The Day After: Seahawks/Bears and Jets/Pats

Not a whole lot to say about the Bears/Seahawks tilt. It was pretty much done when Seattle fell behind 21-0 at the 10:01 mark of the second quarter after a Jay Cutler TD run.

Wait. There is.

The Bears will not receive the kudos they deserve because they beat a team with a losing record. For the entire season, the Seahawks finished 8-10. Doesn't matter that they gained 437 total yards. It was against a poor defense. Doesn't matter that the allowed less than 300 yards of offense to Seattle. It was against a poor offense.

See what I mean. I can go on, too. After the Bears jumped out to that 21-0 lead, the Seahawks outscored them 24-14 the remainder of the game. The last two TD Seattle scored were within the last 2:16 of the game.

In other words, the game wasn't near as close as the final would indicate. The Bears were up 35-10 with just a little over two minutes remaining. And do not attempt to say that the Seahawks made it respectable.

The Bears defense stifled the Seahawks running game and made the Seahawks one dimensional. And while Matthew Hasselbeck's numbers won't blow you away, he did play a good game. Cutler was just better. The Bears defense was better. Give them their due.

As far as the Jets/Pats, I was shocked. That's an understatement. I thought that when the war of words was launched, the would serve poorly for the Jets. Yes, I was wrong. The Jets backed up their brash behavior with a 28-21 win.

AFC Divisional Clash: Jets/Patriots

Trash talking. It's part of the modus operandi of the New York Jets, specifically head coach Rex Ryan. Well, I believe the Jets and the Boisterous One may have made a critical mistake. You know you may me talking too much when Reggie Jackson tells you to shut up.

Image via Wikipedia

Yet, the venom continues to spew. Antonio Cromartie, Bart Scott and Ryan have all called attention to themselves and their team. Ryan says it's personal. Cromatie called Brady an ahole. Scott says Welker's days in a uniform are numbered. All I ask is that these guys that crow back it up. And even then, it will be the same should they prevail in this contest.

And the Patriots, for the most part, just watch it flow. That's how they operate off the field.

The hottest of NFL rivalries (I said hottest, not best) takes center stage in Sunday's late game.

Game Time: 4:30 PM ET
Network: CBS
Announcers: Jim Nantz and Phil Simms

When the Patriots have the ball...

	Scoring (Rk)	Total Yds (Rk)	Pass Yds (Rk)	Rush Yds (Rk)
offense	32.4 (1st)	363.8 (8th)	240.4 (11th)	123.3 (9th)
defense	19.0 (6th)	291.5 (3rd)	200.6 (6th)	90.9 (3rd)

The most likely NFL MVP, QB Tom Brady, performed about as well as you could considering a couple of circumstances.

One was the unknown associated with WR Wes Welker's return for destroying his knee in 2009's final regular season game. That question was loudly answered with Welker being second in the league in receptions with 112.

No player had a better 2010 season than Brady.
(Image by americanistadechiapas via Flickr)

The second was the trading of his only legitimate deep threat in WR Randy Moss. Well, Moss floundered and was released by Minnesota, reappeared with the Titans and pretty much disappeared.

Enter WR Deion Branch, former Super Bowl hero. It was like he never left. But the biggest surprise/addition was the of RB Danny Woodhead, a Jets reject. Woodhead, achieving cult hero status in the Boston area, has been the straw that stirs the drink. He can run and he can catch. Tell me how he ends up in New England? Easy. The kid's coachable.

The Pats even have a power running game with BenJarvis Green-Ellis. He eclipsed the 1,00 yard mark this year with 1,008 yards.

And don't forget the numerous targets at tight end in rookies Ron Gronkowski and Aaron Hernanadez. A pretty potent offense. They usually score early and score often. They do not commit turnovers. How do you defend all that?

Jets head coach Rex Ryan will face the Pats for the third time this season. The first game, the Jets overcame a halftime deficit and defeated the Patriots 28-14. The second game was a disaster. A 45-3 loss at Gillette Stadium, the site for this game.

The defense is the Jets calling card. As is usually the case, the pressure may fall right on the backs of the Jets defense. While we all know of the talents of CB Darelle Revis, teams have taken to task of picking on CB Antonio Cromartie. Teams have been successful with that approach. And Cromatie must not only shut his yap, he must shut down the Pats receivers.

But that may be asking too much. The Jets D line must produce massive pressure on Brady. If not, another long game will ensue. And it could get out of hand as quick as the last time these teams met.

When the Jets have the ball...

	Scoring (Rk)	Total Yds (Rk)	Pass Yds (Rk)	Rush Yds (Rk)
offense	22.9 (13th)	351.0 (11th)	202.6 (22nd)	148.4 (4th)
defense	19.6 (8th)	366.5 (25th)	258.5 (30th)	108.0 (11th)

For the last two postseasons, QB Mark Sanchez has shown a bit of maturity. While he didn't dazzle in any of the three playoff games in which he has played, he has managed to show the world that he can play the position. The drive he led last week that led the a game winning field by Nick Folk proved to me that he has moxie.

Sanchez will be key for the Jets.
(Image by Seamus Murray via Flickr)

Now, the rest of the offense must follow. We know that the Jets will run the ball and run it some more. Just like the defense, the running game and Jets are hand in hand. RBs Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson must have the exact type of games they had against the Colts. Keep the Pats offense of the field.

The Jets do have other weapons in WRs Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holes and TE Dustin Keller. But the best weapon, WR/KR Brad Smith, may not be available. Smith runs the Wildcat, returns kicks and lines up at receiver. He could be the Jets MVP that's how valuable SMith is to the entire Jets gameplan.

The saving grace may be that the Patriots aren't exactly a smothering defense. They're not your prototypical championship defense. But they get the job done. They keep you out of the endzone. The Pats defense yielded over 366 yards a game, ranking 25th. But they only allowed 19.6 points per contest, good for 8th overall. Another bend, but don't break defense.

In other words, you can move the ball on them, but your chances of putting the ball in the endzone are not great.

But the best aspect of the Patriots defense may be their ability to force turnovers. That's really an understatement. The Pats were a +28 in turnover margin, best in the league. They forced 38 turnovers. Only that week 2 game in the new Meadowlands accounted for the only game in which New England's defense did NOT force a turnover. They forced three in the rematch.

Sound familiar? Isn't that how the Saints operated last season? Explosive offense. Opportunistic defense.

I'm not giving the Lombardi to the Pats yet. I'm just sayin'.

Cromartie Mirrors Ryan

Go figure this one.

New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromatie was asked his opinion of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Being a Jet, Cromartie's answer wasn't expected to be full of compliments. It was full of something else. Courtesy of the New York Daily News:

"An ass----...---- him."

Oh. He also hates Brady.

So much for exchanging pleasantries, Antonio. I bet there are some on the Patriots that feel the same about Cromartie. Thing is, the Pats aren't as arrogant or mouthy and elect to keep that kind of crap in house. And what makes Cromartie's quote even funnier is that he's only in his first season with the Jets. He's not even close to have been around that block long enough.

Apparently, this all stems from the last time the Jets were at Gillette Stadium and the Pats crushed the Jets by a score of 45-3. During that game, Brady had completed a pass for a touchdown to make it a 38-3 score. It is alledged that Brady pointed over to the Jets sideline. Jets head mouth coach Rex Ryan eluded to that fact earlier this week. Cromartie elaborated on that issue.

"We see that a lot. He does it a lot," Cromartie said. "That's the kind of guy he is. We really don't give a damn, to tell you the truth."

Question for Cromartie. If you "don't give a damn", why even bother to address the issue?

You might think that Cromartie just placed an even bigger target on his back. That's not the Belichick and Patriot way. Brady emphasized that point when he was asked about Cromartie's comments. Courtesy of Fanhouse.com:

"We're spending our time getting ready to play," he [Brady] responded. "I don't think we're spending our time figuring out what we can do to combat what people may say about us. Not everybody has great things to say about our team or organization, or certain players. That's kind of the way it's always been. We're just going to do our talking on the field. That's the way we've always chosen to do."

And that's the way it should be. Determine it on the field, not in the media.

The problem with that is Ryan and the Jets are all about the publicity. We here all the talk always eminating for there. Rarely anywhere else. That could be because the Jets make their home in the #1 media market in the nation.

Need more be said.

Ryan Mouthing Off Again

Image by cool13902008
via Flickr

Earth to Rex Ryan...we have an important message for you. A very important message. Listen carefully, if you're able.

First, not everyone has it in for you, although there may be a growing group that could be building. Second, shut up! Seriously, Rex. Shut the hell up.

In case you're not sure what I'm referring to, New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan continues to run his mouth, and, unfortunately, the only thing that may stop it is a Jets loss. Wait. That probably won't do it either.

What planet is this dude from? Well, Planet Ryan is once again claiming that when it comes to his next opponent, this time New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, "it's personal". Ryan:

"This is about Bill Belichick vs. Rex Ryan," the Jets' brash coach declared Monday. "There's no question. It's personal. It's about him against myself, and that's what it's going to come down to."

Well, for those that feel Ryan can say anything he wants, you're right. It's called free speech, a basic fundamental this great nation was founded upon. But to say he's earned the right to say anything he wants, Constitutionally, yes. Realistically, no.

Call me "old school" if you wish, but I am of the school of thought that you have to accomplish something before you start popping off at the mouth. What has Ryan earned? Where has he earned it? Makes good TV, but where are you're freakin' rings, Rex? Do you own one as a head coach? Nope...and Belichick has more than one ring. If he were to say anything like this, he was surprise us all, but he's earned that "right".

Image by steveglass via Flickr

To say this is a Belichick vs. Ryan game is off base. Coaching? It is. But as I've heard many a former coach say, "Players play. Coaches coach". The tickets say Jets vs. Patriots. Time to get your head out of your hole and open your eyes.

And your "it's personal" line, already tired and worn out. And why taking all the verbal jousts at your opponent. Especially the Patriots. If there's a team that will not fall for his sideshow antics, it's Belichick and the Pats. They know what he's all about. Give the guy a mic and a camera...

But Belichick took an un-Belichick-like jab of his own toward Ryan. From CBSSports.com:

"I might have a little quickness on him," an uncharacteristically playful Belichick said. "He's probably got a little more strength and power on me. So, I don't think you'll see either one of us out there making any blocks or tackles or runs or throws or catches. At least you won't see me doing it. It's probably a good thing for our team."

And just like that, Belichick brings it all back under control. I wouldn't expect another word about this from Belichick. He knows the task at hand, beat the Jets for a second time this season.

And like Belichick said, the coaches aren't wearing uniforms. Don't even get me going with the possible sight of Ryan in one.

That's the difference between the two coaches. Belichick doesn't involve all the bells and whistles like Ryan employs. That doesn't fit Belichick's make up while Ryan will never shy away from a chance to talk.

Is it me or could Belichick be the more popular of the two coaches (toward the good) in this game?

AFC East Primer

Over the nest few days, I thought it would be a nice change and bring everyone a bit of a primer on the upcoming NFL season. With training camps now in full swing, what better time than now, right?

I'll break it down by division. I'm throwing a bit of a different look than in most "previews". I'm going to introduce three questions pertaining to each team and answer that question.

Let's get rolling and take a look at the AFC East.

Edwards gets the nod under center for
Bills new head coach Chan Gailey.

Buffalo Bills
2009 record: 6-10, 4th in division
Head coach: Chan Gailey
Key Losses: DE Aaron Schobel, OLB Chris Draft, WR Josh Reed, OT Jonathan Scott, WR Terrell Owens
Key Additions: DE Dwan Edwards, LB Andra Davis

1. Why didn't the Bills go after a quarterback either in the draft or in free agency?
If you're a Bills fan, you ask yourself this question every single day...and night...and the following day and the cycle repeats. Buffalo had shots at Jimmy Clausen, Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy and passed on them. It has to all come down to dollars. Quarterbacks, especially if they're drafted, receive the "QB premium" and Bills owner Ralph Wilson most likely didn't want to spend the funds there.

2. Another draft question: Why C.J. Spiller?
As much as people harped on the Bills for this pick, I kind of liked it. Spiller was, by far, the best pure athlete in the draft. I think there was an ulterior motive here, attempt to trade Marshawn Lynch. With Spiller, Fred Jackson and free agent acquisition Chad Simpson, the need for Lynch in Buffalo was gone. Since Spiller is still a holdout, Lynch is still a Bill and he most likely will remain a Bill.

But make no mistake about it. Spiller can change a game with one play. Buffalo hasn't had that type of a threat in a long, long time.

3. Will the offense struggle as bad in 2010 as they did in 2009?
Yes, but it won't be because of lack of effort. New head coach Chan Gailey won't accept that attitude. If Buffalo can rediscover the rush, the passing game might be plausible. I stress might. Having Trent Edwards named as the starter might create flashbacks and most of those can't be good.

You'll notice I didn't address the defense. I think it will be all right. Signing Edwards and Davis are positives. Beyond that, the Bills are most likely to, at best, duplicate their 2009 record.

Keeping Henne healthy could keep the
Dolphins in contention in 2010.

Miami Dolphins
2009 record: 7-9, 3rd in division
Head coach: Tony Sporano
Key Losses: WR Ted Ginn, Jr., ILB Akin Ayodele, S Gibril Wilson, OLB Jason Taylor, OLB Joey Porter
Key Additions: WR Brandon Marshall, LB Karlos Dansby

1. How long will have have to wait for a Brandon Marshall blow-up?
I'm not referring to a doll either. We saw Marshall act extremely adolescent during his days in Denver. That won't happen under the watch of one Bill Parcells. He won't only be gone, he'll be booted to Guatemala with former Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson.

2. Is this the year Chad Henne "breaks through"?
Despite what those in Dolphins organization think of the former Wolverine, he's not even close to Dan Marino. That being said, Henne could be on the verge in Miami. Strong rushing attack and the addition of Marshall could be all Henne needs.

3. Why is there so much talk about Miami?
Excellent question. Can't really grasp that concept myself except to say that they did make the playoffs in '08. Getting Dansby and drafting Jared Odrick did provide for upgrades on the defense, but I felt they didn't do enough on the offensive side despite getting Marshall.

No, I'm not big on the Phins, but they could prove to be a thorn in the side of all their opponents.

Holt could be a bigger signing than we think.

New England Patriots
2009 record: 10-6, 1st in division
Head coach: Bill Belichick
Key Losses: DE Jarvis Green, TE Benjamin Watson, TE Chris Baker
Key Additions: TE Alge Crumpler, WR Torry Holt, DT Gerard Warren

1. Will Randy Moss dump the season?
All of the previous cases of Moss being unhappy in his surrounding point that way. We actually saw a bit of that during last season. That's why bringing Torry Holt was so crucial. Holt is a professional ad he will view this as a chance to get another ring.

2. Will the loss to the Ravens in the playoffs affect how the Pats approach 2010?
Yes, it will. They saw that the Ravens pounded them senseless and a call for toughness and focus will reverberate throughout camp. And the fact that Belichick has made it a priority to remove all remnants from the previous Pats success will make this squad anxious to prove it is still a winner.

3. Can the Patriots "get by" without Logan Mankins?
Not completely. He's Brady's security blanket and you best believe Brady knows that. I know the contract for Brady needs worked out, but he and Mankins pretty much go hand-in-hand. If you have Brady and no Mankins, it could be a long season for Brady no matter how good he is.

People are thinking the glory days of the Patriots are behind them. As far as the roster goes, that's true, but there's no reason to doubt these guys. They will be ready to play. Would you expect anything less from a Belichick coached team.

Sanchez again will have to manage the game
instead of playing the game in 2010.

New York Jets
2009 record: 9-7, 2nd in division
Head coach: Rex Ryan
Key Losses: RB Thomas Jones, G Alan Faneca, CB Lito Sheppard, RB Leon Washington
Key Additions: WR Santonio Holmes, RB LaDainian Tomlinson, CB Antonio Cromartie, OLB Jason Taylor

1. Will the J-E-T-S, Jets! Jets! Jets! live up to the hype?
I think it's been overblown. Do I think they're good? I sure do, but I don't think they're the AFC favorite to go to Dallas. There were some personnel moves made that I question.

2. Which moves?
Releasing Faneca was nothing more than a money purge. Faneca may be getting long in the tooth, but he can still deliver a pancake. I strongly disliked not keeping Thomas Jones. How can you let one of the most productive running backs in the NFL just walk out of town? Sure, the Jets have Shonn Greene, but you need two high quality backs in the NFL now. Getting LT doesn't provide that. And couldn't there have been better receivers to snag than Santonio Holmes? I know he's a Super Bowl MVP, but he's missing the first four games this season and there's no other quality receivers on the roster. None.

3. How will Mark Sanchez fare in 2010?
I believe he's the one aspect of the offense I like the best. He's got a year under his belt. We saw at the end of last season that a light bulb finally went off over his head. I hope he decides to slide correctly because I like this kid.

Am I down of the Jets? Not really, but I don't see how they improved so much compared to all the shaking up the roster underwent. And I didn't mention the missing "island"...

It's that time. Who's finishing where?

1. New England. Until someone else steals the title, I'm sticking with Brady, Belichick and Company.
2. New York. They'll battle the Pats to the end and come up a game short...again.
3. Miami. Not seeing anything above 8-8.
4. Buffalo. Sorry, Chris Berman. They won't be circling the wagons.

The Weekend High 5

This weekend supplied us with a whole lot of stories. Here's a look at five of the best from Friday night to Sunday night.

1. Lakers manage only 23 second half point against Nuggets

No one could have guessed this. We're used to 23 points being a low scoring quarter for the Lakers. But a half? And Kobe doesn't score a single second half point? But it wasn't revelaed by the Lakers until after Sunday night's loss to the Houston Rockets that Bryant has a groin strain. No ups when that groin is bad.

2. Coulmbus Blue Jackets beat Anahiem Ducks in shootout

Doesn't seem like a big deal, does it? Watch.



Blue Jackets winger Rick Nash almost "blew a tire" and still managed to score the shootout goal that gives Columbus the win. Speaking of Columbus...