Championship teams are built in the offseason. There's a few ways to go about it. A team can stand pat, aim at key free agents, a coaching change, a quarterback change, or through the draft. For the teams at the doorstep of the playoffs, most of the offseason moves (or lack of) paid off. Rarely was it one move, as a combination of moves was the key of turning things around or remaining competitive.
As for the teams whose seasons come to an end on Sunday/Monday, now is the time to reflect on what went wrong.
Starting with a coaching change, Washington owner Daniel Snyder wanted big-time college coach Steve Spurrier for a few years. It wasn't until 2002 was Snyder able to reel in the big catch. By signing Spurrier, Snyder threw Marty Schottenheimer back into the waters of available coaches despite a strong finish in 2001. Washington took a major step back with Spurrier as the defense was slow to learn a new system and the offense couldn't become Spurrier's dream of a high-scoring, pass-happy squad.
Spurrier doesn't have the personnel to play his "Fun 'n Gun" offense. Nor did he help things by constantly changing quarterbacks. Between Danny Wuerful, Shane Matthews, and Patrick Ramsey, they started at least four games each.
The quarterback shuffle did little for Cincinnati as well. They started with Gus Frerotte, switched to Akili Smith, and finally gave the ball to Jon Kitna, the only passer to lead the Bengals to any wins. But just two wins in a season isn't going to cut it in the NFL. Cincy is already anticipating drafting a new QB for the future. The bigger problem might be the lack of a general manager.
A couple of head coaches are prime candidates for losing their jobs. Start in Dallas, where owner Jerry Jones recently spoke to Bill Parcells, sparking rumors of overtures by Jones to land Parcells as the next Cowboys coach. Campo hasn't coached Dallas to a winning record in his three years as coach.
In Detroit, Marty Mornhinweg might be coaching his last game as the head man for the Lions. He will forever be remembered for his call to kickoff after winning the overtime coin toss. Detroit never saw the ball and lost. It was Mornhinweig's darkest moment, but it is not the sole reason. The Lions haven't just been bad, but terrible under his tenure. His two-year record: 5-26 with one game to go. Mornhinweg probably won't be the only casualty. The man who hired him, president Matt Millen, might not survive the ax as well.
Mike Martz of St. Louis will be spared his job, but the quarterback that started the season is in jeopardy of riding the pine come '03. Super Bowl XXXIV MVP Kurt Warner was 0-6 as a starter and played very poorly. An injured hand might had been the reason behind his sub-par play, but Warner wasn't upfront about his injury, causing a rift between him and his coach. Martz was criticized for standing by Warner but that relationship suffered damage that might be beyond repair. Martz opened the quarterback competition for next year between Warner and Marc Bulger, who was 6-1 when given the ball.
If the Rams become open to trading Warner of Bulger, Carolina and Arizona might be open for discussions. The Panthers flopped with Chris Weinke and Rodney Peete. Neither got the job done as the 'Lina will finish as the 31st offense in the league. It's unfortunate, considering the defense was fourth in the NFL after 16 weeks.
The story is the same for the Cardinals as the organization appears to be tired of Jake "The Snake" Plummer and his lack of consistency. But the blame is not all Plummer. The defense has been a sore spot for years, bad drafts (running back Thomas Jones and defensive end Andre Wadsworth), and key injuries (wide receiver David Boston) contributed to their doom.
Chicago knows about injuries. From winning the NFC Central, the Bears are far out of the playoffs a year later mainly due to injuries. Every position lost individuals, including quarterback, as Jim Miller and Chris Chandler were knocked out of games.
QB health might had been remedied if the Bears pursued Drew Bledsoe when the New England Patriots made it obvious they were out to trade the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback. Bledsoe has been very durable until last year when he suffered a sheared blood vessel in his lung.
The Bears weren't the only team with a chance to trade for Bledsoe. Cincinnati and Washington were pegged as possibilities because all three appeared to be facing quarterback issues. Cincy stuck with what they had, the 'Skins signed Matthews and Wuerful, and Chicago resigned Miller. Bledsoe will make his fourth trip to Honolulu for the Pro Bowl.
For these teams, the 2002 season mercifully comes to an end. It couldn't come fast enough. But there are lessons worth extracting from the disastrous 16 games. For if their teams are to improve in 2003, they must learn from past mistakes to make a brighter future.
Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants - Saturday - L
Being the only rookie voted as a starter could be a bad thing for Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey. Yes, he earned the right, but he didn't make many friends in the league with his on-field attitude and his interview soundbites. He'll be the target of many practical jokes. The Eagles place the bullseye on Shockey to stop the offense and shoot down the Giants.
Kansas City at Oakland - Saturday - W
Honestly, it's hard to imagine Deion Sanders in silver and black. Unless, of course, his jersey was adorned with rhinestones. The Raiders shine and beat-down the Chiefs.
Atlanta at Cleveland - L
It's been a huge success for quarterback Michael Vick in his first full season starting. And to think he still has plenty to learn about passing. The education of Michael Vick continues as he and the Falcons ace the Browns test on their way to the playoffs.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh - W
Statistically, B-more has a chance of making the playoffs. Realistically, the Ravens are on life support in need of a few transplants and with the flu. With the playoffs in focus, the Steelers pull the plug on Baltimore.
Carolina at New Orleans - L
Losing to the Bengals should be automatic disqualification for entry into the playoffs. Surprisingly, N'Orleans hasn't beaten a team with losing record all year. The Saints wake up in time to dispose of the Panthers, halting their late-season slide.
Cincinnati at Buffalo - W
Cincy's current starting quarterback, Jon Kitna, pointed to the top of the organization as the beginning of the team's problems. Kitna went on to say the team has a losing attitude. The only better way of forcing one's way out of a bad situation would be if Kitna stepped up to owner Mike Brown and kicked him in the crotch. The Bills will remain standing after 60 minutes.
Dallas at Washington - L
Both franchises seemingly are leaning toward different starting running backs for 2003. Dallas might say good-bye to Emmitt Smith and his $9.8 million salary. Washington already admitted they won't bring back Stephen Davis. Davis likely won't be alone, as a parade of teammates will be shown the door as the Redskins try to build a team of head coach Steve Spurrier's likeness. This game will be a reflection of how much work the 'Skins have to go as the Cowboys knock Washington down.
Miami at New England - L
N.E. quarterback Tom Brady is in a commercial for a candy bar where he enters the wrong team's huddle and proceeds to reveal the next play, and insult his opponents. The commercial explained hunger was the reason of Brady's mental error. That won't be the case for the Dolphins as they feed on Brady and the Patriots.
Jacksonville at Indianapolis - W
Adding salt to an already painful loss, a banner was flown over the stadium during the Jacksonville-Tennessee game last week simply stating, "Coughlin?" Jaguars head coach Tom Coughlin is safe from being fired, but Jacksonville is in danger as they face Indy. The Colts to get back on track.
Arizona at Denver - L
Steve Beurlein gets the start at quarterback for the Broncos in the season finale. It could be a sign of a loss in belief in Brian Griese from head coach Mike Shannahan. The first sign was Shannahan giving Griese a blue jersey for practice instead of the typical "Do Not Hit" orange. Shannahan takes the Cardinals lightly and 'Zona makes him pay in the Upset of the Week.
Green Bay at N.Y. Jets - L
Visions of 90 dance in the head of Jets quarterback Chad Pennington. He knows defensive end/tackle Vonnie Holliday of G.B. recorded five sacks last week. But Pennington needs to see the big picture and realize Green Bay shut out their opponent, the eleventh best offense in the league. New York will have similar problems as the Packers stifle the Jets.
Seattle at San Diego - L
Very clever move by the Chargers, claiming Deion Sanders off waivers to prevent him from signing with rival Oakland. It's the best defense they've played recently, as opponents have had their way against S.D. A late game stop will be the difference for the Chargers as they survive the Seahawks.
Tampa Bay at Chicago - W
While it's important to preserve the health of players, T.B. head coach Jon Gruden is risking home field advantage in the playoffs by not starting quarterback Brad Johnson. They already lost with Shawn King and Rob Johnson against a tough Pittsburgh team. The Buccaneers have better luck in a win over the Bears, but it will be close.
San Francisco at St. Louis - Monday Night - L
As tough as the quarterback situation is for the Rams, head coach Mike Martz won't return phone calls from Eric Crouch inquiring about being a back-up at the position. St. Louis only wins with Marc Bulger. Scott Covington won't knock off the 49ers.
Home | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10 | Week 11 |Week 12 | Week 14 | Week 15 | Week 16 | Wild Card | Divisionals | Conference Championship | Super Bowl