Five Questions for a Topsy-Turvy 2008 NFL Season

Five Questions for a Topsy-turvy NFL:

1. Which team is the real San Diego Chargers, the one that smoked the Jets or the one that could do nothing against the Dolphins? Fact is the Chargers should have never fired Marty Schottenheimer. Norv Turner has proven one thing in his head coaching career, and that is that he doesn’t know how to do it. His team’s inconsistent play is a direct reflection of his inability to get them properly prepared to play.

2. Is it time to give Darren Sproles a bigger role in the Chargers offense? He seems to be the biggest threat San Diego has right now on offense, but Norv Turner would rather play LaDainian Tomlinson on a bad toe. Food for thought: Sproles is averaging 5.0 yards per carry and he has six receptions for 139 yards (23.2 yards per reception). Tomlinson is averaging 3.7 yards per carry and he has 15 receptions for 80 yards (5.3 yards per reception).

3. Which team has been the biggest pariah to football bettors in 2008? The Detroit Lions are a miserable 0-4 on the field and against the spread. Although, many people expected the Lions to stink, so, in reality, the Lions have probably been good to bettors. I would give this unwanted title to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags were highly touted coming into the season and they currently sit at 2-3. They have been especially unkind to their backers, going just 1-4 against the spread.

4. Which NFL coach is on the hottest seat? This was a no-brainer until Al Davis finally extinguished Lane Kiffin, now it is an open competition. There are certainly a number of coaches with hot backsides (i.e. Rod Marinelli, Romeo Crenell, and Mike Nolan), but Marvin Lewis’ pants are smoking. His Bengals are winless and he has demonstrated an inability to control the locker room.

5. Which of the top five teams (record-wise) is most likely to tank it? This is tough because the Broncos and Steelers have exhibited some big weaknesses, but they both play in weak divisions. The Bills, while I think they are a good team, look like they will have a tough road through the AFC East. The Patriots are still grinding out wins, the Jets are clearly improved, and the Dolphins look to be capable of playing some pretty good football. I do not see a total collapse in Buffalo but I can see an 8-8 or 9-7 finish.