Each NFL Team's Biggest Regret of 2011

The NFL season and 2011 are coming to a close in a few weeks time and every team has something they wish they could do over.

Some regrets may be bigger than others. Some teams may have more than other teams but they all have something they wish could be reversed looking in hindsight.

The poster child for this list is in the photo above and he will set the precedent as we navigate through 32 mistakes in 2011.

AFC East

New England Patriots: Signing Albert Haynesworth

The New England Patriots took a chance with signing the much-maligned Albert Haynesworth during the free-agent frenzy. Bill Belichick has taken gambles on troubled athletes before and inserted them into the rigid, business-like culture in Foxboro. Needless to say, Haynesworth didn't work out and was cut faster than he could run a 40.  

New York Jets: Free-Agency Fumbling

Letting Brad Smith go in free agency has limited the New York Jets offense in 2011. Handcuffed to re-signing Santonio Holmes to a big contract and getting caught putting all their eggs in one basket for the Nnamdi Asomugha sweepstakes, the Jets limited their abilities in free agency.

Their offense has since recovered but the Jets remain in a precarious position due to their stumble out of the gates.

Miami Dolphins: Winning

The Miami Dolphins were in the race for the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. Then, they went ahead and decided to win after starting 0-7. Now, sitting at 5-9 the Dolphins have successfully knocked themselves out of the running not only for Andrew Luck, but Robert Griffin III and Matt Barkley as well.

Matt Moore has played well and helped keep Miami competitive. However, Moore is not a franchise quarterback and the Dolphins will continue to wallow in the wind as they search for their first franchise quarterback since Dan Marino.

Buffalo Bills: Signing Ryan Fitzpatrick after One Good Month

Remember this kids: In life, you should not judge anyone's performance—including your own—on one great showing or a small sample size of success. A truly successful person can sustain his achievements over a period of time. Would you ask a girl to marry you after five fun-filled weeks? No. You need months and years.

Well, the Buffalo Bills and the city of Buffalo were partying in September like it was 1991. Their Harvard grad tossing the pigskin came back from two consecutive 20-point-plus first-half deficits and helped the Bills start off 5-0. Then the Bills decided to sign Fitzpatrick to a $59 million extension in October.

Seven consecutive losses later, the Bills are wondering if they can turn in their receipt and get a refund.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys: Censoring Cheerleader's Twitter Account

During the Thanksgiving Day contest versus the Miami Dolphins, the Dallas Cowboys had a cheerleader tumbled into by tight end Jason Witten. The cheerleader—Melissa Kellerman—tweeted about the incident the following day poking fun at the issue claiming how tough she was.  

Apparently, the Cowboys did not see the lighthearted attempts at humor by Ms. Kellerman and swiftly had the Twitter account closed down. Dallas took a PR hit locally for the lack of foresight and disingenuous actions and landed themselves on the front page of Yahoo.com for their actions. 

New York Giants: Not Re-Signing Free Agents

New York Giants fans throughout the country simultaneously went into free-agency-induced convulsions as they watched several free agents sign with other teams. Most notably, Kevin Boss and Steve Smith stirred the pot with the most fervor.

Although Victor Cruz has blossomed into a go-to target, Steve Smith was a favorite target for Eli Manning and productive in converting on third down. Not being coaxed into giving Osi Umenyiora a new, fat contract has proven to be the smartest thing to come out of that same time period.    

Philadelphia Eagles: OL Coach Juan Castillo Promoted to New Defensive Coordinator

The entire Philadelphia sports media traveled down to Dallas last February for the Super Bowl. Obviously, the Philadelphia Eagles were not playing in that game but everyone expected Andy Reid to pluck one of the defensive assistant coaches to name as his new defensive coordinator.

Instead, Reid decided to throw the entire league a curveball as he committed to loyalty and successfully outsmarted himself. The Eagles successfully dug a hole early in the 2011 as they gave up consecutive fourth-quarter leads week after week.

Washington Redskins: Not Drafting a Quarterback

The Washington Redskins may not be going to the playoffs in 2011 but Mike Shanahan seems to have not only the team but the entire organization moving in the right direction. Their draft has already paid dividends and the team is playing competitive football despite what their record dictates.

However, Rex Grossman nor John Beck are the long-term solution at the quarterback position. Being able to draft a prospect at the position in the middle to late rounds would allow Shanahan to groom the player for the future.

It's a stretch for criticism but Mike Shanahan and Co. should be a handful in the coming years.

AFC West

Denver Broncos: Not Cashing in on Orton

The Denver Broncos have successfully created the biggest buzz story in the NFL with the play of Tim Tebow. Before "Tebowtime" came into play, Kyle Orton was the starter in Denver.

If Denver was going to let Tebow sink or swim at some point, why would they feel the need to hold onto Orton? During the free-agency term the Broncos were in talks with the Miami Dolphins for a trade that would send Orton to South Beach.

Instead they let Orton start a handful of games before pulling the plug and later cutting the quarterback. Denver could have gotten a few draft picks rather than letting him go for free.

Kansas City Chiefs: Firing Todd Haley Too Early

Todd Haley was going to be fired either way but that doesn't mean the timing couldn't have improved. The Kansas City Chiefs decided to fire their coach despite being technically alive for the playoffs in a topsy-turvy division. Of course, they may have been vindicated with yesterday's victory over the then-undefeated Green Bay Packers. 

Oakland Raiders: Trading for Carson Palmer

Al Davis' passing handed the reins of power to the franchise's head coach Hue Jackson. His first order of business? Trading the entire kitchen cupboard for Carson Palmer was wishful thinking, at best.

Jason Campbell was enjoying the best season of his career before suffering a season-ending injury. Campbell is the better fit for the Oakland Raiders offense and Jackson's gamble on Palmer could end up being the move that shows him the door.

San Diego Chargers: Snapdragon Stadium

Of all the different names associated with different NFL stadiums, the San Diego Chargers' Snapdragon Stadium takes the cake. The stadium formerly known as Qualcomm Stadium has taken to the trend of other Southern California name changes. The leader of the pack—of course—is non other than Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest.

The name change is only temporary. Qualcomm is running a marketing campaign for their new Snapdragon cell phone processor.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals: Signing Kevin Kolb to $63 Million Contract

The Arizona Cardinals not only signed the former Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback to a $63 million contract, but they also traded away one of their most dynamic playmakers in Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Adding insult to injury, the Cardinals also gave the Eagles a second-round draft pick.

Ken Wisenhunt is considered one of the best coaches in the NFL but Andy Reid shook down yet another organization for one of his mediocre backup quarterbacks. Kolb has been just that during his time in Arizona: mediocre.

San Francisco 49ers: Signing Braylon Edwards

Jim Harbaugh has unquestionably turned the San Francisco 49ers into a team to be reckoned with. He stuck with Alex Smith from day one and tried to provide an extra weapon for his quarterback in the passing game.

That, of course, never took place in the case of Braylon Edwards. The over-the-hill wide out has a measly 14 receptions for 172 yards. I'm pretty sure I could record those numbers through 16 weeks.

Seattle Seahawks: Signing Tarvaris Jackson

Yes, I am aware that Tarvaris Jackson has played well over the past few weeks but refer to the Ryan Fitzpatrick explanation for this one. Jackson is not a franchise quarterback. Period.

The Seattle Seahawks have plenty of pieces to build around going forward into the offseason but an upgrade at quarterback is not out of the question. In fact, most mock drafts for the 2012 NFL draft have the Seahawks currently taking Landry Jones in the middle of the first round.

Or maybe he should ask Marshawn Lynch for a handful of Skittles. Just a thought.

St. Louis Rams: Hiring Josh McDaniels as Offensive Coordinator

The St. Louis Rams seemingly found their franchise quarterback in 2010 in Sam Bradford. St. Louis decided to help groom the quarterback's early development by hiring Josh McDaniels as their offensive coordinator.

McDaniels' unit has performed miserably in 2011. Bradford's injuries haven't helped McDaniels' cause. Being ranked No. 32 in overall offense is inexcusable no matter who goes down.

AFC South

Houston Texans: Not Signing a Quarterback after Matt Leinart Injury

T.J. Yates will be steering the ship for the Houston Texans into the playoffs. Houston cannot be faulted for not having a quality third-string starter. Some teams only field two quarterbacks for their game-day rosters.

However, the Texans had the opportunity to go out and pick up a seasoned veteran to take the reins and help them through the playoffs. Houston is built for the playoffs with a versatile running game and the No. 1 defense but having a rookie under center could be their demise.

Indianapolis Colts: No Backup for Peyton Manning

The Indianapolis Colts are the textbook example for the phrase "putting all your eggs in one basket." The Colts had built their entire team around Peyton Manning. Manning receives neck surgery just before the start of the season, all but guaranteeing his absence in 2011.

Similar to the Texans, the Colts had a chance to go out and pick up a backup that could help guide them through the storm until Manning returned, if he were able to this season. Now, they have revealed what many suspected: They're a one-man organization. The entire organization has thrived solely off of Manning.

But hey, they could get lucky with their next franchise quarterback.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Drafting Blane Gabbert

Blane Gabbert has given the Jacksonville Jaguars every reason in the world to draft another quarterback in the 2012 NFL draft first round. Gabbert has shown no signs of life or any reason he could be a franchise-caliber quarterback in the future.

Plain and simple, he doesn't have it. You could see it in his first game and not much has changed since. 

Tennessee Titans: Re-Signing Chris Johnson to Huge Contract

Chris Johnson won the battle of wills between he and the Tennessee Titans. The Titans gave the running back a $53.5 million contract that averages out to be $13.4 million per year.

My problem with this contract is not that they re-signed the player. Oh no, his slow start was attributed to a lack of football conditioning. No, my beef is in the size of the contract. Running backs come and go in the NFL and get worn down. I simply do not believe in giving record contracts to running backs in a passing league.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons: Getting Blown Out at Home in Playoffs

It may not have happened in the current season, but the Atlanta Falcons' loss to the Green Bay Packers had to cut deep. Not only did they lose at home but they were disrobed in front of America only to be left in the cold embarrassed.

The Falcons would've been the favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl if they faced the Chicago Bears. You have to wonder how they would've played against the Bears at home and against the Pittsburgh Steelers on a fast surface.

Carolina Panthers: Not Adding Defensive Personnel

The Carolina Panthers cannot be too upset with themselves. They drafted Cam Newton with their No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2011 NFL draft. That has turned out to be a wise choice with a bright future.

However, the defense has been horrendous this year despite the support from Newton and the Carolina offense. Carolina's strategy during free agency was to re-sign their own guys first, which you cannot fault them for. But adding defensive personnel that could provide an impact would help tame the likes of Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and other.

Well, at least they would attempt to tame them.

New Orleans Saints: Losing in Seattle During the Playoffs

The New Orleans Saints did not exactly defend their first Super Bowl title exactly as planned. Having to travel away from the crazed confines of the Superdome had its retributions.

The Seattle Seahawks should have been an easy win for the then-defending champs but the Saints do not play well on the road. A Marshawn Lynch spectacular run later and the Saints were sent packing thanks to the first team in NFL history to make the playoffs with a sub-.500 record. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keeping Raheem Morris Intact for Entire Season

Raheem Morris' team has lost eight in a row. His young quarterback and defense have taken steps back this year. Morris seemed to have this franchise moving in the right direction but 2011 has shown a different story.

Normally I have always been an advocate of the three-year principal, if the coach has a team competing but not necessarily winning. Morris had this team winning last year but with an eight-game losing on his hands, it might be time for the Tampa Bay front office to get in the bidding for a new head coach.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens: Cutting Todd Heap

Joe Flacco and Todd Heap had a fairly good connection during their time together. Having that reliable safety valve at the tight end position is a comforting feeling for an NFL quarterback.

Heap was cut during the summer. Since his departure the Baltimore Ravens have had replacements step up to fill the void. Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson have done an adequate job together replacing Heap but his loss could really be felt come playoff time.

Cincinnati Bengals: Five Blackouts

I'm not sure how many of you have watched many Cincinnati Bengals games this season, let alone noticed the lack of fans watching them in person in Cincinnati. All season long the Bengals have struggled to put fans into seats despite their 8-6 record.

The Bengals front office needs to find a way to coax people into spending a Sunday afternoon in downtown Cincinnati.

Cleveland Browns: Not Providing Colt McCoy with Weapons

Free agency this summer offered an unprecedented opportunity for teams and players alike to make moves that could shake up their roster. The Cleveland Browns didn't try to help their rookie quarterback by adding additional weapons on offense.

A.J. Green has turned out to be a fantastic rookie alongside Andy Dalton. It never hurts to have a few extra weapons in the arsenal. Maybe in 2012 they'll use their picks from the Oakland Raiders for just that.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Losing the Super Bowl

I don't think I really need to explain this one. The Pittsburgh Steelers' biggest regret of 2011 is easily not winning their seventh Super Bowl ring.

NFC North

Chicago Bears: Losing the NFC Championship at Home

The Chicago Bears had the chance to go to a second Super Bowl under head coach Lovie Smith. The cards fell perfectly in place for Chicago as they hosted the NFC Championship game thanks to some wacky upsets in weeks prior.

Unfortunately for Chicago, they were unable to capitalize on their good fortune as they faced Aaron Rodgers and a red-hot Green Bay Packers team.

Detroit Lions: Not Drafting an Offensive Tackle

The Detroit Lions have been predicted to sign an offensive tackle with their first-round pick multiple times in the past few years. Detroit on the other hand has not taken the consensus route in the draft and Matthew Stafford has suffered because of it.

Stafford has been riddled with injuries throughout his career and this season has been no different. Drafting a big ugly to protect their franchise quarterback in their pass-first offense would probably be a wise move come next April.

Green Bay Packers: Losing to the Kansas City Chiefs

This regret is as fresh as they get on this list. The Green Bay Packers lost to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday after starting off 13-0.

Green Bay seemed destined to finish out the season unscathed. The Chiefs on the other hand knocked off the Packers with an interim head coach to add injury to insult for the Packers.

Minnesota Vikings: Signing Donovan McNabb

Donovan McNabb's time in Minnesota was short-lived and rightfully so. Although the entire blame for the Minnesota Vikings' horrible start should not be attached to McNabb, a healthy chunk of it should be.

The man was awful. He could not take control of the offense and continued to make countless mistakes you wouldn't expect from a veteran. The best thing Minnesota received from their McNabb experiment is confirmation that Christian Ponder could be their quarterback for the future.