NFL Nation: Will they go 09
» Unbeatens: Colts | Saints | Broncos » Winless: Rams | Titans | Bucs
Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
Analysis: If anyone knows about going 16-0, it is Josh McDaniels. The first-year Broncos head coach was with New England when it ran the table in the regular season in 2007. McDaniels, 33, was much more than a bystander in the Patriots’ historic run. He was the offensive coordinator of the record-breaking unit. So, this isn’t too big for McDaniels. Yes, Denver’s 6-0 start is shocking, but McDaniels has his team playing remarkably well and believing in itself. The Broncos aren’t surprised by their start. They think they can win every game. It is highly unlikely for any team to go 16-0. But the thing about Denver is, it has simply found a way to win every game. It has made the right play at the right time on both sides of the ball. Denver has been spectacular in the second half as it has outscored opponents 76-10. Can the team go 16-0? Probably not. But who thought McDaniels’ outfit would be 6-0 at the bye?
Toughest challenge: The Broncos have several tough challenges, starting with their first two games after the bye. Denver plays at Baltimore on Sunday and then plays host to Pittsburgh on a Monday night. Denver is actually in the middle of a very difficult stretch. When the Broncos started 3-0, many league observers thought they were ready to crash because they were starting a nasty 10-game stretch. Yet, Denver dispatched Dallas, New England and San Diego before the bye. After dates against the Ravens and Steelers, games with San Diego, the Giants and Indianapolis loom. I’d say the toughest tests are going to be against Pittsburgh on Nov. 9 and at the Colts, whose record is also perfect, on Dec. 13. But the thing about the Broncos is, they don’t care who their opponent is, they believe they'll find weaknesses to exploit.
Playoff carryover: If Denver can beat the likes of the Ravens, Steelers and Colts, it probably will go to the playoffs full of confidence. That’s why these upcoming games are so important. Denver has to show the conference (and prove to itself) that it can play with anyone in the AFC. Denver also has to keep winning to try to play as much as possible at home in the postseason. Playing in Denver in January would not be a picnic for anyone.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
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| Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images | |
| Denver coach Josh McDaniels knows a little something about going undefeated. |
Toughest challenge: The Broncos have several tough challenges, starting with their first two games after the bye. Denver plays at Baltimore on Sunday and then plays host to Pittsburgh on a Monday night. Denver is actually in the middle of a very difficult stretch. When the Broncos started 3-0, many league observers thought they were ready to crash because they were starting a nasty 10-game stretch. Yet, Denver dispatched Dallas, New England and San Diego before the bye. After dates against the Ravens and Steelers, games with San Diego, the Giants and Indianapolis loom. I’d say the toughest tests are going to be against Pittsburgh on Nov. 9 and at the Colts, whose record is also perfect, on Dec. 13. But the thing about the Broncos is, they don’t care who their opponent is, they believe they'll find weaknesses to exploit.
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Nov. 1: @Baltimore
» Unbeatens: Colts | Saints | Broncos » Winless: Rams | Titans | Bucs
Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas
Analysis: This isn’t meant to be gallows humor. I’m entirely serious when I say I haven’t seen anything out of the Bucs that leads me to believe they’re not very capable of going 0-16. They truly don’t have anything positive going for them right now, and they’re bad in virtually every area. Maybe rookie quarterback Josh Freeman will provide a spark now that he’s been named the starter. But the Bucs gladly would have turned things over to Freeman much earlier if they thought he was ready, and it’s a stretch to say the light is suddenly going to come on just because he’s getting the bye week to get some first-team reps. Freeman has more physical talent than predecessors Byron Leftwich and Josh Johnson, and there is some individual talent on this roster. Problem is, that individual talent hasn’t been playing anywhere close to its ability.
Best chance for a win: A close look at Tampa Bay’s schedule doesn’t change my thinking that this team has a very real shot at going 0-16. The Bucs have to play the Saints and Falcons twice each and they’re making a cross-continent trip to Seattle, which is just about as long as the London trip they already made. If there’s one game where I think the hope for the Bucs is strongest, it’s the Dec. 6 game in Carolina. The Bucs played the Panthers close in Tampa. With last week’s loss to Buffalo, the Panthers appear headed for a free fall. By December, there’s a chance John Fox could be in his final days with the Panthers and might not be getting a lot of effort from his team. If the Panthers can’t win in Carolina, they better hope that Atlanta comes to town on Jan. 3 with a playoff seed already locked up. If the Falcons are resting their starters, the Bucs might have a chance.
Repercussions: Contrary to popular opinion in the Tampa Bay area, the Bucs did not hire coach Raheem Morris to come in for one year and then replace him with one of the available big-name coaches. They hired Morris to tear down an aging team and rebuild it with youth. He’s done a fine job of tearing down the team. But he needs to show some signs he’s building it back up and he needs Freeman to create some hope for the future. Most important, he needs some wins. No coach is going to survive a 0-16 season.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas
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| Kirby Lee/US Presswire | |
| The Bucs are hoping rookie Josh Freeman can inject some life into the offense. |
Best chance for a win: A close look at Tampa Bay’s schedule doesn’t change my thinking that this team has a very real shot at going 0-16. The Bucs have to play the Saints and Falcons twice each and they’re making a cross-continent trip to Seattle, which is just about as long as the London trip they already made. If there’s one game where I think the hope for the Bucs is strongest, it’s the Dec. 6 game in Carolina. The Bucs played the Panthers close in Tampa. With last week’s loss to Buffalo, the Panthers appear headed for a free fall. By December, there’s a chance John Fox could be in his final days with the Panthers and might not be getting a lot of effort from his team. If the Panthers can’t win in Carolina, they better hope that Atlanta comes to town on Jan. 3 with a playoff seed already locked up. If the Falcons are resting their starters, the Bucs might have a chance.
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Nov. 8: Green Bay
» Unbeatens: Colts | Saints | Broncos » Winless: Rams | Titans | Bucs
Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky
Analysis: The Colts are a premier AFC team that could wind up in the familiar position of having a playoff bye wrapped up well before their final game. There isn’t a unit on offense or defense that hasn’t improved since 2008. But the schedule so far and the schedule to come are quite different. Indianapolis has contributed to a combined winning percentage of .297 for the six teams it has beaten, none of which have a winning record. The 10 teams to come have a .538 winning percentage and half of them have winning records. Can they win them all? Yes. But an undefeated season is unlikely for anyone, and this team can certainly have a bad day, encounter a team having a great one -- or both.
Toughest challenge: Undefeated Denver will be difficult, two games against potentially blossoming Houston could be tough and a trip to Baltimore won’t be easy. But the league’s marquee game remains Colts-Patriots. New England visits Lucas Oil Stadium on Nov. 15 for a Sunday night game. The Colts have won four of the past five meetings (including the playoffs), but four of those games were decided by a touchdown or less.
Playoff carryover: The playoffs have always been the question in the Bill Polian/Peyton Manning Era.
The team is 7-8 with six first-game exits in nine appearances and a win in Super Bowl XLI. Hot starts are nice, but that big finish trumped anything the team has done. So far, this team appears to have the sort of depth needed for a deep playoff run and Manning has been as good or better than ever. The run defense is improved, but the rushing offense could be an issue against a tough defense.
Putting too much on Manning and the pass attack is what killed them last season in a wild-card game in San Diego, when their failure to get two yards that would have enabled them to run out the clock came back to bite them. If the Colts play as they have so far, they may not encounter such a tight situation in January or February.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky
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| Andy Lyons/Getty Images | |
| Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has passed for 1,880 yards and 15 TDs this season. |
Toughest challenge: Undefeated Denver will be difficult, two games against potentially blossoming Houston could be tough and a trip to Baltimore won’t be easy. But the league’s marquee game remains Colts-Patriots. New England visits Lucas Oil Stadium on Nov. 15 for a Sunday night game. The Colts have won four of the past five meetings (including the playoffs), but four of those games were decided by a touchdown or less.
Playoff carryover: The playoffs have always been the question in the Bill Polian/Peyton Manning Era.
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Nov. 1: San Francisco
Putting too much on Manning and the pass attack is what killed them last season in a wild-card game in San Diego, when their failure to get two yards that would have enabled them to run out the clock came back to bite them. If the Colts play as they have so far, they may not encounter such a tight situation in January or February.
» Unbeatens: Colts | Saints | Broncos » Winless: Rams | Titans | Bucs
Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky
Analysis: Assessing the Titans' final 10 games, I see at least three winnable games (Jacksonville, Buffalo, St. Louis) and still believe they are capable of pulling a surprise in a game where most people wouldn’t give them a chance. It’s highly improbable that they go without a win all season.
For all their issues they have some reasons to expect better results. Explosive running back Chris Johnson remains capable of a home run at any time. A healthy pass defense struggled early, but once both starting cornerbacks, Cortland Finnegan (hamstring) and Nick Harper (broken arm), and nickel back Vincent Fuller (broken arm) are back in place, things have to get better against the pass. Young players with upside such as receiver Kenny Britt, linebacker Stephen Tulloch and defensive linemen Jason Jones and William Hayes are due for growth spurts even in the miserable context.
Best chance for a win: Versus St. Louis in Nashville on Dec. 13. The Titans have better personnel and seem more likely to be held together by a struggling Jeff Fisher than the Rams do under a first-year coach in Steve Spagnuolo.
Repercussions: After the 59-0 loss at New England, owner Bud Adams told The Tennessean he’d have to consider ending Jeff Fisher's tenure if things don’t improve.
"If we end up losing every game or don't look better, I'd have to look at that pretty hard, you know what I mean?'' Adams said. "The way it is going, I don't know if we'll win any games, and that is unheard of in the National Football League."
Even if the Titans win a handful of games, it’s likely a youth movement is coming. The futures of veterans at the end of their contracts are very much in doubt. That includes stalwart linebacker Keith Bulluck, center Kevin Mawae, defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and Harper.
And of course quarterback will remain a huge issue. Vince Young is due a roster bonus of $4.25 million and carries a salary-cap number of $14.21 million in 2010. For all the money the Titans have already given him, it’s impossible to see them writing another big check considering his failures. And while Kerry Collins is under contract, it will be difficult for the Titans to go forward without finding a quarterback of the future.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky
Analysis: Assessing the Titans' final 10 games, I see at least three winnable games (Jacksonville, Buffalo, St. Louis) and still believe they are capable of pulling a surprise in a game where most people wouldn’t give them a chance. It’s highly improbable that they go without a win all season.
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| Andy Lyons/Getty Images | |
| Titans running back Chris Johnson always gives his team a chance to win. |
For all their issues they have some reasons to expect better results. Explosive running back Chris Johnson remains capable of a home run at any time. A healthy pass defense struggled early, but once both starting cornerbacks, Cortland Finnegan (hamstring) and Nick Harper (broken arm), and nickel back Vincent Fuller (broken arm) are back in place, things have to get better against the pass. Young players with upside such as receiver Kenny Britt, linebacker Stephen Tulloch and defensive linemen Jason Jones and William Hayes are due for growth spurts even in the miserable context.
Best chance for a win: Versus St. Louis in Nashville on Dec. 13. The Titans have better personnel and seem more likely to be held together by a struggling Jeff Fisher than the Rams do under a first-year coach in Steve Spagnuolo.
Repercussions: After the 59-0 loss at New England, owner Bud Adams told The Tennessean he’d have to consider ending Jeff Fisher's tenure if things don’t improve.
"If we end up losing every game or don't look better, I'd have to look at that pretty hard, you know what I mean?'' Adams said. "The way it is going, I don't know if we'll win any games, and that is unheard of in the National Football League."
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Nov. 1: Jacksonville
Even if the Titans win a handful of games, it’s likely a youth movement is coming. The futures of veterans at the end of their contracts are very much in doubt. That includes stalwart linebacker Keith Bulluck, center Kevin Mawae, defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and Harper.
And of course quarterback will remain a huge issue. Vince Young is due a roster bonus of $4.25 million and carries a salary-cap number of $14.21 million in 2010. For all the money the Titans have already given him, it’s impossible to see them writing another big check considering his failures. And while Kerry Collins is under contract, it will be difficult for the Titans to go forward without finding a quarterback of the future.
» Unbeatens: Colts | Saints | Broncos » Winless: Rams | Titans | Bucs
Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas
Analysis: After last week’s remarkable comeback in Miami and a huge home win against the highly regarded Giants, it’s looking like almost anything is possible for the Saints. Now that they have a defense, they can play with any team in the NFL and they’re growing more confident by the day. It’s no longer Drew Brees and best wishes on offense. With Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey now healthy and the newly found running game clicking, the Saints are going to score enough points to stay with anybody. They’ve been relatively lucky with injuries. Losing left tackle Jammal Brown at the start of the season seemed like it would be a huge blow. But Jermon Bushrod has stepped in and the offense hasn’t missed a beat. Look at the remainder of the schedule, which includes five games in the electric Superdome, and there are only three games that look like they could present any trouble. One comes Monday night, when the Falcons come to town. There’s another on Dec. 13 in Atlanta.
Toughest challenge: The biggest test of all could come Nov. 30. That’s a Monday night game with New England. It’s at home and that will help because the dome should be louder than it’s ever been. The Patriots haven’t been dominant so far this season, but things could start clicking at any time for a team that has quarterback Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick. If the Saints are still undefeated going into this one, the Patriots will be playing for pride. They’re the last team to go undefeated through a regular season (2007) and they’d like to keep that honor.
Playoff carryover: The Saints don’t have a long history of winning playoff games. But this team is different from anything New Orleans ever has had. It’s outstanding on offense and very good on defense and special teams. There also seems to be a special chemistry with this team, something that was badly lacking the last two years and Sean Payton has grown tremendously as a coach. If this team can go undefeated through the regular season, home playoff games are a certainty and the modern Saints don’t lose in the Superdome very often. Winning the Super Bowl will be more of a challenge than anything the Saints will face in the NFC, but you have to like the chances of any team that has Brees.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas
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| Jonathan Brownfield/US Presswire | |
| The Saints are more than just Drew Brees. |
Toughest challenge: The biggest test of all could come Nov. 30. That’s a Monday night game with New England. It’s at home and that will help because the dome should be louder than it’s ever been. The Patriots haven’t been dominant so far this season, but things could start clicking at any time for a team that has quarterback Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick. If the Saints are still undefeated going into this one, the Patriots will be playing for pride. They’re the last team to go undefeated through a regular season (2007) and they’d like to keep that honor.
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Nov. 2: Atlanta
» Unbeatens: Colts | Saints | Broncos » Winless: Rams | Titans | Bucs
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Analysis: The Rams knew they would struggle some after releasing so many veteran players from a team that went 2-14 last season. They probably didn't expect this level of futility, however. The Rams were smart to focus their initial investments on upgrading the offensive line. They haven't yet realized the desired results for a couple reasons.
One, the Rams lack sufficient talent at receiver to scare defenses. Injuries, limited resources and questionable planning have conspired to render that position a disaster. Two, first-round rookie tackle Jason Smith wasn't ready to step in right away and play at a high level.
The Rams also are not seeing enough return on substantial investments along the defensive line. Recent first-round defensive tackle Adam Carriker is on injured reserve. Recent first-round defensive end Chris Long isn't a dynamic player at this point. Investing heavily in the offensive and defensive lines makes sense in theory. At some point, though, the production must follow. This team really could go 0-16.
Best chance for a win: This is it. The Rams visit the Lions in Week 8 before heading into their bye week. First-year coach Steve Spagnuolo should promise players a full week off if they can find a way to beat Detroit.
Repercussions: Spagnuolo and second-year general manager Billy Devaney are just getting started. Current owner Chip Rosenbloom will likely give them a few years to get things right. The team is for sale, however, and a new owner could conceivably head in another direction. Either way, quarterback Marc Bulger might very well be in his final season with the team.
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Analysis: The Rams knew they would struggle some after releasing so many veteran players from a team that went 2-14 last season. They probably didn't expect this level of futility, however. The Rams were smart to focus their initial investments on upgrading the offensive line. They haven't yet realized the desired results for a couple reasons.
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| Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images | |
| Rams rookie Jason Smith remains in the early stages of his transition to the NFL. |
One, the Rams lack sufficient talent at receiver to scare defenses. Injuries, limited resources and questionable planning have conspired to render that position a disaster. Two, first-round rookie tackle Jason Smith wasn't ready to step in right away and play at a high level.
The Rams also are not seeing enough return on substantial investments along the defensive line. Recent first-round defensive tackle Adam Carriker is on injured reserve. Recent first-round defensive end Chris Long isn't a dynamic player at this point. Investing heavily in the offensive and defensive lines makes sense in theory. At some point, though, the production must follow. This team really could go 0-16.
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Nov. 1: @Detroit
Repercussions: Spagnuolo and second-year general manager Billy Devaney are just getting started. Current owner Chip Rosenbloom will likely give them a few years to get things right. The team is for sale, however, and a new owner could conceivably head in another direction. Either way, quarterback Marc Bulger might very well be in his final season with the team.
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