.... And Then There Were Two!!!

The stage it set. Super Bowl XLIV (44) is going to have the two top seeds in both conferences playing for the championship. We had two very interesting conference championship games. And now, we are down to the final two teams.

#1 New Orleans Saints

vs.

#1 Indianapolis Colts

Peyton Manning vs. Drew Brees. The two hottest Quarterbacks square off. The NFC's best against the AFC's best. The two hottest teams in the NFL go head-to-head. This is one matchup that actually has me intrigued and it doesn't involve one of my favorite players or my favorite team(s). I can, however, point out the fact that I told a lot of people about the young WR for the Colts, Pierre Garcon. See when you play Division III football at Mount Union (who is a Divison III powerhouse in football), and get invited to the NFL Combine, you are an exceptional player. But for some reason, Garcon was not highly praised. I was very happy to learn that he was picked up by the Indianapolis Colts in the 6th Round (205th Overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft. I was even more excited to see him on the field. Not many Division III players get a shot in the NFL and here I was looking at one who could be a star. Well fast forward to this past Sunday. Garcon posted 11 catches, 151 yards and a Touchdown catch. Not bad for a guy from a Division III college, playing in the AFC Championship game with a heavy heart as his homeland of Haiti was recovering from being hit with an earthquake. Couple that with the fact Coach Jim "Cool Azz" Caldwell is a Rookie Head Coach, and could be the second Black coach to win a Super Bowl, I would be happy if the Colts won the Super Bowl. But I'd be happy if Saints won as well.

Johnathan Vilma was clearly the best player on the New York Jets for years, but the Jets just weren't getting it done. Vilma, also a Haiti native, was playing with a heavy heart this past Sunday as well. In his 6th season (second with the Saints) from the University of Miami, or as we all know them, the "U", Vilma is one of the NFL's good guys. I was happy for him when I found out he was going to the Saints to play on a potential Super Bowl contender. Coaching Vilma, is a guy that should have been a head coach two years ago. Greg Williams orchestrated a top 10 Defense, three of his four season in Washington. When Coach Gibbs retired for the second time, the Redskins decided it would be in their best interest to ship Greg Williams off as well, paying him $1 Million in the process. Williams landed in Jacksonville first, and then New Orleans. And now Williams will be landing in Miami to Coach in his second Super Bowl (Tennessee Titans, 1999). Love him or hate him, he always has good Defenses and has a knack of getting the best out of all of his players. Add that to the fact that Drew Brees was basically a cast off from the San Diego Chargers as well as overlooked for a second consecutive year for the NFL MVP Award, Reggie Bush was labeled a bust, Marques Colston was overlooked by 31 NFL teams at least 6 times in the 2006 NFL Draft before being drafted by the New Orleans Saints, and Jeremy Shockey was shipped off from the New York Giants the year that they won the Super Bowl, I would be happy if the Saints won the game. So who am I picking?

In a shocker of all shockers, I am predicting a win by the New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees gets the Super Bowl MVP Award.

Final Score: New Orleans 34, Indianapolis 28.

This will be the last football game until August so I hope it is a good one.

At the Super Bowl's Door.... And Now There Are Four!

Here it is. The Conference Championship Games are here and they are going to be two good games. Let's take a look at the matchups.


Game #1
#2 Minnesota Vikings vs. #1 New Orleans Saints

Both the Saints and the Vikings played great games last week in the Divisional rounds. The Saints dismantled the Arizona Cardinals, 45-14, while the Minnesota Vikings crushed the Dallas Cowboys, 34-3. Both of these teams have good Defense's. The difference in these two teams are that the Vikings always play well on the Defensive side of the ball. The Saints, not so much, but when they decide to strap it up, are probably a Top 5 Defense. In one of my other posts, I listed the Defensive Line of the Vikings as the Best In the NFL, and I don't plan on backing off of that now. The Saints are going to put up some points, maybe 24, and the Vikings are going to put points as well. I forsee the Vikings scoring 30. That's right people. I am going with Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings to upset (not really an upset) the red hot New Orleans Saints, 30-24. The Saints Defense, although very talented, is too inconsistent for my liking, and the Vikings' Defense is very solid. I do apologize to Ray Edwards, Defensive End for the Minnesota Vikings. I didn't know you could play like that, and against the Dallas Cowboys of all teams. I like Brett Favre on the big stage. And I like Sidney Rice, Bernard Berrian, Percy Harvin and company to put up some points. Vikings to the Super Bowl.

My prediction: Minnesota 30, New Orleans 24.








Game #2
#5 N.Y. Jets vs. #1 Indianapolis Colts

What a surprise!!! The New York Jets won back-to-back road Playoff games in Cincinnati and San Diego. And now they have the opportunity to make an appearance in the Super Bowl if they can pull out another road win next week. But they will have to get through the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts were a team on fire winning 14 straight games until they decided to rest their starters for the Playoffs. After knocking off the Baltimore Ravens, this past Saturday 20-3, the Colts look like they are primed for a Super Bowl run. Peyton Manning, although good, can be rattled and can be forced into mistakes like any other QB. The Jets have the kind of Defense that can pull off such a feat. The match-up that will determine this game is the Jets Offense vs. the Colts Defense. Although I would like to see anyone but Peyton Manning win the AFC Conference, the Colts will end the Jets' run next Sunday. I just think we are asking the Jets to do too much to win the AFC Conference. Mark Sanchez is playing efficiently right now, not spectacular. You would have to be spectacular right now to knock off the Colts. I just don't think the Jets have enough on Offense to be able to move the ball consistently on that stout Defense boasting the two best Defensive Ends in the NFL, Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney. Game, set and match. Colts win.

My prediction: Colts 21, Jets 10.

It's going to be a long two weeks waiting for the Super Bowl, but don't forget about the Pro Bowl in two weeks. Enjoy the games folks

The Brightest Stars.....

Let me start off by congratulating the New Orleans Saints for winning Super Bowl XLIV (44) this past Sunday. Everyone had the great Peyton Manning and the Colts already hoisting the Lombardi Trophy before the game started. I guess I was in the minority. Not only did I have the Saints winning, but I predicted the Colts would turn the ball over 5 times. I didn't get the turnovers right, but I did get the winner and the Super Bowl MVP correct. In any even the season is over and now I have the pleasure of posting the great debate.

I love having this debate..... The debate over who are the Top 5 players at each position. Some weigh in, others don't really care. I watch football just so I can have an intelligent discussion. I don't only watch my Redskins or my Steelers (although they do get top priority if the are on television at the time). I watch every and any game that I can. Whether it's the red hot Saints and/or Colts, or the lowly Browns, football to me is football. So in all of the games that I had the pleasure of watching this season, I think I have enough information to put together a Top 5 List. This is not only based off of this season, but off of what I have seen out of a player over a 2 or 3 season stretch. So needless to say, the Rookies are not going to be on any lists. So here we go.

Top 5 Safeties in the NFL
1. Troy Polamalu
2. Ed Reed
3. Adrian Wilson
4. Darren Sharper
5. Bob Sanders


Top 5 Cornerbacks in the NFL
1. Darrelle Revis
2. Asante Samuel
3. Ike Taylor
4. Nnamdi Asomougha
5. Champ Bailey

Honorable Mentions: Antonio Cromartie and Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie.


Top 5 Linebackers in the NFL
1. Patrick Willis
2. Jon Beason
3. Ray Lewis
4. London Fletcher
5. Elvis Dumervil

Honorable Mentions: Brian Urlacher, James Harrison, Joey Porter, Terrell Suggs, Derrick Johnson, Shawn Merriman, Brady James, A.J. Hawk and Lofa Tatupu.


Top 5 Defensive Lineman
1. DeMarcus Ware
2. Julius Peppers
3. Jared Allen
4. Albert Haynesworth
5. Dwight Freeney

Honorable Mentions: Kevin Williams, Pat Williams, Justin Tuck, Darnell Dockett, Shaun Rogers, Casey Hampton, Robert Mathis, Aaron Shobel.


Top 5 Offensive Linemen
1. Jeff Saturday
2. Nick Mangold
3. Bryant McKinnie
4. Steve Hutchinson
5. D'Brickashaw Ferguson


Top 5 Running Backs
1. Chris Johnson
2. Adrian Peterson
3. Frank Gore
4. Ryan Grant
5. Matt Forte

Honorable Mention: LaDanian Tomlinson, Ray Rice, Darren Sproles, Mike Turner, Maurice Jones-Drew, Brian Westbrook, and Johnathan Stewart.


Top 5 Wide Receivers
1. Andre Johnson
2. Larry Fitzgerald
3. Brandon Marshall
4. Reggie Wayne
5. Vincent Jackson

Honorable Mention: Chad Ochocinco (Johnson), Santonio Holmes, Steve Smith (CAR), Anquan Boldin, and Marques Colston.


Top 5 Tight Ends
1. Dallas Clark
2. Jason Witten
3. Antonio Gates
4. Chris Cooley
5. Antonio Gonzalez

Honorable Mention: Vernon Davis, Todd Heap and Kellen Winslow II.


AND NOW THE MOMENT WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR..........

The Top 5 Quarterbacks
1. Peyton Manning
2. Tom Brady
3. Drew Brees
4. Ben Roethlisberger
5. Philip Rivers

Honorable Mention: Matt Schaub, Tony Romo, Donovan McNabb and Eli Manning.


Feel free to give your opinion on anything. These were harder to pick than I initially thought. When you are having discussions, they seem to roll off of your tongue, but when you have to really evaluate each player at each position, it really puts things into perspective. Anyway, I can't wait to do it again next year.

Twelve Was Great, But Now There Are Eight........

Here we are a week away from the Divisional Playoffs in the NFL. We had some good games and I am looking forward to four more good games. Let's take a look.

NFC Divisional Game #1
#4 Arizona vs. #1 New Orleans

The Cardinals found themselves in a shootout against the Green Bay Packers this past Sunday. In a barn burner, the Cardinals beat the Packers in Overtime on a fumble returned for a Touchdown, by Carlos Dansby. Final score Arizona 51, Green Bay 45. Kurt Warner posted a Passer Rating of 154.1, which is almost perfect. That is pretty impressive considering the Packers have a stout Defense. With that being said, the Defense that the Cardinals are going to face this weekend is a bit better. The New Orleans Saints were running through their competition, until they ran into the Miami Dolphins. Although the Saints won, the remaining teams on their schedule looked at them as being beatable. The Saints were eventually beaten by Dallas, but the low point was the loss in Overtime to the Buccaneers. The Saints will have their hands full against the Cardinals this weekend. And in an ugly game, I have the Cardinals winning, but just barely. I fully expect the Cardinals to be in the NFC Championship game.
My predictions, Arizona 27, New Orleans 24.


NFC Divisional Game #2
#3 Dallas vs #2 Minnesota

Just like I expected, Dallas manhandled the Philadelphia Eagles 34-14. Usually in a season like the Cowboys are having, in which they beat a Division opponent three times, those team usually go one to either win, or appear in, the Super Bowl. The front seven for Dallas caused Philadelphia all sorts of problems. DeMarcus Ware, Brady James and company were all over Donovan McNabb, all night. That 3-4 Defense is a nightmare for a lot of teams and proved to be an issue for the Eagles resulting in four sacks. Tony Romo and the Offense just flat out ran all over the Eagles. Dallas outplayed Philly and deserved to win. But next week's opponent is better equipped to handle the 3-4 Defense of the Cowboys and will cause matchup problems with their young Offense. The old guy running that Offense doesn't look to bad either. Brett Favre is running the West Coast Offense to perfection. Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin and Vishante Shiancoe all have had great seasons. But the man that is going to decide this game is in the backfield of the Vikings. Adrian Peterson is an all but forgotten man, but the Vikings need to give Dallas a heavy dose of Peterson all game long. I expect Peterson to go for 100 yards. And Favre to throw at least two touchdown passes. I think Romo and company will play well, but come up short.
My prediction Minnesota 27, Dallas 20


AFC Divisional Game #1
#6 Baltimore vs. #1 Indianapolis

This one is a bit of a surprise. Baltimore went to New England and blew out the favorite Patriots. Tom Brady looked like a Rookie QB against that Ravens Defense. But the player that single-handidly dismantled the Patriots was Ray Rice. This guy is turning into a Superstar. He goes about his business without any extra attention being drawn, or any controversy. You've got to love a player like that. The Colts, on the other hand, are coming off of the Bye week and are rested. This bring up the same conversation everyone has every year. Rest vs. Rust. Who is better off? The team that is coming off of the Bye or the team that played Wild Card Weekend. The Colts have not done well coming off of the Bye week, and I expect the trend to continue. But even with that said, I still think that the Colts, although it will be very, very close, will win this game. They are the better team because of Peyton Manning. No disrespect to the Ravens Defense.
My prediction, Indianapolis 30-Baltimore 28.

AFC Divisional Game #2
#5 N.Y. Jets vs. #2 San Diego Chargers

The N.Y. Jets were very impressive against the Cincinnati Bengals going into Cincinnati and beating the favorite Bengals. Mark Sanchez did enough to get his team the victory. The Rookie QB was very poised and looked like he had been there before. Thank goodness for Dustin Keller and Jericho Cotchery, because Braylon Edwards did sell out Sanchez earlier in the game. Edwards would have been lucky to get another pass from me after he dropped a perfectly thrown bomb. But, I think that the Jets' season will be done next weekend. The San Diego Chargers are playing very well now. Phillip Rivers, Darren Sproles, LaDanian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates, Malcolm Floyd and Vincent Jackson are just too much for the Jets. The Jets Defensive scheme is a bit more exotic than the Chargers, but the Chargers run a 3-4 Defense too. I am pretty sure that the Chargers will be accustomed to playing against it, and prepping for the defense that Bart Scott nicknamed the O.C. (Organized Chaos). Shaun Phillips, Luis Castillo, Shawn Merriman and company will have their hands full in the running game but I think that they can handle the Ravens. The Chargers will win, but in a close one. And yes I am ignoring the fact that Baltimore beat San Diego, in San Diego, Week 2 of the NFL season. San Diego hit their stride in the middle of the season and rolled off 10 straight wins, and will win #11 next weekend.
My prediction, San Diego 24, N.Y. Jets 21.

And then There Were 12........

It's that time of year again. The NFL Playoffs are here and needless to say, I am very excited. I am a little disappointed that my team wasn't competitive enough to even be in the hunt, but this may be the calm (I know it was anything but calm in Washington) before the storm. But anyway, there are 12 teams left in the hunt for the Lombardi Trophy so I'd like to make my own predictions.

NFC Wild Card Game #1

#6 Philadelphia vs. #3 Dallas
This is going to be a good game folks. Philadelphia missed their opportunity to wrap up the #2 seed in the NFC and earn a first round bye, but they are built for Wild Card Weekend. Donovan McNabb hardly ever has back-to-back bad games. The Eagles under Andy Reid have never lost a Wild Card Game (7-0). And Philadelphia is actually missing a few pieces, they are going to play tough. Dallas on the other hand has been impressive over the past four weeks. In that span they knocked off the then undefeated Saints, and shutout Washington and Philadelphia. Tony Romo gets a lot of heat, but I like the guy. He may not do it the way everyone else wants him to do it, but he does it his way, and with a smile. If this were Brett Favre the media would be eating this up, but since it is Romo, it's cool to bash him. Tell the media to go play in traffic Tony. Dallas has one other thing going for them. They have been able to avoid the major injuries this year. That is huge. I really don't see Philadelphia winning this game. It is a bad matchup for them. Dallas is on a roll and at home. My prediction Dallas 27, Philadelphia 17.

Note: If Dallas wins, they go to Minnesota. If Philadelphia wins, they earn a trip to New Orleans.


NFC Wild Card Game #2

#5 Green Bay vs. #4 Arizona
I would have jumped at the opportunity to pick the Cardinals, had Anquan Boldin not been nicked up. But now I am not so sure. Green Bay is getting hot at the right time. The Packers have won six of their last seven games losing only to Pittsburgh on the last play of the game. Aaron Rodgers can ball with the best of them, and that Defense is sick. Aaron Kampman causes problems whether he is lined up as a Pass Rusher or dropping back into coverage. A.J. Hawk and Nick Barnett are solid on the second level, with Charles Woodson and Atari Bigby in the secondary. But they are going up against a very, very good offense. Although Anquan Boldin is a very important piece, Steve Breaston is a solid back up. They also have Jerheme Urban and Early Doucet to add to the mix. The Cards also has a very solid running game with Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower. The "X" factor for the Cardinals winning this game is their Defense. If the Cardinals Defense can throw off the rhythm of the Packers, just a little bit, the Packers don't have a chance. The Packers are not built to win shootouts and if this game turns into one, advantage Cardinals.
My prediction: Arizona 22, Green Bay 20

Note: Because of the seeding, this game is contingent upon the winner of the Cowboys-Eagles game. Here are the scenario's:

If Dallas wins, the winner of the Packers-Cardinals game goes to New Orleans.
If Philadelphia wins, the winner of the Packers-Cardinals game goes to Minnesota.



AFC Wild Card Game #1

#5 N.Y. Jets vs. #4 Cincinnati
This one of three games in which teams played each other in Week 17 (Phil.-Dal. and Ariz.-G.B.). The Jets are coming to Cincinnati this time though. And although Cincinnati does not finish games well, I fully expect the Bengals Offense to be better prepared for this game. They started of this season hot, sweeping their entire division which included games against the Steelers and the Ravens. Pretty bold statement if you ask me. The New York Jets, although an extremely talented team on Defense, which includes Bart Scott, Vernon Gholston, Jim Leonard and Darrelle Revis, are very young on the Offensive side of the ball at their "skill" positions. And Mark Sanchez is very shaky. I don't trust him. I see the Bengals winning this game very easy.
My predictions: Cincinnati 20, N.Y. Jets 6

Note: Because of the seeding, this game is contingent upon the winner of the Ravens-Patriots game. Here are the scenario's:

If Baltimore wins, the winner of the Bengals-Jets game goes to San Diego.
If New England wins, the winner of the Bengals-Jets game goes to Indianapolis.


AFC Wild Card Game #2

#6 Baltimore vs. #3 New England
How about that Ray Rice? I remember when I saw him at Rutgers, I thought to myself, "He'll be a great Spell back. Whoever picks him will have a great backup Running Back." Well I was half right. He's a great back.... a great "STARTING" Running Back. This young man came into Baltimore and took the starting job from Willis McGahee. Willis McGahee is the one on Spell duty. Ray Rice is also a good receiver out of the backfield. In short, Rice is a stud. Joe Flacco has been o.k. this year. For all of the hype he received last year, I thought the media would have built him up to be the second coming of Peyton Manning. He started off the year well, but he and the Ravens hit a bit of a rough patch. They did well to make the Playoffs, but I think that is about as far as they are going to get. Tom Brady started the season off very shaky. Things settled a bit for New England, and then they got their tails kicked in New Orleans. And then they had the Randy Moss situation. But the ultimate blow to that team was Wes Welker's injury. Although I think that New England will win this game, they are not going to get far without Wes Welker. This is not 2 years ago when you had Dante Stallworth, Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Dante Stallworth is at home right now waiting to be reinstated by the NFL so he can return to Cleveland, and Wes Welker is hurt. That being said....
My prediction: New England 24, Baltimore 21

Note: If Baltimore wins, they go to Indianapolis. If New England wins, they earn a trip to Sand Diego.

The Inaugural Dezzy Awards

In the spirit of the 2009 NFL Regular Season ending on January 3, 2010, I have have come up with my own version of an awards ceremony. These are awards given (not literally) to the player(s) who had outstanding seasons at their respective positions. Without further ado here are the winners for the 2009 Dezzy Awards.

Award For Best QB
This one was tough, but I went with Drew Brees. A year after falling short of breaking the NFL record for most passing yards in a season, he only came back rolled off 13 straight wins. I picked Drew Brees because of what he has to work with at the Wide Receiver position. He has not one person at the Wide Receiver position that is considered a star. This is not my words, this is the general consensus of the media. Brees posted a 109.6 Passer Rating, completed 70.6% of his passes (363-514), passed for 4,388 yards, had 11 Interceptions, and posted 36 Touchdowns (34 Passing, 2 Rushing). All while playing with Devery Henderson, Lance Moore, Marques Colston and Robert Meachem. All four of these guys are good. For some strange reason, the media thinks otherwise. In my book Drew Brees had the best performance of any QB in the NFL given the amount of talent that "they" say he has around him.

Award For Best HB
This one was very easy. Chris Johnson, by far, was the best Running Back in the NFL this year. I was a little upset when Tennessee passed on a local product in University of Tennessee's Wide Receiver Robert Meachem, who now plays for the New Orleans Saints. I wondered, how in the blue hell, drafting a Running Back was going to help Vince Young in the passing game. Fast Forward 2 years. My question was answered and then some. Chris Johnson is probably the fastest player I have ever seen in a football uniform. Not only that, Johnson rushed for over 2,000 (2,006 yards [6th player in NFL history to do so]), 14 Rushing Touchdowns and set the NFL record for most yards from scrimmage (2,503 yards [2,006 yards rushing, and 503 yards receiving]). He also had 16 total Touchdowns (14 Rushing, 2 Receiving). Most players in the league expressed how much fear he struck in their hearts. This is one guy who can score on any play. I am happy that he is recognized for being a good guy as well. You don't hear about him in any trouble. He works hard and his teammates love him. Good job Chris.

Award For Best Fullback
So the Fullback position was almost abolished a few seasons ago. But with guys like Tony Richardson, Le'Rron McClain, Lorenzo Neal, Brad Hoover and Mike Sellers. You could make a case for why you need them. And Leonard Weaver was the next level of Fullback. All Weaver did was duplicate the efforts of Le'Ron McClain in 2008. Unfortunately, the Dezzy Awards were non-existant. If you need a big block to spring your Halfback, call Weaver. If you need a ten yard carry, call on Weaver. If you need a two yard carry, call on Weaver. You need some one to pick up a blitz, call on Weaver. And if you need another receiver out of the backfield, call on Weaver. He did it all. As if Donovan McNabb needed another weapon. Congrats Weaver.

Award For Best WR
There is really no surprise here. The new breed of Wide Receivers are here. Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Calvin Johnson Jr., and Brandon Marshall are what the new Wide Receivers are going to look like. But the guy that embodies all of their skills combined had a great year for a team that finally finished with a winning record (9-7). Andre Johnson had 101 catches, 1,569 receiving yards, and 9 touchdown catches. In my eyes, he has been overlooked time after time for being recognized as one of the best, if not, the best Wide Receiver in the NFL. He is another player in a long line of University of Miami Hurricanes, to just get it done at the NFL level. He is a true freak of nature at 6'3" 225 lbs., strong and fast. Congrats Dre'.

Award For Best TE
I love watching the new breed of Tight Ends in the NFL. Guys like Chris Cooley, Antonio Gates, Dustin Keller, (soon to be known) Cornelius Ingram, L.J. Smith, Todd Heap along with others are just flat out good. These guys cause so many match-up problems that I couldn't imagine how much sleep a Defensive Coordinator gets the night before a game against one of these guys. But my Best TE Award goes to Dallas Clark. Every time I watch him play, I ask myself. Where did the Colts find this guy? Clark had 100 catches, 1106 receiving yards, and 10 touchdown catches. I didn't think I would see 100 catches from a Tight End. Heck I didn't think I'd see 98 catches from a Tight End, but Jason Witten did is 2 years ago. Dallas Clark does play with one of the best QB's in the NFL, but when I watch Clark play he is very good at getting open. He is also good at getting off of the line of scrimmage, is faster than most give him credit for, and in a day and age where players, myself included, rely so much on those new age football gloves, Clark does it barehanded. He should also win the best hands award. LOL.. Please note that I did have two honorable mentions: Vernon Davis and Jason Witten. Two guys who are 1b. and 1c. in my opinion.

Award For the Best Offensive Line
I love awards like this one because people often overlook the most important part of any Offense. It is your Offensive Line. If you don't have a good line, don't expect production from your Quarterback. Just ask Jason Campbell. I have a watched a few games this year, and by far, the Best Offensive Line Award goes to the Indianapolis Colts. I don't think I have seen Peyton Manning touched in the last two season. His uniform is always clean. So to Charlie Johnson, Ryan Lija, Jeff Saturday, Kyle DeVan, and Ryan Diem, great job. This award is let you know that you are very much appreciated for what you bring to the game of football. Your job is thankless and dirty at times, but you show what it means to be true professionals.

Award For the Best Defensive Line
Some may not like it. But the truth of the matter is, the New York Giants had the best Defensive Line in football in 2007. And then the injury to Osi Umenyiora changed everything. Umenyiora has since returned, and then was seeing his playing time disappear. But along the way came four guys who don't play in a big market. They only have one guy who is a media magnet, but they are flat out good and deserve more attention than they are getting. The Best Defensive Line award goes to the Minnesota Vikings. Ray Edwards, Kevin Williams, Pat Williams and Jared Allen are the best in the business. Just ask any team that had the luxury of playing against them. Jared Allen alone can cause headaches but Kevin and Pat Williams are the icing on the cake. It is almost like two Albert Haynesworth-type players on one line. Ray Edwards benefits from being around these other three guys. He may not be a top tier Defensive End, but with the other three guys to his right, does he need to be?

Award For the Best Linebackers
I am a bit biased, because everyone knows that I am a Washington Redskins-Pittsburgh Steelers fan. But one thing I am is fair. And in truth, there is only one team that replaces Linebackers like undergarments. And that is the Pittsburgh Steelers. That group of Linebackers is the absolute best I have ever seen. The Baltimore Ravens are very, very close. But when Bart Scott got away, they lost a little bit. Pittsburgh, is what I consider "Linebacker U." Going back to the days with Greg Lloyd, Kevin Greene, and for one year, Greg Little, and even as recent as Larry Foote and Joey Porter, the Steelers ALWAYS has a group of Linebackers who are considered the best on some level. So the award for Best Linebackers goes to Pittsburgh. Congrats to LaMarr Woodley, James Harrison, James Farrior and Lawrence Timmons. I have not seen a group of Linebackers that dominant in a very long time (New York Giants, 1985-1992 and Chicago Bears 1985).

Award For Best CB
I love this section. I love watching Defensive Backs. This is the area in which I am most interested. I've watched a lot of football. No secret that I love the younger players like Chris Houston, Cortland Finnegan, Antonio Cromartie, Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie, Darrelle Revis, Michael Jenkins and Malcolm Jenkins, along with others. But the Best Cornerback award goes to one of the older guys. Charles Woodson, in my opinion, had the best season of his 12 year career. Recording 74 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 forced fumbles 9 interceptions, and 3 Defensive Touchdowns, he seemed to always be on the Green Bay Packers' highlight films. I watched the guy at Michigan. We knew he was a talent. And usually Cornerbacks start to slow down near 30. But here Woodson is 33 years old and playing better than some of the younger guys. He certainly makes me feel good. Seeing as though 33 is around the corner for me. Congrats Woody.

Award For Best Safety
Again, everyone knows that I love Defensive Backs. If I could play any position in football, it would be the Safety position. I love rangy, ballhawks who, on occasion does not mind coming up and blasting a ball carrier. My pick for Best Safety may surprise you. It again is one of the older guys. Darren Sharper wins this award in a very close race. The young fella, Jarius Byrd for Buffalo was my favorite to win, until I watched Darren Sharper play. Sharper is one of the best Safety's in the NFL. Again, most Safety's start to slow a bit in their 30's. Sharper looks like he has actually gotten better at age 34. Greg Williams does a good job of getting the best out of his players, but, I watched Sharper do well for the Packers, Vikings and now the Saints. I think the player has a lot to do with that. Recording 75 tackles, 0.5 sack and 9 interceptions, Sharper had a season that would rival any Cornerback. Congrats "Pops."

Award For Most Improved Player
I am happy to give this one away. I love watching players improve. I also enjoy watching players work their tails off to get an opportunity. It is players like these that immediately earn my respect. I would have easily said Devin Thomas for the Washington Redskins, or Santonio Holmes for Pittsburgh, or Calvin Johnson for Detroit, or Ray Rice for the Ravens. But the award for Most Improved Player goes to Miles Austin. No shock there huh? Miles was only signed by the Cowboys to play Special Teams. And even on Special Teams, Austin made an impact returning a kickoff for a touchdown his rookie season. He got his opportunity when Terrell Owens got hurt, and then again when Roy Williams got hurt. This past season I watched Miles grow up in front of my eyes, recording 81 catches, 1320 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. From tiny Monmouth in New Jersey, to Joe DeFranco's garage gym in Wyckoff, NJ, to the NFL Scouting Combine and then to the Dallas Cowboys training camp via Free Agency, Miles worked his way into the spotlight. If you want to talk about production, take a Free Agent Wide Receiver, give him an opportunity to make your team, and watch him earn your #1 Wide Receiver spot. Do you think that you made a good investment? Congrats to you Miles. You have made a lot of people proud.

Award For Comeback Player Of The Year
I really wish that I could handed a real award to this next player. We watched him fall. He wasn't used to losing on any level. He was used to being love by all. But in the NFL, none of that matters. You have to produce now. I wasn't happy about him being criticized, but he recovered well this season winning 6 straight games this season and leading an 0-6 team back into playoff contention. Although his team missed the playoffs by one game, he finished with an 8-2 record and won back not only his starting job, but the respect of a lot of people. My Comeback Player of The Year Award goes to Vince Young. No need in going overboard explaining what he did. Go look at the Tennessee Titans' first 6 games, and then the last 10 games. You do the math. Good job VY.

The Diamonds In The Rough Award
I love watching these guys play. One has already established himself as a Prime Time player. The others are getting started. My Diamonds in the Rough Awards go to Patrick Willis of the San Francisco 49ers, Brian Cushing of the Houston Texans, Mike Jenkins of the Dallas Cowboys, Brian Orakpo of the Washington Redskins, Calvin Johnson Jr. of the Detroit Lions, and Jarius Byrd of the Buffalo Bills. The only guy on this list that is established is Patrick Willis, ranking the in the top 3 for the past 3 years in tackles. The others haven't even scratched the surface as to how good they can be, and they are pretty good already.

Award For NFL MVP
Well this is the award for which we have all been waiting. The NFL MVP award is usually given to the player who has performed head and shoulders above the rest of the league. This player has influenced their team to the point that some may consider him irreplaceable. But in a surprise twist. I have chosen two players, and they both are well deserving. My NFL MVP Award goes to Brett Favre and Peyton Manning. It should be stated, that I am not a fan of either of these guys. I think the media tries to shove them down our throats and builds them up as the Great White Hope. Not to say that they are not good, I just think that the media makes them out to be Gods. The love affair with these two are sickening. But I call it like I see it, and these two had outstanding seasons.

Brett Favre worked the West Coast Offense, with the Minnesota Vikings, to perfection. Sidney Rice was the beneficiary of some good ol' Southern love. And when Brett likes a Receiver, you will know it. When Brett is in a bind, that guy gets the ball a lot. Rice had a career year and it was because Brett made up in his mind, Sidney Rice is his guy. Favre posted a 107.2 Passer Rating (Career High), 68.4% completion percentage (Career High) (363 completions - 531 attempts), 4,202 yards, 7 Interceptions (Career Low) and 33 Touchdowns. And the Vikings finished 12-4 and the #2 seed in the NFC Playoffs. Good job Brett.

Peyton Manning also had a great year. Starting 14-0 (finished 14-2), and finding ways to win games, Manning had a year that I actually had to give him credit for. One of his star players, Anthony Gonzalez, went down with a knee injury, and was replaced by a standout Division 3 college player in Pierre Garcon. And all Peyton did was post a 99.9 Passer Rating, 68.8% completion percentage (393-571), 4,500 passing yards, and 33 touchdowns. I know this sounds like a typical year for Manning, but his team was staring down a perfect season all the way up until Week 16. And that counts for a lot. Good job Peyton.

Hopefully next year we will have a new crop of players winning awards. But for now, I can't wait until the NFL Playoffs start. Enjoy the Postseason folks.