But closing 7-2 on the strength of a mostly strong defensive performance has at least some Cardinals fans optimistic about the future. The quarterback situation is in flux, the running back position has some question marks, the team needs more consistent play from wide receivers not named Fitzgerald and the offensive line needs some upgrades.

Even with those issues, the blog Raising Zona’s Lead Writer Scott Allen says he thinks the Cardinals’ future is bright. Here’s what he had to say:

Zoneblitz: John Skelton won six of eight starts. Arizona gave up a lot for Kevin Kolb. Is the Cardinals quarterback of the future currently on the team’s roster?

Scott Allen: I would say chances are yes he is. The Peyton Manning rumors are great and I truly believe he’d want to play here if he was healthy, but the Cardinals would have to spend a lot of money to get him. They owe Kevin Kolb a $7 million option on March 17th and I just can’t see the Cards declining his option without knowing if Manning is going to be able to play. Skelton played admirably in 2011 however I don’t think his future is as a full-time starter. Kolb probably gets one more shot in 2012 to prove his worth. He wasn’t a complete bust as some might be led to believe.

Zoneblitz: Beanie Wells put up 1,000 and 10, but much of his success came in two or three big games. With him and Ryan Williams, are the Cardinals set at running back or do they still need more resources at that spot?

Allen: Two questions that need to be answered first before I can give a 100 percent honest answer on this question. Can Beanie Wells stay healthy for a whole season? He played injured this season and only missed two games. In the St. Louis game, he got hurt on three separate occasions that in prior seasons with a decent backup, would have put him out a couple of weeks at least. He stayed in and had his best game of the season. Second question – can Williams rebound from his season-ending injury in Green Bay in the preseason? I think Williams has a great future in the NFL if healthy.

Zoneblitz: It’s appeared to me even back as far as the Super Bowl season that Arizona could use a couple offensive linemen. How do you assess that position?

Allen: Just a couple of offensive linemen? I think they could use a complete overhaul, but that’s just me.

Zoneblitz: Larry Fitzgerald is one of the top wideouts in the game but what about his supporting cast in the passing game? Has anyone stepped up in the number two receiver spot?

Allen: Not yet. A couple of players tried. Andre Roberts and Early Doucet. Both certainly had their great moments in 2011 but neither was consistent enough to be considered a number two. Time might be running out on Doucet. Roberts will probably be the number three in 2012. I do see the Cards drafting a receiver high in the draft.

Zoneblitz: The defense gave up nearly 90 points less in 2011 than 2010. Where has it improved and where does it still need work?

Allen: The thing with the defense was that they did give up fewer points because although they gave up a lot of yards between the 20′s, inside the red zone they were terrific. They held a lot of offenses to field goals rather than touchdowns. In the game against the San Francisco 49′ers in San Francisco in November, in the first half they only allowed the Niners to score nine points on six drives. David Akers was 3-6 on field goal attempts.

The Cards defense came up big when it counted most. It kept the Cards in the game, one they eventually lost 23-7 after giving up a couple of touchdowns after turnovers in the second half. Of course the defense still needs to improve – especially in the secondary, but they will get Greg Toler back in 2012 after he missed the entire season. The Cards’ defensive line may not be the biggest in the NFL, but man they sure do know how to bring it and that was also a huge reason why they were able to limit the points.

Zoneblitz: At 8-8, the Cardinals finished second in the NFC West. But San Francisco won the division hands down. How much of a gap is there between the two teams and how far are the Cardinals from contending for the playoffs and division title?

Allen: Not as much of a gap as you would be led to believe. They split the season series with the Niners. Turnovers killed them in the first game against them. The Cards easily left five wins on the field. They lost to the Washington Redskins 22-21 and fumbled on their last drive. They lost to the Seattle Seahawks 13-10 in a game Seattle had no business winning. They lost to the New York Giants 31-27 after leading 27-17 with just five minutes left in the game. The defense had one of its few lapses of the season and the Giants were the beneficiary of a couple of egregious calls that should have gone the Cards way.

Then there was the loss to the Baltimore Ravens loss 30-27. That was a game they led 24-3 at one point – in Baltimore. That was a collapse of epic proportions. That was also the game where they lost Kevin Kolb for a month with turf toe. They also had a great opportunity to win in Cincinnati. After being down 23-16, the Bengals had to hold on after the Cards had four clear shots at the end zone at the end of the game and would have tied it had Early Doucet not tripped over his own feet on a wide open pass.

The Cards were their own worst enemy in 2011. Sure, they could have been a lot better and had they been, they would have won those close games. They easily could have finished 13-3 as well. However they weren’t, so would’ve, could’ve, should’ve.

Zoneblitz: It’d be hard to talk about the 2011 Cardinals without mentioning Patrick Peterson. He was great as a returner. I’d heard he was having ups and downs early as a defensive back. What is your assessment of his season and his future?

Allen: Peterson will get better as a cornerback. He had an interception in the Pro Bowl. He was thrust into the starting position a little quicker than the Cards wanted coming off a lockout. They had planned on him starting at some point in 2011, but all season was necessitated by injury. It’s tough to throw a rookie back there as your “main guy” but especially when there was no offseason to prepare. I look for him to find better balance between the two positions in 2012.

Zoneblitz: I was reading where Arizona’s kicker, punter and long snapper all are in their mid-30s and all free agents. What did you think of their performances in 2011 and who among them should be re-signed?

Allen: Jay Feely spends more time on Twitter giving me his political views than he does impressing me on the football field, but he’s serviceable. Long snapper Mike Leach is serviceable as well. He makes few mistakes, so I’m good with him. Long snappers can have a long life in the NFL. The punter is a position I know the Cards continually look at. It would not surprise me if Dave Zastudil doesn’t make it through the 2012 season, however we shall see.

Zoneblitz: What would you like to see the Cardinals do in free agency and the draft?

Allen: I think the Cards will be very active in free agency. I think they look at upgrading the offensive line, probably looking at free agency first. The wide receiver core (unless they plan on getting a top notch one in the draft – but both would be fine by me). I can see them trying to find a linebacker to replace Joey Porter and Clark Haggans. That’s another position that could be in the draft plans.

Zoneblitz: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Allen: Yes, the Cards will be back in the playoffs in 2012.

Follow Raising Zona on Twitter at: @raisingzona
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Previous In Depth: Seattle Seahawks

There are a number of areas where the Seahawks still have room for significant improvement. But if they can add a few pieces this team could be a threat as soon as 2012, says Keith Myers, editor and lead writer of the Seahawks’ fan blog called 12th Man Rising. Myers recently shared his thoughts on where Seattle should be headed from here with Zoneblitz. Here’s what he had to say:

Zoneblitz: Is Tarvaris Jackson a long-term answer at quarterback or will the team have to address that position again?

Keith Myers: He isn’t a long term answer, but he never was meant to be. Jackson was brought in on a two-year contract to provide a bridge until the next franchise quarterback could be found. Everyone expects the Seahawks the address the position in some way this offseason.

Zoneblitz: Will Marshawn Lynch be back in 2012 and if so, will he repeat the season he had in 2011?

Myers: It’s hard to imagine that he won’t be back in 2012. Lynch is a perfect fit for the offense that the Seahawks are trying to run. Lynch is a free agent, and still young enough to demand a big contract, so anything is possible. But Lynch has talked about wanted to stay in Seattle, and that he doesn’t feel the need to the test free agency. Re-signing Lynch is clearly a priority for the Seahawks.

Zoneblitz: The Seahawks invested heavily in the offensive line with James Carpenter and John Moffitt at the draft in 2011. How have they developed?

Myers: They didn’t develop quite as much as the Seahawks had hoped. Not having a proper off-season really hurt them. Moffitt improved steadily throughout the season until his knee injury. He’ll clearly be back in the starting lineup in 2012.

Carpenter is another story though. He struggled early on, and it clearly affected his confidence. As a result, while he improved in some areas, he also regressed in others. The talent is there, but he needs time to develop before he’ll make the type of impact the Seahawks expected when they selected him in the first round. Compounding the problem was that he suffered a major knee injury that ended his season. He’ll miss the entire offseason program, and likely won’t be ready for the start of training camp. Carpenter might actually start the year on the PUP list, so the Seahawks will need to be prepared to have someone else start at right tackle in 2012

Zoneblitz: After a 2-6 start, Seattle won five of six and started playing much better. What happened to create the turnaround?

Myers: The Seahawks were an extremely young team in 2011, and with the limited off-season, they really struggled in many different aspects of the game. As the season went along different groups started playing together and improving. As far as wins and losses go, mostly it was that the young offensive line finally starting to gel, allowing the running game to get take off. It also allowed Tarvaris Jackson a little extra time, when meant more consistency in the passing game as well.

Zoneblitz: Seattle has Sidney Rice, who is good when healthy, but often isn’t, and a number of other on-again, off-again wide receivers. Are the passing weapons necessary to win on the roster or does the team have to go outside the organization to improve there?

Myers: There’s talent at the position, but it still needs some work. As you said, Rice is a major weapon when healthy. Doug Baldwin is one of the best slot receivers in the NFL even though he went undrafted. There’s also Ricardo Lockette and Kris Durham, who are young and but untested, seem to have the talent to play in this League.

The team does have tough decisions to make on Deon Butler, Golden Tate, Mike Williams and Ben Obomanu. This group is clearly talented and has shown the ability to be productive at times, but also are not consistent contributors even when given consistent playing time. I could see only one from this group returning next season.

Zoneblitz: Coach Pete Carroll talked after the season about needing more speed at linebacker. Do you agree? What other upgrades could enhance what appeared to be a fairly competitive defense?

Myers: Linebacker is definitely a need this offseason. The Seahawks really struggled covering backs out of the backfield on passing plays, and tight ends, and they also struggled with mobile quarterbacks like San Francisco’s Alex Smith. The linebackers were great against the run, but against the pass they were a major weakness. The Seahawks also need to upgrade their pass rush, though I should note that even with their inconsistent pass rush and poor linebacker play, the Seahawks defense ranked ninth in the league.

Ultimately, the one position that would make the most difference for this team is quarterback. With an upgrade there, the Seahawks easily could have won three or four more games this past season.

Zoneblitz: San Francisco emerged in the NFC West this year. How far away is Seattle from competing again for the division and the playoffs?

Myers: The Seahawks aren’t very far off at all. They were one to two plays away from beating the 49ers in both games in 2011. The Niners also were extremely lucky in 2011 with their turnovers and lack of injuries. This entire division is much closer than people realize.

Zoneblitz: What would you like to see the Seahawks do in the draft and free agency?

Myers: The Seahawks need to do something at quarterback. Jackson played well enough in 2011 to allow the Seahawks to draft a “project” QB (like Brock Osweiler or Ryan Tannehill) if need be. If they don’t, then they’ll need to find an upgrade at the position via free agency. Someone like Matt Flynn or Jason Campbell perhaps, while they wait another year before trying to draft a quarterback of the future. They also need to find depth at running back behind Lynch.

The Seahawks also need to upgrade linebacker, and improve their pass rush. That can come via either a new defensive end to play opposite Chris Clemons on passing downs, or a pass rush specialist at defensive tackle, or both.

Zoneblitz: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Myers: The Seahawks are much more talented than people think. The national media played them off as a team with expansion level talent and they couldn’t be more wrong. This is a team with a top three rush defense (in terms of yards per carry) and a top 10 pass defense despite not having a good pass rush. They’ve also got a top 10 rushing attack and decent talent at tight end and wide receiver. Don’t let the guys at EPSN fool you into thinking this team doesn’t have talent.

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Previous In Depth: Kansas City Chiefs
Next In Depth: Arizona Cardinals

The Chiefs came back to Earth in 2011, however, as injuries combined with a tougher schedule to ruin expectations, ultimately costing Todd Haley his head coaching position.

It’s an important off-season, with several important players returning from injuries (Jamaal Charles, Matt Cassel, Tony Moeaki, Eric Berry to name a few) and more up for free agency (Dwayne Bowe). Lifelong Chiefs fan Patrick Allen is the senior editor of the Arrowhead Addict blog. He gave us some thoughts on how 2011 went and what’s in store for 2012.

Zoneblitz: What went wrong in 2011 after such a positive 2010 season?

Patrick Allen: What didn’t go wrong? Primarily, the Chiefs suffered from injuries they just couldn’t overcome. I know all team’s go through injuries but KC just wasn’t deep enough to deal with it. The 2010 team had no major injuries, which was remarkable. In 2011, the team lost their starting safety, RB, QB and TE. The first three were Pro Bowlers in 2012.

The fact that they still finished 7-9, with a tough schedule, is actually kind of impressive in my book.

Zoneblitz: The Chiefs had a lot of injuries but still started playing better as the season went along. Do you agree with the firing of Todd Haley?

Allen: Yes. Todd just made too many questionable decisions during his tenure. I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt but I just couldn’t support him after he started Tyler Palko for four games. He also continued to let Barry Richardson play right tackle (he’s the worst tackle in the NFL) while keeping Jared Gaither on the bench. Gaither was later cut and went on to join the Chargers where he played REALLY well. Those mistakes, along with his other antics, were just too much for me.

Zoneblitz: What do you think of the hiring of Romeo Crennel?

Allen: I think it is a great hire. KC’s strength is on defense and it was essential that Romeo be kept around. He’ll be a solid coach that if given enough talent, could lead the Chiefs to a championship.

Zoneblitz: So what is the more accurate snapshot of where the Chiefs are at, 2010 or 2011? Will they return to the top of the division in 2012?

Allen: The NFL is so crazy you can never tell. That being said, I think that if their injury luck changes, they’ll have a strong case to be the division favorite. They’ll need another strong draft and free agency period to get there though. The team must add quality depth.

Zoneblitz: What is the word on the recoveries of Jamaal Charles, Tony Moeaki and Eric Berry?

Allen: They were all injured a week apart and they are rehabbing together. They should all be back in time for offseason workouts. Whether or not they will have lost any explosiveness remains to be seen.

Zoneblitz: With the new coaching staff do you expect Charles to get a heavier workload or will there still be a timeshare?

Allen: I think he’ll be treated with care. The Chiefs will likely bring in another quality back to pair with him so you won’t notice his absence on the field as much. In the clutch though, I think they’ll go to Jamaal so I could see his carries increasing a bit. A smart offensive coordinator will use him more often in the short passing game.

Zoneblitz: What are your thoughts on Matt Cassel’s development as the starter in Kansas City?

Allen: I think Matt Cassel is about as good as he is ever going to get. I think the situation around him could improve enough for him to win a playoff game. I think the season Alex Smith had this year is evidence of that. But I am still not sold that he can win it all.

Zoneblitz: Will Dwayne Bowe return?

Allen: He’d better. I think the Chiefs will franchise him at the very least.

Zoneblitz: What would you like to see the Chiefs do in the draft and free agency?

Allen: I would like to see them do what it takes to trade up and select Robert Griffin but they’ll never do it. I think if the Chiefs keep dragging their feet on selecting a franchise quarterback they will miss their window.

Otherwise, they need to add a starting right tackle and depth along their offensive line. They could use one more veteran receiver and two more tight ends. On defense they are okay but they need depth at safety.

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Previous In Depth: Buffalo Bills
Next In Depth: Seattle Seahawks

Before we get to our Super Bowl predictions, here’s a quick recap of our picks for the season.

I won the regular season competition with my brother, hitting a fairly solid 172-84 mark, three games ahead of Tony.

Those results have flip-flopped in the playoffs. I have been terrible, missing both Championship Weekend games and dropping to 3-7. Tony hit both of those games, moving his mark to 7-3. This has been an ugly turn of events.

And I’m not sure I have a real good read on the Super Bowl either, but we’ll give it a go anyway.

Andy:

New England vs New York Giants:

People have been calling this a rematch of the 2008 Super Bowl, but other than the jerseys, that’s really not the case. There are only something like 22 players remaining from the teams that met the evening New York thwarted New England’s efforts to go 18-0 (which also thwarted my efforts to cash in on a preseason bet I made in Las Vegas that New England would win the Super Bowl).

Just 24 players in total remain on the rosters from that game.

But the head coaches and the basic philosophies are still largely the same. The Patriots will try to throw the ball all over the place. The Giants also will wing the ball around while trying on defense to counteract the passing game with a rotating set of defensive linemen bringing a ferocious pass rush.

It’ll be fun to again watch two of the game’s best coaches, Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin, match wits.

Where in 2008 the Patriots came in the heavy favorite, this year the Giants seem to be the popular pick, despite a point spread favoring New England. New England’s defense has been a sieve, particularly in the pass game. So Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz could be up for big games.

The Giants still have the heavy rushers that caused Tom Brady problems in the 2008 game, but New England has a different collection of weapons in Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski this time around.

I think the loss that ended New England’s perfect season has stuck in Belichick’s craw for nearly four years. And I think he is going to come out with some kind of wrinkle that will turn the game the way of the Patriots. This wasn’t the Super Bowl matchup I expected when the playoffs started and it wasn’t the game I was hoping for when the Championship games kicked off a week-and-change ago. But I do think the chess match between Belichick and Coughlin will make this a game worth tuning in to see.

Winner: New England

Tony:

New England vs New York Giants:

In 2008, following a perfect 16-0 regular season, the underdog New York Giants provided not only the blueprint for how teams could beat the New England Patriots, but how four years later they would knock the odds-on-favorite Green Bay Packers out of the playoffs in the divisional round.

The keys:

• Generate a pass rush with four down linemen, allowing for seven in coverage- Take the deep threat out of the game (as much as possible) by being aggressive with Randy Moss off the line of scrimmage.
• Limit YAC on underneath passes to Wes Welker with sure tackling.
• Limit the rushing attack.
• Force the run, even if it is not 100 percent effective, to take time off the clock and limit scoring chances.

The Giants have continued to use this formula well in 2011, and will presumably try to utilize it again on Sunday.

However, I think Bill Belichick has been scheming for this matchup – not specifically the Giants, but someone who would use this formula since the loss in 2008. Specifically, getting rid of Randy Moss and adding two talented tight ends (in the same draft), and adding a first round offensive tackle and two early round running backs in this season’s draft.

Instead of relying heavily on the vertical passing threat of Moss, the Patriots can utilize Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez in multiple ways – screens, short to intermediate passes, deeper threats when need be, and in the case of Hernandez, even in the running game, in recent weeks.  With Welker still in the mix, that provides three serious threats that the Giants have to cover, rather than just two–and the Giants have struggled mightily against top tier TE this season. They also have a better 4th option this year (Deion Branch), and assuming he is active, I wouldn’t overlook Chad Ochocinco as a vertical threat–he didn’t play much or well during the season, but it would be just like Bill Belichick to break out an unexpected weapon in the Super Bowl.

At the end of the day, I just don’t think that the Giants have enough on defense to match their 2008 feat–I do think it will be a decent game, but I’m picking the Patriots to prevail.

Winner: New England

*** As a side prediction: I don’t have any insider knowledge into this, but I wouldn’t be totally surprised if this was Bill Belichick’s last game as head coach of the Patriots, especially if they win.  Between actually allowing NFL Network unprecedented access to a season of football with him last year, to probably realizing that core players like Tom Brady are starting to show some signs of age and his defense being held together with smoke and mirrors, I could see him hanging it up and riding into the sunset.

So who are the real Bills? Does Chan Gailey have this team on the right track? Or will Buffalo and the team’s fans struggle to climb from the basement of the AFC East once again in 2012? Brian Galliford, editor-in-chief of BuffaloRumblings.com, shared his thoughts with Zoneblitz.

Zoneblitz: Bills got off to a hot start and then fizzled as the season wore on, resulting in a 6-10 finish and a two game improvement from last season. Is the season a success, a failure or somewhere in between and why?

Brian Galliford: I tend to side with generic coach speak opinion on this matter: any season with a losing record and no playoff berth can’t be categorized as anything but a failure. No NFL team has gone longer without a playoff appearance than the Bills, and searching for hidden gems in a 6-10 season can’t sugar coat the fact that the team is still a ways away from ending that drought.

Zoneblitz: What are your thoughts on the job Chan Gailey is doing as coach?

Galliford: He’s done a great job with Buffalo’s offense, which is now respectable after being downright horrific during the Dick Jauron era. As a head coach, he’s average – perhaps slightly below average – and had a slew of questionable personnel and game-management decisions this past season. No coach gets all of those calls right, but Gailey needs to start making more of them correctly.

Zoneblitz: Can Dave Wannstedt turn the defense around?

Galliford: Not without more talent and better luck on the injury front, no. Bill Belichick is considered a defensive mastermind, and the Patriots had one of the worst defenses in the league this year because they’re aging, thin and not overly talented. Coaches can only do so much; they need players to succeed.

Zoneblitz: Ryan Fitzpatrick was signed to a long-term deal this season and then his play fell off dramatically. Is he the Bills’ quarterback of the future?

Galliford: Fitzpatrick signed his deal and then shredded the Redskins; then his play fell off dramatically. He is the Bills’ quarterback of the foreseeable future; I seriously doubt that the contract he signed will prohibit the team from drafting a long-term guy if they like one, particularly given the rookie wage scale.

Zoneblitz: Fred Jackson started off as one of the league’s best backs before getting hurt. What is his status going into next season?

Galliford: The day after the regular season finale, Jackson told reporters that he was less than two weeks away from being cleared by doctors to begin running again. He’ll be healthy going into next year, and he does everything so well that it’s still tough to imagine C.J. Spiller eating away too many of his reps. The big question regarding Jackson is whether or not he’ll get the lucrative contract extension he’s sought (and earned).

Zoneblitz: Jackson’s injury did give the Bills an opportunity to take a long look at CJ Spiller. What were your thoughts on his season?

Galliford: He looked good and was productive with the ball in his hands in the final six games of the season. It’s also clear, however, that Gailey doesn’t trust Spiller nearly as much as he did Jackson, as Tashard Choice took a lot of Spiller’s pass-blocking and red zone reps. It’ll take a lot more than that six-game stretch for Gailey to believe Spiller can be a No. 1 back capable of handling a full work load.

Zoneblitz: Where would you like to see the team focus its resources in the draft, free agency and other portions of the offseason?

Galliford: They need to get significantly better at doing the things winning teams do: stop the run, rush the passer and play quarterback. Every team tries to upgrade in those departments every year, however, which makes it tremendously difficult to accomplish those tasks. Beyond that, they just need better players and more depth across the entire roster. Beggars can’t be choosers.

Zoneblitz: The Toronto series expires after next season. Will that be continued?

Galliford: All indications are that, yes, the Toronto series will be extended.

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Previous In Depth: Miami Dolphins
Next In Depth: Kansas City Chiefs

Four-time finalist Andre Reed seems to have gained the most momentum, based on his near miss last season. Three-time finalist Cris Carter and one-time finalist Tim Brown are the other two wideouts in the mix for this year’s honor.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Website did a comparison of these three players and how they fared up against the other 21 wideouts already enshrined in Canton, Ohio. But I wanted to do some analysis of my own.

Let me start with this. All three of these guys had great careers and they definitely are strong candidates, at least in the eyes of Zoneblitz. They all would be in the top five in receiving yards, touchdowns and receptions among receivers already in the Hall. Even as we move into a heavy passing era, Reed, Carter and Brown all continue to match up strongly with the other candidates they’ll be compared with in the near future.

But as the competition gets stronger in the years ahead, as guys like Marvin Harrison, Randy Moss, Torry Holt, Terrell Owens and a host of others retire, it’s going to be more and more challenging for the current group of finalists to get in. That makes the voting over the next couple years that much more important. And frankly, after doing some analysis, I think the current wide receiver finalists might be gaining momentum in the wrong order.

Two of the most frequently cited metrics cited in the comment sections for our posts are Pro Bowls and All-Pro selections. The All-Pro nods were surprisingly low for all three of these guys. Carter earned two while neither Reed nor Brown was ever selected for this honor. In fairness, all of their careers overlapped with that of Jerry Rice, which made that a difficult status to attain. Reed did earn two second-team All-Pro awards from the Associated Press while Brown and Carter each added one.

(In fairness, other publications and voting syndicates did name each of these three guys to their All-Pro and All-Conference lists several times, but the AP list is considered the Gold Standard of NFL honors.)

In terms of Pro Bowls, Brown was the leader with nine selections, edging Carter’s eight and Reed’s seven. Carter was on the NFL’s first team All-Decade team for the 1990s. Brown was on the second team.

Now let’s compare the raw stats. Carter and Reed both played 16 seasons while Brown outlasted them by one for a total of 17 years in the NFL. Carter had the most catches, with 1101, compared with Brown’s 1094 and Reed’s 951. The former Viking, Eagle and Dolphin also headed the touchdown category. He had 130 to Brown’s 100 and Reed’s 87.

Yards? In this category, Brown was the leader with 14,934 to Carter’s 13,899 and Reed’s 13,198.

So, taking into account all the comparisons so far, none of three finalists is leaps and bounds ahead of the other two. But in each of the categories, Reed trails at least one of the competitors, if not both.

Where Reed really does set himself apart from Carter and Brown is Super Bowls. None of the three ever won a ring, but Reed did play on all four of the Bills’ four Super Bowl losing teams. Brown played in one with the Raiders. Carter came close a couple of times, particularly with the 1998 Vikings, but never quite got there.

Is that category enough to make Reed the most deserving of the three? Not so much, at least in my eyes, particularly given the numbers he posted when the Bills got to the big game: 27 catches for 323 yards and zero scores. Nearly half of that yardage came against Dallas in 1992. His other Super Bowl stats were yawners (which obviously wasn’t all his fault, but still, his performances did not stand out).

A couple other stats to consider are 1000 yard seasons and 10 touchdown seasons. Those numbers are a bit random, but I thought they were interesting benchmark numbers to use as potential tiebreakers. Brown had nine 1000 yard seasons and two 10 touchdown seasons. Carter had eight 1000 yard seasons and put up 10 touchdowns six times. Reed, I was surprised to see, had just four 1000 yard seasons and only eclipsed 10 touchdowns once.

So what other factors should come into play. One potentially forgotten but possibly significant advantage Brown has over his competitors is that he also was an accomplished return man. He put up a career 3,320 yards returning punts and 1,235 yards returning kickoffs. He also scored a touchdown doing each. Carter and Reed were not significant contributors on special teams.

Other factors? I suppose you could take into account which quarterbacks were throwing them the ball. Reed spent the bulk of his career catching passes from Hall of Famer Jim Kelly. Carter had a number of guys throwing to him, including Rich Gannon, Daunte Culpepper, and Warren Moon. Brown probably had the most interesting collection of all. A random sampling includes guys like Jeff George, Wade Wilson, Jay Schroeder and Vince Evans. There were many more. Yet he still put up top-notch stats.

Further complicating these comparisons is that Carter, Reed and Brown brought different skill sets to the table. Brown was more of a game-breaking burner. Carter worked the sidelines masterfully, having a special knack for getting 11 yards whenever his team needed 10 for a first down. And Reed was a master over the middle, excelling at taking a five-yard pass from Kelly and turning it into a big gainer. So, in some ways, statistical comparisons are not totally apples-to-apples, which gives Hall of Fame voters a remarkably difficult task in sorting between the three.

In scanning some of the comments at Zoneblitz and other sites, it would appear as though each of the three wideouts has supporters in their corners for various reasons. This is understandable. As I mentioned previously, they all, in my opinion, are deserving candidates, and I believe all three will have their day in the Ohio sun.

Now, could a potential tiebreaker come down simply to whose turn it is? If that happens, Reed could get votes that way. He is a four time finalist. Carter has been that far on the list three times. Brown, interestingly, just once so far.

But if you ask me what order these three future Hall of Famers should be inducted, I’m putting Tim Brown at the top of the list. He put up the most spectacular numbers while often playing on bad teams with a collection of quarterbacks who will only be visiting Canton on their own dime.

He should be followed by Cris Carter and then Andre Reed. What are your thoughts?

But there was reason for optimism. Of the 10 losses, three were by a field goal and two were by a single point. And despite the early-season struggles, Miami had the best defense in terms of points allowed in the AFC East.

So, can the Dolphins, with a new coach and a resurgent Reggie Bush, capitalize on a strong second half in 2011 by turning it into a playoff run in 2012? Brian Miller, editor and lead writer for Phin Phanatic, shares his thoughts below:

Zoneblitz: What do you think of the Joe Philbin hire?

Brian Miller: While I would have to say that Joe Philbin wasn’t on the top of my head coach list, he was in the top four or five. I think the one thing that Joe will bring to Miami is an exciting offense and maybe finally a franchise quarterback. His ability to game plan has been exemplary in Green Bay, working hand in hand with Mike McCarthy. In addition, he is highly respected by his players and has been at every stop of his coaching career. I think he will change the attitude of this team from a “hope we win” to a “we can win” attitude.

Zoneblitz: Is the Dolphins 2012 starting quarterback currently on the roster or do you think they have to go outside the organization? And why?

Miller: The franchise quarterback is not on the Miami Dolphins roster but the starting QB may be. If the team is unable to land a free agent quarterback they will turn to the draft and despite the notion that Robert Griffin III is a hot prospect, I do not believe that he can unseat Matt Moore going into training camp and likely the opening weekend of the season.

Frankly I’m not sold on RGIII and wouldn’t trade up for him. I do however believe that we will draft a quarterback to groom for the future and that would make Matt Moore the starter for 2012. Despite rumors of Peyton Manning interest, the fact is that Manning is still recovering from his neck surgeries and is a questionable signing until he is completely healed.

Zoneblitz: Has there been talk of reuniting Philbin with Packers quarterback Matt Flynn?

Miller: Fans and media alike are talking about Matt Flynn and it makes for a natural reunion. For Flynn, if Miami shows interest, it would be in his best interest to join the team. He knows he will be the starter, he knows the system and he knows what is expected by the coach. Miami gives Flynn the best possible opportunity for success. On the other side of that coin, no one outside of Green Bay knows what Flynn can and can’t offer. If the Dolphins and Joe Philbin pass on Flynn, it very well may be an indication that Philbin does not endorse his former backup. Flynn may not decide in the end to go to Miami, but whether or not the Dolphins show interest could be telling.

Zoneblitz: Has Reggie Bush won over the team, giving him a chance to repeat the season he just had in 2012? Or is he still a committee back?

Miller: I believe that this will depend entirely on last year’s rookie Daniel Thomas and the playbook that goes into Philbin’s plan. Some believe that free agent Ryan Grant could be a target of Philbin in free agency and that would make a very crowded back-field. Bush has displayed the ability to be an every down back and it will be up to Philbin and his offensive coordinator to determine how best to utilize him. As of now, there is no way of knowing the exact style of offense that the Dolphins will be employing.

Zoneblitz: The Dolphins had the best scoring defense in the AFC East and the offense was middle of the road. Why didn’t they win more games?

Miller: Ironically, early on, the Dolphins offense kept the team in games and the defense struggled. Against New England in week one, the defense fell apart in the second half. They had another let down in week two and lost the game for the Phins on the final play in week three to the Browns.

They followed that with several more losses that the Dolphins offense were in position to win. Needless to say, the offense also was up and down and the defense finally turned it around, however too late. The priority for Joe Philbin will be to elevate the offense from “middle of the road” to a team that eventually will have success like the Packers … no easy task and definitely not one that will happen overnight. Defensively, no one is sure what style of defense will be played. The team could remain a 3-4 or switch to a 4-3.

Zoneblitz: What does the loss of Jason Taylor mean to the Dolphins?

Miller: Aside from his locker room leadership, Taylor won’t be as missed as people think. He was a great value to the team in terms of teaching younger players how to prepare for a game, but in reality, his game wasn’t what it used to be and more times than not, his diminished speed provided opportunity for opposing teams to exploit his pass coverage skills. Still, his preparedness for the games and his leadership role will be hard to replace.

Zoneblitz: After an 0-7 start, Miami finished 6-3. How far away is this team from being competitive?

Miller: Not far, believe it or not. The team needs to mentally understand that they can win. That is the task that Philbin will have to get through to them. They need better fundamental coaching and that is something that Joe Philbin is supposed to be excellent at. A couple of players on the line, a linebacker and a safety to go along with a quarterback and this team could make major strides in 2012. If the team is unsuccessful in obtaining a solid quarterback, they will finish around 8-8 or worse again next season.

Zoneblitz: What would you like to see the Dolphins do in the draft and free agency?

Miller: Obviously quarterback is important and I would like to see them do whatever it takes to address that position whether it be Matt Flynn or Peyton Manning if available. Addressing the offensive line is an absolute must as Vernon Carey and Marc Colombo are turnstiles on the right side. Preferably they will address that need in free agency and leave the draft to get play makers for the offense or defense. In round one I would like to see them take one of the top wide receivers or grab a pass rushing outside linebacker. I also wouldn’t be opposed to throwing all the apples in the cart to move up for Andrew Luck, which likely won’t happen. I do not want to see them trade up for RGIII.

Zoneblitz: How have the deep pocketed Miami Heat and the Miami Marlins, complete with new stadium, affected the Dolphins’ fan base?

Miller: They haven’t. Winning has. Stephen Ross wants to win and will spend money wherever need be and former owner Wayne Huizenga did as well. Last season Ross was smart in being more frugal with the spending in free agency due to the lockout. Most teams who advanced into the playoffs and went deep were teams with an already solid core that was held over from 2010. Ross needs to spend to give his new coach every advantage to win. The fan base will return as soon as the team starts playing competitive and exciting.

Zoneblitz: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Miller: Too much speculation is being made of Philbin’s inexperience with calling plays and I don’t believe that will be an issue. He has molded the Green Bay Packers into the offense they are but in Miami he will lack the arm of a Aaron Rodgers. That is what he and Jeff Ireland will be tasked to find. If they can find a suitable quarterback, this team can make big things happen but if they can’t, then there will be games that they should win, that they won’t. That is the difference between good teams and great teams.

Follow Phin Phanatic on Twitter at: @PhinPhanatic
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Previous In Depth: Carolina Panthers
Next In Depth: Buffalo Bills

The six win season is a four game improvement over 2010. And the Panthers’ offense performed like a unit headed in the right direction.

The defense is still a work in progress. But Jaxon, who manages the blog Cat Scratch Reader, says the unit will get some key contributors back from injuries. With a few solid moves, he says Carolina could find itself in the wild card mix as soon as next season. Here’s what he had to say:

Zoneblitz: Will Cam Newton duplicate his success from 2011?

Jaxon: I think he will surpass his passing marks in yardage and TDs but not match his 14 rushing TDs. I think another 700 yard rushing season is likely though. The kid can and will scramble and do it well.

Zoneblitz: What are your first impressions of Ron Rivera as head coach given a year to watch the team play under him?

Jaxon: So far I like what I see and the results we have been given for the most part. But I need to see some real improvement from the defense in 2012.

Zoneblitz: The offense looked improved but Steve Smith is aging. How do you feel about the Panthers receiving corps heading into 2012?

Jaxon: I’m happy with the current roster at wide receiver and think Smitty still has a few very good years left in him. We have the sure hands of Brandon LaFell and the speedy David Gettis returning. We have some younger talent too in Keoloha Pilares and Armanti Edwards. The vet Legadu Naanee, who started slow for us, has nice size and brings a needed infusion of experience.

Zoneblitz: Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams are talented backs and they combined to put up solid numbers. Do they both return in 2012 or does one get moved for parts elsewhere?

Jaxon: They should both be returning but Stewart is in the final year of his contract so I would expect the Panthers to make a move to extend him beyond 2012. I want to keep both players and I think the Panthers do too. Given Williams’ new contract I don’t see the Panthers being able to move him.

Zoneblitz: Offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski keeps popping up as a candidate for head coaching jobs around the league. Is he deserving and how are the Panthers positioned to deal with it if he does leave?

Jaxon: I think what he did with a rookie quarterback, no offseason and a 32nd ranked offense is nothing short of miraculous. For that reason he is deserving of a look. Yet he’s also very young by NFL coaching standards and only has three seasons of being an offensive coordinator. Just as Ron Rivera finally got a head coaching job after being overlooked for so many seasons, Chud will get his shot. I’m hoping he sticks around a few more seasons first though.

Zoneblitz: The defense got skewered in 2011, but there also was a lot of shakeup all season due to injuries and youth. Do you think that unit will improve in 2012 or does work still need to be done there?

Jaxon: There is nowhere for the defense to go but up in my view. Getting some key starters back like linebackers Jon Beason and Thomas Davis and defensive tackle Ron Edwards should help a lot. I also like the recent hire of Steve Wilks as defensive backs coach to help a secondary that took a step back in 2011. But the Panthers do have holes to fill on defense. They could use another pass rusher, a cornerback and another option behind Thomas Davis at weakside linebacker if his recovery stalls as it did last year.

Zoneblitz: What would you like to see the Panthers do in the draft and free agency?

Jaxon: Given we expect to be over the salary cap or extremely close to it, I don’t see the Panthers being big players in free agency. I would like to see the Panthers draft a big cornerback like Dre Kirkpatrick or a defensive tackle like Michael Brockers to bring pressure up the middle. A defensive end or a linebacker is also likely option with the early picks. I have found it very hard to predict what General Manager Marty Hurney will do on draft day. This year will be no exception.

Zoneblitz: How far away are the Panthers from being a contender in the NFC South?

Jaxon: With what looks like an easier schedule in 2012 I think the Panthers can compete for a wild card slot in 2012 but an NFC South title is certainly another season or two down the road, given how tough the division is.

Zoneblitz: Is there anything you would like to add?

Jaxon: How about this. I think Panthers owner Jerry Richardson took a lot of heat for being one of the faces behind the lookout, heat he didn’t deserve. He was also at the same time called ‘cheap’ because he didn’t sign free agents prior to 2010 and was called ‘stupid’ because he let John Fox stay for his lame duck season. In the end I think he has been vindicated as the Panthers (and the NFL) are in a much better spot in 2012 because of him. I thought before and still think to this day he is one of the best owners in the NFL. Long live the Big Cat!

Follow Cat Scratch Reader on twitter at: @CatScratchReadr
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Previous In Depth: Jacksonville Jaguars
Next In Depth: Miami Dolphins

There’s even a new era at the Jaguars fan blog Black and Teal, where Luke Sims recently signed on as the new editor and lead writer. And he tells us Jacksonville’s future on the field may be on the way toward success sooner rather than later. Here’s what he had to say:

Zoneblitz: What are your first impressions of new owner Shahid Kahn? Are fans getting behind his efforts to rejuvenate the team and keep it in Jacksonville?

Luke Sims: I think the fans have really begun to come behind Shahid Khan.  This was seen with mustache night at Alltel stadium.  Khan provides a young, energetic approach to the owner position.  Khan has comes off very charismatically and sounds greatly committed to the team and the city of Jacksonville.  Based on his previous success in life, it is pretty easy to get behind the man and he knows what it takes to be success in his work and understands that the Jaguars are a product in a competitive market and need to turn out a very good product in order to be worth his investment.  I think he will manage the Jaguars very well and won’t be afraid to take necessary actions if the product is not up to par.

Zoneblitz: What do you think of Mike Mularkey’s selection as head coach?

Sims: Mike Mularkey has a very strong resume behind him.  He has been a head coach, he has been a tight end coach, he has worked with young quarterbacks (and seen them mature into successful quarterbacks), and he has a lot of experience orchestrating teams into becoming better versions of themselves.  But beyond the success he has had in the past, he also comes off as a very strong, and well respected, presence.  He isn’t overly flashy, he isn’t overly boisterous, but he gains the respect of his players and the coaches on his staff as well as coaches around the league.  I think the Jaguars are very fortunate to have him, especially during a transition time that is guaranteed to have some bumps in the road.

Zoneblitz: Blaine Gabbert struggled quite a bit as a rookie. Do you think he’s the quarterback of the future or are the Jaguars going to have to draft another one?

Sims: Blaine Gabbert’s struggles are characteristic of a rookie.  Recently, a lot of emphasis has been placed on rookies who immediately succeed.  You saw this in 2011 with Andy Dalton and the Bengals.  Going into the draft, Dalton was my top ranked quarterback and he showed his maturity in the game throughout the season.  Gabbert is a considerably different situation.  Blaine came in at age 21 after putting up successful work at Mizzou.  He has growing to do in pro football, and that is apparent.  I think he will grow, and quickly.  Not just because of “flashes” of brilliance during specific games, which he did have, but because of his work ethic and demeanor.

Gabbert is calm, he knows the work he needs to do, and he understands that preparing for the game is more than just going out and doing what the coaches ask of him. This is important because he recognizes that there is a next level that he needs to get to it. I think he’ll get there.  As to drafting another quarterback, I don’t think it is in the cards any time soon.  Drafting another quarterback undermines confidence that Gabbert has developed and it doesn’t usually create a situation of pushing the current quarterback as much as hiring a veteran quarterback who is able to compete and also teach.  Don’t look for the Jags to draft a quarterback, but don’t be shocked by them signing a “mentor” type quarterback to push and help Gabbert in his development.

Zoneblitz: Maurice Jones Drew was great in 2011 but Marcedes Lewis fell off the map and the wide receivers were mostly non-factors. Is there any promise at these spots on the roster or do they have to be upgraded in other ways?

Sims: MJD and the rest of the Jags’ running back stable are stacked.  Losing Rashad Jennings early was difficult for the Jags’ plans when running the ball, but “Pocket Hercules” proved again why he is such an important part of the team.  So the promise at running back is high.

Wide receivers, however, will have to be revamped.  A lot of the players at the position aren’t good enough to make the passing attack competitive.  The best receiver, Mike Thomas, is best used in the slot.  In order to put him there, you need two better, more prototypical wide receivers on the outside.  I don’t see any of those on the Jaguars’ roster right now.  Gene Smith will have to be active in the offseason to upgrade the position.

As to Marcedes Lewis and the tight ends, I think you’ll see a return to success from him and the others in 2012.  Mike Mularkey was once a tight ends coach (and ex-tight end) in Pittsburgh. He knows what he needs to do to motivate the crew to perform as they once did.  2011 was a fluke.  Look for Marcedes Lewis to make a return to dominance in 2012.  He isn’t Anthony Gonzalez, but he’s a great talent and can play at a top level in the NFL.  Mularkey will make the Jaguars capitalize on him.

Zoneblitz: Several offseason additions seemed to get the defense on track. How do you rate the 2011 season on that side of the ball and how does the team improve the defense for next year?

Sims: I rate the defense as superb.  They were sixth in the league this year and have shown they can make the Jaguars competitive even when the offense can’t put up points.  Mel Tucker has made very good transitions and schemes for his personnel.  The team can improve by generating more turnovers.  A lot of emphasis has been placed on sacks the last two years, and that can contribute greatly, but if the defense doesn’t take advantage and isn’t opportunistic, a lot of those plays (fumbles or bad throws) aren’t capitalized on.  Look for improvement in the turnover battle.

Zoneblitz: What would you like to see the Jaguars do in the draft and free agency?

Sims: Get some top flight wide receivers.  When you can’t catch balls you can’t be balanced.  The depth at cornerback was woefully shallow this year and needs to be addressed.  Starting players just signed off the street is not an option if you want to be successful.  The offensive line has begun to gel, though could use some depth, especially at guard and center.  The team needs a more competitive quarterback behind Blaine Gabbert and will probably get one.  Better pass rushing ends will also be a priority, as is depth behind Tyson Alualu and Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton at defensive Tackle.  I think some moves in those areas will be necessary.

Zoneblitz: How far away do you think this team is from being a contender in the AFC South?

Sims: We’re a season out from being a win away from taking the crown in 2010.  The Jags are close.  Count 2011 as a transition year and look for a stimulated performance throughout 2012.  The team knows how to compete and will look to be better in 2012.  It’s all about drive and vision.  Jack Del Rio was a players’ coach who held the locker room well.  But his vision had gotten murky, stale, and dry.  Mularkey will change that and Khan will provide enthusiastic backing.  Look for the Jags to compete for the crown.  If they aren’t in the running in 2012, I’ll be shocked.

Zoneblitz: Is there anything you would like to add?

Sims: I think the AFC South will become dominant again.  Back when the Colts were a perennial super bowl threat, the Jags sat below them on a bubble of good/above average.  As did the Titans.  In fact, three teams from the AFC South went to the playoffs in 2007.  The owners of the franchises are looking to return to success they once had.  The Titans, Jags, and Colts are all reformulating what it takes to return to the playoffs.  Based on past success by Jim Irsay and Bud Adams, and the unbridled enthusiasm of Shahid Khan, I think you can expect some very tough competition in the AFC South.  This is a good thing and will force the Jaguars to become even more competitive even more rapidly.

Follow Black and Teal on Twitter at: @blackandteal
Follow Zoneblitz on Twitter at: @ZoneblitzCom

Previous In Depth: Washington Redskins
Next In Depth: Carolina Panthers

The defense stepped it up big time in 2011. And despite a 4-12 record, the team was in a majority of its games until the very end. They need a dramatic infusion of talent on offense. But Steve DiMatteo, editor and lead writer of the Dawg Pound Daily, tells us he thinks the team is definitely on the right track.

Here’s what he had to say:

Zoneblitz: The Browns lost 12 games, but six were by a touchdown or less. What was your overall impression of the 2011 season?

DiMatteo: It was a testament to how well the defense played at times. The Browns’ offense was playing at historically poor levels this season, and if they were able to find the end zone even once in some of their games, this likely would have been a very different season. While the offense needs to add playmakers at almost every position, the defense is on track to becoming a dominant force in the AFC North, which should give fans hope for the future.

Zoneblitz: Does the Holmgren/Heckert/Shurmur regime have this team on the right track?

DiMatteo: I believe that they do. They inherited a team that had undergone years of poor drafting, which depleted the talent on the roster. This current regime essentially started from scratch and, with two consecutive solid drafts, has this team on the right track.

Zoneblitz: In 11 of the 12 losses, the Browns did not reach 20 points. What has to happen to change that?

DiMatteo: Plain and simple, the Browns need playmakers on offense. There are huge questions at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver, and it’s something the Browns must address through the draft and free agency. The front office used 2011 to see what they had talent-wise, and it’s painfully evident that the Browns don’t have a lot of it.

Zoneblitz: Is Colt McCoy the long-term answer at quarterback?

DiMatteo: That remains to be seen, but I think he’s deserves the opportunity to get another season to prove himself. With more playmakers around him, and what would feel almost like a fresh start, McCoy would finally be given a proper chance to ensure that he is the long-term answer at quarterback.

Zoneblitz: Is the Peyton Hillis bridge burned or could he come back?

DiMatteo: There is a slim chance that he could return, but it would have to come at a reduced rate. With the way he closed out the season, it made a lot of people forget about his troubles earlier in the season, but his return is still very much in question. At this point, I think the Browns will make an effort to bring him back, given the instability of their other running backs.

Zoneblitz: Greg Little showed flashes. What other offensive weapons does this team have and what does it need?

DiMatteo: Beyond him, there isn’t much. The need needs a true No. 1 wide receiver and, should Peyton Hillis not be re-signed, they will desperately need another strong running back. It should also go without saying that the Browns must bring in new receivers this offseason.

Zoneblitz: Despite not winning many games, the defense actually looked pretty good at times. Is this unit on the right track and how can it take the next step?

DiMatteo: It is certainly on the right track and simply needs to continue building depth at all positions in order to build a dominating defense. In addition to offensive playmakers, the Browns will need to draft some defensive players as well to ensure that the best aspect of their team continues to grow.

Zoneblitz: What would you like to see the team focus on in the draft and free agency?

DiMatteo: Ideally, the team will focus on bringing in offensive playmakers that will help Colt McCoy (or whomever the quarterback is), though there are needs at a number of other positions. The most fans can hope for is that the Browns make solid draft choices and bring in the right kind of veterans to ensure that this team improves in 2012.

Zoneblitz: A year removed, do you have any thoughts on the big trade with Atlanta from last year’s draft?

DiMatteo: It made a lot of sense then, and it makes a lot of sense now. The Browns have been rewarded an extra pick in the first round and will have a chance to stockpile on talent or trade up for a player that really interests them. The Browns are committed to building through the draft, and the trade with the Falcons was the best way to gain more draft picks and begin that process.

Zoneblitz: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

DiMatteo: The Browns are not as far off as people want you to think. Tom Heckert knows how to draft well and another solid crop of draft picks will truly begin the reconstruction of this team. They’ve been saddled with bad personnel decisions in the past, and that has certainly held them back, but this team is on the right track.

Follow Dawg Pound Daily on Twitter at: @dawgpounddaily
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Previous In depth: Minnesota Vikings
Next In depth: Tampa Bay Buccaneers