NFL News and Notes

NFL News and Notes

The AFC West could be decided in the final regular season game between the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos. Denver currently is 4-4 and the Chargers are 3-5.

What is the big fuss over 49ers coach Mike Singletary’s halftime stunt where he took his pants off? The media made a big deal out of nothing once again. Coaches have different ways of motivating their players. If Singletary was white, would this be such a big deal? I wouldn’t put it pass the media to try to show Singletary as another angry black man.

The Charger made a great choice in promoting Ron Rivera to DC and firing Ted Cottrell. The Chargers D was just horrible under Cottrell. Part of the reason was the loss of Shawn Merriman but the Chargers defense appeared too passive under Cottrell. Teams were just passing all day on the Chargers D. QBs like Trent Edwards and Drew Brees were having their way too often with the secondary of the Chargers.

The so called “experts” were once again wrong as the Steelers defeated the Redskins last night. Everyone was picking the Redskins and ESPN’s Ron Jaworski was even touting Jason Campbell as a MVP candidate. The reason the Steelers won was because they CAN stop the run and held Clinton Portis to under 100 yards. Stop Portis and you can stop the Redskins. Portis was more of a MVP candidate to me than Campbell was.

The Raiders are pathetic. Truly pathetic. They need a coach the players respect and will play hard for. None of the players are scared of Tom Cable and they know he has no power. Cable looks to be way in over his head at this point but the jury is still out on him.

JaMarcus Russell is the worst starting QB in the NFL right now. Matt Ryan of the Falcons clearly outplayed him last Sunday in Oakland. Rusell was only 6-19 for 31 yards.

An AFC championship game between the Steelers and Titans would be a great defensive game. The Titans are great at running the ball and the Steelers are made to stop the run. These two teams play each other in Week 16 in Tennessee.

Denver’s defense was supposed to be better this year but that has not been the case. Teams are able to both run and pass against them. Losing Champ Bailey to an injury did not help.

What’s wrong with Jay Cutler? He was supposed to be the next big thing at QB but he has regressed of late. No one doubts his arm strength but he needs to cut down on his interceptions.

The Arizona Cardinals will easily win the NFC West. The Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers are making it too easy for the Cardinals. The 49ers have their next shot on Monday night in Arizona to try to stay in contention in the West.

The most complete team in the NFC right now is the New York Giants.

Lame duck coaches like Mike Holmgren don’t stand a chance because the players already know he will be gone after the season and don’t fear him as much. A lot of players tune out a coach if they are either interim or lame duck coaches. You can look at Purdue’s Joe Tiller as another example.

The Ravens have surprised me with their 5-3 record. I didn’t think they had a shot this year with QB Joe Flacco behind center. RB Ray Rice has played well too in the absence of Willis McGahee due to an injury.

What happened to the Jaguars? They lost to the previously winless Bengals and now face the winless Lions on Sunday. Losing two of their starting guards for the rest of the season early in the season has hampered their offense. Free agent acquisition Jerry Porter has been a non-factor the whole season at WR.

The Kansas City Chiefs have been competitive in their last two games but they face a tough road test in San Diego on Sunday. QB Taylor Thigpen has been a true revelation. Could he be the QB of the future for the Chiefs?

I would give the Coach of the Year award to Tony Sparano of the Dolphins right now. His team has a chance to win the AFC East. The Dolphins play Seattle and Oakland at home the next two weeks before their rematch with the Patriots. Three straight home games for the Dolphins and they have a chance to go at least 2-1 or 3-0.

I would not count out the Cowboys being out of the playoffs just yet. I think they still have a run left in them when Tony Romo returns. CB Mike Jenkins has played great. Jenkins is a rookie from South Florida.

The Lions might have their best chance at winning a game when the Vikings come to town in Week 14.