NFL Week 11: Losing Frenzy

"Losing is a disease...as contagious as Bubonic Plague...attacking one...but infecting all..."

It's more than a number in the "L" column. It's more than the low end of the final score. As the sports shrink said in The Natural, losing is a state of mind that can be just as lethal as a raging virus. It's like a hungry termite colony in a lumber yard. Remember the body odor in Jerry Seinfeld's car?

When this epidemic reaches a fervor, the fingers start pointing. Media, fans, and even players feel the freedom to become pragmatic and deliver verdicts on the cause and solutions for such "corruption."

In most of these atrocities, it's always easier to place the cross hairs on the head coach.

Sometimes, these allegations are unfounded and born out of hysterical emotion. Other times, the reasons have sharp teeth and are draped with common sense. Either way, head coaches and their statuses have become very popular at water coolers, in chat rooms, and the subject of many...web articles.

To prove my point, I'm going to give my two cents on each NFL coach's standing as of now while looking at each game this week. What are your thoughts?

• Miami Dolphins (4-5) at Carolina Panthers (4-5): NFLN, 8:20pm EST, Thursday Night - Removing Tony Sparano has not even entered Bill Parcells' mind, and John Fox will be back next year barring a Panthers meltdown. Carolina is 10-2 in their last 12 regular-season home games. Fins RB Ronnie Brown is done for the year.
  

• Indianapolis Colts (9-0) at Baltimore Ravens (5-4): CBS, 1pm EST - If it's not broke, don't fix it. The state of affairs in Baltimore are just fine despite the record. Jim Harbaugh is entrenched on the Ravens sideline for many years to come. As far as Indy, well...nothing else needs to be said...except that their poor running attack and defense will catch up with them.
  

• Cleveland Browns (1-8) at Detroit Lions (1-8): CBS, 1pm EST - A swarm of vultures are already descending upon Browns headquarters as Eric Mangini's flesh sizzles. Jim Schwartz is safe in Detroit.
  

• Buffalo Bills (3-6) at Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4): CBS, 1pm EST - Losing has claimed its first victim this season as the Dick Jauron era passed away in Buffalo. DC Perry Fewell is interim coach, but owner Ralph Wilson is visiting with Mike Shanahan. Meanwhile, Jack Del Rio seems safe in J-town although nothing seems certain until they get a clear picture of the franchise's future.
  

• Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (2-7): CBS, 1pm EST - Removing Mike Tomlin from Pittsburgh's grasp is a futile effort while Todd Haley should be fine in KC unless his anger continues to get the best of him...which very well could happen when his marshmallow run defense faces RB Rashard Mendenhall.
  

• Washington Redskins (3-6) at Dallas Cowboys (6-3): FOX, 1pm EST - It doesn't take a Harvard professor to figure out what Snyder has planned for Jim Zorn. He's already removed is play-calling duties, respect, and dignity. Wade Phillips's head is above water, but December isn't here yet. Missing the playoffs will be his death blow.
  

• San Francisco 49ers (4-5) at Green Bay Packers (5-4): FOX, 1pm EST - Regardless of this year's finish, Mike Singletary isn't going anywhere. Things are also quite kosher in Green Bay for Mike McCarthy. The Pack should be able to ride the momentum wave from last week and control the Niners at home.
  

• Seattle Seahawks (3-6) at Minnesota Vikings (8-1): FOX, 1pm EST - This is the first year for Jim Mora, Jr. so the grace will be there for at least 2010. Brett Favre-persuader Brad Childress is on the verge of a well-deserved contract extension.
  

• Atlanta Falcons (5-4) at NY Giants (5-4): FOX, 1pm EST - Both of these teams are currently underachieving, but it's not enough to conjure up rumors regarding the impatience of both GM's towards Mike Smith and Tom Coughlin. This is a critical game for Atlanta if they want to stay in the playoff hunt.
  

• New Orleans Saints (9-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-8): FOX, 1pm EST - Rookie head coach Raheem Morris obviously needs more time to prove himself especially now that he's found a reliable QB in Josh Freeman. I don't need to talk about Sean Payton.
  

• Arizona Cardinals (6-3) at St. Louis Rams (1-8): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Much like Tampa's Morris, Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo needs more time with this team which is playing their heart out. Ken Whisenhunt's future in Arizona is pristine. Kurt Warner thrives when he faces his former team.
  

• San Diego Chargers (6-3) at Denver Broncos (6-3): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Every year, Norv Turner has his own lynch mob, but he always finds a way to calm the storm by getting his team to make a second-half turnaround. The Chargers are hot as they head into Mile High to face a Broncos team that seems to actually be in good hands with Josh McDaniels.
  

• NY Jets (4-5) at New England Patriots (6-3): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Despite "The Call Heard 'Round The World", Belichick hasn't lost his handle on the Pats and will be around until he leaves on his terms. Rex Ryan showed an emotional side of himself that the Jets had never seen after last week's loss. At least he's no Mangini.
  

• Cincinnati Bengals (7-2) at Oakland Raiders (2-7): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Remember the days when Marvin Lewis was under fire in Cincy? Those days are a distant memory as the Bengals have gotten everyone's attention. For Tom Cable, not so much...except from the N.O.W.
  

• Philadelphia Eagles (5-4) at Chicago Bears (4-5): NBC, 8:20pm EST - It's pretty safe to say that Andy Reid isn't going anywhere, but I'm not so sure about Bears head coach Lovie Smith. Chicago is destroying lofty expectations despite the trade for Jay Cutler who, in all fairness, still has no lethal targets.
  

• Tennessee Titans (3-6) at Houston Texans (5-4): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - It might take a trip to the playoffs for the first time in team history to save Gary Kubiak's job, while Jeff Fisher appears to be safe once again after switching to Vince Young and leading the Titans to three straight wins.

STANDINGS

Keyshawn Johnson: 12-3, 100-44

Peter King: 9-6, 98-46

Chris Mortensen: 8-7, 97-47

Adam Schefter: 9-6, 97-47

Cris Carter: 9-6, 96-48

Eddie Chinn: 8-7, 93-51

Mike Ditka: 9-6, 90-54

NFL Week 10: Lost and Found

Amber alerts are terrifying.

They signal to the community that a family is missing a cherished part of their existence. Panic and patience form an unlikely union in the midst of this vociferous void. The craving to be one again is indescribable.

When the child is found safe, the overwhelming sense of relief is accompanied by a thunderous joy which cascades through the family and out among their supporters.

A lost child and a struggling football team don't belong in the same zip code, but in some ways there are similarities. When chemistry, confidence, discipline, or wise play-calling disappear, the chasm can be deafening. Other components, when absent, can handicap the ability to put a winning product on the field which breeds distress and hopelessness.

When they're discovered, everyone from the owner to the fans wants to run out in the streets and kiss strangers.

During Week 9, several teams had reason to celebrate as they finally seemed to find that one thing that was keeping them in contention...or from respectability. Let's take a look at those discoveries as we take a peek into the battles slated for Week 10.

• Chicago Bears (4-4) at San Francisco 49ers (3-5): NFLN, 8:20pm EST, Thursday Night Football - Is it just me or is it a weird coincidence that the Niners have lost every game since the immature WR Michael Crabtree joined the team?
  

• Atlanta Falcons (5-3) at Carolina Panthers (3-5): FOX, 1pm EST - It's nice to see RB Michael Turner exploding out of hibernation, but Atlanta will need more than that vs. this Panthers team who has a lethal running attack themselves and the tools to hammer a rattled Matt Ryan.
  

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-7) at Miami Dolphins (3-5): FOX, 1pm EST - Like a scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark, a piercing beam of light penetrated the dark cloud last week over Tampa when they unearthed a lost treasure: a bonafide QB. Josh Freeman appears to have the goods, but Miam will keep it real for him.
  

• Detroit Lions (1-7) at Minnesota Vikings (7-1): FOX, 1pm EST - The mighty Lions have yet to win a road game this season. These rested Vikings have won 14 of the last 15 contests. Brett Favre has won his last six battles vs. Detroit. Should I keep going?
  

• New Orleans Saints (8-0) at St. Louis Rams (1-7): FOX, 1pm EST - Will this "train they call the City of New Orleans" ever stop?
  

• Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4) at NY Jets (4-4): CBS, 1pm EST - This is just the type of opponent that the sliding Jets need to face coming off their bye. A rested Mark Sanchez faces a Jags defense that has 8 sacks all year and is 22nd vs. the run. This bodes well also for the #1 ranked rushing attack in the league.
  

• Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2): CBS, 1pm EST - If you like fierce and ugly battles, then this AFC North showdown for first place is for you. The world champions have won 5 in a row and have never lost to a division opponent at home under coach Mike Tomlin. Cincy is 3-0 on the road. Buckle up.
  

• Buffalo Bills (3-5) at Tennessee Titans (2-6): CBS, 1pm EST - I know coach Jeff Fisher felt pressure from his owner to begin the Vince Young era, but that just might have been the final push that Fisher needed on his shovel to uncover the treasure he's needed to turn this ship around. This team has a whole new personality.
  

• Denver Broncos (6-2) at Washington Redskins (2-6): CBS, 1pm EST - As Tom Petty would say, "And I'm free, I'm free fallin'..."
  

• Kansas City Chiefs (1-7) at Oakland Raiders (2-6): CBS, 4:05pm EST - While the Raiders recuperated from a dismal first half with a bye last week, the Chiefs discovered that they still have a knack for losing.
  

• Seattle Seahawks (3-5) at Arizona Cardinals (5-3): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Last week's 5-TD performance by Kurt Warner was amazing, but it doesn't replace the fact that Arizona is very inconsistent this year. They're also 1-3 at home having been outscored by a total of 39 points. Both teams need rushing therapy.
  

• Dallas Cowboys (6-2) at Green Bay Packers (4-4): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Something dislodged and snapped back into place for Dallas in their monster win in Philly last Sunday. Speaking of snapping, QB Aaron Rodgers behind an inept O-line vs. Demarcus Ware and Co. is a recipe for whiplash. This could be a blowout.
  

• Philadelphia Eagles (5-3) at San Diego Chargers (5-3): FOX, 4:15pm EST - When San Diego's defense is at the top of their game (as they are right now), they are a nightmare. If Philly dreams of winning this contest, they must run the ball effectively and wear down this dominating unit and not turn the ball over.
  

• New England Patriots (6-2) at Indianapolis Colts (8-0): NBC, 8:20pm EST - If you like gridiron drama, teeth-grinding anticipation, and throat-straining excitement, then you have come to the right place. This paramount rivalry has never disappointed -- Manning, Wayne, Brady, Moss, and Belichick. Hook up the catheter and enjoy.
  

• Baltimore Ravens (4-4) at Cleveland Browns (1-7): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - Members of the Dawg Pound are protesting Cleveland's dismal performance this season by not showing up in their seats for....kickoff. Then, they'll go find their seats. I can see that the senselessness on the field is airborne.
  

BYE: NY GIANTS and HOUSTON TEXANS

STANDINGS

Chris Mortensen: 8-5, 89-40

Peter King: 8-5, 89-40

Adam Schefter: 8-5, 88-41

Keyshawn Johnson: 8-5, 88-41

Cris Carter: 8-5, 87-42

Eddie Chinn: 8-5, 85-44

Mike Ditka: 7-6, 81-48

NFL Week 9: Mid-Season Report

Well, here we are. As hard as it is to believe, we're already at the halfway point of the 2009 season.

The first eight weeks have done very little to disappoint the NFL kingdom. Volatile shootouts, explosive running attacks, and decimating defenses have permeated NFL coliseums giving fans an experience that money can't buy. There have also been certain story lines that have added just the right seasoning and flavor. In the midst of these battles, there have been some warriors who have valiantly stood out.

My Mid-Season award winners:

1. NFC MVP: Brett Favre. Leave the old man alone. He's having a career year.

2. AFC MVP: Peyton Manning. He's the only reason that Indy hasn't lost a step post-Dungy.

3. NFC Rookie of the Year: Percy Harvin. Don't forget this name.

4. AFC Rookie of the Year: Knowshon Moreno. He's clamoring to break out of the gates in Mile High country.

5. NFC Coach of the Year: Sean Payton. Incredible job giving this undefeated team balance.

6. AFC Coach of the Year: Josh McDaniels. I can't believe I just typed that, but who can argue?

So, are you ready for the second half? Let's take a look at Week 9 as the NFL continues its journey to Tampa, FL.

• Washington Redskins (2-5) at Atlanta Falcons (4-3): FOX, 1pm EST - Strolling into the Georgia Dome right now to face a wounded Falcons team on the heels of two straight losses is a horrible idea. You'd probably have more fun playing bingo.
  

• Arizona Cardinals (4-3) at Chicago Bears (4-3): FOX, 1pm EST - Inconsistency has ruled both teams this year. It will be interesting to see which teams show up Sunday in Soldier Field. In a bizarre twist, Arizona is undefeated on the road while the Bears are 3-0 at home this season.
  

• Green Bay Packers (4-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7): FOX, 1pm EST - Bucs rookie QB Josh Freeman begins his NFL career facing a team who has a damaged psyche after last week's emotional loss to the Vikings. There will be desperation on both teams, but Green Bay is more equipped to do something about it.
  

• Miami Dolphins (3-4) at New England Patriots (5-2): CBS, 1pm EST - Last year, the Dolphins went to New England and introduced The Wildcat offense. The result was a significant loss for the Pats. The Hood is a master at adjusting so don't expect him to fall captive to Miami's shenanigans again especially on the heels of a bye.
  

• Houston Texans (5-3) at Indianapolis Colts (7-0): CBS, 1pm EST - It's pretty clear that the Colts own the Texans. They are 13-1 vs. Houston and have never lost to them at home (7-0). Peyton Manning has seared the Texans in his career as well. While Houston has won three in a row, there is no one hotter than Indy.
  

• Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-2): CBS, 1pm EST - If there was one area that Baltimore was weakening in, it was their defense. Last Sunday, that all changed when they put a clamp on Denver. Now, they travel to Cincy to take on a Bengals team whose two losses have come at home.
  

• Kansas City Chiefs (1-6) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4): CBS, 1pm EST - Anyone could Twitter the game plan to coach Jack Del Rio: give the ball to Maurice Jones-Drew.
  

• Carolina Panthers (3-4) at New Orleans Saints (7-0): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Past history would tell us that coach John Fox dominates the Saints. He's 10-4 against them, and Carolina has won six of the past seven meetings. But those victories were not against THESE Saints.
  

• Detroit Lions (1-6) at Seattle Seahawks (2-5): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Raise your hand if you care.
  

• Tennessee Titans (1-6) at San Francisco 49ers (3-4): CBS, 4:15pm EST - With Vince Young at QB, Tennessee looked and played like a different team last week in their win vs. the Jags. RB Chris Johnson's career day didn't hurt either. The Niners have lost three in a row and have been inconsistent on both sides of the ball.
  

• San Diego Chargers (4-3) at NY Giants (5-3): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Something is amiss in the Big Apple. The Giants defense, especially their secondary, has become porous, and QB Eli Manning has looked like a rookie in the last three games. This is great news for QB Philip Rivers and Co.
  

• Dallas Cowboys (5-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-2): NBC, 8:20pm EST - There's nothing like an energized NFC East battle on the national stage with first place on the line. Plus, these two teams truly dislike each other. Both teams have won two in a row and have balanced offensive attacks. Tony Romo has won 12 straight November starts.
  

• Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) at Denver Broncos (6-1): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - If you're in the mood for a hardcore battle, then look no further than Invesco Field. Denver will know more about itself in seeing how it responds to its first loss of the season vs. the world champions. If there is a chink in the Steelers' armor its on special teams which is good news for Denver's return specialist Eddie Royal. Get out your TiVo and cancel any plans you had.

BYE: BUFFALO BILLS, CLEVELAND BROWNS, MINNESOTA VIKINGS, NY JETS, OAKLAND RAIDERS, ST. LOUIS RAMS

STANDINGS

Chris Mortensen: 9-4, 81-35

Peter King: 11-2, 81-35

Adam Schefter: 6-7, 80-36

Keyshawn Johnson: 11-2, 80-36

Cris Carter: 8-5, 79-37

Eddie Chinn: 9-4, 77-39

Mike Ditka: 6-7, 74-42