Bleacher Report - Articles by Darren Sanchez

The Houston Rockets' Top 10 Defining Draft Moments

Darren Sanchez — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:08:31 -0400

With the 2009 NBA Draft right around the corner (June 25th), the Houston Rockets are faced with having no selections, barring a last minute trade. However, having acquired Ron Artest and Luis Scola for these picks, this draft should already be considered a very successful one for the red and silver. In order to secure a selection, the Rockets might conider giving up future picks, or possibly packaging some players on their current roster. In 1996 they packaged Sam Cassell and Robert Horry for Charles Barkley. Would Carl Landry and Aaron Brooks be that different, for someone like Carlos Boozer or Steve Nash? Dealing Tracy McGrady for a pick would be the best of both worlds, considering they played so well without him. But with his huge contract, he will undoubtedly be difficult to move. If they do manage to swing a deal and secure a pick in this draft, a back-up center should be their top prority. Dikembe Mutombo has finally hung up his size 22’s and Yao’s feet aren’t getting any younger, so don’t be surprised if G.M. Daryl Morey gets together with Rick Adelman and makes a move. Taking a look back at the Rockets draft history I am reminded of an old saying that, “hindsight is 20/20.” This is especially true in analyzing a teams draft selections over the years considering how it is impossible to consistently pick out the next late round steal or early round bust as it actually happens. That said, the Houston Rockets have a draft history that has more peaks and valleys than John Travolta’s career. Looking back, I have ranked the top ten most defining moments, some good, some not so good, of this proud NBA franchise. I have left off a couple of honorable mentions such as John Lucas and Elvin Hayes. Lucas because he only spent two years as a Rocket before moving on, and Hayes because he made his mark in the league more as a Washington Bullet than a Houston Rocket. Lucas did come back to join the 1986 Rockets, but that was well past his prime. Though I must admit, they both certainly deserve mention as #1 picks in 1976 and 1968 respectively.

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AFC South 2009: Why It Is The Best In The NFL

Darren Sanchez — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:43:32 -0400

Which is the best division in the NFL? That is not an easy question to answer.

The first thought out of your head might be the NFC East. The Cowboys, Giants, Eagles, and Redskins routinely put out competitive, sometimes even outstanding, teams.

But one look past the Giants will take you to mediocre-ville. With their losses on offense (Burress, Toomer and Ward), even the mighty Giants may fall back to the pack this year.

How about the Black & Blue division, the NFC North? With the Lions, Packers, and Bears, no way.

The AFC East is a better candidate on the strength of the Patriots, the upstart Dolphins and the Jets. Sorry, Bills fans, but bringing up your team only hurts the argument.

I'm still wondering if Miami can do it again. Wildcat offense and miracle finishes aside, they were a marginal playoff team at best.

And how good will the Patriots be this year? We'll see.

This is a very good division but the Dolphins, Jets and Bills don't instill fear in anyone.

The NFC South, behind the Panthers, Falcons, Bucs and Saints puts up a strong argument.

Although this is a deep division (all four were .500 or better last year), the top teams (Panthers, 12-4, and Falcons, 11-5) are unproven and have not fared well in big games against other great teams.

This may have been the best division in the NFL in 2008 and is still the best division in the NFC in 2009, but that is as far as it goes.

Neither of the west divisions deserve serious consideration, unless the topic of this column was "Reasons For a Revised Playoff System." When the 9-7 Cardinals and the 8-8 Chargers are your respective champs, you don't have a leg to stand on.

That leaves just two divisions to decide from: the AFC North and the AFC South.

For all of you that are less than 30 years old out there, last season wasn't the first time the Steelers and Titans/Oilers franchises have clashed.

There is a long history there from the AFC Central days before realignment. That rivalry looks to be starting up all over again, to the delight of football fans in Tennessee and Pittsburgh.

Now, I am in no way diminishing the talents of the two stud teams in the North. The Ravens and Super Bowl champion Steelers are teams that can be considered elite in the league, and opponents that make other teams dread that Sunday on their schedule.

But the Browns and Bengals simply do not hold up their end of the deal and basically amount to four easy wins for the rugged two. Even looking forward to 2009, there is no reason to believe either Cleveland or Cincinnati will contend for that division.

Which leaves the AFC South. Looking forward to 2009, all four teams could rise to the top and win the division.

Last season's division-winning Titans had the best record in football at 13-3, while the No. 2 Colts finished at 12-4.

The top is elite, and the bottom was mediocre last season but on the upswing this year.

This is undoubtedly the best division in football right now. Need more reasons?

The Texans' defense looks to be much improved with their recent draft picks, going defense with three of their first four picks (LB Brian Cushing, DE Connor Barwin, and CB Glover Quin) while also picking up LB Cato June in free agency.

The loss of Ahman Green is addition by subtraction in the eyes of most Texans fans as Steve Slaton looks to follow up a great rookie year. A healthy Andre Johnson will help Slaton and QB Matt Schaub to improve the offense as well.

The Jaguars finished just 5-11 last season, but look to rebound by staying healthy (the O-line was devastated last year) and regaining their swagger of a few years ago.

Torry Holt's presence should help David Garrard improve his passing numbers, while Derrick Harvey, Maurice Jones-Drew and rookies Eugene Monroe and Derek Cox should help strengthen this sleeper team.

At the top are the Titans and Colts. Tennessee was a Chris Johnson ankle away from meeting Pittsburgh in what would have been a tremendous AFC Championship game.

And the Colts are capable of running off another 12-4 season and rolling all the way to the Super Bowl every year.

Regular Season Rematches and Power Defenses; A Division Round Playoff Preview

Darren Sanchez — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:57:43 -0500

It's Divisional Playoff Weekend, people. Time to get excited. Even if your team isn't still playing, most fans love this weekend of games more than any other in the NFL season.

This is the weekend that football fans across the country get in trouble with their wives for watching four games and twelve hours of football, spending the entire weekend glued to their couches.

If the actual games prove to be as enticing as the matchups, it will be well worth doing the dishes for the rest of the week.

Two common themes run throughout these games; regular season rematches and powerful defenses. So without further ado, on to the analysis and predictions.

The first, and likely most savage of the four games pits arch enemies, the Titans and Ravens, in a well publicized rematch of a 13-10 Titans road-win earlier this season.

To make things even sweeter, it is a rematch of a mentally scarring, nasty 2000 playoff loss for the Titans. In that game the 13-3, No. 1 seeded Titans (sound familiar?) lost a home game to the eventual Superbowl Champion Ravens.

In all honesty, the Titans were the best team the Ravens faced in that playoff run, including their easy Super Bowl win over the Collins-led Giants. The loss was marked by a particularly violent Siragusa sack on Steve McNair that changed the flow and eventually the outcome of the game. An interception return for TD, by Ray Lewis on a dump pass to Eddie George sealed the upset win for the Ravens...

Fast forward to 2009.

The Ravens have the second best defense in yards allowed. And the Titans have the second best defense in points against. You want more stats? The Titans are fifth in sacks, while the Ravens are eleventh. The Ravens are third best against the run, the Titans sixth. The Ravens get the most picks, the Titans get the sixth most. The Titans force the most fumbles, etc. I think you get the point.

People say the Ravens are on a roll after crushing Miami. Titan’s fans respond by saying, Tennessee had a better record so they didn't have to PLAY Miami. This game will be a fight, no two ways about it. But after all is said and done, I can't see Flacco and the suspect Ravens' offense scoring more than ten points against Haynesworth, Bullock, Finnegan and company. Ten points might actually be enough to win this slug-fest... The Titans, behind a surprisingly effective passing attack, should manage more than that.

My pick, Titans 17- Ravens 10

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The first NFC game of the weekend will showcase the Carolina Panthers defending their home turf against the Arizona Cardinals. The defense on these teams are not as strong as the previous game, or even the Giants-Eagles game (which I'll get to), but the Cards looked strong last weekend, rising up in Phoenix to snuff out the apparently over-hyped Falcons.

The question this week is can the Cards stop the Carolina running game. DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and the Panthers have the third best rushing attack in the NFL, but I'll tell you why that doesn't impress Arizona.

It's because the Falcons (whom they spanked last week) have the second best rushing attack; and it didn't help them much.

The real key to this game will be whether Arizona can establish their running game, or if Carolina can establish the pass. The team to do that first and best, will open up their real strengths on offense and ride a balanced attack to a win.

I haven't seen anyone who is giving the Cards a chance in this game, and I reluctantly have to agree with that school of thought. I give Arizona and Kurt Warner a punchers chance, as they can score with almost anyone.

The Panthers are simply too well rounded, behind Delhomme, Smith, Williams and Peppers, and would have to pull a big choke job to blow this game. This is without a doubt the least anticipated game of the weekend.

My pick, Panthers 31- Cardinals 20

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When the New York Giants face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, they will put their hard earned No. 1 seed and home field advantage to the test. Sports radio stations in New York are filled with confident Giants fans puffing their chests and expressing their certainty that the Giants will roll past Philly all the way to the Super Bowl.

Some fans are even stating that they think they'll play the Titans, or look forward to getting revenge on the Ravens when they get to Tampa. (Sorry Charger and Steeler fans... that's what they're saying here) A couple of guys in Philly, namely McNabb and Westbrook, beg to differ.

The Eagles have no problem admitting that they were fortunate to make the playoffs and should send a gift basket to the Texans and Raiders for beating the Bears and Bucs respectively to allow them their No. 6 seed.

But they are by no means undeserving. In fact, they parallel the aforementioned Ravens in that they will be a tough test for the No. 1 seeded juggernauts in their conference. Last time they came to New York to play the Giants (Dec. 7), the Eagles flew home victorious after a 20-14 win.

The New York media blamed Burress and thought they'd never have to hear from Philly again till next year. That started a losing trend for Manning and crew as they dropped three of their last four games. Brandon Jacobs will be back on the field for New York this weekend, but Burress is still gone.

Westbrook may not be 100 percent, but the Eagles could very easily win this game. I happen to think Philly is feast or famine, as they look great (vs. Dallas) or disappoint in a big way (tie to Cincinnati). The Eagles are hot though and have won four of their last five.

Quality wins over the Giants, Cowboys and Vikings give them no shortage of confidence this weekend. I believe their outcome will be the same as the Ravens though. The Giants are very strong, and Eli Manning is cool under pressure. This should be a great game.

My pick, Giants 24- Eagles 20

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The last game of the weekend has the Steelers facing off against the Chargers in a rematch of one of the most unusual games of the year. Pittsburgh won that game 11-10 behind a phenomenal pick by Polamalu, late in the game. But, as San Diego fans will point out since then, the Chargers have not lost.

Pittsburgh has what is statistically the best defense in football, at or near the top of almost every defensive category. With six of their games against Cleveland, Cinci and the low scoring Ravens, I personally believe that stat to be skewed, and see their defense as about the same as Tennessee, Baltimore and New York (still great, but not unquestionably better).

They were seemingly exposed in a 31-14 loss to the Titans just three weeks ago. But they bounced right back, following that loss by shutting out a terrible Browns team.

In that Browns game though, Big Ben (who should have been on the bench) suffered another concussion. Similarly, in San Diego's last game (a win over the Colts), we learned that LT is injured fairly seriously and in all likelihood cannot play again anytime soon.

Both of these players have solid back-ups in Leftwich and Sproles, so I will call that a push. The only way this could turn against the Steelers is if Ben actually plays and groggily throws a few picks.

I see another low scoring game coming, but this time the quickness of Sproles could hurt the Pittsburgh defense more than LT might have. I'm going to hedge this pick by saying, if Roethlisberger is sharp the Steelers win. But I don't think he will be. And since I feel obliged to pick at least ONE upset...

My pick- Chargers 17 - Steelers 14

Is the NFC the NFL's JV Conference?

Darren Sanchez — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 03:45:22 -0500

Every season, you hear popular opinion stated by "everyone" that one conference or division is better than the other.

You hear it in baseball with the American League claiming superiority, in basketball, where until very recently the Western Conference was recognized as better and deeper, and even in college football as the SEC, Pac 10 and Big 12 ALL claim to be the best.

In the NFL, the public opinion is that the AFC is the better conference. NFC fans rise up to dispute this, based on the Giants beating the Pats last year, or beating the Steelers this year, and on anything else they can think of that might support their position.

In an attempt to settle it once and for all...at least this season, we'll take a look at the argument, using new pairings. So which conference really is better, the AFC or NFC?

Let's matchup this years playoff seeds and start the debate.

No. 6 Seeds- Eagles vs Ravens

The Ravens killed the Eagles this year, 36-7. They'd probably do it again if they had to, as Philly can be great, but they are too inconsistent to be counted on.

No. 5 Seeds- Falcons vs Colts

Atlanta is a respectable 11-5, the Colts are 12-4. You gotta love what the Falcons did this year. They didn't play each other head-to-head, but come on...Everyone knows the Colts are better.

No. 4 Seeds- Cardinals vs Chargers

The Cards finished 9-7, getting fat off their weak NFC West schedule and looked terrible at the end of the year. The Chargers were only 8-8, but won their last four games and finished as hot as the preseason predictions said they'd be. This is getting easier...Chargers are better.

No. 3 Seeds- Vikings vs Dolphins

Minnesota finished 10-6, while Miami was 11-5 in a tougher division. This one is closer, but I still have to say AFC wins... the Dolphins are better.

No. 2 Seeds- Panthers vs Steelers

No disrespect to the 12-4 Panthers, as they could very well win the Superbowl. In fact, they might even be better than the Giants, despite losing in NY a few weeks ago. But the Steelers were also 12-4, allowed over 100 less points this season, have the best defense in the NFL, and are the better team; though this one is very close.

No. 1 Seeds- Giants vs Titans

The Titans (13-3) beat up Pittsburgh by a score of 31-14 just a few weeks ago; while the Giants have struggled of late, winning only one of their last four games. But in fairness to the Superbowl Champion Giants (12-4), lets call this one a toss-up.

We could look even deeper, but I won't bother to mention the teams who ALMOST made the playoffs... Cowboys vs Patriots / Bucs vs Jets / Bears vs Broncos, etc. The Detroit Lions alone practically settle the argument, if you go top to bottom.

I believe the outcome is clear. I wouldn't say the NFC is the JV Conference, as that would be inflammatory and an exaggeration of truth. But it certainly appears that the NFC is the inferior conference, at least this year.

Wildcard Weekend: All Road Teams Will Win

Darren Sanchez — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:04:50 -0500

This weekend NFL fans get to sit back and watch four Wildcard Playoff games. It is the beginning of the roller coaster ride that is the NFL's Superbowl tournament. In looking at the games, I have come to a surprising conclusion. The "Road Warriors," look like good bets in all four games. With all due respect to the Tag Team Champs pictured, the NFL's road teams don't generally fare too well in the playoffs. This weekend will be different though as, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Baltimore and Philadelphia will all come away victorious. The main reason for this is the playoff format. In this current system, you don't have to be a good team to make the playoffs. You just have to be better than the three other teams in your division. In the case of the AFC & NFC West, 8-8 is good enough. Don't tell anyone in New England (11-5) that the Chargers (8-8) are HOSTING a playoff game, while the Pats are planning their vacations. This system would be better off with the three division format of old, having just three division winners, and three Wildcards. But I will digress. This is supposed to be a Playoff Preview, not a forum for bashing the playoff format.

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So You Think the Jets Will Beat the Titans?

Darren Sanchez — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:56:02 -0500

Congers, NY—If you listen to sports radio here in New York, then you must be pretty fired up that the Jets are going to roll into Nashville and defeat the tough-but-beatable Tennessee Titans. After taking down the Patriots last Thursday, the Jets are flying high and are ready to prove that they are contenders in the weak (?) AFC.

In my opinion the Jets have already proven they're contenders by defeating seven of their nine opponents (they played the Patriots twice). Some of those seven teams even had winning records. The Raiders, for instance, which they easily—hmm, OK, bad example. Let's take a closer look.

The positives are undeniable. The Jets have a very strong run defense (Jenkins and Co.), a future Hall of Fame quarterback (Brett Favre) with gas still in the tank, and a steadily improving offense behind two talented running backs (Thomas Jones and Leon Washington).

However, they are only the second best team in New York. Tennessee would like to show that they are no better than the second best team in the AFC, as well.

My question is this...will all the confidence, swagger, and momentum that was generated by beating the New England Patriots disappear if the Jets get thumped by something like a 27-10 score in Nashville?

That score is not far fetched at all. They did give up 400 yards passing to Matt Cassell.

A few more things I'd like to point out.

The Jets' run defense is excellent (which I just pointed out), and they get plenty of sacks. However, their pass defense is their weak spot (28th in the NFL), which makes it difficult for them to hold on to leads late in games.

The Titans exceptional run defense is at least as good as, if not better than the Jets, and they also get plenty of sacks (rushing just the front four usually). It is in pass defense that these teams differ as the Titans pass defense is ranked sixth in the league.

Another factor is that the Titans defense plays much better when Kyle VandenBosch is in the lineup. With VandenBosch on the field, Tennessee’s sacks go up and total yards allowed drop. He is expected to play this week.

In response to those who say the Titans have also played a weak schedule...They have wins over the Colts, Vikings, Bears, Packers, Jaguars (twice), and Ravens.

They did play three weak teams (Texans, Bengals, and Chiefs) but they beat them by a combined 89-29 score.

Finally, Tennessee allows an average of 13.1 points per game, best in the league. Only one team has put up 20 points on their defense all year, the Colts. However, Indianapolis' final touchdown came in garbage minutes when they were down, 31-14, with the Titans sitting way back in prevent defense.

It will be a huge statement if the Jets manage to pick up the win, but I wouldn't hold my breath. One thing is for certain, though—it will be another interesting Sunday in the NFL.

NFL Fantasy Football Sleepers and Busts: If I Only Knew

Darren Sanchez — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:14:18 -0500

In the weeks before every NFL season for the past ten years or so, fantasy football owners have meticulously analyzed every aspect of NFL players with the sole intention of dominating their fantasy football leagues.

With the number of leagues we all play in going up every year, the analyzing and the draft has become the most intense (and most enjoyable) part of the season. Nobody wants to have a bad draft. With that said, every season has its surprise sleeper stars, as well as its early round busts.

A sleeper could be defined as a great numbers producer who wasn't picked until after the sixth round, or someone who went undrafted altogether. The lower the round you got him, the better the pick. Free Agent sleepers can be even sweeter, if you're quick enough to grab them. When you get one, they are like finding a $20 bill on the sidewalk.

A bust is someone who looks great on paper, was an early round pick (or a keeper) and then immediately got injured, or even worse... one who is healthy but just hasn't done a thing all year except SUCK.

As an avid Fantasy geek, I have compiled my lists of Fantasy sleepers and busts for you to check out and then summarily rip apart. So, without further ado...

Biggest Fantasy Busts of 2008 (by position)

QB–Tom Brady, Carson Palmer, Vince Young

RB–Laurence Maroney, Willis McGahee, Joseph Addai, Larry Johnson

WR–Braylon Edwards, Marques Colston

TE–Todd Heap, Jeremy Shockey

DST–San Diego

*If this list of busts looks remarkably like your team, then you feel my pain.

Biggest Fantasy Sleepers of 2008 (by position)

QB–Matt Cassel, Kurt Warner

RB–Steve Slaton, Chris Johnson

WR–Eddie Royal, Lance Moore

TE–Dustin Keller, Owen Daniels

DST–NY Jets

Hopefully this little list will give you some insight that might help you in next year's draft. Always pay attention to the incoming class of rookie RB's as Slaton and Johnson have shown that young legs and speed are valuable assets.

If any other clues you see in this list of names help you somehow in next year's draft, then this five minutes will have been worth your time.

Who is the Biggest Draft Bust Ever?

Darren Sanchez — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:05:26 -0500

If you want to start a great argument with your sports fan buddies, just ask this question:

"So, who is the biggest draft bust ever?"

Lots of names comes to mind immediately. Guys like Todd Marinovich, Lawrence Phillips (eight picks before Eddie George), and even JaMarcus Russell.

I'll throw in a few more.

Jets' fans will certainly remember a guy by the name of Blair Thomas.
But was he the worst? Also taken in the 1990 draft were Jeff George and Andre Ware.

Texans' fans might argue that the selection of Tony Boselli in the expansion draft set them back at least five years (though I'd say picking David Carr didn't help). Do expansion picks even count in this discussion?

Dan McGuire was a pick Seattle would surely like back. He was taken eight picks before Marinovich, making him (in my mind) a bigger bust.

Cinci took David Klingler in '91 with the sixth overall pick. But maybe Akili Smith was a worse choice at No. three overall in '99. How about Ki-Jana Carter in '95 at No. one overall?

Ron Dayne was taken 11th overall in 2000 by the NYG; not so good either.

Detroit's No. 2 overall pick of Charles Rogers was downright dumb, with Andre Johnson still on the board. But they made up for that by taking Harrington with the No. 3 overall in '02 (not so much...ouch).

But the Lions wised up with the Mike Williams pick at No. 10 overall in '05 (hmm, maybe not). Yet another WR. He was recently cut by the receiver-depleted Titans.

Cleveland took Tim Couch in '99 with the first pick overall, with Donovan McNabb still on the board.

One could argue that Michael Vick or Adam "Pacman" Jones were wasted picks.

Alex Smith set the 49ers back a few years, taken No. one overall in '05. And as it tends to happen, it cost Mike Nolan his coaching job.

Vince Young might be considered a bust, but it's too early to tell. He could be great if Kerry Collins ever decides to lose a game. It's too early to tell with Matt Leinart as well.

The biggest bust overall, in my opinion, is Tony Mandarich...moreso than even the admittedly huge bust that is Ryan Leaf.

Mandarich was taken based on a 'roided up college career—as soon as he went off the 'roids, he was terrible, slow, and injury prone. Mandarich was selected with a guy named Barry Sanders still on the board. That makes him the biggest bust.

When Leaf was taken, at least the Colts were smart enough to have picked Peyton Manning first. Had the Colts taken Leaf, with Manning still on the board, THEN he would be the biggest bust. But right now, it has to be Mandarich.

And if you wanna talk basketball, it has to be Sam Bowie. Taken No. two overall (after Hakeem Olajuwon) in 1984 by the Portland Trailblazers. The third pick that year was a guy named Michael Jordan. Not to mention other guys still on the board included Charles Barkley, John Stockton, and Sam Perkins.

The Blazers' pick is widely considered the biggest bust in the history of all drafts. Almost on par in infamy with the Ruth trade to the Yankees by the Red Sox.

And a footnote to that... in 1983, the Rockets picked Ralph Sampson at No. 1 overall. Possibly a bust in his own right, in hindsight. But they also had the third pick in that draft, and chose Rodney McCray (to the despair of Houstonians), electing not to pick Thurl Bailey, Dale Ellis, or a guy named Clyde Drexler.

If they had chosen Clyde (like the whole city begged them to do), they probably would not have been so awful that year, and would not have gotten the No. one pick the next year to draft Olajuwon. Stupidity paid off in that case.

So tell me, who do YOU think is the biggest draft bust ever?

Are the Tennessee Titans Really This Good?

Darren Sanchez — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 06:00:47 -0400

The Tennessee Titans remained undefeated after bludgeoning the lifeless Kansas City Chiefs and extended their record to a league best 6-0. The playoffs seem to be a foregone conclusion for this group. But are the Titans really the best team in the league?

Recent history seems to point to an imminent setback somewhere along the line. Just last week the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, who were also undefeated, were beaten soundly by the lowly Browns. Before that, sitting atop the prestigious power poll, were the Dallas Cowboys. The "Most Talented team in the League," has lost three of its last four and now may find Wade Phillips on the hot-seat.

It seems that the minute the national media declares one NFL team to be the best in the league; some underdog team comes in and rips them apart. Even the mighty Steelers looked terrible in their one loss to Philadelphia, and New England—I’ve got one word for ya...Miami.

While it is entirely possible that the Titans are the best team this year, Titan fans should try to remain humble and enjoy every minute of it. As a lifelong Oilers (now Titans) fan, I remember all too well the playoff losses to Bradshaw, Elway, and Montana. I remember losing to Buffalo (behind Frank Reich) after holding a 35-3 lead.

Coach Fisher simply has to keep this team from reading their own press clippings and have them focus on hitting what is in front of them.

The Titans have some glaring weaknesses that could haunt them sometime this year. Justin Gage and Justin McCareins would not be No.1 and No. 2 receivers on ANY team but this one, and Kerry Collins couldn't even get a start on the Attack Battalion—my (2-4) Fantasy team.

But as long as Albert Haynesworth anchors a healthy defensive line, and our running game pulls its considerable weight, all Collins (or Vince Young) have to do is not make mistakes, run the offense, and continue to rack up those modest stats.

Many teams in history have won titles behind strong defenses. The '85 Bears, the '86 Giants, the '01 Ravens, and of those teams, I like the way the Titans offense compares.

New England's undefeated run last year was impressive but ended badly, leaving the taste of failure on their “perfect season.” Finishing at 16-0 is not only unlikely, but unnecessary. The best team is the one who is left standing at the end of the season.

So, despite my obvious bias, I would say the Titans might lose a game or two along the way, but they are the best in the league. Though admittedly, I'll say it with a great deal of angst.

Stupid Frank Reich.