Never Sleep on Anyone
They say all good things must come to an end. Unfortunately, now is the time to say this in regards to the NFL season.
As this season wanes to a close, fans should rest assured knowing that this has been one of the most eventful, awe-inspiring years in a while. In the span of five months, football lovers have delved into heated debates regarding legal and ethical issues (Ray Rice, domestic violence awarness, Michael Sam), witnessed a defensive lineman haul in two offensive TD catches, and saw a punter get dropkicked by a returner.
With all the cheer, joy, and thought provoking events that this year has spurred, in the end only one franchise and fan base will be truly happy. If the 2007 New York Giants taught us anything, it is that we should never count a team out of the hunt simply by their record or seed. As the divisional round of the NFL playoffs vastly approaches, here are a few reasons why each of the remaining teams has a legitimate chance of hoisting the Lombardi trophy on Feb. 1:
NFC
1.Seattle Seahawks
Legion of Boom … end of story. But in all seriousness, the Seahawks are my favorite to win the title. They are the most balanced team in football, and the majority of the supporting cast from last year’s campaign is still in tact. Coach Pete Carol and all his eagerness has the same strategy for his team as the season before---pound the ball with Marshawn Lynch, play stout defense on all three levels (D-line, Linebackers, and Secondary), and use Russell Wilson’s mobility and pinpoint accuracy to move the chains and score points. With the No.1 overall seed, I highly doubt anyone will march up to the 12th Man and escape with a W. Las Vegas will have plenty of betters placing their wealth in the Seahawks throughout this month.
2. Green Bay Packers
The “Chesseheads” have played extremely well this season. However, they have a huge roadblock this week.
The “baaaaad man” that is Aaron Rodgers (my best Stephen A. Smith impersonation) has not practiced in ten days because of a calf injury he sustained in the latter part of the regular season.
But “we talkin’ bout practice!!”
Second only behind Tony Romo in Total QBR (82.6), and leading the NFC in passing touchdowns (38), Rodgers has led his team to eight straight victories at home. He also has not thrown an interception at Lambeau field since 2012. His knowledge of the game, accuracy, arm talent, and deceptive mobility are similar to a Madden created player. It’s the perfect package, and will definitely have opposing defensive coordinators rustling in their sleep.
Furthermore, he has two elite outside targets. Randal Cobb is a stud and Jordy Nelson has perfected the art of blowing the top off of the coverage on deep passing plays. Even if he has not practiced, Rodgers has already built magical chemistry with these two wide outs. Head coach Mike McCarthy will also lean heavily on the legs of running back Eddie Lacy, who has 13 rushing touchdowns and ranks seventh in yards with 1,139. Beating them will be tough.
3. Dallas Cowboys
Once the laughing stock of the league, “America’s favorite team” has regained the respect of sports fanatics everywhere. This season, the Cowboys have eclipsed their patented 8-8 record for the first time in 4 years. They are also undefeated on the road this season. Similar to their style of play in the ‘90s with Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin, Dallas has placed its hopes into the hands and feet of their elite quarterback, running back, and wide receiver. They have a “pick your poison” type of offense.
Tony Romo ranks first in Total QBR (82.7) and fourth in passing touchdowns (34). This shows the efficiency that Dallas has in the passing game and how hard it will be for opposing cornerbacks and safties to squash them. Romo has all but erased his stigma as a chocker in the fourth quarter, especially with his come-from-behind victory last week against the Detroit Lions. Throughout the entire year, in the second half and overtimes, Romo has a QBR of 90. The second quarterback on this list is Ben Roethlisberger, whose QBR is 78.7. Romo’s stats are MVP-like numbers.
Running back DeMarco Murray leads the league in rushing yards with 1,845 and is tied for first in touchdowns with Marshawn Lynch (13). Murray also broke the all-time single season rushing record for the Cowboys this year--- a franchise that the great Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett played for. This is a major testament the physicality of Dallas’ massive offensive line. The ground attack has kept the Cowboys relevant all year. Dez Bryant has also made some noise this season, ranking eighth in receiving yards with 1,320. With the defense stepping up as opposed to previous years, the Cowboys have placed themselves in the championship discussion. If all aspects of their game are on point, Jerry Jones could place his first Lombardi trophy in AT&T Stadium. It would also be Dallas’ first Super Bowl victory in nearly two decades.
4. Carolina Panthers
One month ago, the Cardiac Cats sat at 3-8-1 amidst a seven game winless streak.
But they never gave up hope.
After wining three consecutive games, the Carolina Panthers stomped the Atlanta Falcons in the Georgia Dome in a winner-take-all game for the pitiful NFC South crown. Carolina’s vicious defense, led by linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis now ranks first in total defense and is in the top 5 for every major defensive statistic.
As equally as impressive, only Demarco Murray has rushed for more yards than Jonathan Stewart in the last five games. Defenses will also have to stay honest to Cam Newton’s dual-threat ability, especially in condensed red zone situations. Tight end Greg Olsen has been this team’s staple throughout the 16 weeks.Amongst tight ends, he ranks third in receptions (84) and second in yards(1,0008) throughout the entire league. He understands the defensive schematics and knows how to get open on virtually every play. Like the Giants, they have gotten hot at the ideal time. They are definately my sleeper team to win it all.
To add to their chances, the Panthers have shown their resolve at every stage of this year on and off the field. Losing their top pass rusher to domestic violence charges, suffering through the angst of their quarterback’s injuries, car accident, and Olsen's sons heart troubles, along with their head coach’s house fire has not stopped the Panthers mettle. If they can survive through all these obstacles, performing on the gridiron should be relatively easy for them. In every situation, they have and will Keep Pounding.
AFC
1. New England Patriots
The Tom Brady/Bill Belichick era has another opportunity to snatch that elusive fourth Super Bowl. This quarterback/ head coach tandem has been atop this league for the past decade. Generations from now, Brady’s name will reign through NFL lore as one of the greatest players to ever sling the pigskin. Who else could catapult no name receivers such as Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell to 1,000 yard receiving seasons?
Other than Brady’s sheer excellence as a catalyst for a successful postseason run, the Pats also have a stout defense in their possession. The arrival of Revis Island in Foxborough has invigorated an attitude for this team on the defensive side. This defense has held high-powered offenses such as the Broncos, Packers,Lions and Colts to 21 points or under this season. The road to the Super Bowl in the AFC will have to go through Boston since the Patriots have locked up home field advantage. With the fans as devoted as they are, it will be a tall task to defeat the Patriots.
2. Denver Broncos
Since Peyton Manning (and his five year, $96M contract) arrived to Mile High in 2012, the Broncos have discarded their culture of losing. During his tenure, Manning has become the record holder for:
Most NFL career passing touchdowns-509
Single season touchdown record- 55
Most passing touchdowns in a single game-7
Highest yards per game average in a single season- 342.31
Like Brady, Manning’s presence alone will make it difficult for opposing teams to halt their passing attack. If guarding Damaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Wes Welker, and Julius Thomas on the edges was not hard enough, the Broncos have also unearthed a hidden talent in running back CJ Anderson. The newly revamped defense, led by DE Damarcus Ware and CB Aqib Talib, ranks fourth in fewest passing yards allowed. This will elevate pressure from their offense. Denver will certainly be tough to beat this postseason.
3. Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck is the heart and soul of the franchise. By being drafted No.1 and stepping into the shoes of a future Hall of Famer, Luck knew his high expectations and has not disappointed. Since his rookie campaign, Luck has been to the Pro Bowl three times. This year, he leads the league in passing touchdowns (40). He is at the helms of a high-powered offense, mostly because of T.Y. Hilton, who has 1,345 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches. This dynamic duo makes the Colts an instant contender.
4.Baltimore Ravens
Despite all the Ray Rice scrutiny that besieged this team at the onslaught of the season, the Ravens have made it to the playoffs. Baltimore has “been there, done that,” when it comes to winning the Super Bowl as a lower seed in the conference. They will also face a familiar playoff opponent in New England this weekend. This experience will definitely be in their favor. Joe Flacco has reliable options in the receiving game when it comes to Torrey Smith and Steve Smith Sr. Running back Justin Forsett ranks tenth in rushing yards with 1,266 and leads the league in explosive plays (20+ yards) with 17. Terrell Suggs also commands one of the NFL’s most tenacious defenses. Baltimore has a chance to win their second Super Bowl in three years.
Every one in life has the potential to do great things. All they need is a chance. The teams that have made it this far have certainly earned it. 24 other teams will be watching them play on the coach. All of these squads have the unique oppoortunity at making history, and these are my reasons why they could do it based on their seasons. Never sleep on anyone!
Emmanuel Morgan
