Oh-so-close was the Dolphins vs Giants this past Sunday, dominating for almost 54 minutes, only to fall victim to Eli Manning’s fourth-quarter heroics, 20-17, dropping Miami’s record to 0-7. Miami’s season has been a case study in frustration, especially for head coach Tony Sparano, who understandably, is on the hot seat. The Dolphins most recent loss mirrored an overtime defeat two weeks ago to Denver QB Tim Tebow’s late-game heroics; a game in which they also led for the majority of the contest. QB Matt Moore looked spectacular for most of the afternoon in the Giant game, leading the team on two long scoring drives, and although his numbers (13 for 22, 138 yards) don’t bear it out, he has done a decent job in a most unenviable situation. Miami also got a long-overdue boost from RB Reggie Bush, who gained 103 yards on 15 carries, by far his best performance as a Dolphin.

The beleaguered Miami defense, forced to be on the field far too much, held their own against New York, at least for the first 54 minutes. You have to think that tired legs and a lack of quality depth were contributing factors, and the only remedy for that is a consistent, chain-moving offense that will allow the defense to receive adequate rest. There is talent on that side of the ball, as the Giants’ woeful total of 58 yards rushing shows. Late-game breakdowns by the secondary doomed them against Manning and his receivers, however.

Kansas City, last season’s surprise AFC West champions, started off their 2011 season terribly, dropping their first 3 games by a cumulative total of 109-27. The Chiefs have won 4 straight since, and the corresponding point totals, 101-61, show what a turnaround, especially on defense, the team as a whole, has brought about. Their latest victory, a 23-20 overtime thriller over division rival San Diego this past Monday night, improves their record to 4-3, good for a three-way tie atop the AFC West with the Chargers and Oakland. KC’s Ryan Succop’s 30-yard field goal with 5:16 remaining in the extra period provided the margin of victory.

QB Matt Cassel’s numbers (19 for 32, 261 yards and a touchdown), weren’t eye-popping, but he connected on several clutch passes late in the game and in overtime, as the Chiefs became the first team since the 2000 Steelers to win 4 straight after losing their opening 3 games. The game was an ugly one, plagued by an NFL-season high 8 combined turnovers, and the referees threw their penalty flags 21 times for a total of 158 yards in infractions. The Chiefs were also helped by Chargers’ QB Philip Rivers bobbled snap on KC’s 15-yard line as he prepared to take a knee to set up a game-winning field goal. Instead, the Chiefs Andy Studebaker emerged from a pile-up with the ball.

The Chiefs defense gave Rivers and the Chargers plenty of “wiggle room,” but other than a 39-yard completion to WR Malcolm Floyd, KC continually stymied San Diego’s efforts. Rivers, in addition to his costly fumble, suffered two interceptions, giving him the dubious distinction of leading the NFL with 11 on the season. See this weeks Dolphins vs Chiefs odds at allpro.com.

Miami may catch Kansas City a little complacent this Sunday, but they can’t go in expecting as much. Get the With good performances by both Matt Moore and Reggie Bush, the Dolphins appear to be improving, but they have a lot of ground to make up. Kansas City, having turned their season around after an inauspicious start, need to continue doing what they’ve been doing, namely not beating themselves and taking advantage of every mistake their opponent commits.

First player on the list comes from the Minnesota Vikings. He is known as Jared Allen currently he leads the NFL with 9.5 sacks on the season. Those stats gotta put some fear into the quarterbacks mind. Even more impressive is that every game this season he has met the quarterback. Could this lead into this week and could his next target be Aaron Rodgers. Lets just go ahead and put Mr. Rodgers on notice. With his 9.5 sacks he also has set a team record for this many sacks this early in the season. So we rank him as our Number 1 Quarterback Headache.

The second player to join the list is Jason Pierre-Paul from the New York Giants he comes in second with 7.5 sacks on the season this is also a pretty high number for this early in the season. So this weeks matchup takes place against San Diego so this could be Philip Rivers the next target on the radar for Pierre-Paul. At the rate he is going he could also be on a record setting pace in the sack department. So we are going ahead and sending out a notice to Mr. Rivers you have been put on notice for this week. With his 7.5 sacks we rank him as the Number 2 Quarterback Headache.

Our third pick is not rated high but is picked for his approach to football and that would be Terrell Suggs from the Baltimore Ravens. He only has 4 sacks however when he gets those sacks damage is done. He has an interception along with a two forced fumbles making him a defender to be aware of. This week the Ravens take on the Jaguars and with a rookie quarterback in place this week makes so much sense to see the Suggs attack taken to Jacksonville. Jaguars we are putting your whole offensive line on notice. Protect the quarterback or Suggs will take care of him. We rank Mr. Suggs as the Number 3 Quarterback Headache.

These three pass rushers two of which are Defensive Ends and then Mr. Suggs who comes from the Linebacker department should be given the proper respect as the season goes on. If they are not accounted for the poor quarterbacks on the other side will be forced to be put on the run for their lives before they become sacked. These three defenders are looking for the numbers and will be out every weekend to do just that build on those numbers.

The best method that can be given to teams that have to face these three players are to double up on them and then it may slow them down. This won’t stop them as seen last weekend Jared still found his way around to Jake and sacked him once.

The aging Seattle defense has not undergone very many roster changes yet this off season. Their only addition thus far has been cornerback Roy Lewis who should help improve a porous pass defense. Look for the Seahawks to add a couple of young and athletic

players to the aging secondary through the draft and via free agency. It seems that Lawyer Millroy has been around forever. Marcus Trufant is still effective despite his age. Last year he produced 8 interceptions.

The studs of the Seattle defense in 2011 should be David Hawthorne, Lofa Tatupu, and Chris Clemons. Hawthorne led the team with 106 tackles. The 25 year old linebacker also contributed 4 pass deflections, one interception, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Lofu Tatupu struggled through 2010 but still produced results and looks to recover for an even better 2011. Tatupu is still only 28 years old with at least a couple of good years left in the tank. The 29 year old Chris Clemons led the Seahawks last season with 11 sacks. He also added 49 tackles.

Perhaps the most pressing need of the Seattle Seahawks is in the secondary and on the defensive line. Adding a potential shut down corner like Jimmy Smith from the University of Colorado would be a huge get. He does have character issues as evidenced by the fact he tested positive for drug use in college but his upside is terrific. There should be other talented defensive players available in the later rounds of the draft and in free agency. Maybe Pete Carroll, and his staff can work magic with some of the younger players on the roster. Overall, things are looking up for the Seahawks. Another year under Carroll should lead to continued improvement.

In theory, the division should come down to a showdown between the Chargers and the Chiefs. For the first time in several years, the Chargers weren’t able to get past a bad first half of the season, finishing out of the playoffs at 9-7. On paper at least the Chargers look like the team to beat with the divisions best quarterback in Phillip Rivers and a great defensive unit. Heck, if they don’t fumble the ball and give up kick returns like they did last season, they should be a lock. Then again, who is to say that they won’t start their season at 2-6 again? The Chiefs finished 10-6 last season, and with players like Bowe and Cassell coming back there is nothing to say that they won’t repeat their success again. With a young team, though, can they follow up success with even more success?

When we get to the Raiders things get very interesting. For the first time in years the Raiders

should some signs of life last season finishing at 8-8 and having a few weeks in a playoff spot. As with years past, though, off the season turmoil rocked the Raiders this season as Al Davis got rid of Tom Cable instead of paying him and hired assistant coach Hue Jackson in his place. In addition, can Jason Campbell or Bruce Gradkowski stand out in quarterback? The Raiders can either fight for a playoff spot or finish 1-15 this season.

As for the Broncos? Though John Fox finished last season 1-15 in Carolina, he is one of the most respected coaches in the league. The big question is will they start fan favorite Tim Tebow as quarterback, or will they go out there and get someone new? The Chargers should take the division followed closely by KC and the Broncos, though honestly in a division like this don’t write anyone off.

Barber’s salary and lack of impact should mean the end of his tenure in Dallas, but less effective players have hung around for Dallas.

Another issue going into 2011 is the offensive line that struggled to keep Tony Romo, or Jon Kitna healthy. Deepening the problem was the need to keep all-pro tight end Jason Witten in to block, and lessening the offensive potency. Combine that with the fact that Miles Austin and Roy Williams were invisible many nights, and you have the recipe for an inept running attack.

The Cowboys should draft another lineman, and with another camp under their belt, Jason Garrett should have the offensive line playing at a high level. Choice and Jones can be a devastating tandem, if allowed the carries and playing time. In order for that to happen, the team must cut ties with Marion Barber. He has been a fan favorite and his running style was fun to watch and he punished defenders. Unfortunately, it has broken his body down at a young age, and he is holding the Cowboys back. The team cannot function with Barber lining up behind Romo, and they cannot afford to lose ground with a much stronger NFC east in 2011.

With one more lineman, and everyone back healthy of the front five, it allows Witten to once again roam the middle of the field and give the healthy Tony Romo the outlet and big play receiver he needs to stretch the field, which opens up running lanes as well.
Look for Choice to blossom and Jones to get more reps on third downs where he can utilize his good hands and open field elusiveness. If they are given the chance that is.

This of course is barring injury to any of its core stars, starting with QB Rodgers, who already had a series of concussions this year, and has been know to get injured throughout his career. Lets face it he isn’t as durable as Brett Favre, but he is more accurate. His health should be a primary objective throughout the year, which means maybe Green Bay seeks to add more offensive line depth through the draft, or free agency. First round pick from a year ago, Bulaga, made a good addition, and Green Bay can only hope that he continues to progress.
The best way to keep Rogers healthy though, is to solidify the running game. Starks came on towards the end of last year, and even though he was a bright light at the end of the season, the running game could have

helped Rogers take less punishment throughout the year. Look for the tandem running of Grant, and Starks to pick up chunks of yards, with their offsetting running styles, as well as keep Rogers’ jersey clean.

Another player Green Bay can ill-afford to have injury on is Clay Mathews Jr. He seems, along with Woodson to be the heartbeat of that defense. His play was a determining factor for key victories all year long. As well as being a place that Green Bay probably lacks the most depth, and injury here could be fatal to Green Bay’s chances at repeating. Do they have the talent to make the playoffs again regardless? I believe so, however to be dominant they must continue to make strides and they are young enough and talented enough to win two and three times over. Its all about playing now. Hopefully the NFL and the players will come together in time for us to have a season. Otherwise the first, and the last Super Bowl will belong to the Packers!

You can make a case that someone like DeMarcus Ware happens to be the best player on the Dallas Cowboys roster. The roster of the Dallas Cowboys has underachieved in many ways, but just look at the numbers when it comes to Witten consistently being at the tog of the league when it comes to receptions for a tight end. You can also look at the number of Pro Bowls Witten has been to and you realize how dynamic his career has been.

There are some people who may question whether or not the high number of concussion that Jason Witten has had in the past may in fact impact his future. You can not fault Jason Witten for actually getting the concussions The concussions are just proof that he happens to play the game in a very hard way. Jason Witten would probably like to reassure fans that the concussions are something that he has dealt with properly that he is ready to go.

You are going to see some expansions within the Dallas Cowboys offense with Jason Garrett now being the permanent and full time head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have to show a way to stay motivated for a full season.

This needs to be true for the beginning of the season and for the end of the season. Wade Phillips tended to have a very relaxed way of going about things and Jason Garrett is likely to focus on plenty of key details that happen to be so important as you try a develop a winning team in the National Football League.

Eric Mangini is out, and former Rams offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur is in. Mike Holmgren has made some great personnel decisions in the past, but this may be his most important on. This is the first time Shurmur will be a head coach in the NFL, and he is expected to go through some growing pains. The Cleveland coaching staff has long been one of the teams biggest weaknesses, and this could be the first step on the road to recovery for the Browns franchise.

Shurmur and Holmgren should consider bringing disgraced former Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels in the role of offensive coordinators for this team. While he has integrity issues, he also has a long track record of developing quarterbacks. He helped coach Tom Brady in New England, and also built up Matt Cassel there. In Denver he turned weak armed Bears cast off Kyle Orton into a passing machine, he could help make great strides in the development of Colt McCoy.

The Browns need to work on improving their offensive line. Injuries sidelined all three of their Qbs at different points in the season, and much of this falls on the offenses pass blocking abilities. While the line has done an average job of opening running holes, they continually leave their quarterbacks out to dry.

The Browns should also invest in finding a speedy compliment to break out runner Peyton Hillis. Hillis is the kind of power back that can change a game, a he proved so many times in 2010, but a speedy compliment that can hit the edge could really make the Browns running attack something to be feared. Drafting Evan Royster, or Mark Ingram may give the Browns the speed they need on the ground, and give the team a way to relieve pressure on McCoy.

Both were evident in week 16 against Houston when he rallied them from a 17 point deficit at halftime to win the game. This is exactly what a team like the Broncos, a team in transition, needs right now. Someone who has the determination to play 60 solid minutes of football every week, and the talent needed to finish the game with a win.

Add all this to the fact that John Fox just stepped in as the new head coach, and you are going to see a winning combination at work in Denver. Tim Tebow, simply put, is at the right place at the right time here. John Fox has a history of taking teams in distress, turning them around and winning the big games ( Carolina, ’03 Super Bowl). Tebow has a history of keeping teams out of distress as witnessed by his impressive four years in Florida and the fact that he is now the most decorated college football player in history.

While it’s easy to sing his praises for what he did in his four years as a Florida Gater, you have to remember that not a lot of quarterbacks transition well from college football to the pros. This isn’t the case with Tebow. If you need reminding, replay that Broncos – Texans game. That game wasn’t so much a transition of Tebow into the league as it was Tebow just walking through the door saying “Here I am!” Based on what he did that day, I’d also have to say he’s a student of the game as well as a fierce competitor.

When you look at the rest of the Denver Broncos roster, you see a lot of talent. But talent doesn’t win Super Bowls without the right leadership and attitude needed for it to reach its full potential. Tim Tebow is the man for that job right now.

Midway through the season, owner and general manager, Jerry Jones had had enough of Wade Phillips and his loosing ways. Phillips would be fired and Offensive Coordinator John Garrett would be named the Boys’ interim head coach. Garrett would turn the season around the best that he could and finish off with a 5-3 record as the interim coach. At the end of the season Jerry Jones would officially name John Garrett as the Cowboys head coach.

With John Garrett as the head coach the hopes of Dallas fans are higher than they have been in years. Jerry Jones has made it very clear that Garrett will have the final say on any and all personnel. This is music to the ears of many Cowboys fans. As far as staff goes for the Cowboys, Rob Ryan of the Cleveland Browns, is reportedly talking with Garrett about a position as his new defensive coordinator.

Adding Rob Ryan as defensive coordinator would give the Cowboys the jolt in the defense that they needed over the past season. Once Rob Ryan gets in there and gets the defense going, Garrett will need to figure out what he is going to do about his quarterback situation. After losing Tony Romo and John Kitna to injuries, a young Stephen McGee would have to step up and take the helm. In order for Dallas to be a successful team they are going to have to cut ties with Tony Romo. Romo has done nothing but cause problems for the team on the field during his tenure. John Kitna will have to step up and continue to be the starter and work with the young McGee and groom him to be the future leader of this team. Overall, the Dallas Cowboys have a lot of work to do over the off season but are showing signs of being a serious contender for next season.