Playoff Viewing Guide: Wild Card Saturday
Ten things I’ll be watching today as the playoffs kick off…
1. Matt Ryan
Despite what Chiefs apologists may say, we could have leapfrogged the Falcons and acquired my guy by trading with the Rams. We didn’t, and that choice could haunt us for the next decade.
2. Darren Sproles
L.T. is too hurt to be effective, so today will be Sproles free agency audition. Here’s hoping that he comes home to Kansas City.
3. Karlos Dansby
Another free agent prize the Chiefs could end up going after.
4. Quarterback Play
All four of these teams have star quarterbacks. That’s what it takes to win in the NFL. Most of the time, at least.
5. Norv Turner
I actually hope he wins so that he can stick around in sunny San Diego.
6. Ovie “The Drill” Mughelli
To fondly recall what a legitimate fullback can do for a rushing attack.
7. Kurt Warner
To ponder whether a veteran quarterback — like, say, Donovan McNabb — would be the right guy to bring our Red and Gold back from the depths.
8. Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald
To see what Dwayne Bowe needs to do to advance from self-proclaimed superstar to legitimate superstar.
9. John Abraham
To see what a dominating pass rusher can do for a defense.
10. The Atlanta Falcons
To see if a bottom five team can bring in a first-time coach and GM and make a legitimate Super Bowl run the very next season.
Matt Ryan would not have succeeded in KC this year. We did not have the line to keep him vertical. No, ATL is not a legit super bowl contender. I am with you on most of your other points. Good job.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:17 pmAtlanta may not be SB contender, but they aren’t far from it. Ryan has shown apoise in the pocket that belies his rookie status. His line has done a great job of protecting him and making lanes for running. The D has performed well but could be great with one or two more play makers. I just imagine them trying to stop Earth, Wind, and Fire for 60 minutes.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:45 pmI said I would be watching to see if they were a legit Super Bowl contender, which they aren’t quite yet.
As for Ryan, it’s not this year that depresses me. It’s the next nine. He could have been our guy for the next decade.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:00 pmAdam:
You may be right about Ryan. He looks very good for a rookie. However, I don’t have faith in the ability (snark) of Dick Curl to develop a QB. I hope we get a good QB position coach to help whatever young QB we have playing for us.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:25 pmI love Sproles, but he could not carry the load for an entire system. He is what Charles will be soon, slightly different style. We already have the little guy, speed threat, change up back.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:59 pmNot a big fan of Charles. I call him Ray, because he catches like a blind man. Let’s see how Sproles holds up during the rest of this game. I think he could be the lead cog of a platoon for sure. He was a workhorse at KSU.
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:11 pm