kerouac9
Klowned by Keim
I accidentally de-railed a thread with this conversation, but it's as good a one as any heading into a week where there'll be no news.
Filet Mignon: If you have one of these guys healthy, you're guaranteed 10 wins and a playoff berth
1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers. Lil' Wayne thinks that this guy is not a human being.
2. Tom Brady, New England Patriots. Getting older, but super-productive in the regular season. Don't think about how he's performed in the postseason since losing the Super Bowl to the Giants. Really, don't think about it, because no one on NFL Network or ESPN ever does.
3. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints. There hasn't been a better match of quarterback and offensive system since Jim Kelly and the K-Gun offense in Buffalo.
4. Phillip Rivers, San Diego Chargers. The best pure passer in the NFL today. Plays in a fairly traditional pro-stlye offense. He's struggling a little to begin the year, but if he played on the East Coast he'd be considered a great.
5. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers. Not as aesthetically pleasing as the quarterbacks above him on this list, it's surprising that he's a two-time Super Bowl champion and appeared in a third. That's better than Kurt Warner did.
Steak and Potatoes: They'll keep you competitive all season long, but in December or January, they're going to leave you wanting.
6. Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles. When football people talk about "unique talents", this is the guy they're describing. Vick is playing more disciplined football right now than he has his entire career, but he doesn't always put his WRs in good positions, and you have to build an offense around him. That usually takes two or three years and a very creative head coach.
7. Eli Manning, New York Giants. Eli was probably better equipped than his brother to come in and start in New York. He makes frustratingly stupid plays at times, but has done a good job whittling away at that habit over the years. Does a good job playing within himself and getting the ball to his weapons.
8. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens. Maybe a better fantasy player than he his a football player. Still very young, and seems to be getting better every year. Needs to improve at going through his progressions.
9. Mark Sanchez, New York Jets. Uniquely suited to succeed for the Big Apple's "other" NFL franchise. Wins ugly, but wins. You don't get carried to consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances to begin your career. The entire New York Jets team has confidence that Sanchez will come through for them in the clutch. Is improving every year.
9. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears. Million dollar arm, personality that inspires no one. Has all the ability in the world, but has too much faith in his ability to fit the ball into tight spots. Doesn't elevate the play of his teammates. Leads by example more than by fiery example.
10. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys. Has started to get over the December and Playoff hump with success late in seasons. Could be a slow starter, or a guy who will just continually break the hearts of his fan base. Uniquely suited to be quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Star-crossed?
11. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons. His team succeeds most when the offense takes the ball out of his hands. Great at home, where his defense has the advantage of a loud crowd. Shakier on the road. Needs to perform in bigger games.
12. Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Could establish himself at the top of this group if he can continue to push a relatively toothless offense to success. Young and getting better. Can beat you with his feet but prefers to do so with his size. Dangerous when the game is on the line.
13. Matt Schaub, Houston Texans. Definitely a better fantasy quarterback than real-life guy. Has improved durability from early in his Houston career. Hasn't faced a lot of clutch situations in his career, but has folded in those that he has. Not mentally tough or a great leader. I'm not sure that he can lead Houston to more than 10 wins and a first-round exit, ever.
Steak Tartare: Excellent overall ingredients, but a little undercooked right now. A little seasoning and heat can move many of these guys into the tier above... or below.
14. Matt Stafford, Detroit Lions. After a rough start early in his career with both accuracy and durability, has apparently figured out the NFL game in his third season. Now it remains to be seen what he can do when the NFL game figures him out as he puts more and more play on tape.
15. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills. 28 year old getting a chance to show his stuff in his 7th NFL season. Very good quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, but has to show that he's a very good quarterback in the NFL.
16. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers. I believed in Cam, but he's blossomed quickly in the NFL game. Needs to improve his accuracy (58.2%) and continue to develop, but no one expected him to be this good, this soon. The Panthers will likely be a "surprise" playoff team in 2012.
17. Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams. Sophomore slump is a ******. Needs receiving weapons and improved play from his offensive line. Not being as well-protected by his defense as he was last season. The NFL has figured out Mr. Bradford; now he needs to respond and come back stronger.
18. Colt McCoy, Cleveland Browns. Another player the NFL may have figured out. In a good position system-wise, although he needs better weapons in the passing game, as well. Deserves a better tight end than Ben Watson.
19. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals. Being excellently managed by the coaching staff, isn't putting his team out of games. Impressive performances from jump street. Could be the next 2nd round pick success story. Love the nickname "Red Rifle."
20. Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville Jaguars. Just too soon to tell. Big arm, great mobility. Stands tall in the pocket and does not panic when offensive line begins to fall apart. Needs consistency in coaching and more weapons on the perimeter.
22. Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos. Can't argue with his success in college or early in his NFL career. Requires sponsorship by a creative coaching staff. New Orleans should give up a 3rd round pick for him next year and let him be the heir apparent for Drew Brees. Ugly throwing motion, but is a very good deep ball passer. Will drive coaching staffs and fans crazy in diametrically opposed ways.
Hungry Man Salisbury Steak: These guys are out of fashion, but can be a filling meal for a little while, although you don't want to be served them forever--it's just not healthy.
23. Matt Hasselback, Tennessee Titans. Clearly on the downside of his career, but a great leader in the right system. Needs to be protected by his offensive line and running game to have great success. Cerebral quarterback.
24. Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos. Will forever be the booby prize when the quarterback carousel stops swinging. Doesn't look like a quarterback and doesn't make many people better. Needs to be in a system designed to take advantage of his abilities to deliver the ball to a particular receiver. Not hard-working; you have to wonder what happens when he's given a big contract. That's why Miami didn't want to trade for him.
25. Matt Cassell, Kansas City Chiefs. Few quarterbacks have done less with more than Matt Cassell. Doesn't do anything particularly well, but can deliver the ball to good weapons when given time by his offensive line. Can't respond under pressure to lead an offense to success.
26. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers. Better arm and mobility than Blaine Gabbert, Smith's career trajectory could have been much different had he been provided more consistent offensive coaching early in his career. Plays scared at times, but his teammates have rallied around him and believe in him at the end of games. Smart player, but you don't want the game in his hands.
27. Jason Campbell, Oakland Raiders. Not as bad as you think (60.8% career completion percentage, 82.8 career passer rating, 74 TDs, 50 INTs), but hasn't been able to put together a very good season. Not a dynamic leader and doesn't do anything really well. Needs to be supported by a strong running game and dynamic receiving options. Could have used more consistency from his coaching staff early his his career, as well.
Eating Out of the Garbage: You hope that some of the younger guys here can turn it around and work their way into the Salisbury Steak conversation.
28. Tavaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks. It's not his fault he was overdrafted. Great arm and good mobility, but he doesn't have any accuracy at all. Might succeed in a traditional West Coast offense with rangy, physical receivers who can get to the ball. Little leadership. If Tavaris Jackson is your quarterback, you're not going anywhere unless you have a Top 3 defense.
29. Kevin Kolb, Arizona Cardinals. Just turned 27 and is in his 5th NFL season. Apparently a good guy in the lockerroom and the meeting room, but hasn't shown an ability to be a good player on the field. Limitations masked by great system, weapons, and playcalling in Philadelphia. Skittish in the pocket even when protection is solid. Has the ability to get the ball to guys in positions to make plays, but hasn't done it consistently enough for his new team.
30. Kerry Collins, Indianapolis Colts. Should have stayed retired. At least his entire 2011 salary is guaranteed.
31. Chad Henne, Miami Dolphins. Probably over-drafted after playing on a talent-rich Michigan team. No one has faith in him to win games, and while he hasn't been surrounded by great talent with the Dolphins, he hasn't shown even flashes of adequacy in a while.
32. Curtis Painter, Indianapolis Colts. An excellent option if you're looking to earn the #1 pick in the draft. This is what it looks like if Brian St. Pierre was your starting quarterback.
33. Rex Grossman, Washington Redskins. At his best he plays like Jason Campbell. At he worst he plays like Rex Grossman. You never have any idea which you'll get on a particular day. He's like a homeless man's Doug Flutie in that you'd kind of like him as your #2 in a pinch.
Filet Mignon: If you have one of these guys healthy, you're guaranteed 10 wins and a playoff berth
1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers. Lil' Wayne thinks that this guy is not a human being.
2. Tom Brady, New England Patriots. Getting older, but super-productive in the regular season. Don't think about how he's performed in the postseason since losing the Super Bowl to the Giants. Really, don't think about it, because no one on NFL Network or ESPN ever does.
3. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints. There hasn't been a better match of quarterback and offensive system since Jim Kelly and the K-Gun offense in Buffalo.
4. Phillip Rivers, San Diego Chargers. The best pure passer in the NFL today. Plays in a fairly traditional pro-stlye offense. He's struggling a little to begin the year, but if he played on the East Coast he'd be considered a great.
5. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers. Not as aesthetically pleasing as the quarterbacks above him on this list, it's surprising that he's a two-time Super Bowl champion and appeared in a third. That's better than Kurt Warner did.
Steak and Potatoes: They'll keep you competitive all season long, but in December or January, they're going to leave you wanting.
6. Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles. When football people talk about "unique talents", this is the guy they're describing. Vick is playing more disciplined football right now than he has his entire career, but he doesn't always put his WRs in good positions, and you have to build an offense around him. That usually takes two or three years and a very creative head coach.
7. Eli Manning, New York Giants. Eli was probably better equipped than his brother to come in and start in New York. He makes frustratingly stupid plays at times, but has done a good job whittling away at that habit over the years. Does a good job playing within himself and getting the ball to his weapons.
8. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens. Maybe a better fantasy player than he his a football player. Still very young, and seems to be getting better every year. Needs to improve at going through his progressions.
9. Mark Sanchez, New York Jets. Uniquely suited to succeed for the Big Apple's "other" NFL franchise. Wins ugly, but wins. You don't get carried to consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances to begin your career. The entire New York Jets team has confidence that Sanchez will come through for them in the clutch. Is improving every year.
9. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears. Million dollar arm, personality that inspires no one. Has all the ability in the world, but has too much faith in his ability to fit the ball into tight spots. Doesn't elevate the play of his teammates. Leads by example more than by fiery example.
10. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys. Has started to get over the December and Playoff hump with success late in seasons. Could be a slow starter, or a guy who will just continually break the hearts of his fan base. Uniquely suited to be quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Star-crossed?
11. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons. His team succeeds most when the offense takes the ball out of his hands. Great at home, where his defense has the advantage of a loud crowd. Shakier on the road. Needs to perform in bigger games.
12. Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Could establish himself at the top of this group if he can continue to push a relatively toothless offense to success. Young and getting better. Can beat you with his feet but prefers to do so with his size. Dangerous when the game is on the line.
13. Matt Schaub, Houston Texans. Definitely a better fantasy quarterback than real-life guy. Has improved durability from early in his Houston career. Hasn't faced a lot of clutch situations in his career, but has folded in those that he has. Not mentally tough or a great leader. I'm not sure that he can lead Houston to more than 10 wins and a first-round exit, ever.
Steak Tartare: Excellent overall ingredients, but a little undercooked right now. A little seasoning and heat can move many of these guys into the tier above... or below.
14. Matt Stafford, Detroit Lions. After a rough start early in his career with both accuracy and durability, has apparently figured out the NFL game in his third season. Now it remains to be seen what he can do when the NFL game figures him out as he puts more and more play on tape.
15. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills. 28 year old getting a chance to show his stuff in his 7th NFL season. Very good quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, but has to show that he's a very good quarterback in the NFL.
16. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers. I believed in Cam, but he's blossomed quickly in the NFL game. Needs to improve his accuracy (58.2%) and continue to develop, but no one expected him to be this good, this soon. The Panthers will likely be a "surprise" playoff team in 2012.
17. Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams. Sophomore slump is a ******. Needs receiving weapons and improved play from his offensive line. Not being as well-protected by his defense as he was last season. The NFL has figured out Mr. Bradford; now he needs to respond and come back stronger.
18. Colt McCoy, Cleveland Browns. Another player the NFL may have figured out. In a good position system-wise, although he needs better weapons in the passing game, as well. Deserves a better tight end than Ben Watson.
19. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals. Being excellently managed by the coaching staff, isn't putting his team out of games. Impressive performances from jump street. Could be the next 2nd round pick success story. Love the nickname "Red Rifle."
20. Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville Jaguars. Just too soon to tell. Big arm, great mobility. Stands tall in the pocket and does not panic when offensive line begins to fall apart. Needs consistency in coaching and more weapons on the perimeter.
22. Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos. Can't argue with his success in college or early in his NFL career. Requires sponsorship by a creative coaching staff. New Orleans should give up a 3rd round pick for him next year and let him be the heir apparent for Drew Brees. Ugly throwing motion, but is a very good deep ball passer. Will drive coaching staffs and fans crazy in diametrically opposed ways.
Hungry Man Salisbury Steak: These guys are out of fashion, but can be a filling meal for a little while, although you don't want to be served them forever--it's just not healthy.
23. Matt Hasselback, Tennessee Titans. Clearly on the downside of his career, but a great leader in the right system. Needs to be protected by his offensive line and running game to have great success. Cerebral quarterback.
24. Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos. Will forever be the booby prize when the quarterback carousel stops swinging. Doesn't look like a quarterback and doesn't make many people better. Needs to be in a system designed to take advantage of his abilities to deliver the ball to a particular receiver. Not hard-working; you have to wonder what happens when he's given a big contract. That's why Miami didn't want to trade for him.
25. Matt Cassell, Kansas City Chiefs. Few quarterbacks have done less with more than Matt Cassell. Doesn't do anything particularly well, but can deliver the ball to good weapons when given time by his offensive line. Can't respond under pressure to lead an offense to success.
26. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers. Better arm and mobility than Blaine Gabbert, Smith's career trajectory could have been much different had he been provided more consistent offensive coaching early in his career. Plays scared at times, but his teammates have rallied around him and believe in him at the end of games. Smart player, but you don't want the game in his hands.
27. Jason Campbell, Oakland Raiders. Not as bad as you think (60.8% career completion percentage, 82.8 career passer rating, 74 TDs, 50 INTs), but hasn't been able to put together a very good season. Not a dynamic leader and doesn't do anything really well. Needs to be supported by a strong running game and dynamic receiving options. Could have used more consistency from his coaching staff early his his career, as well.
Eating Out of the Garbage: You hope that some of the younger guys here can turn it around and work their way into the Salisbury Steak conversation.
28. Tavaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks. It's not his fault he was overdrafted. Great arm and good mobility, but he doesn't have any accuracy at all. Might succeed in a traditional West Coast offense with rangy, physical receivers who can get to the ball. Little leadership. If Tavaris Jackson is your quarterback, you're not going anywhere unless you have a Top 3 defense.
29. Kevin Kolb, Arizona Cardinals. Just turned 27 and is in his 5th NFL season. Apparently a good guy in the lockerroom and the meeting room, but hasn't shown an ability to be a good player on the field. Limitations masked by great system, weapons, and playcalling in Philadelphia. Skittish in the pocket even when protection is solid. Has the ability to get the ball to guys in positions to make plays, but hasn't done it consistently enough for his new team.
30. Kerry Collins, Indianapolis Colts. Should have stayed retired. At least his entire 2011 salary is guaranteed.
31. Chad Henne, Miami Dolphins. Probably over-drafted after playing on a talent-rich Michigan team. No one has faith in him to win games, and while he hasn't been surrounded by great talent with the Dolphins, he hasn't shown even flashes of adequacy in a while.
32. Curtis Painter, Indianapolis Colts. An excellent option if you're looking to earn the #1 pick in the draft. This is what it looks like if Brian St. Pierre was your starting quarterback.
33. Rex Grossman, Washington Redskins. At his best he plays like Jason Campbell. At he worst he plays like Rex Grossman. You never have any idea which you'll get on a particular day. He's like a homeless man's Doug Flutie in that you'd kind of like him as your #2 in a pinch.
45) (Shotgun) 6-M.Sanchez pass short right to 17-B.Edwards to IND 45 for 9 yards (27-J.Lacey). The Replay Assistant challenged the runner was down by contact ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 6-M.Sanchez pass short right to 17-B.Edwards to IND 45 for 9 yards (41-A.Bethea). FUMBLES (41-A.Bethea), and recovers at IND 45. 17-B.Edwards to IND 45 for no gain (27-J.Lacey).
