NFL Grades 2011-12 Season

Now that the NFL season has come to a close, I think it's only fair we grade the teams that matter to the JRADM. Namely, the Giants, 49ers, Packers, Jets, Falcons and Patriots (Ed's note: I realize no one here is a Patriots fan outright but we all share either a loving loathing feeling to the Brady Bunch).

Hopefully you'll find the opinions on this post to be "fair and unbiased" but.... you won't.  Let's go in order. And by order, I mean order of exit...

New York Jets 

DM - The Jets were the most inconsistently consistent team this season.  Win 2, lose 3. Win 3, lose 2. Win 3, lose 3. Preseason favorites to go the Super Bowl, right? Yes, if you listened to the Rex Ryan and the ENTIRE Jets team before the season started.  Thankfully, Rex isn't the only beat writer for the NFL and there are a few more people noting what the Jets really are/were.  A really good defensive team that's still living in the 2009-10 season when teams "feared" that Jets D. And a underachieving offense that is STILL waiting for Mark Sanchez to step up (believe me, I know a thing or two about waiting on a QB to step up. More on that later in the post).  Mark can't do this, Mark, NO, don't do that.  By the end of the Jets season, the locker room imploded; calling out guys, finger pointing and Mark was been seen as a babied QB. But all this showboating (and lack of follow through) is facilitated by the one man who just stay quiet, Rex. With that all said they STILL had a chance to make the playoffs but ultimately couldn't, finishing 8-8. GRADE: D

J-Rod - The Jets were a colossal failure this season. This is the team that Rex Ryan named "the team to beat". They came in with what many believed to be the best defense in the NFL.... KAMAN!!! Their defense finished being ranked 17th in the league. Mark Sanchez is NOT an elite QB. He is now and will always be a not ready for prime time player.The only thing the Jets rank first in is bull shit hype.  GRADE: F-

Atlanta Falcons

DM - The Falcons are tough to peg to start. They were 10-6 and with the exception of a Week 1 loss to the Bears (because who can gauge a team after one loss) and a Tampa Bay team that started off hot, their losses are to Green Bay, Houston and two to New Orleans. All teams that won their respective divisions. So where did the Falcons struggle? Beating "elite" teams but also beating them when it mattered the most, the playoffs. The Falcs posted the best record in the NFL last season and wound up losing right off the bat in the Divisional game to the Pack (yes, the eventual Super Bowl champs). This season they matched up with the Giants (yes, this years Super Bowl champ). But regardless of how "hot" the Giants came into the game or if the matchups weren't there for them, scoring only 2 points total at home is not becoming of a team picked for a deep run into the playoffs. Matt Ryan continues to excel in the regular season but can he get his team over the hump with playoffs winsssss (plural). GRADE: C+

J-Rod - Its fitting that the Falcons plays in Atlanta. The home of the MLB team that plays great in the regular season but falls by the wayside in post season. To use another baseball analogy, Matt Ryan is like the Barry Bonds of the NFL except less roids and talent. I mean Ryan is a good QB. He is an accurate passer and reads defenses extremely well. What he lacks is that "umph" that separates "good" quarterbacks from "elite" quarterback. The "elite" quarterback can carry your team. The "elite" quarterback makes his entire team, not just the offense but the defense and special team play on another level just by his leadership and drive. The "elite" quarterback doesn't fold like the NY Mets in spring training under pressure. Matt Ryan is a good QB but he will never be "elite" and neither will his team.  GRADE: C+

Green Bay Packers

J-Rod - Discount Double Check! Yes, Aaron Rodgers and his Green Bay team. The favored sons of the NFL. The recently dethroned champs. The Packers have always had a mystique about them. Arron Rodgers has continued that Packers tradition of winning. I know I ridicule this team 24/7 but most of that is to annoy a certain cheesehead. This is a really good team with one major flaw.... defense. In all honesty this team was one or two good defensive players from repeating this season. But alas they faced the mighty big blue and were sent home packing. Still can't take anything away from this team and I expect them to address the defense situation this off season.  GRADE: B+


DM - Green Bay. Hmmmm. The defending Super Bowl champs. Started the season 13-0. Aaron Rodgers was running away with the MVP. The team was a offensive juggernaut averaging over 28 points per game in that run. Finished 15-1, home field throughout. Their defense had some holes in it but only because they gambled. A lot. Lead the NFL in INTs. But they could afford too with DDC (cmon, you can figure it out...) under center. But alas, they got dismantled lost in the Divisional game to the would-be new Super Bowl champ, Giants. I think if the Pack had not won the Super Bowl last season and had the same record/result the grade would have been higher, as they would have accomplished much more. But defending the title by going 13-0, then 15-1 without one playoff win and lose at Lambeau no less, ultimately seals their grade. GRADE: B

San Francisco 49ers

J-Rod - Why is this irrelevant team here? Who dares sully this post with falseness? The San Francisco numbers had a great run last year under very odd circumstances. I mean how often do you see a team go 13-3 in the regular season without a real quarterback? Alex Smith did just enough to get by last season but the true reason for the 9ers success was their defense. In this new offensive era a great defense will only get you so far. This is the quarterback era and if that guy on your team is not in the "elite" circle you aint gonna get that lombardy trophy any time soon. A lot of NFL team took the 49ers for granted contributing to their winning record. This upcoming season the league will be ready. I expect the niners will do ok but nothing like this season thus once and for all solidifying the falseness that their season was. But if I am too say this team was false and yet they managed to end up 1 game away from the Super Bowl then I gotta grade them high. Contradiction.... thy name is J-Rod.
GRADE: A-

DM - Flashback to the previous season. Da Man stated on this very show (before we went national) that the "sexy pick" 49ers would win the NFC West. J-Rod laughed in my face but I would not wavier from my bold prediction. So what did the 9ers do, they started 0-5. Great. Still hope. Finished 6-10. Crud. So to start this season I was a bit hesitant to say the least but still optimistic. What's your point, the grade is for this season! The point is it's the same exact team as the previous season yet under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, the team flourished. Beating some of the top teams in the league and finishing 2nd best in the NFC at 13-3. The defense obliterated teams and did not allow a 100-yard rusher or a single rushing touchdown until week 16. Both The 9ers were one special teams play* away from capping off an incredible run to the Super Bowl. However, destiny resided with another team. This teamed proved itself worthy of their grade. GRADE: A

New England Patriots

J-Rod - The Patriots did what they always do. Win and Win and Win. This team year after year just dominates. Tom Brady is a living legend and always finds a way to succeed regardless of the personnel he is surrounded with. I really can't say anything bad about this team. Whenever this team doesn't win the championship their season is deemed a failure. Not many teams can say that. They're EXPECTED to win time and time again. Unfortunately this time they faced a team that was destined to win it all at the Super Bowl. I mean you can't beat destiny can you? GRADE: A

DM - Every year the Pats are expected to be right in the hunt come playoff time (they are like the Yankees of New England...). But for the last few years the Pats have had some considerable playoff busts. Even midway through this season questions about would this Pats team, led by Brady but surrounded by an average offensive core, would arise. Could they win it all with just Belichik and Brady? Can they stop teams from scoring, enough to give Brady a chance to win it late? Their D was atrocious. Last in the league. Their O, top 3 in the league. Ultimately finishing at 13-3, home field throughout. But this was expected right? Nothing new here, right? AFC East, check. AFC champs, check. Super Bowl champs? Not so fast, they had the unfortunate task of beating playing the Giants. Clearly a team, NE just. Can't. Seem. To beat. I don't care which Giants team played in the Super Bowl. The 7-7 or the winners of the last 5, they had the advantage mentally. And the Pats knew it. Blame Welker's drop (Gizze does). Blame not executing in the 4th (Riley does). Blame Brady's throws (Da Man does). In the end they were play(s) short in a game they usually win. Just not when they're playing the Giants. GRADE: A-

New York Giants

J-Rod - What can I say about the champs that hasn't been already said? This team was left for dead after losing to the Redskins (I was holding the shovel). But WOW what a ride! They took that loss as a wake up call and started ripping out the wins. Sure the bulk of their games were "interesting" and they probably made me age many more years to my life but the end result was perfection. Eli Manning morphed into what he said he was all season, ELITE. His poise, leadership, and self confidence just bloomed at the right time. He not only solidified his place in NY Giants history but in the process made a case for 2 Mannings to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame when their careers are over. The Giants defensive line was dominant all season and the secondary fell into place at the right time. Most seem to forget that the Giants secondary was banged up most of the season. In the final regular season games and into the playoffs the Giants secondary showed what they can do when all their key players are healthy. The wide receiving core is young and talented. Brandon Jacobs got his groove back. Coughlin is one of the premier head coaches in the game. He never loses his cool and knows how to lead. This is a team that underachieved most of the regular season and played on the level they're capable of at the end of the season straight into the Super Bowl. The odds makers have 5 other teams above the Giants as Super Bowl favorites for next season. Does that surprise anyone? Underdogs....that's exactly the way this team likes it.  GRADE: A+

DM - This was the easiest grade of all the teams by far. The Giants won the Super Bowl. Had you heard? You'd never know on this show (keep your sarcasm meters on people). They had a great epic run at the veeeeery end of the season and through the playoffs (Ed's note: see GB last year). It's easy (for New Yorkers at least) to get caught up in the hysteria. Don't believe me, google LINSANITY. SMH. However. Since the grade reflects the WHOLE season and not the last 3 games or so, the total body of work is taken into account. As you just read, J-Rod was ready to bury his team after the Skins lost (Ed's note: we might post the IM convo on the Monday after that game, LOL). By this point, they were 7-7. But I'd like to go back one week earlier, to the Cowboys game. The JPP Tip Drill game. The GMen had lost 4 straight prior to that win in DAL after starting 6-2. This team was the epitome of underachieving mediocre. The secondary, abysmal. The so-called "pass rush", non-existant. Injuries? Every team has injuries, go out and play. But they wouldn't do it. That JPP block doesn't happen and it would have been 6 straight and no playoffs. But.... they turned it around. Won the NFC East thanks to Romo doin what he do baby. And were dubbed the hottest team going in. Please note they won 3 of the last 4 games, thats hot baby (sarcasm meter going off?). But so did the 9ers, with 3 straight coming in, (no, it's ok you guys were hot. Giants all the way baby...). The point is you can't be a C or D student for most of the year if not all, ace a few tests at end and expect an A. You're a C+, B- at best. Easy. GRADE: B-

Top Ten NFL Quarterbacks after Week 8

As listed in NFL.com

As listed in NFL.com according to stats

Comment as you see fit.

- J-Rod

NFL Week 9 "LOCK IT IN" Picks of the Week

So I was 0 for 2 in my LOCK IT IN segment for Week 8. I am guaranteeing a bounce back this week. D.S. has tied me in our football pool and that is something I can not allow.

Here are my Week 9 "LOCK IT IN" Picks of the week:

NY Giants at New England Patriots

The Giants are coming off a sluggish win over the Miami Dolphins. With that said Eli continues to put up big numbers. The Pats are the Pats but they have a weak secondary. I expect this game to be a shoot out with the Giants just edging the Pats.

Final Score: Giants 33  Partiots 30

San Francisco 49ers at Washington Redskins

Just this week I told Da Man that the 49ers were pretenders while the Giants are contenders. Of course I said this to just antagonize him. Unfortunately he know thats and just pretty much ignored me. I think the 9ers are legit and I am looking for them to beat up on Da Skiiiiiiinzzzzz. You're welcome for the above image.

Final Score: 49ers 27  Redskins 10

J-ROD OUT

- J-Rod

NFL Week 8 "LOCK IT IN" Picks of the Week

Hello everyone and welcome back to my LOCK IT IN segment. Lets get right to it!!!!!

NY Giants 9.5 over Miami



The NY Giants stand alone at first place in the NFC East. Yes they've had their ups and downs but the injuries haven't helped. But even with all the adversity the Giants remain in first. Reports are that Bradshaw, Tuck, Umenyiora, Bosley and Amukamara all had light practice this week and are questionable for week 8. Even with the question marks take the G-Men to trounce the win less Dolphins.

New Orleans Saints 11.5 over the Rams

The Saints DEMOLISHED the Colts last week and I believe they are a way better team than the Rams. Look for another blowout by Brees and Co.




Green Bay Packers 23.5 over the bye week

 This area down here is reserved for Will

I am taking the Pack to cover



Bye Week 6.5 over the Jets

Take the bye week as the Jets falter again.

 J-ROD OUT!!!

-J-Rod

NFL Week 5 “LOCK IT IN” PICKS OF THE WEEK

My week 5 "LOCK IT IN" picks of the week go out to Scott "If I had reversed all my picks last week I would have won" Smith.

NY Jets at New England (-9.5):  Yes, the NY Jets and NE Patriots have once again made it to my LOCK IT IN segment. The Jets are coming off of back to back losses. In a situation like this I would give the Jets the nod but unfortunately for them they're facing Brady and company at NE. This one should be a blow out. Take the Pats.

Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers (-7.5): As we stay in the AFC, Big Ben may get the day off due to injury but even if he does start he will be pretty banged up.  Tennessee at 3-1 could have easily been undefeated at this point of the season. Chris Johnson is coming off a big game and the fact that the Steelers gave up 155 yards to Arian Foster last week doesn't bold well for them. I like the Titans for the upset.

- J-Rod

T.I.P - Week 4

Normally this post happens after the Monday night game but with 5 tied for 1st place with 10 points (including J-Rod). Myself and another person are tied in 2nd with 9 points, some scenarios need to be stated (mainly mine).  Here we go...


Everyone in 1st place has TB to cover tonight (-9.5) vs IND, so a TB win and cover will be determine by total points for the game.


Scen 1: TB wins, covers, but its a low scoring game. J-Rod has the total points at 38, other have 35 and 37.  J-Rod is pissed.


Scen 2: TB wins, covers, but its a high scoring game. The highest point total is 38 (which isn't really high) which he has but Mike Rizzo (from the movie Grease maybe?) also has 38. J-Rod can win but will share the pot. J-Rod is pissed.


Scen 3: TB does NOT cover.  This allows the only two people in 2nd place who took IND to be tied with 1st. Yes, a 7-way tie.  I like this scenario because I would have a chance to win but the total would have to be 46 (or more), say 28-20. Da Man is elated.* J-Rod is pissed.


The likelihood is neither of us would win but this week's strong showing puts us 2 and 3 pts respectively off the overall leader (36). We'll let you know...


UPDATED:  So Scen 4 happened. TB didn't cover (yes). In the 2nd half it all of a sudden became a score-fest (yes) and final was 24-17 making the total, 41 pts (no).  Which someone had exactly.

JRADM are tied for 4th, 3 pts off leader (overall).

-DM


*this would allow Da Man to skirt payment.

Quarters

We are a quarter of the way through the NFL season, let's see what we know:

• Stick to what you know.  Over the last few seasons the Jets have been known for 2 things.  Defense and running ball.  But this season they wanted to grow from that, become a more balanced team with Sanchez leading the offense.  Which is great but be careful what you ask for.  You'll get a rookie QB 3 years in the league.  Huh??  The Jets have never allowed Mark to "lead" the team to a win (stop it Jets fans, one or two drives total in the 3 years in the league, playoffs or not, is NOT leading the team).  So they open it up for him this season and what you get is last night's result, Sanchez - 3 fumbles for 17 pts and 1 INT for a TD.  You'll have games like this more often than not, decide who you want to be...

• Speaking of "who you want to be"....  Who is that guy in Dallas?? Seriously.  You can't use overrated here (see Week 2).  You can' use underrated here (see Week 1).  He threw 3 TDs against Megatron and the Lions in the 1st half of yesterday's game.  Only to outdo himself by throwing 3 INTs in the 2nd half of that same game.  Blowing a 24 point 3rd qtr lead and losing 34-30.  Which means...

• The Detroit Lions are 4-0.  And before you say any team can start off hot.  They are 4-0 this season.  Was 4-0 in the preseason.  And won their last 4 games last season.  12-0! [Ed's note: the NFL recognizes the streak at 8-0, not counting preseason games]  The are not a "sexy" pick they are a legit pick.  The only other 4-0 team in the league sits right in their division...

• The Green Bay Packers are 4-0.  Surprise, surprise.  No not really.  The defending champs at 4-0 is nothing to sneeze at BUT......  Aaron Rodgers being the only player in NFL history to throw for 400+, 4 TDs and 2 rushing TDs in yesterdays 49-23 win over Denver IS something to sneeze at.  <bless you>

• That's a tough division.  The NFC East, right?  Wrong.  The AFC North.  With the Ravens leading at 3-1 and everyone else at 2-2.  A .500 or better division.

• The Dream Team... are still dreaming.  Let them sleep.  Shhhhhhhh.

• Cam continues to impress.  3rd in the NFL with 347 yards/g behind only Brady and Brees.  And a QB Rate of 84.5 good for 16th, ahead of Big Ben, Flacco and Sanchez.  Tied for 2nd in the NFL for TDs (4), rushing.

• Brady is still Brady.  What more is there to say?

• 3-1 and a 2 game lead...  and one of three teams undefeated on the road?  Yes, it's the 
• 49ers.  Just saying.*

-DM

*And as I now write this, we'll end up on a 5 game losing streak.  This is my team, SMH.

NFL Week 4 “LOCK IT IN” PICKS OF THE WEEK (follow up)

Here are my results for the "LOCK IT IN" picks of week 4.....



For week 4 I have two “LOCK IT IN” picks. 

Jets at Baltimore (-3.5) – As Broadway Joe said this week, if you tell your players they are great constantly…. Even after a loss they eventually start to believe it and don’t prepare as hard. Well the Jets aren’t that good to begin with so it really doesn’t matter what they believe. Take the favored Ravens on this one and LOCK IT IN!!!!!

CORRECT - As I have been saying from the start, the Jets are OVERRATED. This team never was and never will be an elite team. The only elite football team in NY wears blue and I am not talking about the Bills. The Jets are a above average team at best. Mark Sanchez maybe becoming the Tony Romo of the AFC.

NE at Oakland (+4.5) – Can you imagine being part of Raider Nation? Just last week coming off the easily predictable win over the Jets the silver and black were riding high….. right up until the point they realized that the Patriots had lost and would be coming down to Oakland the following week. It was as if a million voices cried out and were suddenly silenced (Obi-Wan). The Pats are gonna put a hurting on the Raiders this week. Look for Brady to have a huge day running up the scoreboard. Take the all mighty Patriots.

Correct: - The AFC is back to normal as the Pats have bounced back from that loss to Buffalo to reassert themselves as the conference's best team. 

Week 4's LOCK IT IN PICKS were indeed a lock. Come back later in the week for J-Rod's Week 5 LOCK IT IN PICKS of the week.


- J-Rod

Week 2 post

DM:  I was gonna post about Week 2 in the NFL but looking at the schedule, it's straight ass.  Only one game worth mentioning and thank goodness it's the sunday night game, PHI @ ATL.  SMH.