5 Questions

Mike Odom answers Mike Whitney

Who has been a bigger disappointment, the Giants offensive line or defensive line?
Both units have struggled to live up to the hype, but the D-line has left the back 7 hanging high and dry often this season. Individually, the talent is abundant for the front four. But Osi has struggled to come back from his knee injury, Justin Tuck is hampered by nagging injuries again, and Mathias Kiwanuka has been inconsistent. Big signing Chris Canty has only played in one game. The lack of a pass rush is astounding, and many Giants fans are left scratching their heads with this underachieving group.

If one team was going to make the playoffs, who would it be and why? Choices are Jaguars, Texans, or Ravens.
I would have to say Baltimore. I can't see Houston rebounding from that heartwrenching loss against Indy. Their schedule seems weak on paper, but this team has never shown the backbone to finish a season strong. Steve Slaton and Ryan Moats have failed to give the team a consistent running game and both players have showed a tendency to put the ball on the ground. Jacksonville can dominate one week, and get blown out the next. David Garrard is regressing from his wonderful 2007 season and the passing offense is stagnant. Maurice Jones-Drew is having a wonderful season, but can one man do it all? Probably not. The team's leading sacker has 1.5. The Jags simply can not make enough plays to contend. Baltimore has been here before. Their D is struggling this year, but I still have more faith in them than the other two defenses in question. The schedule is tough, but so is this team.

Will Tim Tebow get on the field in an NFL regular season game next year at any position?
Yes, but not because of his talent. Rookies play often in the modern day NFL, and Tebow is coming in with a variety of abilities. He will likely get some redzone packages for the team that drafts him.

Matt Cassel's year, disappointment or product of his team?
Statistically, his 2009 has been nothing to write home about. He missed some games with a knee injury, which is my biggest concern thus far. But he has done a great job protecting the football and is showing good poise and control in a chaotic situation in Kansas City. Tom Brady he is not, but if Todd Haley continues to surround Cassel with talent he could win a good amount of ball games in the coming years.

Who wins the NFC East?
All three of the contenders have a tough stretch to end the season, including games against each other. I am going to stick with the New York Giants. I do not trust Wade Phillips or Tony Romo down the stretch, and while this may be the most talented team they consistently blow up and meltdown. The Eagles simply fail to show up some weeks, and that will keep them from winning the crown. New York was in desperate need of a bye week and should get back to their winning formula to finish the year.