NFL Week 1 Power Rankings

After months of a lockout, a whirlwind free agency, and the another long preseason schedule, Week one of the 2011 NFL Season is finally upon us.  Much has been said about the high octane Patriots, the Jets vaunted defense, the self proclaimed Miami Heat of the NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles.  And that has helped my number 1 team stay under the radar, get healthy, and concentrate on a repeat.

Cream of the Crop

1. Green Bay Packers: Jermichael Finley and Ryan Grant.  Two pro bowlers that were injured for the Pack's Super Bowl run last year.  It makes them all the more dangerous now that they're back. One of the deepest wide receiving core in football, and a top 5 quarterback in Aaron Rodgers.  Tougher NFC North, but no one as tough as the Packers.

2. New England Patriots: Welker, Branch, Ochocinco, Woodhead, Green-Ellis, two trusted tight ends.  Not to mention the reigning MVP, Tom Brady.  Is there a better offense in football? Probably not.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Tomlin's approach is to trust his number 1 defense, and run the ball.  Ground and pound with a smash mouth defense. Old school football.  And Big Ben does nothing but win.  The passing game should open more with the emergence of Mike Wallace last season.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: No team was as active in free agency as the Eagles were this short offseason.  They signed pro bowler after pro bowler.  Most important?  The addition of Nnamdi Asomaough and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, makes their secondary the best in the NFL.  

5. New Orleans Saints: One of the best aerial attacks in the NFL.  Drew Brees has a plethora of options to feed the ball to starting with Marques Colston, and going on down the line to Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, and Robert Meachem.

6. New York Jets: 6th in opponent's passing yards, and 3rd in opponent's rushing yards.  The Jets lone weakness on defense is getting to the quarterback.  One more year and one more championship game under the belt of 3rd year quarterback Mark Sanchez.  Will the additions of Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason help Sanchez get to elite QB status? We should find out week 1 vs the Cowboys revamped defense led by Rex's twin brother, Rob.

7. Atlanta Falcons: Ranked last in the league in 2010 in plays over 20 yards.  With the addition of first round draft pick Julio Jones, Atlanta should be able to open up on offense.  

8. San Diego Chargers: Dissappointing season for the Chargers last year, but with Vincent Jackson back for an entire season, the offense should take a step forward, even if they were ranked 1st last year in total offense.  Special teams was a huge detractor to this squad in 2010. We'll see if it has improved.

9. Baltimore Ravens: Joe Flacco has taken the Ravens to the playoffs in each of first three years in the league.  Strong running game, stronger defense, but if the passing game improves enough, the Ravens can be a very dangerous squad.  Look for a big year from Anquan Boldin, which for me is the key to Baltimore's season.

Best of the Rest

10. Indianapolis Colts: Normally I slot 10 or 11 teams in the Cream of the Crop, but to start the season, I couldn't bring myself to do it.  The Colts potential loss of Peyton Manning for the first few weeks may be disastrous.  The Colts are where they are every year because of number 18.  This could mean the Texans first ever South division championship.

11. New York Giants: Non-existent and very frustrating offseason for the Giants.  The front office did nothing in terms of free agents, except that is to let them go elsewhere.  Kevin Boss, Steve Smith, Shaun O'Hara, Rich Seubert.  All Giants of the past now.  Can Eli Manning overcome three huge losses in his pass protection?

12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Strong South division is this team's only downside.  Josh Freeman leads an impressive young team full of upside.  Mike Williams and LeGarette Blount just to name a couple.

13. St. Louis Rams: Steve Spagnuolo made a very important offensive hiring.  The addition of quarterback guru, and offensive mastermind Josh McDaniels can take Sam Bradford, and an already established Steven Jackson to another level.  Eagles, don't sleep on this team in week 1.

14. Houston Texans: Have the Houston Texans improved enough on defense to really contend for the playoffs?  My simple answer is, absolutely.  With key acquisitions Jonathan Joseph and Daniel Manning, Houston's secondary is no longer the joke of the NFL.

15. Kansas City Chiefs: Very good defensively, great running game, but.....I don't know what it is, but I just don't buy this Chiefs squad as a playoff contender.

16.  Chicago Bears:  Lots of experts are saying the Bears running game will take a down turn this year with the loss of center Olin Kreutz, but I foresee a big year for Matt Forte.  The question is can that offensive line protect Cutler, and can Cutler protect the ball?

17. Dallas Cowboys: The personnel hasn't changed so much, but the addition of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan should have the Cowboys back to respectability this season.

18. Detroit Lions: Everyone's preseason darlings, but there is no established running game in Motown, just like there isn't a consistent QB.  If Stafford can stay healthy, and their young defense can perform, the Lions just may rattle some cages in the NFC North.

19. Arizona Cardinals: NFC West is by far the weakest division in football, so the Cardinals might have a shot to make the playoffs.  Their defense is weak, but with a competent QB at the helm, their offense looks stronger.  This is officially my 2011 sleeper.

Mediocrity and Messes

20. Seattle Seahawks: I love the acquisitions of Sidney Rice and Zach Miller, but who is going to pass to them?  Tavaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst? Really? Next.

21.  Jacksonville Jaguars: David Garrard doesn't get enough credit.  He is an accurate passer with a career 85 QB Rating.  He can also elude the rush.  MJD should get about 85% of the touches at tail back now that Rashad Jennings is done for the year.  Wear and tear is not good news for MJD.

22. Oakland Raiders: New season, new coach, probably same reults.  8-8 at best.

23. Minnesota Vikings:  Aging quarterback in the twilight of his career.  Sounds familiar.

24. Miami Dolphins: Maybe they bring back the Wild Cat with new addition Reggie Bush.  Channing Crowder retired.  Chad Henne is still the QB.  This might be the first team in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes.

25. Tennessee Titans: Lost Jason Babin.  Lost Kerry Collins.  Threw away Vince Young.  Thank God Chris Johnson ended his holdout or this could have been a full blown disaster.

26. San Francisco 49ers: Will Alex Smith ever start being the guy everyone thought he'd be? I'd bet on never happening.

27. Washington Redskins: Defense much improved, but Rex Grossman as their Week 1 starter really hurts their ranking.  Tim Hightower was impressive in preseason. 

28.Denver Broncos: There should be no argument as to who should be the starting QB in Denver.  If Josh McDaniels had kept his mouth shut, it would still be Jay Cutler.  Now McDaniels is gone, they'll have to live with Kyle Orton, who isn't half bad.

29. Cleveland Browns: Mike Holmgren has a long way to go to restore the Cleveland Browns to even mediocre. 

30. Buffalo Bills: Ryan Fitzpatrick may be the smartest QB in the game(Ivy Leaguer), but with Lee Evans now gone, he has one target.

31. Carolina Panthers: The Era of Cam Newton starts in Week 1.  I am not a believer in his abilities as a professional QB in the NFL, but I said the same thing about Mike Vick.

32. Cincinnati Bengals: Aging running back in Cedric Benson.  But growing pains for Andy Dalton and A.J. Green this year.  Should be a long season in Cincinnati.  The Bungles are back!

Debating the Hardware: American League

More than halfway through the 2011 season, it's time to start debating where the hardware will reside this year.  Annual favorites Albert Pujols and Joe Mauer have spent significant time on the DL, and therefore are not in my discussion for MVP.  Last year's NL pitching breakout, Ubaldo Jiminez has also spent time on the DL and has been mediocre off of the DL.  The field is wide open, so let's start!

The Junior Circuit

 AL MVP

The AL MVP contenders, in my opinion, all come from the same division: The AL East.  

In his first year in Boston, Adrian Gonzalez has certainly been earning his paycheck.   He leads the AL with a .342 average and 82 RBI.  His 17 HR's aren't close to the league leader, but they're not be dismissed.  His fielding percentage is a sparkling .996, only committing three errors which is third in the league behind Kotchman(1), and Teixeira(2). 

Jose Bautista is shutting up many of his doubters this year, including me.  I, like many people, thought that his power filled 2010 season was an aberration, or worse, a PED laden performance.  This year is even better than last.  Bautista is hitting a full .75 points higher than his career average, which currently resides at .329.  What's more, his 31 HR's lead both leagues, and his 70 RBI are top 10 in the AL. 

Kevin Long, the Yankees hitting coach, has been praised as one of the game's best, and rightfully so.  Curtis Granderson has taken his tutelage, and turned it into his most productive season as a big leaguer.  Granderson has always had some pop, but this year, he has already passed his career high in RBI, currently 76.  He is almost a lock to pass his career high in HR which is 30.  He currently has 27.  He's also on track to surpass his career high in stolen bases and runs.  Without Curtis Granderson, I'm not so sure the Yankees would be leading the wild card by 5.5 games. 

How I rank them:

1. Adrian Gonzalez
2. Jose Bautista
3. Curtis Granderson

AL Cy Young

Jered Weaver started this year off on an absolute tear.  His four losses came in consecutive games.  And since then, he has won 8 in a row.  I don't know what is more impressive.  His ERA(1.79) or his WHIP(0.95).  he has racked up 14 wins and just four losses.

Justin Verlander has become one of the most dominating pitchers in all of baseball.  Arguably the very best.  He has pitched to a paltry .90 WHIP and a 2.34 ERA.  He's tied for second in the AL with 14 wins and just 5 losses.  he leads the majors in strikeouts, and on top of all this he pitched his second no-hitter of his career this season. 

C.C. Sabathia has been the epitome of a workhorse this year.  In 23 starts, Sabathia has averaged 7 1/3 innings per outing, which is second best to Verlander.  He leads the majors in wins with 15, to only 5 losses.  Sabathia is second in the league in strikeouts with 156.  His 2.59 ERA is good for 5th in the AL, and his 1.11 WHIP is good for 10th. 

How I rank them:

1. Justin Verlander
2. Jered Weaver
3. C.C. Sabathia

Rookie of the Year

The gap at first base for the Angels has been filled nicely with Mark Trumbo.  While not much of an on base guy, like most first basemen,  Trumbo does have suitable power numbers.  He has hit 18 home runs with 48 RBI.  He's also not the slickest with his glove, but definitely worthy of being in the unning for Rookie of the Year. 

Michael Pineda is having a stellar first year with the Seattle Mariners.  Pineda's most impressive stat as a rookie is 1.09 WHIP, which is confusing when you take a look at his near 4 ERA(3.89).  His 8-7 record does not do his stats justice. 

Eric Hosmer is the Royals highly touted first base prospect.  Seeing him first hand at Yankee Stadium, you could tell this kid was going to be a force in the American League.  In his rookie campaign, he has hit .283 with 9 home runs, and 41 RBI.  While his home runs are less than what Trumbo has put up, his RBI are in the same ballpark, and his OBP is about 50 points higher. 

How I rank them:

1. Eric Hosmer
2. Michael Pineda
3. Mark Trumbo

AL Manager of the Year

If the Twins come back from their early season deficit, Ron Gardenhire will be a shoe in for manager of the year, but while they continue their ascent, let's debate the main contenders:

Manny Acta has the Indians playing competitively.  Say what?  The same Indians that haven't made any major acquisitions in two years, and have lost 97 and 93 games in the last two years?  Yes, those same Indians.  Will they win the division or the wild card.  The wild card almost certainly not.  The division, probably not.  But the fact that Manny Acta has Cleveland over .500 in late July, speaks volumes to what kind of manager Acta has become. 

Who thought the Texas Rangers, after losing its Ace in Cliff Lee, and one of their biggest run producers, Vladimir Guerrero, would be 14 games over .500 in late July?  Everybody went with the Angels, and once again thought that the Seattle Mariners, who are mired in a 17 game losing streak, would contend.  But Mike Maddox and Ron Washington have done a great job with the Texas pitching staff.  Alexi Ogando has transformed from a dominating setup man to a dominating starting pitcher.  And along with CJ Wilson, there is still a formidable 1-2 punch in that rotation. 

Mike Scioscia always seems to be in the conversation of AL manger of the year.  The loss of Kendrys Morales, no proven closer, and an aging outfield all seemed to be bad news for the Los Angeles Angels.  But as long as steady Mike Scioscia is at the helm, your team will always contend.  They have, arguably, the best 1-2 punch in the majors with Jered Weaver and Dan Haren.  Back to the ways mike Scioscia likes to wins games this year.  Small ball and pitching.  It's not always a shut the door 9th with Jordan Walden, but he turned out to be a more suitable closer than Brian Fuentes.

How I rank them:

1. Manny Acta
2. Ron Washington
3. Mike Scioscia

A Rivalry Renenwed

The long history of what is widely considered the ultimate sports rivalry continues tonight.  The Boston Red Sox visit the Bronx tonight in much better shape than how they last visited.  The Red Sox have turned their season around in a hurry, and there's no mystery as to why.  Carl Crawford is earning every bit of that contract in the latter part of May into June.  Adrian Gonzalez is, if not the front runner, than a close second.  Jon Lester has 7 wins, Josh Beckett has regained his past form, and the Red Sox are a game out of first.  The last time the Yankees saw the Sox, it was during a six game swoon.  Since then, the Yankees have gone 13-5 to regain 1st place.  Surprisingly, their pitching has been above average.  AJ Burnett is having a nice comeback season.  C.C. Sabathia is his regular self.  But the most surprising are Freddy Garcia and the resurgence of former AL Cy Young, Bartolo Colon.  The Sox start this series with their ace, Jon Lester.  The Yankees end the series with their own, C.C. Sabathia.  Lots to get excited about, bust most of all, there will be good baseball!

The last time that the Red Sox were in town, they resided in last place, tied with the Orioles at 17-20.  The entire team, with the exception of Adrian Gonzalez was not hitting very well.  We saw that in the form of Dustin Pedroia and Carl Crawford.  Coming into the season, the Red Sox looked to be one of the most balanced teams in all of baseball.  They sported a strong starting 5, or so we thought, one of the more solid bullpens, and arguably the best lineup in the majors.  Their pitching this year has been more than underwhelming.  As a team, they rank 22nd in ERA, coming in at 4.17.  Their team WHIP registers at 1.32, which is 19th in the Majors.

While most of their starters have been disappointing, Josh Beckett has been far and away their best pitcher this year.  With a 4-2 record, an ERA a hair above 2, at 2.01, 67 K's, and a 1.03 WHIP, Beckett has definitely put last year behind him.  Lon Lester has 7 wins and 74 K's, but his ERA is awfully close to 4, and his WHIP is unusually high at 1.35.  I still think that Lester is the ace of this staff, and he will turn around some of those numbers.  The most disappointing part of this staff is Daisuke Matsuzaka and John Lackey, both of whom are on the DL right now, with Dice-K out for at least a year.  Lackey is undergoing a rehab assignment, and should rejoin the club soon.  But that gaudy ERA, which sits around 7.50 needs to come back down out of the stratosphere. 

Their bullpen has always been a key to their success, but this year Papelbon is not getting the job done as he has done so in the past.  At the beginning of the year, I said something about Jonathan Papelbon is bothering me, and that Bard would take over as closer.  Papelbon is making me look very smart, if I do say so myself.  He's pitching 2 runs over his career ERA 60 games into the season.  That is not a small sample size.  His WHIP is .2 higher than his career average.  While he has only blown 1 save, he is giving up too many runs, and I stand by what I stated at the beginning of the season. 

The Red Sox lineup has gotten some life in the last month.  Jacoby Ellsbury, Adrian Gonzalez, David Ortiz, and Carl Crawford are all playing extremely well right now.  Ellsbury is hitting .300 with 6 HR's and 29 RBI.  He has 22 SB to boot.  He is one of the best kick starts to an offense in the Majors.  What's there to complain about Adrian Gonzalez?  He has earned every cent of his contract extension this year.  He leads the Majors with 50 RBI, and nothing to sneeze at with 12 HR's and a .339 average.  His defensive prowess at first base is not to be overlooked, either.  In 529 chances, and 484 putouts, Gonzalez has been perfect this season.  Where would the Red Sox be without him?  Definitely not in second place.  David Ortiz has been the 2006 Big Papi in 2011.   He's hitting .325 with 13 HR's with only 30 RBI.  But he only has 30 RBI because most of the time, Adrian Gonzalez doesn't leave much on base for him.  Carl Crawford had a painfully slow start to the 2011 season, but has picked it up as of late.  In the last 15 days, Crawford is hitting .388 with 4 HR's and 16 RBI.  Looks like the Carl Crawford we all know is starting to appear.   Take those 4 guys and you have a good lineup.  Now, imagine that Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, and J.D. Drew start hitting.  Scary.

The New York Yankees have looked to be the best team in baseball at times this year.  They lead the Majors in home runs, slugging percentage, and are 3rd in runs scored.  They are also 8th in ERA and 11th in batting average against.  However, there are things beyond the numbers that show cause for at least some concern.  While their starting pitching has been more than what most people expected this year, most fans will tell you that they are nervous about this rotation.  How long can Bartolo Colon's lightning in a bottle last?  Will Freddy Garcia hold up for an entire season?  Can Ivan Nova work through his growing pains?  Those are some pretty serious questions.  We know the long term solutions to these questions.  They are Brackman, Betances, and Banuelos, but if I know one thing about the Yankees, it's that they think about the Now.  At some point this season, Garcia will look like less than a dependable 5th starter, Colon will look more like his '06-'07 self than his '05 self, and Nova might still be struggling.  Phil Hughes is working his way back, and the reports are positive.  He has found some of that velocity he lost last summer, but he is still a ways off.  If you pull a piece of loose thread, you could probably see the Yankees season come tumbling down.  The Yankees rotation has been one of fragile success, and the slightest mishap could derail it. 

Earlier, I asked where the Red Sox would be without Adrian Gonzalez, but has there been a more important player to its team than Curtis Granderson?  He's second on the team with 17 HR's, second with 9 stolen bases, tied for first with 41 RBI, first in runs (46), and first in OPS (.941).  Production wise, he's one of the best in the AL right now, and the Yankees wouldn't be in first without him.  Mark Tiexiera has been on a tear recently.  In the last 15 days, Teixeira has hit 6 home runs with 12 RBI, hitting at a .292 clip.  He's second in the Majors with 18 HR's, and tied for 6th in the AL with 41 RBI.  Alex Rodriguez has been steady this year, but as of late, he's getting hot.  Hitting .389 with 6 RBI in his last 7 games, A-Rod is looking to make his push before summer starts.  Robbie Cano, on the other hand, has been drifting.  He's hit just .211 in the last week.  Jeter has been at average, at the very best, this year.  He has only one RBI in his last 15 games.  While, he's not an RBI guy, he is supposed to be an average and on base producer.  While his average is, well, average, his OBP has been very good.  He's hitting .256 but with a .389 OBP, so he's on base to score a good amount of runs. 

The Yankees bullpen hasn't been all it's cracked up to be this year.  Rafael Soriano is on the DL, but he doesn't get a break from me.  Could he have been any more of a dismal setup man while he was healthy this year? He was pitching to a 5.40 ERA, and nearly a 2 WHIP.  Some claim that he doesn't feel the energy as he did when he was closing.  What a load of crap.  The game is on the line.  You have to get the ball to Rivera.  Why is that not enough incentive to go out and be dominating, as you were as a closer?  I don't buy that argument.  Let's just face it.  So far, the man has been a bust.  Joba Chamberlain has been impressive as the setup man this year, though.  And when Soriano comes back, Girardi should leave him there.  He's pitching above all of his career numbers.  His K:BB ratio is better than 3:1.  His WHIP is 1.05.  We already found the bridge to Mariano.  And it starts with David Robertson, who has been lights out this year.  His WHIP is a little high at 1.46, but he more than makes up for it with his impressive 38 K's in 23.1 IP.  Opponents are hitting .186 against Robertson this year, so if the Yankees were to replace Chamberlain with anyone, it would be with Robertson, not Soriano.  The Yankees lefty specialist cannot retire left-handed hitters.  That's a problem.  Especially in this series.  When you have two men on and 2 out in the seventh with David Ortiz coming to the plate, who by the way is hitting .355 against lefties this year, and the game is tied, the Yankees are saddled with a guy whose BAA lefties is .324.  Not good at all.  At least the Yankees still have the best reliever in the history of baseball.  Even though he has blown 3 save this year, he's pitching better than his career average of ERA, which is at a low 1.90, and his WHIP is just about right at 1.06.  No one better at slamming the door than Rivera.  Unless he's facing the Red Sox.  Going back to 2002, Rivera has blown 10 save against Boston, more than any other team he has faced.  That's an average of one per year.  The same average that Papelbon has had in his career against the Yankees.


Enjoy the series!

The New Face of the Western Conference

 

Over the last twelve years, or basically ever since I have been watching basketball, the Western Conference has had two faces.  The San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers.  In the last twelve NBA Finals, the Spurs have represented the Western Conference on 4 occasions, winning the title each trip.  The Lakers have made 7 appearances in the same time, winning 5 titles.  As the regular season was winding down this year, it looked much of the same, but this postseason looks to be the proverbial changing of the guard.  With the Spurs looking old in their round 1 match against the 8th seeded Grizzlies, most fans thought it was to be a cakewalk for the reigning NBA champs, the Lakers, for the remainder of the West postseason.  The Lakers didn't exactly coast against Chris Paul and the 7th seeded Hornets, but did anyone see a 4 game sweep coming at the hands of Dirk and the Mavs?  No? Me neither.  The Grizzlies, while not winning in the Semi's against a young and talented Thunder team, sure turned some heads.  And they did it without a Grade A Superstar.  Their best player is Zach Randolph, who wouldn't be a third best player on many of these playoff teams.  I wonder if their series against Oklahoma City would have gone differently with Rudy Gay in the lineup.  Too bad he'll be traded in the offseason.  So with the Spurs out in the first round, and the Lakers being swept out in the second, the West would finally have a new representative for the first time in 5 years.  

The Dallas Mavericks, who are the highest seeded team remaining and who also knocked off the reigning champs in a 4 game sweep, are the most logical choice to bet on representing the Western Conference.  Some part of me wants to see Mark Cuban's sad little face in the 7th game of the Finals after another loss.  Putting my bias aside, not only are they the most logical choice, but they are the best chance the West has at bringing home a trophy.  They are some sort of hot right now.  Ending the regular season, they were the hottest team going into the playoffs out of the West.  They had won four in a row, and while they stumbled a bit in games 3 and 4 against the Trail Blazers, sweeping the Lakers has given them the confidence, swagger, and experience to take the Western Conference Finals.  Dirk Nowitzki has been the unquestionable MVP of this Mavericks squad, but the play of Jason Terry, Shaun Marion, Peja Stojakovic, Tyson Chandler, and Jason Kidd has been vital.  Even Jose Juan Barea has been important in these playoffs.  There is no substitue for experience in the Finals.  Talent can take you far, but experience, the kind that veterans like Jason Kidd, Dirk Nowitzki, and Shaun Marion have, propel you further.

The Mavericks have had 6 straight seasons of 50+ wins with nothing to show for.  And for the first time since losing to the Miami Heat in the '05-'06 Finals, the Mavericks have a great shot at winning the NBA Championship. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder have everything you want in a young contender.  Not one, but two legitimate superstars in Kevin Durant and Russel Westbrook.  The in-season acquisition of Kendrick Perkins was one of the best trades of the year.  I was listening to the radio, and someone (I forget who) asked if it was a coincidence that the Celtics were eliminated and the Thunder were still playing.  I actually didn't even think of that until he said it, and it made great sense.  With Shaq unavailable, and Jermaine O'Neal inconsequential, the Celtics really missed Perkins' presence, and the Thunder enjoyed it.  While not the tallest of centers, the thick Kendrick Perkins really puts a damper on slashers plans in a game.  He averages about a block a game, but his presence in the paint alone takes away higher percentage shots.  Role players Serge Ibaka and James Harden are nice complementary pieces to one of the strongest offensive teams in the game.  This team runs the floor, and is killer in transition.  If there is one flaw about this team, it's that Westbrook takes the ball out of Durant's hands too many times.  Durant is one of the most dynamic scorers in the game today, and in crunch time, either Durant or Westbrook has the ball.  It just has to be Durant.  All of the time.  No questions.  

Oklahoma City welcomed in the New Orleans Hornets when they were displaced from their home in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and the city showed a great deal of passion for the game of basketball.  They were rewarded with a franchise of their own, and now they might be rewarded with a Western Conference Championship.  If they do advance to the Finals, I can't see them winning just yet, but this team is one of the new faces of the Western Conference. 

RIP

New Season, New Hopes

The first ten days of baseball has been a bit surprising.  The Boston Red Sox, the odds on favorite to win the World Series, have started off 1-7.  Carl Crawford is the subject of the biggest lineup maneuvers since Joe Torre's shuffling of A-Rod in the 2007 playoffs.  The red hot Rangers, after losing Cliff Lee and Vladimir Guerrero, have started of on an MLB best 8-1 tear.  The Orioles are the best team in the American League since Buck Showalter has taken the reins in August of 2010.  Manny Ramirez has retired after his 2nd run-in with PED's.  Not that the 1-8 Rays will suffer.  In the National League, the defending World Champion Giants stumbled a bit out of the gate, and are in the cellar at 4-5.  Matt Holliday went 3/4 with a HR and three RBI on opening day, then missed 7 games due to an appendectomy.  The 3-6 Cardinals, and Albert Pujols have missed his protection.  Joey Votto and the Reds have picked up right where they left off last regular season.  The Rockies have had a perennially great offense, but they also can brag about one of the best pitching staffs in the Majors so far this year.  And how about those Big Four in Philly?  Only Halladay and Oswalt have been impressive, but something tells me that the other two will catch on soon enough.  All these stories are retreads.  This is why I love the month of April.  All 30 teams believe they have what it takes to get to the fall classic.  And if last season had any effect on the baseball fan whatsoever, then we really never know what will happen.  If anyone can state for a fact that the Arizona Diamondbacks will not win the World Series, please let me be the first to tell them to quiet down.  They have all the makings of a young contender.  So do the Brewers, the A's, the Orioles, and the Marlins.  My money is not on them, however.  If I had to pick four teams who were most likely to win the whole thing, they would be:

1. Philadelphia Phillies


What's not to love about this team.  They got the starting pitching in droves.  3 legitimate aces, and one on the cusp (Hamels), should he ever put two consecutive solid years together.  They have the hitting.  Ryan Howard is their big bopper, but their most important hitter is Rollins.  He goes, and the whole team follows.  Victorino can fly, and he can hit.  If Utley gets healthy, and Ibanez can delay his aging for a year, this is one good offensive team. 


What scares me about the Phillies is their bullpen.  Their starting pitching can only mask the bullpen for so long.  You cannot expect even Roy Halladay to go out there every five days or so and throw 8 innings.  There are some days where your starter will only give you about six innings, and the Phillies bullpen is just not good enough with the likes of Ryan Madson, Jose Contreras, and J.C. Romero.  And even when Brad Lidge does return, does anyone really have any faith in him?

2. Boston Red Sox

When I started writing this article, Boston was in  1-7 funk.  I look at the team, even at 6 games under, and the pieces are still there.  Starting pitching: Who wouldn't take this rotation is a heartbeat?  Jon Lester, John Lackey, Clay Bucholz, Josh Beckett, and Dice-K?  I'd sign up for it right now.  Who wouldn't take this lineup? 1. Carl Crawford 2. Dustin Pedroia 3. Adrian Gonzalez 4. Kevin Youkilis 5. David Ortiz 6. JD Drew 7. Jason Varitek/Jarred Sattalmachia 8. Marco Scutaro 9. Jacoby Ellsbury.  Sounds pretty good to me.  

What worries me about the Red Sox is the same thing that worries me about the Phillies.  Their bullpen.  There is just something about Jonathan Papelbon that bothers me this year.  He doesn't seem like the same pitcher he was two years ago.  Part of me believes that either Daniel Bard or Bobby Jenks will have this closer job in the middle of the summer, and that could make the Red Sox better.

3. New York Yankees


Best offense in the Majors.  Bar none.  Even with Boston's offseason acquisitions.  The have speed with Gardner and Granderson.  They have pop in A-Rod and Teixeira.  They have, in my opinion, the 2nd best pure hitter in the game, with Robinson Cano.  2nd only to Albert Pujols.  They have leadership in Jeter and Posada.  And even Swisher and Martin will contribute in this star studded lineup.  Andruw Jones and Eric Chavez have got to be some of the best bench players in the majors.  Top to bottom, the Yankees are the most dangerous lineup in baseball.  They also boast the best back end of any bullpen in the League.  Who can compete with Chamberlain, Soriano, and Rivera?  No one.  


What worries me about the Bombers, is their starting pitching.  Sure Sabathia will earn anywhere from 17-21 wins.  But everyone else in that rotation is a huge question mark.  And that is why Brian Cashman loaded up on 3rd tier, washed up pitching this season.  Bartolo Colon, Mark Prior, Freddy Garcia, and now Carlos Silva all have signed to at least a minor league deal.  What will we get from AJ Burnett, coming off his worst professional year ever?  What will we get from Ivan Nova, in his first full season?  Can Phil Hughes repeat last year's first half of the season?  The Yankees will be lucky to get good performances out of two of these pitchers.

4. Atlanta Braves


Is there a pattern here?  Yes.  All four teams hail from the East Division.  I absolutely love the Atlanta Braves this year.  Old Brave Chipper Jones, meet new Brave Freddy Freeman.  Both can have a huge impact for the Braves this year.  Dan Uggla should have the biggest, however.  In his first full year as an Atlanta Brave, I see a 40 home run year for the second baseman.  Martin Prado, All-Star Utility man extraordinaire, should have another great season as well.  Throw in Brian McCann, sophomore Jason Heyward, and a rebounding Nate McClouth, and this is one potent lineup.   Their rotation is a mixture of experience and talent.  With Derek Lowe and Tim Hudson, the veteran presence in their starting rotation is priceless.  With the talent that Tommy Hanson and Brandon Beachy bring to the table, anything is possible for this team.  


What worries me about the Braves is injuries.  Can Chipper Jones, Nate McClouth and Jason Heyward all stay healthy?  If you lose one, no big deal, you have a serviceable Eric Hinske to plug in.  But what would happen if you lost two, or all?  That could spell doom for this team.  Also, Craig Kimbrel is a first year closer.  So far, so good.  But one bad week, can spell doom for this bullpen.  Some scouts believe that Craig Kimbrel is the next big closer in the game, but I've heard of teams vamping up their new guy like this before.  Jay Payton and Armando Benitez first come to mind. 

Also can Contend:


Texas Rangers: Still have that powerful offense, but the pitching might catch up to them this year.


San Francisco Giants: Have the pitching, but lack something offensively.

Colorado Rockies: Always seem to fall behind early and play the catch up game. 

Baltimore Orioles: I am NOT jumping on the bandwagon.  If you check my AL East article written over a month ago, you will see I clearly stated that they could contend.


Cincinnati Reds: Definitely have the offense, but their starting pitching and bullpen may not be good enough.


Chicago White Sox: So good offensively, and I like their top three starters, but their bullpen is lacking.  Can Matt Thornton be as dominant a closer as he was setup man?




Play Ball!

NFLPA vs NFL/Owners

Being a part of Union, I am forewarning those of you who will read this entry:  I am biased.  So now that I have warned you, let's get into this.

The NFLPA bargained in 2006 probably the best contract in all of professional sports.  The membership actually gets a piece of the revenue that comes in the form of TV dollars.  With most businesses claiming hardships during these rough economic times, corporations are looking for give backs from their employees, and now the NFL has joined that lot.  This is an entity that hasn't suffered one bit.  In terms of TV ratings, the last two Super Bowls are ranked 1 and 2 in the most watched programs.  Ever.  As in the history of television.  Guess what that means for the NFL?  Cha-Ching!  They cashed in big time.  During the last labor negotiations, the NFL and its owners bargained for $1B off the top of the profits that came in the door, and that's what they got.  Now, they claim that $1B extra is needed.  Well, if I am a player, my response would be, "Too bad."  How can you claim economic hardship in the booming business of American Football?  Especially since, football has never been watched more!  This is not the NBA, where teams are in danger of contracting in their upcoming negotiations.  This is not the Mets baseball organization, where ownership is being sued for $1B.  This is not the least watched sports, hockey.  The NFL is a $10B+ per year business.  So not only do the owners and NFL want $2B off the top, they want to stretch the regular season from 16-18 games, while the players would get paid less on average.

If this means nothing to you, the fans, then consider this.  Some organizations, the New York Jets for example, are sending their annual bill for season ticket holders while as of now, no games will be played in 2011.  On top of that, they are furloughing non-essential employees one week out of every month while the NFL forced lock out is in effect.  Still don't care?  Still think the players are greedy?  These players make millions of dollars, yes.  These players get to do what they love, yes.  They make a great living playing a game.  But the owners make a killing on their talents.  They sell hot dogs for $5.  Beer for $9.  Authentic jerseys are $200+.  My season tickets cost $95 a game.  And I sit in the third tier, row 12.  They even charge us $25 for parking, and I have to park it myself, sometimes close to a mile away from the entrance.  Notice, I haven't even said a word about TV rights yet, which total over $20B.  Yes, billion.  So when we say the players are greedy next time, let's not forget that they are fighting for the money that these owners make off of their talents

Now, although I support the players in this labor dispute, that is not to say that the NFLPA has had their share of jackkassery.  Adrian Peterson recently referred to the NFL as common day slavery, which is an exaggeration at the very best.  In reality, it is a gross, unintelligent, and ignorant comment, which he should be ashamed of.  The only thing that I agree on with the NFL and its owners, is that the only way that we will see football this year, is if the NFLPA and the owners sit back down at the bargaining table to hammer out a deal.  And it seems as if the only way the NFLPA will sit back down with the owners is if they open up their books to prove that they need extra money off the top of their $10+B mountain. 

Crickets in February

Can you hear that?  No?  That's because there's no football on television.  Two and half long months until meaningful baseball is played.  Who can survive on NBA and NHL?  Not this fan.  Sports radio is basically dead air right now.  March Madness holds my interest for the bracketology and the upsets, but I don't plan my weekends around that.  Though I hate the heat, I long for the days of July and August, when baseball starts to heat up.  What can we look forward to in 2011 baseball?  In the first of two articles leading up to Spring Training, here is how the AL East fairs.  NL East to follow in coming weeks.

The AL East has long been the powerhouse of the American League.  In the 90's and early 2000's it was dominated by the Yankees and Red Sox.  In the last few years, the Tampa Bay Rays entered the foray as a young contender, and even appeared in a World Series.  This year, it seems as if the Baltimore Orioles are dead set into entering the conversation.  With four strong teams in the AL East, one has to wonder if the tides will be changing again. 

The Baltimore Orioles can throw a pretty big wrench into the AL East picture.  While not good enough to win the division, the O's can do some damage in the role of spoiler, and possibly enter the Wild card race as a contender for the first time in over 14 years.  The city of Baltimore has been on the irrelevant list in baseball for far too long.  Earl Weaver would have been thrown out of more games than all other 29 coaches in baseball since 1996, if he were managing.  With the acquisition of HOFer to be Vladimir Guererro, along with the additions of 3B Mark Reynolds, SS JJ Hardy, 1B Derek Lee, and pitchers Kevin Gregg and Justin Duchsherer, the O's have a team that can hover around .500.  My prediction?  The Orioles will stick around for 2/3 of the season, sputter in the end, fire Buck Showalter, and then win the World Series in 2012.  Just kidding about those last couple of lines. 

The Boston Red Sox are the big winners of off season free agency/trade market.  You add a slugging first baseman, great leadoff hitter/gold glove caliber outfielder, and a premium bullpen arm.  That all adds up to a A+ offseason for general manager Theo Epstein.  With the additions of Gonzalez, Crawford, and Jenks the Red Sox can hopefully make a run for the AL Pennant, especially with Youkilis, Pedroia, and Beckett coming back healthy.  The Red Sox may have the best all round pitching staff in the American League.  Is it enough to climb back atop the AL East?

The Tampa Bay Rays have lost three big pieces to their team that made them so successful in the last three years.  Carl Crawford signed with AL East rival Boston.  Rafael Soriano took the big pay day with another AL East rival New York, and Carlos Pena went to Chicago to replace Derek Lee who was traded last season from Chicago to Atlanta, and eventually signed with the Baltimore Orioles during this off season.  They did however sign some of the old guard of the AL East.  Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez both agreed to minimal contracts with the Rays.  The Rays also have one of the best, young rotations in the Majors.  Their biggest weak spot is their plundered bullpen.  Tampa Bay will have to find a way to win without a dominant closer. 

The New York Yankees lost Andy Pettite to retirement this off season.  They also lost Javier Vasquez, who was ineffective in second stint with the Yankees.  AJ Burnett needs to have a bounce back season, for the Yankees to have any hopes of returning to the post season.  New york will have to rely on their high octane offense, and the best bullpen in the majors to make a run at number 28.  While missing out on Cliff Lee, the Yankees decided to compensate with quantity and not quality.  They either signed or invited to spring training 3 low risk pitchers in Freddy Garcia, Mark Prior, and Bartolo Colon.  Jorge Posada finds a new home at DH, while New York brings in a younger, better defensive catcher in Russell Martin.  Marcus Thames signed with the Dodgers, and the Yankees replaced him with Andruw Jones, who is an upgrade as a defender, and brings pop off the bench as a right handed option.  The Yankees have, arguably, the best bullpen in the Majors.  Mariona Rivera will be in his 14th season as the Bombers closer, with Rafael Soriano, Pedro Feliciano, and Joba Chamberlain setting the table.  Having this sort of bullpen is any teams dream, effectively shortening the game to 6 or 7 innings. 

The Toronto Blue Jays parted with Vernon Wells this off season.  He had the longest tenure of any player on this Toronto squad.  Cito Gaston retired at the end of last season.  I don't see enough offense or leadership for this team to contend in 2011.  While their starting rotation is solid with the likes of Shaun Marcum, Brandon Morrow, Brett Cecil, and Ricky Romero, I just don't see any depth in their bullpen.  Things can go right for the Jays, but everything must go right for them to contend.  If Aaron Hill and Adam Lind can have bounce back years, Jose Bautista puts up a repeat of last season, and  Octavio Dotel can close again, then I can be wrong.

How the East ends up:

1. Red Sox
2. Yankees
3. Orioles
4. Rays
5. Blue Jays

The Art of Trash Talking

Trash talking is an art.  I have found that there are many different types of trash talkers.  For example, a person who can back up his words, is what I like to call a trash walker.  He talks the talk, but more importantly, he walks the walk.  A Kevin Garnett type.  Talks all the trash he can possibly spit out, but when it comes down to it, guess what?  He backs it up, and that's what really matters.  He's a future first ballot hall of fame inductee.  He has a ring.  And, he is/was a perennial All-Star.

Be as good as Kevin Garnett has over his illustrious career, and the trash talking can go unnoticed, because your play speaks louder than that. 

Another type of trash talker is the "Let me get my fifteen minutes by talking, because when it comes down to it, I don't really perform all that well" variety.  This is the Look At Me talker.  I'll give an example that jogs my memory, but might not yours.  Recently, a Detroit Lions cornerback named C.C. Brown, when playing the Giants in week 6 of the 2010 season, stated that the previous year, when he was a member of the Giants, that Eli Manning was erratic and you never knew what you could expect from him.  He went on to say that the Lions had the advantage over the Giants in that week's match up because of said erratic"ness".  Eli Manning went on to complete 66% of his passes and threw for two touchdowns, one a 33 yard toss to Mario Manningham, who was being covered by none other than C.C. Brown.  Oh, yea.  The Lions lost that game too.  These are the guys you won't remember in 10 years because they are fools.

Be as inconsequential as C.C. Brown is to an NFL franchise, and eventually, your trash talk will also go unnoticed, but for a very different reason.  It goes unnoticed, because so did you.

The last type of trash talker, and the reason I am writing this piece, is the talented, unproven, yet very much provoking type.  Or, what I will call, the Trash Rex, T-Rex if you will.  The T-Rex is quite the talker.  It seems like, the more he talks, the more nauseated you feel.  And I for one have no idea what he thinks he's accomplishing by some of the things he has said this week.  But, it looks as if the T-Rex has inspired some other trash talker to come out of the closet.  Antonio Cromartie, vis-a-vis Rex Ryan, has done some heavy hitting himself this week.  Even going as far as equating Tom Brady to the part of your body that defecates. 

Now, I think that Rex Ryan is a very gifted defensive coach. I even think that he is on his way to becoming an elite head coach, and with some clock management classes he can be.  He is the All-Time Jets franchise leader in (get ready to laugh) postseason wins.  With 3!  Wow.  Anyway, where was I?  Oh, right.  He even points out that Bill Belichick is an All-time great coach.  Thanks for that, by the way.  I know this doesn't sound like trash talking, but if you listen to his press conferences sometimes, there is no other way to describe it.  He stands there, states obvious things about how great a coach Belichick is, and how he has 3 Super Bowl rings as a head coach, and then, Wham!  He hits you with Tom Brady isn't as good as Peyton Manning because Brady has Belichick dialing up his plays for him.  Last time I looked, Tom Brady has 3 rings.  Peyton has 1.  Tom Brady holds the record for touchdowns thrown in a season. He holds the record for consecutive attempts without an interception. Tom Brady has Gisele Bundchen.  Last time I checked, Tom Brady torched the Jets heralded defense led by T-Rex to the tune of 326 yards, 4 touchdowns, no picks, and a near perfect QB rating of 148.9! Tom Brady led an offense with 2nd tier players other than himself to score 30+ points 12 times this season. He is football right now.  So, please!  Before you do any more trash talking, for the sake of not upsetting the best team in football before you're Divisional Playoff game, can you rethink what you are going to say?

Be a talented coach in the making and you're trash talking gets very much publicized, and it can be remembered for a very long time, especially in a city like New York.  Joe Namath will forever be remembered as the trash talker who made good.  And that's a great thing.  But Rex Ryan can be remembered as the trash talker who angered a more talented coach with an even more talented quarterback.  And that combination may not be the best thing for a sophomore coach.  But hey you know what they say.  Any given Sunday.  

Jets-Colts Wild Card Round

The Jets try to avenge their Conference Championship loss to the Colts in last year's postseason tonight.  It's not the same Jets team that took the field at the Oil Can last year.  And it sure isn't the same Colts squad that advanced to the Super Bowl last year.  The Jets have added Santonio Holmes, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Jason Taylor.  The Colts have lost to injury Dallas Clark, Austin Collie (both had TDs in last year's game), and Bob Sanders.  I heard this on the radio this week, and I actually buy this statement:  The Colts, being as ravaged by injuries as they are, can lose this game with no repercussions.  Being that there are no repercussions, then Manning can basically go out there, take all the chances he wants, without having to hear the criticism of him being a great regular season quarterback and not the postseason quarterback.  This makes the Colts very dangerous in the 2011 playoffs.  Here's a breakdown of how the Colts should play the game, and then how the Jets should play.

Two words.  Fast.  Loose.  That's exactly how the Colts should play this game.  The Colts have had so many injuries this year, that if they lose the game, the season will be blamed on that.  So you should play with no fear.  Reggie Wayne is still playing, as is Pierre Garcon.  Those are two receivers who can torch a defense for big games.  With Joseph Addai back from injury, the Colts have a legitimate running game again.  And most importantly, the best quarterback I have ever seen play is still taking the snaps.  Peyton Manning didn't have his best season this year, but surprise, they're back in the playoffs.  The loss of a top 5 tight end in Dallas Clark was devastating, but Jacob Tamme playing fullback has filled in nicely for the passing game.  The Jets have a non existent pass rush when they rush 3-5, and the Colts were tied for 1st in quarterback protection.  They allowed only 16 sacks for the season.  So, Peyton Manning will have his normal all day time to pick apart the Jets. 

Defensively, the Colts can't stop the run, and are middle of the pack defending the pass.  But again, they have nothing to lose here.  So, blitzing all game will load the box against the run, and can rattle Mark Sanchez.  And when Mark Sanchez is rattled, he tends to turn the ball over.  With Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, the Colts have, arguably, the most feared defensive ends in the game.  Apart from getting to the quarterback, these two love to strip the ball.  Sanchez has only been stripped 5 times this year, but Freeney has forced 5 by himself.  Freeney and Mathis could give D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Damien Woody fits all night.

Colts Secret Weapon:  It's not much of a secret.  The Colts have a kicker in Adam Vinatieri that has ice running through his veins.  If this comes down to a Colts field goal in the closing minutes, bank on the Colts.   

The Jets have a problem on their offense.  And it's the biggest problem an offense can have.  An inconsistent quarterback.  Out of all quarterbacks that started at least 14 games, he has the worst completion percentage, residing at 54.8%.  He also has the second worst quarterback rating, 75.3.  That being said, Sanchez has led his team in some great comebacks this season.  At times, he looked to be a Pro-Bowl QB.  Sanchez needs to just manage the game tonight.  He needs to rely on his stout running game that includes two backs that rushed for over 700 yards each.  Tomlinson is healthy and ready to go against a Colts defense that was ranked 25th in rushing defense this year.  If the Jets running game can control the time of possession, and Sanchez can be accurate in his short passing game, the Jets have a great shot at advancing.  Now, if Brian Schottenheimer decides that the only way to win this game is to play run and gun, the Jets can get into a little trouble.  Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards are two exceptional receivers, and they can both burn a defense not prepared for them.  Holmes is a possession plus receiver.  He catches a lot of balls, and any one those slants he runs can turn into a game changing play.  Braylon Edwards can stretch the field, and if he holds onto the ball, he can break one as well.  But for those things to go right, the Jets need Sanchez ready to make those plays.  It's exciting football, but it's not the way the Jets should try and win this game.  Be the smashmouth team that Rex Ryan claims he has. 

Defensively, the Jets give up big chinks of yards at times, but don't give up many points.  But for the most part, they are every bit of a staunch defense their numbers claim.  They have the 6th ranked pass defense, and the 3rd ranked rush defense.  Losing Jim Leonard was unfortunate, and to have him replaced by Eric Smith is not ideal.  Jason Taylor has only 5 sacks on the season, a sack behind Bryan Thomas for the team lead.  If they're going to disrupt the Colts offense, they need to pressure Peyton Manning into throwing bad passes.  Hurried passes means turnover opportunities, even for the great Peyton Manning.  Pressure Manning with Taylor, Pace, and Thomas and give Revis, Cromartie, and crew a chance to change the game with an interception. 

Jets Secret Weapon:  If the Jets can find it within their playbook to run the wildcat, then Brad Smith can be the player to watch.  Super special teamer/Wildcat QB Brad Smith is as dangerous as they come.  The jets have only run two passing plays off the Wildcat this year, so the Colts probably wouldn't be prepared for it.  That could tip the scales in favor of the Jets.

Prediction:  I find it hard to pick against the Colts and Peyton Manning.  So I predict that the Colts win 17-16.  Magic 8 Ball disagreed.  He said Jets by a field goal.

2010 NFL Regular Season Awards

So, the regular season is over.  My New York Giants finished a respectable 10-6, good for the 6th best record in the NFC, but miss the playoffs.  The season for the New York Jets, however, continues.  So there is much to write about.  Previews for the playoffs will be coming shortly, but first let's hand out some hardware.  Not in the literal sense. 

This season has shown some great stories, and some that you wish would just end (e.g. Brett Favre).  We've seen some great successes like LeGarrete Blount.  We've seen some great demises as well, like Wade Phillips.  Turnaround seasons from Tampa Bay and Kansas City show us that new talents and new playoff pictures are always around the corner.  Same old stories never give up either like Eric Mangini fired again, or Peyton Manning winning another division title.  Let's get down to business. 

AFC Rookie of the Year

Oddly enough, the two front runners for this award play the same position.  On the same team.  Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez put up some gaudy numbers as rookie tight ends.  They give Tom Brady more weapons, but I feel like Brady can do what he does with high schoolers on the field.  Gronkowski snagged 42 balls for 546 yards and 10 TDs.  Aaron Hernandez caught 45 balls for 563 yards and 6 TDs.  Being that yards and receptions are neck and neck, the AFC Rookie of the Year honor goes to Rob Gronkowski for hauling in more touchdowns.

AFC Comeback Player of the Year

I was tempted to handily give out this award to Terrell Owens, but I remembered that Dwayne Bowe had a horrendous season last year.  And this year?  Well let's take a look, shall we?  In 2009, Dwayne Bowe played in 11 games.  He caught 47 balls for 589 yards, and a dismal 4 touchdowns.  In 2010, Bowe flipped the switch.  He played in all 16 games.  In those 16 games, he caught 72 balls for 1,162 yards.  Oh yea, he also had 15 touchdowns.  No brainer here guys and gals.  The AFC Comeback player of the year is without question Dwayne Bowe. 

AFC Coach of the Year

This is always a tough category, because so many coaches do a great job.  Rex Ryan, for all his flaws got the Jets back to the playoffs without a good quarterback.  Tom Cable saw the Raiders through an unbeaten Divisional schedule.  Yes, the Radiers.  Bill Belichick is, well he's Bill Belichick.  But the most impressive jobs done in the AFC this year were by Jim Caldwell for holding his finger in the dike for so long, and Todd Haley for taking the Chiefs from 4-12 to 10-6, good for a divisional crown.  I'm a sucker for turn around stories, so the AFC Coach of the Year award goes to Todd Haley.
 

AFC Most Valuable Player

I save this award for last because it's the biggest one to dole out.  But everyone knows who I am going to give it to.  Doing more with less, Tom Brady had a remarkable season.  With old friend, Deion Branch back in the fold along with Wes Welker, Danny Woodhead (Kevin Faulk 2.0) and his two rookie tight ends aforementioned, Brady had one of his most accurate seasons ever.  He threw only 4 interceptions all year.  He passed for 3,900 yards and 36 touchdowns, second best career mark.   Another no brainer.  AFC MVP, thy name is Tom Brady.

 

NFC Rookie of the Year

This is a lot tougher than the AFC was.  Lots of good rookies had seasons worthy of this award.  Sam Bradford had an admirable rookie campaign, and almost lead the Rams to a playoff home game.  He threw for 3,512 yards, completed 60% of his passes, and threw for 18 touchdowns along with 15 picks.  LeGarrette Blount rushed for 1,006 yards and 6 touchdowns in 201 attempts in only 13 games.  The most impressive NFC rookie, however, was on the defensive side of the ball.  Ndamukong Suh recorded 66 tackles (49 solo), 10 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and an interception for a touchdown.  He also attempted a PAT and missed.  Roll on big man.  Right towards NFC Rookie of the year honors.

NFC Comeback Player of the Year

This is another no brainer.  But let's discuss some of the contenders.  Osi Uymeniora had a great bounce back season.  He recorded 48 tackles (33 solo), 11.5 sacks, and forced an NFL tying-record 10 fumbles.  John Abraham also had a great bounce back year.  Abraham, coming off a disappointing 2009 campaign, came back with a vengeance, recording 40 tackle (35 solo), 13 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception.  No one can compare to the Comeback season Michael Vick has put together.  In 12 games, Vick has passed for 3,018 yards, thrown for 21 touchdowns against only 6 interceptions, and rushed for 676 yards with 9 touchdowns.  The only bad stat are his 11 fumbles.  But he takes the NFC Comeback Player of the Year Award hands down.

NFC Coach of the Year

More hard choices here.  Andy Reid is always a contender, especially this year, when no one expected the Eagles to make the playoffs.  Raheem Morris said early on that his team was the best in the NFC, and while they didn't make the playoffs, his team seemed to have bought into that statement and maybe in Morris too.  Steve Spagnuolo turned the Rams around from a one win team  a year ago, to 7-9 and nearly made the playoffs.  Lovie Smith, Mike Smith, and Pete Carroll are all deserving too.  But I will give it to Spagnuolo.  To turn a franchise around so quickly as he has done is remarkable, and he is most deserving of this crowded field.  Congratulations Spags, you're my NFC Coach of the Year.

NFC Most Valuable Player

While Roddy White and Matt Ryan made strong arguments in the beginning of the season for this award, Michael Vick just plowed right through their hopes of receiving the award in the middle of the season.  But while Michael Vick faded in the last couple weeks of the season, their was one player who actually fought his way into the playoffs, and frankly, I'm surprised no one is really talking about him for MVP.  Aaron Rodgers put up some great numbers this year, and while all of America has been on the fence of Michael Vick's success, Rodgers has quietly gone to work, and has done some fine quarterbacking for the Packers.  Vick played in 12 games this year, throwing for 3,018 yards, 21 TDs and 6 picks.  That's good for a 100.2 QB Rating.  Aaron Rodgers has played in 15 games, throwing for 3,922 yards, 28 TDs, and 11 interceptions.  His completion percentage was 65.7%, which is 5th in the league behind Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Phillip Rivers, and Tom Brady respectively.  See Michael Vick 5 rungs down behind all of those guys plus Jon Kitna, David Garrard, Matt Schaub, and Eli Manning.  Rodgers QB rating was good for 101.2, good for 3rd in the league, also ahead of Vick.  Without Aaron Rodgers, the Packers would be without a doubt golfing right now.  My NFC MVP is Aaron Rodgers.