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Pro Bowl picks 'n' pans
Updated: Friday December 15, 2000 7:40 PM
CNNSI.com's B. Duane Cross talked with former NFL head coach and current CNN NFL Preview analyst Ron Meyer about several issues and storylines as teams prepare for Week 16: Cross: First off, I know you have been in Orlando, Florida, this week, prepping your XFL team for the opening of training camp in January. How are things shaping up for the Chicago Enforcers? Meyer: It's been a really good week; the guys are very enthusiastic. We've had our whole contingency of 70 players down here, and we've had a chance to look at our offensive and defensive lines. I'm really eager to see how our defense plays, their ability to pursue, go to the ball. I'm really encouraged. Cross: Coach, the hot topic of the week is the Pro Bowl -- namely, who did or did not make the teams. Are there one or two players who did not make the team that has you scratching your head? Meyer: Well, the player on everyone's lips is Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb. I think it's ironic that he may be the league MVP, but not make the Pro Bowl. That would make the whole [Pro Bowl] selection process a bit suspect. Another player is Jets running back Curtis Martin. But the question there is, whom would you drop? Eddie George, Edgerrin James? It shows how competitive that position is in the AFC. One player who has been overlooked a lot this season is Seattle's Ricky Watters. He's had a helluva year, and it's unfortunate he cannot get the honor. But that's what makes getting a Pro Bowl spot so rewarding. Cross: Many pundits left New Orleans for dead when running back Ricky Williams was injured, but the Saints have remained one of the biggest surprises of the season with a backfield by committee. New Orleans is on the cusp of clinching a playoff berth, and I cast my vote for Jim Haslett as coach of the year. Can you convince me otherwise? Meyer: There's no question about the turnaround job Jim Haslett has done in New Orleans, particularly when the Saints lost their quarterback, Jeff Blake and Williams to injuries. I think last week's win against San Francisco -- on the road, against a much-improving 49ers teams and coming from behind -- may have sealed it for Haslett. But there are several other coaches that may get it, too. Brian Billick in Baltimore, Jon Gruden in Oakland, even Tom Coughlin, who kept Jacksonville from falling into a crater in the second half. Also, Mike Shanahan in Denver deserves some recognition. And then there's Andy Reid in Philadelphia, Jim Fassel and even Denny Green. It'll be interesting. I think the case can be made for several of these coaches. Cross: Another head coach, Chris Palmer in Cleveland, played a pair of wide receivers at quarterback last week. And now there are rumblings that he may be dismissed -- not because of last week -- at the end of the season. Meyer: Absolutely not, two years is not enough with that team, for any coach. It's an ugly expansion team, and the Browns lost their quarterback [Tim Couch] to injury early. You look at Cleveland's personnel, and it's just not there to compete yet. There were a lot of [playoff] expectations this year, but I said early on that the Browns would be lucky to win four games. Cross: Washington laid an egg at Dallas and is hanging on to its postseason hopes by a thread. The Redskins now play at Pittsburgh on Saturday -- against a much better defense than the Cowboys -- in the final game in Three Rivers Stadium. If you were Terry Robiskie, would you be polishing up the resume? Meyer: The dye has been cast by team owner Daniel Snyder on his motive of operation. I think it was a tremendous opportunity for Terry, even given the limited amount of time. He was an integral part of that team, and it's just a shame the team couldn't pull itself together against Dallas. But, all fingers are pointed at the head coach. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Steelers, who have their own problems, rally in the final game at Three Rivers -- the Terrible Towels waving -- all the ghosts from years past. Still, I think the Redskins will win it at the end on an Eddie Murray field goal. Cross: Indianapolis plays at Miami on Sunday, a game, which the Colts must win to remain in contention for a playoff berth. The Dolphins know they are a virtual lock. Is there any chance Miami leaves the door cracked? Meyer: To me, Miami still has a good defense, and if quarterback Jay Fiedler plays, that's an added bonus. That defense is the difference in the game. Indianapolis is coming off a short week with its win against Buffalo on Monday night. I also believe the Colts may have a false impression of their defense after getting nine sacks against the Bills. They'll have some swagger, but if the big plays don't happen right away, I think Indy's defense will begin pressing. Cross: Tampa Bay plays host to St. Louis on Monday night, a matchup that looked like No. 15 on the team's schedules a few weeks ago. Now, it's become vital to both the Bucs and Rams. Meyer: This is why you love to watch football at this time of the year. There is no tomorrow, and one loss can be devastating. I really like Tampa Bay, playing at home, on grass, which will slow down the Rams' offense. I believe the Buccaneers will use a defense similar to the one they used in the playoffs last year, when Tampa Bay came a play or two away from going to the Super Bowl. Ron Meyer, a former NFL head coach, is a pro football analyst with CNN/Sports Illustrated and appears weekly on CNN's NFL Preview.
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