to take full advantage of his arsenal.  The Green Bay offence has looked unstoppable the last few weeks, but that will change in Chicago.  The loose turf at Soldier field will make it difficult for receivers to be smooth in and out of cuts.  Don’t be surprised to see a few guys slip, which could result in an interception.  The Bears play fundamental defense and their corners know how to play physical and disrupt timing routes.  I don’t expect the Packers will have any success in the run game and will be forced to air it out.  Julius Peppers will need to have a big day.  I can see Rodgers going 23/41 for 240 yards with 2TD’s and 1 Int.

When Chicago has the ball

It will be interesting to see how quickly Mike Martz puts the game in Jay Cutler’s hands.  I would expect the Bears to start the game by running the ball and calling high percentage passing plays such as screens and various short combinations.  Jay Cutler is the type of QB that will force throws and take chances.  Tramon Williams and Charles Woodson seem to like playing against that type of passer.  I truly believe that Cutler’s play will dictate who wins this football game.  If Cutler has less than 25 attempts and doesn’t turn the ball over all game, the Bears win.  

Special Teams

I expect this game to come down to a late field goal and it will be interesting to see which of these two big legged guys can come through in the clutch.  The field conditions will make it even more difficult, but Robbie Gould or Mason Crosby will get the opportunity to have a Vinatieri moment.  Oh, and if the Packers kick to Devin Hester they would have been better off staying in Wisconsin.

Prediction

Packers 20 Bears 17

New York Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers

When New York has the ball

The Jets will try and establish some sort of running game early, but that is easier said than done against the #1 ranked run defence.  Regardless of how effective or ineffective their run game is, the Jets will stay with it all game because they have to in order to set-up single coverage for Mark Sanchez.  The Steelers will get pressure on Sanchez and I expect him to struggle.  Remember he didn’t throw a touchdown last time they played in Pittsburgh.  LT and Greene should combine for around 100 yards on the ground but I think Sanchez will struggle and turn the ball over more than once.

When Pittsburgh has the ball

The Steelers will try and establish the run in this game as well.  Rashard Mendenhall will shoulder the load early on and then I expect Big Ben to use play action to get the ball down field.  I imagine Revis will be put on Hines Ward and Cromartie on Mike Wallace, but either way Roethlisberger will need to make use of his backs and Heath Miller in the passing game.  His ability to pump fake effectively and buy time could allow his receivers to break free.  Mendenhall rushes for 90 yards, and Roethlisberger throws or runs in the game winning touchdown.

Special Teams

The punters will take centre stage in this one as field position will be a major key to the game.  It is next to impossible to make kicks over 40 yards at Heinz Field so don't expect much from the kicking game.

Steelers 22 Jets 17

Peyton Manning: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

The debate of our generation has added another chapter to its compelling story.  As Tom Brady prepares to take center stage this Sunday, Peyton Manning will have a front row seat on his couch.  Earlier this month I blogged about the NFL QB rankings and had Brady leading the way. Barring a 4 interception performance this Sunday, it would seem that he can do nothing but increase his lead on Manning until the 2011/2012 season kicks off.  There will be plenty of time in the coming weeks to talk about Brady, but for now I want to discuss Manning.  

It is all but assured that Peyton will sign back with the Colts and receive the largest per season contract in NFL history.  Should he sign that contract?  Should he even stay with the Colts?  Let’s explore the unthinkable.

Let’s examine the only two quarterbacks with multiple Super Bowls since 2000.  Brady has Belchick and had great defenses back when they were winning Super Bowls.  Roethlisberger has a defense that consistently ranks atop the NFL.  Aside from their Super Bowl year, Manning has had to win despite how poor the Colts are on defense.  Well that’s ok because he has great weapons on offence.  Wait, does he?

There is no doubt that Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark are outstanding players, but who else is their?  Are Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie really starting on other teams?  The Colts offensive line is pathetic and they although Joseph Addai is a decent back, they can’t run the ball at all.  I have the utmost respect for Manning because he is able to tow the party line and stay positive while he watches teams like the Jets (who knocked the Colts out of the playoffs) splurge in free agency.  Every year analysts talk about the concerns along the offensive line and on defense but always revert back to, “it’s ok though because they have Manning.”  Sure Manning is able to put up great numbers behind a brutal offensive line, but imagine what he could do with the Jets line!  Heck even an average offensive line would be beneficial and don’t look now but it’s about to get worse as Jeff Saturday nears retirement.  

Manning won’t leave because his legacy is rooted in Indianapolis, but it’s time for Bill Polian to give him some help.  In light of that, here is what they should do:

1. Sign one offensive linemen in free-agency that will start upfront

2. Sign one defensive starter

3. Spend the first 3 draft picks on OL/DT/LB

The reason the Colts lost to the Jets is not because Peyton struggled moving the ball.  It’s because they had two possessions in the second half due to the Jets ability to run the ball at will.  Indianapolis needs to add enough to the front seven to get them into the top 10 in overall defense if they want to contend.  They also need to improve their offensive line to create a more balanced offense.  

When Tom Brady went down the Patriots still won 11 games with Matt Cassell.  If Manning went down does anyone think the Colts would win more than 3?  Peyton, tell management to start giving you some help and use the very real threat of leaving this season.  It’s time for the Colts organization to realize that if they don’t’ act soon, they will have only themselves to blame for getting just a single world championship out of one of the NFL’s all-time greats.  

Divisional Picks

As we saw last week, anything can happen in the playoffs.  So much for the talk about re-working the post season structure to not allow teams under.500 to get in.  The Seahawks proved once again that, just like in high school, anything can happen once you get into the dance.  Different performance measures are important come playoff time.  For quarterbacks, it's about touchdowns and ball security, not yards.  For running backs it's about consistency and ball security.  For defences it's not about yards allowed, it's about explosion plays.  You'll notice that the common denominator is turnovers.  With that in mind, here are my weekly picks.

Take the Steelers to beat the Ravens.  This game will live up to its billing as a hard hitting, tight divisional battle.  As the game moves into the fourth quarter, look for Ben Roethlisberger to make the plays that Joe Flacco doesn't.

Take the Falcons to beat the Packers.  If this game was in a neutral site I would pick the Packers and even now, I have a hard time betting against them considering how well they played last week.  The difference to me is that the Falcons can run the ball very well with Michael Turner and their ability to go no-huddle should neutralize some of the exotic blitzes that Dom Capers likes to dial-up.  This should be the game of the week.

Take the Bears to beat the Seahawks.  The Seahawks won last week because they had their way with the Saints on offence.  The Saints D was weak to begin with and they were without Malcolm Jenkins in that game.  Move to Chicago.  Now, the Seahawks are on the road, against one of the best defences in the NFL coming off a week of rest.  I expect a 22-6 type outcome.

Take the Patriots to beat the Jets.  The Pats are a different beast at home and although the Jets played well last week, I don't see them going into Foxborough and coming away with a win.  That being said, it'll be closer than their last match-up and should provide great entertainment on Sunday evening.

Spread Picks
Steelers (-3)
Falcons (-1.5)
Bears (-10)
Jets (+8.5)

Ranking The NFL Quarterbacks

Ok, so I was ripping around on ESPN the other day and I came across an article by John Clayton.  He ranked the NFL quarterbacks (link: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=5972554 ).  I felt it necessary to produce my own rankings because of how poor his were.  Not only did I disagree with his specific rankings, but also the divisions he created.  Clayton had 3 divisions: The Elite Division, The Chad-Pennington Division and the Hit-or-Miss Division.  This put Matt Schaub in the same category as Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.  Sorry John, but aside from the AFC South, there is no way Schaub belongs in the same division as those future hall of famers.  Also, Clayton described The Chad Pennington Division as the grouping that includes quarterbacks who are missing one element in their game.  I have nothing against Pennington, but since when did he do enough to warrant having a division named after him.  Ok, enough talk, here are the real rankings based on what Quarterback I want on my team going into 2011 (ability and age included).

GOAT Division (Greatest Of All Time)
1. Tom Brady
Brady pulled ahead of Manning this season based on the gaudy numbers he put up.  He is all but assured  his second league MVP to go along with his 3 Super Bowl rings.  His all time career passer rating is now higher than Manning's and if he wins in Dallas this year, he will be the unquestioned greatest of all time.

2.  Peyton Manning
Up until this season I had Manning in the #1 spot.  He understands the game at a different level than anyone else whose ever played.  That ability, combined with the fact that he works harder than anyone is a unique combination.  If he had Bill Belichick and a defence like the ones Brady had in his Super Bowl years, Manning likely would be in the #1 spot.  If he gets the Colts to Dallas, he will be right back in the mix.

Generations Best Division
3.  Aaron Rodgers
I have to be honest I'm really struggling with the Rodgers/Favre dilemma.  #4 is my favourite player of all time and had things not gone sour in Green Bay it would've been very easy for me to cheer for Rodgers to dominate.  I still really like Rodgers and maybe the nicest thing I can say about his ability is that every time he plays well, I keep thinking about whether or not he will have a better career than Brett.  Either way he is the best young quarterback in the NFL and has shredded teams despite having no run game.  His arm strength is underrated and his quick release is a huge asset.

4.  Phil Rivers
Going into the season I wondered how Rivers would do without Vincent Jackson.  Well, that question was answered.  Despite his awkward throwing motion, he is the most accurate deep passer in the league and is one of the most fiery competitors in sports.  Even though the window closed on LT's chance to win a Super Bowl in San Diego, with Rivers at the helm, the Chargers window is wide open.

5.  Drew Brees
I know there is a love affair with Brees because he was cast away by the Chargers and he revitalized New Orleans by leading them to their first ever Super Bowl title in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, but I call it like I see it.  If I'm starting a team today, I'd take any of the aforementioned guys over Drew.  That being said he has incredible accuracy (although this year he tried to force more throws).

6.  Ben Roethlisberger
Big Ben already has 2 Super Bowl rings and has a unique style of quarterbacking.  He likes to use his outstanding pump fake and holds onto the ball (sometimes too long) to make big plays.  His win-loss record is no doubt assisted by the notoriously dominant Steelers D.

7.  Matt Ryan
The ultimate stat for quarterbacks is wins.  All Ryan does in the Georgia Dome is win.  He rarely turns the ball over and has great leadership skills.  The Falcons are built to run the ball but when they need Ryan to move into the Shotgun and stage a comeback, he is exceptional.  Hence his nickname "Matty Ice".

The 2011 Division (The coming year will determine everything for these guys)
8. Michael Vick
Vick had one of the best years a quarterback has had in recent memory and he is a complete threat now with his ability to throw from the pocket.  He seems to have a better sense of when to run and is a pass first quarterback now.  One year isn't enough for me to have him any higher, especially since at the age of 30, his legs won't last forever.  All that aside, he is the most dangerous player in the NFL right now.

9.  Tony Romo
Romo grew up in Wisconsin and idolized a certain Green Bay quarterback.  It shows.  He plays the game with a similar style and swagger.  He has deceptive mobility and can make all the throws.  With all the receiving weapons around him and an offensive minded head coach, 2011 is a make or break year for Tony.

10.  Eli Manning
Oddly enough, Manning seems to polarize the NFL fan base.  People either love him or hate him.  He is a very intelligent player but can't seem to translate his knowledge into production as well as his brother can.  Fair or not, Eli will always be measured up against Peyton and will never be on that level.  He is still a top 10 quarterback in the NFL, but the young guys are chomping at his heels.

11. Sam Bradford
If you think this is too high for Bradford, you clearly didn't watch him play this season.  He has incredible accuracy and shows the poise of a 10-year veteran.  He put up stellar numbers as a rookie with an expansion team receiving corps.  The Rams look poised to win a number of divisional titles under his watch.

12.  Josh Freeman
Freeman took his time learning and has finally overcome the growing pains associated with the transition to the pro game.  His size and mobility are exceptional as is his arm strength.  He has gelled wonderfully with his young receivers and has great leadership qualities.  The Bucs are the youngest team in the NFL, a fact that should worry the rest of NFC South based on how well Freeman played this year.

13.  Jay Cutler
Last year was tough on Cutler but he has bounced back and embraced Mike Martz's offensive scheme.  His arm strength is as good as anyone in the league which is essential when playing in Chicago.  His receiving corps isn't much better than Bradford's yet he has the Bears in a position to rest on wild card weekend.

14.  Matt Schaub
You can't necessarily blame Schaub for not getting his team to the playoffs considering how poor the Texans D was this year.  That being said, Schaub seems to implode at critical moments (see Ravens game in OT).  His solid stats gets him to the #14 spot but he will not move any higher without a playoff win, no matter what kind of defence he has.

15.  Carson Palmer
I'm a big believer in Palmer, which is a rare position following the Bengals dismal season, but I'll tell you why.  The last few games of the season when Ochocinco and T.O. were on the sidelines, Palmer flourished.  I can only assume this was because he didn't have to focus on getting them the ball and was left to read the defence and make the plays he thought were the best.  The Bengals should give up on Batman and Robin and keep Palmer in Gotham City.

16.  Joe Flacco
I accept the fact that I will get some heat here, but I'm just not sold on Flacco.  I haven't seen him exhibit leadership qualities although some would argue his calm demeanour is a positive.  Every now and then he will completely misfire on a throw which leaves everyone scratching their heads.  He had a very talented offence this year and didn't put up the type of numbers I expected.  Don't be shocked if he never takes the next step, especially considering more will ride on his shoulders when Lewis and Reed retire.

17. Matthew Stafford
You have to feel for this kid with all the injuries he's had to go through.  The Lions made the right pick with Suh, but their neglect of the offensive tackle position this offseason was a massive mistake and has put Stafford's future in doubt.  He has all the tools to be a star and has played well when healthy, but another injury could put him down for good.

The Incumbents, Youngsters and Backups Oh My! Division
18.  Kevin Kolb
The Eagles got really lucky when Kolb got unlucky with his concussion.  However, the Eagles are the only team that could start their backup quarterback this weekend and have a great chance of winning.  Kolb will be a starter in this league and fits well in the west coast offence.  Look for a team like the Niners or Cardinals to make a play for him this offseason.

19.  Matt Cassel
All the people who doubted Cassel last year have sure been quiet this year.  Cassel doesn't have the physical tools of the top passers but understands the game and is extremely comfortable running Charlie Weis' offence (a carbon copy of what he ran in New England).  In that offence is all about accuracy and knowing how to get the ball into the hands of your playmakers.  Cassel is exceptional at doing that.

20.  David Garrard
Garrard has great stretches where he is very efficient as a passer.  He is mobile enough to make some plays outside the pocket and has enough natural leadership to play the position.  He will never be in the top 10, but there are much worse starters in the league and he almost got the Jaguars into the playoffs.

21.  Kyle Orton
Orton is a smart quarterback with good arm strength but he was a product of Josh McDaniels system.  I was a big fan of Orton when he played at Purdue, but McDaniels showed you the peak of his abilities.  He could be as high as 19, as he is similar to Cassel and on par with Garrard.

22.  Mark Sanchez
Sanchez would benefit by playing in his home state of California because of his limited arm strength.  With the New York winters, I question how many plays he can make in the passing game late in the season.  His numbers are not spectacular by any means but he has the two things that are most important to being a quarterback: great leadership and a knack for getting wins.

23.  Colt McCoy
McCoy wasn't supposed to start a game this year, but he was forced into action due to injuries and embraced the opportunity.  The most impressive thing was how well he protected the ball against the top notch defences in the AFC North.  Even though Mangini was released, McCoy is a Holmgren guy which means his job is safe.

24.  Jimmy Clausen
Clausen was the biggest winner yesterday when Andrew Luck announced that he would not enter the 2011 Draft.  He received a lot of criticism about his play, but perhaps he wasn't as NFL ready as everyone thought.  He played much better down the stretch and given a full offseason could have a bounce back sophomore season.

25.  Donovan McNabb
McNabb's production will be higher than many of the guys that are ahead of him on this list, however his age really played a factor in his #25 ranking.  Mike Shanahan received a lot of criticism when he decided to bench Donovan, but he is someone who knows quarterbacks and his lack of faith in McNabb sends up a big red flag.

26.  Ryan Fitzpatrick
I'm actually a big fan of Fitzpatrick because he is a smart quarterback.  He has numerous physical limitations but has been effective as a starter because he understands the game and reads defences very well.  His production should have him at least 5-8 spots higher on this list, but age and lack of upside puts him at 26.

27.  Tim Tebow
The most scrutinized rookie in the league played well in all three of his starts.  I was most impressed by the way he played against the Chargers because of how good that defence is.  Tebow definitely benefited by learning under Josh McDaniels, but the key in his development will be who gets hired as Denver's next coach.  His leadership qualities are among the top 5% in the NFL.

28.  Bruce Gradkowski
The Raiders players responded to Bruce's leadership.  He is cut from the same cloth as Jeff Garcia and falls into that overachiever, fiery competitor category.  When we get down to the late 20's of this list, you're looking at guys who are really young or can bring stability to the franchise for the time being.  Bruce is perfect for that.

29.  Jason Campbell
Campbell just doesn't seem to have the leadership qualities necessary to be an effective starter in this league.  He has below average accuracy and I would be shocked if he is an NFL starter beyond 2011.  He is still a serviceable backup.

30.  Chad Henne
The Miami Dolphins unravelled this year and it all started with reports that Bill Parcells wasn't happy with Henne's development.  He didn't play terribly this year but he showed a level of consistency we should expect from a rookie.  He will need a change of scenery to have a chance at success.

31.  Matt Leinart
Leinart got the short end of the stick in Arizona and I agreed with him when he spoke out saying he earned the starting spot.  I was surprised he went to Houston, only because I think he could've contended for playing time elsewhere.  Perhaps the rumours about his character are more significant than I originally thought.

32.  John Skelton
Since day 1 I thought he was the best quarterback on the Cardinals roster and by the end of the year that was proven.  The Cardinals could draft a quarterback this year, but should still let Skelton start the first 10 games to see what he has.  That would give the rookie time to learn as well.

33.  Brett Favre
Since this list is described as the guy I'd want on my team going into 2011 you may be surprised I have Favre on here at all.  The truth is I would take the slim chance #4 returns over the guys below him on the list.

34.  Vince Young
Young is a child.  His immaturity almost cost him his job once and he clearly hasn't learned his lesson.  It is no secret that he doesn't put in the time to get better.  No matter how much talent he has, until he puts in the work and becomes a man, he won't lead a team to the Super Bowl.  I don't think he will mature.

35.  Alex Smith/Charlie Whitehurst/Rex Grossman
Smith has the physical tools but literally has had the worst circumstances of any #1 overall pick in history.  He had 4 different offensive co-ordinators in his time in San Fran, but he hasn't played well enough to warrant another chance.  He could develop into a strong backup.  Whitehurst doesn't seem to have IT and Grossman is a poor man's Ryan Fitzpatrick.

NFC REDZONE TEAM

Starting Quarterback – Michael Vick

Vick will likely be the runner up for the MVP only because Tom Brady played out of his mind this season.  He makes the Eagles offence the most deadly in the NFL (ask Tom Coughlin).  His dedication to developing as a pocket passer has paid off.

Backup Quarterbacks – Matt Ryan/Aaron Rodgers

Matt Ryan doesn’t put up the gaudy stats, but he puts W’s in the win column and that’s how Quarterbacks should be judged.  Rodgers had a rough year with the concussions and a non-existent running game.  Imagine what next year could be like with Grant and Finley back in the fold.

Starting Running Back – Adrian Peterson

Despite a terrible year by the Vikings, Peterson was his usual dominant self.  He was second only to Turner in rushing yards but had 51 less carries.  He also deserves a lot of credit for curing his fumbling problem.

Backup Running Backs – Lesean McCoy/Michael Turner

McCoy was a beast this year, and is the perfect complement to Vick.  He caught 78 passes and had over 1600 yards from scrimmage.  Turner returned to form this year and was the battering ram for the Falcons.

Starting Fullback – Ovie Mughelli

Part of the reason Michael Turner is able to have so much success is because of the play of Mughelli.  He is also a threat out of the backfield as a receiver close to the endzone.

Starting Wide Receivers – Roddy White/Desean Jackson

Roddy White was the best receiver in the NFL this year and no it wasn’t close.  He was able to beat double teams with ease and could be considered for offensive player of the year.  Jackson is the most explosive player I've seen in my life.  He can score from anywhere on the field and is as dangerous of a returner as he is a receiver.

Backup Receivers - Greg Jennings/Calvin Johnson

Jennings just missed being a starter due to Jackson's explosiveness.  He had a strong second half of the season which was fueled by injuries to other focal points on the Packers offence.  Megatron is the most talented receiver in the NFL, he just needs some stability at quarterback to prove just how dominant he is.  

Starting Tight End – Jason Witten

Probably the most well rounded Tight End in the league, Witten caught 90 balls for over a thousand yards and is probably the best blocking Tight End in the NFL.

Backup Tight End – Vernon Davis

Imagine what this guy could do if the 49ers got a quarterback.

Offensive Tackles – Donald Penn/Jordan Gross

What might be most impressive about Penn is that he had his best season after receiving a lucrative contract extension (you listening Haynesworth?).  Jordan Gross played on an awful panthers team but maintained his high level of play.

Offensive Guards – Chris Snee/Carl Nicks

Both play a different style but are equally dominant.  Nicks is one of the biggest men in the NFL and is surprisingly agile.  Snee is a mauler who uses leverage and agility to lock down the point of attack.

Centre – Andre Gurode

There aren’t nearly as many elite centers in the NFC as in the AFC, but the bit I watched of Gurode I was impressed.  

Reserve Linemen – Jason Peters/Jahri Evans

Peters had a bounce back season and Evans is just as physically dominant as Carl Nicks.

Defensive Ends – Julius Peppers/John Abraham

Lovie Smith likes to play the Tampa 2 scheme and in order for it to be successful, the front four need to generate pressure.  Peppers provided that missing element and look where the Bears are now.  Abraham is one of the lesser known Atlanta Falcons but he is the heart of the defense.  

Reserve End – Osie Umenyiora

Umenyiora might have recorded the first double-double in NFL history (10+ Sacks, 10 Forced Fumbles)

Defensive Tackles – Ndamukong Suh/Jay Ratliff

Suh was a machine since day 1 and is the best pick the Lions have made since Barry Sanders.  Images of Ratliff crying on the sideline hurt his cause, but he never quit on the field.  

Outside Linebackers – Clay Matthews/Demarcus Ware

Clay Matthews will get some votes for defensive player of the year and rightfully so.  He has the highest motor of any defensive player in the NFL and has refined his pass rush moves.

Inside Linebackers – Patrick Willis/Brian Urlacher

Jon Gruden made a comment that Willis playing with a cast on his right hand “might level the playing field”.  Key word: might.  Urlacher returned from his wrist injury and hasn’t lost a step in coverage.  He is a surefire hall of famer in my books.

Cornerbacks – Charles Woodson/Asante Samuel

Woodson maintained a high level of play and given his age, it would’ve been no surprise to see him decline slightly.  He has mastered the ability of stripping opposing ball carriers.  Samuel likes to take chances but more often than not he does so at the right time.

Backup Corner – Aqib Talib

Talib is a young physical corner who is on the fast track to top 5 status.  He doesn’t get the press he deserves but any doubters should watch his games against Roddy White from this season.

Free Safety – Antrel Rolle

It isn’t hard to excel as a free safety when you have a pass rush as dominant as the Giants do.  That being said, Rolle made a lot of plays and actually disguised the surprisingly weak play of the rest of the Giants secondary.

Strong Safety – Adrian Wilson

A perennial Pro-Bowler, Wilson is a stud around the line of scrimmage and can cover any Tight End in the NFL.  

Backup Safety – Nick Collins

Return Specialist – Devin Hester

Kicker – Josh Brown

Week 17 Pick'em

Raiders @ Chiefs (-5)
Not much to play for here for the Chiefs but they are 7-0 at home this year and a division rival coming to town should be enough to play for.  The Raiders also want to get to .500.

Straight Up: Chiefs
Vs Spread: Raiders (+5)

Dolphins @ Patriots (-4.5)
Another tough one based on the Pats having nothing to play for.  If Brady starts, it'll be interesting to see how long he plays because if they pull him for Hoyer, his consecutive home win streak could be in serious jeopardy.

Straight Up: Patriots
vs Spread: Dolphins (+4.5)

Steelers @ Browns (+6.5)
Steelers need this one to win the division outright and they really could use the buy.

Straight Up: Steelers
vs Spread: Browns (+6.5)

Bengals @ Ravens (-9.5)
Ravens.  But the Bengals have been playing better lately.  It's amazing how good Carson Palmer looks when he doesn't have to worry about Batman and Robin.

Straight Up: Ravens
vs Spread: Bengals (+9.5)

Vikings @ Lions (-4)
Congratulations to the Lions who are favoured at home against the Vikings in the season finale.  Favre is out.  The future looks bright in Detroit.

Straight Up: Lions
vs Spread: Lions (-4)

Bills @ Jets (-1)
It'll be the Jets last home game of the year and the crowd should inspire the defence to a win.

Straight Up: Jets
vs Spread: Jets (-1)

Panthers @ Falcons (-14.5)
Last year the Saints and Vikings struggled right before the playoffs.  The Panthers aren't good enough for the upset but it'll be close enough that the home crowd will begin to sweat.

Straight Up: Falcons
vs Spread: Panthers (+14.5)

Bucs @ Saints (-7)
Both teams actually have something to play for.  The Saints have looked great lately, as have the Bucs.

Straight Up: Saints
vs Spread: Bucs (+7)

Titans @ Colts (-9)
Colts need this one badly.  Titans are in shambles.

Straight Up: Colts
vs Spread: Colts (-9)

Jaguars @ Texans (-4.5)
The Jags also need this one, but are without Mojo and Garrard.  Texans once again head into the off-season with the big what if?

Straight Up: Texans
vs Spread: Texans (-4.5)

Giants @ Redskins (+5)
The Giants have to win to have a chance.

Straight Up: Giants
vs Spread: Giants (-5)

Bears @ Packers (-10.5)
The Packers win and they get a rematch next week against the Bears.  I don't think the Bears want to face the Pack again, but not badly enough to go 100% for 60 minutes.

Straight Up: Packers
vs Spread: Bears (+10.5)

Cowboys @ Eagles (+1)
Eagles sit Vick but Kevin Kolb is a great option.  Cowboys are anxious to get to the offseason.

Straight Up: Eagles
vs Spread: Eagles (+1)

Cardinals @ Niners (-6)
Is anyone really going to watch this?

Straight Up: Niners
vs Spread: Cardinals (+6)

Chargers @ Broncos (+4)
Tebow gets his biggest test against one of the league's best defences.

Straight Up: Chargers
Vs Spread: Broncos (+4)

Rams @ Seahawks (+4)
The Rams are the better team, but the 12th man at Qwest Field and the elements are going to be enough to sink the Rams.

Straight Up: Seahawks
vs Spread: Seahawks (+4)