NFL Report: Slow starts not insurmontable

BY STEVE DeSHAZO

Every September, we’re reminded how critical it’s supposed to be to start the NFL season strongly. Statistically, an 0–2 or 1–3 start is a death knell, we’re told.

By now, you know what you can do with your statistics.

While the Arizona Cardinals haven’t won since their 0–4 start, several teams are making up for lost time in a hurry.

Does anyone really want to play the New Orleans Saints at the moment? Yes, their coach is in exile, they’re still in third place in their division at 5–5 and their next four opponents (the 49ers, Falcons, Cowboys and Buccaneers) have a combined 28–11–1 record.

But after being left for dead following an 0–4 start, they’re arguably the league’s hottest team. And as the New York Giants have proved twice in the past five seasons, the most important thing is getting into the playoffs with good health and momentum.

Ditto the Green Bay Packers. The replacement officials’ egregious Monday night call on Sept. 24 did more than accelerate negotiations to get the varsity zebras back. It lit a fire under the Packers, who were 1–2 at the time but have won six of seven since then to climb into a share of the NFC North lead.

And given Chicago’s nearly complete reliance on the health of concussed quarterback Jay Cutler, the division—if not the entire NFC playoff race—seems to run through Lambeau Field.

There are a lot of observers who’d like to see a Green Bay–Denver Super Bowl, with Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning on the league’s biggest stage. And that’s looking more and more plausible now that the Broncos have won five straight after a 2–3 start.

With two games left against the wretched Kansas City Chiefs and one each against Oakland (3–7) and Cleveland (2–8), the Broncos could challenge Houston for the AFC’s top seed.

Other teams that are coming on strong after slow starts include New England and Tampa Bay. Each has won four straight.

For the 7–3 Patriots, that means control of the otherwise mediocre AFC East. The 6–4 Buccaneers, meanwhile, are trying to stay ahead of the Saints and avoid falling too far behind the NFC South-leading Falcons (9–1), who suddenly look mortal.

And like the Saints, coach Greg Schiano’s Bucs have a brutal schedule ahead: two games with the Falcons, one each with New Orleans and Denver. If they squeeze into the playoffs, they’ll have earned it—and will be a formidable, battle-tested foe.

The team that set the template for late-season surges, the Giants, may have to do it again. Three weeks ago, New York was 6–2 and sitting high atop the NFC East. Now, after two losses and a bye, they can hear the footsteps (however weak) of the Cowboys and Redskins.

The Giants will have to earn their way into the postseason, thanks to upcoming games against the Packers, Saints, Falcons and Ravens.

But remember, the Giants were 6–6 on Dec. 4 last year. They needed to win three of their last four regular-season games (including a New Year’s Day de facto NFC East playoff game in Dallas) just to reach the playoffs. From there, they were unbeatable.

So unless you’re a fan of the Chiefs, Jaguars, Panthers or Browns, don’t give up hope. Give thanks that the NFL offers plenty of second (and third) chances.

UPSET PICK

The Pick (2–8) was looking smart Sunday until the Cowboys overtook the Browns. This week, we’ll take a shot on Carson Palmer having a big day in his return to Cincinnati and leading the Raiders (8-point underdogs) to a road victory.

Steve DeShazo: 540/374-5443

sdeshazo@freelancestar.com

~ COUNTING DOWN

1. Packers (7–3)

Now control NFC North.

2. Texans (9–1)

Barely avoided ridicule.

3. Falcons (9–1)

Ryan threw 5 picks in win.

4. 49ers (7–2–1)

Is Kaepernick the new QB?

5. Ravens (8–2)

Reed wins appeal of suspension.

6. Patriots (7–3)

TE an endangered species.

7. Broncos (7–3)

They’ll miss McGahee.

8. Saints (5–5)

Hot team, tough schedule.

9. Buccaneers (6–4)

Falcons are a litmus test.

10. Bears (7–3)

Get well soon, Jay Cutler.

11. Steelers (6–4)

Batch is the next QB up.

12. Seahawks (6–4)

Must improve on road (1–4).

13. Giants (6–4)

Remaining schedule brutal.

14. Vikings (6–4)

Four of next five on road.

15. Colts (6–4)

Reality check for Luck.

16. Bengals (5–5)

Face ex-QB Palmer Sunday.

17. Cowboys (5–5)

Still can’t protect Romo.

18. Lions (4–6)

WR Young is benched.

19. Titans (4–6)

Poised for a stretch run?

20. Chargers (4–6)

Changes now inevitable.

21. Bills (4–6)

RB Jackson may play Sunday.

22. Jets (4–6)

Must-win vs. Patriots.

23. Redskins (4–6)

Griffin heads back to Texas,

24. Dolphins (4–6)

Four of next five at home.

25. Browns (2–8)

Close doesn’t count.

26. Rams (3–6–1)

No takeaways for 5 games.

27. Cardinals (4–6)

More quarterback issues.

28. Raiders (3–7)

Defense is collapsing.

29. Panthers (2–8)

Another squandered lead.

30. Eagles (3–7)

Let the coach search begin.

31. Jaguars (1–9)

QB Henne shone in loss.

32. Chiefs (1–9)

Angling for No. 1 draft pick.

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