SportsNation Blog Archives
St. Louis Rams
Will the Colts win again?
The 1-13 Colts still control their own destiny, so to speak, in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes after Sunday's win against the Titans. But a second win could potentially cost the Colts the No. 1 pick.
What would the Vikings do with No. 1?
The Vikings (2-12) took Christian Ponder with the No. 12 pick in the most recent draft. In nine appearances, he's thrown 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
What would the Rams do with No. 1?
The Rams (2-12) took Sam Bradford with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 draft. He's likely done for this season but has thrown 24 touchdowns and 21 interceptions in his career.
Where does a fan's loyalty rest?
Most of us will agree that true fandom means sticking with your team through good times and bad, but does that mean rooting for your team in all of those situations?
Can any of you reasonably see the Colts actually winning a game this season? Not that anyone saw them winning last night's game against the Saints, but 62-7? That's a video game score, and even then only if you're playing at the lowest difficulty level. The Colts are lost without Peyton Manning, but what about the Rams and the aforementioned Dolphins? They haven't won anything either. None of these teams play one another this season, so it's reasonable to think that we could have three winless teams on our hands.
- "If the Colts are gonna tank the season on purpose they should at least make it look like they're trying. This is an embarassment to the league." -- SN commenter danthefan1004
- "Did Peyton Manning play defense too?" -- SN commenter elchupacabra13
Would Manning make a difference?
We all know that the Colts' game plan revolves around giving Peyton Manning as many chances to score as possible, but would even he be able to fix this team?
Will the Colts win at all?
The Curtis Painter era hasn't gotten off to a good start this season. Are the Colts even capable of putting together a single win, or is it all a death spiral toward the No. 1 pick in the draft?
Which is the worst team?
The Colts lost an embarassing game. The Dolphins lost a heartbreaking game. The Rams lost a forgettable game. Three varieties of awfulness, all on display on Sunday.
The first game of the NFL season kicks off in a little more than 24 hours, and we'd be lying if we said we weren't at least a little excited. Pro football can be a messy affair at times -- see the entire labor battle during the offseason -- but it's a glorious sport at its heart. Most every team's fan base has something to look forward to this weekend, although Colts fans may be dreading a future without Peyton Manning after the news that he'll miss at least his first game with a neck injury.
- Rank: Is Peyton Manning still in the MVP race? | Which are football's best teams?
- Vote: Which teams are the favorite to win each division?
Best game?
There are a lot of good matchups in Week 1 of the NFL's 2011 regular season. Steelers-Ravens, for example, could be a preview of a future AFC playoff game.
Colts without Manning?
Peyton Manning is out for an undetermined amount of time. This could be a prime opportunity for other teams to break Indianapolis' stranglehold on the AFC South.
AFC East
The Patriots responded to their 14-2 record last season by signing or trading for several marquee names. Are they good enough to beat the Jets?
AFC North
The Steelers fell just short of winning the Super Bowl last season, as their vaunted defense wasn't able to stop Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
AFC South
Peyton Manning took a pay cut in order for the Colts to keep some of their key players, but is it enough for Indianapolis to win the AFC South?
AFC West
There's a brewing quarterback controversy in Denver, with Kyle Orton delaying the seemingly inevitable succession of Tim Tebow to the starting job. Can the Broncos compete with Orton?
NFC East
The Eagles made a number of humongous moves this offseason, including trading Kevin Kolb and signing Nnamdi Asomugha. Are they the team to beat in the NFC East?
NFC North
Aaron Rodgers led the Packers on an incredible run to a Super Bowl title last year. Are they the favorites in the NFC North once again?
NFC South
The Saints looked to make another deep run at a Super Bowl, but were stunned by the lowly Seahawks. Are they still an elite team?
NFC West
Speaking of the Seahawks, they won the NFC West despite a 7-9 record. Will they sneak into the playoffs once more?
We can understand if you don't want to take the time to grade your tech-support help on the other end of the telephone, but when we're talking about the dollars and emotion you've invested in sports, we think it's worth the effort. It's time for ESPN The Magazine's Ultimate Standings, in which SportsNation grades organizations on everything from ticket prices and stadium experience to the talent on the field, court or rink. Which team will end up on top this year? It depends on what you say.
Take part in the 2011 MLB survey
2010 MLB Ultimate Standings
1. Los Angeles Angels (Overall: No. 3)
2. Tampa Bay Rays (Overall: No. 6)
3. Colorado Rockies (Overall: No. 13)
4. Minnesota Twins (Overall: No. 14)
5. Atlanta Braves (Overall: No. 15)
Take part in the 2011 NFL survey
2010 NFL Ultimate Standings
1. New Orleans Saints (Overall: No. 1)
2. Indianapolis Colts (Overall: No. 4)
3. Green Bay Packers (Overall: No. 9)
4. Arizona Cardinals (Overall: No. 19)
5. Baltimore Ravens (Overall: No. 20)
Take part in the 2011 NBA survey
2010 NBA Ultimate Standings
1. Orlando Magic (Overall: No. 2)
2. San Antonio Spurs (Overall: No. 7)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (Overall: No. 10)
4. Dallas Mavericks (Overall: No. 24)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (Overall: No. 25)
Take part in the 2011 NHL survey
2010 NHL Ultimate Standings
1. Pittsburgh Penguins (Overall: No. 5)
2. Detroit Red Wings (Overall: No. 8)
3. Washington Capitals (Overall: No. 11)
4. San Jose Sharks (Overall: No. 12)
5. Chicago Blackhawks (Overall: No. 16)
The NFC West was its usual underwhelming self this season -- really, not much else needs to be said save for the fact that the top two teams in the division were both 7-9. The Seahawks ended up at the head of this motley crew, but that's not a terribly impressive accomplishment. What grade would you give each team in the NFC West? Cast your vote now!
AFC Grades: East | North | South | West | NFC Grades: East | North | South
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have struggled to find a decent quarterback since Kurt Warner retired. They didn't find the answer at QB this season.
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco was the pick to win the NFC West in some circles, but their general haplessness led to Mike Singletary's in-season firing.
St. Louis Rams
The Rams were a "good" bad team in Sam Bra dford's first season -- a losing squad that showed flashes of excellence.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks were a much different team at home than on the road -- 5-3 as opposed to 2-6. Not great, but enough to win the NFC West.
Vote: St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks
1. Has Sam Bradford exceeded expectations?
2. Which quarterback helps the Seahawks more?
3. Which team would be harder to beat at home?
4. Should a losing division winner make the playoffs?
5. Which team will win in Seattle?
Have your say on Rams at Seahawks
Vote: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
1. Is this a fair quarterback fight?
2. Does Lovie Smith deserve a new contract?
3. How should the Bears play this game?
4. Are you buying the Bears?
5. Which team will win in Green Bay?
Have your say on Bears at Packers
Vote: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints
1. Do the Saints need to go all out?
2. Is Drew Brees regressing this season?
3. Which rookie running back is a bigger find?
4. Has Josh Freeman proven himself?
5. Which team will win in New Orleans?
Have your say on Buccaneers at Saints
Vote: New York Giants at Washington Redskins
1. What is the Giants' biggest flaw?
2. Is Eli Manning more problem or solution?
3. Who starts at quarterback in D.C. next season?
4. What grade does Mike Shanahan get?
5. Which team will win in Maryland?
Have your say on Giants at Redskins
Vote: Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
1. Are the Colts Super Bowl contenders?
2. Is Peyton Manning starting to decline?
3. Are the Colts really improving against the run?
4. What will Jeff Fisher do next season?
5. Which team will win in Indianapolis?
Have your say on Titans at Colts
Vote: New York Jets at Chicago Bears
1. Will Rex Ryan be a distraction?
2. Is Ryan better than Lovie Smith?
3. Which quarterback is a safer investment?
4. Are these teams legit contenders?
5. Which team will win in Chicago?
Have your say on Jets at Bears
Vote: New York Giants at Green Bay Packers
1. Is this a fair quarterback fight?
2. Which team is a better playoff sleeper?
3. Which sack artist is toughest to stop?
4. Which coach is better?
5. Which team will win in Green Bay?
Have your say on Giants at Packers
Vote: 49ers at Rams
1. Has Sam Bradford hit the rookie wall?
2. Which Smith should Mike Singletary start?
3. Which roster has more talent?
4. Should the NFC West get a playoff spot?
5. Which team will win in St. Louis?
Have your say on 49ers at Rams
Vote: Seattle Seahawks at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1. Do the Bucs have a championship foundation?
2. Is third time the charm for Pete Carroll?
3. Matt Hasselbeck or Charlie Whitehurst?
4. Would Seahawks be better off missing playoffs?
5. Which team will win in Tampa?
Have your say on Seahawks at Buccaneers
Vote: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons
1. Is Matt Ryan in Drew Brees' league?
2. Which defense has the edge?
3. Will the NFC South send a team to the Super Bowl?
4. Which team's history is more woeful?
5. Which team will win in Atlanta?
Have your say on Saints at Falcons
Vote: New England Patriots at Chicago Bears
1. Impressed by Patriots' offense or Bears' defense?
2. Bill Belichick in 2010 or Mike Ditka in 1985?
3. Which backfield tandem is better?
4. Is Chicago a better sports town than Boston?
5. Which team will win in Chicago?
Have your say on Patriots at Bears
Vote: New Orleans Saints at St. Louis Rams
1. Drew Brees' past or Sam Bradford's future?
2. Have the Saints turned the corner?
3. Is Steven Jackson slowing down?
4. Should a 7-9 division champ get in?
5. Which team will win in New Orleans?
Have your say on Rams at Saints
Vote: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers
1. Which roster has more talent?
2. Who is the Chiefs' offensive MVP?
3. How good is Matt Cassel?
4. How good is the top-rated defense?
5. Which team will win in San Diego
Have your say on Chiefs at Chargers
Vote: Miami Dolphins at New York Jets
1. Will Michael Vick regress as a passer?
2. Has Jason Garrett earned the job?
3. Is Kevin Kolb better than Tony Romo?
4. Would a Cowboys win be an upset?
5. Which team will win in New Jersey?
Have your say on Dolphins at Jets
Vote: Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys
1. Which season is most on the line?
2. Which coach is better?
3. Can the Dolphins stick with Chad Henne?
4. Is Santonio Holmes' the best WR?
5. Which team will win in Arlington, Texas?
Have your say on Eagles at Cowboys
Vote: Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans
1. Joe Flacco or Matt Schaub?
2. Would you take great offense over great defense?
3. Can Gary Kubiak save his job?
4. Arian Foster or Ray Rice's career?
5. Which team will win in Houston?
Have your say on Monday Night Football
- Rank 'Em: How do you rank all 32 NFL teams on their 2010 selections?
- Rank 'Em: Will quarterbacks rule the 2011 draft? Rank your big board!
- More from ESPN.com: Complete draft coverage, including Kiper's grades
We can only assume that after completing Monday's chat with SportsNation, Mel Kiper has already been spirited away to a secret, undisclosed location to continue breaking down film on Delaware quarterback Pat Devlin and Northeastern running back John Griffin (yes, we've been playing with Colonial Athletic Association stats again). The 2010 NFL draft is in the books, grades have been handed out and now the real fun begins -- contract negotiations!
SportsNation bloggers were particularly roused by the four big-name quarterbacks selected in the first three rounds.
- "Through Jimmy Clausen's 2010 draft fall, the Panthers and Clausen seem ready to oust Moore at the first sign of trouble. And it's okay, because the entire Panthers nation has something to smile about: our fallen gem, our QB that perhaps will one day prove to be the best QB from this year's draft." -- Read bravesgirl85's full post
- "Most of McCoy's criticisms are the same ones we have heard in the past with other Mike Holmgren project QBs. Size and deep passing ability were questioned as well with the likes of Steve Young, Joe Montana, and Matt Hasselbeck. McCoy is in the perfect system to hone his skills and use his strengths to his advantage." -- Read thedudebabcock's full post
- "So, why was Tebow drafted in the first round? Because he's shown every year that he strives to be great, and he's not afraid to do everything he can to get better. I saw Jamarcus Russell up close at LSU. Too many people compare these two guys. Look, Jamarcus was big and had a big arm, and only one productive season. He was and still is a poor leader, driven by ego, and all about the money and NFL lifestyle. Tebow is the exact opposite: great leader, driven by success, and all about FOOTBALL." -- Read jdebose004's full post.
- "I am excited that we got Bradford, but I feel he doesn't have a chance to succeed with the offensive talent he inherited. Therefore we should have taken the trade from the Browns so we could eventually plug a QB in and go to the playoffs. I feel like we are going backwards." -- Read smonee64's full post.
Eric (Chicago)
Mel, what did you think of the Dan LeFevour pick to the Bears? I thought all along he was the 2nd best QB in the draft.
Mel Kiper
I liked the Bears draft. I liked the pick. I think 3-4 years down the road he can help you. You'll know in the next two years if Cutler is the answer there. I like the Wright pick, they needed help at safety. Wootton was a first round pick a few years ago, but had the injury. I gave them a B grade. Full transcript
Clay (Charlotte)
Mel, can you give us some insight on why the Panthers drafted Clausen and Pike? I think Clausen was a steal, but why draft two developmental QBs?
Mel Kiper
Where you get Pike, you invest minimal time and money into him. You can always develop a young QB and trade him. You can develop him and turn him into a career backup. If they had a 2-3 round grade on Pike and he was there in the 6th round, they might have just decided to pick another QB. He's a good QB. He's got the height. He has a lot to learn after coming out of the QB friendly system at Cincinnati. Full transcript
FOLLOW SPORTSNATION ON TWITTER
