I think it’s pretty cool when teams switch up their color schemes and come out with an alternate jersey. Sometimes, they’re good choices and sometimes, they’re down right horrible. The alternate jersey creates a new vibe once or twice a year; I must say it’s nice to see something different on NFL players. Last week, I gave grades to the NFL’s retro jerseys this week it’s time to see how the alternates do.

NFC West

St. Louis Rams: B
I have never seen the Rams wear these stand out gold gold jerseys yet. However, I think if they wear these jerseys with the blue pants, they would look really nice. In no way however, should the Rams wear the gold unis with their gold pants because that would just look like gold bricks running around the field. The Rams’ alternate might be available for use in the locker room, but until I see it out in the dome, I really can’t give it a good enough grade.

NFC North

Detroit Lions: A
When the Detroit Lions moved into Ford Field a few years back, they modified the logo from this to this. The touch of black around the the Lion sprung up an idea to have a new black uniform. Quite frankly, I wish the Lions would wear this jersey more. The blue numbers and blue stripes on the sleeve add a nice touch. I know the black is not a traditional Lions color, but Detroit fans have to love the sweet alternate they have.

Chicago Bears: A-
When the Chicago Bears busted out these tight orange jerseys a year ago, I was amazed by how good they looked. The orange comes from the “C” on the helmet. I just like the way the orange looks with the dark blue. The Bears could have screwed this color scheme up bad with some orange pants or something, but they made the right choice. It’s kind of sad because the Bears have worn these unis twice in two years, both against the San Francisco 49ers. Can you imagine the response if they wore them in a primetime game on national television?

Green Bay Packers: C+
I’m still waiting for Brett Favre and company to wear these bright highlight yellow jerseys. In no way should the Packers wear these hideous jerseys at home. It would be a disgrace to the Green Bay community. The only way you’re going to see these things is if the Packers wear them on the road. They have them in the arsenal, but I don’t think anyone is going to pull the trigger and bring these out yet. If the do just make sure you have some sort of shades on.

NFC East

New York Giants: B+
I like the idea the Giants are going with here. They wear these red unis once a year and I think they should keep it that. Don’t get me wrong, they’re okay and all, but when you really take a look at them they’re just plain. There’s no blue, nothing on the sleeves, and no unique stripes like on the away jersey. I really like the red, but I need to see a little more to give them the “A”.

Philadelphia Eagles: D
What the hell are the Eagles thinking? Does this jersey look a whole lot different from the current home one? The home uni right now is already a dark color. I know the only colors in the organization are green, black, and white, but that doesn’t mean you have to come out with jerseys for all three colors. Especially when the black alternate doesn’t look that different from your home jersey. Seriously, what’s the point of busting out the black one once a year? Just wear the already bad dark green ones.

NFC South

Carolina Panthers: A+
First of all, let me just tell you that this jersey is simply the best alternate in the NFC, hands down. You can’t compare this alternate to any other in the League. The light blue that takes over the jersey is simply awesome. The black and white stripes on the shoulder with the Panthers logo on the sleeves make this a must buy for Carolina fans.

Atlanta Falcons: B
This may or may not be an alternate jersey because the Falcons do wear this jersey quite often. Whatever, it’s still tight. I like the way the Falcons brought back the red that was used back in the Deion Sanders days. The jersey is a nice switch from the Falcon black that is also used a lot on Sundays. I give it a “B”, but the jersey should be worn with the black pants because thats when the whole jersey looks great.

New Orleans Saints: B
Not only will the Saints wear a retro jersey this season, but they have decided to go with the alternate look as well. If this jersey is worn with the Saints black pants like they did last year, it will be another hit in New Orleans. It just seems like the Saints have everything going for them this year so why not continue to spice things up by bringing back the alternate.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C
I’m not liking the black alternate here. I really don’t see the need for the Buccaneers to add this jersey to their closet, but I guess they think it’s worth it. I’m not digging the red trim on the sleeves or the black pirate ships. The ships should be in red and not camouflaged within the rest of the black jersey. I’m glad Tampa Bay only sports these jerseys once a year because I get a headache with the copper pants and black tops.

AFC West

Denver Broncos: B+
I really enjoy when the Broncos bust out these sweet alternates once a year. The first time they wore them was during a game at the new Mile High when it snowed. The sharp orange stuck out nicely on the snow. I also like how the Broncos keep the same design as they incorporate the blue slashes from the top of the jersey all the way down the side.

AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals: A-
When the Bengals displayed these insanely awesome alternates last year, I could not keep my eyes off the highlight reels. The tiger orange is perfect for the Bengals main alternate color and it fits well with the tiger stripes that run from the shoulders to the sleeves. The stripes on the sleeves are probably the best thing about the jersey. Just make sure the back of yours says “Ocho Cinco”

Baltimore Ravens: B+
The Ravens are the only team in the league that should have black alternates. Philly and Tampa take note. Ravens are black, eagles are not. It’s weird when the Ravens wear these, because they actually look like ravens when they wear them with the black pants. If I was going to buy a Ravens jersey or even a black jersey for that matter, I would with go with the Ravens alternate.

AFC East

Miami Dolphins: A
Before the season even started, I wanted a Ronnie Brown Dolphins alternate so bad. I’m not even a Dolphins fan, but I sure do love their alternates. I was happy when the Dolphins finally come out with an alternate last season and even more pleased when they made it orange. There’s just something about the orange jerseys. The numbers on the shoulders and the green trim on the sleeves make this the best alternate in the AFC.

New England Patriots: B
Does the Patriots alternate really feel that special? You really can’t tell the difference between this and this on TV. I like what the Patriots were trying to do with an alternate, but I’d prfer a red one? Now that would be something. I would probably look into buying one of those if they ever came out. For now though we have to live with the alternate which really doesn’t bother me except for the fact that it just looks like the road jersey.

AFC South

Houston Texans: B+
Great move here by the Texans. The red alternate goes extremely well with the blue helmet and white pants. Together, the three combine to be extremely sharp. So sharp that the Texans should wear this jersey more often. In fact, as you’re reading this right now, I’m calling the Texans public relations department and telling them to make a permanent switch.

Tennessee Titans: B
The Titans are very limited on color schemes. So when they decided to come out with an alternate last year, they just went ahead and switched up the colors on the home jersey. A smart move made here by the Titans. They don’t go out and get a black jersey, and they don’t incorporate a foreign color. The Titans play it safe and allow their cool light blue color to show.

Jacksonville Jaguars: B+
Lastly, it’s time to talk about the Jaguars’ black alternate. Like the Ravens, this black jersey is acceptable because it fits the Jaguars’ color scheme. Black is the secondary color of the Jaguars so I can understand why they would come out with this color as an alternate. This is not a bad jersey for the Jaguars to unleash once a year. I really like the gold trim on the sleeves along with the Jaguars on the bottom part of the shoulders.