Introduction
It’s that time of the year again! It’s playoff time, baby! One team will finally get what they have been seeking. Finally receive the ultimate crown. The ultimate trophy. Finally! Finally! I am so pumped for this playoffs. So many upsets are possible if you want to call them that. I legit see every team in this playoff bracket having a chance to win the Super Bowl. All it takes is one play to change the game. And who am I to say that a team that has fought this hard? A team that has given their all to get here. A team that battled through injuries and adversity week in and week out. Who am I to say that they don’t have a shot at winning the whole thing? Let’s go! Well, before we get there, we must talk about what has happened thus far. It is time for our annual season review. This time of Season 5. If you are new here, this is how it goes. We asked the Head Coaches some questions on the season. You see, I am just an analyst. I don’t coach. I don’t play. So I asked the kings themselves about the season. I gathered the information given and now we are here. Are you ready? Let’s go!
Who Should Be The Cover Athlete?
Who hasn’t had the dream of being on the Madden cover? Posing in the mirror, imagining yourself in a game that millions play. Being able to show your future kids how great you were “back in the days”. But on a serious note, this is a serious accomplishment. Fun fact: the last two cover athletes have been Wide Receivers. Season 3 was Stefon Diggs who put up monster numbers. Season 4 was George Pickens who put up historic numbers. And what if I told you this season will be another Wide Receiver? Well, the votes were clear. The coaches have seen the high performances of Mr. 7/11. Mr. Always Open. And this season, he has done wonders for the Bengals. He had 28 receiving touchdowns with 2150 yards. Get this: he averages 117.39 yards a game! Absolutely ridiculous. And for that reason, he was voted as the Cover Athlete for Season 5.
Season 3 Madden Cover:
Season 4 Madden Cover:
What will we get for Jamar Chase? And rumor has it that he will have a good friend with him on the cover. Stay tuned!
What Teams Were The Biggest Disappointments?
Ahhh cut me some slack! You knew this one was coming. I should have asked if you wanted the positive or the negative thing first. But then again, you would never get back to me because I’m just a man behind a screen you don’t even know. On a serious note, these teams were supposed to be better but turned out to just be a team behind the sweet ocean waves in Cancun.
1. Cardinals
Yeah, I can see this one. The Arizona Cardinals have not had the season that most would have expected from a team that has been to the playoffs the last two seasons. It’s almost like we are seeing this team go backwards. Season 3, they had a heck of a season. You remember the “Cinderella story”. No one expected them to be that good that fast. However, since that embarrassing playoff loss to the Lions in Season 3, this team has never been the same. Not to mention, the 49ers getting a new Head Coach, making it almost impossible for the Cardinals to win the division moving forward. Kyler Murray has not played well, and the fact that the Cardinals don’t have a pick until the 5th Round this year makes it worse. On the bright side, the Cardinals have fought to end the season and have a chance to get in the playoffs if they win tonight. Against who? The 49ers. Be sure to watch the game tonight on the OutlawzCFM YouTube channel.
2. Steelers
Wow! There is no reason why this team should be here except for the fact that they have indeed been a disappointment. After an impressive run last season, where we saw the Steelers take the crown of having the best offense. After George Pickens put up historic numbers. After Najee Harris declared himself as the best running back in the league. After Kenny Pickett started to make a name for himself. And after upsetting the Chiefs and making it to the Divisional round. After all that last season, the Steelers sit at 9-8. Kenny Pickett was shipped out to New England. They are trusting a guy named Artie to lead this offense. Defensively, they play a little too aggressively. And they will have to play the defending champions in the Wildcard Round. But I have said it before, if there is any team that can beat the Titans, it is this Steelers team. They have had a disappointing season so far, but once the playoffs start, everyone is 0-0. Don’t sleep on the Steelers.
3. Carolina Panthers
This team went from back-to-back Super Bowl appearances to not even making the playoffs. The sad part about this team is that they started clicking late. But the slow start was too much to recover from. To start the season, Bryce Young looked like a shell of himself, almost like a rookie. He had a ton of interceptions. For the first 12 weeks, he had 33 interceptions. Unacceptable. Defensively, the Panthers struggled to get stops forcing the Panthers to have to put up 40 points a game to even have a chance at winning. But to end the year, the Panthers showed signs of their former selves. Bryce Young started to look like himself, ending the year leading the league in yards and touchdowns. Ultimately, the last push for the playoffs was sealed when the Panthers would lose in an upset against the 6-11 Dolphins. On the bright side, the Panthers had no time to prepare. They literally got their new Head Coach days before the season started after the sudden step down of their old one. I expect them to be back and better next year after a full offseason to prepare with one another.
Honorable Mention: Las Vegas Raiders
Who Is The Best Offensive Coach?
1. Bengals
Joe Shiesty. Jamar Chase. Joe Mixon. All three players have been putting up numbers this season. And not just numbers because numbers can lie. But this trio has been productive week in and week out. Joe Mixon leads the league in rushing yards with 1523 while also rushing for 19 touchdowns. Jamar Chase led the league in receiving yards with 2150 while also having 28 touchdowns. Joe Burrow was top 4 in passing yards even with missing a game. His efficiency has been phenomenal and he rarely turns the ball over, having a TD-Int ratio of 45-9. This team averaged the most points and was second in yards. The offensive balance of this team is a huge reason why it is so hard to gameplan against them. If any team plans on beating this team in the playoffs, they will have a hard time.
2. 49ers
The addition of Malik Willis has taken this offense to a new level. The 49ers already had one of the best defenses, but adding a mobile quarterback like Willis allowed the 49ers to run sets that they could not run with Brock Purdy. The option game is next level with the defense having to pick their poison between getting dusted by Willis or getting run over by Nick Chubb.
3. Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings made the best decision in the world when they drafted Jalen Milroe. Milroe has taken this offense to where it is right now. From his first game in the league, it was clear that he would be a problem for years to come. Jalen Milroe threw for 4410 yards with 46 passing touchdowns. But if we are talking about Milroe, then we also have to talk about Tetairoa McMillian. Although he is a rookie, McMillian is top-4 in receiving yards. He has showcased his elite potential and will be a key factor in the Vikings making noise in the playoffs. The Vikings run a similar type of offense to the Browns. Very RPOish, misdirection type of offense that always keeps the defense on their toes. If a team does not do their film work, they will be in a lot of trouble.
Honorable Mention: Titans
Who Is The Best Defensive Coach?
The past two seasons we have seen offensive numbers increase dramatically. Teams are scoring more points than ever which fans love to see. But there are some teams around the league that have a tendency to put a stop to those high-powered offenses. When teams go against them, they will have to fight for every single yard. Here are the teams that coaches think are the best defensive-minded coaches.
1. Colts
For the past 3 seasons, the Colts defense has been of the top in the league. But with the addition of Micah Parsons and the development of their young guys, this defense has reached another level. The Colts pride themselves on forcing a team to only 12 points a game. And this season, the Colts were #1 in all categories for most of the season. For them to win it all this year, they will have to do something offensively. But as far as defense goes, they are a wreck to be messed with. Shout out to DROTY Melvin Verner, a 4th-round 29th pick, who has already put himself up there with the best defensive players in the league.
2. Titans
Man, this defense is insane. The defensive line puts fear into teams before the ball is even snapped. With the addition of Aaron Donald, this year’s DPOTY, the Titans generate the most pressure of any team. And when the Titans do not get sacks, they get interceptions. Amani Hooker has been arguably the best safety in the league for the past 2 seasons. Roquan Smith is still Roquan Smith. Sean Murphy-Bunting makes quarterbacks pay for throwing his way. And honestly, we could continue to go down the line. The General Manager, Head Coach, and training staff have done a great job in developing this team the right way. And now the rest of the league will have to deal with it for years to come.
3. 49ers
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of the 49ers is the crazy defensive line. This team can get to the quarterback quicker than you can say “I”. Quicker than the Quarterback can drop back. Quicker than Usain Bolt. Quicker than the speed of light. And after the addition of Tre’Davious White, the 49ers secondary has become one of the best. This team ranks top 3 in defensive yards, allowed rushing yards, allowed passing yards, and allowed points. It will be very tough for any team that has to travel to San Fransisco to play the 49ers’ scary defense.
What Team Will Take The Biggest Leap Season 6?
Only 14 teams make the playoffs, but that does not mean that all hope is lost for those who didn’t. I mean for one, they are enjoying the Cancun life. But also some teams are an offseason away from competing for a playoff spot, even a Super Bowl. One free agent. One draft pick. One trade. A change in the gameplan. I truly believe that this is the most parody we have had in this league thus far. And next season, we will have even more. Here are the teams that will take the biggest leap in Season 6.
1. Rams
The Rams were not supposed to make the playoffs this year, and depending on tonight’s game, they may make it. They were supposed to be in the lottery, focusing on developing their guys. Instead, the Rams defied the odds and became a fan favorite. It is easy to root for a team that just fights. Not saying that this Rams team does not have talent, but no one predicted this. Ironically, this team reminds me of that Cardinals team in Season 3. A young team that will surely be one of the best teams in the next couple of seasons. I don’t see the Rams winning it all this season, but I truly believe they are an offseason away from being a top dawg in the entire league.
2. Patriots
The Patriots just missed the playoffs this year, losing their last game against the Browns. But man, this team went on a heck of a run once they hired Head Coach Roscoe. Under Roscoe, the Patriots are 8-3. They had a statement against the Jets, a win that showed that this team is the real deal. There is no doubt in my mind that this team will be in the playoffs next season. And I’m saying that they make playoffs before they make any moves in the offseason/draft. Watch out for the Patriots!
3. Bears
Will Season 6 finally be the year the Bears make the playoffs? They have constructed a great roster without sacrificing too much cap space. Ok, let’s be real. They have not sacrificed any cap space. They have made great draft picks. They have got assets to ship them for more assets. This roster is underrated and the Bears still have more draft picks and 150M in cap space! With big-time free agents hitting the market, Chicago may be the destination. They have the money, and after an upset win over the Steelers in Week 17, players may see the Bears as legit contenders. I believe that this playoffs will be the last that the Bears will be watching in Cancun. Go Bears!
Honorable Mention: Chargers
Let’s Talk Playoffs
Now there are only 14 teams left. Each one with the same opportunity. Each one has a legitimate shot at winning the Super Bowl. Or do they? When talking to the Head Coaches, many coaches don’t believe that a lot of teams have a real shot at winning the playoffs. Of all the teams, the average amount of teams that Coaches say have a legit shot was 3. Those 3 named were the Bengals, 49ers, and Titans. And looking at those three teams, I’m sure you can guess what the most common AFC/NFC matchups were. Yes, the most common AFC/NFC matchup was Bengals versus Titans and 49ers versus Commanders. The Titans are the defending champions so having their name there is no surprise at all. The Bengals had a near-perfect season and have one of the best offenses in the league. The 49ers look to be the best team in the NFC. They have a top-3 defense and their offense is also up there with the best. There was a good mix between those three teams in who wins the whole thing. And honestly, I agree. Those three teams have been the most consistent and have the roster and Head Coach to get the job done.
And then there are the Commanders. It is no shocker, that no one saw them coming out of the NFC. But I’m sure the Commanders expect nothing less. They have been doubted all year, even when having the second-best record in the NFC. Personally, I don’t see the Commanders having a shot to make it to the Super Bowl, but they have played great football all year long. But the Commanders are not the only team being slept on.
What Teams Are Being The Most Slept On?
1. Steelers
The Steelers did not start or end the season very well. Even with the drama around this team throughout the season, the Steelers still did make the playoffs. And a lot of people are forgetting what kind of team we are talking about here. I have said it before, and I will say it again, if there is any team in the league that can beat the Titans, it is this Steelers team. Yes, the Steelers will have to go against the Titans in the Wildcard Round. We know who the Titans are, but let me remind you what this Steelers team brings. Najee Harris. Najee is a top-3 running back in the league. He can take over a game himself, not only on the ground but also in the passing game. George Pickens. Pickens’ number did take a dip, but let’s remember he has spent some time on the sidelines due to suspension. Any time Pickens is on the field, the Steelers have a chance. Artie Tyson. Artie got the start after Kenny Pickett’s struggles and has made the Steelers organization look like geniuses for getting him. If he is locked in and takes care of the football, the Steelers are a true threat to any team. And I have not even talked about their defense. They can sometimes be too aggressive, but they do a great job of generating pressure and causing turnovers. The Steelers may be the #PlayoffBracketCrusher of Season 5.
2. Vikings
The Vikings started the season strong. At one point in time, we were talking about them being in the NFC Championship game against the 49ers. However, towards the end of the season, teams started to pick up on their tendencies. And once that happened, the Vikings hype started dying. So much so that the OGCFM analyst does not see the Vikings making it past the Divisional Round. The majority didn’t even see them getting out of the Wildcard Round. But that’s what happens in this “what have you done for me lately” type of league. But best believe that the Vikings are not a slouch. If this team can continue to boom on offense, they can beat anyone. But one factor will decide the Vikings fate in the playoffs: Defense. I have covered some Vikings games and I will say they have improved on defense. But will it be enough to beat a red-hot Packers team in the Wildcard Round?
3. Eagles
In an early take from the OG Journal, the Eagles were predicted to miss the playoffs. However, they weathered the storm and finished the season 11-6. They have huge wins over the Vikings and Commanders, but many people smirk at the mention of their name. Why? Well, other than those two victories, the Eagles’ wins don’t really stand out. Actually, their losses stand out more than their wins. Losing to the struggling Dolphins, Lions, and Giants. Games like that will make you think they have no chance against a team like the 49ers. However, the way the Eagles play has the capability of beating any team. The Eagles are top-5 in rushing offense. This rushing attack sets up the Eagles’ rollout passing game which has been hard for teams to stop. Defensively, the Eagles picked up Jalen Ramsey before the trade deadline to boost their secondary. I see the Eagles making it out of the first round, and depending on matchups, maybe even reaching the NFC Championship game.
Most Likely To Choke?
This is the gut punch right here. After all your hard work, people have the nerve to say that you don’t belong. That you will fall short. Here are the teams Coaches think will choke in the playoffs.
1. Jets
The Jets have played some great football all season long. They are 14-3 and will be the #2 seed in the AFC. They will go up against the Broncos (will be FW) in the Wildcard Round. Obviously, the Jets will be in the Divisional Round, but it is here where people think they will choke. Looking at this Jets team, I don’t see them choking. All 3 of their losses were winnable games. MPJ, Loveland, and Breece have this offense looking like the Season 3 Jets. And defensively, the Jets got even more help when they acquired Jaylon Johnson from the Bears. Most likely, the Jets will be going against the Titans in the Divisional Round so maybe that’s where this is coming from.
2. Bengals
And the haters came out. Just like the past two seasons, the best team in the league was voted most likely to choke. I strongly disagree with this. The Bengals offense has too many weapons and their secondary is very underrated. This team went 16-1 for a reason, and I believe that they will show the league once again that they are the real deal.
3. Colts
The Colts have had the same problem ever since they hired their Head Coach: offense. So I can understand when people say that the Colts will choke. You must be able to put points on the board to win football games, and it seems like the Colts’ defense is more likely to get points than their offense.
Well, that’s enough talking! It is time to play some football. Good luck to all the teams in the playoffs. To all the teams in Cancun, have fun! Thank you all for another successful season. And may the best team win!
©Any Given Sunday News