Around the NFL: 10 Things for Week 17
Happy Holidays Everyone! Entering the last week of the 2008 NFL Regular Season, playoffs are on everyone’s holiday gift list. Many teams still have hopes, but must win in order to get in. Others need help from other teams. It’s exciting because I can’t remember the last time we had so many teams playing for something in the last week of the season. Last week I asked what people thought should be done in Detroit with the number one overall pick, and I got several different responses:
Katie from NC said, “The Lions need to build from the inside out. Andre Smith from Alabama has to be the choice!”
I have to admit that I agree with Katie, and others echoed her opinions.
Eric from Arizona said, “Matt Stafford’s a bum and he’s going to be a complete bust… which means Detroit’s bound to take him.”
Brent from Michigan said, “I just hope they don’t take another WR.”
I think that Brent probably speaks for all of Michigan on that one. Let’s dive into Week 17 and some things to look for.
10. Sitting Stars
At the end of every season, several teams who have already locked in playoff spots sit some of their star players in an effort to rest them for the playoffs. So if you’re looking forward to seeing Peyton Manning, Kurt Warner, and Ben Roethlisberger this week, you may want to check out some of the other games instead. The Colts, Giants, Steelers, Titans, and Cardinals all have secured their spots in the playoff hierarchy, making their week 17 results irrelevant. The Giants have already said that they’ll be playing this game to win it (a concept that served them well last season) but I wouldn’t expect the main cogs for the other four teams to get a whole lot of playing time.
9. Coaching Transitions
As we enter the final week of the NFL season, there comes the inevitable coaching carousel that is the NFL. Every year, several coaches are fired following week 17. So which ones might be losing their jobs this season? Look for Cleveland to fire Romeo Crennel and Rod Marinelli first off, and then some other coaches may be in trouble also depending on what happens this weekend. Brad Childress, Wade Phillips, and Norv Turner could all find themselves out of a job if they don’t make the playoffs. Also, you have to wonder what will happen with Dick Jauron, Marvin Lewis, and Herman Edwards. It’ll be interesting to see what happens this time next week.
8. Top Free Agents
I just wanted to take a moment to talk about some of the free agents that may be available should their current teams elect not to franchise or resign them before the 2009 free agency period begins. The six names that stand out most to me are Tennessee DT Albert Haynesworth, Oakland CB Nnamdi Asomugha, Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Arizona LB Karlos Dansby, and Baltimore LB’s Bart Scott and Terrell Suggs. While Dansby, Suggs and Asomugha will likely be franchised; we could very well see the other three in new uniforms next year. Teams like Philly, Tennessee, Miami, and the Giants could all really use Houshmandzadeh. Haynesworth might find himself in a place like New Orleans or in Washington. And I could see Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, St. Louis and Jacksonville all having an interest in Scott who might be the best of the bunch as far as value is concerned. It’ll be interesting to see which ones of these guys are in new uniforms next season. Which one would you like to see come to your team and why? letstalknfl@hotmail.com
7. Running Back Graveyard
Denver lost two more running backs to IR this week in P.J. Pope and disappointing Selvin Young. It’s crazy that this makes a grand total of seven running backs in Denver to go on IR. If I were Tatum Bell (likely to be the starter for this week and the playoffs (should there be any), I would be buying every lucky charm I could find, and I’d be apt to say a prayer every night. Denver will have to hold open tryouts pretty soon, and this will seriously hurt their prospects of gaining new free agents. Also, if I’m a college running back, I no longer have any interest in going to Denver. What used to be a running back factory, churning out 1,000 yard rushers left and right, has now become a running back graveyard.
6. Injury Updates
Speaking of injuries, who’s ailing in Week 17? Tony Romo is feeling ill, likely about his two interceptions last week against Baltimore. Ken Dorsey becomes the third Browns quarterback to miss time this season, as Bruce Gradkowski will likely start in his place. Anquan Boldin is supposedly going to play, as should Marshawn Lynch. However, Chad Ocho Cinco’s doesn’t appear to be a go for this week after sitting out last week nursing his hamstring. Marion Barber may also miss this week’s game as he’s been limited. Miami will greatly miss Will Allen and Channing Crowder if they can’t go against the Jets. Matt Hasselbeck isn’t likely to play in Mike Holmgren’s last game as Seattle’s head coach.
5. Detroit in Infamy
Detroit has been a story for several weeks now because of their historic ineptitude. This week they can finally put the nail on the coffin and end it all. Should they lose to the Green Bay Packers this weekend; they will be remembered quite possibly as the worst team in history. One could argue other teams, but the numbers speak for themselves. They’re currently the only team to ever go 0-15 in a single season, and even against the struggling Packers, I don’t see any reason why they won’t finish 0-16. The bright side is that Detroit only has one way to go now, and with a new General Manager and likely a new coach, they can begin a new era in Detroit pro football. Hopefully it’s better than the Millen era.
> Find a great selection of discount NFL jerseys & merchandise online through Pro Football Fans and check the 2008 NFL scoreboard.
4. Spotlight on a Budding Star: Corey Graham
Chicago Bears CB Corey Graham was seen covering just about everyone in the Monday night game against the Green Bay Packers. A fifth round pick out of New Hampshire in 2007, Graham has had to step up this season due to injuries to Chicago’s starting defensive backfield. Graham has responded in a big way, notching 84 tackles this season and a pick. While he’s had only one interception, each time I’ve seen this kid play, he’s shown excellent coverage ability, staying on his man and putting himself in the right position time and again to disrupt plays. I don’t know what the future holds for Graham, but if I were Lovie Smith, I’d be trying to find ways to keep him on the field.
3. The Best of the Worst
There will be a showdown between the Denver Broncos and the San Diego Chargers this weekend to determine who will win the pitiful AFC West and move on to the playoffs. This is pathetic. Both teams are loaded with talent and have played anywhere from great to horribly in any given week of this season. Featuring two of the bright young quarterbacks in the league in Jay Cutler and Phillip Rivers, we see a rivalry game with the biggest of playoff implications. However, should the Chargers win, they’ll be getting in the playoffs on an 8-8 record. Should the Patriots, the Dolphins, and the Ravens all win; the Patriots will be left out with an 11-5 record. Something just doesn’t seem right there. However, I can’t really say that I disagree with the concept of the division winner making the playoffs. It’s just unfortunate that a team that really doesn’t deserve it will go. Ditto to the Cardinals after their late-season collapse.
2. Those Pesky Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens just seem so tricky week in and week out. Their defense has been amazing, and the offense has shown signs of life under rookie QB Joe Flacco and a power running game. They just seem to be one of those teams that I wouldn’t want to face going into the playoffs, which is where they’ll definitely be headed should they defeat the Jaguars on Sunday. Baltimore has a dominant defense that provokes fear in opponents. I doubt if any team, including the Pittsburgh Steelers who won two close games against the Ravens this year would be looking forward to facing them in January.
1. Game of the Week: Dolphins vs. Jets
As a life-long Dolphins fan, this game is huge for me. To go from a 1-15 season to possibly 11-5 and a division title is such an amazing jump that it’s hard to actually believe. Granted a cream-puff schedule and the Jets late-season ineptitude have certainly lended a hand to the Dolphins’ present position, but it’s impressive nonetheless. Making matters even more interesting is that the fact that there is a division title on the line isn’t even the whole story of this game. Miami QB Chad Pennington was dumped by the Jets in August in favor of veteran Brett Favre. If Pennington pulls off a win in New York and leads the Dolphins to the division title, then people will be doubting the Jets’ decision for years to come. It can’t get any better than this.
Until next week, enjoy the action!
By Brandon Niles
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer