5 Questions

Mike Odom answers Mike Whitney

1. Why has Eddie Royal's and Tony Scheffler's numbers dropped significantly?
I sure wont say I saw this coming, but in hindsight, it makes sense. There are a few factors at play. Look at what you have here. New coach, new QB, new system. So lets build the target breakdown. Brandon Marshall is the biggest WR, and also the best. While some people may deny it, I can almost guarantee that any quarterback will go to the big target when in a pinch. Much like Eli Manning used to Plaxico Burress, I believe Orton looks to Marshall when under distress. The next WR isn't the best, but he is the smartest. At least as far as the system. Jabar Gaffney caught 36 and 38 passes in his past two seasons with Josh McDaniel in New England. He is on pace to exceed that total this year. Likely because he knows the system more than anyone else. So while everyone expected Eddie Royal to fill the Wes Welker role, perhaps McDaniels simply de-emphasized the position as opposed to forcing someone to fit it. Royal could still be looking for his niche. As far Scheffler, while he is projected to end up below his previous two years production, he is right on pace in some ways. In 2007, Ben Watson caught 36 passes for 389 yards and 6 touchdowns. He was down from that in 2008. Scheffler is on pace for 37 snags with 432 yards and 3 TDs. So this is what we should have predicted from Scheffler. I believe Royal will likely absorb Gaffney's role in 2010 and be much more potent.

2. Why has Jay Cutler struggled so badly this year?
I really do not think Mike Shanahan gets enough credit as a play caller and offensive guru. While you could attribute this to natural progression, John Elway lept from a 7-14 ratio in his rookie year without Shanahan to 18-15 his second with Shanahan as offensive coordinator. Shanahan threw for 20 plus TDs 6 times; only once did he do that in an offense not run by Shan. Steve Young won 2 MVPs in his 3 seasons with Shanahan as OC, and lead the league in TD passes all 3 of them. His peak was without a doubt during those 3 seasons. Shanahan also had two guys have their greatest season under him, Jake Plummer and Brian Griese. So while Cutler is clearly talented, he may need a great mind to lead him in the right direction. Ron Turner may not be the guy that can do that. Combine that with a step down in weapons and arguably more pressure, and you have the mistake prone Cutler we currently see.

3. Will Vince Young ever start an entire season?
Tough question. I can not predict the future, so I can not say for certain if Vince can stay healthy for 16 games. But I do think he can earn himself a starting job for a whole season. He has shown improvement in his current stint at QB, looks like a fit in the offense, and has the support of the owner. I would not be shocked if he starts 16 games in 2010.

4. Do either the Colts or Saints go 16-0 this regular season?
No way. After rolling over minimal competition early on, the Colts have eeked out 4 wins over better teams. While it is impressive they still find a way to win, they have only won by a total of 10 points in the last 3 games. I believe the Denver Broncos will take them down Week 14. That is, if they get past Tennessee unscathed. New Orleans looked sharp early on, but Drew Brees and company have showed a little leak. Before a systematic destruction of Tampa yesterday, the Saints had been in a tough game every week the previous four weeks. I believe the Saints fall to New England.

5. Will a Bears receiver get to 1000 yards this year or next?
Despite me slightly bashing this unit a few lines up, I believe the answer is yes. I called Devin Hester my most surprising player last week, and he is headed for becoming a true pass catching threat. I wouldn't be shocked if Chicago began to throw more in desperation here in the coming weeks, so Hester may actually break the milestone this season.