Belichick’s Football Life a Half-Told Stor

Most call Bill Belichick a genius, the best football mind since Vince Lombardi. Others say his success owes entirely to Bill Parcells' mentoring or Tom Brady's right arm. New Englanders acclaim him as the rock upon which the Patriots built the NFL's winningest, most celebrated team of the first decade of the 21st Century. New Yorkers and the Arlen Specters of the world whose assessment of integrity is blurred by the many layers of envy in which they're wrapped call him a cheater, as if seven minutes of tape can denigrate a 37-year career any more than a hangnail can malform Gisele Bundchen's physique.
Like him or hate him, Bill Belichick could give a damn. He is the most polarizing coach in all of sports, and his electrolytes are the seemingly impenetrable veil with which he cloaks both his professional and personal life. So it came as a stunner to most of the football world when the NFL Network announced its two-part special, Bill Belichick: A Football Life, this summer. The first part aired last Thursday night; the second, this Thursday.
The premise is not new: mike up a coach and follow him everywhere for a while. Even in New England, it's not a first. The Boston Globe's Michael Holley had a backstage pass during 2002 and 2003 for his best-seller, Patriot Reign (Harper-Collins, 2004), but little else has come out of Foxborough since. Often, it's a chess match in the Patriots' media center, and information and its suppression are the queen pieces. Even as A Football Life was queued up for airing, Albert Breer was being verbally Heismanned by an elusive Belichick in the bowels of Gillette. So why did he even agree to do this segment in the first place?
It could be the product of a woman's influence. Girlfriend Linda Holliday is fond of the spotlight and would love to pull Belichick into it, not to mention leveraging her beau's project into more national exposure for herself in the process. Or it could be that Belichick has come to terms with his own mortality and now looks to preserve his legacy. Few others have as deep a reverence for their own roots and those of the game they love. This reverence came to life in a touching scene last Thursday when an emotional Belichick took a final walk through Giants Stadium and reminisced about the organization and coaching staff with whom he won his first two rings. Allowing NFL Network to follow him through the 2009 season is his way of giving back to the game, of keeping his story in the family.
If you don't follow the Patriots, 2009 provided compelling drama. It featured the controversial Richard Seymour trade, the infamous 4th-and-2 call in Indianapolis, Drew Brees' perfect game against Belichick's torched secondary, players coming late for practice, and — oh, yeah — Ray Rice scampering 83 yards down the left sideline on the first play from scrimmage in their only postseason game. I was in the crowd for that one, and on the cold winter nights that followed, whenever I closed my eyes Rice's legs were still taking long unabated strides deep into the Patriots' secondary. Even a pillow across my face couldn't make him stop.
The first installment began with Belichick on his boat just before the opening of training camp and ran through New England's bye week, but it didn't offer much insight into the Seymour trade. The draft pick the Patriots got in return ended up being 6'8”, 319-pound offensive lineman Nate Solder who has fared well enough so far, but in a season where Belichick has already cut four early-round draft picks in Ty Warren, Brandon Meriwether, James Sanders, and Darius Butler, few are ready to declare victory on this move and still want to know why it went down.
There's a growing belief in New England that the luster has faded. Whether it's all those high draft picks that bust and get cut, the perennially porous defenses dating back to the 2006 AFC Championship Game, a plethora of receivers that can't understand the playbook, or the one-and-done exoduses, Belichick's best appears to be well behind him, but many New Englanders tuned in hoping to hear NFL Network tell us it isn't so.
And they let us see what we want. In a pre-game meeting before Week 2, Belichick prepares his coaches for what the Jets will throw at them the next day, while some clever interlacing of footage from that game make the HC look prophetic. He hasn't lost his insight and meticulous game planning skills after all! Yet, why was he not able to stop a single thing he knew was coming?
Belichick's disgust for this 2009 roster and coaching staff was apparent throughout Thursday's debut. At one point, he confides in Brady that he can't get his team to do anything he wants. Patriots fans aren't getting answers as to why that should be, but they can take comfort in seeing their coach hasn't lost his objectivity. He saw the limit of his offensive weapons, just as fans pulled their hair out watching Brady repeatedly forcing the ball into Randy Moss Sunday after Sunday. As he said, they couldn't throw to anyone else and they couldn't run the ball. Of course, those were self-imposed limitations, as Belichick depleted his rosters of talent through years of poor drafts and free agent busts.
This Thursday will offer us one last chance for answers, with some of the most puzzling events of the 2009 season still ahead. After that, it will be a long time before we get this unprecedented access behind Belichick's closed doors. If his first 36-plus years are any indication we won't get our answers out of him, even with NFL Network's help. Sports' most polarizing coach figures to be even more so come Friday morning.

by Bob Ekstrom

The NFL in the NBA Jam Era

For those of us who grew up during the video game boom of the 1990s, the NBA Jam series was one of the pinnacles of console sports games. Gameplay featured a cartoony, two-on-two version of basketball where turbo-dunks saw players leap stories above the court and a third-consecutive basket literally torched the net. But for all of the embellishment the NBA Jam games adorned to sports, it seems as though the real-life NFL has taken a page from video game fiction in recent years.
NBA Jam included a setting called "computer assistance" that undoubtedly caused more Super Nintendo-destroying fights than any other game. When turned on, the setting would alter performances within the game so that the losing team could catch up and keep the game close. Ten-point leads in the fourth quarter would crumble under barrages of improbable three-pointers from the opposition. In the Sunday afternoon aftermath of three remarkable NFL comebacks, fans of the Bills, Eagles, and Cowboys must have felt like computer assistance is painfully real in the NFL.
Thanks to the number-crunching of AdvancedNFLStats.com, we can estimate fairly well just how improbable each of these comebacks was. Buffalo, Philadelphia, and Dallas all held at least 90% win probabilities at some point in the second half of their games on Sunday. In fact, if you froze all three games at the eventual loser's highest win probability point, there would be a .0081% change of all three teams coming back as they did. To put it another way, if you started all three games at the beginning of each comeback (the loser's win probability high point) and then played each game 10,000 times, you still wouldn't expect all three teams to come back even once.
Adding to the improbability of these three comebacks is not just that they happened within a small window on the same day, but instead which teams pulled them off. While the Lions, and to a lesser extent the 49ers and Bengals, have blossoming offenses, this was not Tom Brady or Peyton Manning simply adding more achievements to Hall of Fame resumes.
The 1991 Bills are often credited with the most famous NFL comeback, erasing a 35-3 Raider lead in the playoffs. But that team was somewhat revolutionary for its K-Gun offense triggered by Hall of Famer Jim Kelly. "Hall of Fame" and "revolutionary" are hardly terms that would feature prominently in a Matthew Stafford, Alex Smith, or Andy Dalton word cloud.
Clearly, NFL offenses are becoming increasingly potent and passing-oriented. In 2010, the entire league averaged 539 pass attempts for the season, completing 60.8% (stats courtesy ProFootballReference.com). To put that in context, the 2000 NFL averaged 526 attempts per team at a 58.2% completion rate, while 1990 NFL teams only threw the ball 482 times per season and completed 56.0% of those.
This is where the job of an NFL coach is especially thankless. Conventionally, teams with substantial leads in the second half would emphasize their running games to avoid turnovers and keep the game clock running between plays. But given how comfortable teams have become in moving the ball with their passing games, time has become decreasingly valuable at the end of games. Running into the line three times might wipe two and a half minutes off the clock, but how important is that if rookie quarterbacks only need 45 seconds to cover most of the field?
Instead, there is only one alternative for an NFL play-caller to protect a lead: score even more.
Sure, when Tony Romo finds a way to throw 2 touchdowns to the opposing team to quickly erode a lead, the strategy seems flawed. But Dallas demonstrated precisely why you can never have too many points. On the third quarter drive that led to Romo's second pick-six, the Cowboys ran the ball on five of the six plays before the interception. The possession took less than five minutes off of the clock. Trailing 30-17, Detroit needed only two minutes to cover 80 yards in five plays.
If you overlook the pick, Dallas' part of that exchange was exactly what they wanted. The Cowboys picked up two first downs on the ground and ran some clock before giving up the ball. And even with that handled ideally, the Lions only spent less than seven minutes taking 7 points off the lead. If the Lions had used timeouts or stopped Dallas earlier in the drive, the toll on the clock would have been much shorter.
College offenses have become increasingly sophisticated. Rule changes favor the passing game. Even field conditions make moving the ball through the air more effective. Whatever, the reason, NFL passing games are more efficient and potent than they have ever been. And because of this, old ideas about late game strategy have to be reexamined.
The comebacks from this weekend should remind us that playing the clock prematurely is a dangerous thing. In a league where offenses always seem to be on fire, it no longer takes computer assistance to win from way back.


by Corrie Trou

NFL Weekly Predictions: Week 8

New Orleans @ St. Louis (+13)

The 5-2 Saints, fresh off a 62-7 destruction of the Colts, head to St. Louis to face the winless Rams, 34-7 victims of Dallas last week. New Orleans set franchise records for most points in a game and largest margin of victory.
"I've always heard of the helplessness experienced by a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest," Sean Payton. "Take it from me, it's not so bad.
"I don't want to say we could beat the Rams with our hands tied behind our backs, because we can't. But we could certainly give them a run for their money. We didn't let up against the Colts; hopefully we won't let down in St. Louis."
The Rams are 0-6 and dead last in the NFC West. After competing for the division title last year, the Rams have regressed, and average only 9 points per game.
"We're just looking for positives," said Steve Spagnuolo. "And nine is a positive number. But the Saints' '9' is much more impressive than our 9, or our '11,' for that matter."
Some consider this a "trap" game for the Saints. It's not. In order for a "trap" to work, something has to be "caught," and in the Rams injury-plagued passing attack, not much does.
Mark Ingram rushes for 2 touchdowns, and Drew Brees and the Saints shake off a slow start that has them only up 6-0 after the first quarter.
New Orleans wins, 35-17.

Jacksonville @ Houston (-9)

The Texans surged to the AFC South lead, whipping the Titans 41-7 in Tennessee to take the outright division lead. Houston looks to go 3-0 in division games with a win over the 2-5 Jaguars.
"There's good news and bad," Gary Kubiak. "The good news: the division is ours to win. The bad news: it's also ours to lose. We're turning heads in the South, mainly because Peyton Manning can't turn his."
The Jags shocked the Ravens 12-7 on Monday Night Football behind a stifling defense and four Josh Scobee field goals, three of which were over 50 yards.
"I'm fired up," Jack Del Rio said. "And that's a step up from being just 'fired,' which was a possibility had we lost. We're now 2-5 and only 2 games behind the 4-3 Texans. That sounds like a backhanded insult of the Texans. The South is a tightly-packed division; there are three teams in the South within two games of each other. Some call that a 'bunch' of crap. I call it competition at its finest."
After Monday night's exhilarating win over the Ravens, the Jaguars must be emotionally spent, which is as close to a "spending" spree as you'll ever see in Jacksonville.
Houston wins, 27-16.

Minnesota @ Carolina (-4)

The Vikings fell 33-27 to the Packers in Christian Ponder's debut at quarterback, as Minnesota's fourth-quarter comeback fell short. Ponder was 13-of-32 for 219 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.
"I think Ponder accounted well for himself, at least on two of his 32 passes," said Leslie Frazier, who, unbeknownst to most, has an identical twin sister named 'Larry.' "Donovan McNabb was upset at his benching last week. So, while he was 'losing his religion,' we were gaining one. Like former Carolina coach John Fox, I'm starting a 'Christian' again this week."
The Panthers upended the Redskins 33-20, led by Cam Newton, who registered 315 total yards, including his 7th rushing touchdown of the year, which tied Vince Young's rookie record.
"I tied Young's record after only seven games," Newton said. "I tied his Wonderlic score after only one question. Anyway, a Minnesota/Carolina matchup begs the question: what do you get when two Panthers cheerleaders hook up in a bathroom stall on a cruise boat on Lake Minnetonka? Seafood."
Adrian Peterson rushes for 154 yards and 2 scores, and Minnesota wins, 28-24.

Arizona @ Baltimore (-13)

Kevin Kolb and the Cardinals will face the ultimate test in Baltimore against the NFL's No. 1 defense, on the day before Halloween, in the birthplace of Edgar Allan Poe, no less. The Ravens lead the AFC North with a 6-1 record, and their stingy defense allows only 13 points per game.
"I'm not a fan of the Ravens," Kolb said. "Nor am I a fan of 'the Raven.' They both scare me. But the Cardinals pay me too much to be scared. If the Cardinals have anything to do with the House Of Usher falling, it will be because they defaulted on the second mortgage they took out tot acquire me."
The favored Ravens were shocked 12-7 by the home-standing Jaguars on Monday night, as Baltimore managed only 146 yards total offense, including 34 on the ground. Quarterback Joe Flacco passed for only one yard in the first half.
"What a turnabout," Ray Lewis said. "We're usually the team that dominates defensively. Not only did the Jags impose their will, they simply imposed. They stole our thunder, our lightning, and our identity. Speaking of 'identity theft,' it appears someone or something took Flacco and replaced him with another quarterback who will never lead a team to a Super Bowl."
The Ravens bounce back with a vengeance, and Lewis knocks Kolb out of the game with a big sack in the second quarter. While standing over his prey, Lewis recites Poe's "The Premature Burial." Later, during post-game interviews, Lewis presents an original poem chronicling the Kolb/Lewis saga, called "Rich Man, Poe Man."
Ray Rice records 146 total yards, and Flacco quintuples his first half output from Monday on his first pass, a 5-yard completion to Ed Dickson.
Baltimore wins, 30-14.

Indianapolis @ Tennessee (-9)

The Titans were spanked 41-7 last week by the visiting Texans, who shut down the Titans, holding the Tennessee offense to 148 total yards. The winless Colts make a visit to LP Field next, looking for the upset.
"Maybe signing Chris Johnson to a contract extension wasn't such a good idea," Mike Munchak said. "We call it a 'deposit slip.' I'm still waiting on Johnson to flash that 4.24 40 speed somewhere other than on a trip to the bank. If Adrian Peterson is nicknamed 'All Day,' then Johnson should be called 'Some Day.'"
The Colts winless season got even worse as they were smashed 62-7 in New Orleans last Sunday night. The 62 points put Indy's points against total at 225, easily the worst in the league.
"We recently employed Jim Tressel as a consultant," Peyton Manning said. "When asked if he had any suggestions for the team, Tressel, not surprisingly, had 'no valid answers.'
"Anyway, I've heard rumors that the Colts may trade me if they are able to draft Andrew Luck. That may work out for me. If Indy keeps sucking, I may want out myself just as much as they want Luck in. So, under either scenario, 'Luck' is on my side."
Trade Manning? Doubtful. But if Indy's going to pull the trigger, now's the time. If the going rate for Carson Palmer is two first-round picks, then the market dictates that the Colts can expect 10-12 first-rounders for Manning.
Johnson rushes for 256 (inches, not yards) and scores on a 27-inch scamper to close the first half. Matt Hasselbeck throws for 246 yards and 2 scores, and the Titans win, 24-19.

Miami @ NY Giants (-10)

The winless Dolphins remained that way after blowing a 15-0 fourth quarter lead to Denver, eventually losing 18-15 in overtime. Tony Sparano's decision to go for a two-point conversion with a 12-0 lead may have cost Miami the win, and may ultimately cost Sparano his job.
"In hindsight," Sparano said, "I probably made the wrong decision. That's a sentiment to which our owner, Stephen Ross, can surely relate. Now I know that a winless team should probably go for 'one' before going for 'two.'"
The Giants lead the NFC East with a 4-2 record, returning from their Week 7 bye rested and rejuvenated, and the G-Men are relatively healthy for the Dolphins visit to MetLife Stadium.
"Indeed," Tom Coughlin said. "We are healthy. In fact, we are so healthy, it may be difficult, nay, impossible, to properly fake an injury. We're waiting anxiously to hear Brandon Marshall's plans for the game. Is he going to go 'rogue' and get himself thrown out by the second quarter? I doubt that will happen. Officials don't eject players for being irrelevant. Otherwise, we'd be without a quarterback."
Marshall doesn't go "rogue," but he does go "commando," arriving on the field in uniform sans underwear. However, that doesn't improve his ability to catch, as Marshall treats several passes thrown his way like live grenades.
The Giants intercept Matt Moore twice, and Brandon Jacobs rushes for 65 yards and a touchdown.
New York wins, 33-16.

Detroit @ Denver (+3)

In a comeback worthy of scripture, Tim Tebow led the Broncos back from a 15-0 fourth-quarter deficit to an unlikely 18-15 overtime win in Miami. Tebow threw 2 touchdown passes and ran for the game-tying two-point conversion before Matt Prater's 52-yard field goal won it.
"I'm no miracle worker," Tebow said. "I just play one on the field. I can't part the Red Sea, but I'm not color blind, so I can 'see the red part.' I don't speak to a 'burning bush,' although Reggie Bush looked quite angry when we exchanged post-game pleasantries. Chalk another one up for the 'Christian Left.'"
The Lions lost for the second-straight week, falling to the visiting Falcons 23-16. Detroit is now 5-2 and needs a win desperately to right their ship.
"A 2-game losing streak is not that big of a deal," Jim Schwartz said, "at least not in relative terms in Detroit. But we do need a win, and I do need to shake the hand of a losing coach. John Fox's previous tenure at Carolina makes him a perfect candidate.
"We know Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium will be rocking and holy rolling on Sunday. If nothing else, Tebow has brought 'faith' to Denver. His fanatical fans, whom are easily excitable, are known as the 'Overzealots.' We're on a crusade to eliminate Tebow by whatever means necessary, or by whatever means unnecessary, which usually means a dirty, yet legal, Ndamukong Suh hit. Suh's critics have often said he needs to get closer to Jesus. This is his best chance."
After a fourth-quarter sack of Tebow that seals Detroit's win, Suh surprisingly compliments the Denver quarterback, telling him he "was a good college quarterback." Then, in more fitting fashion, Suh insults Tebow, by saying he "still is."
Calvin Johnson faces double-teams all day, but breaks free in the third quarter for a 3-yard touchdown catch. Brandon Pettigrew grabs another TD catch, and the Lions defense steps up, holding the Broncos to 213 total yards.
Detroit wins, 24-17.

Washington @ Buffalo (-4)

The 4-2 Bills find themselves sandwiched in the AFC East standings by the 5-1 Patriots and 4-3 Jets, with the 0-6 Dolphins leading the Colts and Rams atop the "Joy! Luck Club" standings. A rested Buffalo team hosts the 3-3 Redskins, with a home date with the Jets awaiting in Week 9.
"Buffalo's loss to the Redskins in Super Bowl XXVI still weighs heavily on these fans," Fred Jackson said. "And I can think of no better way to exorcise those demons than to give a whipping in Toronto to a current Washington team that is about as far removed from the Super Bowl as possible. This game will be played in the Rogers Centre, which, contrary to what a Cheesehead may claim, is not named for Scott Wells, Aaron Rodgers' center."
After a 3-1 start, the Redskins have lost two in a row, and have looked bad in doing so. In last week's 33-20 loss to Carolina, Tim Hightower was lost for the year with a torn ACL, while Santana Moss' broken hand will keep him out for two months.
"This won't help our already troubled offense," Mike Shanahan said. "Some say the Redskins 'Capitol Offense' should be punishable by death."
Buffalo wins, 27-20.

Cincinnati @ Seattle (+2½)

Are the 4-2 Bengals a team on the rise? If they are not, they will be, after unloading Carson Palmer to the Raiders for two future first-round picks.
"Who dey, who dey, who dey think gonna give up two first-round picks for Carson Palmer?" said Cincinnati owner Mike Brown. "The Raiders gave us two picks on Tuesday. In turn, Palmer gave Oakland three picks on Sunday. I call that a 'fair trade,' and, apparently, so does Oakland. Luckily for the Raiders, I chose to hold on to this oceanfront property here in Cincinnati.
"Never underestimate the hunting capabilities of the Bengal tiger, especially for a bargain."
The Seahawks were a picture of offensive ineptitude last week, with only 137 total yards and nine first downs in a 6-3 loss in Cleveland. Yardage may be even tougher to come by against Cincinnati, as the Bengals sport the NFL's second-rated defense.
"Speaking of 'second-rate,'" Pete Carroll said, "how about my quarterbacks? They're flaw-inspiring.
"Like the Raiders, I would give anything for a quarterback with a USC pedigree. Unlike the Raiders, I wouldn't give everything. Still, 'everything' is still less than what I gave to have Reggie Bush come play for me."
Cincinnati wins, 19-13.

New England @ Pittsburgh (+1½)

The 5-1 Patriots visit to 5-2 Pittsburgh is easily Week 8's marquee matchup, and pits three-time Super Bowl champ Tom Brady against two-time Super Bowl winner Ben Roethlisberger in a contest that could have playoff-seeding implications down the road.
"Obviously," Tom Brady said, "Big Ben and I are measured by our Super Bowl performances. We're also judged by our utilization of bathrooms. I use it strictly for 'business'; Big Ben uses it for pleasure."
Mike Tomlin and the Steelers know a win over the favored Patriots will take the perfect game plan.
"Bill Belichick has had two weeks to prepare," Tomlin said. "Although his wardrobe won't reflect that, his game plan will. I have nothing but respect for the Patriots, and I refuse to speak badly of them. But that doesn't mean James Harrison can't. But since he's out, we've brought in a special guest to slander New England. That guest is none other than Foo Fighters guitarist Pat Smear."
"All I have to do is speak," Smear said, "and the Pats get 'Smear-ed.'"
After a defensive-minded first half, in which the Patriots take a 13-10 lead into the locker room, the offense opens up in the second half. Roethlisberger connects with Mike Wallace on a long pass late in the fourth, which sets up Rashard Mendenhall's short touchdown run.
Pittsburgh wins, 27-23.

Cleveland @ San Francisco (-9½)

The 49ers enjoyed a bye week, resting, healing, and reveling in their 5-1 record, a record that surely deserves an overzealous pat on the back and a hearty handshake. On Sunday, San Fran and head coach Jim Harbaugh welcome the 3-3 Browns, 6-3 victors over the Seahawks.
"I'd like to forget my dustup with Jim Schwartz from two weeks ago," Harbaugh said. "That's going to be hard, since the Browns are coached by Pat Shurmur. But before I shake any hands, we plan to shut down the Browns running attack. To do so, we'll adopt the same motto that the Browns live by: 'Peyton Hillis Must Be Stopped.' Incidentally, EA Sports has adopted a similar motto: 'Peyton Hillis Must Be Stopped, From Ever Again Appearing on the Cover of the Madden Football Game.' Anyway, we're not offering Hillis a contract, either."
San Francisco wins, 30-13.

Dallas @ Philadelphia (-3½)

The 2-4 Eagles host the 3-3 Cowboys in a critical NFC East contest that Philly needs to stay afloat in the division. The Eagles entered their bye week with a crucial 20-13 win over the Redskins in Week 6.
"Dallas is 3-3," Michael Vick said. "That's about as even as it gets. And that's exactly what you'd expect from a team that can explode and implode in the same game. I expect a dogfight. Both teams need to bring their 'A' games. What's more likely in a game featuring a 2-4 and 3-3 team is that we'll simply bring a game."
The Cowboys bounced back from Week 6's painful loss in New England to beat the winless Rams 34-7. A win would keep Dallas hot on the tail of the Giants for the NFC East lead.
"Dez Bryant says we are unbeatable," Tony Romo said. "Obviously, the only thing that 'can't be beat' is Dez's skills at hyperbole.
"You may have heard that my wife and I are expecting a child. I'm thrilled. Not only because I'm going to be a father, but because this is the first completion I've made to the 'other team' that I've been congratulated for."
Dallas wins, 24-21.

San Diego @ Kansas City (+3½)

The Chiefs roared back into the AFC West picture, blanking the Raiders 28-0 in Oakland. Coupled with San Diego's loss to the Jets, the Chiefs, at 3-3, are only one game out of the division lead.
"Hated rivals will clash on Sunday," Todd Haley said. "Hopefully, though, Matt Cassel and I can keep our differences bottled up. I may be the most hated coach in the NFL, and in Kansas City. But I demand a lot from my players. If they can't give it to me, I 'give it back' to them, usually with camera rolling."
The Chargers blew a 21-10 first-half lead at MetLife Stadium, and went scoreless in the second half in falling 27-21 to the Jets.
"Our two-minute offense left a lot to be desired," Norv Turner said. "Like two more minutes. It's called a 'two-minute drill'; obviously, ours lacks the 'drilling' part.
"Anyway, I hear Rex Ryan is talking again, telling us to 'stay classy.' I refuse to get into a war of words with Ryan, because I'll lose. Rex can talk to the hand, or, if he prefers, the foot. As of now, I'm ceasing all communication with Ryan through the media. From now on, any conversation with Ryan will be with imaginary words, on imaginary phones with, most importantly, 'imaginary rings.'"
It's a critical game in the West, and there will likely be a playoff atmosphere at Arrowhead Stadium. And that could be a problem for both teams, because AFC West teams can't win a playoff game.
San Diego wins, 22-20.


by Jeffrey Boswell

Newton’s Attitude Unites Charlotte

Even though the Carolina Panthers are dead-last in the NFC South this season, something incredible is taking place in the city of Charlotte this fall.
While Cam Newton was already a household name before the Panthers drafted him out of Auburn, he is definitely reaching superstar status here in the Queen City. You can't go anywhere in Charlotte without seeing a fan wearing Newton's No. 1 jersey.
With the NBA unfortunately still in lockout mode, clearly sports fans in Charlotte are clinging to the Panthers each week for their helping of professional football and I think Newton is the best thing on the menu in these parts.
When it comes to understanding the Charlotte sports scene, I'm a total outsider. I'm from sports-rabid Boston, but now live outside of the city. When I first arrived here in 2008, I was often told that Panthers fans aren't loyal and they leave by halftime. I've been watching the games closely on television this season and I don't see any mass exodus at halftime.
Newton and the Panthers have clearly been competitive each week and are far better than their 2-5 record suggests.
One of the things I find fascinating about Newton is his uncanny ability to rush the ball. He leads the team in scoring with seven touchdowns and tied the rookie record on Sunday against Washington.
Newton's touchdown against Washington in the 3rd quarter was absolutely superb. When at first he appeared to hand the ball off to Jonathan Stewart, Newton rolled out of the pocket unbeknownst and went 16 yards to the end zone.
What I really enjoy about watching Newton is his utter lack of fear of carrying the football. Earlier in the game against Washington, Newton was throttled at the goal line by London Fletcher. With 3rd and goal on Washington's eight-yard-line, Newton couldn't find a receiver and took matters into his own hands. I love that about this guy.
Instead of throwing the ball out of bounds and setting up a field goal, Newton decided to go for it. Newton's gutsy move didn't payoff but it clearly showed his determination to do whatever it takes to put points on the scoreboard.
Newton's numbers as a quarterback to need improvement. He's thrown nine interceptions in seven starts, so far. But against Washington, Newton had zero interceptions and was 18-for-23 with 256 yards. The only other game in which Newton had not thrown an interception was in a 16-10 victory against Jacksonville on Sept. 25.
Newton's thrown three picks in two games this season and that's OK. He's a rookie and it appears that Newton is improving each week.
What Newton and the Panthers must do at home this Sunday is beat Minnesota. The Vikings come into Bank of America Stadium limping at 1-6. After the benching of veteran quarterback Donovan McNabb, Christian Ponder debuted in his first start and nearly beat the defending Super Bowl champions Green Bay Packers.
By beating Minnesota, it would be the perfect way for the Panthers to sail into their bye week, with a record of 3-5. There's no reason whatsoever that Carolina cannot finish the 2011 season at 8-8. The Panthers host Tennessee after the bye week and could likely win that game, too.
Here's to hoping that Newton remains healthy this season. Charlotte sports fans need a leader and Newton's just the guy.
In the years to come, surely Carolina's front office can continue to build a Super Bowl winning organization around Newton. Look at what the Detroit Lions are doing this season. Although it remains unclear whether or not quarterback Matthew Stafford will start against Denver Sunday, you've got to think that this team can definitely win the wild card and make the playoffs if Stafford remains injury free.
It will be interesting to see what the Panthers do against Detroit when they visit the Motor City on Nov. 20.
What I like about this year's Panthers are that they remain interesting. First-year head coach Ron Rivera has found something here. Something that should last for many years to come.

by David Exum