NFL 2008 End of Season Grades

[DNEUM]

With the season now over for all but 12 teams, I thought it'd be cool to pass out grades on how you felt your team did this season.

San Francisco 49ers (7-9): C+
I've felt that we've been very close to being a playoff caliber team the past two seasons but have been unable to do the majority of the little things that are needed to get over that hump from being a 5-7 win team to a 9-11 win team. We've been unable to finish games we should've won, make stupid turnovers/penalties in the worst situations, stall in the redzone on offense, etc. But I give them a C+ because once Singletary took over these areas started to improve. We even finished the season with 2 straight come from behind wins, something that pretty much never happened in the last 2-3 seasons. We went 5-3 following the bye which was right after Singletary took over and 2 of those losses could have easily been wins (Miami and Arizona) if not for some of the above problems. The players seem to like Singletary and want to play for them. They know what's expected of them and no longer give up once they get down as evidenced by the last 2 weeks.

My biggest worry for next season though is that we might again find ourselves with a new Offensive Coordinator. That would make for 5 in as many years. Tough to be successful on offense when that happens.

[MvP]

Green Bay Packers: C
Even though going from the NFC Championship to 6-10 was a huge disappointment, the grade is decent because we found our quarterback of the future in Aaron Rodgers who had an outstanding season. If Thompson makes the right decisions in the Draft and Free Agency, we can get back on track.

[Macken]

MINNESOTA VIKINGS B+
Winning the NFC North was a huge boost for them. Losing some close games this year and winning some close ones. they could have ended with a better record. having Gus at Qb gave me some major doubts but he came in and did his jobs and got the win. Adrian peterson had another great year, even after everyone thought 8 in the box would stop him. Chester Taylor did a great job taking the carries and catching the ball. And the biggest improvement is TJack. came in at the end of the season and did a superbjob. I can see them going far into the playoffs as long as there defense steps up

[Primetime]

Green Bay Packers (6-10): D-
After going to the NFC championship game last year, this year we expected a deep run in the playoffs once again. We had the talent but gave that shot away by sending in a first year starting quarterback that proved not to be a leader. The only thing keeping the grade above an F was that fact that we had several nagging injuries including Al Harris, Atari Bigby, Nick Barnett, Cullen Jenkins, James Jones, Mark Tauscher, and many others. Our run defense was horrible once we lost Nick Barnett and from that point on the team seemed to just quit. The only pass rush we could get was from the right side with Aaron Kampman who had more sacks than the rest of the team combined. We need to pick up a D-Lineman out of free agency and draft either an OLB to replace Poppinga or a DE that can create some havok in the backfield.

Aaron Rodgers needs to improve vastly over the next offseason. He did well when starting the game and when we were up by a solid amount but when down, his passer rating was horrible. In the fourth quarter when we really needed him, he was no where to be found. He had many chances to win the game on the last drive and never once succeeded and also threw 4 INT's in those situations. With his improvement and a little more chemistry, the offense should dominate next season.

[DNEUM]

New England Patriots (11-5): B+
Lot to say about the Patriots this year. Losing Tom Brady early, most of us and people throughout the country thought this team would be a 5 win team - if that. With Matt Cassel stepping in, at times during the beginning of the season, I even thought it was going to be a nightmare for the rest of the season. The kid pulled it together and threw that team on his back for the rest of his season. This year was possibly the best year running-wise the Patriots have ever had. The run blocking was tremendous and Morris, BJGE, and Faulk all chipped in with an injured Maroney on the couch. This team was plagued with injuries more so than ever all over the field but they still got it done when it mattered. Wes Welker really established himself as one of the best, and Randy was much in the clutch as usual. All in all a pretty damn good season, even though at 11-5 they missed the playoffs.

My biggest worry for next year is what will happen again with our linebackers and secondary. Is Rodney done? Probably. Is Bruschi done? Possibly. We have one solid corner, and our safeties are coming along decently. Thankfully enough they snagged Jerod Mayo who turned out to be quite the stud at MLB who shoulder anchor the Pats defense for years to come in the absence of Bruschi.

I definitely was impressed by Cassel. He played lightyears better than I think anyone could've expected. I just hope he isn't another one year wonder that goes to a new team and sucks dick, which seems to be a very viable scenario if he's anywhere other than New England next season.

[Leftwich]

Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): F------
I have never been more upset with my team ever. The only highlight of this season was beating the Colts in week 3. We signed horrible free agents and as a team we played like absolute horse shit. Although injuries really hurt our chances to compete this year we really didn't have a chance to make the playoffs after our bye week.

We need to get rid of Porter, Williamson and Florence. The offseason we need to look at a #1 WR, DT opposite of Henderson and a corner opposite of Rashean Mathis.

[steeljake]

Pittsburgh Steelers(12-4): Grade B

This team won 12 games and swept the AFC North almost despite their offense. Willie Parker started out string but a nagging knee injury and a horendous offensive line prevented him for getting going. Big Ben Roethlisberger spent the year running for his life and throwing picks, but still managed to get a win or two, including 4 come from behind 4th quarter wins. This defense closes the season numeber 1 overall and 1 and 2 against the pass and run. The good news is the D isn't old and the very young guys (Woodely, McFadden, Gay and Timmons) are looking like 5 year vets. This team could be dangerous in the playoffs but they are a few good o-lineman way from a super bowl right now. Even with Ben injured Byron Leftwich has shown himself to be a decenbt back up. I think they have the talent to contend for a number of years if they can get the o-line together in the off season. Did I mention the offensive line sucks?

[steeljake]

Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): F------
I have never been more upset with my team ever. The only highlight of this season was beating the Colts in week 3. We signed horrible free agents and as a team we played like absolute horse shit. Although injuries really hurt our chances to compete this year we really didn't have a chance to make the playoffs after our bye week.

We need to get rid of Porter, Williamson and Florence. The offseason we need to look at a #1 WR, DT opposite of Henderson and a corner opposite of Rashean Mathis.

I really feel like the lack of a number one wide and depth at running back caused problems, but the real failure was that defense. I guess Mike Smith was a bigger player than they thought. Don't forget that Peterson guy was pissed about his contract and made a mess of the locker room.

[Point Blank]

Atlanta Falcons (11-5): B+

Just when I thought it would be a long season for Atlanta, It was the complete opposite. Bringing in a rookie QB, a backup RB, rookie head coach, and other young players have turn the team around. Never thought I'd see if just a 2 pts shy of winning the division (Carolina/N.O. game). Matt Ryan is looking like a future HOF'er, Mike Tuner is 2nd in rushing yards and 2nd in offensive TD's, Roddy White who was 1st and 2nd in receiving yards at one point now sits at 4th. Then you have key role players on the team such as Jerious Norwood, Michael Jenkins, Harry Douglas, and Brian Finneran who all had decent a decent year and stepped up when needed. On the defensive side of the ball could really need some help. Lawyer Milloy is getting a little old, LBs are so and so, and the CBs looks lost half the time. The strength of the defense and is the D-Line and has been relied on though out the season. Pro Bowl snub John Abrahman is 3rd in sacks with 16.5, along with Babineaux, Grady Jackson, and Jamaal Anderson. We could definitely use some more vet players around, especially at the CB position. The future is looking bright in Atlanta. Go Falcons!

[dboy_dc]

Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): F------
I have never been more upset with my team ever. The only highlight of this season was beating the Colts in week 3. We signed horrible free agents and as a team we played like absolute horse shit. Although injuries really hurt our chances to compete this year we really didn't have a chance to make the playoffs after our bye week.

We need to get rid of Porter, Williamson and Florence. The offseason we need to look at a #1 WR, DT opposite of Henderson and a corner opposite of Rashean Mathis.

Injuries

[Obst]

Atlanta Falcons (11-5): B+

Matt Ryan is looking like a future HOF'er,

Don't get too carried away, I could of thought the same thing about Garrard last year after he dominated.

[Flight24]

Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1): B
The Eagles had a rough year, but ended strong. They didn't really live up to all the expectations put on their shoulders, but still managed to sneak into the playoffs as a wildcard team with nine wins.

Despite all the distractions, like Andy Reid remaining Philadelphia's head coach, Donovan McNabb remaining Philadelphia's starting quarterback, the health of Brian Westbrook, the health of the Philly receivers, and even the reckless decisions made by Andy Reid's children, the Eagles played solid football all year long.

Two losses against the Washington Redskins, a loss to the Bears, and a tie against the Bengals, all games that should've been won by the Eagles, should've kept spirits down in the Eagles locker room, but instead the squad rallied and won four of their last five to squeeze into the playoffs.

In short, the Philadelphia Eagles didn't come out to be the new NFC kings some had hoped they would be, but they did find success.

[Irish]

Tennessee Titans (13-3): A
Going into the season, the Titans were no where near #1 in the AFC. Everyone was down on there draft because they didn't take a WR, and know one has heard about Chris johnson. And people wondered why take Johnson when Lendale just had a 1100 yards season. Vince was coming off a terrible season and they didnt have a strong secondary since Pacman left. Things didn't look good. But when the defense stepped up to be one of the bests in the season and Chris Johnson becomes a star, things started to look good. Probably the best thing to happen to the Titans was Vince going down. Kerry Collins is a better fit for this offense and the Titans proved they are a force, starting the season 10-0. They finally take the Colts off the top of the AFC South, and destroy the Pittsburgh Steelers to get homefield. Not an A+ season because they did lose some bad games but definitely worth an A.

[dboy_dc]

Dallas Cowboys (9-7) C-

My expectations were soo high for this team. But then when we lost to the Skins and they didnt give the person who brought them thru the Philly game the ball (Felix). Matter of fact they barely ran the ball against them. Anyway after injuries to the O-Line, I was getting doubts... After Romo's Injury and the O-Line stopped blocking I was getting doubts... When the D was playing Soft 3-4 Zone against 3 WR sets I was getting doubts. When we lost to the Rams I stopped watching football as a whole for about 2 weeks.

When Romo came back and Wade Started calling the Defensive plays I gained hope, when the O-Line started blocking I gained hope, when the O-Line started breaking down in Big Games I got doubts... When TO started crying for the ball I was getting doubts.... When the team was getting caught up in the Media I was getting doubts. I was actually proud of the Steelers & Giants game. After The Ravens killed our D, I was worried about the Eagles seeing this and taking advantage... And so they did...

The moral of this story is... I rooted for my team thru thick and thin but I had my doubts. The game starts with the O-Line. Our O-Line needs to be treated like they can lose their jobs or something. Romo is only as good as his line is and from there (even if the WR's suck he'll hit them). For those who say Witten is his bitch blanket, Boss is Eli's bitch blanket, Utech is Peyton's Bitch Blanket. I could go on but yall get my point. We should've got more agressive coaches in place. Not so much Tuna but the guys dont respect Wade.

[Point Blank]

Don't get too carried away, I could of thought the same thing about Garrard last year after he dominated.

I said looking, not is.