I don't ever think anyone will ever doubt just how good Peyton Manning is. Manning is more machine than man and is truly out of this world. With possibly the worst receiving corps in the NFL due to injuries etc... Manning doesn't miss a beat. They could bring in the ball boy from the sidelines, line him up at wide receiver, and Manning would make him a Pro Bowler--not to be confused with a professional bowler. But the success of this team does not fall all on the shoulders of Peyton. The big man upstairs, GM Bill Polian, is, and has been, the best GM in the NFL for a decade. Polian knows how to find diamonds in the rough and is like the Billy Beane of football; contracts are low, talent is high. You have to wonder, though, how long the Colts can keep getting away without having premier players besides Manning.
Jaguars- F
It baffles me that a team with one of the most dynamic running backs in the league, Maurice Jones-Drew, could manage to be so bad. Welcome to Jacksonville, home of empty stadiums and empty win columns. Other then MJD there is not one intimidating aspect of this team. Defense underachieves, they have a horrendous QB who can't accurately throw the ball deep. I feel for coach Jack Del Rio, though, because I think he is better than this. However, he won't be around next year to find out. Who knows, maybe Jacksonville won't be in Jacksonville in the near future anyway. Los Angeles Cougars sound good to any one???
Titans- B-
Something about this team just rubs me the wrong way, and I'm not sure what it is. Just when you think Vince Young is going to make leaps and bounds towards NFL stardom he finds a way to take 2 steps back. Clearly, Chris Johnson can run for 3000 yards if he wanted to. He is a human video game and makes defenses look silly, but a mediocre passing attack allows teams to pack the box on Mr. Johnson. Maybe Randy Moss will be just the piece they need. Just make sure the catering is top shelf!!!! The major question is, does this team have what it takes to challenge the Colts for the division title? As much as you would like to say yes, it won't happen. They will end up on the outside looking in.
Texans- B-
You want nothing more than to see this team make the playoffs, not because you like them but because you hate the Cowboys that much more. Dallas' little brother is all grown up!!! The Texans are a very scary team with the discovery of Arian Foster, who makes a dangerous offense frightening!!! Health is an issue for Houston with the loss of DeMeco Ryans, the defensive leader and anchor of a young talented linebacking group. If the Colts are to be dethroned, the Texans will be the team to unseat them, but, unfortunately, this will be the only scenario where they make the playoffs.
Indianapolis Colts (5-2). The Colts are 5-2 despite their recent wrath of injuries and still on pace for the 11 or 12 wins they get every year Peyton Manning is at the helm. Thankfully, since they've lost already, we won't have to hear any debate about going for the perfect season and not resting their starters or resting their starters and getting ready for the playoffs. Grade: B+
ReplyDeleteTennessee Titans (5-3). Josh is right about the quarterback position with the Titans. However, while they flip flop between Kerry Collins and Vince Young, who does not seem to improve and fulfill his potential, they do continue to win. They have a dynamic running back in Chris Johnson and a coach who is one of the best in the game. Grade: B
Houston Texans (4-3). After beating the Colts in week 1 it seemed that the Texans were destined for a big year...finally; however, since that game they've alternated wins and losses and have been inconsistent. Grade: C+
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4). Again, another inconsistent team; however, they are not deserving of an F. They've beaten the teams they should beat, plus Indianapolis, miraculously, and lost the games they should lose. They'll be one of the many teams that finishes around 8-8. Grade: C