Halfway Through the Woods

Tuesday, November 8, 2005 | Jeff

First some thoughts on the week gone by:

1. It started as everything advertised. A first quarter that featured brilliant quarterbacking, big hits and gutsy coaching. It didn't take long, however, for Peyton Manning '05 to launch into Peyton Manning '04 and decapitate an entirely overmatched Patriots secondary, with help from Marvin and Reggie who just played their hearts out. Take note people: this is the best team in football and it's not even close.

2. Somehow, even in a loss, I gain more respect for Bill Bellichick. I think he's the single greatest defensive mind in the history of football. So last night he coached one of the most humble games you're ever going to see coached. He didn't rest on his laurels. He went for 4th downs and tried onside kicks. He knew he couldn't stop Peyton and company last night, no one could. So he did what a great coach should do (take note, Andy Reid). He changed his style. He coached the game in front of him with the player he had on the field. You wanna know why this team has won three Super Bowls in 4 years? He's why.

3. Dick Vermeil is drowning in praise for his call Sunday to go for the win in regulation. His reason: "I'm too old to wait." No one talks about the Kansas City Chiefs but they're pretty good.

4. Eric Allen had some great T.O. comments on ESPN radio yesterday and I agree. There's no way T.O. tries this with the Buddy Ryan Eagles. Are the Eagles this soft? According to Allen, "Clyde Simmons might just have killed him." Seems appropriate.

5. I think there are two things that make great sportswriters: brilliant moments and horrible teams. For brilliant moments, it's Mike Lupica. For horrible teams, it's Mitch Albom.

6. Call it the reverse T.O. - when a player of unparalleled skill overcomes immaturity to be brilliant on the field. Jeremy Shockey has done it all year long and he's the best tight end in the conference. What a catch he had Sunday.

7. What does Joey Harrington do now? I really don't have an answer but I have a thought. Call Mike Shanahan and beg him to make you Jake Plummer's backup. Go there and listen to everything Shanahan tells you because if he can make The Snake a consistent performer, you might be able to be a productive passer in this league.

8. Reported Saints attendance in Baton Rouge: 32 thousand plus. Actual attendance: 11.

9. The NFC North takes the biggest beating in the press but the AFC East has the exact same amount of total wins: 12. The NFC North at least has a division leader with a winning record.

10. Steve Smith gets a lot of the deserved press, but Jake Delhomme is playing the best quarterback in the conference and that's why (along with the defense) thist is the best team in the conference.

11. I can't remember the last time the Bears played poorly and won a football game.

-12.

Now the midseason wrap-up:

If the season ended today, this is how the playoffs would look.

AFC Byes: Indianapolis, Cincinnati
Third Seed: Denver
Fourth Seed: New England
Wild-cards: Pittsburgh, Jacksonville/Kansas City (this is literally at the 5th tiebreaker)

NFC Byes: Seattle, New York Giants
Third Seed: Atlanta
Fourth Seed: Chicago
Wild-cards: Carolina, Dallas/Washington

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
I've heard all the conversations and not a single analyst has picked Shaun Alexander. What about 949 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns in 9 games isn't thrilling? Project that out. He'll be on the doorstep of 2,000 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns. The team is 6-2 with him and they'd be about 3-5 without him. I'd give you Tomlinson but he's been shut out in two major games. Alexander doesn't have off weeks.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
This has to be Steve Smith. He's got 900 yards on 55 catches and 9 touchdowns. He catches 40% of the Panthers passes which would be, according to ESPN, the highest percentage by a receiver since the merger. When a player has an all-time year, you have to consider them for awards like this.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Dwight Freeney really is the only choice right now. Look at how much better he makes the rest of that defensive line which has become formidable.

COACH OF THE YEAR
Lovie has been brilliant with the defense, Shanny with the offense, Dungy with the entire package but I'm leaning towards Tom Coughlin right now. He's doing a Torre - managing egos and projects like Shockey and Burress - and inspiring his defense to play over their heads.

HOW IS MY SUPERBOWL PICK LOOKING?
The Colts and the Panthers are the best teams in their conferences.

WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF MY PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS?
Poop.

THE BEST GAMES OF THE SECOND HALF:
Monday November 14 - Dallas at Philadelphia
The Cowboys can put the Eagles season away.

Sunday November 20 - Carolina at Chicago
If the Panthers and Bears take care of business this week, it should be 7-2 at 6-3 and a chance for the Bears to see how good they really are.

Sunday November 20 - Indianapolis at Cincinnati
The over. Take it.

Thanksgiving Day - Denver at Dallas
Finally a great game to watch on the holiday.

Sunday December 4 - Atlanta at Carolina
Most likely for the division and possibly for the a first round bye.

Sunday January 1 - Carolina at Atlanta
Here's what I love about this on the final week of the season. The loser of this game is going to have to go on the road the next week for a playoff game, possibly to Chicago. So wear each other out, please.

Sunday January 1 - Houston at San Francisco
Battle!