Ten Things to Think About During NFL Divisional Playoff Games This Weekend

My gut tells me "yes," but the way his team went out (again) in the playoffs, I would imagine that he wants to cement his legacy with at least a playoff win. Dungy was just what the Colts needed when he arrived in 2002.

He has led the team to six-straight 12-win seasons and won five-straight division titles. He finally won the Super Bowl in 2006 and is contemplating retiring for good after this season.

The NFL won’t see another one as good as Dungy and will be very different with his absence. But one has to wonder if the Colts need another voice after being booted from the first round of the playoffs for the second straight season.

Whatever he chooses to do, I wish him nothing but the best.

Tomlinson’s body is breaking down with each carry and Sproles became a free agent after the season. Will the Chargers let Darren walk like they did with Turner last season?

After a 328-yard performance against the Colts, I don’t think that they can afford to. Tomlinson is showing that he is no longer an every down back and will need to slow down in order to preserve himself.

The Chargers need to dish the dough to Sproles if they want another shot at a playoff run next season.

It’s really something to think about. I understand that he’s a rookie and will continue to improve, but the Ravens have to get more out of the quarterback position if they want to move forward.

His performance against the Dolphins was offensive, literally. How much better will he be against a bigger and better Titans defense? We should get our answer this weekend.

Remember Bill Cowher’s last season in Pittsburgh? Remember that their record was 8-8 and they were just kind of “meh” after the Super Bowl?

We can draw a few similarities between that 2006 Steeler team and the 2008 Seahawks. A lame-duck coach and a ton of injuries equaled a terrible output. Look for the ‘Hawks to make a push for the title again next season along with a surging 49er team.

But with Fitzgerald and Boldin holding it down at both receiver position, it seems like the Cardinals could have a lock on this division again next season.

Earlier this season, Titans owner Bud Adams said that VY is still the quarterback of the future. But with Kerry Collins playing so well and VY still showing massive immaturity, should the Titans begin to look at other options?

Vince Young seems to be a smaller, wimpier armed, less-willed version of Steve McNair. The Titans are a hard nosed; blue collar type team. I’m not sure if VY fits into that scheme just yet.

Delhomme went through a stretch in the season where he looked like a third stringer. I’m not sure if it was because of the Tommy Johns surgery or if it was because he was just simply bad.

But as Skip Bayless would say, “Will the weird Kobe show-up?” Will the weird Jake show up this weekend in Carolina or the gun slinging Super Bowl quarterback from a few years ago emerge?

Jake is only under contract for one more season and he is 34 years old. Josh Freeman anyone?

It seems that this type of question is asked yearly by fans and prognosticators alike after each season.

I remember watching McNabb talk about the Eagles at ESPN The Weekend last year and he didn’t sound too pleased with all the money the organization threw at Asante Samuel.

He still wants a big play receiver, but he may have run out of time. He’s 32 years old and I’m not sure if he can last another season with his status being questioned each week.

Look for 2009 to be his and Andy’s last season in the city of brotherly love…or hate for that matter.

It seems that way, but this story changes everyday. If Mangini is indeed Randy Lerner’s choice for coach, who will be the GM? I’m not sure if the Browns are built for immediate success and how long Eric would last in the dog pound.

Diva tight end and wide receiver don’t bode well for team chemistry. There is also unrest at the quarterback position. Wait a minute, why would anyone want this job again?

Eli Manning quieted a lot of critics with his playoff performance last season. Now with his favorite target gone (Plaxico Burress) and Brandon Jacobs banged up, can he make another Super Bowl run with No. 2 receivers and semi-light running game?

If Eli can survive what Jim Johnson and that vaunted Eagle defense throws at him this weekend, maybe his fortunes will turn around for good.

With four games this weekend and no clear favorite, this has to be one of the best weekends in recent playoff memory. The Ravens and Titans bring back memories of the great battles between Ray Lewis and Eddie George (remember the fumble at Adelphia coliseum).

Eagles–Giants, Ravens–Titans, Chargers–Steelers, and a very intriguing matchup between the Cardinals and Panthers. Gotta love the NFL.