It's late enough in the season now that we know who should be competing for a championship, and who is waiting for next year. With that in mind, I wanted to develop a few criteria for winning in the playoffs and rank the contenders accordingly. We don't yet know who will have home field advantage so that won't be part of the ranking system. The factors that will weigh in are:
The Quarterback: This is not just a productive passer, but a guy that has that innate knack for moving his team down the field late in games, especially when the pocket breaks down and something must be made of nothing. There are plenty of good pocket passers in the league, but in the playoffs where the weather is often ugly and the defenses are very good, your signal caller must be able to create some magic.
Running Game/Offensive Line: You have to be able to at least threaten the opposition with a running game, because if you can't, opposing defenses can just tee off on the quarterback. The offensive line has to create some holes and wear down the defense so that the play action pass is a factor. The offensive line also has to be sound in pass protection because the quarterback is the head of the snake, and if you cut off the head, the body dies.
Kicking Game: Most games in the postseason come down to field position and field goal kicking. If you have a guy that is consistent from 45 yards and in and can make the occasional long shot, you have a significant advantage. If you don't, then you have to change your game plan, take more risks, and will miss valuable point opportunities.
Pass Rush/Secondary: These units work in unison; the more pressure you can put on a quarterback and the better your coverage is, the more turnovers, mistakes, and three-and-outs your defense can cause.
Run Stuffers: If you clog the run consistently and force teams to throw the ball more than they want, you have a good chance of creating turnovers and winning the time of possession battle.
Coaching: What teams need is a coach that can keep players focused on assignment football, rather than the enormous stage of the postseason. Winning individual matchups and exploiting mismatches is how you win football games no matter when or where they are played. Managing the game—time outs, play calling, challenges, and personnel packages—is also vital, and you must have a competent, organized, and efficient head coach to keep things moving on schedule.
The Quarterback: This is not just a productive passer, but a guy that has that innate knack for moving his team down the field late in games, especially when the pocket breaks down and something must be made of nothing. There are plenty of good pocket passers in the league, but in the playoffs where the weather is often ugly and the defenses are very good, your signal caller must be able to create some magic.
Running Game/Offensive Line: You have to be able to at least threaten the opposition with a running game, because if you can't, opposing defenses can just tee off on the quarterback. The offensive line has to create some holes and wear down the defense so that the play action pass is a factor. The offensive line also has to be sound in pass protection because the quarterback is the head of the snake, and if you cut off the head, the body dies.
Kicking Game: Most games in the postseason come down to field position and field goal kicking. If you have a guy that is consistent from 45 yards and in and can make the occasional long shot, you have a significant advantage. If you don't, then you have to change your game plan, take more risks, and will miss valuable point opportunities.
Pass Rush/Secondary: These units work in unison; the more pressure you can put on a quarterback and the better your coverage is, the more turnovers, mistakes, and three-and-outs your defense can cause.
Run Stuffers: If you clog the run consistently and force teams to throw the ball more than they want, you have a good chance of creating turnovers and winning the time of possession battle.
Coaching: What teams need is a coach that can keep players focused on assignment football, rather than the enormous stage of the postseason. Winning individual matchups and exploiting mismatches is how you win football games no matter when or where they are played. Managing the game—time outs, play calling, challenges, and personnel packages—is also vital, and you must have a competent, organized, and efficient head coach to keep things moving on schedule.
The AFC Contenders
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| Most Important Patriot: Danny Woodhead |
New England Patriots
The Quarterback: Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger are the most clutch players in the league. While Brady won't make as many plays with his legs, he completely locks it in late in the game. He will find a way to move his team when it matters, and his accuracy is unparalleled in late game situations. His short passing game carves up defenses when they back off the coverage. Who would you rather have than a guy with three Super Bowl rings?
The Quarterback: Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger are the most clutch players in the league. While Brady won't make as many plays with his legs, he completely locks it in late in the game. He will find a way to move his team when it matters, and his accuracy is unparalleled in late game situations. His short passing game carves up defenses when they back off the coverage. Who would you rather have than a guy with three Super Bowl rings?
Rating: 10
Running Game/Offensive Line: Danny Woodhead is all about making a single cut and getting up the field. He has incredible lateral quickness, and he rarely takes a big hit. He has great elusiveness in small spaces, and has a knack for squeezing out an extra yard or two on most plays. The offensive line has been very solid, especially protecting Brady for their rhythm passing game. They have also been solid opening holes for Woodhead and the Law Firm, BenJarvus Green-Ellis.
Running Game/Offensive Line: Danny Woodhead is all about making a single cut and getting up the field. He has incredible lateral quickness, and he rarely takes a big hit. He has great elusiveness in small spaces, and has a knack for squeezing out an extra yard or two on most plays. The offensive line has been very solid, especially protecting Brady for their rhythm passing game. They have also been solid opening holes for Woodhead and the Law Firm, BenJarvus Green-Ellis.
Rating: 8
Kicking Game: Since filling in for the injured Stephen Gostkowski, Shane Graham has made all five of his attempts. Despite the small sample size in New England, Graham has been around a while and is an 86% career kicker, so I think the Pats are in pretty good hands, or should I say, feet.
Rating: 8
Pass Rush/Secondary: The Pats have the youngest defense in the NFL, and it shows. Their corners have been shaky all year and they rarely get much pressure on the passer. Their only saving grace is the defensive brilliance of Bill Belichick.
Rating: 6
Run Stuffers: Two words: Vince Wilfork. You can't move him, and he can be dominant when he wants to. The linebackers are strong and athletic so they can be good in the run, but smart teams will take advantage of their youth and aggressive play. Jerod Mayo is an All Pro candidate this year.
Rating: 8
Coaching: The hoodie is the best in the business. He knows exactly how to exploit his opponents' weaknesses and cover his own.
Rating: 10
Overall Score: 50
Kicking Game: Since filling in for the injured Stephen Gostkowski, Shane Graham has made all five of his attempts. Despite the small sample size in New England, Graham has been around a while and is an 86% career kicker, so I think the Pats are in pretty good hands, or should I say, feet.
Rating: 8
Pass Rush/Secondary: The Pats have the youngest defense in the NFL, and it shows. Their corners have been shaky all year and they rarely get much pressure on the passer. Their only saving grace is the defensive brilliance of Bill Belichick.
Rating: 6
Run Stuffers: Two words: Vince Wilfork. You can't move him, and he can be dominant when he wants to. The linebackers are strong and athletic so they can be good in the run, but smart teams will take advantage of their youth and aggressive play. Jerod Mayo is an All Pro candidate this year.
Rating: 8
Coaching: The hoodie is the best in the business. He knows exactly how to exploit his opponents' weaknesses and cover his own.
Rating: 10
Overall Score: 50
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| It's Gotta be the Hair |
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Quarterback: Roethlisberger takes a back seat to no one in terms of playing great in big games and creating big plays out of nothing.
Rating: 10
Running Game/Offensive Line: The Steelers get points for the good play of running back Rashard Mendenhall. He is a bruising and electric back that can punish a defense. Unfortunately, the Steelers have significant injuries along their offensive front and have been inconsistent at both protecting Roethlisberger and creating holes in the run game.
Rating: 6
Kicking Game: The Steelers cut Jeff Reed after his inconsistent performance and now rely on Shaun Suisham. He was 2/2 against Baltimore, but prior to being picked up by Pittsburgh, there was a reason he was out of a job. I can't trust him until he makes more pressure kicks.
Rating: 6
Pass Rush/Secondary: James Harrison, Lamar Woodley, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons, and Troy Polamalu all get after the quarterback and the secondary is solid. Coverage doesn't have to be air tight when the quarterback is constantly harassed by the blitz.
Rating: 9
Run Stuffers: Pittsburgh is still very good in this category with Casey Hampton, Ziggy Hood, and Brett "The Diesel" Keisel eating up blocks for the aforementioned linebacking corps, but they will miss Aaron Smith who is out for the year.
Rating: 9
Coaching: Mike Tomlin always has this team play well in big games, and has already claimed a Super Bowl title. He is very disciplined as a head coach and expects the same from his players.
Rating: 8
Overall Score: 48
The Quarterback: Roethlisberger takes a back seat to no one in terms of playing great in big games and creating big plays out of nothing.
Rating: 10
Running Game/Offensive Line: The Steelers get points for the good play of running back Rashard Mendenhall. He is a bruising and electric back that can punish a defense. Unfortunately, the Steelers have significant injuries along their offensive front and have been inconsistent at both protecting Roethlisberger and creating holes in the run game.
Rating: 6
Kicking Game: The Steelers cut Jeff Reed after his inconsistent performance and now rely on Shaun Suisham. He was 2/2 against Baltimore, but prior to being picked up by Pittsburgh, there was a reason he was out of a job. I can't trust him until he makes more pressure kicks.
Rating: 6
Pass Rush/Secondary: James Harrison, Lamar Woodley, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons, and Troy Polamalu all get after the quarterback and the secondary is solid. Coverage doesn't have to be air tight when the quarterback is constantly harassed by the blitz.
Rating: 9
Run Stuffers: Pittsburgh is still very good in this category with Casey Hampton, Ziggy Hood, and Brett "The Diesel" Keisel eating up blocks for the aforementioned linebacking corps, but they will miss Aaron Smith who is out for the year.
Rating: 9
Coaching: Mike Tomlin always has this team play well in big games, and has already claimed a Super Bowl title. He is very disciplined as a head coach and expects the same from his players.
Rating: 8
Overall Score: 48
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| Floats like a Butterfly, Stings like a Semi Truck |
Baltimore Ravens
The Quarterback: I like Joe Flacco. He is very good in the pocket, has a great downfield arm, and is pretty accurate. He does miss some short throws however, and will he is a calm player, he can be stiff in the pocket and doesn't have the athletic ability to create something out of nothing. Late in the game, I don't see him making plays by himself to bail out his team.
Rating: 7
Running Game/Offensive Line: Ray Rice, Willis Mcgahee, and LeRon McClain represent a bruising and versatile backfield trio. Rice is the best of the bunch and can do anything on the field. He catches passes, blocks, and is a superb runner. The offensive line is very physical with Michael Oher, Ben Grubbs, and Marshall Yanda all playing at a Pro Bowl level.
Rating: 9
Kicking Game: Billy Cundiff has been very good so far this year, going 5/6 from 40-49 yards and 19/22 overall. He is a reliable option that you expect to make most kicks.
Rating: 8
Pass Rush/Secondary: The corners are suspect, but Ed Reed erases a lot of mistakes on the back end. Still, against good passing teams, those corners will get exposed. Terrell Suggs can be unblockable, ditto for Halogti Ngata, also Ray Lewis if he comes on the blitz. Jarret Johnson has played very solid ball for the Ravens as well.
Rating: 7
Run Stuffers: Ngata is clearly one of the league's most difficult players to block, and Lewis is a tackling machine. Baltimore hasn't ranked all that high against the run this year, but I trust them to ramp it up come playoff time.
Rating: 8
Coaching: John Harbaugh has done a terrific job with Baltimore, turning them into a much more potent offense while maintaining their swagger and aggressiveness on defense. He makes sound game decisions and is unflappable. He has schemed well to make up for Baltimore's main weakness, their corner play.
Rating: 8
Overall Score: 47
The Quarterback: I like Joe Flacco. He is very good in the pocket, has a great downfield arm, and is pretty accurate. He does miss some short throws however, and will he is a calm player, he can be stiff in the pocket and doesn't have the athletic ability to create something out of nothing. Late in the game, I don't see him making plays by himself to bail out his team.
Rating: 7
Running Game/Offensive Line: Ray Rice, Willis Mcgahee, and LeRon McClain represent a bruising and versatile backfield trio. Rice is the best of the bunch and can do anything on the field. He catches passes, blocks, and is a superb runner. The offensive line is very physical with Michael Oher, Ben Grubbs, and Marshall Yanda all playing at a Pro Bowl level.
Rating: 9
Kicking Game: Billy Cundiff has been very good so far this year, going 5/6 from 40-49 yards and 19/22 overall. He is a reliable option that you expect to make most kicks.
Rating: 8
Pass Rush/Secondary: The corners are suspect, but Ed Reed erases a lot of mistakes on the back end. Still, against good passing teams, those corners will get exposed. Terrell Suggs can be unblockable, ditto for Halogti Ngata, also Ray Lewis if he comes on the blitz. Jarret Johnson has played very solid ball for the Ravens as well.
Rating: 7
Run Stuffers: Ngata is clearly one of the league's most difficult players to block, and Lewis is a tackling machine. Baltimore hasn't ranked all that high against the run this year, but I trust them to ramp it up come playoff time.
Rating: 8
Coaching: John Harbaugh has done a terrific job with Baltimore, turning them into a much more potent offense while maintaining their swagger and aggressiveness on defense. He makes sound game decisions and is unflappable. He has schemed well to make up for Baltimore's main weakness, their corner play.
Rating: 8
Overall Score: 47
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| Like Always, Going as Far as Sanchez |
New York Jets
The Quarterback: Mark Sanchez has had both brilliant and bonehead moments in equal measure thus far in his young career. Sometimes he misses very easy throws, and ultimately his inconsistency permeates this whole offense. I don't trust him to be good in consecutive playoff games.
Rating: 6.5
Running Game/Offensive Line: The Jets have the best offensive line in football. They protect Sanchez well and blow open holes for talented backs Shonn Greene and LaDanian Tomlinson. If the Jets remember that they are a run-first team, they can beat anyone.
Rating: 9
Kicking Game: Nick Folk has been incredibly erratic, making just 23/32 field goals. For a team that wants to grind out victories, this is going to be a problem.
Rating: 6
Pass Rush/Secondary: The Jets have actually struggled lately getting to the passer, but Antonio Cromartie is having an All Pro caliber year. Darelle Revis has been slowed by injury but has regained top form in recent weeks. The season-ending injury to Jim Leonhard takes a smart player and punishing hitter away, not to mention the team's punt returner, and that will hurt. Still, the corners are excellent and New York's blitz packages are very confusing for opponents.
Rating: 8.5
Run Stuffers: The Jets' priority is to stop the run and make teams pass against them, figuring that pass heavy means turnovers for Gang Green. They've been solid against the run, but big Kris Jenkins was lost for the season early on, and without him, they don't have a dominant inside presence.
Rating: 8
Coaching: Rex Ryan keeps his team very confident, but sometimes I think he gets them too worked up about things that have nothing to do with football. Scheme is going to beat motivation in the postseason because everyone is motivated. Ryan is too blustery at times, and it can be a distraction. He is a very smart defensive mind and lets the offense do its own thing, so he can be a very effective X's and O's coach. The question is will he focus on the game or the media?
Rating: 7
Overall Rating: 45
The Quarterback: Mark Sanchez has had both brilliant and bonehead moments in equal measure thus far in his young career. Sometimes he misses very easy throws, and ultimately his inconsistency permeates this whole offense. I don't trust him to be good in consecutive playoff games.
Rating: 6.5
Running Game/Offensive Line: The Jets have the best offensive line in football. They protect Sanchez well and blow open holes for talented backs Shonn Greene and LaDanian Tomlinson. If the Jets remember that they are a run-first team, they can beat anyone.
Rating: 9
Kicking Game: Nick Folk has been incredibly erratic, making just 23/32 field goals. For a team that wants to grind out victories, this is going to be a problem.
Rating: 6
Pass Rush/Secondary: The Jets have actually struggled lately getting to the passer, but Antonio Cromartie is having an All Pro caliber year. Darelle Revis has been slowed by injury but has regained top form in recent weeks. The season-ending injury to Jim Leonhard takes a smart player and punishing hitter away, not to mention the team's punt returner, and that will hurt. Still, the corners are excellent and New York's blitz packages are very confusing for opponents.
Rating: 8.5
Run Stuffers: The Jets' priority is to stop the run and make teams pass against them, figuring that pass heavy means turnovers for Gang Green. They've been solid against the run, but big Kris Jenkins was lost for the season early on, and without him, they don't have a dominant inside presence.
Rating: 8
Coaching: Rex Ryan keeps his team very confident, but sometimes I think he gets them too worked up about things that have nothing to do with football. Scheme is going to beat motivation in the postseason because everyone is motivated. Ryan is too blustery at times, and it can be a distraction. He is a very smart defensive mind and lets the offense do its own thing, so he can be a very effective X's and O's coach. The question is will he focus on the game or the media?
Rating: 7
Overall Rating: 45
The NFC Contenders
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| 6-0 at Home and Primed for a #1 Seed |
The Quarterback: Matt Ryan has been accurate and smart all year long. He is never the reason the Falcons lose, and is often the main reason they win. He's led numerous fourth quarter game-winning drives this year. His willingness to stay in the pocket and look down the field, coupled with his accuracy, make every receiver a threat. His only deficit is his lack of mobility, which is not to say that he doesn't have good feet in the pocket, he's just not much of a threat to extend the play once it breaks down. Having Tony Gonzalez as a security blanket, Roddy White as a big play threat, and Michael Turner toting the rock doesn't hurt either.
Rating: 9
Running Game/Offensive Line: Turner and Jason Snelling are really a load to deal with for defenses. Both are big, punishing backs, and Turner is one of the best overall runners in the league. The offensive line has been together for a long time now, and the same five starts every game. They are balanced and have a nasty demeanor. Though no single player on the line grabs headlines, together, this is one of the best units in the league.
Rating: 10
Kicking Game: Matt Bryant has been rock solid this year and will likely go to the Pro Bowl if he continues his great work. Kicking in the dome helps his cause, and the Falcons may be playing at home all the way to the Super Bowl.
Rating: 9
Pass Rush/Secondary: The Falcons have talent on the defense with John Abraham bringing the heat off the edge and Dunta Robinson serving as a good number one cornerback. The defense is young in spots but has played well as a unit. They don't terrorize quarterbacks or shut down opponents' passing games, but they are good enough to complement a very good offense.
Rating: 6
Run Stuffers: The Falcons rank eighth in the NFL in rushing yards allowed mostly thanks to aggressive linebacker Curtis Lofton and a defensive front that rotates a lot of different players. Kroy Biermann is a very talented player that can play end or tackle. Still, I don't view them as a team you simply can't run against.
Rating: 7
Coaching: I love Mike Smith's demeanor. He is so calm and solid, and when you combine his management with Ryan's serenity under pressure, you have very strong leadership at the head of your football team. Smith always seems to have his team ready to go from the opening kickoff, and he really maximizes the strengths of his team with the game plan he implements.
Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 49
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| The One Man Offense |
The Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers' productivity cannot be questioned. Still, I have concerns about him in the playoffs. He does hold the ball too long at times, he will likely be forced to play in bad weather, and he has no running game to take some pressure off his shoulders. However, he has great mobility, can pick up yards with his legs, and can make any throw on the field. I don't have the same feel with Rodgers as I do with Roethlisberger or Brady in terms of just finding a way to move the ball late in games, but that could all change with a nice playoff run this year.
Rating: 9
Running Game/Offensive Line: James Starks had a nice debut against the 49ers; the Packers need another running back that can do something. Brandon Jackson and John Kuhn just aren't going to instill fear in any defense. The offensive line is not great, but they are leaps and bounds better than last year. Josh Sitton is a bear, Bryan Bulaga is playing really well for a rookie, and Chad Clifton is playing as good as ever.
Rating: 6.5
Kicking Game: Mason Crosby has the leg strength to make any field goal in any weather. He also has the lack of accuracy to miss any field goal at any time. I don't trust the man.
Rating: 6.5
Pass Rush/Secondary: Clay Matthews has slowed down a bit in the middle of the year, but he is still a maniac coming off the edge. Cullen Jenkins has amazingly registered 7 sacks as a 3-4 defensive end. Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams have rightly been mentioned as the best corner duo in football, and Nick Collins is a dynamic player at safety. They have had some injuries in the secondary, but are still a very strong group.
Rating: 9
Run Stuffers: B.J. Raji is an immovable object in the middle, and when joined by Ryan Pickett and Jenkins, you have the beefiest front three in football. If healthy, this group is superb.
Rating: 9
Coaching: I think Mike McCarthy outsmarts himself sometimes, but he is an excellent offensive mind and he uses his plethora of receivers very well. I wish he would mix in the run more, but I can't really blame him considering his lack of talent at the running back position. Dom Capers has this defense playing free and fast; the players really seem to understand their roles this year.
Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 48
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| Run to Daylight |
The Quarteback: Eli Manning gets clutch points for winning a Super Bowl. Still, he can be stiff in the pocket and really lacks the ability to make a play once the original play breaks down. He can be inaccurate and has been interception prone this year.
Rating: 7.5
Running Game/Offensive Line: Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs are a really frightening duo. The Giants' offensive line is very good when healthy, but they've been banged up all year.
Rating: 8
Kicking Game: Lawrence Tynes has been really solid this year, but I question his leg strength and his cool under pressure. Still, he has been good throughout his career and I can't downgrade him too much.
Rating: 7.5
Pass Rush/Secondary: Justin Tuck is a force against the run and pass. The Giants' safeties play aggressively and make a lot of plays in the run game. The linebackers are solid. They have depth, talent and size up front on the defensive line. The Giants' corners are solid and don't give up big plays. The Giants allow the second least passing yards per game in the NFL.
Rating: 9
Run Stuffers: The Giants are sixth in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game. Their entire defense plays the run; even their secondary will make plays in the backfield. If they can stay healthy, the Giants have a defense that can carry them a long way.
Rating: 8
Coaching: Tom Coughlin knows how to win in January, and he has the type of team to do it: a strong armed passer, two good running backs, and a balanced defense that does everything well. Coughlin won't step outside of himself and won't allow his team to get unfocused. He has a plan and will go down swinging with it if he has to.
Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 47
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| Sedrick Ellis: Linchpin of Saints' Swarming D |
The Quarterback: Drew Brees hasn't had his best season, but he is still as good as there is in the NFL. His accuracy is incredible, and the only reason he's thrown more interceptions this year is because his running game has been hit with injuries. Brees is so smart and moves immaculately in the pocket. He operates well in pressure and hurry up situations. Bottom line, you want this guy leading your team in the fourth quarter.
Rating: 10
Running Game/Offensive Line: The Saints rank 25th in the NFL in rushing yards per game. Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush have both been banded up, which has given undrafted rookie Chris Ivory an opportunity to handle running back duties. When they're healthy, the Saints can run the ball, but they haven't been thus far. The offensive line has talent but hasn't played at the same level as last year.
Rating: 7
Kicking Game: Garrett Hartley has a strong leg, but sometimes the ball comes off his foot like the ball stumbles out of my hand when I throw lefty; it's not pretty. You can almost see Hartley psych himself out at times. Still, he made the kick to send this team to the Super Bowl a season ago, so he gets some credit. John Carney is also a solid backup option.
Rating: 6.5
Pass Rush/Secondary: The Saints are third best in passing yards allowed in the entire NFL. They have an aggressive scheme where blitzes emanate from all over, and they have ball hawking corners in Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter. Sedrick Ellis is a pass rush presence in the middle of the defensive line, and the Will Smith/Charles Grant bookend duo can pressure quarterbacks as well.
Rating: 8
Run Stuffers: The Saints are decent against the run, but I think if you can get a lead and establish a foothold in the ground game, you could really gash them. They don't have great depth or size in the front seven.
Rating: 6.5
Coaching: It's hard to argue with the creating genius and daring of Sean Payton. He opened the second half of the Super Bowl with an onside kick; that's testicular fortitude. He also designs one of the most imposing and complex passing games in the NFL. He has Gregg Williams to largely control the defense, so he can focus on offense. He is completely in tune with Brees and the pulse of his team.
Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 47
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| Are you experienced |
The Quarterback: Michael Vick has been Superman this year and deserves MVP consideration. Still, even though he has been great passing the ball, his legs make him the threat that keeps defensive coordinators awake at night. I think Vick's scrambling abilities could be neutralized in the cold, nasty playoff weather, and that could ultimately make him less effective as a passer. His receivers are speed merchants, but aren't great at going across the middle and moving the chains.
Rating: 8
Running Game/Offensive Line: Andy Reid has never liked running the ball, but with LeSean McCoy, he owes it to himself to pound the run. The line has improved throughout the year, but it can still be dreadful at times. Running the ball could help this line gain traction, but Reid likes to keep the ball in the air.
Rating: 7
Kicking Game: David Akers is as reliable kicker as there is in the league.
Rating: 9
Pass Rush/Secondary: Trent Cole is a beast off the edge, and Asante Samuel is at his gambling best in the playoffs. Juqua Parker can get after the passer as well, and the Nate Allen/Quentin Mikel safety duo has been really good this year.
Rating: 7.5
Run Stuffers: The Eagles are a little undersized in their front seven with smallish defensive tackles and quick linebackers like Ernie Sims. A team with a physical offensive line and bruising backs could really hurt the Eagles.
Rating: 7
Coaching: Reid has been in tons of playoff games, and he consistently has his team play well. His only drawback is his lack of success in the NFC Championship Game, in which he is 1-4.
Rating: 8.5
Overall Rating: 47
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| Can he keep it in his pants for the playoffs? |
The Quarterback: Yes, he can make all the throws, but far too often Jay Cutler throws to the wrong team. He can be inaccurate, immature, and petulant. He is not a good leader, he doesn't extend the play well despite good mobility, and he has only average talent at wide receiver. He's played better this year, but in the postseason, I just can't trust him.
Rating: 7
Running Game/Offensive Line: Matt Forte is very talented and versatile, and Chester Taylor can do it all as a second back. The problem is that the Bears have the NFL's worst offensive line.
Rating: 5
Kicking Game: Robbie Gould is a very solid and accurate kicker, one of the best in the business.
Rating: 9
Pass Rush/Secondary: The Bears don't get the quarterback a ton, but Julius Peppers is a guy that opponents have to game plan for. The secondary doesn't have a single great player, but they work well together, tackle, and don't give up big plays.
Rating: 7
Run Stuffers: Peppers has shown good strength against the run this year. Israel Idonije is a very athletic and large mammal that is disruptive against the run and pass. Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher are terrific at sniffing out the play and flowing to the ball.
Rating: 8
Coaching: Lovie Smith is solid at coaching his defense, but I don't sense that he has total command of his team, or that he understands the game at a genius level like Belichick. Mike Martz has done a good job of keeping himself in check this year by running the ball at least some and using tight ends and backs in pass protection. Still, I think the Martz offense is a bad fit for ugly weather playoff games.
Rating: 6
Overall Rating: 42
The Final Rankings
- New England Patriots (50 points)
- Atlanta Falcons (49 points)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (48 Points) – With a tie at 48 points, I put the Steelers ahead of Green Bay because of Roethlisberger's playoff pedigree and the Steelers' dominant defense.
- Green Bay Packers (48 points)
- Baltimore Ravens (47 points) – Eagles, Giants, Saints, Ravens all scored 47 points on the playoff scale. The Ravens rank highest out of the group because of their experience on defense and their balance on offense.
- New York Giants (47 points) – They're ahead of Philly because they are stronger in the running game and on defense, and I think Vick will be less effective in the playoffs. They're also ahead of New Orleans for some of the same reasons, plus, the Saints likely won't be playing many home games in the postseason.
- New Orleans Saints (47points) – They're ahead of Philly because I like the Saints' offensive line and I trust Brees to be accurate in any environment. They also will get healthier at running back.
- Philadelphia Eagles (47 Points)
- New York Jets (45 points)
- Chicago Bears (42 points)
--from Adam
(all images from zimbio.com except Georgia Dome image, which came from instituteofhigherthinking.com)
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