Every year many of us gather around the TV to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a lovely Christmas tale where George Bailey is given a second chance on life after a visit from a guardian angel. And many of you are likely a little morose after your team has failed to reach the playoffs in 2012. Well, consider me your Clarence as I show you why there is reason for hope with your favorite team. And without further ado …

The Chargers defense has played a single high coverage 76% (104/170) of the opponents drop backs. They will also be forced to stack the box due to RB Doug Martin’s presence.

Before we get started, that headline is a total lie. If you clicked here to read my body language analysis, stop reading and go watch CNN. I just saw a body language “expert” breaking down the presidential debate last night… which I’m sure is riveting. Is there a more ridiculous thing around? No, I’m not going to analyze body language. What I am going to analyze is facts. Like, how Bears QB Jay Cutler was destroyed by Ndamukong Suh’s side suplex, only to return one play later and lead his team to victory. And words, which are what Panthers QB Cam Newton uses after each loss. Like how Newton said, “I think you can go around the locker room and expect […]

As we do every week, let’s take a swing around the NFL, looking at a bunch of random things… 1. I spent some time in Chicago earlier in the week at the NFL’s annual Fall Meeting, and many of the topics addressed here are from the meeting. There were a bunch of issues discussed, but nothing more important happened than the introduction of Browns owner Jimmy Haslam III. I know it won’t exactly affect the team’s performance on the field today — or, likely won’t — but it is noteworthy. After years of having an owner in Randy Lerner who was never around, Haslam will be the opposite. He’s moving to Cleveland. He’ll be present, his family will be present… […]

As we do every week, let’s take a swing around the NFL, looking at a bunch of random things … So, what’s been up? 1. Philadelphia is the City of Brotherly Love, right? That’s what they tell me. And to be fair, I did feel the love spending four days here (though that had a lot to do with cheesesteaks). But it really should be called the City of Brotherly Love/Hate. That’s the relationship between the fans and their teams, it seems. Such intense emotion, such deep feelings, I’m blown away every time I come here. It’s one reason I love returning to Philly. But I never really had context until I talked to Eagles coach Andy Reid about it. […]

As we do every week — except this time, it’s game week! — let’s take a swing around the NFL, looking at a bunch of random things … So, what’s been up? 1. The Steelers play tonight against the Broncos, and they get the first crack at QB Peyton Manning. Sure, Pittsburgh is tweaked about some injury issues (I don’t blame them), but they are mostly ready to go. I just want to take out a second and note something you shouldn’t really need to praise anyone for. I’ll do it anyway. Nice, easy, sound decision by coach Mike Tomlin to eliminate any possibility of S Ryan Clark playing in the mile-high altitude because of a health issues. This should […]

They went to rival schools. And even if they didn’t play on the same field, the ties still run deep. Calvin Johnson was a star at Georgia Tech, an All-American who would go on to become the No. 2 pick of the draft. A.J. Green was a star at Georgia, an All-SEC receiver who would be the No. 4 pick of the draft. And this summer… They trained together? It’s true. And they did it at Georgia Tech, joining a group of more than 20 NFL players there. It was a pretty good deal, with Megatron taking Green under his wing. There was just one thing: Green couldn’t wear Georgia gear. “But I can live with that if I get […]