FlaStlrfan
10-08-2008, 01:33 PM
Taking a look at the AFC early in the year of course, but its only a few weeks away from when the teams begin to separate. Really, in looking at it, the Steelers are well positioned to advance in the playoffs provided, they stay healthy (particularly Ben) and they navigate with success that brutal schedule featuring the Colts, Cowboys, Redskins, Giants, Titans and Chargers. Should we have success, heck, even splitting those games, we'll be in a great position for the playoffs. Here's a look at what it breaks down as:
LEADING THE DIVISIONS
Tennessee Titans 5-0
The story so far Maybe the surprise of the NFL so far. Vince Young's demise came quickly and Kerry Collins has led the offense quite well, all things considered. The defense is playing at a high level.
Biggest surprise Collins taking over for Vince Young
Biggest obstacle Collins--he's a veteran, but he's always been only so good (only 3 TDs and a passer rating 0f 73)and never a quality QB in the times it matters most. He is also very INT prone.
Outlook The Titans get the proverbial 3rd place schedule, featuring some creampuff games that their divisional opponents, the Colts and Jags, don't have. Ultimately, this team is a carbon copy of the 2006 Ravens, and the regular season will feature a strong season, but they are destined to early playoff defeat because agains the AFCs best, they can't win in the playoffs with passing.
Pittsburgh Steelers 4-1
The story so far The Steelers continue to do what they have done for the better part of the last two decades, run atop their division. Ben Roethisberger is evolving to another level of QB, taking over the offense and the leadership of the team. The defense is making big plays, in particular from Harrison, Woodley and Polamalu.
Biggest surprise Lamar Woodley, we expected him to be good, but he is exceeding expectations.
Biggest obstacle Protecting Ben Roethlisberger and the most difficult schedule in the league since 1976.
Outlook The Steelers have a legit shot to win the AFC. They will have to remain healthy and navigate their way through a brutal schedule, but they should be the division champ and in position to make waves in the playoffs.
Buffalo Bills 4-1
The story so far If the Titans aren't the surpise of the AFC, the Bills are. They came out of the gate quickly to a 4-0 record before finally dropping one in Arizona last week. Its been the defense that has been the main benefactor, keeping the Bills in the games: no team had even gained more than 255 yards on them in the first 4 games
Biggest surprise Trent Edwards--in three of their wins, he directed 4th quarter comebacks. He has been very efficient.
Biggest obstacle The Bills were exposed in the Arizona game, and they haven't been challenged by any quality opponents yet.
Outlook With the Tom Brady injury, the Bills have an excellent opportunity to win the division. Its going to come down to how they play against the improved inter-divisional opponents Miami and New York and of course, how they play against New England. This team is not ready yet for any post season success.
Denver Broncos 4-1
The story so far The Broncos behind Jay Culter have taken over the early lead in the division most, including myself, was going to be run by the Chargers--though the first head to head match up of the two featured the worst officials blown call since Troy Polamalu's AFC Divsional playoff game INT.
Biggest surprise Jay Culter is have a phenomenal year with 10 TDs already. He is making a bid to his first Pro Bowl.
Biggest obstacle Selvin Young is okay, but he is nothing along the lines of the great Bronco running back tradition. The Broncos under Shanahan have always won by running the football with balanced passing, he'll need to perform at the highest level he can.
Outlook There is nothing stopping the Broncos from taking this division and having a phenomenal year. Mike Shanahan is a proven winner and among the least heralded coaches in the NFL--there is really wrong with that picture. They could even work their way to the AFC Championship and even the Super Bowl. Something tells me there is going to be a renewal of the Steelers vs. Broncos playoff history revisited.
IN SECOND
Indianapolis Colts 2-2
The story so far The Colts, one of the NFLs most consistent teams of the decade, are struggling more than most could have expected. Their two wins have come at a real shock, over-coming large 4th quarter deficits in both, and both can attribute their opponents meltdown to the victory.
Biggest surprise The Colts haven't had a season since 2002 they didn't start 5-0 or better, they have already lost two this year.
Biggest obstacle This team is not playing at the same level as in previous years, injuries and losses to the OL have really derailed the offense.
Outlook The Colts may have had their season saved last week by Sage Rosenfells, but they could go either way with the season. It comes down to how they play against their divisional opponents Jacksonville and Tennessee. If the Colts aren't up to the task of running those 3 remaining games, expect them to be wild card or miss the playoffs. If they get it together and run them, they will be a dangerous team in the AFC playoffs.
New England Patriots 3-1
The story so far They aren't going 19-0, or even 18-1 this year. The Patriots strangle-hold on the division is very loosened as well. Under the circumstances, the Patriots have held up well and have played hard, and they deserve credit for that
Biggest surprise Tom Brady's ACL tear.
Biggest obstacle With Brady out, Matt Cassell takes over. He's done well so far, but teams will begin to scout him out and take away what he does by the end of the season, it'll be more challenging for him as it goes on.
Outlook The media brought up how Tom Brady took over in 2001 and won the Super Bowl, but this team has an X on its back, no one will over look the run it up the score Patriots of 2007. The Brady-less Patriots will not storm into the playoffs this year, either barely winning the division or make it as a wild card, but if they face Pittsburgh, Denver or Indy, or even San Diego, in the playoffs, they will be dispatched.
San Diego Chargers 2-3
The story so far They got robbed against Denver, bhe Chargers are still very badly under performing. They are not getting the job done and it shouldn't even have been that close to losing the first two weeks, given the talent level of the team.
Biggest surprise The 0-2 start was one I didn't see coming. And LT hasn't looked like footballs most dangerous RB this year either.
Biggest obstacle Shawne Merriman's injury hurts this defense, he was their best play maker. Overcoming his loss is proving difficult.
Outlook The Chargers can still get back in this thing, but they need to get their focus back fast. The Broncos aren't about to fall apart. They can turn it around and make the playoffs--the same thing happened last year. But ultimately, this team is like the Eddie Johnston coached Penguins and teams like them--loaded with talent, but the coach will keep them from reaching their potential. Any way you cut it, they fall short.
Baltimore Ravens 2-2
The story so far The Ravens continue their on-again/off-again trend. Solid team in 04, disappointment in 05, playoff team in 06, horrible team in 07, solid team in 08. The defense is playing lights out and Joe Flacco has shown the potential to be the teams first quality QB since Vinny Testeverde.
Biggest surprise Joe Flacco, he has shown more poise and potential then expected.
Biggest obstacle The offense, led by the surprising Joe Flacco has been better, but it's still led by a rookie. Unless your name is Roethlisberger or Marino, that means bad news for a team trying to reach the playoffs.
Outlook The Ravens ate up the hapless Bengals and Browns to start the year, and remained very competitive against the Steelers and Titans, losing in OT and in a last minute drive. There are no "moral" victories in the NFL however, and the inability to finish off and beat the better teams, no matter how compeitive you are, will keep you out of the playoffs.
THE REST
Miami Dolphins - Competitive and playing hard. You never know?
New York Jets - Brett Favre makes them better, but they are still sitting the dance out at the end of the year
Cleveland Browns - Preparing for the Brady Quinn era.
Cincinnati Bengals - Right back to the 90s....only the Bengals could waste talent the level of Carson Palmer.
Jacksonville Jaguars - David Garrard was solid for a season, but he'll never win games with his arm.
Houston Texans - How does a team with Sage Rosenfells as the back up not look at Daunte Culpepper or Byron Leftwich before the season?
Kansas City Chiefs - If ever a team needed a quality QB
Oakland Raiders - Just be a joke baby.
LEADING THE DIVISIONS
Tennessee Titans 5-0
The story so far Maybe the surprise of the NFL so far. Vince Young's demise came quickly and Kerry Collins has led the offense quite well, all things considered. The defense is playing at a high level.
Biggest surprise Collins taking over for Vince Young
Biggest obstacle Collins--he's a veteran, but he's always been only so good (only 3 TDs and a passer rating 0f 73)and never a quality QB in the times it matters most. He is also very INT prone.
Outlook The Titans get the proverbial 3rd place schedule, featuring some creampuff games that their divisional opponents, the Colts and Jags, don't have. Ultimately, this team is a carbon copy of the 2006 Ravens, and the regular season will feature a strong season, but they are destined to early playoff defeat because agains the AFCs best, they can't win in the playoffs with passing.
Pittsburgh Steelers 4-1
The story so far The Steelers continue to do what they have done for the better part of the last two decades, run atop their division. Ben Roethisberger is evolving to another level of QB, taking over the offense and the leadership of the team. The defense is making big plays, in particular from Harrison, Woodley and Polamalu.
Biggest surprise Lamar Woodley, we expected him to be good, but he is exceeding expectations.
Biggest obstacle Protecting Ben Roethlisberger and the most difficult schedule in the league since 1976.
Outlook The Steelers have a legit shot to win the AFC. They will have to remain healthy and navigate their way through a brutal schedule, but they should be the division champ and in position to make waves in the playoffs.
Buffalo Bills 4-1
The story so far If the Titans aren't the surpise of the AFC, the Bills are. They came out of the gate quickly to a 4-0 record before finally dropping one in Arizona last week. Its been the defense that has been the main benefactor, keeping the Bills in the games: no team had even gained more than 255 yards on them in the first 4 games
Biggest surprise Trent Edwards--in three of their wins, he directed 4th quarter comebacks. He has been very efficient.
Biggest obstacle The Bills were exposed in the Arizona game, and they haven't been challenged by any quality opponents yet.
Outlook With the Tom Brady injury, the Bills have an excellent opportunity to win the division. Its going to come down to how they play against the improved inter-divisional opponents Miami and New York and of course, how they play against New England. This team is not ready yet for any post season success.
Denver Broncos 4-1
The story so far The Broncos behind Jay Culter have taken over the early lead in the division most, including myself, was going to be run by the Chargers--though the first head to head match up of the two featured the worst officials blown call since Troy Polamalu's AFC Divsional playoff game INT.
Biggest surprise Jay Culter is have a phenomenal year with 10 TDs already. He is making a bid to his first Pro Bowl.
Biggest obstacle Selvin Young is okay, but he is nothing along the lines of the great Bronco running back tradition. The Broncos under Shanahan have always won by running the football with balanced passing, he'll need to perform at the highest level he can.
Outlook There is nothing stopping the Broncos from taking this division and having a phenomenal year. Mike Shanahan is a proven winner and among the least heralded coaches in the NFL--there is really wrong with that picture. They could even work their way to the AFC Championship and even the Super Bowl. Something tells me there is going to be a renewal of the Steelers vs. Broncos playoff history revisited.
IN SECOND
Indianapolis Colts 2-2
The story so far The Colts, one of the NFLs most consistent teams of the decade, are struggling more than most could have expected. Their two wins have come at a real shock, over-coming large 4th quarter deficits in both, and both can attribute their opponents meltdown to the victory.
Biggest surprise The Colts haven't had a season since 2002 they didn't start 5-0 or better, they have already lost two this year.
Biggest obstacle This team is not playing at the same level as in previous years, injuries and losses to the OL have really derailed the offense.
Outlook The Colts may have had their season saved last week by Sage Rosenfells, but they could go either way with the season. It comes down to how they play against their divisional opponents Jacksonville and Tennessee. If the Colts aren't up to the task of running those 3 remaining games, expect them to be wild card or miss the playoffs. If they get it together and run them, they will be a dangerous team in the AFC playoffs.
New England Patriots 3-1
The story so far They aren't going 19-0, or even 18-1 this year. The Patriots strangle-hold on the division is very loosened as well. Under the circumstances, the Patriots have held up well and have played hard, and they deserve credit for that
Biggest surprise Tom Brady's ACL tear.
Biggest obstacle With Brady out, Matt Cassell takes over. He's done well so far, but teams will begin to scout him out and take away what he does by the end of the season, it'll be more challenging for him as it goes on.
Outlook The media brought up how Tom Brady took over in 2001 and won the Super Bowl, but this team has an X on its back, no one will over look the run it up the score Patriots of 2007. The Brady-less Patriots will not storm into the playoffs this year, either barely winning the division or make it as a wild card, but if they face Pittsburgh, Denver or Indy, or even San Diego, in the playoffs, they will be dispatched.
San Diego Chargers 2-3
The story so far They got robbed against Denver, bhe Chargers are still very badly under performing. They are not getting the job done and it shouldn't even have been that close to losing the first two weeks, given the talent level of the team.
Biggest surprise The 0-2 start was one I didn't see coming. And LT hasn't looked like footballs most dangerous RB this year either.
Biggest obstacle Shawne Merriman's injury hurts this defense, he was their best play maker. Overcoming his loss is proving difficult.
Outlook The Chargers can still get back in this thing, but they need to get their focus back fast. The Broncos aren't about to fall apart. They can turn it around and make the playoffs--the same thing happened last year. But ultimately, this team is like the Eddie Johnston coached Penguins and teams like them--loaded with talent, but the coach will keep them from reaching their potential. Any way you cut it, they fall short.
Baltimore Ravens 2-2
The story so far The Ravens continue their on-again/off-again trend. Solid team in 04, disappointment in 05, playoff team in 06, horrible team in 07, solid team in 08. The defense is playing lights out and Joe Flacco has shown the potential to be the teams first quality QB since Vinny Testeverde.
Biggest surprise Joe Flacco, he has shown more poise and potential then expected.
Biggest obstacle The offense, led by the surprising Joe Flacco has been better, but it's still led by a rookie. Unless your name is Roethlisberger or Marino, that means bad news for a team trying to reach the playoffs.
Outlook The Ravens ate up the hapless Bengals and Browns to start the year, and remained very competitive against the Steelers and Titans, losing in OT and in a last minute drive. There are no "moral" victories in the NFL however, and the inability to finish off and beat the better teams, no matter how compeitive you are, will keep you out of the playoffs.
THE REST
Miami Dolphins - Competitive and playing hard. You never know?
New York Jets - Brett Favre makes them better, but they are still sitting the dance out at the end of the year
Cleveland Browns - Preparing for the Brady Quinn era.
Cincinnati Bengals - Right back to the 90s....only the Bengals could waste talent the level of Carson Palmer.
Jacksonville Jaguars - David Garrard was solid for a season, but he'll never win games with his arm.
Houston Texans - How does a team with Sage Rosenfells as the back up not look at Daunte Culpepper or Byron Leftwich before the season?
Kansas City Chiefs - If ever a team needed a quality QB
Oakland Raiders - Just be a joke baby.