Note: I started writing this post before the firing of Scott Linehan, so there's no revisionist history going on here. Pretend you're reading this while all the coaches who started the season still had their jobs.

When the going gets tough, the head coach often goes to the unemployment line. As several teams have gotten off to starts that fall below their organization's expectations, we'll likely be seeing a few NFL coaches get the ax this season. Which coach is most deserving of immediate removal though? Let's look at the prime candidates:

Brad Childress, Minnesota. The Vikings entered this season with high hopes, but their record is 1-3. Childress has been criticized for running a conservative, predictable offense and poor communication and leadership skills. Childress is currently signed through 2010.

Romeo Crennel, Cleveland. After just missing the Playoffs last year the Browns were expecting to make it this year. Before this week's win over the lowly Bengals, they'd been off to an 0-3 start. The Browns' once-prolific offense hasn't scored more than 20 points this season, and Crennel has received criticism for his play-calling and his decision to start Derek Anderson over Brady Quinn. Crennel is currently signed through 2011.

Herman Edwards, Kansas City. The Chiefs are currently 1-3, with that one win an upset over the Broncos this week. The Chiefs were 4-12 last season. Edwards has been criticized for predictable game plans, poor clock management and his stubborn refusal to make Damon Huard the starting QB. Edwards is currently signed through 2009.

Lane Kiffin, Oakland. Kiffin is in his second year coaching the Raiders, and he has a 5-15 record to show for it. The Raiders made several big-name acquisitions in the offseason, and Al Davis was expecting to win immediately. Rumors have already circulated that Kiffin was going to be fired, and it didn't help his cause that the Raiders blew a 15-point lead to the Chargers this week. Kiffin is currently signed through 2009.

Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati. When Lewis took over the Bengals in 2003 they were a perennial loser, but they've won at least seven games in each of his first five years at the helm. Since leading them to a long-awaited Playoff berth in 2005 the team has gone steadily downhill. Several players have run into off-field problems, and Lewis has been unhappy dealing with the distractions. Lewis is currently signed through 2010.

Scott Linehan, St. Louis. The Rams have gotten off to an 0-4 start following a 3-13 season. This is Linehan's third year as the Rams' coach, and several players have openly expressed dissatisfaction with his decision to bench Marc Bulger. The Rams have been outscored 147-43 in their first four games, and many are speculating that Linehan is already on his way out. Linehan is currently signed through 2009.

Rod Marinelli, Detroit. Marinelli is in his third year as the Lions' coach, and the team has gone 10-25 under his leadership. There was some early excitement last year when the Lions started 6-2, but it only led to a final record of 7-9. Marinelli is currently signed through 2009.

While all these coaches are on the hot seat, I think some deserve to keep their jobs for at least the remainder of the season. Let's look at their situations in reverse order of how much they deserve to be fired:

7. Marvin Lewis. Lewis isn't the problem in Cincinnati, owner Mike Brown is. Lewis has said publicly that he doesn't want to deal with problematic players, but Brown re-signed troubled receiver Chris Henry against Lewis' wishes. The Bengals cut several prominent veterans this offseason, didn't do enough to improve on defense, and were without Carson Palmer for their weakest opponent so far this season. Firing Lewis isn't the solution to any of the Bengals' problems.

6. Lane Kiffin. His situation is similar to Lewis'. Al Davis is the real problem with the Raiders, not Kiffin. It would seem unfair to fire Kiffin after only one and a quarter seasons, but he hasn't done much to distinguish himself, whereas Lewis has earned the benefit of the doubt.

5. Brad Childress. While the team hasn't lived up to expectations so far, they've also played a fairly tough schedule. Childress had the good sense to bench Tarvaris Jackson, and there's still enough time and talent on the roster for the Vikings to rebound.

4. Romeo Crennel. Crennel hasn't done much to help a bad situation, but like the Vikings, there's still time for the Browns to turn it around. If Cleveland's losing ways continue Crennel's seat will probably get a bit hotter.

3. Rod Marinelli. This season is already a lost cause for the Lions. Recently-fired GM Matt Millen bears more responsibility for the Lions' problems than Marinelli does, so firing Marinelli would only be a symbolic gesture to the Detroit players and fans.

2. Herman Edwards. Kansas City looked like one of the NFL's worst teams in the first three weeks, but when Damon Huard got a chance to play the entire game they gave the Broncos their first loss. If Edwards sticks with Huard for the rest of the season it may be enough for him to hold onto his job, even if he's clearly not taking the Chiefs anywhere. If he continues with his usual incompetence, he deserves to be shown the door before the end of the season.

1. Scott Linehan. Linehan has so much opposition from the fans and the players right now that he's in a no-win situation. The Rams have nothing to gain by keeping Linehan, so they may as well get the inevitable firing over with. Indications seem to be that Linehan will be fired this week, so it looks like the coach that most deserves it will in fact be the first.

Postscript: Congratulations, NFL executives. You got it right.

There's a buzz all over America, ever increasing in volume, reminding us that the NFL will be here soon. Right now the 2008 season is a clean slate and the possibilities are endless. Will your team make the NFL Playoffs this year? You bet they will, and here's why:

AFC East:

Buffalo Bills. After two straight 7-9 seasons this team is ready to get over the hump with a promising young quarterback and running back. Few sights in sports are as beautiful as Playoff football in the snow, and the Bills will make sure we see it this year.

Miami Dolphins. The last time Bill Parcells took over a 1-15 team they had a winning record in his first season. Now that the Tuna is more experienced and doesn't have the added stress of being head coach he can sit back, relax and make the Dolphins a Playoff team.

New England Patriots. They went undefeated last year and this year have an easier schedule. Making the Playoffs is the least they could do.

New York Jets. Two words: Brett Favre. Favre is the ultimate warrior, the greatest quarterback of all time and singlehandedly wins football games. He doesn't even need teammates. Heck, if anything, teammates hold him back. If he played by himself he'd win the Super Bowl every year. Don't believe me? Ask John Madden.

AFC North:

Baltimore Ravens. With Lorenzo Neal blocking for him Willis McGahee is going to run wild all over AFC North defenses. Throw in the good special teams and a defense full of veterans and you have yourself a team no one will want to play come January.

Cincinnati Bengals. Carson Palmer tied for the league lead in interceptions thrown last year. You know who else throws a lot of interceptions? Brett Favre. You know what Brett Favre does? Win. Fear the tiger!

Cleveland Browns. They have an incredible offense that'll only be better this year as they develop more chemistry. The Browns would've made the Playoffs last year if Tony Dungy hadn't rested his starters during the final week, so you can bet that they're hungry to get what they deserve this year. The Dawg Pound is going to be wagging their tails an awful lot this season.

Pittsburgh Steelers. Last year both their offense and defense were in the NFL's top 10, and they've kept most of the core together on both sides. The Steelers have this division so locked up they'd have to try pretty hard to lose it.

AFC South:

Houston Texans. With a promising young front seven, a solid passing game and Alex Gibbs helping coach their offensive line the Texans are ready to sneak up on everyone. It's been 15 years since Houston last fielded an NFL Playoff team, but this is the year that streak ends.

Jacksonville Jaguars. They have one of the most efficient offenses in football and two great running backs. They stayed with the Patriots for an entire half before losing last year in the Playoffs, and now the Jaguars are looking for a rematch. Since the Patriots aren't on their regular season schedule it'd have to come in the postseason. The question isn't whether there'll be one, but in which round.

Indianapolis Colts. Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy are back together for another year. Part of that duo's job description is "make the Playoffs," and so far they've gotten good employee evaluations each year they've been together. The Colts are going to cruise into the postseason like they always do.

Tennessee Titans. He led Texas to a championship in college and last year Vince Young led the Titans to the Playoffs. Not only is he a winner, but his team has improved. Alge Crumpler had his best years catching passes for a running quarterback and Jevon Kearse had his best years when he played in Tennessee previously. All that guarantees that the Titans' Playoff-qualifying ways will continue.

AFC West:

Denver Broncos. In Jay Cutler the Broncos have a starting quarterback with a single-digit uniform number. Who was the last one? None other than John Elway. Elway led the Broncos to the Playoffs in his second year as primary starter, and this will be Cutler's second year as primary starter. What does that mean? It means the Playoffs will be played a mile above sea level this year.

Kansas City Chiefs. First David Cook wins "American Idol". Then the Sonics move to Oklahoma City, making them the closest-based NBA team since the Kings called K.C. home. Then the Royals actually flirt with fourth place until August. Clearly this is an "up" year for Kansas City, and the Chiefs will continue that trend.

Oakland Raiders. Gibril Wilson. Javon Walker. DeAngelo Hall. Darren McFadden. All got long-term deals from the Raiders this offseason, all are good-to-great players. Commitment to excellence? You know it. The silver and black is legit and ready to intimidate opponents like in the old days.

San Diego Chargers. Does this team have a weakness? They have the best running back in the game, one of the top two tight ends in the game, a good quarterback, a great defense and solid wide receivers. Shoot, even their special teams are among the NFL's best. I doubt there's one person out there who could give a good reason why this team won't be playing in early 2009.

NFC East:

Dallas Cowboys. Their quarterback is dating Jessica Simpson. Does Jessica Simpson go out with guys who don't make the Playoffs? Didn't think so. America's Team practically has a Playoff spot locked up already.

New York Giants. They may have lost several starters, but no one thought they had a chance going into the Playoffs last year either. These Giants know how to win when it matters most, and Big Blue will keep the Big Apple smiling.

Philadelphia Eagles. They have not one, not two, but three good cornerbacks on this team. Their pass coverage is going to be sick. They're not too shabby against the run either, and with a decent offense the Eagles have their usual formula for success in place. This team will be so busy winning their division they won't notice the flying batteries.

Washington Redskins. In 1986 the Giants won their first Super Bowl. In 1987 the Redskins won it. In 1990 the Giants won their second Super Bowl. In 1991 the Redskins won it. Last year the Giants won their third Super Bowl. Seeing a pattern here?

NFC North:

Chicago Bears. They went with a proven winner at quarterback in Kyle Orton and got rid of a disappointing distraction in Cedric Benson. Throw in a healthy defense and the "Monsters of the Midway" moniker should be back in circulation by Playoff time.

Detroit Lions. Did you see their preseason record? 4-0, baby! Even though the Lions faded in the second half last year they're more focused on playing well all season this time. With four good wide receivers on the roster Jon Kitna's passes will find their way to the end zone like they had GPS navigation. Rod Marinelli will be the first Lions coach since Bobby Ross, another military man, to lead them to the Playoffs.

Green Bay Packers. They made it to the NFC Championship Game last year and then unloaded some dead weight by trading the King of Crucial Moment Picks. With a solid supporting cast the transition to Aaron Rodgers will be seamless. The Pack is back for real this time. Sport the curdled milk proudly, Wisconsinites!

Minnesota Vikings. Their killer rushing attack is the best in the NFL, they've added Bernard Berrian at wide receiver and both their lines are great. Their NFC North competitors all have questions, but the Vikings only have answers. For instance, Q: Are the Vikings a Playoff team this year? A: Ah, yeah.

NFC South:

Atlanta Falcons. Their quarterback is rookie Matt Ryan, who was drafted out of Boston College. As we all know, Boston is the city that produces champions in every sport and is the center of the entire universe according to their fans. Ryan and his New England mystique can't not lead the Falcons to the Playoffs.

Carolina Panthers. John Fox's job is on the line, so you know his players are going to play a little harder in order to save it. With a healthy Jake Delhomme back in the saddle and Julius Peppers ready to redeem himself after a poor 2007 the Panthers shouldn't have any problems running roughshod over the competition. Their coach will definitely be back next year.

New Orleans Saints. They had an incredible offense last year and added a former Pro Bowl tight end. They were decent against the run last year and added a former Pro Bowl middle linebacker. The Saints know what they're good at and stick with it. That type of commitment will get them into the Playoffs for sure.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They've got a Pro Bowl quarterback and a great defense. Doesn't that combination pretty much guarantee at least a Wild Card berth?

NFC West:

Arizona Cardinals. As part of the Bill Cowher coaching tree Ken Whisenhunt knows how to win. In his first year as an NFL head coach he led the Cardinals to a non-losing season for the first time since 1998. This year he leads them to double-digit victories for the first time since 1976. These Cardinals are young, exciting and Playoff-bound.

San Francisco 49ers. The 49er Faithful know that they root for the best NFL franchise ever. The 49ers know what it takes to win, and any move they make will eventually prove to be the right one. They already have arguably the best punter-kicker duo in the league, and with Frank Gore tearing it up out of the backfield no one will be arguing their title as best ever after this season.

Seattle Seahawks. They've made the Playoffs the last five years, and there's no reason to think they won't this year. With Mike Holmgren, Matt Hasselbeck, a good offensive line and a talented defense, no one else in their division can compare.

St. Louis Rams. Steven Jackson finally got the contract he wanted and Marc Bulger is finally back from injury. Those two guys combined with an average defense are enough to make the Rams a Playoff team. The Greatest Show on Turf Part II is ready and raring to go.

To sum things up, you're going to see your team play more than the usual 16 games this season. They'll be one of the twelve that gets a spot in that special tournament that ends at the Super Bowl. Sunday will be the most anticipated day of the week for the next four months, because you won't be able to wait for the next exciting moment your team has in store. Savor every minute, because it doesn't get any better than this.

Baseball season ended less than two weeks ago and already I'm going through withdrawal. I've found myself playing Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major League Baseball on the Super Nintendo just to fill the void in my life. There's no other sport that captivates me like baseball does. Without it the world is a much duller place. Nonetheless, I'll try to give some sort of take on the other sports I follow.

The NBA season has gotten off to an interesting start. Some of the predictions from my last post already look like they'll be wrong. Then again, anyone who follows sports knows that the way a team starts isn't much to go by. My Bulls just beat the Pistons tonight for their first win after a 0-4 start. Having a 1-4 record isn't ideal, but so what? There's still plenty of season to go. Last year they started 3-9. The season before that they were below .500 most of the year, and even had a 29-39 record at one point. The season before that they got off to a 2-13 start in which they lost their first 9 games. If you've been following the NBA during that stretch, you know they ended up in the Playoffs each of those years. Right now that 1-4 record doesn't look too bad. This Bulls team just finishes better than they start.

My "other" NBA team, the Clippers, is off to a 4-0 start. Color me surprised. With injuries to Elton Brand and Shaun Livingston I didn't expect much out of them this year. Then again, a good start can be just a deceptive as a bad one. In 2000-01 the Cavaliers started out 15-7. Their final record? 30-52. That's right, they got half their wins for the season in their first 22 games. Anything can happen at this point. I'm not going to rush to any conclusions about any teams yet. All I can say is that I hope the Clippers continue to play well and that the Bulls can get back on track after tonight's win.

I'll just skip the NFL since the Lions' 6-2 start and the Browns' 5-3 start have been the most interesting parts of it for me. With my Bears struggling, the only enjoyment I've gotten out of this season is watching the underdogs win. What other sport is there to talk about, you ask? My profile says I only follow baseball, basketball and football. Well, I've started to become more conscious of another sport this season: hockey.

I've always had a weird relationship with hockey. When I was growing up they used to show Blackhawks games on SportsChannel (remember that, Chicagoans?), but at the time I was all about baseball and basketball. I would read the articles in the Chicago Tribune criticizing the Blackhawks' management and analyzing their trades, but between school and following my main sports there wasn't much room for me to be a real hockey fan. Over the past few years I've developed an interest in hockey, because one of the reasons I love baseball seems to apply to hockey as well: the guys who play it have a true passion for the game. That's not to say that athletes in other sports don't have passion, but guys can become basketball players just because they're tall, and guys can become football players just because they're big or fast. Baseball and hockey require more specialized skills, plus you have to go through the minors to make it to the top. If you see an MLB or NHL game you know it took a lot of hard work for those guys to get there. That's the kind of sport I can appreciate. I guess you could say I've always wanted to be a hockey fan but found it hard to do so.

One big problem, especially these days, is that it's hard to find a hockey game on TV. I recently discovered though, that there's an NHL Network on digital cable. I've actually enjoyed watching some of the old games from the 80's that they show. I've heard that hockey was more exciting in those days, but even if the game isn't quite as high-scoring today I can see its appeal. The Blackhawks have been a pretty bad team in recent times (only one Playoff appearance in the past ten years), but they have some young guys coming up that give them hope for the future. They currently have a winning record and look like they have a shot at the Playoffs this season. Perhaps now is a good time for me to become a real hockey fan. Call me a bandwagoner if you wish, but I take pride in any team that represents Chicago. If the Blackhawks ever win another Stanley Cup someday I want to be able to say I was a part of the experience.

I could talk about baseball and all the offseason player movement, but I don't have much to say about it. The only thing I will say is that I hope the White Sox aren't planning on having Juan Uribe start at shortstop next year. I hope the only reason they exercised his option was to have a backup plan. If he's our starter in 2008 we're going to have a big hole in our lineup. Neither the Cubs nor the Sox have made any major moves yet, so until they do I have no particular expectations for next season.

This may be the first post I've made on this blog that covered all four major sports. I guess I'm legit now.

If every week is like this one, then I'm already not looking forward to the rest of the NFL season. Like most fans, there are teams I like and teams I hate. It seems that this week all the teams I hate decided to win and all the ones I like decided to lose. Let's look at the results:

Chiefs 13, Vikings 10. OK, this one's not too bad. I don't really care about the Chiefs, and the Vikings are in the Bears' division, so I guess I'm happy here. Result: Good

Buccaneers 24, Rams 3. I don't really care about either of these teams. Result: Neutral

Steelers 37, 49ers 16. I hate the Steelers. Result: Bad

Eagles 56, Lions 21. While I kind of like the Eagles, I was rooting for the Lions in this game. Yeah, they're in the Bears' division, but they have an underdog appeal that I can't help but appreciate. Still, this does help my team in some way, so I'll say... Result: Neutral

Colts 30, Texans 24. I'm pulling for both teams this year. One of them had to lose. Result: Neutral

Packers 31, Chargers 24. I hate the Packers. I like the Chargers. The Packers are now in sole possession of first place. The Chargers' firing of Marty Schottenheimer looks more stupid every day. Result: Bad

Patriots 38, Bills 7. I despise the Patriots. They're evil. Result: Bad

Jets 31, Dolphins 28. I don't really like either of these teams, nor do I completely hate either one. Eh, whatever. Result: Neutral

Ravens 26, Cardinals 23. I don't really like the Ravens, but I'm not one of the many people who roots for the Cardinals on the side either. Still, one team has a lot more underdog appeal than the other. I guess I'll have to go with... Result: Bad

Seahawks 24, Bengals 21. Again, I don't really care about this matchup. Result: Neutral

Raiders 26, Browns 24. The Browns are one of those constant underdogs that I usually pull for. The Raiders are the team everyone loves to hate. Result: Bad

Jaguars 23, Broncos 14. The Broncos are another team I root for on the side, and I don't really care much about the Jaguars. Result: Bad

Panthers 27, Falcons 20. Another one of these... Result: Neutral

Giants 24, Redskins 17. I hate the Giants. I like the Redskins. Result: Bad

Cowboys 34, Bears 10. I'm a Bears fan, and I'm not too fond of the Cowboys. Result: Bad

Titans 31, Saints 14. OK, this was good. I like the Titans, and I'm over the whole Saints lovefest. Result: Good

To sum it all up, I thought this week had 2 "good" results, 6 "neutral" results, and 8 "bad" results. If there aren't some better weeks ahead, I'll be looking forward to the 2008 baseball season sooner than usual.

After my last post listing the top ten teams whose old uniforms were better than their current ones, I thought I'd do another post along the same lines. This time it's the top 10 teams whose uniforms I hope never change. Some of these uniforms probably will be changed someday, but one can always hope not. All the teams on my list are ones whose uniforms I think potentially could be changed someday. I didn't include any teams whose uniforms have so much history that they'll probably never have any major changes made to them. Like the last list, baseball, basketball and football are the only sports represented and photos are included.

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers made one of the best uniform changes in history when they switched from those terrible light orange jerseys to the cool red ones they have now in 1997. They fit the team's pirate theme and the colors are bold but well-balanced. I don't see any way they could do better than these.

9. Portland Trail Blazers

While they've made some slight changes in recent years (such as adding a border to the letters and making the road jerseys say "PORTLAND"), the basic design has stayed the same since 1991. I've always liked this uniform. I hope they don't make the mistake of trying to revamp it.

8. Kansas City Chiefs

I don't think the Chiefs have ever had a different uniform. That's a good thing. These yellow and red threads are a nice throwback to the old days of the AFL.

7. Detroit Pistons

The Pistons made a good move in 2002 when they got rid of those teal uniforms and returned to the look of their classic jerseys with a modern touch. It seems that it isn't uncommon for a team to make a uniform change only to realize years later that their classic look was better.

6. Washington Wizards

Ever since the Bullets changed their name to the Wizards they've had the uniforms they currently sport. I had a scare (for lack of a better word) earlier this season when I turned on the TV and saw the Wizards wearing an ugly gold version of this uniform, but was relieved to discover later that it was only an alternate and that the team still has the one pictured.

5. Detroit Lions

They've had these uniforms for a long time. That cool lion silhouette on the helmet and the "Hawaii blue" jerseys are a winner in my book.

4. Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies are another example of a team returning to an old look after years of wearing something different. The red, white and blue color scheme is good for the team that plays in our nation's original capital, and the stars that dot the i's are a nice touch. I hope they're smart enough to stick with this design, as they have been for the past 15 years.

3. San Diego Chargers

All those lightning bolts are awesome. I was disappointed when the Chargers were eliminated in the Playoffs this year because I was pulling for them, but another minor reason to be disappointed was that we wouldn't get to see their great uniforms anymore this season.

2. Atlanta Braves

They've had the same basic uniforms since 1987, though a few alternate caps and jerseys have been added along the way. They wore a similar uniform back in the old days, but for about 20 years they experimented with different ones. This uniform has stood the test of time, so I doubt they plan to change it anytime soon, but I wouldn't put anything past Ted Turner.

1. tie-Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears

I'm not going to lie. These are three of my teams, and I have a strong attachment to each of their uniforms.

The White Sox have had their old-fashioned look with the pinstripes and chest logo since the 1991 season. I think they're the most likely team on this list to make a uniform change, but I also think that many of us fans have embraced the Sox' look the way it is over the years.

I'm almost inclined to put the Bulls in the class of teams whose uniforms have so much history that they'll never change, but I think a slight chance exists that the team would want something new someday.

Some people might think it impossible that the Bears could ever change their classic uniforms, but years ago I remember reading some columnist in the Chicago Tribune making suggestions to the Bears franchise, and one thing he said was (paraphrased) "Get new uniforms. The Broncos finally won a Super Bowl after they changed theirs." I read recently that Ron Wolf had planned to change the Packers' famous uniforms early on in his tenure as GM, but he changed his mind at the last minute. You never know.

If any executive from any of these teams ever reads this, I can sum up my post in a simple statement. Your uniforms look great. Don't try to mess with a good thing.