Are the Saints in trouble in powerful NFC?

The New Orleans Saints have generally looked like either the second or third best team in the NFC all season long and a team that could very well challenge either Seattle or San Francisco for conference supremacy in the NFC portion of the playoffs.

Unfortunately, New Orleans hasn't looked very good in dropping three of their last four games, to Frisco, St. Louis and a suddenly scary Carolina team while not topping 16 points in the process.

The Saints lost control of what appeared to be a sure-fire division title a few weeks back and now will have a tougher road to hoe once the postseason rolls around. I’m not too sure that anyone should have expected the Saints to get back into title contention this season following the now-infamous Bountygate scandal two years ago, so maybe we should all give Drew Brees and company a bit of a pass if they flame out earlier than expected this postseason.

The again, when you’ve got a quarterback like Drew Brees, I believe it’s quite possible New Orleans could get on a red-hot postseason roll like the New York Giants did in winning each of their last two Super Bowls.

While I’m certainly not going to count Brees and the Saints out at this point, I will say that the Saints’ postseason outlook appears to be tenuous at best. 

Bully for Buffalo!

Don’t ask me why I have this secret love affair going with the Buffalo Bills (even though I really hated them in the 90s) that likely stems from my childhood days when I was running around the asphalt-paved streets of Philadelphia pretending I was the legendary, Hall of Fame running back O.J. Simpson.

Having said that…let me also say that I am fairly impressed with the job that first-year head coach Doug Marrone did in upstate New York, despite what appears to be an underachieving 6-9 record heading into their regular season finale against New England.

Had it not been for the early season injury suffered by gifted rookie quarterback E.J.Manuel, Buffalo could hypothetically have a polar-opposite record to the one they have now. The Bills rank a stellar second in the league in rushing, though the team’s passing attack was mostly anemic at best, particularly with Manuel out and Thaddeus Lewis taking some time to get acclimated.

Anyway, seeing the Bills totally dominate a Miami Dolphins team with a ton to play for was eye-opening to say the least. I think bright things are in store for the Bills and that they could potentially pull off the season-ending upset over New England?

What do you think Eye On Sports NFL fans? Comment and let me know!

Madness is Miami…is the end near?

Longtime friends and family members that have known me my entire life, know that I am arguably the most faithful Miami Dolphins fan in the country. My Dolphin-loving days go waaaaay back, to the pre-Dan Marino days when Miami was still fielding dominant championship-calber teams led by Bob Griese, Larry Csonka and the team’s voracious –no-name’ defense.

Well, as you’re all aware, those days are now a distant memory for the Fins and their fans. Most recently, Miami has been in the news by becoming the first NFL franchise in league history to have to deal with ‘bullying’ allegations.

Having said that, I also want to go on record to say that Fins head coach Joe Philbin should really be given consideration for the NFL Coach of the Year award for masterfully guiding his young team through one of the largest scandals to rock any franchise in recent memory and putting them in position to potentially make one of the most surprising postseason appearances in league history.

Unfortunately, the Dolphins’ postseason hopes took a bit if a hit in their Week 16 road loss to Buffalo, putting this dysfunctional franchise one step closer to a conclusion that can’t come soon enough if you ask me.

Oh…about that Jay Cutler decision

I’ll say it again…I genuinely believe the Chicago Bears made a huge mistake by demoting a red-hot Josh McCown in favor of starter, Jay Cutler once the polarizing signal-caller was cleared from injury to participate in the Bears’ Week 16 matchup against Philadelphia. Cutler wasn’t horrific – but he also wasn’t far from it.

If Cutler struggles early on against Green Bay in the team’s NFC North regular season finale, should the Bears turn to McCown?

I say ‘yes’ Eye on Sports NFL fans. What do you say? Comment and let me know!

No Ray Lewis, no leader for Baltimore Ravens?

You know, I kind of got on Ray Lewis case earlier this season when the former BaltimoreRavens superstar commented on his former team now lacking the locker room leadership that he and Ed reed provided a year ago en route to the second Super Bowl title in franchise history.

Now, after seeing the Raven’s regular season, I’ve changed my mind and am in full agreement with Lewis’ assertion weeks ago. Clearly, this is a Ravens team in desperate need for leadership, particularly from inconsistent (again) quarterback Joe Flacco.

Baltimore paid its strong-armed signal-caller like an elite quarterback, but it’s clear to me that Flacco is more of a second-tier star than a flat-out superstar.

Whether you love him or loathe him, there’s no denying the Ravens’ are missing the kind of leadership Lewis provided his entire career in Baltimore.

Do the Ravens have a team leader? Is Joe Flacco an elite quarterback? Weigh in with your comments Eye n Sports fans and let me know!

Brady, Pats, treat Ravens like patsies!

I know the Baltimore Ravens have been an up-and-down roller-coaster ride of a team all season long after winning last season’s Super Bowl title, but I’m still surprised at the ease with which Tom Brady and the New England Patriots laid the smack down on Baltimore in what was a virtual must-win game for the defending champs.

The Pats treated the inconsistent Ravens like an afterthought in their emphatic 41-7 Week 16 blowout, leaving no doubt in my mind that the Ravens rare nothing more than mere patsies this season whether they reach the postseason or not. 

Cam…Oh, Cam...Panthers' signal-caller growing up quickly!

It sounds crazy to call Cam Newton’s Week 18 performance against the NFC South division rival New Orleans Saints ‘masterful’, but that’s just what it was despite the Panthers’ signal-caller going just 13-for-21 for 181 yards with one touchdown and one pick.

Newton was as ‘clutch’ as it gets down the stretch against the Saints, leading Carolina on a 65-yard game-winning drive that started with just 55 seconds remaining in regulation and concluded when Newton hit Dennis Hixon on a 14-yard strike with 23 seconds left.

Could it be the Panthers are more legitimate contender than Super Bowl pretender? Weigh in and let me know Eye On Sports NFL fans. 

Taking about reaching…Cowboys sign Jon Kitna

So, the Dallas Cowboys don’t have a third string quarterback to back up veteran signal-caller Kyle Orton so they had to go out and sign former NFL signal-caller Jon Kitna in order to help keep whatever postseason hopes they have alive.

Kitna, 41, hasn't played since backing up Cowboys starter Tony Romo for three games back in 2011. Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett signed the grizzled veteran after just one phone call despite working out three other quarterbacks, stating that the formerly retired veteran knows the team’s offense and has plenty of experience having started 124 games in his NFL career.

What do you think Eye on Sports NFL fans…are the Cowboys reaching or they did they make a wise move by signing Kitna.

Romo, Cowboys win…But Trouble Still Looms for beleaguered ‘Boys

The DallasCowboys may have managed to keep their season alive for another week as they get set for their Week 17 season-ending finale against NFL East division rival Philadelphia, but it looks like fool’s gold from where I’m sitting.

This team is banged-up, lacking leadership and in complete denial about the state of their franchise from top to bottom. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles are flying high coming into this contest off an overwhelming 54-11 thrashing of Chicago in Week 16.

I think the ‘Boys are a train accident waiting to happen. What do you think Eye on Sports NFL fans? Weigh in and let me know!

Are Arians, Palmer and Cardinals really for real?

After working his magic with Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts a year ago, Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians is up to his old tricks, this time resurrecting the career of former Pro Bowl caliber veteran Carson Palmer – and simultaneously, the near-future hopes of a Cardinals’ franchise desperate to get back into legitimate Super Bowl title contention ever since the beloved Kurt Warner hung up his cleats.

Arians has helped Palmer get back to near-elite status as he ranks ninth in passing heading into the Cardinals’ huge Week 17 regular season finale against San Francisco. While Palmer has thrown 21 interceptions to go along with his 22 TD passes, he has managed to give the Cardinals a chance to win far more often than not, which is exactly what they’ve done. 

Todd Bowles them over!

Arizona Cardinals' defensive coordinator 

Todd Bowles.

Maybe it’s me, but I’m suddenly thinking the Arizona Cardinals are a lot more ‘legit’ than I ever thought this season.

While Arizona ranks just 23rd in total offense, they are also ranked a more impressive 16th in scoring. More importantly, the Cardinals are very, very good defensively for outstanding coordinator Todd Bowles.

Led by its league-leading run defense, Arizona is ranked sixth in total defense, mostly by limiting its opponents to a paltry 84.5 yards per game on the ground and just 20.1 points per contest (seventh). Bowles’ underrated defense completely shut down the Seattle Seahawks and gifted quarterback Russell Wilson in Week 16 and now have the look of a very legitimate contender in the NFC.

What do you think Eye On Sports readers? Are the Arizona Cardinals legitimate? How many postseason games will they win if any? Let me know what you think readers. 

Grabbing thin air…Eagles’ McCoy is Special with a capital ‘S’!

Philadelphia Eagles' running back LeSean McCoy.

I knew Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy was going to be a very good starting running back in the NFL during his rookie season when the elusive speedster averaged an impressive 4.1 yards per carry on 155 attempts while adding an additional 308 yards in pass receptions.

While it wasn't very hard to see that the Birds had nabbed a special player with the 53rd overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, I’ll be the first to admit that I didn't foresee the flat-out stunning play that McCoy has unleashed upon the league this season and I suspect not many others did either.

No matter how you felt about McCoy back then, there’s no denying the Eagles have arguable the most gifted back in the entire league right now. Philly’s elusive superstar is guy that displays a shiftiness that is often reminiscent of the legendary Barry Sanders and an ability to dominate either rushing the ball or receiving it that rivals the equally respected Marshall Faulk.

The NFL may not keep statistics on how many running backs made defenders miss by grabbing nothing but thin air, but I bet LeSean ‘Shady’ McCoy leads the league in that category hands down.

Bet on Briles…Snyder Needs Baylor, RG3 Coach Now!

It’s funny, but I can’t tell you how many times I’m watching a sporting event and notice something going on and the game’s announcers will repeat, almost verbatim, what I just said.

Now, nearly two months after telling numerous friends, family and colleagues across the globe that the Washington Redskins should go all out for former RGIII mentor and current Baylor head coach Art Briles, reports are starting to come out that they may be just what happens.

Adding more fuel to the speculation that Briles could very well land in the nation’s capitol, is the fact that the elder RGII, the father of Washington’s franchise quarterback, is now openly lobbying for Briles to become the team’s next head coach.

According to recent reports, the elder Griffin has politicked Dan Snyder to hire Baylor coach Art Briles, who coached the younger Griffin to a Heisman Trophy, to replace Shanahan.

One source who has known the Griffin family for at least six years recently compared the elder Griffin to the late Earl Woods, Tiger Woods’ father and a man who many believe lived in the reflective glory of his son’s accomplishments.

Garvin’s Shot on Bengals Punter Was…Cheaper than Cheap!

Say what you like about Pittsburgh Steelers’ special team player Terence Garvin and his highlight-reel making leveling of unsuspecting Cincinnati Bengals punter Kevin Huber on Sunday, but I am categorically going to call it just what it was…one of the worst cheap shots I have ever seen.

To me, tit looked like Garvin clearly wanted to harm Cincy’s sixth-year punter as he crown of his helmet to get under Huber’s own helmet and deliver what I believe is an absolutely disgraceful hit.

Making matters even worse is the fact that no penalty was called for the hit and even worse still, is the fact that Huber had his jaw and neck broken. While it clearly didn’t happen, I believe it’s quite possible that Garvin could have ended up paralyzing Huber and ending up looking like one of the worst villains in modern sports history.

Here’s to hoping Huber makes a full recovery and that the league seriously fines the game referees for this Week 15 contest as well as Garvin. 

Miami’s Missing Ingredient is…?

Not only did the Miami Heat lose to the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night, but it’ how they lost that’s most disconcerting (if you’re a Heat fan that is).

As both, the Pacers and Spurs showed in last season’s playoffs, the way to beat Miami is by attacking the major weakness – their glaring lack of competent big men. The closest thing Miami has to a talented big man is Chris Andersen and he’s more of a defender and rebounder. The Heat don’t have players tall enough to contend with teams that are huge across the front line  and they can’t score from the low post, unless it’s LeBron James or D-Wade backing their respective defender down.

Miami may have escaped two playoff series a year ago, but their lack of a solid front court is going to cost them this season – unless you believe oft-injured center Greg Oden is going to come from out of nowhere to miraculously cure all of Miami’s interior problems.

Time for Redskins to Clean House in Washington!

It's time for the Washington Redskins to part ways 

with head coach Mike Shanahan.

With all that has taken place with the NFL franchise located in the nation’s capitol this season, it looks like it’s finally time for the Washington Redskins to part ways with embattled head coach Mike Shanahan.

Not only have the Skins struggled mightily on the field as Robert Griffith III has been slow to rebound from offseason ACL surgery, but the floundering franchise has also had to deal with more than its fair share of locker room drama this season – and much of that fault goes directly to Shanahan in my estimation.

I've been calling for the overrated Shanahan’s ouster ever since he did Donovan McNabb dirty a few seasons ago and now it appears as though I – and many others, will finally get their collective wishes.

Lest anyone forget, Shanahan has never won anything without John Elway, who in turn, never won anything without Terrell Davis.

Shanahan is a lousy 24-34 with the Redskins and is now rumored to be having problems with his franchise quarterback. No matter how you look at it, I think Skins owner Daniel Snyder should part ways with his ego-maniacal

head coach and go after some fresh name, preferably Baylor head coach and former RG3 mentor, Art Briles. If not him, then some other respected coach that will make an immediate impact next season.

What do you think the Redskins should do? Leave a comment and let me know!

Ireland In Need of a Beat-down!

Personally, I'd like to pop Miami Dolphins GM 

Jeff Ireland right in the mouth. 

With the Miami Dolphins in the national spotlight for the better part of the last two weeks, I figured now was a good time to go back and refresh everyone’s memory and inform those that don’t know, that Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland is a real scum bag kind of guy. Thankfully, it’s nice to know that Ireland is going to get exactly what he deserves once the league’s investigation of the team’s Richie Incognito-Jonathan Martin debacle.

Ireland, who has been implicated as something of a conduit for all of the terrible nonsense in Miami taking place, has long been a guy I never thought much of to be honest…particularly after what he asked now, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant prior to the 2010 NFL Draft as the polarizing collegian was making his rounds of interviews for teams that would have potentially drafted the gifted, but often enigmatic Bryant.

The Question…Remember When?

Miami Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland is a scumbag 

kind of guy!

Remember when, prior to the 2010 NFL Draft, Miami Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland asked now, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant if his mother was ever a prostitute or not.

"They asked me if my mom's a prostitute," Bryant says, an account that was confirmed by Wells, who attended the meeting. "No, my mom is not a prostitute. I got mad - really mad - but I didn't show it. I got a lot of questions like that: Does she still do drugs? I sat and answered all of them."

Now, maybe it’s me, but I can only imagine the will-power that Bryant had to muster up in order to not jump over the table and pound Ireland in the face for asking such a nonsensical and disrespectful question.

Not Feelin’ Philbin

Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin has no 

control over his locker room. 

When the Miami Dolphins hired former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin as the team’s new head coach prior too the 2012 season, I though the Fins made a good hire. During his short tenure, Philbin has shown himself to be very capable in his new position – until now that is.

My one and only knock on Miami’s head coach is how he let his locker room become an out-of-control, asylum that is about as bad as any locker room I've ever seen. For Philbin to never make his presence known in the locker room – while simultaneously allowing a well-known head case like Richie Incognito become one of the team’s leadership council members. Philbin’s inability to control his own locker room could very well result in his dismissal after just two seasons and I for one, would love to see him go right about now.

An Immediate Fix for Floundering Fins Franchise!

Bill Cowher

If the Miami Dolphins want to immediately fix the mess that Jeff Ireland and Joe Philbin allowed to take place in the team’s clearly dysfunctional locker room, they should hire fomer NFL GM Charlie Casserly, (even in something of a consultant role if he doesn't want to work full-time).

Jon Gruden

Next, the Fins should actively pursue either Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden to bring the respective brands of no-nonsense football to South Beach. I can see either head coach almost immediately turning things around for what was once one of the most respected franchises in league history.