Shawne Merriman has elected to forget the season and have the surgery four doctors told him he needed.

He didn't look at the top of his game, despite playing an important role in the game. He probably aggravated it and felt that if he ever wants to play again, he should have the surgery.

OR, he thought that he wouldn't be able to win the Super Bowl this year with this team, so he called it in and said "we'll try it again next year"

Good move, but now the Chargers are slowly dropping off. Where does this leave their defense? Antonio Cromartie and the defensive backs now have tons of pressure on them to contain the passing game, but the front seven for the Chargers are now in the most intense situation. If they don't get at least a division title, the entire Southern Cali area will be extremely disappointed. The SoCal fans, and all California fans in general are great fans and die-hards of whatever game, and they need and deserve something in their professional sports besides the Padres, Raiders, Athletics, Clippers, 49ers and more stinking up the joint year in and year out.

The AFC has taken huge damage to it's popularity in terms of Super Bowl contenders in the span of just 3 days. Tom Brady's done, and essentially, the Patriots are too. The Patriots are Tom Brady, and Tom Brady is the Patriots. Without him, it will be a mess compared to what the city of Boston is used to: winning.

So, this all relates back to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now that Tom Brady is no longer with the Patriots, I'm crossing them off as a serious playoff contender.

I'm not quite ready to write off the Chargers chances of making the post-season, but after watching the Broncos dominate the Raiders, and the Bolts lose with no time left to the Panthers, Denver looks undeniably like the AFC West favorite.

So, back to the Steelers. The Patriots and Chargers would both lose to Pittsburgh on one side of the ball or the other.

Willie Parker is going to have a monster year, and started it off well against the Texans. The Steelers and Chargers play in week 11 from Pittsburgh. We wouldn't have to rely too much on the passing game if our running game doesn't have the biggest run-stopper in the NFL in the way. Advantage goes to the Steelers.

Cassel barely slid by the bottom-feeders of the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs, and they have one of the worst, if not the worst defense in the NFL. Whe Cassel or Gutierrez (who the Pats signed this week) has to play the best defense in the NFL of the Steelers, they won't stand a chance.

The Jaguars and Titans have plenty of injury and off-the-field problems to deal with before they become championship contenders. However, I can't write off Jackonsville yet, as they  have great resiliency. Tennessee has way to many problems for me to consider them at this point, despite Sunday's victory.

So, here are any teams left in the AFC that can challenge the apparent top dog, PIttsburgh:

Cleveland
Indianapolis
Jacksonville
Denver
New York Jets

The Broncos beat the Steelers last season due to nothing more than simple rookie-mistakes. Tomlin handled certain regular seaosn games more important than others, when in fact, they are all equally important. If the Steelers have to play the Broncos, the Denver running defense would collapse. The passing defense could give Ben a run for his money, though. Then again, they lost John #### to the Patriots in the off-season. Champ Bailey and Dre' Bly aren't enough to stop Big Ben. Scratch Denver.

Jacksonville always seems to know how to get by the defense. This year, I don't think it'll be as easy. Lamarr Woodley got his first career start Sunday and made the best of it. He ought to be one of the top young linebackers in the NFL by the end of the 2009 season. Fred Taylor seems easier to contain than Jones-Drew, but Woodley makes incredibly fast reads and it won't take long for him to figure out which way to go prior to the handoff. Advantage- Steelers.

The Jets defense is way too weak, they barely got by lowly Miami on Sunday. If you think they could seriously challenge the Steelers, you should have your head examined. Obviously, Steelers would dominate this match-up.

The Browns will be easier for me to figure out when I see them on Sunday Night football against my Steelers. However, I did mangae to catch them against the Cowboys. That's what a division champion defense looks like? LMAO at the Brownies fans that think they have a chance.

I have only one thing to say for the Colts debate: If the Bears beat ya, so can we.

The Steelers are the obvious favorite, and the injury and eventually season-ending surgery to Merriman makes it that much more easy to call.

GO STEELERS!!!

-Mike Greenspire

Brady's injury; all I know is that he's having surgery on his knee and he's out for the season. I’m, not gonna relay the same boring info we already know. Now that Brady’s out, in comes Matt Cassel, who did decent yesterday.

Don’t forget, though, he did decent against the Chiefs, one of, if not the worst defense in the NFL.

So, one of three things could happen:
1. The Patriots don't make the playoffs, which keeps that strange run of 7 of the last 8 Super Bowl losers not making the playoffs the following year going.
2. The Patriots lose the division to the Jets or Bills. (or even the Dolphins?)
3. Cassel plays out of his mind and wins the division.

I think the 1st scenario is what will happen.

So, this obviously makes way for somebody else. But, who?

Here is a look at legitimate contenders as I see it at this point in the year to take over the AFC:

North
Pittsburgh

South
Tennessee
Indianapolis
Jacksonville

East
New York Jets
Buffalo

West
San Diego

Well, I'll tell ya some of the teams that come to mind that could really take advantage of the Brady injury.

San Diego Chargers
The Chargers pretty much had the game yesterday wrapped up, but somehow blew it with :00 left on the clock to the Panthers. The Panthers won 26-24. Currently: 0-1

Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are quite possibly the upset of the year victims, after somehow managing to lose to the Bears last night, 29-13. Currently: 0-1

Jacksonville Jaguars
I’m really unimpressed with the Jaguars’ level of play on Sunday. The Titans, although the 17-10 score doesn’t show it, really beat up the Jags for 60 minutes. Currently: 0-1

Buffalo Bills
The Bills put on a physical showcase and absolutely dominated the supposedly strong Seahawks. We may have just saw the beginning of a new legendary QB-WR duo: The Edwards and Evans Express. 34-10 Bills. Currently: 1-0

New York Jets
Brett Favre had an impressive debut against the Dolphins, winning 20-14. The Jets looked really good, but made some correctable mistakes. Currently: 1-0

Tennessee Titans
The Titans really stepped up in my mind and showed that they aren’t automatically out of the running like some people say they are. They’re on a mission, and I like their chances. They beat the Jaguars 17-10. Currently: 1-0

Pittsburgh Steelers
For some reason, the homers picked the Texans over the Steelers, and they showed them, routing Houston 38-17. The Steelers, by far impressed me most of this group of team yesterday. Currently: 1-0

So, in my opinion, the team that has the best chance of taking advantage of the Tom Brady injury has to be none other than the Pittsburgh Steelers. They took their foot off the throttle late, which you shouldn’t do, but you can’t blame a second-year coach for wanting to rest up his starters. Hell, ya can’t blame any coach in that situation when you’re up 38-10.

I don’t think that there’s a negative side to this. When the Steelers opened the season two years ago against the Texans, they were absolutely horrible; it was like playing against a high school team. This season, however, there’s a certain level of credibility for beating the Texans that wasn’t there before. They aren’t the same old Texans that are notorious for sucking it up and being Indy’s whipping boys. They have a mission, and it’s not to get 7 wins and be happy, which is apparently what they managers in Houston lived by for the first 6 years of the franchise. They’re on the rise, but they can’t afford to open against any Pittsburgh team. They just won’t win.

The Steelers are the new favorite. They won, they have credibility behind the win, both the running game and passing game was dominant, and the players know each other. This is a recipe for success brewing in the Steel City.

Here are my updated AFC predictions for the post-season now that New England is seriously depleted: (the seeding number and projected record is next to the team)

AFC

1. Steelers (13-3)
2. Colts (12-4)
3. Jets (11-5)
4. Chargers (10-6)
5. Jaguars (10-6)
6. Browns (10-6)

I also see the Steelers winning the AFC Championship Game. (who’da thunk?)

If nothing else, maybe the Patriots fans will hop of their high-horse now.

-Mike Greenspire

For the past two weeks, I have been doing a series, documenting each division and where everyone will finish in that division. Here are my final predictions for each division!

AFC East
z-New England (15-1)
x-New York (10-6)
Buffalo (9-7)
Miami (3-13)

AFC North
y-Pittsburgh (12-4)
Cleveland (10-6)
Cincinnati (8-8)
Baltimore (2-14)

AFC South
y-Indianapolis (12-4)
x-Jacksonville (10-6)
Tennessee (9-7)
Houston (8-8)

AFC West
y-San Diego (9-7)
Denver (8-8)
Oakland (6-10)
Kansas City (2-14)

NFC East
z-Dallas (13-3)
x-Philadelphia (9-7)
New York (8-8)
Washington (5-11)

NFC North
y-Minnesota (10-6)
x-Detroit (10-6)
Green Bay (7-9)
Chicago (4-12)

NFC South
y-New Orleans (11-5)
Tampa Bay (9-7)
Atlanta (6-10)
Carolina (5-11)

NFC West
y-Seattle (10-6)
Arizona (9-7)
San Francisco (5-11)
St. Louis (2-14)

*z = Clinched Home-Field Advantage, y = Clinched Division, x = Clinched Wild Card Spot

Well, here are my division winners and wild cards for each conference: (In parentheses next to each team is their seeding in the post-season)

AFCEast: Patriots (1)
North: Steelers (2)
South: Colts (3)
West: Chargers (4)
Wild Card 1: Jets (5)
Wild Card 2: Jaguars (6)

NFC
East: Cowboys (1)
North: Vikings (3)
South: Saints (2)
West: Seahawks (4)
Wild Card 1: Lions (5)
Wild Card 2: Eagles (6)

So, here are my playoff predictions for the 2008 season!

Wild Card

AFC
Jaguars at Colts = Colts
Jets at Chargers = Jets

NFC
Eagles at Vikings = Vikings
Lions at Seahawks = Seahawks

Divisional

AFC
Colts at Steelers = Steelers
Jets at Patriots = Patriots

NFC
Vikings at Saints = Saints
Seahawks at Cowboys = Cowboys

Conference Championships

AFC
Steelers at Patriots = Patriots

NFC
Saints at Cowboys = Cowboys

Super Bowl XLIII
Cowboys vs. Patriots (from Tampa, FL) = New England Patriots

So, the way I see it, the Patriots will be the Super Bowl 43 Champions.

Any disagreements? Who do you pick to be champ? Lemme hear what you guys and gals have to say! Have a great weekend, everyone, and enjoy the first Sunday of the season!

-Mike Greenspire

This is the third post of a two-week series I will be doing, discussing every team by division and how I see their 2008 NFL season playing out. Today, we are discussing the AFC South division, which is populated by the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans. Let’s get started!

Indianapolis Colts
Peyton Manning’s knee is still a big subject for debate. How bad is it? When will he be back?
In all likelihood, he’ll be back in time for the season opener vs. the Bears from the yet-to-be-opened Lucas Oil Stadium. I’m not worried about it one bit, and neither should the press. He’s never missed a start, and that’s not about to change.
Joseph Addai had a very solid year last season, and if you expect anything to change, his numbers ought to go up even farther. If Manning’s knee is worse than we think, and he needs to play it safe, Addai will be the one to step it up offensively.
Marvin Harrison has to stay healthy, because his absence was the main reason the Colts did not defeat the Chargers in the divisional round of the playoffs last January. Manning has some good back-up talent in the receiving corps, but Harrison and Wayne are the necessary parts for them to win another championship.
The defense is extraordinary, and I expect their 2008 season to be one to remember in Indy, perhaps even the best defense ever assembled by the Colts. Bob Sanders and Dwight Freeney are two Hall-of-Fame caliber players, and will both have a remarkable season on their way to another AFC South title.

Regular Season Prediction: 12-4, 1st in AFC South, #3 seed in AFC playoffs

Jacksonville Jaguars
The main question up in the air at this point is can Garrard do what he did a year ago? The answer is yes, in my opinion, and he should do so keeping every game close. The Jaguars’ offense is one of the most potent in the league, and nobody will overlook them this year. That being said, their road to the playoffs will be harder than in 2007. Now, people know they are contenders, and they won’t be sneaking up on anybody.
Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor are one of the most dynamic running back duos in the National Football League. They both had extraordinary 2007’s. The rushing game won’t get hurt a bit, as I expect them and Garrard to share an even amount of the pass and the run. Why dominate only one when you are great at both?
The Jags picked up a huge amount of help in the off-season. The drafting of Derrick Harvey, who finally signed his contract yesterday, and of course, the trade for Jerry Porter. They only had to give up a 4th round pick for him. Does anyone remember what happened the last time and Oakland receiver was dealt away for a fourth round pick? Four words: Randy Moss in 2007. Now, Porter might not have a 23 TD season that many wideouts hope for, but he should be a solid contributor in the passing game that Jacksonville runs.
This team is one to be feared, and the defense can instill that very element into an opponent with one simple glance in their direction. Watch out for Jacksonville.

Regular Season Prediction: 10-6, 2nd in AFC South, #6 seed in AFC playoffs

Tennessee Titans
The problem with Vince Young is that he’s a better runner than he is a quarterback. We saw a similar situation with Michael Vick, and we all knew that as long as he ran and took off out of the pocket, he was never going to win the NFC or the Super Bowl.
If VY can stay in the pocket and let his lineman create some time, he’ll find an open guy. Alge Crumpler was added to the offense in the off-season, and I think he’ll contribute more than people give him credit for. Having been with Vick’s offense for most of his career, he should be bale to help Young mature into an elite athlete, and maybe even an elite quarterback. I expect him to have that big of an influence.
Chris Johnson, RB from East Carolina, didn’t have to travel far to live in his new team’s town, and I think we can expect a good rookie year out of him. Not a ROTY kind of season, but a good one, enough to take some of the pressure to run off of Vince Young. I’ll say 600 yards splitting the carries with LenDale White, who should also have a total in the 500-700 yard area.
The defense will have another fantastic season. Kyle Vanden Bosch and Albert Haynesworth are too of the scariest guys in the NFL. If any team goes up against them, minus maybe the Patriots OLine, they’re doomed.
In the end, it’ll come down to how well the offense can produce touchdowns and not rely on their kicker, Rob Bironas to boot 8 FGs a game. The defense will do it’s part, but the offense needs to score more points in 2008.

Regular Season Prediction: 9-7, 3rd in AFC South, no playoffs

Houston Texans
I underestimated the Texans for most of the off-season, but have since then come into the light and realized that they are legit rather than the idiots they were always used to making themselves out to be.
Matt Schaub and Sage Rosenfels are two good quarterbacks. Overall, they are average at best, with above-average playmaking ability. Whether or not they Schaub can become an elite quarterback is yet to be seen, but it will be decided this year. If he can’t get them to a better record than last years 8-8 season, they should get a QB in the first round of the draft. Todd Boeckman, of Ohio State, perhaps?
Steve Slaton should take most of the carries for the Texans in 2008. Ahman Green only has one good year left in him before he either retires or breaks down and hurts himself. The running game needs to be addressed soon, because Slaton can’t be the leader of a pro football rushing attack in my opinion. College is obviously a different story.
The defense has some stars and stars in the making. Both DeMeco Ryans and Mario Williams should have solid years, but not enough to make a serious playoff push for the Texans. They’re still missing a few valuable and essential pieces before they can seriously contend for a Wild Card spot.

Regular Season Prediction: 8-8, 4th in AFC South, no playoffs

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Let me hear what you think. Check back in tomorrow for my AFC West preview!

-Mike Greenspire

These are my predictions on each AFC team’s 2008 campaign. I will say below each team their record, whether or not they make the playoffs, and what seed they are if they do make it. Here are my predictions for the 2008 NFL regular season! (If two teams in the same division finish with the same record in my predictions, the team higher in the standings wins the tie-breaker)

AFC North
Pittsburgh
11-5, AFC North Champs, No. 4 seed
Cincinnati
9-7, no playoffs
Cleveland
7-9, no playoffs
Baltimore
3-13, no playoffs

AFC South
Indianapolis
13-3, AFC South Champs, No. 3 seed
Jacksonville
11-5, AFC Wild Card, No. 6 seed
Tennessee
9-7, no playoffs
Houston
3-13, no playoffs

AFC East
New England
14-2, AFC East Champs, No. 2 seed
New York Jets
11-5, AFC Wild Card, No. 5 seed
Buffalo
5-11, no playoffs
Miami
3-13, no playoffs

AFC West
San Diego
14-2, AFC West Champs, No. 1 seed
Denver
9-7, no playoffs
Oakland
8-8, no playoffs
Kansas City
1-15, no playoffs

Let me hear your thoughts! Don’t forget to check out the NFC post as well!

-Mike Greenspire