By Zack Cimini

Overcoming adversity is what defines a true champion. On Sunday when Terrell Owens went down, the rest of the NFC?s contenders all grew in confidence. Confidence has been known to be the downfall of many teams, but yet provide that uplifting glimmer of hope. Donovan McNabb now knows the pressure is fully on him, and he?ll need a miracle playoff run with his receivers Freddie Mitchell and Todd Pinkston.

On Sunday the seasoned veteran showcased what it takes to single handedly carry a team. He drove the Eagles down field and stole a win away from a Cowboys team that played their hearts out. Afterwards McNabb calmly explained that the team would need to carry on without Owens, and continue their pace to the Super Bowl. It?s not like McNabb hasn?t been in this situation, as he has been to the NFC title game three different times. All of those trips were in a much stronger NFC, and that should ease the situation even more for McNabb.

Another benefit is the Eagles defense that has done extremely well especially in their young secondary. Jevon Kearse has also added a ferocious past rush that had been missing since the Eagles lost Hugh Douglas. There really isn?t a better defense in the NFC that can contend with the Eagles besides the Panthers. That means that McNabb and the Eagles can play ball control style and just wait for the defense to fold?because it will eventually. Who cares if they win games by a field goal or a touchdown, as long as they?re moving on?

The ex factor for the Eagles will need to be Brian Westbrook. Last season he was out for the stretch playoff run, and the spark and emergency insurance he provides McNabb is really unnoticed. McNabb is the type of quarterback that gets a lot of completions with short dump offs to the likes of Westbrook or his tight ends. In fact besides Owens the other receivers haven?t done much of anything. So expect more screens and trick plays to try to ease the opposing defense.

In Sunday?s win over Dallas, McNabb started to use his legs again. Throughout most of the season McNabb was able to wait in the pocket, and find an open receiver. That?s expected when you have an All Pro in Terrell Owens roaming the field, which means the secondary has to focus more and more attention to the passing game. Most defenses adjusted to that scheme and Dallas forgot that McNabb could run. On two occasions in their fourth quarter drive, McNabb ran freely without any trouble because Dallas wasn?t prepared. McNabb protected himself greatly by sliding both times, after learning from the past couple of seasons. The Eagles will need more of that once in awhile to throw the defense out of sync, like Vick does for the Falcons.

With home field advantage the Eagles know that will only play into their hands in the winter. Potential playoff teams in the Vikings, Rams, and second seed Falcons are all dome teams, that aren?t accustomed to cold weather. On the flipside a team like the Green Bay Packers could get their revenge on what happened last year.
It?d be a shame to see the Eagles season be tarnished over Owens injury, but it?s a situation that any team has to be prepared for. The Eagles need to finish out their final two games strongly, so that rust doesn?t settle in offensively. An offensive slump will lead them to an early exit on their home field in the divisional round.

By Zack Cimini

From a young age any prospective athlete is told to never give up on their ambitions of being an athlete. The stories of Jordan not making the team as a sophomore are always brought up, and it inspires kids to work harder. Well there is a new success story in the Cardinals own Bertrand Berry, who earned a Pro Bowl selection for his great season.

Berry was first drafted by the Colts in 1997 as a linebacker, and was a part of the early Manning years when the defense was horrible. After three seasons the Colts gave up on him, and he also was cut from Rams training camp. So during that year out of football he got physically stronger, which enabled him to use his quickness and convert to a new position as a defensive end.

The adjustment paid immediate dividends, as it didn?t take long for him to establish himself with the Denver Broncos. In his contract season last year he had 11.5 sacks, which made him unrealizable for the Broncos to keep. So the Cardinals used their cap room, and got a bargain deal for the caliber player Berry is. These small types of moves are what are starting to turn the Cardinals franchise around. Expect more and more Cardinals names to be added to the Pro Bowl in the next couple of seasons.

By Zack Cimini

Who would have thought that the Arizona Cardinals would still be alive for the playoffs with a 6-9 record? Well, no one but the minimal chance of it happening is a likelihood with the way the Seahawks and Rams are playing. If the Cardinals defeat the Seahawks on Sunday, they would have the tiebreaker over the Seahawks and Rams by virtue of their head to head matchups. The bottom line is that this division is appalling and degrading to the NFL. Every team has been inconsistent, and will likely get blown out in the wild card round. On the reverse side each team has scary talent that could overwhelm an opposing NFC team that comes in unprepared. Another unbelievable outlook is that this division could get the wild card sixth seed as well.

The Cardinals had the best opportunity but dwindled it with poor decisions by Dennis Green. Add to that two losses to the 49ers that could have easily been two Cardinals wins, and you have a team that should?ve finished with nine to ten wins. When you?re struggling, poor decisions are all a part of the transformation when you are trying to assess your teams talents. The media wants to put the blame on Dennis Green, but earlier in the year the Cardinals were winning ugly because of McCown?s ineffectiveness. In fact if it weren?t for their defense, they would have lost many games early on in the year. It just so happens that McCown has had a two fold season, and is finishing out the year well.

Dennis Green hasn?t spoken about his miscue, but in his demeanor you can tell that he learned a lesson. Risk taking is all a part of being a leader and that?s the responsibility of a coach. If Shaun King or John Navarre would have revitalized the Cardinals, Green would?ve been praised nationally. Quietly though it gave more hunger for McCown who has put up two solid performances, and is starting to develop a nice chemistry with rookie receiver Larry Fitzgerald. McCown had a total of four touchdowns (two rushing) on Sunday in a dominant performance over the Rams. Even if the Cardinals don?t make the playoffs, they should have tremendous confidence heading into next season.

St. Louis finishes up at the Eagles and then the following week against the Jets. These two games will test the Rams heart, because one win and they?re almost a lock for a wild card spot if not the division. Seattle has squandered too many chances this year, and the fumble has been picked up by St. Louis. The Eagles have come away with two ugly wins, and if the Rams play anywhere near their capability they should be able to win against the Eagles. The problem is the Rams haven?t been playing well offensively, and just are making inexcusable mistakes. With Terrell Owens more than likely out next week, it all plays in the favor of the Rams. So how bad do they want it?

Seattle?s play is a little reminiscent of the New Orleans Saints. One week they look like a team that could be one of the NFL?s best, and the next they look like duds. All in all the high expectations of the Seahawks coming into this season, could still be a possibility. A successful season means nothing, it is all about the playoffs. It doesn?t matter if you have a 14-2 season, opposed to a 9-7 season if you can get to the Super Bowl. The talent level of this team is right up their with the Eagles, but they just don?t want it as bad as other teams do. That type of play is what drives coaches like Bill Parcells nuts, and leads to ugly disputes amongst the team.

All three of these franchises are headed in different directions. The Rams appear to be in the worst situation, with decisions to make on Mike Martz and the future of Marshall Faulk. Seattle just needs to improve their defense in the off season, and keep their mold together offensively. Arizona obviously needs to decide what they are going to do at quarterback, and let Emmitt Smith return to Dallas. In two seasons this division will be a definite strong hold in the NFC, and this year will be an after thought.

By Zack Cimini

The regular season is almost already over, and it?s still impossible to figure out which team is the front runner. All signs point to the proven Patriots in the AFC, and the Eagles in the NFC. But Pittsburgh and Indianapolis look like they?re ready to take over the throne. In the NFC, Donovan McNabb and company have been due for a long time. All of the hard work Andy Reid has done with five straight eleven win seasons is finally going to pay off, or will it? The Panthers are one of the hottest teams in the league, and Mike Vick is the most dangerous quarterback on his feet.

So with three regular season games left, let?s take a look at how the season will likely finish.

AFC

Pittsburgh: It might be the best if Ben Roesthlisberger gets his first loss before the playoffs start. If not the Steelers could be in for an awakening when the playoffs come around. Ben has made great decisions with the football, but he has also been able to get away with throwing minimal passes. What?s going to happen when the Steelers surrender a lot of points to a team like the Colts, and are forced to have to throw the football? Another concern is the question marks with Duce Staley and Jerome Bettis. Staley has been banged up this season, and Bettis is contemplating retirement because of his ailing body. All in all the Steelers have had a great season, and it?d be a shame to see an early exit.

New England: The Patriots could end up getting complete home field advantage if the Steelers slip up, but the control is not in their hands because of their head to head loss. No matter what happens though, Brady and the Patriots know how to win games. With the addition of Corey Dillon paying dividends, it?s only going to add to the prolific January play of the Patriots. The concern for the Patriots is on the defensive side of the ball, where they?ve struggled especially in the secondary without Ty Law.

Indianapolis: If the Colts defense comes to play, than no one will stop the Colts regardless of where the game is held. Peyton Mannning has always been able to pick defenses apart, but it was always his interceptions that held him back. Now he is an unbelievable zone, but still hasn?t had a solid playoff run. With the tough teams in the AFC, now is the time for Manning to distinguish himself as he tries to add to the legacy of the greatest year of a quarterback.

San Diego: The Chargers will be the young guns of the playoffs, which could be an advantage or a strong disadvantage. If a team jumps on them early, it could sink their charge as fast as a Duracell battery. But if they come out and get on a team early, they could quickly build confidence that pushes them along. With the three headed monster in Brees, Tomlinson, and Gates, the Chargers shouldn?t have any problem keeping up with opposing offenses. The question is will Brees be able to keep his composure for a complete game.

NY Jets: The Jets are in the fifth spot right now, but better keep themselves afloat with at least a 2-1 finish. If not the Bills or Broncos could slip ahead of them. Chad Pennington is one of those quarterbacks that isn?t flashy but also knows how to win games. The Jets are also the one of the best teams at controlling the football. That means they win a lot of games ugly, but the key is a win. A lot of these AFC teams are use to getting on and off the field at a fast pace, so if the Jets can disrupt that than they could be a true sleeper.

Baltimore: The play of Kyle Boller will determine if the Ravens get in the playoffs. He has improved, and now has weapons Jamal Lewis and Todd Heap back. Baltimore is just one of those teams that you don?t know how they?re going to play on any given week. Their defense isn?t even a definite stopper anymore, as they?ve been susceptible to certain teams.

Others: Jacksonville, Buffalo, and Denver
Out of all of these teams Buffalo has the easiest remaining schedule. The two wild card spots are only a .5 game (Denver) and a 1.5 (Buffalo, Jacksonville) out for the three teams. Neither of these three teams are as strong as the current playoff outlook.

NFC

Philadelphia: Donovan McNabb came into this season with one agenda and that is to win a Super Bowl. Winning division titles and getting a first round bye is nothing knew to him. So when Philadelphia clinched the division a few weeks ago, it was an after thought for the Eagles. Staying focused as a team is what leads to success, and that is what the Eagles are doing. Slipups like last weeks game against Washington cannot happen, or a team like Carolina will be able to defeat the Eagles with ease.

Atlanta: If Vick can just pick up his style of play just a little more, it would benefit the Falcons so much more. He has so many dangerous arsenals but isn?t utilizing his arm like he can. Peerless Price needs more touches as a deep threat, and Alge Crumpler is one of the best tight ends in the league. The negative media against the Falcons will only ease the pressure off of them, and put it on the Eagles. For some reason the media thinks the Falcons are already a write off for an early letdown once the playoffs come.

Green Bay: The determination of the division title will most likely come in week sixteen, when the Packers square off against the Vikings. Neither team has played on a consistent basis and that?s what makes both teams dangerous. Brett Favre?s age is becoming a factor, and this could be his last chance to give Green Bay another title. There is no doubt that he will reevaluate if returning for another beating is necessary. He already has his Super Bowl ring, and has nothing else to prove.

Seattle or St. Louis: One of these teams has to win the division, and the signs point to Seattle right now. They have the best back in the NFL in Shaun Alexander, and also have no questions at the quarterback position. St. Louis is undergoing a transformation with Stephen Jackson at running back, and Chris Chandler subbing in for Marc Bulger. Even if Bulger can go out there, it may be too late. The good thing for St. Louis is that they own the tie breaker over Seattle and the fact that Seattle has a tough final three games.

Minnesota: As soon as Randy Moss is 100 percent this team turns into a serious threat. As soon as he went down the Vikings slide started, and you can just see this team ready to take off with him playing 75 percent of the time. If the Vikings can stay in this spot they could find themselves in a great situation to get to the NFC championship. They?d face the Rams/Seahawks in the wild card weekend, and if things work out the Falcons in round two. In the end Mike Tice could end up getting paid more money than a coordinator or being fired if they exit early.

Carolina: Carolina will end up being the scariest sixth seed in playoff history. Not only are they the reigning NFC champs, but they?re riding a five game winning streak that could be eight by playoff time. This team is getting healthier by the game, and only one could imagine how dangerous this team could be with DeShaun Foster and Stephen Davis. But Jake Delhomme has managed to transform this team into a passing attack instead of rushing and it has paid off. Mushin Muhammed has stepped up big time as of late, and will need to continue it to go along with Keary Colbert and Ricky Proehl.

By Zack Cimini

As we head toward the final weeks of fantasy football, the season dwindles down to the real troops. After earning a playoff birth with a steady record, there is nothing like finishing the season with first place. In order to do that, you?re going to need to have a steady dose of what you were doing in the first place, and also add a player or two that?s stock has rose just in time. If not, someone else will snag that player, and pull off the quick upset to send you home.

The quarterback position right now is one of the shakiest, if you don?t have Peyton Manning. Donovan McNabb has put up solid stats, but last week was a downer for him. It just goes to show there aren?t any sure fire quarterbacks out there besides Manning. Even Mike Vick is showing that he isn?t worthy of a first round pick anymore, until he showcases that he can throw the football.

So if you?re in a juggernaut position at quarterback, I?d take a look at picking up Josh McCown. McCown had a nice week against the 49ers, and really doesn?t have anything to lose. He already knows that Dennis Green doesn?t want him, and it showed last week as he actually looked to take chances. Taking chances can be a good or bad thing, but McCown has shown the ability to protect the football. He isn?t going to put up outrageous numbers, but if you?re in a bind it may be an option to think about.

By Zack Cimini

The past month for Eli Manning and the Giants are going to be forgettable in a few years, but right now the burden is only weighing heavier and heavier on Tom Coughlin?s shoulders. All of the NFL media and Coughlin knew that he ended any thought of the Giants making the playoffs, when he made a permanent decision to give Manning the starts for experience. You can look at it in one of two ways. One the Giants would still be battling for a wild card right now, among a million other teams in the NFC. Lets say that they ended up with the wild card, which would have been the last spot. Then they would have went to Green Bay or maybe Minnesota and played a hard fought game, and maybe even have won. No matter what though there would be no possible way for the Giants to have beat the Eagles.

Scenario two is exactly what Coughlin is doing, which would benefit next season five times more. He knows that Manning is going to struggle, so he is giving him the experience now. Why wait for the start of next season, and have him go through an entire season of struggling? Kurt Warner is not the future of this team, and isn?t going to win this team a Super Bowl. He did a nice job early on in the year, but folded just as fast. Right now Manning is seeing everything at a rocket pace speed, and it?s causing incorrect reads and checkdowns. I guarantee before this season is over he puts up a solid performance that will give him a little motivation to build on in the off season.

Ben Roeslinberger is a great story, but it?s also a precedent that?s never been set by a rookie, and goes to show that he is on his way to an unbelievable career.

Who can forget Peyton Manning?s early days with the Colts? The same quarterback that is about to shatter Dan Marino?s records, started off his career on the wrong foot opposite Marino in 1998. It was a day in which Manning was picked off several times by Terrell Buckley and co, and it was the start of a 3-13 season. Two seasons later Manning was a composed energetic youthful quarterback, that?s team was upset by the Titans in the divisional round. Marino on the other hand, had just suffered his worst and final loss as a Dolphin to the Jaguars in a 62-7 loss in the wild card weekend. It just goes to show how the growth process in the NFL is as quick as a child growing to a teenager.

In today?s league there are two quarterbacks in particular that have jumped from shaky quarterbacks, to becoming solidified future veterans. All of the sudden for Kyle Boller and Carson Palmer the light has clicked on. For Palmer he has actually shown great signs before, but over the last month has put a definite stamp on being a top ten quarterback in the league. Boller on the other hand had people doubting if he was ever going to live up to starting quarterback expectations. It was always Jamal Lewis running the football, and the Ravens defense that would lead to the success of the Ravens.

Now with Boller?s improvement, it could be a very scary matchup for a team like the Colts if they were to face each other in the playoffs. Baltimore has a great ball control style, and will grind it out. The Texans proved today that the Colts and Manning can be stopped if they?re off the field. The key words are off the field. Boller understands his strengths and limitations and will be able to stick to that type of game plan. He also has two great weapons that?ve returned to full strength in Jamal Lewis and Todd Heap.

Before any hype can go into the Ravens they?ll need to prove they?re a playoff team and earn a wild card spot. In the next two weeks they?ll take on the Colts and Steelers, and then finish up the season against Miami. Some would say that?s not the schedule you?d want to have when you?re trying to get a playoff spot. The fact of the matter is that it?ll only help Baltimore and Kyle Boller. They?ll get an early indication and be in a preliminary environment, because both their games against the Colts and Steelers are on the road. If they can win two of their final three games, they?ll go in as one of the strongest teams in the AFC, and have that vibe that true contenders have in January.