NFL Recap Week 9: Will it last? Dolphins Reggie Bush

Will it Last?

How many times do we see a team or a player exceed expectations in a football game and we think, there is no way that can last.  That player is either too young or not that good.  That team had an easy week or the ball just bounced that way.  Most times it does not last, but every so often those early signs are premonitions of what is to come.  In this weekly column we will look at 3 players and 3 teams who jumped out.

Players

1. Reggie Bush: Considered only a third down back in New Orleans many laughed when Miami not only traded for Reggie Bush but made him their starting “feature” back.  He has done better than anyone could have thought.  He is not a bruising 20 carries a game back, but half way through the season he is on pace for: 176 carries, 854 yards, 4.8 YPC, 2 TD’s, and 48 receptions for 328 yards and 2 TD’s.  That’s solid production.  I believe if he stays healthy he can achieve those numbers and be a solid part of the rebuilding of the Miami Dolphins.   Will Last  

1.  Antonio Brown:         Many people still think the Steelers offense is the smash and pound unit of yester year.  Those people are wrong. The Steelers offense is a high flying offense led by Big Ben and Mike Wallace.  Yet, there is another speedster starting to make a name for himself, 2^nd year wide receiver, Antonio Brown.  Coming from Central Michigan many thought he would be a dynamite return man who could contribute in the passing game.  In year two he is emerging. Through 9 games he has 39 receptions, 540 yards, and a touchdown.  I see big things for this kid who will only get better from here.  I do not see a spike in numbers this year but next year he should be a prime sleeper.  Will only get better next year        

1. Carson Palmer:          Raiders fans were split when they acquired Carson Palmer for the steep price of a 2012 1^st round pick as well as a high 2013 round pick.  Through two games, fair or unfair, doubters seem to be right.  Now, it has only been two games and it is unfair to classify him as a bust but Palmer was not setting the world on fire when he chose to retire from the Bengals.  He is a veteran player but has thrown 6 interceptions in less than 2 games.  I think he will get better week to week but the Raiders will not win many games in that span.        Will improve but not as much as the Raiders need him to.

Team

1. 1.      Chicago Bears:    Bears fell to 2-3 after a Monday Night loss to the Lions.  This seemed like the usual Bears teams who are off and on again each season.  Then a blow out win versus the Vikings, a win in London versus the Buccaneers, and a close Monday Night win versus the Eagles have the Bears at 5-3.  Cutler has played lights out, Forte seems to be a top RB in the NFL, and the OL has only allowed 3 sacks in 3 games. The defense and Special Teams are playing on elite levels.  I still think the Bears are the third best team in the NFC North but 9-10 wins will happen and the Bears will push for the last WC spot in the playoffs.  Will last and push for 6^th playoff spot

1. 2.      New York Giants:            When the Giants lost at home to the Seahawks and fell to 3-2, many considered that to be the unraveling of the Giants.  Since then the Giants have gone 3-0 defeating the Bills, Dolphins, and Patriots.  Now maybe the AFC East is just not built to play the Giants.  Eli Manning is a borderline elite QB, he has plenty of weapons, and a dominate defense.  If only the OL would improve and provide protection and a consistent run game.  Because the offensve line continues to be a problem I cannot see the Giants continuing this trend.  Their next three games are versus the 49ers, Eagles, and Saints.  I think they lose two of those games.  This team will finish with 9-10 wins.                      Will not last and be in a neck to neck fight for the NFC East

1. 3.      New England Patriots:     What is going wrong with the Patriots?  Is it Belichick?  Is it Brady?  I think neither.  This is a team that lacks physicality that their past teams had.  Where is this team’s Rodney Harrison, Teddy Bruschi, Bryan Cox, Willie McGinest, Richard Seymour, orCorey Dillon?  They are lacking those imposing figures on all levels of the defense as well as a physical run game.  Now close losses to the Steelers and Giants should not derail the season since their next three opponents are not on that level of play, but they have a real problem which will rear its ugly head in the playoffs.  I think 11 wins is possible and they will win the AFC East, but I think a quick playoff exit is in store once again for this team.     Will last and not go to the Super Bowl                   

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