The Coaches Blog: Welcome, Goodbye, And So Long.

Over the last two days we have had four head coaches from all of pro sports come and go (literally.) So let's get to it.


Chuck Pagano

Former defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens, has decided he won't be back. Around 3:00 eastern time it was made official that Chuck Pagano will be the new head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

Pagano said it was a difficult decision to leave Baltimore, but he couldn't pass up the opportunity.

In his only stint as a defensive coordinator. Pagano went 12-4, and finished just shy of a Super Bowl birth (..not getting into that lol.)

 

After just one year as Baltimore DC, one interview (was held Wednesday afternoon), and one day since his interview. My question is. Are the Colts rushing?

I understand why Pagano took the job, but just after one day, and the Colts have already made a decision. The Buccaneers fired their coach back on January 2nd , and their vacancy still hasn't been filled. With the Colts most likely drafting Andrew Luck, players like Reggie Wayne, Robert Mathis, Jeff Saturday, Pierre Garcon could all potentially be gone, and all these Peyton Manning rumors circling "Will he be back in a Colts uni" "Will he retire" etc. etc. I think Indianapolis kind of rushed everything. They were waiting for just one person to come in and "wow" them, and that was going to be their guy. Period.

Before Indianapolis even interviewed Pagano. Indianapolis list of HC candidates included Jim Tressel (who was hired as a replay consultant back in September), 49ers special teams coach Brad Seely, and Titans DC Jerry Gray. Most people figured none of them were much of a threat to secure the Colts head coaching vacancy, and I thought the same about Pagano. Proved me wrong. I think Irsay just wanted a guy in there A.S.A.P.

The firing of Jim Caldwell now makes a little more sense to me. Jim Irsay, and new general manager Ryan Grigson are looking for the right guy to manage this team WITHOUT Peyton Manning.

Flip Saunders

After a six point loss to the Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo-less Celtics on Sunday. Followed by a 30 point loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, and a  2-15 start overall. General manager Ted Leonsis canned Flip Saunders.

Flip is a great coach, but this move had to be done. The Wizards and Flip just weren't clicking. Guys were dunking off backboards, Flip was making substitutions with 1.4 seconds left in the half, and guys just being oblivious to what Flip had to say during timeouts. Those are just some examples.

Flip Saunders went 51-130 in two years as Wizards head coach, and to his defense wasn't used to coaching a younger team, who's average experience just edged 3.5 years. Flip is a great coach, and when put in the right spot, can easily have success.

Bottom line: The Wizards needed a new voice in their lockeroom. Assistant Randy Wittman has been named interim head coach. Wittman will get his first test tonight, at home against the Charlotte Bobcats.

Dennis Allen

I've already expressed my frustration with the Raiders head coaching vacancy in my article Out Of Action-Jackson, However that's another story.

The Raiders hired Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen on Tuesday. Marking the first time since 1969 (John Madden) that the Raiders have hired a defensive minded head coach.

This is a typical Raiders move, hiring low key coaches and hoping to make a big splash in years to come. With the Broncos last season, Dennis lead the 24th ranked defense all the way to the divisional round in the playoffs. Only to lose to the New England Patriots by 35.

As far as this goes, I don't know if the Raiders could of done better in their search. Matter of fact the best thing they could have done would've been to keep Hue Jackson.

I see GM Reggie McKenzie as someone with a short fuse, and the way I see it if Dennis Allen isn't at least 12 games over .500 by the end of his second year. Allen will be out, and the Raiders will be in search of their 9th coach in 12 years.

Joe Paterno

409-136 career record, 24-12 in bowl games, including 2 national championship victory's, and 62 years of Penn State football. Joe Pa was Penn State, and for him to go out like this is just a nightmare.

Joe Paterno died Sunday morning losing his battle with lung cancer. He had a private service for him this afternoon, and a public service honoring the legend will begin at 2pm tomorrow afternoon.

Penn State board of trustees, and exspecially Jerry Sandusky should all be ashamed of them selves right now. Paterno was fired back in November, unexpectedly, after what Penn State called "not doing enough." Not doing enough in reporting the sexual abuse that was going on by Jerry Sandusky.

The Thing about that is Mike McQueary is the one who actually saw the abuse happen, and he reported it to Joe Paterno. In which Paterno then went to his supervisor, from there nothing was done, and there was never any follow up. McQueary is still an assistant coach at Penn State while Joe Pa is laying in a casket.

There is no doubt in my mind that Paterno's sudden firing back in November. Was a major reason for Paterno's death. Rest in piece Joe Pa, you will always be in our hearts.


In Other News...

Roger Goodell signs an extension, which will make him NFL commissioner through 2019.

Kevin Love reaches a 4 year over 60 million dollar deal. With the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Nuggets and forward Danilo Gallinari have agreed on a four year extension worth 42 million dollars.

The worlds #2 and #3 Roger Federer and Rafeal Nadal will square off tomorrow for the 27th time in the Australian open semifinal.

Championship Sunday!

It's Championship weekend! Which means the winner of each game will be crowned champion of their respective conference, and most importantly get the chance to play for the Lombardi Trophy. Before I get started lets flashback to a few teams, before opening day.

Eagles

The Philadelphia "Dream Team" Eagles, stepped on the gas pedal and didn't let off. Signing key players such as Jason Babin, Nnamdi Asomugha, Steve Smith, and DRC. Immediately after the Eagles were highly favored Super Bowl contenders.

At seasons end Philadelphia finished 8-8 resulting in third in the NFC West, and no playoff birth.

Bengals

After a stubborn Carson Palmer chose to sit on the couch instead of suiting up for the Bengals. Much of sports nation had flat out written off Cincinnati. The Bengals began to rebuild, drafting WR A.J. Green with their first pick and QB Andy Dalton  with their second pick. People still wrote off the Bengals, in fact many "experts" said Andy Dalton couldn't play in the NFL.

At seasons end Cincinnati finished 9-7, with a defense in the top 10, and made it to the playoffs for the third time in 5 years.

49ers

Fresh off firing Head Coach Mike Singletary after a 6-10 2010 season. Expectations were just above nothing for the 49ers. Coach Jim Harbaugh took the reigns from Singletary, and decided to give the still unproven Alex Smith another shot. Soon after that announcement expectations dropped from just above nothing to not a damn thing. Even in a week division most were picking the Cardinals, and the Seahawks to finish ahead of them.

At seasons end San Francisco finished 13-3 (second best record in the league), and had a defense ranked in the top three in the NFL. Alex Smith has taken his critics words, and shoved them down their throats.

Broncos

Naming Kyle Orton the starter before opening day sounded peachy, I mean he's proven he can win before. Soon as you know it the Broncos are 1-4, and Orton is out. The two John's knew their season was pretty much done, so they figured "Eh why not put in this Tebow guy in so the fans will shut up."


At seasons end It was Fox and Elway doing the shut part, because from there Tebow and the Broncos just went up. Going 7-4 down the stretch, and giving the Broncos their first home playoff game since 2005.

My point: NO match up can be won on paper. On that note let's jump into Sunday's games.


Baltimore @ New England (Sunday 3:00pm EST)

Both teams have played outstanding this season! Baltimore finished the season with a top three defense, while the Patriots finished with a top three offense (shocker I know.) Man you would expect this game to be close and exciting right?

Not according to "experts."

"Tom Brady will get his revenge come Sunday. He hasn't forgotten what happened back in 2009."

"The Pats duel Tight Ends will be to much for the Ravens."

"This Ravens defense is old and overrated."

"Joe Flacco is holding this team back."

"I Just can't see a scenario where Tom Brady and the Patriots lose this game"

"30-14 Pats"

Those are just SOME of the thousands of things I have heard off of stations such as NFL Network and ESPN. It's just unreal to me, I haven't seen these networks this bias since...the word bias became a damn word!

T-Sizzle & co. know the old saying
"Defense wins Championships"

The Ravens finished the season 12-4, number two in the AFC, the leagues third ranked defense, and 7-0 against playoff teams (8-0 if you count their win in the divisional round.) It's the questions about Joe Flacco in which people are concerned, and he has definitely been inconsistent this year. Completing just under 60% of his passes, and posting a QB rating of 80.9. But a guy can't have an off year? Troy Aikman, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, all did. My only explanation for this nonsense is People Forget..

Tom Brady has a career quarterback rating versus Baltimore (6 games) of just over 70. His rating through out his 11 year career: 96.4.

Brady has 5 touchdown passes in a total of 6 games versus Baltimore. This is the same Tom Brady who threw six TD passes last week versus Denver, and the same Tom Brady who over the last four years, averages between 2-3 touchdown passes per game.

I just had to get some of that stuff off my chest. Enough about Baltimore. What does New England have to do well to win this game?

It's pretty simple. Play mistake free football, and spread the ball around. Rob Gronkowski, and Aaron Hernendez have both posted record setting seasons. Either one of them is a threat on every down. Even with the Patriots facing a great Baltimore defense. Are New England's Tight Ends all they need to beat Baltimore? My answer is no, in fact my prediction is that each Tight End WILL be held to under 60 yards with one touchdown. Aaron Hernendez will score the TD, if anyone.

The key to getting New England's offense going, is the Wide Receivers. Deion Branch, and Wes Welker (who they didn't have back in the 09 loss versus the Ravens.) Baltimore has shown that they can be beaten deep, and Tom Brady throws one of the best deep balls in the league.

So...GO DEEP! Force Ed Reed, Lardarius Webb, and Jimmy Smith to make a play, attack them like their not expecting it. Then you kill them late in the game, in the slot with one of 3 options. A.) Wes Welker B.) Aaron Hernendez C.) Julian Edelman D.) all of the above.

If the Patriots can get off to a fast start and play to attack the Ravens defense. Their going to make it tough on Baltimore. Joe Flacco has endured success through out all aspects of his young career, but will he be known as the quarterback who DID have something to do with preventing Tom Brady from a record tying fourth ring?

I think so.

Final Score: Baltimore 27 New England 17 


New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers (Sunday 6:30 EST)

It took me all week to figure out the winner of this game, little did I know it was only a phrase away.

Defense wins Championships.

That's been the motto throughout the NFL for the past 10 years, and it's not about to change. While the Giants do have a good defense..at times (25th overall.) The 49ers (second overall) will be just to much to handle. Carlos Rodgers, Tarell Brown, and the hard hitting Donte Whitner roam the secondary for the 9ers. Patrick Willis, Navarro Bowman, and Ahmad Brooks anchor the line backing core. And Aldon and Justin Smith deliver the final blow on the defensive line.

the Giants offensive line allowed 28 sacks on Eil this season, and I believe the 49ers will add an extra four on Sunday night.

However it was the 49ers O-Line who allowed the most sacks in the league (44), and without a doubt the Giants have one of the best (if not the best) defensive line in football. JPP, Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora do I need to continue? The Giants will force 5 sacks on Smith, but that's not enough to rattle this determined QB. Smith was just one year away from losing his job, from maybe never playing another down in the NFL again. Until a certain head coach decided to give him another chance, he had faith in Alex when no one else did. That's what makes this 2011 49ers team so special.

They can beat you in ALL aspects of the game. On the ground? OK here's Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter. Through the air? OK here's Vernon Davis, and Michael Crabtree. With the Giants secondary giving up 255 passing yards per game (29th in the league.) Alex Smith will come out throwing, much like last week against New Orleans.

As for the Giants comparing this playoff run to their 07 Super Bowl year, I would say is accurate. They have as much fire power as they did four years ago, and  to make things scarier Eli is playing better than he was in 07. The only problem is the Giants have ran into a hotter team.

Much like Drew Brees, when Eli Manning is off....he's off. The 49ers D will put pressure on all three big play receivers for the Giants. Which opens up the opportunity for the Smith's and co. Two interceptions sounds about right. One for CB Carlos Rodgers and one for SS Dashon Goldson.

But even with that, that's only limiting the Giants wide outs not stopping them. This Giants offense is to good to just lay down, I haven't even mentioned Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw yet. Even with San Fran's first ranked run D, I can't see both these running backs being held in check. If the Giants use Brandon Jacobs well and often in this game, he's going to break one. As for Ahmad Bradshaw expect less than 50 yards from #44.

I broke down all aspects and scenarios from each team at least 10 different times, and I still couldn't decide on a winner. Little did I know it was only one saying away. "Defense wins Championships." Believe it!

Final Score New York 21 San Francisco 24

People Forget..

There are plenty of cases where enough is enough, and frankly this is one of them. This whole week when I turn on ESPN, CBS, FOX, NFL Network etc. I don't think I have seen anything else besides every anchor/analyst picking the New England Patriots and/or bashing Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco. Seriously! I can't name three people on those networks, that thinks Baltimore stands a chance this Sunday.

Last week Flacco made headlines for saying quote. "I'm sure if we win I will have nothing to do with it." Critics took that as bait (as Flacco's play versus Houston wasn't spectacular), and are now calling Joe's career a bust/fluke (Which is how it comes off.) Weather analysts sincerely believe that quote. "Flacco will hold the Ravens back" or maybe their just prisoner of the moment to Tom Brady's six touchdown passes versus the 8-8 Denver Broncos in a 45-10 win. Regardless I'm just here to show you (in the words of Terrell Suggs) why you should never "count Joe out."

People forget..

Week 1:  It was Joe who threw for 3 touchdown's, and 200+ yards. In a 35-7 win on Opening day versus the Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 3:  It was Joe who threw for almost 400 yards, 3 touchdown's, and helped rookie Torrey Smith have a record setting day! All in 37-7 victory over the St. Louis Rams.

Week 8:  It was Joe who threw for 336 yards, and a touchdown. Leading Baltimore to their largest comeback win in franchise history (21 points) against the Arizona Cardinals.

Week 9:  It was Joe who threw for over 300 yards, and the game winning TD pass to rookie Torrey Smith versus the top ranked Pittsburgh Steeler defense. That was the statement game. Flacco proved he can be/is a clutch quarterback by leading the Ravens 90 yards down the field in the last minute and a half of regulation.

Week 11:  It was Joe who went 17/29, 270 yards, and two touchdown passes. To lead the Ravens to a 31-24 victory over the 6th seeded Bengals.

Week 4 (going back to last season):  It was Joe who hooked up with T.J. Houshmanzadeh in the final 45 seconds of regulation to win the game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, in Heinz field.

OK so what about Flacco's career?

50-24 record all time (including playoffs)

86.0 QB rating

80 touchdown passes compared to 46 interception's

and over 13,000 yards to go with it all.

Even in the Houston game last week. Baltimore doesn't win if JOE doesn't find Kris Wilson, and Anquan Boldin in the end zone.

Now as a Ravens fan I will be the first to admit that Flacco hasn't played quite like he needs to. In fact he's been god awful at times, but no way am I throwing him under the bus. Joe can make plays for this football team, Ive seen it, watched it happen live in person, and live on television. Everyone (should) know what Joe is capable of doing.

I'm just going to say it now Joe Flacco hasn't been a factor in all our games won this season, but he's always played a role. Don't be surprised when JOE throws for 2 or 3 touchdown's versus this Patriots D. And if it comes down to it watch Joe Flacco go out and win the Baltimore Ravens this football game. Stamp It!

Oh and by the way all of these other defenses up here^^...all better than New England's 32nd ranked defense. Saying this game is going to come down to "The New England Patriots offense versus the Baltimore Ravens defense." Is just blasphemy. to all of ESPN and NFL Network all I have to say is...don't bother hopping on the bandwagon or growing a Fu Manchu moustache after the Baltimore Ravens go into Foxborough and take care of business once again.

Divisional Round Preview!

After a very exciting Wild-Card round. Were off to the divisional round. where all match ups will be exciting, and physicall. Anything could/will happen.

Saints @ 49ers  (Saturday 4:30pm EST)

Without a doubt this is the toughest game to pick this week, but I'm going to go with San Francisco.

The 49ers finished the regular season at 13-3, which was a seven game improvement from last year. It was all done under a new coach, and a QB struggling to find his place in the NFL. San Francisco also has the leagues 2nd ranked Defense allowing 14 ppg, 16th versus the pass, and first versus the run. With Patrick Willis healthy, stud Navarro Bowman, Justin Smith, and Aldon Smith in company. The Saints are going to have a tough time running past San Fran's front seven. The 49ers were in the middle of the pack in pass defense this season, however Carlos Rogers was tied for fourth in the league in interceptions, and Tarell Brown (#25) was tied for 13th in pass deflections.

He conquered the record, and the Lions, but
San Frans forecast doesn't include a Brees.

Drew Brees threw for 466 yards last week versus the Detroit Lions defense. A defense which was ranked 23rd overall, and 22nd against the pass. No way that happens again this week, if San Francisco can force an interception or two, Brees will be off his game. Alex Smith has proven he can make plays when need be, which is why Jim Harbaugh gave him another chance in the first place, and he still remains the starter. The 49ers were 4-1 against playoff teams this season beating the Bengals, Giants, Steelers, and Lions with their only loss coming against the #2 seed in the AFC the Baltimore Ravens. Not to mention San Francisco has the best punter in the league in Andy Lee, and probably the best special teams in the league starting with Andy Lee (P), David (K) Akers, and Tedd Ginn Jr (KR).

Note: David Akers set the scoring record this year for kickers, with 44 field goals made (52 attempts,) and 165 points.


But what really lead me to pick the 49ers over a boiling hot Saints team was, New Orleans loss last year to the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild-Card round. The Seahawks had backed in to the post season last year, winning the west with a record of 7-9. They had bounced back and fourth between an injured 35 year old Matt Hasselbeck and an unproven Charlie Whitehurst. Marshawn Lynch had been a Seahawk for only a number of weeks, and NOBODY had the Seahawks beating a hot Saints team. A Saints team in which you could argue was just as hot last year as they are this year. Winning 7 of their last 9 games (4 of which came against playoff teams, and Drew Brees had fallen a mear 30 yards shy of Dan Marinos all time passing record in a single season (in which Brees eclipsed this year.) In a game that was in Seattle the Saints lost 41-36, coming off of Matt Hasselbecks 4 touchdown passes, and Marshawn Lynches 131 yards.

This years Saints team has won 9 in a row, and has to travel 1,920 miles west to Candlestick park (where we don't know how long the lights will stay on.) New Orleans hasn't been a great road team this season. In fact all three of their losses came on the road to the Packers, Rams, and Buccaneers.

What does this years Alex Smith and last years Matt Hasselbeck have in common? Last year Matt Hasselbeck threw for 3,001 yards, this years Alex Smith threw for 3,144. Last years Matt Hasselbeck threw for 18 touchdowns, while this years Alex Smith had 17. Last years Matt Hasselbeck threw 18 interceptions, while this years Alex Smith only has five. These stats are very similar, and I put it up here for the people who think Alex Smith has no chance in hell in winning this football game. As I said before Alex Smith can make the big play when needed to, and going against the NFL's 30th ranked passing defense I'm expecting it, but the most important thing is he's very good at not turning the ball over.

This is why I like the 49ers on Saturday. However even with the case being made for San Francisco, I definitely would not bet against Drew Brees. Brees is a former super bowl champion, while Alex Smith is just making his first postseason start as are most of the rest of this young 49er team.

Bottom line! I'm not counting the Saints out, their to hot, and to good to count them out. The second ranked Saints offense clashes against the second ranked 49er defense. See you Saturday.


Denver @ New England (Saturday 8:00 EST)

Pause for a minute....From week four of the season who would of thought that the BT: (Before Tebow) 1-4 Denver Broncos would be playing the Patriots in the playoffs??

Tim Tebow and credit to "Tebow Mania" literally carried this team into the playoffs since that week 4 mark. With that the Broncos defense stepped up, and their run game has been huge factor.

The Broncos have all the momentum coming into this game, and sometimes momentum is all it takes.

 It's what carried the 2007 Super Bowl Champion New York Giants through their tough playoff run. All the way to beat the NFL Record 18-0 Patriots. That team was great! In my opinion one of the best super bowls of all time. The Giants had every aspect working for them.

This years Broncos do as well starting with their run game, defense, the quarterback, and special teams. Their potential to beat the Patriots this week is incredibly high! In fact I believe the Denver Broncos have a better chance of beating the Patriots this week, then the Saints do of beating the 49ers. #YeaISaidIt.

Week 15 Patriots 41 Broncos 23. This time their
In Foxborough.

They have a higher chance, but its still not happening.

The New England Patriots have to much experience, Their playing at Gillette Stadium, Tom Brady is playing better than ever, and Bill Belichick knows how to work the run game. Tom Brady isn't going to let this potential MVP season go to waste like the last four. (Brady is win less in last four playoff starts). It sounds ironic, but it's not happening. Brady's decade of playoff dominance isn't over.

Was it even announced this year that along with Drew Brees, Tom Brady also beat Marinos single season passing record of 5,084? He smashed it with 5,235 yards this season. 39 touchdowns 12 interceptions to come with a 105.6 QB rating. Look I'm not praising any of these quarterbacks because that's just not my style. It's just the facts. The New England Patriots will emerge victorious Saturday night, and will be on their way to Gillette stadium for the AFC Championship game.

As for Tim Tebow, his future will remain with the Broncos. Their will be a explicitly high amount of questions weather John Fox, and Elway quote "Will be sold on Tebow long term." But there is just NO WAY Tebow is going anywhere. I, as well as you should ignore all of it. Regardless of a loss, Tim Tebow will be the Denver Broncos LONG TERM Starter.

John Elway may be a stubborn GM, but there's
no way he can/is passing up this opportunity.

Bold Prediction: The Denver Broncos will make the playoffs at least 3 times out of the next five years, WITH Tim Tebow.




Houston @ Baltimore (Sunday 1:00)

Besides the awful timing of this game, we have a good matchup ahead of us. Seriously though who wants to watch a 1:00 playoff game. Please fix this next year NFL.

Baltimore is a 7 1/2 point favortie for this game, and that seems just about right. Being a Baltimore fan, and just living in Maryland. This game has so much hype to it words can't even explain it. M&T Bank Stadium might actually shake on Sunday. Terrell Suggs told the media today that "this is the best ravens team he has ever been a part of'." That lets me know right there that the Texans have no chance at winning this football game. Players are getting involved with the fans via twitter, facebook, and the community. Which creates great chemistry with the fans, and the team. It's Balimores time, and there not looking back.

Before I get to the Texans let me throw some stats at you. Ravens 8-0 at home, Joe Flacco 44-20 (4-3) in the postseason (first home playoff game). Flacco is the first QB to lead a team into the playoffs four years in a row (stat dates back to his rookie year.) Terrell Suggs 3 time AFC defensive player of the week, December's defensive player of the month, 14 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions. Easily a top canidate for defensive player of the year. I could go on, but those alone are key in why Baltimore will win this game.

Houston is a great team, but they have to big of a brick wall in their way. When these two teams played back on week 6 of the regular season. Arian Foster was held to a 49 yards on the ground, in a 29-14 loss. Matt Schaub was also healthy at the time.

The Texans run game, and defense has been what carried this team after Matt Schaub was lost for the season. But with Baltimore having just as good of a D, and their ability to stop the run. The question comes up again. Can T.J. Yates be that guy? Can T.J. Yates throw for 300 yards, pass for 2-4 touchdowns? I don't think he can, and he certainly hasn't been asked to do it either.

I can tell you guys one thing however. Their will be no blowout A.K.A. 42-7. Joe Flacco will show the world..much like Alex Smith did last night. That he is a factor. Believe it!

Out Of Action-Jackson

The Oakland Raiders fired Head Coach Hue Jackson Tuesday morning after their second straight 8-8 finish. With a season that was full of tragedy and injury's coach Hue Jackson became the scapegoat.

Newly acquired Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie made the call to fire Jackson, as he says he wants to start fresh with his own guys, but is this really want the Raiders need?

Hue Jackson was a first year head coach, who had running back Darren McFadden coming into his own before his injury, made the trade for Carson Palmer after starter Jason Campbell went down, and had this lockeroom feeding of his emotion and desire to win the game. What Jackson brang to the Raiders was what former owner Al Davis had always wanted. That "just win" mentality.

In only one year with Oakland, Hue Jackson almost managed the Oakland Raiders into the postseason. If not for an injury to starter Jason Campbell. But even with that injury, Jackson did the unexpected. He traded for proven veteran Carson Palmer. Although Palmer hadn't played pro football in a little less than a year at the time. Jackson called it "The best trade in football", and frankly I have to agree with him. Palmer came in week 6, and split game time with Kyle Boller. Palmer wasn't expected to start but, after Kyle Boller had thrown three interceptions, Carson Palmer came in for relief. He pretty much duplicated Boller's success throwing three interceptions of his own, and falling to the Chiefs 28-0.

With Bollers sloppy play, Jackson went to Carson Palmer as his starter for the rest of the season. Palmer finished the season 4-5 with an 80.5 QB rating, and missed a date with the postseason by one game. Not great numbers, but how much more do you expect out of a guy who just walked out of his living room? Even before Campbell's injury the Raiders were only one game over .500, and had Darren McFadden running hard. 610 yards over a six week period was good for top three in the league at the time. McFadden didn't even get any practice time with Carson Palmer, as he went out with injury at around the same time Palmer came in. Not to mention the death of Al Davis. Owner of the Oakland Raiders since 1966. What I'm trying to say is even with all of these setbacks, coach Jackson still managed to get this team at 8-8. He even had Darrius Heyward Bey producing for this offense.

GM Reggie McKenzie did say Carson Palmer will be back, but at this point does it really matter? Can Mr. McKenzie have these guys playing as hard for whoever he decides to bring in next?

This firing just doesn't make any sense to me. None at all. This move will turn into what I think will be the biggest mistake of the off season. The Oakland Raiders were moving forward, but with this firing it definitely has the Raiders in a setback.

Hue Jackson will find a new home this year in the NFL with teams like the Chiefs, Rams, Dolphins, Bucs, and Jaguars all looking for a new head coach and/or coaching staff. Jackson can easily fit in as a potential Head Coach, Quarterbacks Coach, or even Offensive Coordinator.

I would like to see Jackson go to the Jacksonville Jaguars as I think he and defensive coordinator Mel Tucker have the potential to turn this franchise around.

Jaguars defensive coordinator Mel Tucker.

Wild-Card Saturday!

Now that the 2011 NFL regular season has come to a close, Its time for the Playoffs! We have some first timers, some teams that haven't sniffed the postseason for over a Decade, and of course your usual playoff contenders. So lets get started.

Cincinnati @ Houston (Saturday 4:30pm EST)

Since 2008 we have will of had five rookie QB's start a playoff game. Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan in 2008, Mark Sanchez in 2009, and now Andy Dalton and T.J. Yates. No not Cam Newton (Hint this is why he should not win rookie of the year,) but that's a different story.

What Andy Dalton has done for the Bengals this year is probably the best thing Bengals fans have witnessed since Chad Ochocinco's River Dance celebration in 2007. It's been two years since the Bengals last playoff appearance (2009), and that ended with a 24-14 Bengals loss to the New York Jets.
This year I expect different results from a new and improved Bengals team. Their ranked in the top 10 overall in every defensive category, and have a quarterback that can and will do anything that is asked of him.

You know I'm serious when I put a picture up
of Dalton beating my boy Ray Lewis.

Now lets look at the Texans, a better overall team then the Bengals? I would say yes, but the real question is can we trust T.J. Yates to get it done? My answer. Naahhhhhhhhhh.

T.J. Yates is a rookie out North Carolina, a 7th round draft pick who had no expectations of playing this year. With all that being said he has done a decent job filling in for the injured Matt Schaub and the injured Matt Leinart. He's helped the Texans to their first playoff birth in franchise history. Yates won his first two starts by a total of eight points, one of which was a last second touchdown pass versus none other than the Cincinnati Bengals.

Yate's last three starts didn't end to well. Yates went 0-3, and lost by a total of 19 points. Kind of ironic in his five career starts, both of his wins came against playoff teams (Cincinnati and Atlanta,) where as both of his losses came against non playoff teams (the Panthers, Colts, and Titans.) Yates has done a great job of not turning the ball over, only three interceptions in his five starts. So that's not the reason why I think the Texans will lose this game.

Arian Foster, Ben Tate, Andre Johnson, Jonathan Joseph are some big time names off this Texans roster. If the Texans have any shot at this game, they will have to carry the load.

The reason why T.J. Yates will not win this game is simply because, of the fact T.J. Yates hasn't been asked to do much. In his five starts he has thrown for 300 yards just once, as a matter of fact it came against this Bengals team. Yates has thrown a total of three, just three touchdowns in his five starts, and has equaled his touchdown pass numbers with interceptions. Oh by the way I haven't even mentioned the fact that T.J. Yates only threw four passes last week against the Titans due to a shoulder injury. Yet you still want him to be your starter in your first playoff game ever? Houston brought veteran Jake Delhomme weeks back, and I saw him run this offense last week versus Tennessee. He lead the Texans right down the field, no huddle offense, and threw a dart to receiver Bryant Johnson. Down one Houston is going for the two point conversion and the Win. Untill a false start by the tight end killed their momentum, which resulted in the next snap being to high for Delhomme to handle.

Even with this game being in Houston, and the fans being all hyped up for their first playoff game. I have Cincinnati winning this football game. If head coach Gary Kubiack decides to go to Jake Delhomme weather it's to start the game or later in the game maybe their will be a different outcome. But until then the Bengals will have their first playoff win since 1991. By the way their last playoff win came against Houston....the Oilers that is, Cincinnati won 41-14, and until tonight that will remain their only playoff victory in the last two decades.

Final Score: Cincinnati 20 Houston 17


Detroit @ New Orleans (Saturday 8:00 EST)

To say Matthew Stafford was a pro bowl snub is a little overdoing it. Eli Manning has been great if not better than Stafford this year. Including breaking his brothers record for most touchdowns passes in the fourth quarter with 15. The fact that their is not enough room on the roster for Matt Stafford is why he wasn't picked, but if their could be a fourth spot given to quarterbacks, no doubt it should go to him.

The Lions have had a great season which includes four fourth quarter comebacks, and their first playoff appearance since 1999. Unfortunately they get the Saints at home in their first appearance. You can expect a high scoring game with over 33 attempts from each quarterback.

The Lions will put up a fight, but in a hostile environment like New Orleans. I just can't see Detroit pulling it off, however that's not to say that the Lions have no chance in this game.

In order for the Lions to win this game they must

• Unleash Megatron. CJ has had a record setting year posting 16 touchdowns, 1,681 yards, on only 96 receptions. Getting Mr. Johnson the ball shouldn't be a problem for Detroit, as Megatron is averaging over 17 yards per catch.



Ndamukong Suh and Cliff Avril.

• Detroit's front four must get pressure on Brees, meaning at least 5 sacks from their D-Line. It's going to be hard with two all pro guards on the Saints end, but it's known that when Drew Brees is pressured, that's when he has his off games. With Ndamukong Suh taking on the double teams, Detroit's Cliff Avril (11 sacks) and Kyle Vanden Bosch (8 sacks) will bring most of the heat. However Suh's sack numbers from last year have rapidly declined. Going from 10 sacks his rookie year to only four this year. Suh most also control his anger....Just Sayin.
• Protect #9. We all know Matthew Stafford is Injury Prone, and if the Lions OL allows the Saints to get pressure on Stafford. Their going to make sure to get a good lick on him. Will Smith, Shaun Rodgers, Sedrick Ellis, Aubrayo Franklin man the Saints defensive line, and together weigh over 1,250 pounds.
• Do not get beat deep. Drew Brees likes to throw the ball down field to guys like Robert Meachem, Devery Henderson, and Jimmy Graham. It seems like 9 out of 10 times he is successful with it. If the Lions can prevent Breesus from completing anything over 40+ yards, their chances legitimately increase.

As for the Saints I believe they will win this game. They have the sixth best rushing attack in the league with Pierre Thomas, Chris Ivory, and arguably the best free agent pick up this season in Darren Sproles. Drew Brees has been here before, he's experienced, hungry for a second ring, and coming fresh off a record setting season with the most passing yards in a single season with 5,476.

This defense hasn't been great this season, but neither has Detroit's. However one thing this Saints D is good at, is forcing turnovers. New Orleans is stacked with a great secondary guys like Tracy Porter, Jabari Greer, Roman Harper (sometimes,) and I'll even throw Patrick Robinson out there because, I think the kids got tremendous potential.

Detroit has got a load in front of them, but as I said before Detroit can win this game. They CAN win it...but they won't, their not going into the Super dome, and steeling one from the Saints. But The Lions will continue to progress, and as the years go bye. To say the least "I'm scared" of the Detroit Lions, but the Saints aren't.

Final Score: Saints 42 Detroit 29