NFL Week 9 Recap: Debating Colt McCoy's Future and Peyton Hillis' Success

No matter what you think of Colt McCoy as a quarterback going forward, you cannot deny what he's done in his first three starts. Cleveland's 2-1 with McCoy behind center and have wins over two of the best teams in the NFL in New England and New Orleans. 

Looking at stats don't tell the story of McCoy's impact. He's got an attitude to him and has shown great pocket presence as evidenced by his ability to avoid the rush in the Patriot game as he scrambled for an impressive rushing touchdown. 

While the Browns had their way running the football when McCoy was called upon to make a big throw to move the chains, he delivered and has earned the starting gig for the foreseeable future. One last thing about McCoy before we move on. Sam Bradford looks like a lock to be a franchise QB, but who would have thought McCoy would have more early success before Jimmy Clausen and Tim Tebow? 

Can Hillis sustain?

Watching Peyton Hillis run is far from graceful. The bruiser looks like a fullback but has just enough speed to be effective. The question is whether or not he can keep up his performance through the remainder of this season and into next season. 

Now that Hillis' thigh injury seems to have improved, it's reasonable to think he will be able to have continued success the rest of the year. After that, it's anyone's guess, considering how running backs rise and fall like no other position in the NFL. Even if the Browns find another back after this season's up, Hillis would make a great goal line and short yardage back—something that's invaluable. It should also be known that he has very good hands for his size.

So can Hillis sustain? I say he finishes around 1,100 yards this year, and Cleveland adds a smaller speedy back to complement him in the offseason with Montario Hardesty's status up in the air after an ACL injury.

Jimmy Clausen

When the Carolina Panthers landed Clausen with the No. 48th overall pick, it was widely assumed that it was a steal that late in the draft. After seeing Clausen start three games and appear in three others, there is a reason why the former Notre Dame star fell in the draft, and it has nothing to do with character.

Clausen has a low-release point, and it has led to numerous balls being tipped or batted down at the line of scrimmage. He also hasn't displayed the poise and moxie that he showed in college. Instead, he looks like a lost puppy trying to find his way home. 

Matt Moore going down to injury may be the best thing for the Panthers in the long run, because now, they'll get a chance to see if Clausen's worth building around or if they should draft another QB in a draft that has plenty of talented signal callers. 

One thing is for sure—Mel Kiper looks like a fool for rating Clausen so high. Clausen still has a chance to turn it around, but I wouldn't count on it. 

Wade Phillips and other coaches on the hot seat

Phillips' hot seat is no longer hot as he has been relieved of his duties, finally. Phillips has been like a wounded animal that has had no chance to survive for awhile now, and ultimately Jerry Jones had to put him out of his misery. I do believe Jones wanted Phillips to finish out the season, but after back-to-back blow out losses, it's clear the team quit on him.

Brad Childress managed to survive another week after Brett Favre led a comeback victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Many are saying Favre saved Chilly, but the truth is if Favre would have played better earlier in the season, Childress probably would have never been on the hot seat in the first place. Childress is gone unless Minnesota recovers and makes a deep playoff run. But even if that were to happen, both sides need to separate.

John Fox may have landed himself on the hot seat after some negative comments about those that make the personnel decisions in Carolina after New Orleans trounced the Panthers. It's widely believed that Fox—whose contract expires after this season—will be a highly sought after coach this offseason.

Fox's win-now approach doesn't fit a team rebuilding, and his critical comments undermine the front office. Is that someone you want coaching up your young players that you're building around? Don't be surprised if Fox watches the end of the season from a couch and not the sidelines.

Three teams that impressed

Cleveland Browns—Beating the Patriots always warrants attention but beating them by 20 points is something special.

Baltimore Ravens—They tossed the Dolphins aside like they were nothing, and it's clear this team has their sights set high.

San Diego Chargers—Without Antonio Gates active, Philip Rivers continued his terrific season and led the Chargers to a big win in Houston. Take away the Chargers record and is there any doubt Rivers is the NFL's MVP?

Three that didn't

Detroit Lions—How many fourth quarter leads are they going to have to cough up before we stop praising them for being "competitive?" And is it too early to say Matthew Stafford is injury-prone?

Kansas City Chiefs—Playoff teams make plays to close games out not give them up. Now, Oakland is knocking on the door and so are the suddenly hot Chargers. Luckily, they're next four games consist of Denver, Arizona, Seattle and Denver again.

Houston Texans—If the Texans don't finish strong and make the playoffs, it's time for a change, and it starts with Gary Kubiak getting the boot. Despite a porous defense, it's the offense that isn't getting the job done. Matt Schaub has to play better, and despite Arian Foster's success, this team is better suited to try to outscore teams not wear them out on the ground and win with defense.