DLR Presents: Under Center with Maly-Mal

The days are getting shorter, the nights a little cooler, and the smell of fresh cut grass is in the air. That only means one thing… Its football season! The NFL begins its 2008 regular season campaign with the now traditional Thursday night opener, as the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants host the Washington Redskins. The 2008 season looks to be an intriguing one, and Under Center with Maly-Mal will be here every Tuesday (for the week in review) and Friday (for the upcoming weekend preview). As many of you know, I tend to focus on the NFC East, because I live in an NFC East city (Washington, DC… But HATE the Redskins!). However, I promise to do my best and give each team the attention they deserve. So, if throughout the year you feel I’m not giving your team enough love, it only means one thing... YOUR TEAM STINKS AND IS NOT WORTHY OF MY TIME! The truth hurts, doesn’t it? And, I haven’t even begun to give my divisional, team-by-team breakdown. Until now…

NFC EAST
Washington Redskins – After replacing Joe Gibbs, Jim Zorn was suppose to ignite the Redskins offense, implementing the infamous ‘West Coast’ offense. However, after the pre-season, it looks like Zorn extinguished it. I know, I know, it’s only pre-season. And, in Zorn’s defense, Jason Campbell is not a cerebral quarterback. Having a quarterback with the ability to read the defense in a matter of tenths of seconds is essential to making the West Coast offense go. Jason Campbell was drafted for his physical abilities, which is all that’s needed to succeed in a Joe Gibbs offense. Think about it… Joe Theismann – throw it long to ‘Downtown’ Charlie Brown, Doug Williams – go deep to Ricky Sanders, Mark Rypien – look for Gary Clark on a streak pattern… Get the point? Zorn trying to get Campbell to do what Hasselbeck has done for him over the past couple of seasons is like trying to get the square peg through the round hole. It doesn’t fit! And, neither does Campbell. Thus, the Redskins are in for another long season. At least Zorn will have the excuse of being a first year head coach. What’s your excuse Dan Snyder?
Ending Record: 6-10

Dallas Cowboys – The star on the helmet couldn’t represent the team’s makeup more. From Tony Romo and T.O. to Pac-Man and Newman, the Cowboys are loaded with star caliber players. On paper, that is. The Cowboys are the experts pick to win the NFC. My gut tells me they’ll find a way to blow it, again. Terrell Owens is 34, Tony Romo’s living the life with girlfriend Jessica Simpson, Roy Williams is a shell of his Sooner self, and the linebacker corps is pretty suspect. Not to mention Wade Phillips. I do think Wade will finally get the monkey off his back and win his first playoff game. But, will he run the table? I doubt it. The guy just has terrible luck, and the Cowboys are the recipient of it. The Cowboys do have enough offense to win the division, but, not enough defense to win it all. Divisional championships aren’t enough in Dallas, which will prompt Jerry Jones to make a coaching change. By year end, Jones will realize his fantasy of naming Jason Garrett the head coach.
Ending Record: 12-4

Philadelphia Eagles – Once again, Broad St. is full of optimism. Why, I don’t know, because once again, the Eagles will disappoint. The experts are saying the Eagles success on offense rides on the health of quarterback Donovan McNabb. I say the success of the offense depends on how quickly the Eagles get rid of offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg! I’ve been saying it for the past two seasons, the biggest reason the Eagles have slipped a peg or two, lies solely with the lose of now Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress. Mornhinweg was promoted from the quarterback’s coach, once Childress departed. Tell me, who hires/promotes fired Detroit Lions coaches? Steve Mariucci can’t even get a gig. That’s what Detroit does to you. So, maybe the blame should fall on Andy Reid, the man responsible for hiring and promoting Mornhinweg. The same coach who says he’s happy with the likes of Hank Baskett, Greg Lewis, and Reggie Brown as receivers. This leads me to my next point… There are coaches who know how to win, and you only refer to them by last name… Lombardi, Shula, Knoll, Parcells, Belichick… And, there are coaches who will never get it, and full names apply… Bruce Coslet, Wade Phillips, Norv Turner, ANDY REID!
Ending Record: 9-7

New York Giants – The Giants will have to defend their title without the heart (Osi Umenyiora) and soul (Michael Strahan) of last year’s championship team. However, the Giants seem to have a knack for being in the thick of things when it counts. With questions abound… Was last year a breakthrough season for Eli Manning? Can Plaxico Burress stay healthy? Can the defense come together and repeat last year’s performance? The answers will tell the level of success for this team. If they do succeed, it won’t be because of you Antonio Pierce! The loud mouth Giants linebacker loves to talk trash about what his teammates do. Now he’s on his own.
Ending Record: 9-7

Tomorrow I will give you a breakdown on the rest of the league. Maly-Mal out!