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The Chopping Block
Authored by Brian Carlton - 5th November, 2005 - 2:46 pm
Playoff-bound teams and impersonators alike were able to pad their records at an astounding rate this season against the likes of Detroit, Kansas City, and St. Louis.
Between Lane Kiffin at Tennessee and openings at Clemson, Washington, Syracuse, Mississippi State and Purdue, there are fertile jobs out there.
RealGM Search
Halfway through the NFL season and it's time to face facts. I was wrong when I labeled Eli the goat. I had the younger Manning pegged to stumble in his first full season and thought all would be forgiven in Philly. Yeah ask Donovan McNabb how that's going. But by now, one thing is clear. Several teams have stepped up and delivered, others are barely holding on and some are already DOA, just plugged in to life support.
Sorry Houston fans, but that last one's for you. There's not going to be any playoffs in your future until you save your quarterback. I mean c'mon, get the man an O-line that can block. Otherwise he's going to set a record you don't want. Most times sacked in a season. For those still left with some hope of a ring, seven players will make or break that dream. three have stepped out as lethal weapons, one is stuck in neutral and three more have to pick up their game heading into the second half. Time to put some players on the chopping block.
Thumbs Up
Steve Smith-Carolina. Why aren't more people talking about what this wide receiver has done so far? If someone would ducktape T.O.'s mouth for a week, you'd be able to hear how Smith leads the league in catches, yards and touchdowns. You'd also have the undying gratitude of the Eagles organization, but that's another story. Seriously take a look. Smith has caught 50 passes for 797 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also is the battery for the Carolina offense. Plug him in and Jake Delhomme has a nuclear bomb that can be dropped at any time. A 10 yard throw turns into a 90+ yard touchdown run. A little screen will go for 30. A word of advice to coaches out there though. You have to double team this man. One on one just won't do it. Ask Fred Smoot of the Vikings how that goes.
The Chicago Bears defense.
Ok, so this isn't one player, but as the defense goes, so does the Bears' playoff hopes. Until either Rex Grossman returns or Kyle Orton gets comfortable running the offense, it's all about ball control and turning things over to the D. What can you say, it's worked so far. Chicago's ranked second in the league to Indy, only giving up 11 points a game. 20 sacks, 11 interceptions and two of those interceptions ran back for touchdowns. Not to get anyone excited, but that's how the Carolina Panthers built their team. Defense first.
Eli Manning-New York.
Yeah he makes a jump all the way from being the goat to possibly the next New York star. 1560 yards, 13 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. That last part is the most important. Eli's thinking smart and taking his time, giving up a sack rather than trying to force a bad throw. Some older quarterbacks could take a hint from that. With Philly dealing with drama and Washington learning that they're not invincible, this could be a perfect time for New York to slide in and take the division title. They'll just have to go over Dallas to do it and who would have thought a second year QB would be the one to lead them? FYI: this week New York is at San Fran. 49er fans can start crying now.
Stuck In Neutral
Cadillac Williams-Tampa Bay. No one was more lethal over the first few weeks of the season, as Cadillac gave Coach John Gruden the weapon he'd always wanted, namely a runningback that could run, catch and block. Even having missed two games, he's rushed for 467 yards and two touchdowns so far. There are two things however that he'll have to overcome this season. The first is the injury bug, which hits everyone at some point, so it's no big deal. But second is the fact he hasn't been a true franchise back, as in taking most of the snaps since high school. Over the rest of the season, the Bucs will have to watch and make sure he doesn't burn out as they get closer to playoff time.
Heads On The Block
Terrell Owens-Philadelphia.
Never seen one player almost singlehandedly short circuit a season, but he's coming close. You have a quarterback playing with a sports hernia, a VERY young group of receivers and a defense that's struggling. Naturally what everyone needs is to hear how Brett Farve would be a better leader, just one year after Owens was singing the praises of Donovan. Terrell doesn't need to step up on the field, he's only 30 yards and 3 catches behind Carolina's Steve Smith. But in order to save the season and possibly his career as an Eagle, Owens needs to fall on the sword and be quiet. Or even apologize.
Joey Harrington-Detroit.
I've already explained why he needs to be cut, but Coach Mariucci refuses to throw rookie Dan Orlovsky to the wolves. So with Jeff Garcia injured again, this is Harrington's last chance. There's no reason why his numbers shouldn't be absolutely sick right now. He's got a solid running game behind him and now a healthy group of receivers. If he can't step up and deliver these next few weeks, it might even be time to cut him. Joey's got a reprieve and has a good arm, but his problems have always been mental. Let's hope for his sake he can overcome them.
Minnesota Defense.
Again not a single player, but a group that could be very important in the NFC North. The Vikings went out and spent all that money they saved with the Randy Moss trade to try and buy a defense. So far it looks like that was a mistake. The defense is actually worse this year. So far in 2005 they've surrendered 27 points a game. Last year, it was 24. If anyone wants to keep their jobs, that's got to change.
Chopping Block Extra
Tom Benson-owner New Orleans Saints.
Just sell the team Tom. That way you can protect yourself from those oh so evil people in Louisiana who are upset that you want to move their team. Gee I wonder why they would feel that way? Be careful or they might stick you in the Superdome and throw away the key.
