Brad Childress - An Incompetent Leader

The 2010 Minnesota Vikings were supposed to challenge for a Super Bowl once Brett Favre finally agreed to return for his 20th season. That's certainly not how things look now, just beyond the halfway point of the season. The Vikings are 3-6, and looking up at divisional rivals Green Bay and Chicago with matching 6-3 records. Once Brett hopped on that purple and white private plane from Mississippi to Minnesota to join the Vikings in August, Minnesotans likely changed their 2010 outlook from "fringe playoff team" to "bonafide playoff team and possible title contender." But, no one could foresee the upheaval that their head coach has created.

Look at the talent on this team - they are absolutely loaded  with unique talents at positions all over the field. Adrian Peterson is arguably the best running back in football. He runs hard, catches the ball out of the backfield, and has seemingly corrected a case of "fumbleitis" that plagued him last year. Jared Allen has been one of the premier pass rushing defensive ends over the last few seasons. His numbers are down a bit this season, but he's still in prime condition and has a nonstop motor. The Williams Wall (Pat and Kevin) keep runners looking to the outside because the middle is occupied with those two hole-pluggers. Of course, we all know Brett Favre.. He's old, but still can throw passes most other NFL quarterbacks cannot. Favre's problem this season has been consistency. Perhaps that can be attributed to his late reporting to camp or the injuries at the wide receiver position (Sidney Rice, the team's #1 WR, has missed the entire season to date). Visanthe Shiancoe quietly has become one of the NFL's elite tight ends. He catches everything that is thrown in his direction and has become Favre's favorite target, especially in the red zone.  Steve Hutchinson and Bryant McKinnie have made Pro Bowls on the offensive line, too!

Before examining the current state of the Vikings further, let's take a step back and look at Childress' career. He has experienced many successes since coming into the NFL, and even in the college ranks. The crowning jewels in Brad Childress' coaching career have been:
1. Running backs coach at Wisconsin when Ron Dayne ruled the college football landscape.
2. Quarterbacks coach / offensive coordinator for the Eagles, overseeing the development of Donovan McNabb in a West Coast offense.
3. Head coaching Brett Favre to his finest season as a professional in 2009 with 33 TD passes and only 7 interceptions.

I believe that Brad Childress can be a very effective coach when focused on one specialized area. However, his ability to provide leadership to 53 players and nearly a dozen coaches is what I am calling into question. When Childress was an offensive coordinator with the Eagles (1999-2005), he did no playcalling. That responsibility was handled by head coach, Andy Reid. Childress may have helped to hone McNabb's craft as a quarterback, but he never managed the game. And, he never managed an entire team before filling the Minnesota Vikings head coaching vacancy in 2006. He was selected by owner Zygi Wilf, after a brief interviewing process of candidates that included three other NFL assistants. But, Zygi Wilf is admittedly not a "football person" and more of a businessman.

The quarterback braintrust (featuring McNabb) with Childress during his Philly days.

Each year, the team was on the rise, with increasing win totals each of the last four years under Childress (2006: 6-10, 2007: 8-8, 2008: 10-6, 2009: 12-4). They made the playoffs behind the shaky arm of Tarvaris Jackson in 2008. As the Vikings prepared for the 2009 season, it reminded me of Randy Quaid's line in Major League - "You're old Mother Hubbard and only Vaughn's in the cupboard!!" The Vikings were on the cusp of being an elite team, except at the QB position. Jackson just couldn't make all the throws and Childress knew it. So, the Vikings enticed Favre out of yet another retirement. Tarvaris was "Mild Thing" Ricky Vaughn, Favre was "Wild Thing" Vaughn with the bad hair cut, black-rimmed glasses, and earring. The Vikings fell only one game short of the Super Bowl primarily due to turning over the ball five times against the New Orleans Saints.

The head coach looked to be deserving of his contract extension through 2013 that was signed last season. At the time, owner Zygi Wilf said, “Brad has done a tremendous job leading this football team and we value the positive environment he has created for the Minnesota Vikings on and off the field, He has continued to positively impact this team and create a strong foundation for future success." Wow...what a difference a year makes.

Childress, speaking at a press conference, with his dry brand of humor (that no one gets).

Often times, teams experience a Super Bowl hangover. Teams that lose in the conference championship game usually come back hungrier than ever, especially if they are able to retain key players from the previous season's playoff run and avoid injuries.

Year    AFC Championship Loser             NFC Championship Loser
            (next season's record)                     (next season's record)

2009    New York Jets (7-2)                         Minnesota Vikings (3-6)
2008    Baltimore Ravens (9-7)*                 Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)*
2007    San Diego Chargers (8-8)*            Green Bay Packers (6-10)#1
2006    New England Patriots (16-0)*       New Orleans Saints (7-9 )
2005    Denver Broncos (9-7)                     Carolina Panthers (8-8)#2
2004    Pittsburgh Steelers (15-1)*           Atlanta Falcons (8-8)
2003    Indianapolis Colts (12-4)*             Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)*
2002    Tennessee Titans (12-4)*             Philadelphia Eagles (12-4)*
2001    Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5-1)*        Philadelphia Eagles (12-4)*
2000    Oakland Raiders (10-6)*                Minnesota Vikings (5-11)#3
1999    Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9)             Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6)*

* Made the playoffs
#1 The Green Bay Packers experienced the end of the Brett Favre era and the beginning of the Aaron Rodgers regime in 2007. There were growing pains in year one.
#2 Steve Smith was injured early in the 2005 season, and never regained the form of his breakout 2004 season for the Carolina Panthers.
#3 The 2000 Minnesota Vikings were forced to deal with the tragic death of offensive lineman, Korey Stringer, due to heat stroke during training camp. A cloud hung over the team all season.

Between 2000-2009, the average winning percentage of teams the year after they experienced a conference championship defeat is 62% (200-123-1). Of those 20 teams, 13 made the playoffs, and 11 won at least one playoff game. 

So, why didn't Minnesota come out with the fire that so many others in their situation did? It is evident to me that the Minnesota Vikings' soap opera season has been the primary contributor to their win/loss total this season. After all, they had the ultra-talented roster in place. So, what is going wrong with the "Bold and the (Not So) Beautiful Vikings" these days?

1. Brad Childress has let Brett Favre walk all over him. Favre left the Vikings dangling two straight years in training camp. Would he or wouldn't he sign? The saga led to a fantastic 2009 season, but add another year to Favre's aging body and the gunslinger in him couldn't be suppressed for two straight years - too many mistakes, too inconsistent. Childress never set a timetable demanding a decision from Favre. That was a necessary step, not only to ensure that Favre develops chemistry with the offense, but to stand up and take the reins as head coach. Strike one.

2. Last time I checked, it's usually a good idea to check with your boss before you fire somebody that works for him. Although the Randy Moss experiment proved to be a failure in Minnesota, a head coach may want to run it by the man paying the bills before dropping one of the all-time great receivers for attitude problems. If Brad Childress had any kind of leadership whatsoever, perhaps working with Randy would be the way to go. In listening to Cris Carter (once teammate and mentor to Randy Moss), Moss has significant issues with male authority figures. I'm not saying that the 33-year old should be coddled. I'm suggesting that you treat him like a grown man and make him accountable for his play on the field and his post-game tirades. Strike two.

Moss decided that the media wasn't good enough to interview him, so he did it himself.

3. As recently as two weeks ago, Viking wide receiver Percy Harvin missed a Wednesday and Thursday practice with a sprained ankle. He was hobbling around the field on Friday, trying to get in some work so that he could play against Arizona. Childress went so far as to say that Harvin needed to be examined more thoroughly because he was unable to get around the field, questioning Harvin's effort in that practice. The coach and player nearly came to a fistfight, having to be separated by players before things went too far. Sources quoted at least one teammate telling Harvin, “You just did what a lot of us have been wanting to say for years.” Strike three, you're out??

The proverbial butting of heads between coach and player, but don't do it too hard (Harvin suffers migraines as it is).

As if that weren't enough, there are also discrepancies on injuries like that of Bernard Berrian this week. According to Childress, Berrian hurt himself during pre-game, so he did not play despite being active. Berrain used the almighty Twitter to respond by asking that his heart or toughness not be questioned. No matter where the truth lies, players have given up on Childress. It is evident by the words used by Vikings players in the media, and by their play on the field.

It is my belief that successful football franchises have the following fundamental principles in place: 
Clear communication from ownership / coaches - Meetings with players, press conferences with the media, and game-planning techniques. These need to be done with a singular purpose and an authoritative voice. Wishy-washy won't cut it at the professional level.
Strong on-field leadership - Whether it's offense or defense, there needs to be a 'coach on the field' who reads the opposition and makes instantaneous decisions that affect outcomes of games.
A winning attitude - Does a player celebrate a meaningless touchdown like he just hit the dance floor? Do the players stick up for one another like brothers?
Players who do not wilt in the spotlight - The right play can be called at the right time, but players need to execute when it matters the most.

The 2010 Minnesota Vikings have suffered through woeful leadership, as well as public (and almost assuredly, private) backstabbing. This has transcended across all phases of the game. Players are "playing for themselves first," as Brett Favre stated. It takes heroic comebacks to defeat the hapless Arizona Cardinals at home? Personnel decisions made by the head coach are questioned by the owner. Fights between coach and player occur, turning most players against the coach. The fundamental basics for successful football have been deteriorated beyond repair for this season. A fresh start with a common voice is needed. If Zygi Wilf continues to waffle in his stance regarding Childress' future, it will backfire. This can't be a week-to-week tryout for a man who has been in charge for nearly five years. Brad Childress is a known commodity. Wilf needs to disregard the financial aspect of firing Childress and do what it best for the team. To quote the immortal Seinfeld, "You should just do it like a Band-Aid. One motion, right off!"

Zygi Wilf watches on as Childress leads Minnesota against the Patriots (photo by Pioneer Press: Chris Polydoroff)

It’s Easy to Forgive…and Forget, Apparently

Our society is one that embraces the slogan that it’s easy to forgive, but not forget.  I would suggest that at least two of our modern heroes have quickly had their deplorable actions quickly forgiven and forgotten.  I’m speaking of two NFL quarterbacks, Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers and Michael Vick of the Eagles.  Give it a New York minute, and we can put Brett Favre of the Vikings in that category as well.

Years ago, Michael Vick was only known as a wildly popular athlete who played QB for the Atlanta Falcons when news of his involvement in a dogfighting ring in eastern Virginia came to light in 2007. He was about to enter the fourth year of a 10-year, $130 million contract. Many media reports stated that dogs at his "Bad Newz Kennels" were hanged, drowned, electrocuted, and shot. Initially, Vick denied ever being at the house, stating that he essentially turned over the residence to family members. As more details surfaced during the police investigations, Michael Vick looked more and more culpable, not only for owning the property where dogfights are occurred. But, there were witnesses who were willing to state that Vick was an active participant in some of the cruel actions performed on the dogs. Instead of facing a lengthier prison sentence, Vick pled guilty to dogfighting conspiracy, which carries a federal felony. He was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison. 49 dogs were seized from the property, two of which had to be euthanized, 22 were sent to an animal sanctuary in Utah to lessen aggression towards other dogs, and 25 ended up in foster care with the intent to be adopted. Michael Vick served his prison sentence, staying out of the spotlight.

 Michael Vick electrified NFL fans as a running quarterback for Atlanta

When he was released from prison, he returned to the NFL by signing a modest 2 year-$6.6 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. Immediately, there were a significant number of protests by dog lovers, regular fans, and of course, defamatory statements by PETA begging for boycotts of anything related to Michael Vick.  Even Eagles fans were divided in their opinion for bringing Vick onto the team. After all, what good could his presence be? He could not be considered any more than a backup with longtime starter, Donovan McNabb, at the helm. When Vick first entered the field in a preseason game in Jacksonville, he was mercilessly booed. His presence drew the outrage of many NFL fans. People still viewed him as a criminal. His fans were few and far between. Of course, America is a dog-loving society, which didn't help Vick's cause. As the 2009 season progressed, his reception became less and less of a distraction. Perhaps it was the manner in which he was used (only a sprinkling of plays each game as the backup QB), perhaps time just starting healing old wounds...but Michael Vick was no longer seen by the masses as a blight on society.

Vick was embroiled under intense scrutiny when federal charges were made against him for dogfighting.

In 2010, he was to serve as Kevin Kolb's backup after Donovan McNabb was traded to the Redskins. But, Vick got the opportunity to start by week 3 due to a combination of Kevin Kolb’s concussion-like symptoms and perceived ineffectiveness. The city of Philadelphia is now experiencing a lovefest with Vick thanks to his on-field performance…that is, before a rib cartilage injury forced him to the sideline for two weeks. But, he is once again scheduled to start the next game, despite Kevin Kolb being healthy. It looks like his story has come full circle and his return to the good graces of fans is complete. There may be a few that still hold a grudge, but those folks are in the minority.

Now Michael is back in the spotlight...due to his athletic exploits.

It has been well documented that Ben Roethlisberger has endured two separate allegations of sexual assault - once in 2008 at Lake Tahoe and again this year in Milledgeville, Georgia. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended the Steelers quarterback for four games for violating the personal conduct policy. While Ben was never formally charged with a crime, the NFL front office took these allegations seriously enough to sideline him for four weeks. The initial reaction in Pittsburgh was divided about 50/50 - half of Steelers nation supported him, thinking that he deserved a second chance. However, there was the other half of the fanbase who loathed him, some of which desired Roethlisberger to be off the team. There were significant rumors that the Steelers had floated their franchise QB out there as trade bait prior to the NFL draft in April. But, none of those trade rumors came to fruition.

Ben Roethlisberger, on top of the world, bringing a sixth Lombardi Trophy to Pittsburgh.

Ben, apologizing for his actions, days before he learned of his four-game suspension.  Nice mullet.

Fast forward three months to Latrobe, PA, where the Steelers hold training camp at Saint Vincent college. The majority of the fans cheered Ben when they saw him emerge onto the practice fields. In the preseason, the home fans were very supportive with only a few detractors. On the road, the Denver fans loudly booed Roethlisberger as he took the field, and on several plays when Ben was under center. Roethlisberger then endured his four-week suspension in solitude, banned from the team facility and from having any football-related communication with players or coaches. As Ben returned to football in week six, he was welcomed to Heinz Field by the loudest ovation of any offensive player when his name was announced. There were reports of perhaps a few dozen people on hand wearing capes and masks protesting the return of Roethlisberger. Steeler fans have swiftly overcome their disgust for their quarterback's offseason activities. Even this past week, Dolphin fans didn't give Ben a raucous welcome. It looks like all has been forgiven...and forgotten.

Roethlisberger atoned for his crimes (well, at least to most Steeler fans) by putting up 3 TD passes in his first game of the year against the Browns.

Brett Favre has been a lightning rod for media attention over the past three seasons with his on again / off again retirement stances. So, he hasn't exactly endeared himself to Packers (or Jets) fans by jilting his former teams and waiting until the last possible moment to attend training camp. But, now the legendary quarterback is embroiled in an unexpected controversy. Rumors swirl about that Favre left voicemails for a former female Jets employee (and model) asking to get together. Favre has admitted doing so. However, a lingering rumor persists that Brett has sent photos of his genitals to the woman in question, which of course Brett denied. Aside from the public ridicule regarding the pictures, Favre hasn't endured undue negative attention for the allegations...even while being married to his wife, Deanna, who has fought a battle with breast cancer. People are more concerned with his current on-field performance than any of his off the field antics.

Brett Favre, after being picked up by three teammates on a private team plane, returned to Minnesota in search of another elusive Super Bowl title.

It didn't take Favre long to get over how bad he feels for putting the Vikings in a tough spot with his off-the-field behavior.

A week after the Favre scandal erupted, he suffered two fractures in his left ankle at his old stomping grounds.

I can appreciate sports fans' perspectives that they only want the best for their team. So, if Michael Vick, Ben Roethlisberger, and Brett Favre give their respective teams the best opportunity to win, then fans can quickly forgive these men for their indiscretions. I will pose a different question to you. Sure, these guys are great football talents, but would you hold these men up as role models for your children? The reason I ask this is because sports figures (whether they like it or not) are heroes to many, including our kids. Each of these guys can be considered the face of their respective franchises right now. The spotlight on each man is very bright. But, think about it - dogfighting that gets you sent to federal prison, alleged sexual assaults, and inappropriate extramarital conduct - aren't these disgusting behaviors? How in the world can you consider any one of these men a leader, a role model? Impossible, in my opinion.

Celebrities, including prominent athletes, forget what impact they have on the rest of us. These men's disgusting actions have either been forgotten or soon will be. It is the enlightened approach to forgive a person for his past sins.  Forgiveness is fine, but forgetting their actions to the point where these players deserved to be treated as heroes is tough for me to swallow.  Athletes are placed on the highest of pedestals in our society.  I’m as guilty as the next guy for loving sports.  But, for once, I actually agree with Roger Goodell and believe that the integrity of the players needs to be held to the highest of standards.

There are heroes that walk amongst us in many different fields - science, religion, the arts, military, public service, and sports. These three particular men may be heroes on the sports field for their athletic prowess, but their character will never be worthy of praise or adulation.  True heroes provide an example of character for others to follow.  

2010 NFL Preview

This article breaks down each team and includes a projection of each team's final record. Following the team-by-team analysis, you will see my playoff predictions concluding with my Super Bowl picks.

1. Indianapolis Colts - The core of the team remains intact, and Bob Sanders is back healthy. Gary Brackett's injury may hurt their linebacking corps but pass rushing will be a strength for this team. The young receivers (Collie, Garcon, Gonzalez) supporting Reggie Wayne's consistency alongside Dallas Clark...and tandem RBs - playmakers all over the place. (Regular season record: 15-1)

Beware receivers going across the middle, Bob Sanders is healthy...but for how long?

2. Green Bay Packers - Aaron Rodgers put up sick numbers last year. Imagine another year of development of Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley, with a solidified offensive line. The secondary looked better with Charles Woodson and a few young pups in the preseason, despite Al Harris' injury. (14-2)

Aaron Rodgers will be all smiles if he beats the Vikings at least once this year. The Pack has loftier goals, too.

3. New Orleans Saints - The defending Super Bowl champs have everyone returning, so why #3? Have you seen a defending champ repeat recently? Neither have I. Oh, and Drew Brees is on the cover of the Madden game. Bring on the jinx factor, and I'm not buying a French Quarter repeat celebration. Darren Sharper being out six weeks doesn't help either. (13-3)

Oh Drew...the Big Easy didn't want to see you on this cover!

4. New England Patriots - Tom Brady can still throw all over the field. Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, two young TEs. The problem is, and will continue to be, their defense. Their ability to win high-scoring games will give them a good record, but the running game is horrible and will cost them down the stretch. (13-3)

Eight short months ago, this was the picture. Now healthy, Wes Welker is the key to the Pats' playoff run.

5. Atlanta Falcons - This team is severely flying under the radar. I fully expect them to challenge New Orleans for the division title behind a maturing Matt Ryan. Michael Turner will rebound from an injury-plagued season to provide the balance on offense. Dunta Robinson's name will be remembered this year for his coverage ability. (12-4)

Michael Turner's ability to stay healthy will determine how far this young Falcons team can go.

6. New York Jets - Everyone's favorite to win the Super Bowl. They have every weapon imaginable...oh, except for a proven quarterback, and an every down running back (Shonn Greene can't catch, and LT has aged a ridiculous amount in 2 years). (11-5)

"It's about ****ing time." "Yeah, I know...I see you're still fat."

7. Pittsburgh Steelers - The homer pick...without Big Ben (and his lascivious behavior), they will rely on Troy Polamalu and Aaron Smith to anchor the defense, giving the pass-rushing LBs a chance to destroy opposing quarterbacks. Rashard Mendenhall will run for 1500 yards and 12 TDs behind a good run-blocking O-line (that can't pass protect at all). (11-5)

The 'fro is back in town. If Polamalu is 100%, this defense could again be great.

8. San Francisco 49ers - The Niners? A playoff team? Well...look at their division. They could easily go 5-1 against the pathetic NFC west. Frank Gore is the work horse and Patrick Willis will be a monster tackling machine. The Alex Smith / Michael Crabtree connection is the key to how far this team can go. (10-6)

Mike Singletary and co. need to treat Alex Smith as a caretaker to obtain victories.

9. Tennessee Titans - Vince Young wins games, period. The threat of him running will free up Chris Johnson to continue his monster stats from the 2nd half of 2009. The Titans will need to show improvement along the defensive line with recent departures of Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch to keep pressure off the secondary. (10-6)

Chris Johnson was a fantasy stud last year. Can he carry his Titans to a playoff berth? (Not without Vince Young growing up)

10. Minnesota Vikings - They have top of the line talent all over the field - Adrian Peterson, Jared Allen, the Williams boys, and some guy who wears #4. Somehow, I think that Favre won't duplicate last year's efforts (33 TD, 7 INT). Sidney Rice's injury will limit the big play capability on offense. (10-6)

You should have kept the mullet, Jared! Hope it doesn't have a Samson / Delilah effect.

11. San Diego Chargers - You're counting on Norv Turner, an arrogant QB (Philip Rivers), a rookie RB, and unproven WRs to win? Forgive me for not being excited, but they are still in the AFC West. Their run defense is terrible, but will still win the division although the gap is closing. (9-7)

The Chargers are pinning an awful lot on their young RB, Ryan Mathews.

12. Dallas Cowboys - The NFC East is brutal, but the Cowboys have the necessary talent to come out on top. The O-line has major question marks based on preseason performance, but look at the weapons on offense - Romo, Jones, Barber, Austin, Witten, Bryant. And, Ware pass rushing with Newman (love the name) providing a shutdown corner presence on the D-side. Scary...but Wade Phillips is the coach. (10-6)

Wade Phillips is America's Team's most prominent cheerleader...but certainly not the best looking!

13. Cincinnati Bengals - The 2009 division winners will be...underwhelming. Did you see how they played against the Jets in the playoffs? Well, Carson Palmer wants to throw the ball more to his weapons, Chad and TO. Problem is...those guys are getting older, not getting open any more. The focus needs to be on controlling the clock with Cedric Benson and letting their top tier defense make plays. Harmony won't be kept, and outbursts from the hotheads will occur as the Bungles go back to mediocrity. (9-7)

Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph are more important to the Bengals than the aging receivers, Chad & TO.

14. Houston Texans - On paper, these guys should be a playoff team. The reason they won't break through is not their passing game (Schaub to Johnson / Jones is great), it's not their running game (Foster and Slaton will be adequate), it's not their defensive front (Mario Williams, Brian Cushing, and DeMeco Ryans are studs)...so what's the problem? Gary Kubiak. He saved his job with a win against the Pats last year, but shouldn't have. Don't tell me this team wouldn't be better off with a tough coach (Cowher or John Fox comes to mind). (9-7)

Brian Cushing will be suspended for the start of 2010. Will his panties be in a wad when he returns or have the steroids (hCg) been flushed from his system?

15. Baltimore Ravens - A Super Bowl contender? No. A great team? Yes. Why won't they make the playoffs then? It's called a defense. Baltimore has a very tough start to their 2010 schedule. Don't be shocked to see them below .500 at the start of November and scrambling for answers. Ray Rice is the real deal, but no Ed Reed and an ageless Ray Lewis may finally look older this year, exposing their horrendous secondary. (8-8)

Ed Reed with a ball in hands...a welcome sight to Ravens fan, maybe by week 7.

16. Miami Dolphins - This team could win the AFC west...only problem is, they're in the AFC east. A disciplined, balanced attack on offense won't be enough because it won't fully exploit Brandon Marshall's talents at WR in favor of gimmicky wildcat formations and short passes. Mike Nolan will design a defensive scheme that will make their front seven very disruptive on opposing playcallers. (8-8)

Ronnie Brown made the wildcat a part of the NFL vocabulary. A more traditional offense is in order with Henne to Marshall being a legitimate threat.

17. Washington Redskins - One ego will keep this team from making the playoffs, and for once, that's not Daniel Snyder. It's Mike Shanahan. His handling of Albert Haynesworth has been ludicrous. Big Al may be fat and happy, but here's a little secret - he already pocketed $32M of the $41M that was guaranteed. You can't undo that, Shanny. The other issue is the aging RBs (Portis, LJ) that coach is convinced can still run - mistake #2. Well, at least you have McNabb...but with no one to throw fastballs to. (8-8)

Dumb and Dumber? True, but how about Rich and Richer.

18. Denver Broncos - Why can't the Broncos break above medicority? Well, they traded away problem children (and top talents) Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall in favor of acquiring a squeaky clean image (Tim Tebow). Knowshon Moreno gets dinged up too easily, and the injury to Elvis Dumervil will put Robert Ayres in the crosshairs as the only good pass-rusher on the team. Oh, and Champ Bailey is getting old. (7-9)

This is the future? Hmmm...bad hair aside, Tim Tebow is a fullback and not a pocket passer (see also Matt Leinart's career path).

19. Oakland Raiders - If Jason Campbell can be a stabilizing force, don't be shocked if the Raiders (yes, the team that Al Davis owns) flirts with .500 this year. There may not be a clear cut #1 RB or #1 WR, but their defense will wreak havoc on opposing QBs, keeping them in more games than you would expect. (7-9)

At least if Jason Campbell is sidelined, trainers won't need to buy purple drank to get JaMarcus Russell ready for the game.

20. Chicago Bears - One of the two most difficult teams to get a handle on (along with Philly). Matt Forte had a sophomore slump last year, will he rebound? Mike Martz may be an offensive genius, but that doesn't necessarily translate into wins. Urlacher will be a shadow of his former self with the injury setbacks he experienced last year. (6-10)

Write your own caption on this one...

21. Kansas City Chiefs - Call it New England west, with Charlie Weis joining the rest of the former Belichick regime. So, why can't the Chiefs contend? Matt Cassel. He is not a starting NFL QB (psst - he wasn't even a starting college QB). They will be able to run the ball with a versatile 1-2 punch of Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones. But, they still wont be able to shut down anyone with that front 7. The D-backs will step up, but it won't be enough. (6-10)

This is where Matt Cassel belongs - in a warmup outfit...just like his days at USC (behind Palmer and Leinart).

22. NY Giants - It's hard to believe that it's only been 2 1/2 years since this team hoisted the Lombardi Trophy. Have times changed or what? Brandon Jacobs looks old, Osi Umenyiora nearly lost his starting job, and Plaxico Burress is still in jail. Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith will be nice receivers for Eli this year and Ahmad Bradshaw will be the work horse on offense. Simply not enough to keep the defense off the field, wearing them out and making the G-men very average. (6-10)

Brandon Jacobs is screaming for more playing time, but he doesn't deserve it.

23. Philadelphia Eagles - The cornerstones of the Eagles perennial playoff runs are gone - no more McNabb or Westbrook. Hello, Kevin Kolb and LeSean McCoy. I expect big things from these guys...just not this year. Kolb won't be on the same page with deep threat DeSean Jackson yet. They've got some nice players on defense (Brandon Graham) that need time to develop. Give it a year and they'll be back. (6-10)

Kevin Kolb may suffer growing pains in '10, but it will be worth it next season.

24. Seattle Seahawks - The slimeball that left USC just before his program went south is once again an NFL coach. Pete Carroll will take Matt Hasselbeck, Justin Forsett, and Mike Williams as his offensive weapons, casting aside TJ Housmandzadeh. Anyone inspired by those names? Me neither. Their defense has...(crickets chirping)...never mind. Bright spot - their division is awful. (6-10)

Pop quiz - do you know this man? I did...in 2006. Mike Williams is creeping back into our consciousness thanks to Slick Petey.

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Two years ago, they blew up everything by letting Jon Gruden and the nucleus of aging players go their separate ways. This is year 2 in the recovery plan with Josh Freeman and a pair of untested WRs to strike fear in the defense. Yeah...I'm not on board. (6-10)

Josh Freeman's preseason thumb injury didn't help the maturation of Tampa's young wideouts

.

26. Detroit Lions - Don't be surprised if this team looks significantly better this year, despite expected woes on the offensive line. The skill positions haven't been this good for the Lions in years (Stafford, Best, Johnson), and the defensive line (Avril, Vanden Bosch) may cover up the weaknesses in the secondary. (5-11)

Calvin "Megatron" Johnson is a freak of nature. Matthew Stafford should be able to find him a few times this year.

27. St. Louis Rams - Sam Bradford has looked great in the preseason against vanilla defenses. The #1 pick has all the tools and he'll need them with this receiving corps. Fortunately, Steven Jackson will take a little heat off the young QB's arm, but it's still year one. This year, it's put up or shut up time for Chris Long and James Laurinaitis. Both guys possess all the skills needed at their D positions, but haven't become household names until this year. A team on the rise. (5-11)

The future is now...just don't get hurt behind that suspect O-line, Sam.

28. Jacksonville - This is the year that tough guy, Jack Del Rio, loses his job. He's a respectable guy, but when you only have one true weapon (Jones-Drew) on offense (no, the other hyphenated guy isn't a stud - Mike Sims-Walker) and nothing of note on the defensive side of the ball, it will be remarkable for the Jags to win more than 4 games. (4-12)

Jack - you might need this suit for your endeavors next year...and not on an NFL sideline.

29. Carolina - All the optimists are pointing to a solid running game and the 2009 record with Matt Moore at the helm (4-1). But, the Panthers are in a very challenging division with limited playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. The loss of Julius Peppers will be profound until Greg Hardy comes of age. Steve Smith continues to be the only bright spot at WR in Charlotte. (3-13)

John Fox can't bear to watch...neither can the rest of Panther nation.

30. Buffalo - There is one ray of hope on this team - CJ Spiller. He will be impressive, but it will be tough with 8 or 9 guys in the box to defend him. Chan Gailey has his hands full with Trent Edwards to Lee Evans being the only viable passing option on the team...yikes. Paul Posluzny and Jairus Byrd are solid players, but not game-changers on defense. Living in western NY, I feel your frustration, Bills fans. Jake Locker, anyone? (3-13)

C.J. Spiller looked awfully good in the preseason. Now all you need is a QB, WR, O-line, D-line, and then some.

31. Cleveland - Mike Holmgren may be a great coach, but Eric Mangini's still in that role (somehow)...and their drafts haven't yielded enough star power to make significant improvement on either side of the ball. Josh Cribbs and Jerome Harrison provide glimmers of hope, but the season-ending injury to rookie RB Montario Hardesty has to disappoint Browns fans. (3-13)

Here's the best QB on the team. Problem is, Josh Cribbs is a WR / RB / KR.

32. Arizona - What a dramatic drop-off from a two-time division winner? That's what happens when you lose a sharp Kurt Warner and replace him with Matt Leinart...scratch that, Derek Anderson. Ouch. The losses will continue Coach Whisenhunt's hairline moving backward. Larry Fitzgerald is begging for a time travel machine to get back to 2008. (3-13)

Larry Fitzgerald's massive hands wish he had a real QB to get him the ball.

Wild Card Round

Pittsburgh 23, Tennessee 7

NY Jets 20, San Diego 10

Atlanta 28, Dallas 10

Minnesota 34, San Francisco 17

Divisional Round

New England 33, Pittsburgh 23

Indianapolis 24, NY Jets 10

Atlanta 23, New Orleans 21

Green Bay 35, Minnesota 21

Favre retires after losing at Lambeau? Fat chance.

Conference Championship

Indianapolis 37, New England 34

Green Bay 27, Atlanta 20

Super Bowl

Green Bay 28, Indianapolis 24