Around the League…

To see the defending champs lose to Kansas City, Oakland, and now Cleveland…it’s really quite amazing. It can’t be a matter of skill; the Steelers have talent. So what is it? Injuries to Aaron Smith and Troy Polamalu’s have been costly, but their absence isn’t enough to lose to that trio of teams, is it? Ben Roethlisberger has been a banged up, but it’s not like he’s missed ten games. Hines Ward questioned Roethlisberger’s commitment to the team and it might have caused waves in the locker room, but those are just words. Ike Taylor and a few other players have looked old or worn down, but still, should they be getting torched by the Chiefs and Raiders? Bryant McFadden is gone, but the Steelers lose guys every season and manage to compensate.

None of the above is the sole cause, but when you combine them all, you get a mediocre season. Steeler fans have been spoiled—you cannot expect everything to fall into place each year. This is your year to suffer some disappointment. I’m sure you’ll be back in 2010. That organization is too solid to be down for more than a season.

Two unbeaten teams…it’s a Super Bowl dream come true. Imagine the ratings if the undefeated Colts face the undefeated Saints? Both teams have clear paths to finish 16-0…but they won’t face each other in the final game of the season. I know it’s sacrilege, but let me have some fun arguing the other side of the “Colts and Saints seemed destined to meet in the Super Bowl” fantasy.

Just this week, the Saints were gifted a couple of calls against Atlanta—a ridiculous pass interference call and a shaky fumble recovery went against the Falcons—which helped them secure their latest win. Funny how the unbeaten team that is going to get massive TV ratings come playoff time got a couple of crazy calls, huh? I’m just saying.

The Saints have struggled against mediocre teams and that defense can be had. I know they turn teams over on a regular basis, but that unit reminds me of the Eagles’ D—a defense that makes enough exciting plays to obscure the fact that the rest of the time, it gives up yards and points. They’re a middle-of-the-pack defense and I’ll tell you something else—much as I hate to even discuss kickers, the Saints are going to regret not having a real one on their team before the season is over. I’m just saying—there are chinks in the armor.

As for Indianapolis…I have more faith in them. However, I also know that they want no part of the Chargers. Some teams just match-up well against others and it’s no coincidence that San Diego, even with Norv Turner, has knocked the Colts out of the post-season the past two seasons. Last year the Chargers won 23-17 in overtime as Darren Sproles ran wild, stepping in for the injured and sulking LaDanian Tomlinson. San Diego also KOed the Colts’ season the previous year…and did so without Tomlinson (surprise, surprise) AND Philip Rivers, who was sidelined for much of the second half. Billy Volek had to take snaps in the fourth quarter and still the Bolts managed to hold off Manning and company.

The Chargers managed, in both games, to limit the Indianapolis offense. Peyton Manning got his, but he had to dink and dunk for most of the game and when the Colts had to run the ball, they were unable to do so. The pace of each game was not what Indy wanted. Teams like Jacksonville and Houston manage to play this sort of game against the Colts, but they never manage to close the deal. Say what you want about Rivers, but the man competes for 60 minutes…and more if it’s necessary. That’s what you need—a leader that KNOWS his team can beat anyone. Despite his yapping and raging emotions, Rivers is that guy. You want to tell me San Diego lucked out twice, I can understand that. Having said that, I’m not buying it. I’m hoping that the two teams face each other again in the playoffs. It will make for an interesting third act. I’m just saying.

In the NFC, there are those who believe the Vikings are the biggest threat to the Saints. Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson combine with a solid, aggressive defense which poses a major danger to New Orleans. That’s true. Others think that the Eagles, with their blitzing defense and big-play offense might have the best chance to knock off the lossless Crescent City darlings. But I’m telling you right now—beware the Packers. I know they’re a wild card team at best, but the offensive line is getting healthy and finally protecting Aaron Rodgers. The Pack have won five in a row and it’s no coincidence that the sacks against total has decreased over that span. In the two losses—to Minnesota and Tampa—before the current streak, Rodgers’ offensive line yielded twelve sacks. That’s an insane total. Some of it was Rodgers’ fault, but it was mostly due to injuries on the line.

Now, with the line regaining strength, Rodgers and the offense are thriving. They’ve given up only ten sacks in their last five games; an astronomical improvement. If Green Bay is able to give Rodgers time like that, the offense is scary and will put major points up against anyone. And don’t sleep on the Green Bay defense. They’ve given up just 14 points per game over the last five and fewer than 20 per game over the whole season. It’s the team that peaks at the right time that plays in the final game and while Green Bay certainly isn’t the favorite to emerge from the NFC, neither was Arizona. I’m just saying.