Though a baseball column technically makes sense right now, it would have been odd to write one in the middle of division series action. Instead, Hodes and I felt it was best to give an NFL quarterly report. The 2007 season has been characterized by the usual smattering of interesting stories, disappointing teams and breakout performances. Five truths I've gleaned from the action so far are presented below.
- The 2007 Pats are one of the best teams in NFL history
Okay, so they must win the Super Bowl for this claim to be substantiated, but all the ingredients are clearly there -- an excellent coach, a stout defense, and an offense rife with playmakers that features the league's best quarterback. It appears that Tom Brady and Randy Moss have an exponentially positive effect on each other's games -- just about the worst news imaginable for secondaries around the league. Look for Tom and Randy to stage an assault on a number of single season records this season. Oh, and by the way, Jerry Rice -- your all-time records are in peril. Go get 'em, Randy.
- Adrian Peterson is the next great NFL running back
Peterson has exploded onto the scene in the NFL, averaging five yards a carry and nearly 100 yards per game. The Viking rookie is already one of the league's most physically dominating backs and he's got breakaway speed to boot. If the Vikings can develop a passing game at some point during the rookie's career, Peterson will be an MVP sooner rather than later. Mark it down.
- Reggie Bush might not be the next great NFL back like we all thought he would be
Bush was perhaps the most hyped draft prospect ever in 2006, and was labeled by most draft experts as a "sure thing." When the Texans passed on him in favor of Mario Williams, it was regarded as one of the most short-sighted decisions in draft history. In hindsight, it appears as though they may have been correct. There's no denying Bush's marvelous athletic ability, but he cannot effectively run between the tackles at this juncture in his career. He's a viable return specialist and legitimate situational threat, but shouldn't we expect more? It is Reggie Bush we're talking about -- the same player who looked infallible before he entered the league.
- The beat goes on for Peyton Manning and Co.
In a season characterized by strange occurrences and unpredictability, Peyton Manning and the Colts haven't missed a beat. Manning is still the league's smartest quarterback, Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison are still the league's premier receiving duo, and safety Bon Sanders continues to lead an overachieving Colts defense as one of the league's most underappreciated players. If there's a team out there to challenge the mighty Pats, it's the Colts. The rest of the NFL just isn't looking up to the task at this point.
- Vince Young will not be a victim of the Madden Curse, and the Tennessee Titans will be one of the AFC's best teams
Between most expert preseason opinions damning the Titans to the cellar and the fabled Madden Curse, it didn't look too pretty for the 2007 Titans. Vince Young is once again defying the odds and his play -- and the Titans' success thus far -- indicate that Young may lead the Titans to becoming one of the best teams in the AFC. In fact, if I weren't so sure the Pats were winning the Super Bowl, I'd say the Titans have a shot to make a Cinderella-style championship run as they did in 1999.
