Pro Football Articles Opinion & Fantasy – Football Diner

The Football Diner Big Interview – Fact or Fiction with:
Cecil Martin, Thurmond Moore and Larry Zierlein
interviewed by Graeme Young
September 17th 2010
 
I was lucky enough to catch up with much loved NFL pundit Cecil Martin, former Buffalo Bills defensive co-ordinator Thurmond Moore and former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Larry Zierlein this week and I had the chance to ask the guys a few questions. The two coaches and former Eagles Full Back Martin were in Stirling for an FBU camp with BAFL side Stirling Clansmen. The university students were treated to an afternoon of film study and invaluable tips and hints from the seasoned veterans. I managed to catch up with them and they shared their thoughts on a few topics in regards to the 2011 season.
 
Fact or Fiction:
The New England Patriots haven’t won a playoff game since the 2007 season, will that change this season?
 
Cecil Martin – I say FACT. They are one hell of a football team and that stat will be out the window come the end of the season. I like what they have done with bringing in Hayneswoth and eventually I think Ochocinco could become a big player for Brady.
Thurmond Moore – FACT. It will be interesting to see how they cope in the AFC playoffs as it is always tough. They have the Jets and also Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s always a battle in the AFC to get to the Super Bowl and New England will find it that way but they definitely win at least one playoff game this season.
Larry Zierlein – I’m pretty shocked about that stat but I say FACT. It’s pretty simple to work out, they are a good football team and I think they will win a lot of games this season.
 
Fact or Fiction:
Can the Detroit Lions make a massive step from mediocrity to NFC North champions this season?
 
CM – FICTION. I like what Detroit is doing but I see them more as a playoff team this season. They are in a tough division but they could definitely still be competing in January. They have a very defence and if Stafford stays healthy they have a real shot.
TM – This one is definitely a FACT. They are a great young upcoming team and even though they play in the toughest division in the NFC they have a chance, I would say Green Bay and Chicago are the favourites but they definitely have a shot.
LZ – Without a doubt this is a FACT. They have an unbelievably good defensive line with Suh and the defensive ends. Fairley was a hell of a college player and he could turn out to be a great pro. They probably have the best defensive line in football and that offence could be very good as well. I think they could very well go far in the playoffs.
 
Fact or Fiction:
Can the Atlanta Falcons regain their form after a couple of poor showings at the end of last season and start of this season to challenge for the NFC Championship?
 

CM – I would say FACT. They have plenty of time to recover and they still have a good offence. They are in a tough division but I could definitely see the Falcons competing for the NFC Championship. The receiving duo of Roddy White and Julio Jones are important as they move ahead.
TM – FACT. There is a long way to go this season and you cannot judge them on that one game. I like what the Atlanta Falcons did in the off season bringing in Ray Edwards and Julio Jones. There is no way you can write them off after one game.
LZ – I say FICTION, I like the Saints for the NFC South and I think Atlanta will struggle to get in through the playoffs this season. They will still be competitive but I think the NFC is full of talent and Atlanta will find it really tough.
 
Fact or Fiction:
Vince Young described the Eagles as The Dream Team in preseason, will that make teams play harder against them this season?
 
CM – I say FICTION that they are the dream team but FACT that teams will play them harder this season. By saying things like that you are putting yourself out there and you need to then live up to all the hype. Teams and certain players will definitely respond to that sort of thing.
TM – FACT. I think when you put a target on your back like that, teams are going to want to respond and make a statement against you. It wasn’t the smartest thing for Vince to say, especially due to the fact he probably will not start a game this season.
LZ – Absolute FICTION. This league is hard enough without having to worry about what opposing players are saying. It was a nice sound bite but I honestly believe players give you there all no matter who is put in front of them.
 
Fact or Fiction:
Is Aaron Rodgers the best QB in football?
 
CM– I think that’s a FACT. Aaron Rodgers is the man with the ring and the belt. He is the top man in the game at present and I think he is only going to get better. There are a few other guys you could throw in the mix like Brady but Rodgers is the man to beat as of this moment.
TM – FACT. He is the man with the ring, he is the most accurate passer and he led his team as underdogs in the playoffs. The most important thing though is he is the man with the ring. In my opinion he is the quarterback in the game as of right now.
LZ – FICTION. He is one hell of a quarterback but you can’t look past Brady. I think Tom is still the best there is in the game right now. Peyton would be up there as well if it wasn’t for injury. One guy I would like to throw in there is Big Ben. I worked with him for three years and he is a great player. I know he didn’t play well against the Ravens but he is pretty unique in the fact of his movement and accuracy in the pocket for one so big, Fran Tarkenton could do it but he wasn’t the size of Ben. Brady is the best though at the moment.