You Buying or Selling These NFL Players And Teams?

by Blitzburgh on Sep 24, 2008 4:55 AM EDT Comment 17 comments

Let's turn our focus away from the miserable Steelers' performance and instead look at some of the other compelling Week 3 happenings and early season developments. I'll present a player or team, and mention if I'd buy or sell them, so to speak, moving forward.

1) New England

That's a shameful loss at home to a previously inept Miami Dolphins squad. The defense has some question marks coming into the season, and though they were able to hold down two suspect teams in NYJ and KC, they got exposed in a big way against Miami on the ground. They weren't as bad as they looked Sunday, but the offense clearly is not even a shell of its former self with Matt Cassel in there. Randy Moss has just 12 catches and 1 TD through three games. Will the Patriots miss the playoffs in 2008? They'll likely be chasing either the Titans, Colts, Chargers or Broncos for a Wild Card berth if Buffalo wins the division. Long way to go, but the Pats don't seem better than any of those teams without Tom Brady to me.

2) Kurt Warner

The venerable QB, who stormed out of the gates to start 2008, had his first minor setback this year. He wasn't terrible by any means in the Arizona Cardinals 24-17 defeat to the Washington Redskins, but he did turn the ball over, and perhaps most importantly, reminded his fans that he's a totally different QB when he's presented with any sort of pressure. Will Kurt Warner make it all the way through the 2008 season uninjured and as the starting QB ? And will he finally help the Cards strip the Seahawks of the hegemony they've enjoyed over the NFC West for quite some time now?

3) Buffalo BIlls

The Bills squeaked out a 24-23 win over the hapless Oakland Raiders. There's both good and bad news involved in that statement. But, in reality, what I'm sure Bills fans are ecstatic about is the development of 2nd year QB Trent Edwards. The Stanford product calmly led his team down the field for two late 4th quarter scores. The defense has some talent, there's playmakers on the outside and at RB, and the ST's are one of the top ten units in the league. If Edwards has arrived (which it's not yet clear he has, at least on a consistent basis), then the Bills have to be taken seriously. Do the Bills strip the Pats of their AFC crowns just one year after NE's perfect season?

4) Kansas City Chiefs

Last year, we were subjected to the possibility of having both a perfect 16-0 season (NE) and a perfectly futile 0-16 season (Miami). Through 3 games, it's clear the Chiefs are the worst team in the league. The most recent loss, a 38-14 setback to the Falcons, proved the Chiefs are inept on both sides of the ball. They may turn in a better performance on defense in future weeks, but it's not clear that there's any reason to believe the offense will get any better. Their best shot at winning may actually be Week 16 against the Miami Dolphins. Are the Chiefs the worst team in the league and might we see an 0-16 season from them this year?

5) Jay Cutler

Most all pundits had the Broncos on the down and out heading into this season. The concerns about the Broncos were actually legitimate, especially those that were based around their defense, which has given up gobs of points and yards, particularly the past two weeks in victories over SD and NO. Last year, or the year before, the Broncos don't win those games. Why? Jay Cutler wasn't the same player then as he is now. I'll be the first to admit I was skeptical of Cutler's potential. It wasn't a 'tools' concern for me. It was attitude and whether he had the same stab-you-in-the-heart instinct that Manning and Brady have, or the same 'football-is-everything' mindset that warriors like Ben Roethlisberger have. I seem to be wrong, as Cutler has complete control over his offense. He's moving well in the pocket, throwing accurately for the most part, and avoiding the temptation to make the impossible, a temptation that plagues many young QBs, including our own just a few short years ago.

For the year, Cutler's: 73-108 (67.6 %), 914 yards, 8 TDs, 2 INTs, 110.6 QB Rating

If an MVP Award was handed out after just 3 games, Cutler might get the nod. Will Cutler's play stay at least close to this level for most of 2008 and will the Broncos either win the AFC West or snag one of the WC slots that most thought would go to two AFC South teams?

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I think it’s a toss up between KC and STL as to the worst team in the league. Both teams are utterly inept and totally unwatchable – except in that “holy crap can you believe they’re getting blown out like this..” kind of way.

While I had the Falcons to beat KC, I had no idea they’d do it so easily. The Falcons are still a 7 win team at best this year, but it looks like their rebuilding project is well underway.

by BluegrassSteeler on Sep 23, 2008 11:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

my take

- NE lost a game against a team that finally embraced a concept that worked in college football for a while now. I’ve been wondering the spread option game of CFB would work in the NFL and while one game it too quick to make any definitive judgements, it looked awful effective. An NFL defense could probably shut that offense down if they’re prepared for it, but when it’s a surprise, they’re just as helpless as a college unit.
- Warner turned the ball over once (interception) on a pass that bounced off a defenders head. Should he have thrown a deep pass to a receiver who was decently covered with one defender? Maybe not, but it wasn’t vintage Warner, throwing into triple coverage or fumbling the ball while being sacked.

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Sep 23, 2008 11:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

My 2 cents

Selling New England, Selling Kurt Warner, Buying the Bills (taking the AFC East anyway), Selling the Chiefs (they have the best chance IMO to go 0-16, but, you know, “any given Sunday”-I’d rather see the Lions go 0-16 though), Buying Jay Cutler.

by Romain El 82 on Sep 23, 2008 12:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

its funny

Arkansas used that formation for the last two years with Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. When teams weren’t ready for it, i.e. 8th ranked Tennessee in 2006, we crushed them. When they were, i.e. USC, it was very ineffective. Its funny to see pro teams use it, but NE seemed to be able to do nothing to stop it. I hope it just gets worse for them, no one deserves it more than the Pats and their arrogant fans.

Like Golden said, Warner’s INT wasn’t his fault, and I think that as long as the defense can keep them in the game, Arizona has a shot. They have the best WR tandem in the league. I wonder if James is regretting his money move to the Cards? Cgolden? Has their been any rumblings to that effect? How does Cardinal country feel about him?

Cutler has looked great, which is very surprising to me. I just can’t get over the way he looks post game, like a hung-over frat guy. He has looked awesome though so far this season.

The Chiefs and Rams suck. Unbelievably bad.

I think the Bills can take it.

by steelerark on Sep 23, 2008 12:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Edge

He’s a polarizing figure in AZ. He publicly spoke out against the offense, especially the offensive line, his first year and sort of called out the offensive play calling last year for being too conservative. That being said, he’s been pretty productive for a RB in Arizona, so he’s not exactly hated or villain-ized. I think most fans in AZ and around the league realize that he’s a borderline starter at this point and he’s not much of a threat to break a long run. He’s awful good at turning a 2 yard gain into a 4 yard gain but he’s also just as good as turning a 65 yard touchdown run into a 15 yard gain.

One of the biggest needs heading into last year’s draft was a speed back and they didn’t get one. They picked up Tim Hightower in the 5th round and I’m sure plenty of fans would be just fine if he was the starter and Edge came off the bench. Either way, a back with some wheels is still a priority and if they get one in 2009, Edge could be a free agent.

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Sep 23, 2008 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bills

How do you give up that many points to the Raiders!?! Stack the box all day because there is absolutely no threat to pass. Cheering for the Bills to win the AFC East because the Jets are terrible (Brett Favre or no Brett Favre). I hope Faneca is having fun in New York..hahhaahhaha. I’m not ready to write the Patriots off quite yet because the jury is still out on the Bills.

Kansas City and St. Louis are terrible.

Jay Cutler is a monster. The dude has all the essentials to be a great qb in the NFL (mobility, super strong arm, pocket awareness, poise, great receiever(s)). The Broncos will only go as far as their defense will take them.

Kurt Warner gets the job done and some. He is immobile, but the Russ Grimm coached offensive line allows him just enough time in the pocket. Who needs a running game when you have Boldin and Larry Fitz? My friend is a scout for the Cardinals and says that Edge has lost a lot in his cutting ability and top end speed, and Hightower will see more touches as the year goes on.

by bradyquinnsclipboard on Sep 23, 2008 1:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

In this economy? Sell!

1. Patriots-
Sell em. That old defense just can’t keep up when teams have the luxury of running the ball consistently. Without the threat of brady, moss, and welker you can afford to wear down that old big defense. I think they’re an outside chance for the playoffs at this point.

2. Kurt Warner
I’m gonna hold on Warner for now. He’s a better option than Lienart but still seems to me to be more of a caretaker for this offense for now. I think Zona makes the playoffs based on how awful the division is, but does not show up for the non-division games.

3. Bills
Buy em. They’re playing sound fundamental football. All three phases and all that coachspeak. They’ll lose some games to flashier teams but week-in week-out I’ll buy em.

4. Kansas City
Would anyone buy on this team? How has it fallen so far? No particular unit stands out as being ‘good’.

5. Jay Cutler
I hate to say that I’m buying this guy. For some reason he’s always struck me wrong. He always seems to be pouting Eli Manning style. But that guy can sling the ball on target!

by Chicago Steeler on Sep 24, 2008 9:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Culter

He’s got a bad case of “dumb face” but he looks like a hell of QB right now.

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Sep 24, 2008 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Buy or Sell

NE – Sell. They barely beat KC, which the Falcons just crushed. The Jets (NE’s other win) look like their one win against the ’phins was a fluke.

Warner – Hard to say. He started out decent for the Giants a few years ago but was benched for Eli. I would say if he gets a ton of pressure, he may go back to the post-concussion Warner from the end of his tenure with the Rams.

Bills – Not buying yet. They beat Seattle, who just don’t travel east well, and barely got by a bad Raiders team.

KC – I’m buying that they may go 0-16. But, I say MAY, because in a season that long, someone will take them for granted and they’ll sneak out a win. You almost have to be trying to go winless in a 16 game season.

Cutler – Buy. He was gutsy at Vanderbilt, and he looks like he’s beginning to learn from his first two years of experience and able to carry his team. The only real caveat to that right now is that he got lucky against SD with that horrible blown call.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Sep 24, 2008 11:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

mine

Patriots – they WILL miss the playoffs, yet somehow Bellicheat will still be considered a genius. A genius can win with Matt Cassell.

Warner – this could be tricky but I am going to say he misses at least a couple of game, but somehow, the Cardinals (as unbelievable as it may be) will top the Seahawks (who have been less then mediocre) for the division.

Bills – they win the division. I am typically skeptical of teams like this early in the season but that division is so unimpressive.

KC – true, they are terrible but I will not buy an 0-16 team. I am buying a #1 draft spot for them.

Cutler – it may seem odd (especially after what I said about the Bills) but I am not buying the broncos yet. They are two bad calls (or no calls in the Saints case) away from being 1-2. Cutler however, I am believing. He will play to to this level but his INTs will steadily increase in ratio once teams catch onto him.

by shleeve on Sep 24, 2008 1:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Cutler

The main flaw I see in your logic on Cutler is that this is his 3rd year. He started all of last year. I think teams have caught onto him if they’re going to. There’s is plenty of tape on him by now. I don’t think his improved play so far this season can be attributed to the fact that teams haven’t seen him before. So, I’d be surprised if his INTs steadily increase.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Sep 24, 2008 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

well....

When I remember watching him from the previous years, he always seemed lost. Well, that isn’t true for this year. He seems very aware. He isn’t the same player he was last year (or so it appears to me), and where there is improvement there are tendencies. Perhaps different tendencies than what he previously had.
I don’t know if this makes any sense to you, but it does in my mind. I’m really tired so its probably a bunch of gibberish.

by shleeve on Sep 24, 2008 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cutler

Agree with both of you. I was sour on him in years one and two, but he’s sure making strides. But it’s important to remember theyve played some terrible defenses. San Diego’s D isnt terrible (though, sure isnt looking great), but the other two teams are pretty JV. Let’s see what happens when he’s facing some tougher, tighter shell defenses that tempt him to force some balls in small windows with that cannon arm. He looks legit, but I don’t think we’re done seeing him have some growing pains.

by Blitzburgh on Sep 25, 2008 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good points

I can see your points. He made improvements and adjustments since last year, and now defenses may catch onto his adjustments.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Sep 26, 2008 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll buy New England

Since there seems to be a firesale on them going on at the moment. They should still be able to beat most bad teams, and they play a lot of bad teams. I’d love to see them self destruct, but I think they’ll hang in there and go 9-7 or 10-6. The games against the Bills are pretty big as far as who wins the division.

I like Culter long term, but I think defenses will figure him out a little more. The Broncos defense is terrible, so I’d look for people to start Peyton Manning-ing him by keeping him off the field. I’d sell if I could get a good price.

I would really like Oakland if not for the coach/owner issue. Their offense is very capable. They can run and Russell is doing well so far. He’s not exactly a dynamic passing threat, but he hasn’t thrown an interception yet, and his YPA aren’t bad at all. The defense is middle of the road, but I think this could be a 7-9 team if not for the coaching mess.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Sep 24, 2008 3:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Random question

If the selling of NE continues and they miss the playoffs this year do you think we can stop the talk of Belicheck’s genious? His career pre-brady vs. post-brady is staggering. You take away his cheating video tapes and his all-world QB and he’s just another coach. We’ll see. He’s got 13 games left to prove me wrong. But till he wins without Tom it’s always gonna be the question (at least in my mind). Could evil bill have done this without his young apprentice?

I know any team will struggle when they lose their best player, but their defense shouldn’t struggle this much. meh… I’m sure he’s still a sure-fire lock for hall of fame but just thought i’d pose the question.

by Chicago Steeler on Sep 24, 2008 4:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

the great coach vs. great player debate is a really good one

Does the coach make the players or visa versa? Did Phil ever win a title without a truly great team? Did Chuck Noll or Bill Walsh or Jimmy Johnson win with scrub players or did they just have the best team? My gut says that it’s a combination of the two. Bill wasn’t much of a coach when he came to NE but what did he have to work with? If they shipped Brady off to Detroit or where ever, that doesn’t make that team a instant SB favorite. They’re a product of each other and that team was about a 9 or 9.5 with Brady but without him they’re a 6.5 at best. They built the team around one guy and that guy went down. (whispering) How bad would the Steelers be if Ben was lost for the season?(hoping, praying, knocking on wood after even thinking such a blasphemy)

Good lord after reading again I almost feel dirty…..so screw the Pats and Billacheat.

Revenge of the Birds

by cgolden on Sep 24, 2008 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs