5 Questions

Mike Odom answers Mike Whitney

Who is the most improved player so far?
I had a lot of candidates here, including Sidney Rice, Ray Rice, and Darrelle Revis, but I am going with a player who has improved and not just fulfilled potential. Devin Hester was a return specialist coming out of college with some work at cornerback. He struggled to catch the ball at Miami and showed no signs of being a pro wide receiver. After a electrifying start to his career returning the ball, Chicago made the controversial move to focus his talents at wide receiver. After some early rough patches, Hester now looks like a legit pass catcher. While he is still raw and learning, his playmaking ability should be more prevelant once he becomes a seasoned pro.

Will Chris Johnson reach 2000 yards rushing?
I don't want to answer this question. At all. I believe in jinxs. But I will begrudgingly say yes. 2000 yards is no small feat. And a few things are working against CJ. All five of the guys to previously run for 2000 yards were on a winning team. Tennessee would have to finish 6-1 from here on out to achieve that. But Chris Johnson is having a season like no other. He managed to run for 128 yards in a 59-0 blowout loss. He has 16 plays over 25 yards, and 40 plays over 10 yards. I haven't seen a running back like him since Barry Sanders. He could have a 25 yard rushing day and seemingly kill all chances of 2000, then break off a 250 yard game with 3 big runs the following week. Don't bet against him.

Will Tom Cable be fired after this season?
Is there any doubt? Cable will likely be seeing his walking papers come January, and JaMarcus Russell will be following him out the door.

Who will be the first to get a job, Mike Holmgren or Mike Shanahan?
Two part answer. Holmgren will likely be hired first, but not as a head coach. I truely think Holmgren is done coaching, at least for a few years. He bowed out on his own terms. Shanahan, on the other hand, was shockingly fired and was suddenly out of the spotlight. I think Shanahan is a wise man and will not rush into a coaching job just for the sake of working. He will bide his time and wait for the right fit.

Which team currently in the playoffs has the weakest secondary?
I reviewed the playoff team's secondaries and boy was I unimpressed. Undrafted rookies, first round flameouts, and aging veterans litter the roster of these times shockingly. Atlanta is the worst of the contenders as far as pass coverage. Chris Houston and Thomas DeCoud are the most talented members of the secondary but are unproven. Brian Williams was a veteran presence but tore his ACL. Rams bust Tye Hill is playing a key role here. That should say enough.