Lots of things to get to this week. We are now entering the part of the season where we can put our conceptions of teams to work. Now is when the pretenders and contenders begin to assert themselves. Let's start with what we learned from the 49ers and move on to the rest of the league
49ers: On the positive side they got back to what they do best. On the not so positive side they haven't fixed their most glaring need, a lack of a passing game. I was way over my skis with Kaepernick. He's good, but he's not on Luck or even Wilson's level. Those guys deliver without a strong supporting cast where as Kaep, at least for right now, he needs help. I expect the niners to be better by seasons end, but by then Seattle may have run away with this division. 2013 will be a down year for my favorite team, 2014 should be another story.
Seahawks on the road: In my mind this game means more to only one team because only one of these teams is a legit championship contender. Seattle can strike more fear into the hearts of the league with a big win here and if Houston loses I thin more people will begin to realize what a fraud they are. This will be a fascinating game to watch. Keep an eye on how the rookie Hopkins plays against Seattle's secondary. If this young man is the talent we think he is he will show you something today.
The Bucs and Josh Freeman: This team is a mess! I mean a Lane Kiffin, Bobby Patrino type of mess. Rumors that the coach has lost the locker room, benching your starting QB, star veteran pick-up has beef with the head guy, this ship is sinking. Josh Freeman has had a puzzling career. He's not a transcendent talent, but his regression seems to partially be due to who's been brought in to help him develop. Unfortunately, I think his career as a starter is done. As for Schiano, he needs to find a franchise QB by this time next year or he's done. Coaches are tied to their QBs. Coaches that get fired never find the franchise guy, coaches that stick around always have "their guy" at the position. The Schiano clock starts now.
Lions vs. Bears: Second most fascinating game to watch this week. I don't think we'll learn a hole lot about either team no matter the outcome, this will just be a fun game to watch. Like LSU vs. Georgia this past weekend, we both know these teams are good and will play each other hard. Both teams should be in the mix for a playoff spot towards the end of the season. I give Chicago the edge here because of the head coaching. Tresmann is a grown-up and Schwartz is a hot head. This game should be fairly close throughout and I think the first year head coach will make the fewest critical mistakes.
Must win teams: These teams have got to get a win if they are going to salvage their season.
Giants
Steelers
Washington
Philly's not on this list because the rest of the division is so bad and they have a win. Dallas is running away with things, but if the 'Boys lose today it keeps the door open. As for the three teams on this list a win today doesn't mean they make it to the post season, it means they put themselves in a position to not feel completely crapping about 2013. I don't think any of the coaches find their jobs in jeopardy at seasons end, but the cushion gets that much thinner. The Giants have the toughest task this week, but they've got a history of rising to the occasion when the chips are down. I'll be surprised if all three teams lose.
London: These games are stupid. I get that the NFL has international ambitions and as a business they should be trying to expand their brand. Logistically however, these games are a nightmare for players and they're not particularly exciting to for fans. Talk of a franchise in London is the only thing more logistically ludicrous than games in London. If the Brits and Europe are clamoring for more NFL then they can tune in to games over here or do what we did with the MLS and start their own league.
Trent Richardson: Ahmad Bradshaw's out and Richardson has had a full week with his new team. The Jags play hard so I'm not expecting Richardson to have a monster game, but this should be the week we see how the Colts plan to use the 3rd overall pick for 2011's draft. More so than his rushing yards keep an eye on the number of touches he gets and don't be surprise if he out gains all other skill positions. Someone in Houston should be watching this game very closely.
Troubled receivers on the trading block: Josh Gordon and Kenny Britt are extremely talented players that may have worn out their welcomes. Both players are the best their respective offenses have to offer, but both players are knuckleheads. Britt is midway through a downward spiral where as Gordon, for the time being, is saying all the right things. I think both guys are playing on different teams come 2014, this is almost guaranteed in Britt's case. To me only Gordon is worth the trouble. Britt talks to much and doesn't appear to understand how his twitter rants are hurting his trade/free agent value. Gordon is one positive drug test away from a season long ban so I wouldn't give a lot of him, but if I'm good team with a good locker room I'm very intrigued by the Cleveland Brown star. The 49ers are a good fit for Gordon because they need a big play guy on the outside, they have a ton of picks they could offer Cleveland, and they have a good locker room and leadership. Gordon would give the 49ers a chance if they had to play in Seattle late in the year and if Crabtree comes back healthy along with Manningham and Boldin in the slot this team would be a Super Bowl favorite once again.
Enjoy the games this week!
49ers: On the positive side they got back to what they do best. On the not so positive side they haven't fixed their most glaring need, a lack of a passing game. I was way over my skis with Kaepernick. He's good, but he's not on Luck or even Wilson's level. Those guys deliver without a strong supporting cast where as Kaep, at least for right now, he needs help. I expect the niners to be better by seasons end, but by then Seattle may have run away with this division. 2013 will be a down year for my favorite team, 2014 should be another story.
Seahawks on the road: In my mind this game means more to only one team because only one of these teams is a legit championship contender. Seattle can strike more fear into the hearts of the league with a big win here and if Houston loses I thin more people will begin to realize what a fraud they are. This will be a fascinating game to watch. Keep an eye on how the rookie Hopkins plays against Seattle's secondary. If this young man is the talent we think he is he will show you something today.
The Bucs and Josh Freeman: This team is a mess! I mean a Lane Kiffin, Bobby Patrino type of mess. Rumors that the coach has lost the locker room, benching your starting QB, star veteran pick-up has beef with the head guy, this ship is sinking. Josh Freeman has had a puzzling career. He's not a transcendent talent, but his regression seems to partially be due to who's been brought in to help him develop. Unfortunately, I think his career as a starter is done. As for Schiano, he needs to find a franchise QB by this time next year or he's done. Coaches are tied to their QBs. Coaches that get fired never find the franchise guy, coaches that stick around always have "their guy" at the position. The Schiano clock starts now.
Lions vs. Bears: Second most fascinating game to watch this week. I don't think we'll learn a hole lot about either team no matter the outcome, this will just be a fun game to watch. Like LSU vs. Georgia this past weekend, we both know these teams are good and will play each other hard. Both teams should be in the mix for a playoff spot towards the end of the season. I give Chicago the edge here because of the head coaching. Tresmann is a grown-up and Schwartz is a hot head. This game should be fairly close throughout and I think the first year head coach will make the fewest critical mistakes.
Must win teams: These teams have got to get a win if they are going to salvage their season.
Giants
Steelers
Washington
Philly's not on this list because the rest of the division is so bad and they have a win. Dallas is running away with things, but if the 'Boys lose today it keeps the door open. As for the three teams on this list a win today doesn't mean they make it to the post season, it means they put themselves in a position to not feel completely crapping about 2013. I don't think any of the coaches find their jobs in jeopardy at seasons end, but the cushion gets that much thinner. The Giants have the toughest task this week, but they've got a history of rising to the occasion when the chips are down. I'll be surprised if all three teams lose.
London: These games are stupid. I get that the NFL has international ambitions and as a business they should be trying to expand their brand. Logistically however, these games are a nightmare for players and they're not particularly exciting to for fans. Talk of a franchise in London is the only thing more logistically ludicrous than games in London. If the Brits and Europe are clamoring for more NFL then they can tune in to games over here or do what we did with the MLS and start their own league.
Trent Richardson: Ahmad Bradshaw's out and Richardson has had a full week with his new team. The Jags play hard so I'm not expecting Richardson to have a monster game, but this should be the week we see how the Colts plan to use the 3rd overall pick for 2011's draft. More so than his rushing yards keep an eye on the number of touches he gets and don't be surprise if he out gains all other skill positions. Someone in Houston should be watching this game very closely.
Troubled receivers on the trading block: Josh Gordon and Kenny Britt are extremely talented players that may have worn out their welcomes. Both players are the best their respective offenses have to offer, but both players are knuckleheads. Britt is midway through a downward spiral where as Gordon, for the time being, is saying all the right things. I think both guys are playing on different teams come 2014, this is almost guaranteed in Britt's case. To me only Gordon is worth the trouble. Britt talks to much and doesn't appear to understand how his twitter rants are hurting his trade/free agent value. Gordon is one positive drug test away from a season long ban so I wouldn't give a lot of him, but if I'm good team with a good locker room I'm very intrigued by the Cleveland Brown star. The 49ers are a good fit for Gordon because they need a big play guy on the outside, they have a ton of picks they could offer Cleveland, and they have a good locker room and leadership. Gordon would give the 49ers a chance if they had to play in Seattle late in the year and if Crabtree comes back healthy along with Manningham and Boldin in the slot this team would be a Super Bowl favorite once again.
Enjoy the games this week!
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