NFL: Ticking Timebombs of the National Football League

Some teams in the NFL are set up for the long haul. Other clubs, are showing that while things all look shiny and happy, beneath the surface, trouble brews.

Anyone can look at the Patriots, and nod. Once Brady went down, the Patriots have been a former glimmer. Sure, 2-1 isn't bad, but maybe we're remembering the club that went 18-1 last year.

How about the Colts? Sure, Peyton Manning is in there, floating around, and they have that brand new building to play in....but I don't think starting 1-2 was what they had in mind.

Sometimes, the bomb is wired to the QB. A good QB goes down, and the result is imminent. Take Denver for example. They have a high-octane Offense, which takes the pressure off a bad defense. For the Denver fans who want to skewer me, ask yourself this: Do you consider a great defense to be one that gives up 70 points in two weeks? What would this team do if Cutler suffered a season-ending injury like Brady? If you think plugging in Patrick Ramsey will keep this running....won't be that simple. Just ask Matt Cassel.

The Jets, sold on Brett Favre's inability to find closure, are now finding 1-2 uncomfortable. His backup, Kellen Clemens, isn't exactly Joe Namath. If Favre goes south, their best option, might be in Miami....ouch.

The time-bomb, sometimes, isn't limited to just an offensive player. Oakland, last week, looked good and solid, defensive for 3 quarters. Then, after losing Warren, Gibril Wilson, and switching to the Prevent defense, Oakland gave the game back to the Bills.

If a strong defense, covering for a weak offense suddenly folds....both weaknesses become glaringly obvious.

But like everything, sometimes, surprises come out of injuries.

Tom Brady, came out of Drew Bledsoe's injury. Peyton Manning's arrival was after a season of misery for Indy. And the Broncos knew they needed a WR and QB, in Brandon Marshall and Jay Cutler.