Top 5 NFL Coaches of 2011

Conventional wisdom says that Jim Harbaugh is going to win the Coach of the Year. The rookie San Francisco 49er coach is worthy, but there is a coach who didn’t have as much success this season, but deserves consideration. If I had a vote for COY – which I don’t – my vote would go to another coach who oversaw even a more incredible turnaround. Here is one guy’s top five – okay, I cheated, top six coaching rankings for the 2011 season.

5. Tom Coughlin/Bill Belichick

Both of these guys get overlooked every year, especially Belichick. It is because year in and year out their teams are solid. This year Belichick’s team overcame one of the NFL’s worst defenses, but still found a way to put together another great regular season and of course a run back to the Super Bowl. How good is ‘The Hoodie’ and his staff? For the second time they filled a glaring hole on defense by moving a wide receiver to a defensive back and got decent production out of him.

Coughlin’s Giants also had injuries to major players to deal with and partly because of that, struggled in the early part of the season. When the chips were down in the second half of 2011 Coughlin’s team was on point again. They got healthy and played great football down the stretch beating the top two seeds on the road to get back to the Super Bowl.

4.  Marvin Lewis

As the 2011 season approached, I thought the Bengals were going to be terrible. They were coming off a last place 4-12 season and they were destined to lose quarterback Carson Palmer. They replaced Palmer with rookie Andy Dalton. Historically starting a rookie quarterback in Week One is a recipe for disaster. Dalton wasn’t even a first round pick, but somehow Lewis and his staff were able to get their rookie quarterback – and receiver A.J. Green – on the same page as the rest of the offense. They were able to do it fast. They made it to the playoffs with a rookie quarterback who had to play against some of the toughest defenses in the league.

How is this for a rookie season baptism? Dalton had to face the top three defenses – yardage wise – in the league. He faced Pittsburgh (twice), Baltimore (twice) and Houston(twice including the playoffs). Believe it or not, the Cleveland Browns ranked tenth in the league and of course Dalton had to play them twice as well. Playing seven games against top ten defenses with a rookie quarterback and winning nine games with a playoff berth as well – Coach of the Year consideration in my book.

3. Gary Kubiak

Yes he had one of the league’s best rushing attacks and one of the league’s best defenses, but this is a team that had not made the playoffs in its history. Add to that the injuries the team had to overcome to not only make the playoffs, but win a playoff game is remarkable.

Kubiak and his staff had to overcome injuries to four of their top players. Arian Foster was out for much of the first half of the season. Mario Williams was out almost the entire year and Matt Schaub was lost for the season about half way through the year. Elite wide receiver Andre Johnson was limited to about half a season due to separate hamstring ailments. To make things worse they lost second string quarterback Matt Leinart in his first game replacing Schaub.

It didn’t matter. Kubiak and the Texans put together a solid first half of the season, played good enough in the second half of the season and actually won a playoff game – and almost a second – with a third string quarterback.

2. Jim Harbaugh

Most people are going to have Harbaugh at number one and with good reason. He took a franchise that had been struggling for years and in one season took them to overtime in the NFC Championship Game. He was able to take a good defense and help make it great and was the first coach to get solid, consistent play from quarterback Alex Smith. The team won seven more regular season games than the year before and although played in the league’s worst division proved many experts wrong by beating most people’s dark horse Super Bowl pick – the New Orleans Saints – at their own game, not with defense, but with offense.

1. John Fox

Fox’s Broncos were coming off a disaster of a season. They won just four games and finished last in the AFC West. This year the team made a four game improvement, won the division and a playoff game. It was a weak division and they ended with a .500 record, but the brilliance of Fox goes far beyond the numbers.

You could say the Broncos got lucky during their long string of wins in the middle of the season and you would be right, but the reason Fox should get the nod is that he did something coaches just don’t do in the NFL. His team was going nowhere so he changed his entire thought process and figured out a way to get his team winning. Fox recognized the team wasn’t going anywhere with Kyle Orton at quarterback so he made the switch to Tim Tebow. Everyone knows how the story ended, but what goes under-appreciated is Fox and his staff role in the transition.

Fox changed the entire way the team did business on the field. They went from a conventional 21st century offense to an offense out of the 1940’s in a matter of weeks. They did it on the fly without the benefit of training camp or even an off-season. Fox found a way to win seven of the last eleven games with a quarterback who had trouble completing the most elementary of NFL pass routes. I don’t think the approach they had to take this year has a chance of working long term, but for this year, with that talent, the job John Fox did makes him the runaway coach of the year for 2011.

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Best and Worst Fantasy Football Value: QB’s

Since the 2011 fantasy football season ended, you’ve had a brief period to recharge. Yet many of you already want to start planning your 2012 drafts. This column will deliver the jump start that you need to begin that process.

We will examine QBs that provided the best and worst value for their owners during the 2011 fantasy season. This will be determined by combining their final numbers, and their average draft position heading into the regular season. We’ll utilize standard scoring of six points per TD, one point per 20 passing yards, and one point per 10 rushing/receiving yards in a 12-team league.

BEST VALUE

Matthew Stafford

No player had the phrase “if he could just stay healthy” attached to his name with more frequency than Stafford entering the 2011 regular season. He had missed a whopping 19 games due to injury in his initial two seasons, which was the primary reason that he was just a seventh round draft pick, after 10 other QBs had been chosen.  But he thoroughly rewarded those who selected him, by remaining in Detroit’s lineup for all 16 games, and leading the NFL with 663 passing attempts. He was one of just three signal callers to exceed 5,000 passing yards (5,038), which surpassed the totals of Aaron Rodgers and Philip Rivers. He also finished third with 41 TD passes. The fact that Calvin Johnson is his primary option remains an enormous plus, and he should be one of the first five QBs selected in 2012.

Eli Manning

Eli’s career averages of 3,335 yards, 22 TDs, and 16 Ints in seven seasons were respectable enough, but not necessarily exceptional. Which is why fantasy owners made him a seventh round selection, and chose him 13^th among all QBs. However, he became a very sound investment by delivering his best season statistically. First, by establishing a new career high in passing yardage, by narrowly missing 5,000 yards. and finishing fourth among all QB in with 4,933. He also was sixth with 29 TDs, and only tossed 16 Ints, which was a sizable improvement from the 25 that he surrendered in 2010. He has surpassed 4,000 passing yards in three consecutive years, and possesses dynamic weapons at WR, that will help him exceed that number again next season.

Cam Newton

There were concerns about his accuracy. His pocket presence.  Plus, his ability to move through progressions. And that doesn’t even include the “character issues” that were part of the prevailing concerns surrounding Newton before the season began. As a result, he was just an 11^th round selection, as 26 signal callers were chosen before him. Including Kevin Kolb, and Matt Cassel. To say that he proved all doubters wrong would be a massive understatement. He threw for over 4,000 yards (4,051) which ranked him 10^th overall, and he also finished 11th with 21 TD passes. He led all QBs with 706 rushing yards, which also placed him 26^th overall. Probably his most impressive number would be his 14 rushing TDs, which were the NFL’s second highest, trailing only LeSean McCoy. He should be one of the top five QBs selected next summer. Simple as that.

Andy Dalton

He was chosen 25^th among all QBs, as fellow rookies Christian Ponder, Blaine Gabbert, and Jake Locker were on the list of signal callers who were drafted ahead of him. But he ascended beyond them with his production, while starting all 16 regular season contests, and leading the Bengals to the post-season. Dalton finished 13^th with 20 TD passes, and 16^th with 3,398 yards. He also completed 58% of his passes, while averaging 6.6 YPA. Dalton has the luxury of utilizing A.J. Green as his primary target, and you should see improvement in his numbers and his draft position next season.

Tim Tebow

You may be among those who have passed the point of overload regarding Tebow discussions. But for our purposes, he should be recognized as a productive fantasy QB, whose numbers far exceeded those of a 15^th round draft choice. Yes, his 45.6 completion % is a concern. And 2,180 passing yards, with 12 TDs and six Ints do not compare favorably with the numbers of the NFL’s elite passers. But in 11 starts, Tebow averaged 47.1 YPG as a rusher, ran for at least 50 yards seven times, and exceeded 60 in five contests. His 660 yards placed him 28^th overall for the year, and third among QBs. Plus, six of his rushes resulted in TDs. Let others debate the degree of his skill level, and simply focus on this: if he is allowed the opportunity to start for the Broncos, he will be a steady point producer for your teams.

WORST VALUE

Michael Vick

His amazing renaissance season of 2010 season included a surplus of impressive numbers that were assembled in just 12 games. He passed for over 3,000 yards (3,018) and a career high 21 TDs while throwing just six Ints. Plus, he ran for nine additional scores, while helping many owners to fantasy championships. As a result, he was the second QB selected in the majority of drafts, with a 9.5 ADP. But he failed to replicate those numbers in 2011, as he threw for fewer TDs (18) in 13 contests, while his Ints increased substantially (14).  Worse, he managed just one rushing TD. His output was a massive disappointment for those who invested their critical first round pick on the 11th-year signal caller, and he should slide to the third round of your next drafts.

Josh Freeman

Fantasy owners were sufficiently impressed with Freeman’s 2010 numbers – 25 TDs, 3,451 yards, and just six Ints, to invest in the hope of continual improvement during 2011. He became the 12^th signal caller selected, ahead of Eli Manning, and Cam Newton among others. While he finished 13^th in passing yardage with 3,592, he was just 18th in TD passes, as his total plummeted to 16. And his Ints increased astronomically to 22, which was the NFL’s second highest total. He would benefit greatly by an infusion of talent at WR, but even if that occurs, you should proceed with caution on draft day.       

Kevin Kolb

The Cardinals were convinced that Kolb would thrive in their offensive system, and rewarded him with a $65 million contract. A reasonable percentage of analysts concurred that he would be highly productive, since he was joining an Arizona offense that was conducive to his skills. Plus, he would possess an elite target in (then) four–time Pro Bowler Larry Fitzgerald. Fantasy owners subsequently chose Kolb 16^th among all QBs, in hopes that he would achieve the 20+ TD season that some were projecting. Instead, he was alarmingly ineffective while in the lineup, generating just 1,955 yards, nine TDs, and eight Ints. Toe, foot, and concussion issues also reduced his season to nine games, and he was outperformed by John Skelton. After two consecutive seasons of optimistic forecasts, followed only by an enormous letdown, Kolb should not be among your draft options in 2012.

Sam Bradford

After a commendable rookie season in which he passed for 3,512 yards, and 18 TDs, while connecting on 60% of his passes, many owners believed that he had ascended into a tier that also comprised Eli, Matt Ryan, Matt Schaub, Ben Roethlisberger, and Joe Flacco. Some of them exercised patience, then utilized a seventh round pick to select him, with hopes that he would deliver highly productive numbers. But the 14^th QB selected was a victim of numerous shortcomings that engulfed the Rams, and finished just 27^th with 2,164 passing yards. He also generated only six TDs, while tossing six Ints. Unfortunately, the only category in which he was among the league leaders was in sacks, where he tied for sixth with 36 despite being in the lineup for only 10 games. His numbers should improve next season, although expectations should remain tempered.

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The Tim Tebow Saga: The Final Word

Much like any other professional athlete that can’t get enough of him or herself, Tim Tebow doesn’t shy away from attention. Much like many of his prima-donna predecessors, he thrusts himself right smack dab in the middle of the spotlight as often as he can. But in Mr. Tebow’s defense, can we really blame him for it? I mean after all, the guy is young, rich, in awesome shape and plays professional football for a living. That resume alone seems to warrant a sense of cockiness and supreme swagger status. Though humility should never be abandoned, some swagger is a must for an NFL quarterback (see “Broadway” Joe Namath), so I guess Timmy gets a pass on that one.

And then there’s the undeniable fact that the guy has consistently found ways to help his team win games. Although he often accomplishes this with dismal statistical outputs, he’s spearheaded his team to enough victories this season that one can no longer deny his ability to “get the job done”, regardless of how pretty it may or may not be. Winning is winning and Tim Tebow seems to have figured out a way to do just that.

But with all that being said, we’re still talking about the same old things that have been discussed a thousand times over throughout previous weeks. In fact, you’re probably saying to yourself right now, “okay, let’s get on with it.” Point taken kind sir (or ma’am), you want to get down to business. Okay, let’s get down to it.

If a person of extreme religious faith (that you don’t know) shows up at your front door and wants to talk about religion, do you greet them with open arms and proceed to have a lengthy discussion with them, or do you respectfully decline and send them on their merry way? Or what about politics; do you stop and talk to protesters on the street that you may or may not agree with? Studies show most of us choose to decline on these random conversations. Not to say that we don’t enjoy a good talk from time to time, but quite simply, it makes most people uncomfortable to openly discuss these controversial topics, especially with complete strangers. So then the question poses itself: when Tim Tebow wants to talk about his faith, does it make you (even for a second) wish that he wouldn’t? It’s not like we have a choice either way. He’s going to say whatever he wants whether we like it or not, but if we did have the choice, would we keep our doors open for him, or would we send him on his proverbial “merry way?”

It is what it is. The guy is religious, and that’s fine. This isn’t about keeping someone from believing what they want to believe, or saying what they want to say, this is about tact. This is about the media and how they are exploiting Tim Tebow. This is about a mere ‘interesting story’ being blown way out of proportion and becoming “thee” story in the league this year. Now I encourage you to (if you can) think about this as an outsider, completely unbiased either way. Let’s imagine that Tim Tebow wasn’t a religious person and never brought it up in press conferences or post-game interviews, and “Tebowing” never existed, what would we have on our hands? We would have a very average quarterback that has accomplished some unexpected things to help his team win some games this year. He’s a surprise success and that’s where it ends. So the obvious question then poses itself: what’s so incredible about that? Why all the hype surrounding this guy?

Plenty of surprise-success stories have been witnessed and reported on in the history of professional sports, yet you would be hard pressed to find a more intriguing and widely-talked about media feeding frenzy other than the Tim Tebow story. Why is that? What has he done that is so different than any other unexpected overachiever in the history of the league? Tom Brady was drafted in the sixth round of the 2000 draft as the 199th pick, and look at what he’s done. Brady is a lock for the NFL Hall of Fame, he’s a perennial Pro-Bowler and two time Super Bowl MVP, yet his story didn’t receive as much attention as the infamous Tim Tebow saga. Why not?

Don’t get me wrong, any man that suits up to play this game against some of the most gifted athletes in the world, earns a ton of respect right off the top. Then if you throw in the fact that he’s a proven winner, the respect-o-meter climbs even higher. If my favorite team started a quarterback that completed less than 50% of his passes and boasted a modest 75.1 quarterback rating, yet continued to help my team win games, I would most likely have nothing but praise for him. I wouldn’t care in the slightest what his stats were, a win is a win. But that’s not the point. The point is, all anyone can ever talk about anymore is Tim Tebow, and I for one would like an explanation as to why exactly that is. If we can agree on the fact that it’s not his in-game stats, or the unexpected nature of his success that’s garnished him with so much attention, then I challenge you to find the reason and report back with some enlightenment for those of us still wondering “why.”

If your argument is his optimism, positivity and desire to win, be prepared to defend the counter-argument that players like Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Matt Hasselbeck and Phillip Rivers already embody these same traits. Any football fan knows, this league is known for its notoriously classy players that never cease to amaze us with their selfless attitudes and uncompromising integrity, as well as the shamelessly un-classy players that can under no circumstances seem to keep their feet out their mouths. And in considering and acknowledging the role of the media, of course they’re going to capitalize on a juicy story, whether it be rooted in class or in shame. In all actuality, the shameful ones seem to be the juicier of the two, so it makes perfect sense that any news is good news for them. But when a player is constantly making headlines for doing things that countless players have done before him (and done better mind you) one can only wonder what the heck is going on.

This leads me to my next point of contention. Aaron Rodgers has his “belt donning” touchdown celebration. Clay Matthews has his “beastly” arm spreading, post-tackle taunt. Deion Sanders had his “Prime Time Shuffle” dance. You name it, these players do it. Now it’s “Tebowing” that’s taken us by storm. It’s the next big thing. Much like these other “moves”, this is Tim’s way of separating himself from everyone else in the league. It establishes a signature identity for him among the 1000+ players in the game, and allows him to conveniently throw in his thanks to the man upstairs at the same time. Seems harmless enough right? A little touchdown, a little prayer…..everyone wins. Well that depends on how you choose to see it.

Praying does a lot of good for a lot of people. There’s no question about that. But is such a sacred ritual, one meant to strengthen the bond between man and God, really supposed to have attained such a tasteless man-made label like “Tebowing?” I mean after all, we’re talking about praying, not a silly touchdown dance. For “Tebowing” to have caught on as a popular “move”, is not only exploiting something that has no business being classified as such, it borderlines on substantially offensive to many people on many different levels.

From now on, when Tebow “Tebows”, I encourage you to call it praying and not buy into this whole “Tebowing” movement. Praying is exactly what he’s doing, and not Tim Tebow or anyone else for that matter has the right to use something so personal for popularity’s sake. Whether or not this was Mr. Tebow’s goal, that’s what it’s turned into nonetheless. Perhaps the media, not Tebow himself is responsible for the “signature move”/prayer connection, but nevertheless, it’s a bad idea to keep it going for any longer than it has to.

You want to be popular Tim? Use your God-given physical abilities to win more games for your football team. You want to go down as a legitimate quarterback in this league? Lead your Broncos back to the playoffs again next year. You want to rub your doubters in the right way? Come out publicly and request that people stop making such a big deal about your praying. And while you’re at it, tell them to stop calling it “Tebowing.” This may or may not be your fault, but regardless, you allow it to happen. Until you make it right, you’re going to continue to have just as many haters as you do avid followers. I don’t make the rules, I just live in a world governed by sports writers that do.

The media is very good at making something out of nothing. It’s just what they do. Without their prowess and tenacity toward creating headlines, Gridiron Experts probably wouldn’t have our website and ESPN may never have existed. I get it, we need the media. But when it comes down to it, we as people are all individually responsible for the things that we do or do not say. We’re all responsible for the things we choose to, or choose not to believe. We all form opinions. Sometimes it’s with the help of friends, sometimes it’s upon reading a convincing article written by an obviously talented writer, or sometimes it’s through our own research of a certain topic. Either way, we are all opinionated people and are all capable of believing anything we want to. We’re all guilty of the occasional “harsh judgment” just as we are of going “too easy” on someone. Whether you believe this to be a harsh judgment of our friend Mr. Tebow, or if you’re on the opposite end of the spectrum, it’s certainly your right as a human being to feel however you wish. But let’s keep one thing in mind, it’s probably not his fault that such a spectacle has been made about him, so let’s try and take it easy when we judge him.

The media’s contributions to this story have definitely influenced the overall composition of the script, that’s a given. Without the media, who knows what the Tebow story would even resemble. Yes, Tebow has written some of it for himself with his improbable victories, his 4th quarter comebacks and his positive attitude. But before we go and hand him the league MVP and man of the year awards, let’s see if he can continue to handle the pressure that being the talk of the league brings with it, as well as perform at a Pro-Bowl level. And let’s see if he can do all this with the understanding that a separation of church and touchdown dances is in order. If he can do all this, maybe then he’ll win over those that haven’t hopped on the Tebow train quite yet. Until then, he’ll remain questionable as a member of the “well liked athlete club” in the eyes of those doubters. Which side of the tracks are you on?

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“It’s Not Tebow Time”

Alright, so I dropped the ball on this article, I’ll admit it right off the bat. I said I would take it at the beginning of the week and then got busy writing a couple other pieces, including 10 Amazing NFL Draft Steals, Starting in the Playoffs and Talent vs. Playoff Experience which is 1.) me thinking way too much about the NFL draft too early and 2.) an article (possibly too deep) about the hype the media puts around Playoff Experience. Either way I’m sorry as this article is going to take a weird spin, but hey… it’s Friday, let the weekend begin!

By the way, If you do want to read some amazing in-depth NFL previews I suggest checking out any of the other Gridiron Experts articles that Jody, Brian, and Chris wrote. Killer content that I think any football fan would love.

My preview of the game that Las Vegas sports bookies and many people in the Boston area see as a complete joke between the Denver Broncos and the (wicked-bad) New England Patriots is quite simple.

And it has nothing to do with Tim Tebow.

While the media world can’t get enough of Tim Tebow, I believe this match-up has far from anything to do with him. That’s either the most stupid or brilliant thing I’ve ever said. Clearly the game was won from his big play throw in overtime that shocked the football nation and allowed this match-up to even take place.

But hear me out…

The Broncos proved that they can score points. They did it last week against one of the tougher defenses in the league. Pittsburgh, despite being on the road, has always given opponents trouble especially in the dying seconds of the game. So if a team that has a running back for a quarterback can throw the ball and move the chains against one of the better defenses in the league, the Patriots should be easy to score on.

Remember these teams played each other earlier in the year, and if there weren’t 3 turnovers in the second half the score would have looked completely different. Back in week 15, and after SNL spoofed their winning streak with a Jesus taking credit skit, the Broncos skipped the usual slow start followed by a fantastic finish and scored on their first three possessions to start the game. It was only over after they were done in by a trio of turnovers in the final 8 and half minutes of the second quarter.

Tim Tebow had 93 rushing yards with 2 touchdowns.

But I’m getting away from my original point. It’s clear that the Broncos know how to move the ball, even if it’s an unorthodox style.

What I think Denver will need to do throughout this game is figure out how to stop Tom Brady. Stopping Brady and his explosive offense is the true key to this game. The Patriots defense is average at best, so Tebow just has to keep up with everything that he has been doing to score points. But a shoot-out and this game gets ugly.

As much as I want to pick Denver in this contest I believe that the true strategy is just keeping Brady from blowing this game wide open, a close game into the 4th quarter and the Broncos have a shot.

Pat’s 24-20

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10 Amazing NFL Draft Steals, Starting in the Playoffs

In a perfect world every team’s top NFL Draft picks would get ten out out ten grades and be leaders in the playoffs for years to come. But everyone knows quality talent can slip through the cracks to the second or third day at the NFL draft. While sometimes a player is the product of the right system, late round gem’s do pass by teams in need, while the hype of first round talent is statistically never as great in hindsight. The best scouts do get their guy, some chalking it up to great scouting, others to luck, with costly busts not talked about around the local area.

The following is a look at players that are not only starters in this year’s NFL playoff run, but are difference makers for their respected teams.

10. QB T.J Yates- Texans
5th round selection (152nd overall) of the 2011 Draft

Yates did not exactly earn his way into a starting role, more like he earned the right to keep it from a default of options. Injuries to Quarterback’s Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart opened the door for the underrated play of 5th round draft pick T.J Yates from North Carolina.

Some may argue that Yates is this years “Rex Grossman” or “Trent Dilfer” of the playoffs, a manage the game-QB, yet I tend to disagree. Already added to the record books for the first QB to win a Texans Playoff game, T.J Yates is gaining the confidence from the team and fans with every passing down. He is looking better than expected and in my opinion has great prowess and determination, something that is needed to become a leader at the QB position.

Things will be interesting next year once Schuab becomes the starter again, with a lack of NFL talent at the QB position around the league, a phone call or two could be made in acquiring this new fan favorite Texan.

9. DE Justin Tuck- Giants
3rd round selection (74th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft

The Giants have a nose for finding excellent pass rushers and Justin Tuck might have been one of their better late round picks. The 2005 draft class overall grade for defensive ends wasn’t projected to be anything special, still names like Marcus Spears, Luis Castillo and Shaun Cody did all get extra attention early on. The Giants were patient and stole Tuck in the 3rd round. For the last 7 years Tuck has been a wrecking havoc on QB’s as he has cracked the double digit sack total 3 times (10,12,12) and been a vocal leader amongst his team

8. RB Frank Gore- 49er’s
3rd round selection (65th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft

I tried to find a player from each team in the 2011-12 playoffs, and sadly could only pull Frank Gore out of the bag for San Fran. The 49er’s are currently a team made up of 1st round talent and don’t seem to make the most out of the middle to late rounds. Still, Frank Gore is definitely a sleeper gem that 49er fans can be happy with, he is no doubt deserving of being on this list.

Frank Gore has been able to reach the 1000 yard mark in all but two of his 7 NFL seasons. This Sunday’s post-season game is a first for Frank Gore, along with many 49er’s as the team hasn’t made the playoffs since 02

7. DE Elvis Dumervil- Broncos
4th round selection (126th overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft

At 5 feet 11 inches tall many NFL scouts had their doubts about this 2006 4th round pick defensive end. Yet after an amazing 07-08 season with 12 sacks and a interception, Elvis Dumervil was thought as the one of leagues best steals of the ’06 draft. In 2009 defensive coordinator Mike Nolan moved Dumervil to outside linebacker in his 3-4 defensive scheme, but keeping him as a defensive end on 4-3 passing down situations. The result was Dumervil leading the league in sacks with 17.

6. TE Jimmy Graham- Saints
3rd round selection (95th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft

Someone somewhere needs to make a movie about this guy, Jimmy Graham is a great NFL story. Not only is Graham a lethal redzone threat he looks to take over the fantasy world for years to come.

Check out a great read by very own Ahmed Helmy called: Jimmy Graham: Fantasy Man-Crush

5. RB James Starks- Packers
6th round selection (193rd overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft

Starks found himself the lead RB playoff starter for the Packers Super Bowl run last season. His solid performance and above average stat’s has lead him to a split RB starting roll for this 2011 season. Starks was a massive steal in the 6th round of the 2010 draft, a player that some believe was a lifesaver at many points throughout the Packers dominance over the past 2 years. Definitely a diamond in the rough find

4. DE Brett Keisel- Steelers
7th round selection (242nd overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft

The Steelers were eliminated from the playoffs in an upset Wildcard weekend, but that won’t stop me from adding one of the greatest all-time steals in NFL draft history. Brett Keisel was taken in the 7th round of the 2002 NFL draft and has made the Steelers what they are today. Keisel has been an anchor for the Steelers defensive line and compiled 200 tackles over the last 10 years

3. RB Ahmad Bradshaw- Giants
7th round selection (250th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft

A Tiki Barber replacement that seems to get better with every year. Bradshaw has been practicing just once per week since returning from his foot injury in Week 13, yet his value to the team is unspeakable. Bradshaw and Jacobs work so much better when they are both healthy and active. One of the reasons why the Giants don’t want to let this RB go. As a pure value pick 250th overall Ahmad Bradshaw makes the NFL Draft Steal list for playoff teams in 2012.

2. WR Marques Colston- Saints
7th round selection (252nd overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft

How in the hell did 31 teams pass on this guy? Was their zero scouting done for Hofstra. Back in 2006, following the trade of wide receiver Donte Stallworth, Colston was inserted into the starting lineup for week 1 of the season. He becoame one of the few seventh round picks to ever to start week 1 for their team and has never looked back.

1. QB Tom Brady- Patriots
6th round selection (199th overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft

Of course it’s Tom Brady! who else could be added to a list of amazing NFL draft steals. The New England Patriots made the unusual decision to carry four quarterbacks on the roster back in 2000. Brady started the season as the fourth string quarterback, behind starter Drew Bledsoe and backups John Friesz and Michael Bishop; by the end of the season, Brady was number two on the depth chart behind Bledsoe. During his rookie season, he was 1-of-3 passing, for six yards.

Tom Brady holds numerous regular season and postseason records, including: most touchdown passes in a regular season (50); most consecutive regular-season home wins (31); highest winning percentage of any quarterback during his first 100 starts (76 wins); most completions in one Super Bowl (32); and the list goes on for days.

Brady is the fourth-fastest player to reach 200 career passing touchdowns (116 games) and he is the first quarterback in NFL history to have reached this mark with fewer than 100 career interceptions (88 interceptions)

Without a doubt Tom Brady was the greatest NFL Draft steal of all time.

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 NFL Playoff Picks: Divisional Round

The point spread for this up coming NFL playoff weekend is massive, and something I want nothing to do with. Either the oddsmakers are using the same computer that brought us a terrible BCS championship game or someone has been drinking the kool aid. Clearly the Tebow magic can keep things closer than 14 points and as the Texans and Giants a few of our pick’em experts think they make for decent upset picks on the road.

Kevin Roberts was the top pick’em expert last week going 4-0

NFL Playoff Picks

Overall

NFL Playoff Picks: Divisional Round Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

Playoff experience means more to some, than it does to others.

The concept of the idea, that one could be more seasoned in a playoff game is true to a certain degree. That notion of learning from your mistakes or a sense of higher confidence is completely understandable. Yet, when does pure adrenaline or team talent step in as an over powering factor. One play, one kick does require playoff experience, you need to be composed in order to execute, but that isn’t the only requirement.

Last week we saw a few big plays from playoff rookies and miscues even meltdowns from those who were suppose to have been around long enough to know what it takes to win.

Rookie J.J Watt single handily flip the momentum of a first year playoff team with one play. One impressive leap that lead to a interception and a defensive score changed the whole vibe of a playoff game. The Texans seem to take control of their first ever playoff appearance after their first round pick J.J Watt, added seven points to the scoreboard right before halftime.

Tim Tebow clearly had similar accomplishments in wildcard weekend, although I’ll save you the recap from a game that has been no doubt discussed to death in great detail. Still, when tested by what many had thought was a superior defense, he…or should I say the team prevailed.

Matty Ice may need to change his nice-name soon. Playoffs for the Falcons have gotten worse with every passing year. With intentions of reloading the firepower in the off-season for a big playoff run, Atlanta was completely outmatched and out-coached by the New York Giants in a embarrassing post season game.

This weekend the odds-makers have set the bar quite high. Home-field advantage is always one of the biggest overpowering factors yet many believe playoff experience is why this weekends favorites are predicted to have the biggest advantage. Tom Brady and the sub-par Patriots defense host the Denver Broncos as 14 point favorites. I for one can’t bring myself to pick against a team that has won the big dance 3 times in the last 10 years, but aside from the fact that Tebow and company are on the road, I feel they match-up quite well against the Pat’s. The Broncos are fueled by team adrenaline little expectations and have elements on both sides of the ball that could make them dangerous.

The same could be said about the Texans and 49er’s this weekend. Both teams have strong running games and explosive defense’s as they head into playoff contests as underdogs. The 49er’s are 4 point dogs in their own house, something I for one think will be used as a motivational tool this week in the locker room. The G-MEN won in Labeau in the playoffs as underdogs just 4 years ago. Same coach, same QB, in fact many of the same players across the board, yet the NFC East sleepers are 9 point underdogs to the Packers.

I think the point I’m trying to make is: “Any Given Sunday”

Brady, Rodgers, Bree’s all have the experience to win at any given moment. But football is a team sport and it takes execution on all levels to pull out a win. I expect at least one upset this weekend, it fact I’m hoping for at least one.

Image: Sports Chrome

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Who: Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos

What: AFC Wildcard

When: Sunday January 8th, 4:30 p.m. Eastern (televised on CBS)

Line: Pittsburgh by 8, over/under 33.5

Perhaps the most surprising and intriguing match-up in the 2011 NFL playoffs is this AFC Wildcard battle between the 11-5  Pittsburgh Steelers and the upstart, AFC West champion Denver Broncos.

Most pontificators expected the Steelers to be here. They are the defending AFC champions and have a rich and storied history of successfully reaching the post-season and winning once there.

It’s the Broncos that are the big surprise here. Heading into the season, few expected anything from a 4-12 club that had a brand new head coach. But led by a rising, young defense and momentum-swinging quarterback change, Denver won seven of eight games to charge to the top of the AFC West standings

This Wildcard contest will feature the NFL’s top ranked rushing attack (Denver) battling against the league’s number one overall defense (Pittsburgh). It will almost certainly be a low scoring, defensive struggle.

The Steelers finished 10th in the league in passing offense and were the final club to eclipse the 4000 passing yards mark. QB Ben Roethlisberger finished the season with 4077 yards, with 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Though still shy of 30 years old, Big Ben is gunning for his third Superbowl appearance.

Adding to Pittsburgh’s reliance on the pass was the season-ending ACL injury to RB Rashard Mendenhall is last week’s season finale. Mendenhall was the team’s leading rusher (928) and will be replaced by a duo consisting of Issac Redman and John Clay. Neither of these back’s will play a huge role in the passing game.

Pittsburgh’s group of outstanding receivers will be a difficult task for Broncos CB Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman. Leading wide-out Mike Wallace is one of the fastest players in the NFL and the top deep threat. Don’t sleep on Antonio Brown, who finished 2011 with 1108 receiving yards. Hines Ward and Emmanuel Sanders will act as secondary targets. Tight End Heath Miller actually finished third on the club in catches (51).

One thing that is a throwback to the great Steel Curtain days of the past is Pittsburgh’s dominant defense. Expected to begin to slip with age, the 2011 Steelers D instead rose to the occasion to top the NFL. They completely shut down opposing passing games, and finished sixth against the run.

The will be troublesome for a Broncos team that has had real issues passing the ball, and instead relies on a zone-read, option offense. Look for the Steelers to place little emphasis on the secondary and crowed the line of scrimmage with seven or eight defenders.

The Broncos run a college-style zone-read offense that is catered to fit the style of Tim Tebow. Though Tebow has a capable arm, he’s been wildly inaccurate. Denver’s offense is at it’s peak when Tebow keeps the ball on the ground and splits carries between himself RB Willis McGahee and RB Lance Ball.

Even if Pittsburgh is successful at shutting down the Broncos rushing attack, Denver is not built to come from behind, or rely on an aerial attack. WR Erick Decker, Eddie Royal and Demaryius Thomas will find the going tough against Pittsburgh’s top ranked pass defense. Tight End Daniel Fells is strictly there for his blocking ability and will play little role in the offense.

One area that the Broncos can give any team fits is on the defensive side of the ball. Head coach John Fox‘s 3-4 defense is led by an outstanding group of linebackers. Elvis Dumervil (9.5 sacks), D.J Williams (5.0) and likely defensive rookie of the year Von Miller (11.5) will likely shut down the Steelers second and third team rushers and attack with constant pressure.

Denver’s secondary is led by veteran CB Champ Bailey, who will have the unenviable task of trying to contain Mike Wallace. RCB Andre Goodman is frequently picked on as the opposition tries to avoid Bailey. With an injury to SS Brian Dawkins, the Broncos could have two rookies in the secondary with FS Quinton Carter and Rahim Moore. 

Momentum: Clearly favors the Steelers. Denver limped into the playoffs with three straight defeats and just when it looked like the passing attack was starting to improve, faded while turnovers mounted

Injuries: Pittsburgh could be without C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle), who is questionable. RB Mewelde Moore (knee) and CB Cortez Allen (shoulder) are out.

The Broncos secondary is in trouble with veteran SS Brian Dawkins (neck) already out and S David Bruton (heel) and CB Jonathan Wilhite questionable.

Prediction: The Steelers are deservedly heavy favorites, but this Broncos squad has managed to over-achieve all season. Behind a boisterous crowd at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, if Tim Tebow and the offense can establish an early running game and win the turnover battle, they will keep this game close. If it comes down to a late field goal opportunity, you have to love Matt Prater in the thin air.

NFL Playoff Preview: Steelers at Broncos Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

NFL Playoff Preview:

Who’s Got Enough to Win the Super Bowl? 

It’s time to break down the NFL playoff teams and discuss what will be their route toward victory or what will ultimately be their downfall. Some might seem obvious, others maybe not so much, but here is NFL Playoff Rundown to each team that could make a run toward the Lombardi trophy.

AFC

New England

• They win because . . . Tom Brady stays healthy and the passing game stays as lethal as it has been for the entire season. No team – maybe in the history of the league – utilizes the tight end better than the Patriots have this season and you still have Wes Welker to worry about.

• They lose because . . . The defense stinks. True they have not given up as many points as some other teams, but offenses have gone up and down the field on them all season. If they get into a game where Brady and company are slowed down even a little, they could be in for a short playoff run.

Baltimore

• They win because . . . They are allowed to play Ravens football. Although the defense doesn’t get the headlines of a few years ago, it is still pretty good. Like third in the league good. That Ray Rice guy is pretty good too. They have tried to even things out the last few years, but this team is still built on defense and running the ball. They are allowed to do that, they win.

• They lose because . . . They have to play out of character. If they have to play from behind or if they turn the ball over they will have to put the game on Joe Flacco’s shoulders. Flacco has gotten better every year, but the Ravens lose when Rice is not the most effective offensive player on the Ravens. Take the running game out of the offense and the Ravens fall.

Houston

• They win because . . . They play like the Ravens. They play great defense and pound with the running game. The Texans have the best one two running back duo in the league and a defense that ranks second in the league in yards allowed.

• They lose because . . . They get poor quarterback play. Week 17 Yates was hurt early, nothing serious, but enough to force the Texans to insert Jake Delhomme into the game. Either it’ll be lack of experience from Yates or lack of ability from Delhomme, one way or another this team has a weak link.

Denver

• They win because . . . They play outstanding defense and the opponent’s offense doesn’t show up. If they have great games running the ball, and the defense plays like it has most of the season, they’ll have a chance.

• They lose because . . . Not to state the obvious, but because of the caliber of quarterback. Tim Tebow has been a great story and John Fox should win Coach of the Year for how he was able to get this team to the playoffs, but this offense can’t score enough points to succeed in the playoffs.

Pittsburgh

• They win because . . . Their defense dominates the way it can and Big Ben is healthy enough to be effective. They have been solid throwing the ball all season.

• They lose because . . . They can’t stay healthy on offense. The running game is going to take a step back with the loss of Rashard Mendenhall. The passing game could be fragile as well with as beat up Roethlisberger has been – one big hit and the offense is crippled.

Cincinnati

• They win because . . . I hate to sound like a broken record, but they win if their defense can keep them in the game. The Bengal defense has played well all year. If they can keep them in the game and allow the offense to run the ball and take some pressure off rookie Andy Dalton, they can advance.

• They lose because . . . They fall behind or turn the ball over. As much praise as Dalton and fellow rookie A.J. Green have deservedly received this year, the fact is outside of Denver they have the least effective offense in the AFC field. This offense is not ready to consistently comeback against top teams.

NFC

Green Bay

• They win because . . . The offense keeps humming right along. For my money Aaron Rodgers has had the best season of any quarterback this year. Most years that would be a no brainer, but a couple other guys have had ridiculous years too. That being said the Packers offense has been slowed down once this whole year, I don’t see it happening a second time.

• They lose because . . . Before the Lions’ game I was going to say if Rodgers goes down, but Matt Flynn made me put that logic to bed. The real reason the Pack lose is the defense. There has been many games that have proved that there are holes against explosive offensive opponents.

San Francisco

• They win because . . . The defense continues to dominate and Alex Smith continues to play within himself. Smith has made great strides this year, but if he tries to do too much, or if the defense slips up just a little, the offenses in this field will kill you.

• They lose because . . . The offense can’t control the clock with the running game and the defense is not dominating. A team like the 49ers needs to play solid in all phases. Even a sub-par special teams game will doom the team by the Bay.

New Orleans

• They win because . . . Not to state the obvious, but they simply out score you. If Drew Brees is allowed to pick apart even a top defense he will. They have shown this season that they have no remorse and will pound you into submission if you can’t stop them.

• They lose because . . . The offense can’t keep up its pace. Weather could be a big factor for the Saints. They will have to go into possibly windy San Francisco and then potentially cold and snowy Green Bay. If they can deal with the elements, The Saints could end up in the Super Bowl.

New York

• They win because . . . Eli Manning continues to play at a high level. The defense has played well for stretches this season. The running game has had its moments, but the whole team has been inconsistent this year. The one steadying factor has been Manning.

• They lose because . . . The defense can’t do enough to keep them in the game. Manning has brought his team back in the fourth quarter a lot this year, but that won’t last long in the playoffs, especially on the road where they will have to play the majority of their games.

Atlanta

• They win because . . . They realize they need to rely on Matt Ryan and the passing game to support, not supersede Michael Turner and the running game. While improved, the passing game can’t keep up with the other offenses in this field. The Falcon defense certainly can’t.

• They lose because . . . They can’t keep the scoreboard under control. They might not have the offense to win a shoot out against the Giants, much less the Saints or Packers. They fall behind and are forced to abandon the running game, they are in trouble.

Detroit

• They win because . . . Their young stars play like it’s a regular season game with the pressure of winning it all. If Matthew Stafford, Ndamukong Suh and the rest of the young Lions stay poised, they have the talent to win a few games in the playoffs.

• They lose because . . . They show their immaturity. This team is not beyond shooting itself in the foot with stupid penalties. They are a quickly rising team in the NFC, but they are a few pieces away if they don’t control themselves. If they eliminate the stupid penalties they have the talent to hang with anyone in this field.

NFL Playoff Rundown: Who Win’s It All, and Why? Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born