San Diego has put all of their eggs in the Philip Rivers basket, which is not a bad move because he clearly has proven he is one of the top QBs in the league. Their offense has been lacking the effectiveness it had in years past. Statistically they should never be outscored but they seem to always find a way to shoot themselves in the foot either by committing penalties or turning the ball over. With Jackson coming back soon maybe he can sure the team back up and get back that offensive magic they are accustomed too. Remember the days when San Diego fielded an NFL level defense? I sure do, and they were a scary force. The wannabes they have on defense now are a mess. For 3+ seasons this defense has desperately needed a jolt, but time and time again management ignores the glaring issues on this side of the ball. You have to play both offense and defense in this league if you want to be successful.
Raiders- B
Little known secret about the Raiders is they have had a top notch defense for some time now. The PROBLEM has been that very defense was asked to play 3/4 of the game, and that is never a recipe for success. It is, quite frankly, a shame because they don't get enough credit. In recent weeks the offense has discovered that controlling the ball and getting first downs translates into wins! It's an amazing epiphany. Mr. McFadden has been running like his shoes are fire, and it is about time he started earning his high draft pick money. Michael Bush is a super complement with his bruising runs between the tackles. Jason Campbell just has to not turn the ball over at the same frequency that he did in Washington, and things will run smooth for "da Raaaaaaaiders". Maybe with some smarter choices on draft day this team can return to the playoffs where they used to be a regular fixture.
Broncos- D-
This team is quite the enigma. I can't figure them out, and I'm sure their fans have the same puzzled look every Sunday. Coach Josh McDaniels has decided to live and die by the pass, running is not even an option for him unless its the Chosen One, Tim Tebow, in goal line situations. There is a major flaw with this strategy: you have no major threats. Floyd has been a nice story, but he is nowhere near the top of the receiving pedestal. I sometimes get the feeling that McDaniels thinks he can emulate the 16-0 Pats with lesser parts. Hey, Josh, nowhere on your roster do you possess a player of Randy Moss's (pre-2010) caliber. Until they find either a running game, or develop a true #1 WR, you will be faced with another average season.
Chiefs- A+
Hands down the biggest surprise team/story of the year. What GM Scott Pioli and staff have been able to achieve so quickly is remarkable!!! This team was a doormat in the NFL just 1year ago. Now they are atop their division and do not seem to be relinquishing that spot anytime soon. They'll win this weak division, get themselves in the playoffs, and at that point who knows what will happen. Expect great things from this franchise for many years to come.
San Diego Chargers (3-5). The Chargers are a huge disappointment. Granted, their window has been closing the past couple years, I expected they had at least 2 or 3 more years left in them. They're 0-4 on the road and 0-2 in the division, so it's unlikely that they'll be making yet another 2nd half comeback to get into the playoffs. Grade: D
ReplyDeleteOakland Raiders (4-4). Unbelievably, the Raiders are 4-4 and playing a game of importance this week when they host the Chiefs. If they win, they're 5-4 and half a game out of first; if they lose, they're 4-5, 2.5 game out and done. However, the fact that the Raiders are even in this position is a sign that they're finally coming back. McFadden is running well, and the defense has been pretty consistent. Grade: B
Denver Broncos (2-6). Since starting out 6-0 last year under coach Josh McDaniels, the Broncos are 4-14. They've traded away their best players, QB Jay Cutler and WR Brandon Marshall, and have looked bad. I didn't think that they were very good going into the season, and I certainly don't think they are good now. Grade: D
Kansas City Chiefs (5-2). The Chiefs and Bucs have been the two biggest surprises this year, I have to agree. The Chiefs are further proof that the rebuilding process no longer has to take 5 years. Scott Pioli and the rest of the New England imports have made their mark with this team and a division title and playoff appearance is a possibility. Grade: A