Chiefs QB Tyler Palko Is Actually Shane Falco from "The Replacements"

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Tyler Palko is currently the starting quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs. Please understand that, in this instance, currently is a fleeting term. As I type, Palko is in the midst of a three turnover (two interceptions, one fumble) performance in the first half of the Chiefs' battle against the mighty Pittsburgh Steelers.

With the newly-acquired Kyle Orton waiting in the wings, Palko has a shorter leash than any other "starting" quarterback in the NFL. I have "starting" in quotes because he's only the starter as a result of the season-ending injury to true No. 1 Matt Cassel.

Shane Falco, on the other hand, is the fictional starting quarterback of the Washington Sentinels from The Replacements. Fans across the globe have been buzzing about the errie similarities. Are these two QBs actually the same guy?

Coincidences...Or Are They? 

1. Their names. 

Tyler Palko and Shane Falco? Really? You must've already noticed that. 

Both names have 10 letters that are distributed equally into five-letter, first and last names. If that isn't enough, their last names legitimately rhyme. Palko and Falco; it really is pretty funny. 

2. Their handedness. 

Both Palko and Falco are left-handed quarterbacks, which is interesting because they are especially rare in today's NFL. 

3. Their football situations. 

Palko became the starter in Kansas City because the man in front of him (Cassel) went down. His opportunity hatched from someone else's absence. 

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The same can be said of Falco, who took over as the Sentinels' starting quarterback when No. 1 gunslinger Eddie Martel (played by Brett Cullen of Lost and The West Wing) went on strike along with the rest of Washington's top tier players. Freaky. 

4. Their styles of play.

Neither Palko or Falco can be considered a pure pocket passer. Both lefties like to roll out and attempt to make plays on the run. Neither quarterback is known for stretching the field with regularity; they are more likely to connect on intermediate routes. 

So what does all this mean? You wonder.

Well, it means exactly what you think it means...

The Kansas City Chiefs, a professional football franchise in the middle of a fight for the AFC West division title, have decided that a fictional quarterback played by a well-known actor with no real football experience gives them the best opportunity to win in the absence of starter Matt Cassel. 

When Keanu Reeves declined the real-life role as Falco, the Chiefs handed the keys over to the closest thing, Mr. Palko. 

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Needless to say, it's not working out very well. I think I'd rather have Willie Beamen of the Miami Sharks. 

(John Frascella is the author of Theo-logy: How a Boy Wonder Led the Red Sox to the Promised Land, the first book centered on famous GM Theo Epstein. If you are a website looking for contributions from John, please contact him at john.frascella@gmail.com.)

2011 NFL Surprises: Cam Newton, DeMarco Murray & Andy Dalton Lead the Way

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Some teams, i.e. the Packers, Steelers and Patriots, are meticulously constructed prior to the season and play the way we expect them to play throughout the year.

Other teams, like the 49ers, Cowboys and Bengals, are more surprising and/or enigmatic. To get where they are at this point in the season, they've needed incredible contributions from players that were projected and expected to do little to nothing.

This post is an ode to those players. 

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RB DeMarco Murray and WR Laurent Robinson, Dallas Cowboys:

Murray, a rookie, was behind Felix Jones on the depth chart from the get-go. The argument could also be made that, initially, he was behind Tashard Choice as well. 

Now, after Jones' annual battle with injury and Choice's departure to the Redskins (and now Bills), Murray has taken over the reins and emerged as one of the most explosive and productive running backs in the NFC. 

The rambunctious rookie has displayed the ability to shoulder the load between the tackles, but also bounce to the outside with speed. His pass catching has been a welcome development too.

Robinson, once well regarded by the St. Louis Rams franchise, was an oft-injured scrap heap pick up for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys. 

Now, believe it or not, he's Tony Romo's favorite target...particularly in the redzone. Laurent (pronounced "Law-ron" not "Law-rent") picked up two more touchdowns in today's Thanksgiving nail-biter victory over Tony Sparano's never-say-die Dolphins.

Robinson has showcased blazing, raw speed on fly patterns, but his ability to create separation under pressure -- on third down and in scoring position -- has been the most impressive aspect of his improved repertoire. 

DeMarco Murray and Laurent Robinson...from bench players buried on the depth chart, to star performers on a potential division champion. A nice story for the Cowboys and their devoted fans.

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QB Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals:

The Rookie of the Year voters are going to have an awfully tough time this season...

Dalton, like his teammate and favorite target A.J. Green, is another rising star rookie. "The Red Rifle" has provided energy and excellence for a Bengals franchise that was faltering under fading veteran Carson Palmer in recent years. 

I don't want to give all of the credit to Dalton though; Marvin Lewis' defensive unit has been superb this year as well. 

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The Entire 49ers Franchise:

I can't say I'm surprised that they're in first place in the NFC West (because of the Rams, Cardinals and Seahawks), but I am incredibly surprised that Jim Harbaugh's boys boast the second-best record in the entire NFL.

I considered the 49ers a possible playoff team because they inhabit the weakest division in the league, but I never thought they'd be in the discussion with the Packers, Steelers, Ravens, Patriots and others of the like.

The Niners have top-tier players in LB Patrick Willis and RB Frank Gore and solid receiving options in WR Michael Crabtree and TE Vernon Davis; so their true surprise is QB Alex Smith.

Smith isn't spectacular -- he doesn't display the ability to stretch the field effectively -- but he's been efficient and effective. The strength of his game is likely his mobility and extension of plays both inside and outside of the pocket.

When it comes down to it, I don't believe this team can beat the Packers in a playoff game, but there's a possibility they'll reach the NFC Championship game. A credit to Harbaugh and his improved coaching staff.

Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers:

DeMarco Murray...Andy Dalton...A.J. Green...and Cam. Who will take home the rookie hardware? 

The Panthers haven't been finding ways to win, but Cam's been nothing short of spectacular, especially relative to his experience level. Sky's the limit for this kid.

His accuracy and understanding of the position have far surpassed early expectations, and he's one of the top scrambling QBs in the game.

In the world of fantasy football, he's been a real-life superhero. Racking up ridiculous points as a rookie. Yes, that's alliteration.  

Honorable Mention

Ben Tate, RB, Houston Texans

Willis McGahee, RB, Denver Broncos

Tim Tebow, QB, Denver Broncos (winning, and not much else -- but does anything else matter?)

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Jimmy Graham, TE, New Orleans Saints (deserves his own paragraph but I'm getting lazy.)

Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants

Pat Angerer, LB, Indianapolis Colts (leading the NFL in tackles)

Kyle Arrington, CB, New England Patriots (leading the NFL in interceptions)

Mark Sanchez Has Become the Jets Scapegoat, and It Just Ain't Right.

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Mark Sanchez blew the Thursday night game against the Broncos -- there's no denying that. Considering the Jets' suffocation of Tim Tebow prior to Sanchez's untimely pick, it's safe to assume that a seven-point lead was enough to secure a victory.

A poorly-executed out was the one throw he couldn't make, the one he had to avoid, and yet he tossed it anyway. Inevitable disaster followed. 

This one's on him, and he knows it. He admitted exactly that.

However, Mark Sanchez isn't the reason the Jets are mediocre at 5-5. The Jets are 5-5 because their collective talent is mediocre, especially with Shonn Greene, LaDainian Tomlinson and Jeremy Kerley on the sidelines. 

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The offensive line, with the exception of Nick Mangold (when healthy), has been disappointing this season. Wayne Hunter has been an absolute disaster, exposing Sanchez to far too many devastating blows.  

Their receivers are highly overrated. Both Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress are one-trick ponies on the down side of their careers. Holmes is only reliable running slants at this point, and Burress is only effective in the redzone. 

Where is Sanchez supposed to turn, especially with Kerley absent from the slot?

Dustin Keller is a solid, all-around NFL tight end, but he's hardly an explosive weapon. He's dependable; he's not a truly dangerous playmaker. 

Where are the playmakers for this offense? How is Sanchez supposed to thrive?

Anyone who knows football knows he cannot possibly thrive given the current offensive circumstances. Maybe he can win, but he can't possibly put up All-Pro numbers and shine like the superstars of the quarterback position. 

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It doesn't help that Brian Schottenheimer is arguably the most clueless and inconsistent offensive coordinator in professional football. It's maddening how often he eliminates the run-pass option on third-and-shorts. Force the opposing defense to make a decision...please! Don't just go empty shotgun and tell them exactly what's coming. 

Defensively, we have a "monster" defense with only two legitimate stars: Darrelle Revis and David Harris. The only stars on the ENTIRE team are Revis, Harris and Mangold. No one could honestly view this team as a serious Super Bowl contender, could they?

Bart Scott, Jim Leonhard and Eric Smith are bums. Antonio Cromartie is good relative to his position but showcases his weaknesses (lack of strength, over-committing) as often as his strengths. The defensive line is average and nothing more.

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Where exactly, on their roster, does this Jets team separate itself from mediocrity?

The answer is...they don't. 

At this rate they'll continue to beat terrible teams, battle against average teams and lose to top-tier teams. Don't fool yourselves...

These are the 2011-12 New York Jets. 

Five-and-five.

Just...average.

NFL Power Rankings: The Ravens Are On the Rise

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I decided to go with Bleacher Report's format for this edition of my NFL Power Rankings.

Don't hesitate to comment and stir up debate below the article.

NFL Team Power Projections: The Colts Are a Joke Without Peyton Manning

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These are my predictions for the END of the season. Enjoy!

32. Indianapolis Colts (currently 0-8):  Their franchise quarterback (Peyton Manning, duh) is injured with no incentive to return this season, starting running back (Joseph Addai) is aging and unable to stay healthy, tight end Dallas Clark appears to be lacking explosion and their defense is the worst in the league. I don't see any potential for improvement. 

31. Denver Broncos (2-5):  I don't know about you, but I believe professional defensive players when they call an opposing quarterback an "absolute joke." Tim Tebow obviously isn't the answer for this hapless franchise, and I doubt Brady Quinn will be either. Kyle Orton gives this listless bunch the best chance to win, but I'm not sure he'll reclaim the reins this season.

30. Arizona Cardinals (1-6):  I can't believe they blew that 24-3 lead against the reeling Ravens. When they had the opportunity to put their collective foot on Baltimore's throat, they held back and allowed a struggling team to regain its confidence. Bummer for my Jets in the wild card race. Now Kevin Kolb is injured (not that he's any good, really) and Beanie Wells is always struggling to stay on the field. On the other side of the ball, they miss former CB1 Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. All things considered, the Cardinals are a mess. 

29. Miami Dolphins (0-7):  For a winless team, they're really not that bad. Matt Moore has done a very admirable job filling in for Chad Henne (he might be better anyway), Reggie Bush is coming off one of the best games of his career, and they still have quality players in Brandon Marshall, Cameron Wake and Yeremiah Bell.  Tony Sparano is a good football coach. I'm sure he'll help another franchise after the Dolphins let him go. 

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28. Washington Redskins (3-4):  A mess at the quarterback position (John Beck and Rex Grossman), RB1 Tim Hightower done for the year, WR1 Santana Moss and TE Chris Cooley hurt, and a head coach (Mike Shanahan) who can never seem to make up his mind. Veteran linebacker London Fletcher is still a beast, but he's their only reliable standout. 

27. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6):  Their offense is certainly nothing to write home about, but their tough, relentless defense is enough to keep them ahead of the teams ranked 28 to 32. 

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26. Cleveland Browns (3-4):  They can't keep Peyton Hillis or Montario Hardesty on the field, so their offense lacks the balance necessary to be even the least bit effective. They are tough and physical defensively (like the preceding Jaguars), but overall they don't have enough going for them to stay around the .500 mark. 

** Author's note: I didn't get the opportunity to finish this post because I was away for the weekend. Nevertheless, this is my blog and my site so I'm going to post it anyway =)