Bleacher Report - Articles by Kris Cardella

Dolphins-Patriots: Key Matchups

Kris Cardella — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:09:44 -0500

The NFL will see another important AFC East showdown this week, this time between the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots.

There is no love lost between these two teams; giving this game additional emotion and excitement for players, coaches, and fans.

The Dolphins (6-4) are looking to extend their four-game winning streak Sunday, as well as improve their division record to 3-1. A loss by the New York Jets to the Tennessee Titans would also give the Dolphins a share of the lead in the AFC East.

The Patriots (6-4) are coming off a tough overtime loss to the Jets last Thursday night. Despite the disappointment, the Patriots found out that Matt Cassel can help carry the team back from a large deficit. After trailing 24-13 at halftime, Cassel forced overtime with a perfect touchdown pass to Randy Moss in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, capping a three-touchdown, 400-yard performance.

A huge difference from the struggling backup the Dolphins faced in Week Three.

If the Dolphins want a crack at the division, Sunday is their first opportunity. Here's how:

1. Special Teams, Special Teams, SPECIAL TEAMS!!!

The Dolphins faced two very poor teams in the past two weeks. While they won both games, they nearly coughed up both games for one reason only:

Poor special teams play.

Against Seattle, the Dolphins allowed the Seahawks field position at or beyond the 50-yard line, giving them the life they needed to almost tie the game near the end.

Last week, against Oakland, the Dolphins allow a 93-yard punt return for a touchdown with four minutes left in the fourth quarter, which gave the Raiders a one-point lead.

Ellis Hobbs and Wes Welker are extremely dangerous in the return game. If either player is allowed a big return, this could spell doom for the Dolphins.

2. Dolphins Offensive Line vs. Patriots Front Seven

The Dolphin's pass protection has been one of their strengths this season, allowing Chad Pennington to have one of his best seasons. Last week, however, the Dolphins offensive line allowed some big plays to occur behind the line of scrimmage, the biggest play being the safety on a sack of Pennington.

The Patriots bring one of the most dominant defensive lines in the league. Ty Warren returns to the lineup after missing the last week's contest, joining Richard Seymour and Vince Wilfork. The Patriots also possess one of the league's brightest linebacking corps, led by Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel.

If the Dolphins want to move the ball and convert third downs, they need to get back to the basics and maintain pocket integrity.

The Dolphins also have struggled to have a consistent running game, and the offensive line is responsible for getting Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, and Patrick Cobbs room to make plays. The Patriots boast the 13th-ranked rushing and 14th-ranked passing defenses, respectively.

The big five up front for the Dolphins will have their hands full.

3. Dolphins Secondary vs. Randy Moss and Wes Welker

After a dismal start to this season, the Dolphins' secondary has made big improvements week-to-week. Cornerbacks Will Allen Andre Goodman have done an excellent job of shutting down each opponent's main receiving threats.

Yeremiah Bell has also been a bright spot on the Dolphins' defense, as he leads the team in tackles. Bell and Allen also were pivotal in the Dolphins' victory against Seattle, as both players knocked down passes in key moments, preserving a victory.

The secondary will be tested again this week.

Randy Moss and Wes Welker were both kept in check in Week Three, allowed only a combined 10 catches for 70 yards and no touchdowns. Since then, the pair have been remarkably more productive, as Matt Cassel has been given more freedom in the offense.

The Dolphins will have to eliminate the big plays from Moss, which may allow Welker to dominate the middle of the field. The best way to offset this is a relentless pass rush.

The Patriots will most likely double up on Joey Porter, so the Dolphins will need Matt Roth and the defensive line to step up and add pressure. If Roth can get in the backfield early, the pressure on Porter will ease up and allow him to create the havoc he has inflicted on many teams this season.

These teams are evenly matched, so the game will likely be decided late in the fourth quarter. The edge goes to the Dolphins, who are playing at home.

Prediction: Miami 27, New England 24

Grumblings: My College Football Saturday

Kris Cardella — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 21:20:41 -0500

Ah, Saturday.

Such a lovely day. Sun shining. Birds chirping. The distant murmur of lawn equipment. The sweet smell of my breakfast egg skillet and coffee. Then, the most glorious part of any Saturday:

Football!!

Unfortunately, I had not bothered to check the college football lineup prior to plopping on the couch to catch the action. Or maybe action is not the right word. More like...

HUH?!?!

Don't get me wrong, there were some nail-biters. Games that would leave even the most mild-mannered observer sweating in unheard-of places. That's not what bothered me.

This is what bothered me:

1. FLORIDA STATE!!!!!! ARGH!!!!!!!

After slowly plunging into obscurity over the last 10 years, Bobby Bowden's Seminoles finally had me excited about a strong finish this season. Maybe even a BCS berth?!

Christian Ponder will be good, I suppose. Until then, he makes my heart palpitate. And not the ones that you get when you see your dream girl.

The ones that lead to pacemakers.

2. UF? More like F.U.!!

While I'm pulling my hair out, the Gators are pulling people out of the stands to make room for extra numbers on the scoreboards.

This is so cruel. How could this day get any worse?!

Whoops.

3. Disappointment at a beverage-dispensing establishment.

My friend and I decided to watch the FSU-BC game at a sports bar. My couch protested, and I tried to reason with her. But she knew.

If only I had listened.

I pulled up to said establishment, and to my delight, the place is brimming with people! During my walk from the nearby grocery store parking lot, I think to myself, "This is why I came out tonight. We get to cheer on our team with all of these other fans!" You can imagine my glee. Well, I was, in simple terms...

Wrong.

I walk in. No garnet shirts. No garnet and gold hats. Not even a sock that had garnet bled onto it in the wash. But the game was on. "OK," I thought, "maybe this isn't the most festive crowd, but this place has never let me down before."

Thirty minutes and a two-for-one special later, ALL of the televisions switch to...

Ultimate fighting?

"Alright, this isn't so bad," I told myself. "I can still watch my game."

Wrong again.

I had to ask the manager several times to turn the broom closet television from the ultimate fighting (a.k.a. Fierce Shirtless Hugging), back to the football game.

But it still wasn't the bar that got to me. It was that all of these people, who I had assumed were about to accompany me on my 'Nole-cheering journey, did not care to see any football. Am I losing touch here?

I think next Saturday I will stay faithful to my couch.

Dolphins-Raiders: Key Matchups

Kris Cardella — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:04:13 -0500

One game over the midway point of the season, the Miami Dolphins (5-4) have turned heads and nearly erased the memory of the 1-15 season a year ago. They play disciplined, they play tough, and they've shown other teams in the NFL that it is not easy to leave Dolphin Stadium with a win.

The Oakland Raiders (2-7), on the other hand, are headed in an entirely different direction. Coach firings, starter cuts, and poor quarterback play are just the beginning of this struggling franchise's problems. But the Raiders do bring one thing to the table:

A solid ground attack.

The Raiders trounced the Dolphins last year in Miami to the tune of 35-17. Justin Fargas set a career high in rushing yards, while former quarterback Daunte Culpepper scored five touchdowns.

The Dolphins will have to control the game on the ground, while keeping the Raiders from amassing any yardage with their dangerous running backs.

Now, without further ado, the matchups.

Darren McFadden/Justin Fargas vs. Dolphins' Defense

It looks as if the Raiders will have McFadden back in the lineup this week after being sidelined for over a month with turf toe. Fargas is also healthier coming into this contest, which means Oakland will have all of its weapons.

Miami's run defense has been a roller coaster in the past few weeks. Two weeks ago against Denver, they allowed 14 total rushing yards. Last week against Seattle, they gave up 126.

The Raiders might also try to give the Dolphins a taste of their own medicine. Darren McFadden ran the wildcat formation at Arkansas with much success in his college career. Like Ronnie Brown, McFadden can find creases, but can also make a pass down field.

Oakland brings in the NFL's eighth-ranked rushing offense on Sunday. Miami needs to maintain their discipline and make Andrew Walter win the game with his arm.

Ronnie Brown/Ricky Williams vs. Raiders' Defense

The Dolphins' running game finally started to come together last week against Seattle, thanks in part to a 51-yard touchdown run by Ricky Williams.

The Raiders are 29th in the NFL against the run, giving up over 150 yards per game. This should bode well for the Dolphins, but they have struggled establishing the run against poor run defenses.

In Week Nine against Denver, who carries the NFL's 27th-ranked run defense, they only were able to muster a total of 75 rushing yards.

So whether it's the wildcat or just up-the-gut, the Dolphins need to establish their presence on the ground against the Raiders.

Dolphins' Receivers vs. Raiders' Secondary

There is one thing very predictable about the Dolphins. Chad Pennington will not make a lot of mistakes, and he will put the ball in the right spot for receivers to catch it.

So this puts pressure on the Dolphins' wideouts to get separation and make reliable targets for Pennington. This may be difficult, as the Raiders' pass rush, led by Derrick Burgess, is formidable.

Oakland's pass defense, led by cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, has been one of the bright spots on the team, allowing opposing quarterbacks just over 190 yards per game and a rating of 77.7.

The Dolphins will rely mostly on their running game, but they can use their perimeter speed to help build an early lead in the game. Ted Ginn can break big plays, and Greg Camarillo can get open anywhere on the field. Early leads have contributed to Miami's success in the past few weeks, so it would be wise to continue that trend.

The only advantage the Oakland has over Miami is their special teams, but Dolphins' coach Tony Sparano has not let up in his pursuit to improve kick coverage. The Raiders are outmatched in every other phase of the game. That, paired with a trip across three time zones, will lead to a long day for Tom Cable's struggling team.

Miami 28, Oakland 9

Five Things I Love About the 2008 Miami Dolphins

Kris Cardella — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:46:31 -0500

The Atlanta Falcons found a franchise quarterback in rookie Matt Ryan, the Chicago Bears are winning with offense, and the Tennessee Titans are undefeated and led by...Kerry Collins?

Yes, there are some head-turning surprises halfway through the 2008 season. But none compare to the resurgence of the Miami Dolphins.

Last season's whipping boys have a totally different look. Owner Wayne Huizenga hired football czar Bill Parcells to turn the NFL's doormat into the team that nobody wants to play.

So yeah, we all expected a change...But no one expected them in a playoff push.

Especially not in 2008.

Dolphins fans now look to the second half of the season with the very hope and anticipation that was lost when Marino retired in 1999.

This is why I have compiled a list of the five things I love the most about this year's team.

1. This team is tough.

New Head Coach Tony Sparano has instilled a new attitude with this Miami Dolphins club. They operate with a discipline and confidence that I haven't seen since Don Shula's best years.

The Dolphins offer the shortest injury report, week after week. Guys don't want to be hurt. The alternative is worse than playing with some pain.

Just ask Joey Porter.

This week, Porter remarked about what happens when someone on the team has an injury, stating: "[Sparano] will come in and tell you, "You've got two days left...You're working on borrowed time now."

It seems the message sank in.

2. Chad Pennington.

I must say something now that I don't imagine I will say again any time soon.

Thank you, New York Jets!

As difficult as that was for me, I had to show gratitude to the organization that handed us the Dolphins' biggest upgrade.

Chad Pennington turned one of the biggest question marks on this team into arguably its greatest strength. Pennington has instilled confidence in players on both offense and defense, while having one of the best statistical seasons of his nine-year career.

3. They win close games.

For the last few years, the Dolphins have a well-known propensity for blowing leads late in games.

Or making costly mistakes in late-game drives while trailing.

Now, granted, they are guilty of committing both of the aforementioned "no-no's" this season, but never have I watched the Dolphins late in games expecting them to do the right thing at the right time.

Like converting a clutch third-down play.

Or like making a crucial stop on 4th-and-goal from the one-yard line.

Plays like these were absent in recent seasons. I look forward to more time on the winning end of these close contests.

4. The Coaches.

And I'm not just talking about Tony Sparano.

The rookie head coach is no doubt making the most of his first season as an NFL head coach. He as earned the respect of his players. The confidence that Bill Parcells has in him has spread through the organization and even to the fans.

But the people I've really been impressed with are the assistants.

Dan Henning has been drawing praise, and not just from fellow coaches and opponents. The Dolphins' new offensive coordinator has raised some eyebrows around the league. So much, in fact, that other teams have started calling his plays.

Like the Wildcat. Even the Patriots used it Sunday night against the Colts.

Defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni pushes the defense to play hard. A unit that had a lot of uncertainty heading into the season is seeing success without having the most talent. Discipline and intensity allow the defense to make big plays and keep other teams from making them.

5. They are fun to watch.

The Dolphins make the highlight reels of all the major sports networks, week after week.

The difference this season: They're making the plays.

Starting with win against the Patriots in Week Three, all NFL fans have admitted that the Dolphins are as entertaining a team as you can find in the league. And it's not just the gimmick plays.

Look at the catches the receivers have been making. Big plays from three different running backs. Great blocking. Sacks. Interceptions. And I think I've seen at least one linebacker from the opposing team every week copy Joey Porter's big leg kick.

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.

If you have any to add to the list, or just point out things I missed, please free to mention them in the comments below.

With Dolphins Win, AFC East Race Heats Up

Kris Cardella — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:55:29 -0500

After a 26-17 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday, there is one thing Miami Dolphin fans can agree on:

This is the biggest win for Miami in over five years.

The year was 2003, where the Dolphins finished the season 10-6 and missed the playoffs. This was the last time the Dolphins were relevant.

Don't get me wrong. There have been great wins for this team more recently.

The Monday night comeback against the New England Patriots in 2004. But, the Dolphins finished 4-12.

Nick Saban's team in 2005 finished with six straight wins. But, they started 3-7 and were playing for respect; there was little chance of a playoff appearance.

Then again in 2006, after a 1-6 start, the Dolphins handed the then undefeated Chicago Bears their first loss of the season. The Dolphins finished 6-10.

One win last year to save the season. Unfortunately, it was to save a 0-16 season.

Then yesterday, the Dolphins manage to pull out a win on the road against yet another division leader and are 4-4 heading into the second half of the season. Wow. I mean, who saw this coming?

Granted, Miami is still in last place in the AFC East. The good news is that New England, Buffalo, and New York are all tied and sitting one game ahead of the Dolphins. But wait, it gets better.

While the Patriots, Bills, and Jets beat up on each other the next two weeks, the Dolphins host the Seattle Seahawks and the Oakland Raiders; two of the worst teams in their respective conferences.

And both teams have to travel across the country.

Is it starting to sink in?

If the Dolphins can beat two teams they are very well capable of beating, they will stand at 6-4. They would be, at worst, in a tie for second place in the division. They would then face the Patriots at home in week 12, and with a win, could very well end up at the top of the AFC East.

This all reminds me of an interview the press did with Ernest Wilford at the beginning of training camp. When asked what the expectations of the team were, he replied, "To win the division."

It may have put the media personnel in stitches then. But here we are, at the halfway point of the 2008 season, and the Miami Dolphins are in the hunt and playing their best football in years.

Dolphins-Bills: Key Matchups

Kris Cardella — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:02:08 -0400

The Miami Dolphins(2-4) round out the first half of their division schedule this Sunday against the Buffalo Bills (5-1) in Miami. These teams are heading in opposite directions; with the Dolphins on their second losing skid of the season, and the Bills coming off a huge win at home against the San Diego Chargers.

This is the Bills' first AFC East matchup of the 2008 season. The Dolphins are 1-1 in the division and a win would help restore confidence and keep them in the hunt for a playoff spot.

The Bills have found many ways to win this season: offense, defense, and special teams. The Dolphins will have their hands full this week trying to defend their home turf.

On that note...here come the matchups.

Dolphins' offensive line vs. Bills' defensive line:

The Bills front will be one of the biggest tests yet for a Dolphins offensive line that is still trying to gel.

Former Jaguar Marcus Stroud has been making his presence known in his first season with the Bills. He is very disruptive against the run and can push the inside of the pocket on passing downs. Dolphins center Samson Satele is also having a strong season so far, but he will need help to keep Stroud out of the backfield and open running lanes for Ronnie Brown.

Bills defensive end Aaron Schobel always seems to play his best against the Dolphins. It will be rookie left tackle Jake Long's job to keep him off of Chad Pennington's backside, and Long has yet to allow a sack this season.

Dolphins' front seven vs. Marshawn Lynch:

Lynch's production has dropped off a bit in 2008 after a stellar rookie season in 2007. He has rushed for 389 yards and five touchdowns through six games but is averaging only 3.5 yards per carry.

He is still showing the ability to run over defenders, which is why the Dolphins cannot allow him to reach the second level. Lynch gave the Dolphins' defense fits last year, but this year's unit is much better against the run.

Will Allen vs. Lee Evans:

Lee Evans has made a nasty habit of having career games against the Dolphins. In the eight games he has played against Miami, he has 25 catches for 554 yards and eight touchdowns. That's over 22 yards per catch and one touchdown per game.

Will Allen has been a bright spot in the secondary, which is why he hasn't been thrown to a bunch. He has struggled against bigger receivers like Andre Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald, but should be able to keep up with the 5'10" Evans.

Allen does not have an interception yet this season, but he did force a fumble in Week Five against Houston.

Chad Pennington vs. Bills' secondary:

Although the stats don't show it, Pennington is coming off of his roughest game of the season. He threw an interception to Terrell Suggs that was returned for a touchdown last week against the Ravens, which swung the momentum for the remainder of that game.

Despite that, Pennington remains the unquestioned leader of this Dolphins offense. The Dolphins are looking to put up their fifth straight week of 350+ yards of offensive production. He will be tested with Terrence McGee, Jabari Greer, Ko Simpson, and Donte Whitner standing back waiting for throws. The Bills' secondary is eighth in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game.

The best way for Pennington to bounce back is for Ronnie Brown to be productive. If the Dolphins can establish the run, then Pennington will be able to move the ball downfield with the play-action pass.

Dolphins' special teams:

STOP ROSCOE PARRISH!!!!!

But seriously, the University of Miami product is dangerous, and the Dolphins have given up big returns this season.

Tony Sparano needs to make sure that they have the kind of game they had against the Chargers' Darren Sproles. If Parrish gets loose, he can take over the game.

The Dolphins will be tested in every phase of the game on Sunday. Hopefully they can eliminate the costly mistakes and bring back some of that winning attitude that the team carried after wins against the Patriots and Chargers. If not, then fans might need to start looking forward to 2009.

Matt Jones Suspended Three Games, Other Jaguars Receivers Must Step Up

Kris Cardella — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:08:29 -0400

Matt Jones' offseason debauchery finally caught up to him yesterday, when the NFL imposed a three-game suspension on the Jaguars' most productive pass-catcher.

Jones was arrested in Arkansas in July and charged with one count of cocaine possession. His suspension is in line with the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

This poses a challenge to the Jaguars passing game, as Jones has become David Garrard's most reliable target.

Jones has 30 catches for 338 yards and a touchdown. The other Jags receivers have a combined total 37 catches for 395 yards and zero touchdowns.

Jack Del Rio will likely be pushing Jerry Porter and Mike Walker to step up and contribute. Porter came to Jacksonville in the offseason as a free agent after signing a $30 million contract. He has only one catch after missing the entire preseason and first three games with a hamstring injury.

Walker was on injured reserve for all of the 2007 season with a knee injury. He has started to show some promise in the last few games and even had a six-catch, 107-yard game in a loss to the Steelers in Week Five.

Dolphins-Ravens: Key Matchups

Kris Cardella — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:43:18 -0400

The Miami Dolphins come into this week's showdown against the Baltimore Ravens reeling from a 29-28 loss to the Houston Texans. As Chad Pennington put it, this is "gut-check time." The Dolphins can have a hangover from a game they should have won and spiral downwards or come back and show everyone that wins over the Patriots and Chargers were not flukes.

There are several matchups that the Dolphins need to focus on to ensure victory this Sunday.

Dolphins' Kick Coverage vs. Yamon Figurs:

The most glaring thing the Dolphins must address are the big returns. The first order of business for Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland this season was to bring free agents that were strong special-teams players. They have not lived up to this promise.

Last week, the Dolphins were up 14-6 nearing halftime when they allowed a 70-yard punt return for a touchdown and gave the momentum back to the win-deprived Texans.

Figurs hasn't broken a long return, but neither had Jacoby Jones until last week. Figurs has the speed; he just needs a couple of missed tackles (Dolphins Head Coach Tony Sparano counted 11 last week).

The Dolphins need to get back to fundamentals: fly down the field and make tackles.

Dolphins' front seven vs. Ravens' running backs:

The Dolphins have been stout against the run all season. They are ranked eighth in the NFL against the run, allowing 89 yards per game. This stat is even more impressive considering the running backs the Dolphins have faced: LaDainian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles, Thomas Jones, Edgerrin James, Steve Slaton, and Ahman Green.

The Ravens are most dangerous when they are able to move the ball on the ground with their three-headed rushing attack of Le'Ron McClain, Willis McGahee, and Ray Rice. In their two wins, Baltimore averaged 190 yards rushing.

Since then, they have averaged under 100 yards per contest, including a 51-yard game against Indianapolis last week.

If the Dolphins can continue to seal the gaps and slow the Ravens rushing attack, then they will have to rely on Joe Flacco's arm.

Dolphins' wide receivers vs. Ravens' cornerbacks:

The Dolphins came into the season conceding one flaw: the wide-receiver corps.

Through five games, it is evident that this group cannot be relied on, week-to-week, to make plays.

Greg Camarillo and Davone Bess have been solid, but they would be third and fourth options on almost any other team in the NFL. While they can make the catches in the middle and on the sidelines, they won't stretch the defense and keep the Ravens' defense from stacking up against the run. Preseason favorites Derek Hagan and Ernest Wilford have combined for four catches.

2007 first-round draft choice Ted Ginn has not developed chemistry with Chad Pennington. This is due mostly to the fact that he is not getting open with any regularity, even against man-to-man coverage. He will have even more trouble this week going against Chris McAlister.

If Ginn can start living up to his lofty draft position, it will ease the pressure on the tight ends and allow Ronnie Brown some running room.

Wildcat vs. Ravens' coaches

There has been a new wrinkle in the Dolphins' Wildcat offense every week. Last week, it was a 53-yard reverse-option pass for a touchdown. What will they try this week?

This is something the Ravens coaches have to spend time in practice preparing for. That means less time working on defending the Dolphins' base offense.

If the Dolphins can continue to run a mistake-free Wildcat, alongside the precision of Chad Pennington, they will have a great chance to pull to 3-3 and stay in the hunt in the AFC East.

AFC South vs. NFC East: Who Should Be Considered Cream of the Crop?

Kris Cardella — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:01:12 -0400

Ever since the strong finish of the 2007 NFL season for the AFC South, there have been discussions on whether or not they have unseated the NFC East as the NFL's toughest division. You have the division with Eli Manning (and Tony Romo, Jason Campbell, and Donovan McNabb) and then the division with Peyton Manning (and Vince Young, David Garrard, and Matt Shaub).

If you compare quarterbacks, the NFC East looks like it can't be beat (unless it's in the playoffs). But if you look closer at the inter-conference meetings between these teams in the last half-dozen years, you'd see an edge for Big Bro Manning and Co.

Since the Houston Texans were added to the league and the AFC South was formed in 2002, the NFC East and AFC South have been scheduled twice. In '02, the expansion Houston Texans' very first game was against the Dallas Cowboys, a game which they won, 19-10, before going on to a season of 4-12 (the pre-Bill Parcells Cowboys didn't do much better at 5-11).

All in all, the series between the divisions was split (8-8). Both divisions had two playoff-bound teams, and both divisions sent a team to its respective conference championship game. Pretty even, right?

In '06, the series went 10-6 between the two divisions. The Colts, Jags, and Titans all went 3-1 over NFC East opponents while the Texans went 1-3. The Jags and Titans both missed the playoffs that year at 8-8. Meanwhile, the Giants, Cowboys, and Eagles all made the playoffs, but none made it out of the divisional round. The Colts, of course, toted the Lombardi Trophy back to Indianapolis that year.

Last season the AFC South and NFC East both housed three playoff teams apiece. The AFC South finished with the best collective record an NFL division has ever had (42-22). However, the only team to get out of the divisional round from either division was the Giants, and we all know how that ended up (18 and one are now my favorite numbers).

So, really, what it comes down to is this season's play. From what I saw Thursday night, the Redskins are going to have some problems getting going with Jim Zorn's new offense. Washington's bleak outlook and Houston's upside (Andre Johnson is a beast) ends up giving the AFC South the edge this season for toughest division. I expect this debate to heat up following this weekend's games.