Well, the sweepstakes is heating up. Or actually, cooling off. Some of these teams are, like, trying hard and making an effort to win. That’s because, as Herman Edwards says, “You play to win the games.” You’re not playing just to play, he further pointed out. So what the hell are these teams playing for, exactly? That’s what this feature is all about.
Miami Dolphins (0-10)
The bad news: A.J. Feeley beat them, not Donovan McNabb. Sure it was mostly by handing to Brian Westbrook, but still, if they’re not going 0-16 you have to take advantage. Which means it’s becoming more and more likely.
The good news: Rookie QB John Beck didn’t quit right after the game.
Outlook: Jason Allen had two interceptions and Ted Ginn Jr. scored another TD, so maybe they’re finally drafting better young players. That’ll be important when they trade Ricky Williams for a sixth-round draft pick and some kicking tees.
San Francisco 49ers (2-8)
The bad news: They lost to the equally putrid, record-wise, Rams.
The good news: they mounted a last-minute drive to give the 49er faithful some false hope!
Outlook: Well, at least they had a two-game winning streak. Unfortunately they’ve lost the next eight. Cardinals, Panthers, and Vikings are up next on the docket. One of the next three isn’t impossible.
Oakland Raiders (2-8)
The bad news: Chester Taylor rushed for three touchdowns like he was Adrian Peterson.
The good news: Daunte Culpepper played like he used to be on the Vikings. Too bad it wasn’t enough.
Outlook: The JaMarcus Russell Era supposedly will start on December 2nd against the Broncos. Until then, think of Daunte Culpepper as a slower, older JaMarcus Russell with tiny man-hands.
New York Jets (2-8)
The bad news: The Jets only have three days off until they play the mighty Cowboys on Thanksgiving.
The good news: So Kellen Clemens and the boys better drink up! They won Sunday, upsetting the Steelers 19-16 in overtime. Clemens may not always look polished, but he brings energy and a little charisma. Dropped interceptions might help him here or there.
Outlook: If Brad Smith could ever learn to catch a pass and as long as no one realizes that
Leon Washington is a bankrupt man’s Devin Hester, the Jets could win a couple more of these things. Probably not Thursday, though. Hopefully by then you will be full of turducken and beer or wine and ready to nap.
St. Louis Rams (2-8)
The bad news: They barely beat the 49ers…
The good news: To make it TWO IN A ROW!
Outlook: Maybe they are a half-decent team when Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson are healthy! Let’s hope that doesn’t discourage them from drafting much-needed offensive linemen.
Don’t forget, the Pats have the 49ers’ first round pick, so McFadden might be joining the best offensive team around.
Max
November 25th, 2007