I am speechless.
The Tennessean is doing a great job of updating their story on the murders. So far the latest is the female victim has been identified.
Showing posts with label NFL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL. Show all posts
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Thank You Jerry Jones!!!
I don't want to gloat over another man getting a pink slip but Terrell Owens getting released by the Cowboys last night will go a LONG way in putting the team on a lot better footing with a lot fewer distractions and a real chance for a championship. The guy is just a chemistry killer and while many times team chemistry is overrated, I think a lot of times people see TO's talent and tend to underrate it so as to overlook his antics. I guess the only question now is will Dan Snyder be fool enough to bring him in as it seems the Deadskins might be the only team with any interest in the drama queen that is T.O. I said it before the Cowboys and I will say it again now, a zebra don't change its stripes.
From ESPN:
From ESPN:
The Dallas Cowboys have released controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens, sources told ESPN's Michael Smith late Wednesday.
In late February, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones did not deny the team was discussing the possible release of Owens. Owens' future was brought up again in meetings at Valley Ranch on Wednesday, but Jones had not made a final decision when most people left the building, a source told ESPN.com's Matt Mosley.
"There are several decisions on our roster we have to look at," Jones said in February. "This is the time of year we do that. I'm not trying to be trite, but as you all know we're evaluating players in college, we're evaluating free agents and we're evaluating our own roster. This is an ongoing thing, not any different than this time last year."
The team did not immediately have a comment. A spokesman for Owens said he hadn't heard the news, and that the receiver was traveling and could not immediately be reached, the Associated Press reported.
The Cowboys paid Owens a $12 million signing bonus just last year, included as part of a new four-year, $34 million deal. Dallas will take a roughly $9 million salary cap hit with the release of Owens.
There has been talk since the end of the Cowboys' 9-7 season, in which they missed the playoffs, that they would consider cutting Owens to improve locker room morale.
Not only did Owens have relationship issues with quarterback Tony Romo and tight end Jason Witten, but the receiver consistently criticized offensive coordinator Jason Garrett's play calling and his offensive schemes to the point that sources have said Garrett did not believe they could coexist.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Barn Burner
That ws one helluva Superbowl. Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Key points
1. Darnell Docket showed up tonight. Hopefully now he can get some pro bowl love in the future
2. Santonio Holmes was the man tonight. If he can play at that level consistently he is going to be a great one.
3. If Gandy doesn't get those holding penalties versus Harrison then he probably would have caused at least one fumble on Kurt Warner.
5. The Cardinals abandoned the run a little too early.
6. Biggest play of the game by far that will be overlooked by some is the int for a TD right before halftime by Harrison.
7. Penalties marred the end of the game. When was the last time you saw someone get flagged for running into the HOLDER?
8. Heath Miller played well and honestly I think Big Ben should have looked for him more in the second half. But by getting the ball to him in the first half he did open the field up.
9. If the Steelers had lost because of that last TD to Fitzgerald they would have and should have been sick about it. They called a nonsensical blitz with an inverted Cover 2 look but the guy on Fitzgerald decided not to line up inside and thus he got beat inside which you can't do in that coverage and then Harrison who was supposed to be covering the deep middle was screwing around close to the line of scrimmage trying to guard a quick slant. That was a perfect play call for a defense that was very poorly executed.
10. Though many won't think it a big deal I still have to point out that we now have had 2 black coaches win the Superbowl in the last 3 years after having 40 Superbowls with out having black coach to even be participating. Thats what I call progress folks.
Final thought: I have heard people all week down play Ben Rothlisberger with out much rhyme or reason to their argument. Well I have to say, if you after this game and the way he led his team down the field to win you still don't hold him in high regards then I think thats more of function of YOU than it is a function of him or his abilities.
Key points
1. Darnell Docket showed up tonight. Hopefully now he can get some pro bowl love in the future
2. Santonio Holmes was the man tonight. If he can play at that level consistently he is going to be a great one.
3. If Gandy doesn't get those holding penalties versus Harrison then he probably would have caused at least one fumble on Kurt Warner.
5. The Cardinals abandoned the run a little too early.
6. Biggest play of the game by far that will be overlooked by some is the int for a TD right before halftime by Harrison.
7. Penalties marred the end of the game. When was the last time you saw someone get flagged for running into the HOLDER?
8. Heath Miller played well and honestly I think Big Ben should have looked for him more in the second half. But by getting the ball to him in the first half he did open the field up.
9. If the Steelers had lost because of that last TD to Fitzgerald they would have and should have been sick about it. They called a nonsensical blitz with an inverted Cover 2 look but the guy on Fitzgerald decided not to line up inside and thus he got beat inside which you can't do in that coverage and then Harrison who was supposed to be covering the deep middle was screwing around close to the line of scrimmage trying to guard a quick slant. That was a perfect play call for a defense that was very poorly executed.
10. Though many won't think it a big deal I still have to point out that we now have had 2 black coaches win the Superbowl in the last 3 years after having 40 Superbowls with out having black coach to even be participating. Thats what I call progress folks.
Final thought: I have heard people all week down play Ben Rothlisberger with out much rhyme or reason to their argument. Well I have to say, if you after this game and the way he led his team down the field to win you still don't hold him in high regards then I think thats more of function of YOU than it is a function of him or his abilities.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Git Yo Weight Up!
It all comes down to this. Practically a years worth of working out and film study and pouring over playbooks comes down to 4 hours this Sunday under the bright lights of Raymond James Stadium. One team will live on in glory forever and one team will experience the dejection inherent in failure. Cardinals/Steelers, who is going to latch on to the opportunity and ride off into the sunset? Well first I will analyze what each team needs to do. Then I will analyze the likelihood of them being able to do it. And finally I will make my prediction.
What Arizona needs to do.
On Offense
1. Keep Kurt Warner clean: This might be the key to the whole game. Kurt Warner may not have the biggest arm in the league anymore but he can still pick a defense apart with surgical precision when he has the time and he will stand and deliver a ball in the face of a big rush. The problem is you don't want to put him in that situation many times. While he is tough, he is also still 37 years old and repeated hits by Harrison and Woodley would be hazardous to his health. he also isn't very fleet of foot anymore (if he ever was) and throwing on the run is not his forte. But with the weapons he has on offense, with time he could attack down the field and keep the Steelers on their heels
2. Run the ball. The Cardinals need to run the ball no matter what the yardage, at least 28 to 30 times a game. The reason is simple. Any play where Edge or Hightower are running the ball is a play that Warner isn't getting hit. Besides that the myth is that it is harder to run against a 3-4 and thats absolutely not true. What you have to be willing to do is to take some losses on some run plays knowing that if you continue to run the ball sooner or later you will pop a big one. Also when you are running the ball you allow your offensive line to work on the D Line and Linebackers of the Steelers and try to wear them down throughouot the game.
3. Breaston has a big day: Larry Fitzgerald is going to get his and I expect Anquan Boldin to do his thing underneath but when the blitzes come early and often from the Steelers the third wide reciever is usually matched up with a linebacker or safety. The Cardinals have to exploit this mismatch early in the game to put some doubt in the Steelers' minds about blitzing so often. If he can get 5 catches and a few big first downs I think he could change the Defensive gameplan of the Steelers.
On Defense
1. Blitz on early downs and play coverage on 3rd down: I know this runs contra to some people's idea of conventional wisdom but in my opinion your gameplan should reflect what the opposition likes to do. Knowing that the Steelers like to run on early downs gives great reason to blitz. If the blitz works on first or second down then the likely hood is that you will end up with 3rd and long. Now in my personal opinion the Raven's problem last week was that they decided to blitz more on third down instead of play zone. Some of that of course had to do with their best pass rusher being hurt and also inherently the 3-4 generally forces you to blitz if you want to get pressure. But because the Cardinals run a 4-3 and they have a very good cover 2 scheme as evidenced in the playoff game versus the Panthers. Ben Rothlisberger makes his big plays when he breaks the pocket and hits a guy who because he is singled up simply has to play sandlot and get open. If the Cardinals rush 4 and drop 7, even if Big Ben breaks the pocket he is going to be faced with an umbrella coverage staring him in the face and if he chooses to throw the ball on the run there is a good chance of a pick.
2. When you blitz bring it up the gut: What this doies is allows the Defensive Ends which are used to keeping a Quarterback in the pocket to keep containment. And it also gets pressure in Big Ben's face which makes it harder to see the passing lanes. By forcing Rothlisberger to escape the rush by going up forward you also increase the likelyhood that he gets stroked by your Middle Linebacker if he tries to tuck it and run.
3. Be alert for screens: One of the things the Steelers are very good at is running screen plays. If they catch you in a blitz and throw a screen it has the potential to go for a long time. Its also a safe play to run if Big Ben gets off to a slow or erratic start. For the Cardinals to win they have to take away the ability for the Steelers to gain big yardage off of that play because succesful screen plays tend to give a team momentum. The most important thing will be discipline by the secondary. The flat player has to come up and force it in, the curl player has to keep his outside arm free, the safety has to feel the alley and the middle zone player has to make the tackle if it cuts back.
What the Steelers need to do to win
On Offense
1. Willie Parker has to have a big day: In contrast to the Cardinals it will matter to the Steelers whether they make good yardage running the ball or not. Because of the nature of their offense the running game has to work to keep them out of third and long situations. Also if Willie Parker has a big day it will invite the Cardinals to bring a safety into the box opening things up on the outside for Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward. If the Cardinals are able to drop 7 and still stop the run the Steelers will be in for a long day.
2. Heath Miller Heath Miller Heath Miller: Anybody watching the Arizona/Eagles game should have noticed that their tight end who most of us had never heard of torched the Cardinals defense all over the field. If the Cardinals have an obvious weak link I would say its Aaron Francisco who comes in on third downs. If the Steelers see him matched up with Miller they should wear that matchup out. He should be the only person who isn't literally double covered on most passing plays. Again if he makes enough catches it will cause the Cardinals to adjust and open things up to Ward and Holmes
3. Be methodical. Where most teams go wrong against the Cardinals is they challenge them down field too much. What this does is it give the Arizona D Line the opportunity to get pressure on the Quarterback as these plays usually take a little longer. And it also challenges one of the best ball hawking safety tandem in the league especially when they are in a Cover 2 look. So impatience can lead to turnovers. But when teams take the time and mix in the run and short to intermediate pass game against the Cardinals then you see those Safeties cheating down trying to get involved and thats when you can try to sneak one in behind them. Also because they have a smaller defense, the longer you are on the field, the more you wear them down. And lastly by keeping the chains moving you take time off the clock and keep the Arizona offense on the sideline much like the Steelers did in the third quarter of their game against the Ravens.
On Defense
1. Step off the bus blitzing: There is an old saying that to kill the snake you cut off its head. The Steelers' singular purpose should be to pound Kurt Warner into submission. He is the glue that holds everything together for that offense. Fitzgerald will probably get his because he is just too gifted even for double coverage at times and because the Steelers blitz so much I believe Boldin will get the ball a lot too. That can not be the focus. If they try to focus on covering the receivers Kurt Warner will have a field day. But if they touch Warner up all game they will either force him into making a mistake or at some point we will have a Matt Leinart sighting.
2. Punish the Running Backs even when they don't have the ball. Whether it be in coverage or when Edge or Hightower are picking up blitzes the Linebackers need to be physical with them. If they can do this then they won't have to worry as much about the Cardinals being able to run the ball in the fourth quarter. Also if you can get one of them out of the game I don't think the other can carry the load for the duration.
3. Force Kurt Warner to his left: Lets be real here, Warner is a bit of a statue back there and he won't suddenly get young legs by Sunday. If the Steelers can bring pressure from his right and force him to go left you basically have put him in the position of having to throw the ball away or take a hit because he can't run and throwing on the run going to his left has never been his forte. Its pretty simple but could be very effective.
X Factor to win
Arizona Cardinals: If the Cardinals come out no huddle at some point during the game they could seriously throw the Steelers off their game. Because the Steelers have those big bulky Defensive Linemen if they go quick no huddle those guys are likely to wear down fast. Also most 3-4 Defenses rely heavily on substitutions in order to create favorable matchups. If the Cardinals catch them in the wrong personnel they could go no huddle and take advantage of that and march the team down the field or force the Steelers to call a timeout.
Pittsburgh Steelers: If Santonio can make a big play returning a punt its likely to give his team huge momentum. I don't know if the Cardinals will be crazy enough to punt to him but they haven't had good punt coverage all year.
Conclusions
1. I don't believe that the Cardinals will be able to keep Warner upright.
2. I do believe the Cardinals will run the ball.
3. I don't believe that Breaston will have a big game because of the pressure on Warner
4. I do believe the Cardinals will have the right game plan but I don't believe they will limit Parker's yards
5. I do believe that the Cardinals will blitz up the middle
6. I don't believe the Cardinals will be hurt by a screen.
7. I do believe Willie Parker will have a big day
8. I don't believe that Heath Miller will have a big day
9. I do believe the Steelers will be methodical
10. I do believe the Steelers will have the right game plan
11. I do believe the Steelers will rough up Edge and Hightower.
12. I do believe they will force Kurt Warner left.
My pick
Pittsburgh Steelers in a thriller 34-21
What Arizona needs to do.
On Offense
1. Keep Kurt Warner clean: This might be the key to the whole game. Kurt Warner may not have the biggest arm in the league anymore but he can still pick a defense apart with surgical precision when he has the time and he will stand and deliver a ball in the face of a big rush. The problem is you don't want to put him in that situation many times. While he is tough, he is also still 37 years old and repeated hits by Harrison and Woodley would be hazardous to his health. he also isn't very fleet of foot anymore (if he ever was) and throwing on the run is not his forte. But with the weapons he has on offense, with time he could attack down the field and keep the Steelers on their heels
2. Run the ball. The Cardinals need to run the ball no matter what the yardage, at least 28 to 30 times a game. The reason is simple. Any play where Edge or Hightower are running the ball is a play that Warner isn't getting hit. Besides that the myth is that it is harder to run against a 3-4 and thats absolutely not true. What you have to be willing to do is to take some losses on some run plays knowing that if you continue to run the ball sooner or later you will pop a big one. Also when you are running the ball you allow your offensive line to work on the D Line and Linebackers of the Steelers and try to wear them down throughouot the game.
3. Breaston has a big day: Larry Fitzgerald is going to get his and I expect Anquan Boldin to do his thing underneath but when the blitzes come early and often from the Steelers the third wide reciever is usually matched up with a linebacker or safety. The Cardinals have to exploit this mismatch early in the game to put some doubt in the Steelers' minds about blitzing so often. If he can get 5 catches and a few big first downs I think he could change the Defensive gameplan of the Steelers.
On Defense
1. Blitz on early downs and play coverage on 3rd down: I know this runs contra to some people's idea of conventional wisdom but in my opinion your gameplan should reflect what the opposition likes to do. Knowing that the Steelers like to run on early downs gives great reason to blitz. If the blitz works on first or second down then the likely hood is that you will end up with 3rd and long. Now in my personal opinion the Raven's problem last week was that they decided to blitz more on third down instead of play zone. Some of that of course had to do with their best pass rusher being hurt and also inherently the 3-4 generally forces you to blitz if you want to get pressure. But because the Cardinals run a 4-3 and they have a very good cover 2 scheme as evidenced in the playoff game versus the Panthers. Ben Rothlisberger makes his big plays when he breaks the pocket and hits a guy who because he is singled up simply has to play sandlot and get open. If the Cardinals rush 4 and drop 7, even if Big Ben breaks the pocket he is going to be faced with an umbrella coverage staring him in the face and if he chooses to throw the ball on the run there is a good chance of a pick.
2. When you blitz bring it up the gut: What this doies is allows the Defensive Ends which are used to keeping a Quarterback in the pocket to keep containment. And it also gets pressure in Big Ben's face which makes it harder to see the passing lanes. By forcing Rothlisberger to escape the rush by going up forward you also increase the likelyhood that he gets stroked by your Middle Linebacker if he tries to tuck it and run.
3. Be alert for screens: One of the things the Steelers are very good at is running screen plays. If they catch you in a blitz and throw a screen it has the potential to go for a long time. Its also a safe play to run if Big Ben gets off to a slow or erratic start. For the Cardinals to win they have to take away the ability for the Steelers to gain big yardage off of that play because succesful screen plays tend to give a team momentum. The most important thing will be discipline by the secondary. The flat player has to come up and force it in, the curl player has to keep his outside arm free, the safety has to feel the alley and the middle zone player has to make the tackle if it cuts back.
What the Steelers need to do to win
On Offense
1. Willie Parker has to have a big day: In contrast to the Cardinals it will matter to the Steelers whether they make good yardage running the ball or not. Because of the nature of their offense the running game has to work to keep them out of third and long situations. Also if Willie Parker has a big day it will invite the Cardinals to bring a safety into the box opening things up on the outside for Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward. If the Cardinals are able to drop 7 and still stop the run the Steelers will be in for a long day.
2. Heath Miller Heath Miller Heath Miller: Anybody watching the Arizona/Eagles game should have noticed that their tight end who most of us had never heard of torched the Cardinals defense all over the field. If the Cardinals have an obvious weak link I would say its Aaron Francisco who comes in on third downs. If the Steelers see him matched up with Miller they should wear that matchup out. He should be the only person who isn't literally double covered on most passing plays. Again if he makes enough catches it will cause the Cardinals to adjust and open things up to Ward and Holmes
3. Be methodical. Where most teams go wrong against the Cardinals is they challenge them down field too much. What this does is it give the Arizona D Line the opportunity to get pressure on the Quarterback as these plays usually take a little longer. And it also challenges one of the best ball hawking safety tandem in the league especially when they are in a Cover 2 look. So impatience can lead to turnovers. But when teams take the time and mix in the run and short to intermediate pass game against the Cardinals then you see those Safeties cheating down trying to get involved and thats when you can try to sneak one in behind them. Also because they have a smaller defense, the longer you are on the field, the more you wear them down. And lastly by keeping the chains moving you take time off the clock and keep the Arizona offense on the sideline much like the Steelers did in the third quarter of their game against the Ravens.
On Defense
1. Step off the bus blitzing: There is an old saying that to kill the snake you cut off its head. The Steelers' singular purpose should be to pound Kurt Warner into submission. He is the glue that holds everything together for that offense. Fitzgerald will probably get his because he is just too gifted even for double coverage at times and because the Steelers blitz so much I believe Boldin will get the ball a lot too. That can not be the focus. If they try to focus on covering the receivers Kurt Warner will have a field day. But if they touch Warner up all game they will either force him into making a mistake or at some point we will have a Matt Leinart sighting.
2. Punish the Running Backs even when they don't have the ball. Whether it be in coverage or when Edge or Hightower are picking up blitzes the Linebackers need to be physical with them. If they can do this then they won't have to worry as much about the Cardinals being able to run the ball in the fourth quarter. Also if you can get one of them out of the game I don't think the other can carry the load for the duration.
3. Force Kurt Warner to his left: Lets be real here, Warner is a bit of a statue back there and he won't suddenly get young legs by Sunday. If the Steelers can bring pressure from his right and force him to go left you basically have put him in the position of having to throw the ball away or take a hit because he can't run and throwing on the run going to his left has never been his forte. Its pretty simple but could be very effective.
X Factor to win
Arizona Cardinals: If the Cardinals come out no huddle at some point during the game they could seriously throw the Steelers off their game. Because the Steelers have those big bulky Defensive Linemen if they go quick no huddle those guys are likely to wear down fast. Also most 3-4 Defenses rely heavily on substitutions in order to create favorable matchups. If the Cardinals catch them in the wrong personnel they could go no huddle and take advantage of that and march the team down the field or force the Steelers to call a timeout.
Pittsburgh Steelers: If Santonio can make a big play returning a punt its likely to give his team huge momentum. I don't know if the Cardinals will be crazy enough to punt to him but they haven't had good punt coverage all year.
Conclusions
1. I don't believe that the Cardinals will be able to keep Warner upright.
2. I do believe the Cardinals will run the ball.
3. I don't believe that Breaston will have a big game because of the pressure on Warner
4. I do believe the Cardinals will have the right game plan but I don't believe they will limit Parker's yards
5. I do believe that the Cardinals will blitz up the middle
6. I don't believe the Cardinals will be hurt by a screen.
7. I do believe Willie Parker will have a big day
8. I don't believe that Heath Miller will have a big day
9. I do believe the Steelers will be methodical
10. I do believe the Steelers will have the right game plan
11. I do believe the Steelers will rough up Edge and Hightower.
12. I do believe they will force Kurt Warner left.
My pick
Pittsburgh Steelers in a thriller 34-21
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Other Shoes Drop
If its the Monday after the end of the regular season in the NFL then you can bet that some Head Coaches and GMs are getting fired. I will update the list all day but so far the Grim Reaper has visited these guys:
Romeo Crennel Browns
Randy Savage Browns
Rod Marinelli Lions
Eric Mangini Jets
Update I: On a happier note we find that Martin Mayhew has been promoted to GM by the Lions. Congratulations to Mayhew who becomes I believe only thesecond third black GM in NFL history *, he has definitely earned it.
Update II: In what I would say is a some what shocking move the Denver Broncos have fired Mike Shanahan.
snip
From ESPN
Update VI: Damn that was fast. The Bucs announced today that they have replaced Jon Gruden and Bruce Allen with Raheem Morris and Mark Dominek respectively. I have to say that I like Morris a lot but I am not necessarily sold on him being the head guy. He has never been a head coach on any level and he was only a coordinator for one year in college. In point of fact he only has 2 years of being a full time position coach on his resume in the NFL. But I wish him all the best.
From ESPN:
TAMPA, Fla. -- A day after abruptly firing Super Bowl winner Jon Gruden, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have introduced Raheem Morris as their new coach.
Morris inherits a team that won three division titles under his predecessor but has hasn't won a playoff game since capturing the franchise's only NFL title in January 2003. The Gruden era ended with four consecutive losses that denied the Bucs a postseason spot following a 9-3 start.
snip
Mark Dominik is the new general manager. He has been with the team since 1995 and replaces Bruce Allen, who was fired Friday.
Romeo Crennel Browns
Randy Savage Browns
Rod Marinelli Lions
Eric Mangini Jets
Update I: On a happier note we find that Martin Mayhew has been promoted to GM by the Lions. Congratulations to Mayhew who becomes I believe only the
Update II: In what I would say is a some what shocking move the Denver Broncos have fired Mike Shanahan.
After 14 seasons and two Super Bowl wins, Mike Shanahan is out in Denver.Update III: In the spirit of the long time tradition of recycling head coaches in the NFL, ESPN reported today that the Cleveland Browns will announce that they have hired Eric Mangini to lead their team:
The Broncos fired Shanahan on Tuesday, parting ways with the coach after three consecutive seasons of failing to make the playoffs. Shanahan had three years and upwards of $20 million remaining on his contract, according to NFL Network's Adam Schefter.
The move was announced in a statement by team owner Pat Bowlen.
"After giving this careful consideration, I have concluded that a change in our football operations is in the best interests of the Denver Broncos," Bowlen said. "This is certainly a difficult decision, but one that I feel must be made and which will ultimately be in the best interests of all concerned.
The Cleveland Browns have agreed to hire former New York Jets head coach Eric Mangini as their head coach.Update IV: The Broncos have now announced the hiring of Josh McDaniels as Head Coach. From ESPN
Mangini, fired last week by the Jets, agreed to a four-year deal, a source close to the situation told ESPN.com's Michael Smith on Wednesday.
A person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press that Mangini will be introduced Thursday at a news conference at the team's headquarters in Berea.
Mangini began his NFL career as a ballboy with the Browns in 1994 under then-coach Bill Belichick. Now he's taking over the job of one of his best friends in football, fired Browns coach Romeo Crennel.
Mangini went 23-25 and made the playoffs once in three seasons with the Jets, who stumbled down the stretch to lose four of their last five games and miss the playoffs after an 8-3 start.
His tenure in New York was tumultuous. When he arrived, Mangini inherited a 4-12 Jets team and led them to 10 wins in his first season, prompting New York's tabloids to dub him "Mangenius." By the end of his run in the NFL's largest market, he was being called moody, dour and controlling.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Josh McDaniels, the man behind the New England Patriots' scoring machine, inherits an offense in Denver that needs only an oil change.
snip
What I was trying to do was pick the best guy," Bowlen said. "It didn't matter really that much whether it was an offensive or defensive guy, he's going to be the head coach. I think Josh has the ability to go out and find a very good defensive coordinator."Update V: Gotta say I didn't see this one coming. The Lions have picked Tennessee Titans Defensive coordinator to be their new head coach.
McDaniels helped the defensive staff in New England for three seasons before serving as quarterbacks coach in 2004. Bill Belichick promoted him to offensive coordinator in 2006, and his career took off.
"I'd like to personally thank Bill Belichick for providing me my foundation in this league and for mentoring me for eight years," McDaniels said at his introductory news conference Monday night.
Under his guidance, Tom Brady threw for a record 50 touchdowns in '07 and came within a whisker of the NFL's first 19-0 season. McDaniels' reputation grew stronger in '08 when Brady was lost with a knee injury in the opener and Matt Cassel, who hadn't started a game since high school, led the Patriots to an 11-5 record.
"Josh McDaniels is one of the finest people and brightest, most talented coaches I have ever worked with," Belichick said in a statement. "Since joining us eight years ago, Josh performed a variety of roles and excelled in every one of them."
McDaniels agreed to a four-year deal believed to be worth about $8 million to replace Shanahan, who was fired 48 hours after the Broncos became the first team in league history to blow a three-game divisional lead with three weeks left.
From ESPN
The Detroit Lions have reached an agreement in principle with Jim Schwartz to become their next head coach.
Schwartz, the Tennessee Titans' defensive coordinator for the past eight seasons, has agreed in principle to a four-year contract, sources told ESPN.
The Lions will hold an introductory news conference for Schwartz on Friday.
"After an extensive search that included several highly qualified coaches, we are thrilled that Jim Schwartz will become our team's head coach," Lions president Tom Lewand said in a statement Thursday. "Martin [Mayhew, Lions general manager] and I believe that Jim's qualifications and vision will lead this organization on the field toward our goal of becoming a championship football team."
Update VI: Damn that was fast. The Bucs announced today that they have replaced Jon Gruden and Bruce Allen with Raheem Morris and Mark Dominek respectively. I have to say that I like Morris a lot but I am not necessarily sold on him being the head guy. He has never been a head coach on any level and he was only a coordinator for one year in college. In point of fact he only has 2 years of being a full time position coach on his resume in the NFL. But I wish him all the best.
From ESPN:
TAMPA, Fla. -- A day after abruptly firing Super Bowl winner Jon Gruden, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have introduced Raheem Morris as their new coach.
Morris inherits a team that won three division titles under his predecessor but has hasn't won a playoff game since capturing the franchise's only NFL title in January 2003. The Gruden era ended with four consecutive losses that denied the Bucs a postseason spot following a 9-3 start.
snip
Mark Dominik is the new general manager. He has been with the team since 1995 and replaces Bruce Allen, who was fired Friday.
Update VII: The Rams have hired Steve Spagnulo, the Giants D Coordinator to be their next head coach.
From ESPN:
Steve Spagnuolo, who spent two seasons as the New York Giants' defensive coordinator, has been hired by the St. Louis Rams to be their next coach.
Spagnuolo, 49, agreed to a four-year deal worth about $12 million, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Spagnuolo replaces Jim Haslett and takes over a team that finished 2-14. Haslett went 2-10 as interim coach after his promotion from defensive coordinator when Scott Linehan was fired following an 0-4 start.
Spagnuolo was the architect of the Giants' sack-happy defense that thwarted New England's run to a perfect season in last year's Super Bowl upset.
Updates VIII and VIV: The Jets have hired defensive guru Rex Ryan, formerly the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens as their new Head Coach. The Chiefs have fired Head Coach Herm Edwards.
* commenter Amitav points out that Rick Smith the GM of the Texans for the last 3 years was actually the second black GM in NFL history.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Who Got Next?
Its that time again. This time we are two games away from the Superbowl and the matchups are explosive to say the least. Another smash mouth weekend is in store and we have the makings of a smash mouth Superbowl. I can't wait, which is why I am posting the matchups two days in advance. I will have my picks up tomorrow afternoon.
Sunday
NFC Championship Game
Eagles vs Cardinals
AFC Championship Game
Ravens vs Steelers
My picks
Cardinals: I think Larry Fitzgerald makes the difference in this game. With the way the Eagles like to blitz he is sure to get single coverage several times during the game. Kurt Warner will take a beating but I think his release is quick enough to take advantage of those times that Fitzgerald is open and hit him in stride. Another thing is the Arizona Defensive line which I think will put a lot of pressure on McNabb with out having to blitz a lot. That will allow them to play more zone which will limit the times that Westbrook gets to make big gains in the passing game. The X factor in my opinion isDexter Desean Jackson returning kicks. Thats the one worry I have about this pick but I think Arizona will have good enough field position that when they punt it will usually be fair catch situations inside the Eagles 20 yard line.
Ravens: I don't honestly know why I am picking them other than statisically its almost impossible to beat a team 3 times in a year. I am worried A LOT about Rolle being out and Terrell Suggs being limited with his shoulder injury. I think they will make the same adjustment they made at halftime during the Titans game and start blitzing from Bart Scott's side a little more which will put more pressure on Rothlisberger. I don't see Willie Parker having the game that Chris Johnson was on the way of having either running the ball. X
Update I: One down, one to go!
Update II: The Ravens should fire their offensive coordinator immediately. How in the fuck do you get in the biggest game of the year and totally change your game plan? 1 carry for McClain? Thats just unacceptable and they should apologize to the defensive players for that bullshit. I am disgusted, not because I picked them. But because they totally gave the game away with their play calling. Ray Lewis said this was going to be a game with two teams who play the game the way its supposed to be played. The defense held up their end of the bargain but the offensive coordinator evidently thought Joe Flacco was Tim Tebow and this was the SEC Championship instead of the AFC Championship. Unbelievable.
Sunday
NFC Championship Game
Eagles vs Cardinals
AFC Championship Game
Ravens vs Steelers
My picks
Cardinals: I think Larry Fitzgerald makes the difference in this game. With the way the Eagles like to blitz he is sure to get single coverage several times during the game. Kurt Warner will take a beating but I think his release is quick enough to take advantage of those times that Fitzgerald is open and hit him in stride. Another thing is the Arizona Defensive line which I think will put a lot of pressure on McNabb with out having to blitz a lot. That will allow them to play more zone which will limit the times that Westbrook gets to make big gains in the passing game. The X factor in my opinion is
Ravens: I don't honestly know why I am picking them other than statisically its almost impossible to beat a team 3 times in a year. I am worried A LOT about Rolle being out and Terrell Suggs being limited with his shoulder injury. I think they will make the same adjustment they made at halftime during the Titans game and start blitzing from Bart Scott's side a little more which will put more pressure on Rothlisberger. I don't see Willie Parker having the game that Chris Johnson was on the way of having either running the ball. X
Update I: One down, one to go!
Update II: The Ravens should fire their offensive coordinator immediately. How in the fuck do you get in the biggest game of the year and totally change your game plan? 1 carry for McClain? Thats just unacceptable and they should apologize to the defensive players for that bullshit. I am disgusted, not because I picked them. But because they totally gave the game away with their play calling. Ray Lewis said this was going to be a game with two teams who play the game the way its supposed to be played. The defense held up their end of the bargain but the offensive coordinator evidently thought Joe Flacco was Tim Tebow and this was the SEC Championship instead of the AFC Championship. Unbelievable.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Smash Mouth
Its that time again folks. The playoffs resume tomorrow and continue on Sunday with some great old school, smash mouth match ups. If you like defense and you like running game this is the weekend for you. Lets take a look at the matchups.
Saturday
Ravens vs Titans
Cardinals vs Panthers.
Sunday
Eagles vs Giants
Chargers vs Steelers
My Picks
Saturday
Ravens: Their defense is on a whole other level right now. I think they will bottle up the running game and force Kerry Collins into making bad decisions. Offensively the Ravens have come a long way also. Heap has a big game.
Panthers: The Cardinals showed life last week but with Anquan Boldin iffy and them facing a very physical and athletic Panthers Defense I have to give the edge to the Panthers. I would look for Steve Smith to have a big day. X
Sunday
Giants: Too much Brandon Jacobs this week. He is going to set the tone for the day and I think he will have the Eagles on their heels on defense. Also playing outdoors in the Meadowlands will not be conducive to McNabb throwing the ball all over the stadium.
Chargers: Because the Steelers have gone away from their running game I believe the elements will work in the Charger's favor. I also think that having to face a blitzing 3-4 defense every day in practice will help the Chargers handle the Steeler blitzes. Other than when they have Palomalu on him I don't think anyone else on the Steelers' team stands a chance of hanging with Antonio Gates.
Although nobody probably cares who I pick after my piss poor showing last week, I will once again be releasing them around midnight tonight.
Update I: Well I am starting out with a win so I feel a little better. The Ravens' D was definitely the key to that win. The turnovers they forced took points off the board for the Titans. And Chris Johnson getting hurt also was a gift from God for them. He was gashing them all over the place in the first half. Flacco showed up and Heap made a HUGE play on the game winning drive. The Titans D was balling too though and you couldn't have asked for a better game to watch.
Update II: I am writing this update early because this game is already over. Jake Dellhome just pissed away any chance the Panthers had of winning the game. To say he was an EPIC FAIL tonight would be an insult to EPIC FAIL. Don't get me wrong, the defense didn't exactly set the world on fire either but the interceptions Delhomme threw weren't even close. Double coverage every single time. It makes no sense in the world that he would just keep forcing the ball in those situations nor that the Panthers coaches never sat his ass down. So the Cardinals will be one game from the Superbowl. How do you love that lol?
Update III: Yes I still fucking suck. Talk about an EPIC FAIL on both sides of the ball for the Giants. Throwing into the wind leads to an int. Running twice on 4th down once with the season on the line and not getting it, blitzing from the edge and not getting there. Not playing zone even though the Eagles passed the ball twice as many times as running it. I don't know who but somebody did a piss poor job of game planning and if I was Coughlin I might consider giving Spagnulo the boot BEFORE he gets another job. To repeat again, I fucking suck at picking winning teams. Meh
Update IV: I don't know what the hell that was that the Chargers just did. Even the Panthers last night aside from Delhomme at least LOOKED like they gave a shit. Kudos to the Steelers. They got back to what they do best which is running the ball and Rothlesberger was HUGE on third down. But really the Chargers just laid down all over the field. I couldn't even begin to point out one guy because there were so many cats that were sleepwalking. But I will point out that #11's effort on the Santonio punt return for a TD was cowardly. I have seen kids in pop warner try harder to make a tackle than his bullshit drop and roll routine. Anyway I am just about ready to hang it up when it comes to making predictions. I am hereby firing myself. Have a good one and see you again next week.
Saturday
Ravens vs Titans
Cardinals vs Panthers.
Sunday
Eagles vs Giants
Chargers vs Steelers
My Picks
Saturday
Ravens: Their defense is on a whole other level right now. I think they will bottle up the running game and force Kerry Collins into making bad decisions. Offensively the Ravens have come a long way also. Heap has a big game.
Panthers: The Cardinals showed life last week but with Anquan Boldin iffy and them facing a very physical and athletic Panthers Defense I have to give the edge to the Panthers. I would look for Steve Smith to have a big day. X
Sunday
Giants: Too much Brandon Jacobs this week. He is going to set the tone for the day and I think he will have the Eagles on their heels on defense. Also playing outdoors in the Meadowlands will not be conducive to McNabb throwing the ball all over the stadium.
Chargers: Because the Steelers have gone away from their running game I believe the elements will work in the Charger's favor. I also think that having to face a blitzing 3-4 defense every day in practice will help the Chargers handle the Steeler blitzes. Other than when they have Palomalu on him I don't think anyone else on the Steelers' team stands a chance of hanging with Antonio Gates.
Although nobody probably cares who I pick after my piss poor showing last week, I will once again be releasing them around midnight tonight.
Update I: Well I am starting out with a win so I feel a little better. The Ravens' D was definitely the key to that win. The turnovers they forced took points off the board for the Titans. And Chris Johnson getting hurt also was a gift from God for them. He was gashing them all over the place in the first half. Flacco showed up and Heap made a HUGE play on the game winning drive. The Titans D was balling too though and you couldn't have asked for a better game to watch.
Update II: I am writing this update early because this game is already over. Jake Dellhome just pissed away any chance the Panthers had of winning the game. To say he was an EPIC FAIL tonight would be an insult to EPIC FAIL. Don't get me wrong, the defense didn't exactly set the world on fire either but the interceptions Delhomme threw weren't even close. Double coverage every single time. It makes no sense in the world that he would just keep forcing the ball in those situations nor that the Panthers coaches never sat his ass down. So the Cardinals will be one game from the Superbowl. How do you love that lol?
Update III: Yes I still fucking suck. Talk about an EPIC FAIL on both sides of the ball for the Giants. Throwing into the wind leads to an int. Running twice on 4th down once with the season on the line and not getting it, blitzing from the edge and not getting there. Not playing zone even though the Eagles passed the ball twice as many times as running it. I don't know who but somebody did a piss poor job of game planning and if I was Coughlin I might consider giving Spagnulo the boot BEFORE he gets another job. To repeat again, I fucking suck at picking winning teams. Meh
Update IV: I don't know what the hell that was that the Chargers just did. Even the Panthers last night aside from Delhomme at least LOOKED like they gave a shit. Kudos to the Steelers. They got back to what they do best which is running the ball and Rothlesberger was HUGE on third down. But really the Chargers just laid down all over the field. I couldn't even begin to point out one guy because there were so many cats that were sleepwalking. But I will point out that #11's effort on the Santonio punt return for a TD was cowardly. I have seen kids in pop warner try harder to make a tackle than his bullshit drop and roll routine. Anyway I am just about ready to hang it up when it comes to making predictions. I am hereby firing myself. Have a good one and see you again next week.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Great News For Bears Fans
As expected ESPN has announced that Rod Marinelli will be hired by the Chicago Bears to coach their defensive line. For anyone in Chicago this move will go a long way into returning the Bears defense to dominance and I would look for Tommie Harris to have a career year next year under Marinelli.
Former Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli agreed Saturday to be the assistant head coach and defensive line coach of the Chicago Bears.
Marinelli selected the Bears over the Texans and the Seahawks. Though several teams wanted him as a defensive coordinator, Marinelli wanted to only coach along the line, which is his specialty.
In selecting the Bears, he joins one of his best friends in the business, Bears coach Lovie Smith. They worked together in Tampa Bay.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Time To Strap It Up
With the playoffs starting tomorrow its time to make my picks for the weekend. First lets look at the match-ups.
Saturday
Falcons vs Cardinals
Colts vs Chargers
Sunday
Ravens vs Dolphins
Eagles vs Vikings
I will be posting my picks around midnight. Don't forget to go to the New York Times sight and log your picks for the playoffs.
Update: My picks are as follows
Cardinals: Too much offensive fire power and they are way over due
Colts: Hottest team and QB in the NFL and they won't cool off tomorrow X
Dolphins: I think home field advantage will be huge in success starved South Florida and Flacco finally looks like a rookie X
Vikings: Andy Reid reverts to his pass happy true self and the Vikings D Line gets after McNabb but good. X
Update II: One down. Anquan Boldin going down stopped the Cardinals from blowing Atlanta out in my opinion but a win is a win and their defense showed up big time. And of course with two ints Ryan came back down to earth.They don't call them rookies for nothing.
Updates III: All I can say is WOW about the Colts/Chargers game. The refs were way to big of a factor in overtime. I doubt if anybody in that crew will ever work a playoff game again in life. Holding on a Defensive Lineman? Like I said, WOW.
Having said that, the Colts gave them that chance by allowing the Chargers to move the ball at will at the end of regulation and getting the field goal to tie it up. Gotta give big ups to the punter for the Chargers as well. Ole boy made sure they won the field position game and set the Charger up Defensively to hold Peyton down. I still say Peyton should have gone hurry up a lot more than he did. The one time he tried it he caught them and got a long TD pass. The longer he waited the more the Chargers were able to move around and confuse his linemen.
Oh well, tomorrow is another day! In the meantime congratulations go out to the Chargers and all of their fans.
Update IV: Hot Damn that was an awesome display of defense by the Ravens. I swear I damn near got wood more than once! I will happily concede defeat on this prediction because that performance was more than worth the price of admission. And it wasn't because the Dolphins folded. Hell I don't think any offense could have moved the ball against the Ravens team that played today. And next week is going to get ignant when they face the Titans. I spoke a week or two ago about hoping that match up happened because I still have visions of that game some years back when Ray Lewis blasted Eddie George, took the ball from him and took it to the house. Eddie George was never the same after that IMHO. Lendale White better eat his Wheaties!!!
Final Update: I don't know who got their ass kicked worse this weekend, the Dolphins or me with my picks. I really have no excuse for it so I won't go there. It still was a very exciting week of football and there are going to be some hellafied matchups next week. As I mentioned before, the Titans/Ravens game would be enough to fill a weekend but ad to that the Chargers/Steelers which is shure to be smash mouth also, Giants/Eagles ditto, and the Panthers/Cardinals with their contrast in styles. Good times Good times.
Saturday
Falcons vs Cardinals
Colts vs Chargers
Sunday
Ravens vs Dolphins
Eagles vs Vikings
I will be posting my picks around midnight. Don't forget to go to the New York Times sight and log your picks for the playoffs.
Update: My picks are as follows
Cardinals: Too much offensive fire power and they are way over due
Colts: Hottest team and QB in the NFL and they won't cool off tomorrow X
Dolphins: I think home field advantage will be huge in success starved South Florida and Flacco finally looks like a rookie X
Vikings: Andy Reid reverts to his pass happy true self and the Vikings D Line gets after McNabb but good. X
Update II: One down. Anquan Boldin going down stopped the Cardinals from blowing Atlanta out in my opinion but a win is a win and their defense showed up big time. And of course with two ints Ryan came back down to earth.They don't call them rookies for nothing.
Updates III: All I can say is WOW about the Colts/Chargers game. The refs were way to big of a factor in overtime. I doubt if anybody in that crew will ever work a playoff game again in life. Holding on a Defensive Lineman? Like I said, WOW.
Having said that, the Colts gave them that chance by allowing the Chargers to move the ball at will at the end of regulation and getting the field goal to tie it up. Gotta give big ups to the punter for the Chargers as well. Ole boy made sure they won the field position game and set the Charger up Defensively to hold Peyton down. I still say Peyton should have gone hurry up a lot more than he did. The one time he tried it he caught them and got a long TD pass. The longer he waited the more the Chargers were able to move around and confuse his linemen.
Oh well, tomorrow is another day! In the meantime congratulations go out to the Chargers and all of their fans.
Update IV: Hot Damn that was an awesome display of defense by the Ravens. I swear I damn near got wood more than once! I will happily concede defeat on this prediction because that performance was more than worth the price of admission. And it wasn't because the Dolphins folded. Hell I don't think any offense could have moved the ball against the Ravens team that played today. And next week is going to get ignant when they face the Titans. I spoke a week or two ago about hoping that match up happened because I still have visions of that game some years back when Ray Lewis blasted Eddie George, took the ball from him and took it to the house. Eddie George was never the same after that IMHO. Lendale White better eat his Wheaties!!!
Final Update: I don't know who got their ass kicked worse this weekend, the Dolphins or me with my picks. I really have no excuse for it so I won't go there. It still was a very exciting week of football and there are going to be some hellafied matchups next week. As I mentioned before, the Titans/Ravens game would be enough to fill a weekend but ad to that the Chargers/Steelers which is shure to be smash mouth also, Giants/Eagles ditto, and the Panthers/Cardinals with their contrast in styles. Good times Good times.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Don't You Know Who I Am?
I just love stories like this one, especially when the person who is stunting ends up with the wrong kind of bracelets on their wrists. Maybe I am a hater, I don't know, but reading about Ko Simpson telling the police officers that he got money in the bank and then reading that he was subsequently arrested just makes my heart smile.
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Buffalo Bills safety Ko Simpson was arrested outside a bar in his hometown of Rock Hill after he refused to leave officers alone as they arrested another man, according to a police report.
Simpson was in a car that was speeding through the parking lot of the Celebrations bar about 2 a.m. New Year's Day. The driver and another passenger in the car were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after they yelled and cursed at police, according to the report.
Simpson then began yelling at officers, saying, "I'm Ko Simpson with the Buffalo Bills. I am worth millions!" several times. The officers asked Simpson to leave the parking lot and he began to walk away, but turned around and started yelling at officers again, police said.
The officers arrested Simpson because they feared his screaming might cause the large crowd that had gathered to turn against them, police said.
Don't Talk About It, Be About It
Its NFL Playoff time baby and I think its time for many of us to put our knowledge to the test. I found this NFL playoff challenge in the New York Times and I invite everyone to submit your picks and then in the end we can tally up all the points and decide who is the REAL NFL guru. If you scared say you scared!
This is the best in game football song in the history of the NFL
This is the best in game football song in the history of the NFL
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Let's Get Ready To Rumble!!!
The big day is here. By the end of the night we will know who is in and who is out of the NFL playoffs. A reminder of the big games today.
Update: Gruden should be fired IMMEDIATELY! And pour out a little something for the winless Lions.
Update II: That fucking does it. Wade Phillips and ever single assistant coach including and maybe most of all Jason Garrett needs to be handed their damn pink slip. That performance was totally unacceptable and utterly ridiculous. Not only that its time to jettison all of the self centered assholes on the team. TO of course, Tank Williams, and Pacman don't let the door hit you in the ass. Its time to bring in guys who actually WANT to win as a team. Guys who are more concerned with Ws than stats. In the 90s the Cowboys were talented but they were also a family on Sundays. They didn't have to love each other to come together for the common good. This group of prima donas are all about self. Its time for major changes with the Cowboys and Jerry Jones needs to step up to the plate! It should totally humble his egotistical ass to see Sparano and Parcells going to the playoffs while he has to stay at home checking on his billion dollar stadium. I am so disgusted after seeing that game that I can hardly see straight.
Update III: Chargers put the wood to the Broncos to set up a very interesting matchup with the Colts next week.
Big Game Season Finales
Patriots vs Bills
Giants vs Vikings
Panthers vs Saints
Raiders vs Bucs
Titans vs Colts
Jaguars vs Ravens
Jets vs Dolphins
Cowboys vs Eagles
Broncos vs Chargers
My Big Game Picks
Patriots: Lamont Jordan and Sammy Morris have big days running the ball.
Vikings: Tavaris Jackson throws for more than 300 yds.
Panthers: The Panthers D is going to smother Brees who will step off the bus throwing.
Bucs: The Bucs D shows up after a couple of weeks of shame. X
Colts: Colts win convincingly and many will question Titans frontrunner status
Ravens: Deee Feeeence
Dolphins: Its karma baby.
Cowboys: Ware falls a sack short of the record but Romo shows up big time. X
Chargers: In a game dominated by trash talk from the QBs LT steals the show.
Also Rans
Falcons, Chiefs X, Bears X, Steelers, Lions X, Seahawks X, 49ers
Update: Gruden should be fired IMMEDIATELY! And pour out a little something for the winless Lions.
Update II: That fucking does it. Wade Phillips and ever single assistant coach including and maybe most of all Jason Garrett needs to be handed their damn pink slip. That performance was totally unacceptable and utterly ridiculous. Not only that its time to jettison all of the self centered assholes on the team. TO of course, Tank Williams, and Pacman don't let the door hit you in the ass. Its time to bring in guys who actually WANT to win as a team. Guys who are more concerned with Ws than stats. In the 90s the Cowboys were talented but they were also a family on Sundays. They didn't have to love each other to come together for the common good. This group of prima donas are all about self. Its time for major changes with the Cowboys and Jerry Jones needs to step up to the plate! It should totally humble his egotistical ass to see Sparano and Parcells going to the playoffs while he has to stay at home checking on his billion dollar stadium. I am so disgusted after seeing that game that I can hardly see straight.
Update III: Chargers put the wood to the Broncos to set up a very interesting matchup with the Colts next week.
Big Game Season Finales
Patriots vs Bills
Giants vs Vikings
Panthers vs Saints
Raiders vs Bucs
Titans vs Colts
Jaguars vs Ravens
Jets vs Dolphins
Cowboys vs Eagles
Broncos vs Chargers
My Big Game Picks
Patriots: Lamont Jordan and Sammy Morris have big days running the ball.
Vikings: Tavaris Jackson throws for more than 300 yds.
Panthers: The Panthers D is going to smother Brees who will step off the bus throwing.
Bucs: The Bucs D shows up after a couple of weeks of shame. X
Colts: Colts win convincingly and many will question Titans frontrunner status
Ravens: Deee Feeeence
Dolphins: Its karma baby.
Cowboys: Ware falls a sack short of the record but Romo shows up big time. X
Chargers: In a game dominated by trash talk from the QBs LT steals the show.
Also Rans
Falcons, Chiefs X, Bears X, Steelers, Lions X, Seahawks X, 49ers
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Win And Get In
There is a lot of drama surrounding the games to be played this last weekend of the NFL regular season. Will Chad Pennington find redemption by beating the and getting the Dolphins into the playoffs by knocking off his successor Brett Favre and the New York Jets? Will my Cowboys live up to their preseason hype and defeat the Eagles to get in the playoffs? Or will Donavan McNabb cap off a very rocky season with an upset in what might be his last game in an Eagles uniform? Can the Chargers with Phillip Rivers get revenge over the Broncos and Jay Cutler from the infamous Hoculi call earlier this season to get into the playoffs? Will the Patriots without Tom Brady be able to beat the odds and get back into the playoffs to make another Superbowl run? Will the Panthers beat the Saints to garner the 2 seed in the NFC and get that always important first round bye? Will Tavaris Jackson shake all of his haters off and lead the Vikings into the playoffs with a win over the Giants? How will the Titans approach their game against the streaking Colts in light of the Giants/Patriots finale last year? These and many other questions will be answered at the end of Sunday night. Are you ready for some football?
Big Game Season Finales
Patriots vs Bills
Giants vs Vikings
Panthers vs Saints
Raiders vs Bucs
Titans vs Colts
Jaguars vs Ravens
Jets vs Dolphins
Cowboys vs Eagles
Broncos vs Chargers
Big Game Season Finales
Patriots vs Bills
Giants vs Vikings
Panthers vs Saints
Raiders vs Bucs
Titans vs Colts
Jaguars vs Ravens
Jets vs Dolphins
Cowboys vs Eagles
Broncos vs Chargers
Thursday, December 25, 2008
A Great Christmas Present: Gruden Names Raheem Morris Defensive Coordinator.
This is a great move in my opinion. Raheem Morris is a smart young defensive mind and I can definitely see him as a Head Coach in the NFL a few years down the road. Now if only the Bucs could hire a better Offensive Coordinator.
From TBO.com
From TBO.com
TAMPA - Bucs coach Jon Gruden saw to it that secondary coach Raheem Morris had a very merry Christmas this year.
Before leaving One Buc Place on Christmas Eve, Gruden told the 32-year-old Morris that he will replace Monte Kiffin as the Bucs' defensive coordinator beginning in 2009.
"It was Christmas and I wanted to give him a Christmas present," said Gruden, who informed his team of the decision Thursday. "I wanted to give him something to be excited about and to reward him for his effort and hard work."
Morris' appointment doesn't come as a great surprise. Since Kiffin announced plans to leave the Bucs for the University of Tennessee, many have considered Morris a leading candidate to replace him.
Now in the second year of his second stint with Tampa Bay, Morris has six years of experience in the Bucs' system. He also has a year of work under his belt as a coordinator, earning that in 2006 at Kansas State University.
"I'm just trying to beat Oakland right now, but I am pretty excited about this," Morris said. "It's a great accomplishment and I'm proud they're giving me the keys to drive this defense. It's awesome."
Sunday, December 21, 2008
NFL Thread-Updated, A Bad Day All Around
If anyone is wondering YES I am still pissed about the game last night. That was the first time I have ever felt like Wade Wilson lost the game. Here are my reasons.
1. He didn't run the ball enough. Tanard Choice was slicing and dicing the Ravens D and he was the only consistent factor throughout the night. For him to carry the ball only 17 times when he was averaging over 5 yards a pop is just ridiculous.
2. Not enough two tight end sets. When you use two tight ends against a 3-4 defense it severely hampers their ability to blitz. Thats something that Wade should know since he has been a 3-4 guru for quite some time. We have a damn good rookie tight end in Bennett and he didn't get much burn at all
3. We use Pacman Jones on punt returns where he is shaky but wait to use him on KO return to the end of the game?! Oh and he only got the ball out to the 50 the one time he touched it on KO return
4. How you don't try an onside kick at the end of the game is beyond me. Yeah I'm pissed about McClain taking it to the house but the truth is the game was already basically over. All the Ravens had to do was make one first down. Even if they had to punt we would have been put in a position of having to score with basically 10 or 15 seconds left
5. Which leads to us run blitzing on first down which takes your safety valve out of play in case a long run breaks which it did.
Now we got physically whupped at the end too. Lo Neal decleated Bradie James and Ken Hamlin is going to have nightmares about being runover by Magahee and stiff armed by McClain. But the truth is the Defense was worn out at that point. We can't keep having all these turnovers by Romo. Times like now show why the Cowboys should have gone out and got a better option at backup QB. I love Brad Johnson for all he has done during his career but he isn't a viable option when Romo is in a rut.
So after last week when I only lost 1 game on the Big Game board I start this week off already wearing a L. Well I am reposting the rest of my picks. I hope today is a much much better day
Update: With both of my teamslosing getting slaughtered yesterday and today I am not a happy camper right about now. Here are the updated results.
Update 2: Ouch...Just Ouch.
Sunday
Cardinals vs Patriots
Steelers vs Titans
Falcons vs Vikings
Eagles vs Deadskins
Panthers vs Giants
Monday
Packers vs Bears
My Picks
Cowboys: Defense shows up big time and schools the rookie QB Joe Flacco. X
Patriots: Cards get Mossed and they are horrible on the road.
Steelers: Losing Haynesworth sets the Titan D back, Harrison knocks Collins out of the game. X
Vikings: They win in a squeaker at home, but Turner still has a big day against them. X
Eagles: Donovan has a big day, setting up a huge came next week vs the Cowboys. X
Giants: Having Jacobs back helps to right the ship.
Bears: Green Bay has fallen off and the Bears are still pushing for a playoff spot.
Erybody else
Bengals, Lions X, 49ers , Dolphins, Bucs X, Broncos X, Jets X, and Texans X
1. He didn't run the ball enough. Tanard Choice was slicing and dicing the Ravens D and he was the only consistent factor throughout the night. For him to carry the ball only 17 times when he was averaging over 5 yards a pop is just ridiculous.
2. Not enough two tight end sets. When you use two tight ends against a 3-4 defense it severely hampers their ability to blitz. Thats something that Wade should know since he has been a 3-4 guru for quite some time. We have a damn good rookie tight end in Bennett and he didn't get much burn at all
3. We use Pacman Jones on punt returns where he is shaky but wait to use him on KO return to the end of the game?! Oh and he only got the ball out to the 50 the one time he touched it on KO return
4. How you don't try an onside kick at the end of the game is beyond me. Yeah I'm pissed about McClain taking it to the house but the truth is the game was already basically over. All the Ravens had to do was make one first down. Even if they had to punt we would have been put in a position of having to score with basically 10 or 15 seconds left
5. Which leads to us run blitzing on first down which takes your safety valve out of play in case a long run breaks which it did.
Now we got physically whupped at the end too. Lo Neal decleated Bradie James and Ken Hamlin is going to have nightmares about being runover by Magahee and stiff armed by McClain. But the truth is the Defense was worn out at that point. We can't keep having all these turnovers by Romo. Times like now show why the Cowboys should have gone out and got a better option at backup QB. I love Brad Johnson for all he has done during his career but he isn't a viable option when Romo is in a rut.
So after last week when I only lost 1 game on the Big Game board I start this week off already wearing a L. Well I am reposting the rest of my picks. I hope today is a much much better day
Update: With both of my teams
Update 2: Ouch...Just Ouch.
Sunday
Cardinals vs Patriots
Steelers vs Titans
Falcons vs Vikings
Eagles vs Deadskins
Panthers vs Giants
Monday
Packers vs Bears
My Picks
Cowboys: Defense shows up big time and schools the rookie QB Joe Flacco. X
Patriots: Cards get Mossed and they are horrible on the road.
Steelers: Losing Haynesworth sets the Titan D back, Harrison knocks Collins out of the game. X
Vikings: They win in a squeaker at home, but Turner still has a big day against them. X
Eagles: Donovan has a big day, setting up a huge came next week vs the Cowboys. X
Giants: Having Jacobs back helps to right the ship.
Bears: Green Bay has fallen off and the Bears are still pushing for a playoff spot.
Erybody else
Bengals, Lions X, 49ers , Dolphins, Bucs X, Broncos X, Jets X, and Texans X
Friday, December 19, 2008
Lets Get It
A lot of big games this week, lets check the line up.
Tomorrow
Cowboys vs Ravens
Sunday
Cardinals vs Patriots
Steelers vs Titans
Falcons vs Vikings
Eagles vs Deadskins
Panthers vs Giants
Monday
Packers vs Bears
My Picks
Cowboys: Defense shows up big time and schools the rookie QB Joe Flacco.
Patriots: Cards get Mossed and they are horrible on the road.
Steelers: Losing Haynesworth sets the Titan D back, Harrison knocks Collins out of the game.
Vikings: They win in a squeaker at home, but Turner still has a big day against them.
Eagles: Donovan has a big day, setting up a huge came next week vs the Cowboys.
Giants: Having Jacobs back helps to right the ship.
Bears: Green Bay has fallen off and the Bears are still pushing for a playoff spot.
Erybody else
Bengals, Lions, 49ers, Dolphins, Bucs, Broncos, Jets, and Texans
A Message For All Ravens Fans
Tomorrow
Cowboys vs Ravens
Sunday
Cardinals vs Patriots
Steelers vs Titans
Falcons vs Vikings
Eagles vs Deadskins
Panthers vs Giants
Monday
Packers vs Bears
My Picks
Cowboys: Defense shows up big time and schools the rookie QB Joe Flacco.
Patriots: Cards get Mossed and they are horrible on the road.
Steelers: Losing Haynesworth sets the Titan D back, Harrison knocks Collins out of the game.
Vikings: They win in a squeaker at home, but Turner still has a big day against them.
Eagles: Donovan has a big day, setting up a huge came next week vs the Cowboys.
Giants: Having Jacobs back helps to right the ship.
Bears: Green Bay has fallen off and the Bears are still pushing for a playoff spot.
Erybody else
Bengals, Lions, 49ers, Dolphins, Bucs, Broncos, Jets, and Texans
A Message For All Ravens Fans
Don't Sleep
I keep telling people to watch out for the Colts this year. They started off so bad that a lot of people wrote them off. Well don't look now but they are 11-4 and they just clinched a playoff spot last night. So while everyone is following the Titans, Steelers, and Dolphins don't forget about the Colts because they are the hottest team in the NFL right now and they are just getting healthy. With no Tom Brady to contend with don't be surprised to see the Colts back in the Bowl this year. Yeah, I said it!
And now for a little mood music...
And now for a little mood music...
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
A Moment Of Silence
The NFL has lost one of its great alumni tonight. From ESPN we learn that "Slingin" Sammy Baugh passed away tonight do to various illnesses at the age of 94. From the article.
My condolences go out to his family and friends.
When Baugh entered the NFL, the forward pass was so rare that it was unveiled mostly in desperate situations. But Baugh passed any time.
As a rookie in 1937, Baugh completed a record 81 passes (about seven a game) and led the league with 1,127 yards. At the time, only six passers averaged three completions a game that year. He went on to lead the league in passing six times.
Baugh still holds Redskins records for career touchdown passes (187) and completion percentage in a season (70.3). His 31 interceptions on defense are third on the team's career list. He still owns the league mark for single-season punting average (51.4).
"He was amazing, just tremendously accurate," Eddie LeBaron, who took over as Washington's quarterback in Baugh's last season, said in a 2002 interview. "He could always find a way to throw it off balance. I've seen him throw the ball overarm, sidearm and underarm and complete them."
My condolences go out to his family and friends.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Pro Bowl Snubs
The Pro Bowl rosters were just released and overall I believe the selections were all valid there are a couple of snubs that I would like to point out.
Bradie James has played out of his mind this year. I like John Beason but he is no Bradie James. James is the quarterback on a Defense that is ranked higher, and he has 6 sacks to Beason's none. A good case could definitely be made for Beason but I just think James was the better linebacker this year.
Chad Pennington has better numbers than Brett Favre and he has led the Dolphins who won all of 1 game last year to the same record as Favre and his Jets. The fact that the Jets released Pennington to make room for Favre makes this a particularly egregious snub in my opinion.
John Abraham got straight hosed. He has more sacks than ANY of the Defensive Ends picked ahead of him and he is third in the league in sacks right now. And lest we forget his Falcons are still contending for a playoff spot. There are no explanations for this one other than the fact that people vote reputation more so than accomplishments now a days.
Ronnie Brown is 21st in the league in rushing. WTF??!! Steve Slaton should be PISSED right now. I mean he comes in and tears it up as a rookie, his numbers are right behind Pro Bowl starter Chris Johnson's and he loses out to a guy who isn't even in the top tenth of the league in rushing? All I can say is wow.
I am sure there are others who feel one of their guys were snubbed so let your voices be heard.
Bradie James has played out of his mind this year. I like John Beason but he is no Bradie James. James is the quarterback on a Defense that is ranked higher, and he has 6 sacks to Beason's none. A good case could definitely be made for Beason but I just think James was the better linebacker this year.
Chad Pennington has better numbers than Brett Favre and he has led the Dolphins who won all of 1 game last year to the same record as Favre and his Jets. The fact that the Jets released Pennington to make room for Favre makes this a particularly egregious snub in my opinion.
John Abraham got straight hosed. He has more sacks than ANY of the Defensive Ends picked ahead of him and he is third in the league in sacks right now. And lest we forget his Falcons are still contending for a playoff spot. There are no explanations for this one other than the fact that people vote reputation more so than accomplishments now a days.
Ronnie Brown is 21st in the league in rushing. WTF??!! Steve Slaton should be PISSED right now. I mean he comes in and tears it up as a rookie, his numbers are right behind Pro Bowl starter Chris Johnson's and he loses out to a guy who isn't even in the top tenth of the league in rushing? All I can say is wow.
I am sure there are others who feel one of their guys were snubbed so let your voices be heard.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
