I am a satellite radio subscriber. I like it for all the music, but mostly I like the sports talk radio channels so I can feed my obsessive need for sports while I’m driving to and from work. Between the ESPN and FoxSports channels, I can usually catch some interesting information about the NFL, NHL or college football. If they’re talking about baseball or basketball, I just change the channel.
Unfortunately, there are also some radio personalities that I avoid because their demeanor, analysis or general presentation just doesn’t work for me. That’s fine, I don’t have anything against them, it’s just not my style so I choose to listen elsewhere.
Today, I heard something different. While flipping to ESPN radio, I caught “The Herd” with Colin Cowherd. I’m not usually a big fan of his show, but thought I’d give it a few minutes. Just as I tuned in, he was making comments about how all Canadians do is “drink Molson, watch hockey, and go to Tim Horton’s”. He followed that up with comments about listening to Celine Dion and stating “I love Canada, maybe I’ll buy it one day”.
Colin, you’re an idiot. For starters, I’m in Calgary, which is part of Canada since you’re obviously a little geographically insensitive, and I’m listening to your show. That means you just took a shot at some of your own listeners.
I have no problem with drinking Molson’s and Tim Hortons while watching hockey. I’m just pissed that you forgot to mention Big Rock and Rickard’s, two of our other fine brews. They’re all better than that watered-down swill you sell down there. You also forgot to mention that we are wearing toques while watching the game in our igloos and huddling up with our sled dogs for warmth. As for hockey, we watch a lot, we play a lot and that’s why we’re the best in the world. Please explain to me the downside of dominating the sport we love.
I’m deeply offended by the Celine Dion comment, since we shipped her off to Vegas a few years ago and weren’t expecting her to be returned. You guys wanted her, now keep her.
As for the comment about buying Canada, this is where I get irritated. Apparently you haven’t figured out that Canada is a larger land mass than the United States, so it’s not like you’re offering to buy some small island. I’m assuming that if you’re offering to buy us that you’re planning on financing this purchase with that brilliant sub-prime mortgage scheme all your banks dreamed up. Let me know how that’s panning out for you.
While there are many Americans who take shots at Canada and use xenophobic stereotypes to describe us, they give the rest of our southern neighbors a bad name. I have American friends and co-workers and none of them act in the ignorant fashion that you do.
Apparently I’m not the only person taking offense to your comments since a quick search turned up all kinds of blogs and clips of you taking shots at writers like Bill Simmons, telling some fan to put an ice pick in their eye and criticizing Sean Taylor’s death due to his “gang-related past” despite the fact it was a botched robbery. At least I know you’re not just rude to Canadians, but a well-rounded moron who manages to offend all kinds of people.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
NFL Hangover Week 3
I am back at home with a myriad of channels and a big screen at my disposal. So I’ll give you the run-down of what I saw yesterday.
Just a quick note, however, about picture quality. I can’t believe how annoyed I am after paying for NFL Sunday Ticket, that I still can’t get every game in HD. It shouldn’t be that difficult, I’m sure someone is covering the Philly-KC game in HD, just get me the feed dammit!
Chiefs (14) at Eagles (34)
To be honest, I only tuned in to see how Vick would look in the offense. This game didn’t look like it would be much of a contest, and it turned out I was right.
Vick’s first snap came spread wide as a WR. He came in motion and they faked the end-around to him as they handed to LeSean McCoy up the middle. It worked though, McCoy got decent yards on the play.
The Philly defense was in Matt Cassel’s face from the outset. He was sacked and hurried quite early in the game.
Vick ran the option with DeSean Jackson on his right and later ran a read-option with McCoy. Quick thought, with DeSean and LeSean on the roster, do you think Keyshawn wants to make a comeback. Would he change his name to MeSean just to match his nickname? I feel like someone needs to ask him just in case.
In the Red Zone, Vick gets another snap and fakes the run to McCoy before getting his head taken off trying to throw to the endzone. Wow, that was a monstrous hit. Andy Reid decides that it’s easier to just give the ball to McCoy on a direct snap and he scores a TD on the next play. It’s only the 1st quarter but this game is going to end badly for the Chiefs.
Watching LeSean McCoy play has convinced Pete and I that Brian Westbrook’s days are numbered in Philly.
Falcons (10) at Patriots (26)
This looked like another good game to keep tabs on. I thought Atlanta had a chance to take this one. Boy was I wrong.
Watching Kevin Faulk play, I have to believe he’s the best running back I’ve ever watched at running the shotgun draw. Maybe it’s because he gouged the Colts for years with this exact play, that it’s burned in my mind. He hesitates long enough for the pass rush to develop and hits the hole with a burst quick enough to be 5 yards clear before anyone gets to him.
The New England red zone offense is picking up where it left off last week. The Pats have to kick another FG after a terrible dropped pass by Joey Galloway.
After flipping over to watch the Ten-NYJ and SF-Min games for a while, I came back with the game tied 3-3. Fred Taylor just put together a drive all by himself, with some solid running and capped it off with a TD. 10-3 NE.
Atlanta is in the no-huddle offense and the announcers make a fantastic point that most people miss. The no-huddle’s biggest advantage is to ensure that you keep the same defensive personnel on the field. Clearly the Falcons like how their current 3-WR formation is matching up with the Pats 4-DB set. Matt Ryan makes several completions in a row and Michael Turner caps off the drive with a TD. 10-10.
From this point on, Atlanta couldn’t move the ball and the Pats running game looked ready to take over the game. I switched to a more compelling game and I’m glad I did (see SF-Min) since the final score was quite lopsided. Obviously the Falcons aren’t quite an upper-echelon team yet.
Titans (17) at Jets (24)
I had this game in the channel surfing rotation, but only really started watching in the 2nd Quarter.
Tennessee looks like they’re really missing Albert Haynesworth in run defense. They are getting blown off the line by the Jets O-line right now.
The Jets pressure defense is a lot of fun to watch. The variety of overload blitz schemes is keeping Kerry Collins on his toes right now. I’m also extremely impressed with cornerback Darrelle Revis. I know that’s not a novel observation, but I haven’t seen him play very often. He’s keeping his coverage tight and breaks on the ball with perfect timing. In order to have an outstanding pressure defense, you need corners like this. 14-0 Jets right now.
Ok, I just flipped over to another game and when I flipped back, it’s 14-10. Do I smell a comeback?
In the 3rd quarter, the Titans look like a completely different team. Their defensive line is absolutely smothering Sanchez right now. It’s not a pocket, it’s a mosh pit. This is clearly getting to the Jets offense as they seem lost at the moment. I can’t believe the pressure the Titans are getting from their front 4. Where was this in the first quarter? Who broke out the ephedrine at halftime?
Unfortunately, after a great defensive stand, the Titans rookie DB, Ryan Mouton, just fumbled for the second time trying to return a punt. The Jets capitalize as Sanchez hits Jerricho Cotchery for a TD. This kid is going to have terrible confidence now.
Sanchez and Cotchery show off their chemistry again on the next drive with a great deep throw down the sidelines. I always liked Cotchery and thought he would explode with Favre at QB last year. I guess I was a year too early as he looks like a complete weapon in this game. The resulting FG gives them a 24-17 lead.
In the 4th quarter, the Titans got a monstrous INT as a pass glanced off the fingers of Chancey Stuckey to Chris Hope. After watching Chris Johnson come within a foot tackle of breaking a long TD, I’m just wondering if the entire Jets sideline holds their breath every time he touches the ball. I held mine, but that’s because I bet on the Jets. Unfortunately for the Titans, NT Kris Jenkins decides that CJ looks like a Vegas buffet, because no one is getting in his way. He even brought him down in the backfield with only a fist full of jersey.
Speaking of RB’s that make you hold your breath. The network just flashed to highlights of the Jags-Texans game so I could watch Maurice Jones-Drew single-handedly destroy my fantasy football matchup this week. Thanks guys, I need a beer.
On the next play, Collins had pressure in his face when he threw the ball and LB David Harris intercepted.
The Jets moved the ball and ate some clock, but the Titans had one final chance to tie the game. Collins never had a chance on the final drive. After a 12 yard run by CJ, Collins was sacked for a 13 yard loss by David Harris right at the 2 minute warning. The pressure kept up for the next few downs with the Titans unable to complete a pass on 3rd and 4th down. Game over.
49ers (24) at Vikings (27)
I need to make sure I disclose this beforehand. I’m becoming a seasonal Niners fan this year. I’m not talking about dumping my beloved Colts, I’m referring to that one team every season that you can’t help but follow, because you want them to do well.
I wrote about them closing down the Cardinals in week 1. I saw them play live last week. I loved Singletary as a player and he’s made that defense into a downright nasty unit. The Crabtree situation confounds me. I just can’t help but follow them. They’re even my team in Madden this year.
When I saw the 2-0 Niners versus the 2-0 Vikes, it was instantly my #1 choice for the early game. Could Pat Willis and the defense hold Adrian Peterson to under 10 yards like last year? Could Frank Gore find any running room versus the Williams Wall?
In the first quarter, the Niners look terrible on offense. The first series ends with a sack, an incompletion, a delay of game penalty and a terrible WR screen. Ouch.
Apparently San Fran’s defense doesn’t want to be out-dueled, 3 and out for Minny after Favre is put under pressure.
Oh no, Frank Gore just limped off the field. This can’t happen. He’s really the only offensive weapon that San Fran has besides Vernon Davis. Another short offensive series.
On the next Vikings offensive series, Adrian Peterson bounces one outside to remind us all that he has more talent than anyone in the league. Favre hits Sidney Rice for a TD. 7-0.
The Niners follow up that touchdown with another 3 and out. My adopted team is NOT looking good and they’re missing their offensive catalyst, Gore, who was carted off through the tunnel and won’t return.
By the time the 2nd quarter rolls around, San Fran’s defense is still holding Peterson in check and giving Favre little time to throw. After a long punt return though, they gave up a FG after a good stand. 10-0 Vikings.
San Fran needs to pass on first down. The Vikes are loading 9 in the box because they know Singletary’s conservative offense is going to run on first down. The element of surprise just isn’t there. On 4th and 1, and just out of FG range, Shaun Hill completes a 25 yard pass to Josh Morgan out of the shotgun. With their newfound aerial prowess in hand, Hill hits Vernon Davis in the endzone for a TD. 10-7 Vikes.
On the next drive, Favre gets jacked up on a safety blitz to end the drive. I think I wrote about this same deficiency after week 1. Note to all defensive coordinators playing the Vikings. Blitz the safety. I repeat, blitz the damn safety.
With neither team doing anything offensively, we’re nearing the end of the first half. As Minnesota attempts a pass on 3rd down, it’s defended beautifully by Shawntae Spencer who celebrates by waiving his hands around in an “incomplete” motion. Penalty flag for taunting, drive extended. This ref should have his toenails pulled out. Is there a reason we need to penalize an entire team for a young player celebrating a great play? Vikes get a FG out of the drive and the ref gets a bonus check from the Minnesota fan club. 13-7 Vikings.
With the Vikings marching down the field again, they are stopped in FG range, but the general sense of the game is that this could seal the win, with all the momentum on Minnesota’s side. Somehow, San Fran’s line gets a great push, blocks the FG and Nate Clements returns it for a TD. 14-13 Niners and we have a ball game.
It’s now the 3rd quarter and I see something else I don’t like with San Fran’s offense. They continually motion a WR, usually Josh Morgan, across the formation, but have him crouch behind the tackle. Once he stops, they run the ball and use Morgan as an inside blocker. It’s not that I disagree with using WRs in creative ways to run block, it’s that this motion tips the defense to a running play, every time. San Fran needs to get more creative in order to find a few big plays. Why not run this motion and sneak Morgan out on a play action pass?
As I’m busy critiquing the Niners offense, Favre throws a pick and San Fran moves the ball far enough for a FG. 17-13 Niners, and an upset in the making?
On the ensuing kickoff, Percy Harvin takes the return 101 yards for a game-changing touchdown. I don’t think he was touched. Great play. 20-17 Vikes.
I think someone just told Vernon Davis to play his ass off or Mike Singletary will drop his pants again. He just made a beautiful grab over the middle in tight double coverage and followed it up with another TD reception. Not only is Davis playing like an unstoppable force, but Shaun Hill is once again making a gutsy drive to take a 4th quarter lead. With 5:10 left in the 4th quarter, he is 4-4 for 89 yards and a TD in the quarter. 24-20 Niners.
With 2:40 left in the game, Favre has a chance for a game-winning drive. This seems like a good time to mention that if the referee hadn’t blown that taunting call earlier in the game, it would be a 7 point lead. I’m just pointing it out.
On 3rd and 5, Favre misses his target by ~8 yards, not pretty. On 4th and 5, Dre Bly knocks the pass attempt down and it looks like the victory is sealed. Unfortunately for the 49ers, they once again can’t move the ball on the ground and punt it into the end zone.
With 1:30 left in the game and 80 yards to go, it seems like Brett Favre needs a miracle. Apparently he had one left in the bag. Favre makes some sharp throws to the sideline mixed with a few up the middle to Harvin. While the announcers criticized Minny for throwing to the middle of the field with no time outs, I liked it. It opened up the sidelines for other passes and got them some quick yards. With 8 seconds left, Minny had time for one play from the 35 yard line. If you haven’t seen it, here it is. It was really an amazing play. 27-24 Minny.
I have one complaint though. As usual, all the announcers could talk about was Favre. Granted, he made a nice play avoiding the rush and getting the pass off. The insane part of the play is the catch. Their 4th WR, Greg Lewis, makes the catch in a position that looks impossible to keep his feet in bounds. He gets the left foot down, drags the right foot and manages to keep control of the ball in a very awkward position. This is a once-in-a-lifetime catch and he deserves to be recognized. Greg Lewis, you receive the first Sports Opinionated Bow Down award. We grovel at your feet.
Heart-breaking loss for San Fran, euphoric win for Minnesota, and a great game to watch as a partially-neutral fan.
Bears (25) at Seahawks (19)
I joined this game with 8:45 left in the 1st Quarter with the score 7-0 Seattle. Who scored the TD? Julius Jones, one of my bottom feeder fantasy picks and currently the best running back on my one fantasy team. Man I love when I’m right. Just don’t look at the picks I was wrong about.
Dear god, who designed these uniforms for Seattle, a crossing-guard union? I can no longer see the color green when I look away from the TV. Someone needs to burn those uniforms.
Chicago runs a nice reverse to Devin Hester, make a couple nice pass completions and look genuinely solid and then Jay Cutler throws a pick.
On the next drive by Seattle, Seneca Wallace misses Nate Burleson for a sure TD when he’s 3 steps behind his man. Seattle FG for a 10-0 lead. It looks like the SO Curse might be back on.
I jumped away to a few other games with this one looking out of hand already, but I turned back to see Olindo Mare miss a FG at the end of the half to leave the score 13-7 for Seattle.
Chicago managed another TD to go up 14-13 in the 3rd quarter. Seneca Wallace then makes his second big mistake of the game. As he tries to avoid a safety, despite being outside the tackle box, he tries to throw a pass instead of just dumping it out of bounds. INT by Lance Briggs.
Seattle gets to Cutler on a 3rd and 4 inside the 10 though, keeping it to just a FG. 17-13 Bears. Seattle follows up with a good drive riding Julius Jones tough running to a field goal. 17-16 Bears.
In the 4th quarter, Aaron Curry comes around the blind side edge and causes Cutler to fumble. It looks like Seattle has a chance. On 3rd and 11, Seneca Wallace rolls out to avoid the rush and makes a nice throw but #24 on Chicago makes a leaping play to knock the ball down. Seattle settles for a field goal but is up 19-17.
Chicago is using Wolfe and Petersen at running back right now, where is Forte? Apparently it doesn’t matter, since Cutler hits Hester on a quick slant and he takes it 30 or 40 yards for a TD. With the 2 point conversion, Chicago is up 25-19.
Seattle makes a valiant effort to come back down the field but has a 4th and 2 pass into the flat snuffed out by good man coverage. Bears win 25-19. Maybe the SO Curse isn’t real after all.
Steelers (20) at Bengals (23)
I liked the look of this game because the Bengals were only 1 fluky play from being 2-0. And in my mind, the Steelers weren’t playing that well. I thought the Bengals had a shot to keep it close, but figured Pittsburgh would still pull it off.
Has anyone else noticed the announcers using the word “swagger” too much this year? Guys, you’re not Jay Z or Kanye, just stop trying. One guy on ESPN radio this morning actually used the word swagger-licious, that’s just disgusting.
I really only watched the first half and bit of the 3rd quarter of this game. Pittsburgh jumped out to an early lead, leading 13-3 at halftime and lost their “swagger” with a terrible miscommunication between Big Ben and Santonio Holmes for a Cincy INT and TD to make it 13-10.
I didn’t see anything else other than highlights, but what a great win for the Bengals and their fans.
Saints (27) at Bills (7)
Most people didn’t give the Bills a chance in this game.
With the Saints up 7-0 in the 1st quarter, the Bills stuffed Reggie Bush on 4th and 2. They made a nice drive riding Fred Jackson’s running and scored a TD on a fake FG. 7-7. I loved the fake FG call. Early in the game against a dynamic offense, you need points and they found a way to get seven of them.
Buffalo musters a sack and fumble on Brees. They look very good on defense right now. Speaking of looking good, does Fred Jackson get to keep the starter’s job when Marshawn Lynch comes back? I think he should.
The Bills are still making the defensive stops, but Robert Parrish fumbles on a punt return giving the Saints a field goal. 10-7 Saints.
Both defenses keep the pressure on and we go into halftime at 10-7.
I can’t believe how terrible Buffalo’s passing game is right now. The Saints seem to be playing good defense, but it’s not like they are normally good against the pass. That said, the Bills have really limited the Saints passing attack, which is a much bigger feat.
At the beginning of the 4th quarter, Trent Edwards just missed Terrell Owens who had a step on his defender. T.O. is not a happy guy. He’s had 185 consecutive games with a catch, but 0 tonight. I’m looking for some type of Twitter update in which he insults Edwards’ manhood. Nothing online yet, give it a day.
New Orleans decided to bring Pierre Thomas into the running game at halftime and it’s been a stroke of genius. He is moving the ball and eventually breaks a 34 yarder in the 4th quarter for a TD. 17-7 Saints.
Buffalo punts again to make it 7 punts in the last 8 possession. Stick a fork in their offense.
The Saints are now imposing their running game, yes, you read that right, their running game. Another FG to make it 20-7.
The Bill offense is still doing nothing, so Thomas puts his final stamp on the game with a 19 yard TD to give the Saints a 27-7 lead. He ends up with 126 yards and 2 TDs in the 2nd half alone.
It’s too bad for the Bills defense. They held the Saints in the first half but eventually just got tired. If their offense had moved the ball and given them some rest, they could have put their stamp on this game.
Colts (31) at Cardinals (10)
I can’t possibly give you any impartial comments on this game. All I can do is spare you the Colts-fest I would write and simply state that too many people underestimate the impact of Peyton Manning. ‘Nuff said.
Well, it was a suspenseful week with some great finishes. That said, I feel for the 49ers, who were a couple 4 yard runs and a terribly blown taunting call away from icing a 3-0 start. That and my retinas are still burning from a couple hours of staring at those Seahawks jerseys.
No wonder I feel hung over.
Just a quick note, however, about picture quality. I can’t believe how annoyed I am after paying for NFL Sunday Ticket, that I still can’t get every game in HD. It shouldn’t be that difficult, I’m sure someone is covering the Philly-KC game in HD, just get me the feed dammit!
Chiefs (14) at Eagles (34)
To be honest, I only tuned in to see how Vick would look in the offense. This game didn’t look like it would be much of a contest, and it turned out I was right.
Vick’s first snap came spread wide as a WR. He came in motion and they faked the end-around to him as they handed to LeSean McCoy up the middle. It worked though, McCoy got decent yards on the play.
The Philly defense was in Matt Cassel’s face from the outset. He was sacked and hurried quite early in the game.
Vick ran the option with DeSean Jackson on his right and later ran a read-option with McCoy. Quick thought, with DeSean and LeSean on the roster, do you think Keyshawn wants to make a comeback. Would he change his name to MeSean just to match his nickname? I feel like someone needs to ask him just in case.
In the Red Zone, Vick gets another snap and fakes the run to McCoy before getting his head taken off trying to throw to the endzone. Wow, that was a monstrous hit. Andy Reid decides that it’s easier to just give the ball to McCoy on a direct snap and he scores a TD on the next play. It’s only the 1st quarter but this game is going to end badly for the Chiefs.
Watching LeSean McCoy play has convinced Pete and I that Brian Westbrook’s days are numbered in Philly.
Falcons (10) at Patriots (26)
This looked like another good game to keep tabs on. I thought Atlanta had a chance to take this one. Boy was I wrong.
Watching Kevin Faulk play, I have to believe he’s the best running back I’ve ever watched at running the shotgun draw. Maybe it’s because he gouged the Colts for years with this exact play, that it’s burned in my mind. He hesitates long enough for the pass rush to develop and hits the hole with a burst quick enough to be 5 yards clear before anyone gets to him.
The New England red zone offense is picking up where it left off last week. The Pats have to kick another FG after a terrible dropped pass by Joey Galloway.
After flipping over to watch the Ten-NYJ and SF-Min games for a while, I came back with the game tied 3-3. Fred Taylor just put together a drive all by himself, with some solid running and capped it off with a TD. 10-3 NE.
Atlanta is in the no-huddle offense and the announcers make a fantastic point that most people miss. The no-huddle’s biggest advantage is to ensure that you keep the same defensive personnel on the field. Clearly the Falcons like how their current 3-WR formation is matching up with the Pats 4-DB set. Matt Ryan makes several completions in a row and Michael Turner caps off the drive with a TD. 10-10.
From this point on, Atlanta couldn’t move the ball and the Pats running game looked ready to take over the game. I switched to a more compelling game and I’m glad I did (see SF-Min) since the final score was quite lopsided. Obviously the Falcons aren’t quite an upper-echelon team yet.
Titans (17) at Jets (24)
I had this game in the channel surfing rotation, but only really started watching in the 2nd Quarter.
Tennessee looks like they’re really missing Albert Haynesworth in run defense. They are getting blown off the line by the Jets O-line right now.
The Jets pressure defense is a lot of fun to watch. The variety of overload blitz schemes is keeping Kerry Collins on his toes right now. I’m also extremely impressed with cornerback Darrelle Revis. I know that’s not a novel observation, but I haven’t seen him play very often. He’s keeping his coverage tight and breaks on the ball with perfect timing. In order to have an outstanding pressure defense, you need corners like this. 14-0 Jets right now.
Ok, I just flipped over to another game and when I flipped back, it’s 14-10. Do I smell a comeback?
In the 3rd quarter, the Titans look like a completely different team. Their defensive line is absolutely smothering Sanchez right now. It’s not a pocket, it’s a mosh pit. This is clearly getting to the Jets offense as they seem lost at the moment. I can’t believe the pressure the Titans are getting from their front 4. Where was this in the first quarter? Who broke out the ephedrine at halftime?
Unfortunately, after a great defensive stand, the Titans rookie DB, Ryan Mouton, just fumbled for the second time trying to return a punt. The Jets capitalize as Sanchez hits Jerricho Cotchery for a TD. This kid is going to have terrible confidence now.
Sanchez and Cotchery show off their chemistry again on the next drive with a great deep throw down the sidelines. I always liked Cotchery and thought he would explode with Favre at QB last year. I guess I was a year too early as he looks like a complete weapon in this game. The resulting FG gives them a 24-17 lead.
In the 4th quarter, the Titans got a monstrous INT as a pass glanced off the fingers of Chancey Stuckey to Chris Hope. After watching Chris Johnson come within a foot tackle of breaking a long TD, I’m just wondering if the entire Jets sideline holds their breath every time he touches the ball. I held mine, but that’s because I bet on the Jets. Unfortunately for the Titans, NT Kris Jenkins decides that CJ looks like a Vegas buffet, because no one is getting in his way. He even brought him down in the backfield with only a fist full of jersey.
Speaking of RB’s that make you hold your breath. The network just flashed to highlights of the Jags-Texans game so I could watch Maurice Jones-Drew single-handedly destroy my fantasy football matchup this week. Thanks guys, I need a beer.
On the next play, Collins had pressure in his face when he threw the ball and LB David Harris intercepted.
The Jets moved the ball and ate some clock, but the Titans had one final chance to tie the game. Collins never had a chance on the final drive. After a 12 yard run by CJ, Collins was sacked for a 13 yard loss by David Harris right at the 2 minute warning. The pressure kept up for the next few downs with the Titans unable to complete a pass on 3rd and 4th down. Game over.
49ers (24) at Vikings (27)
I need to make sure I disclose this beforehand. I’m becoming a seasonal Niners fan this year. I’m not talking about dumping my beloved Colts, I’m referring to that one team every season that you can’t help but follow, because you want them to do well.
I wrote about them closing down the Cardinals in week 1. I saw them play live last week. I loved Singletary as a player and he’s made that defense into a downright nasty unit. The Crabtree situation confounds me. I just can’t help but follow them. They’re even my team in Madden this year.
When I saw the 2-0 Niners versus the 2-0 Vikes, it was instantly my #1 choice for the early game. Could Pat Willis and the defense hold Adrian Peterson to under 10 yards like last year? Could Frank Gore find any running room versus the Williams Wall?
In the first quarter, the Niners look terrible on offense. The first series ends with a sack, an incompletion, a delay of game penalty and a terrible WR screen. Ouch.
Apparently San Fran’s defense doesn’t want to be out-dueled, 3 and out for Minny after Favre is put under pressure.
Oh no, Frank Gore just limped off the field. This can’t happen. He’s really the only offensive weapon that San Fran has besides Vernon Davis. Another short offensive series.
On the next Vikings offensive series, Adrian Peterson bounces one outside to remind us all that he has more talent than anyone in the league. Favre hits Sidney Rice for a TD. 7-0.
The Niners follow up that touchdown with another 3 and out. My adopted team is NOT looking good and they’re missing their offensive catalyst, Gore, who was carted off through the tunnel and won’t return.
By the time the 2nd quarter rolls around, San Fran’s defense is still holding Peterson in check and giving Favre little time to throw. After a long punt return though, they gave up a FG after a good stand. 10-0 Vikings.
San Fran needs to pass on first down. The Vikes are loading 9 in the box because they know Singletary’s conservative offense is going to run on first down. The element of surprise just isn’t there. On 4th and 1, and just out of FG range, Shaun Hill completes a 25 yard pass to Josh Morgan out of the shotgun. With their newfound aerial prowess in hand, Hill hits Vernon Davis in the endzone for a TD. 10-7 Vikes.
On the next drive, Favre gets jacked up on a safety blitz to end the drive. I think I wrote about this same deficiency after week 1. Note to all defensive coordinators playing the Vikings. Blitz the safety. I repeat, blitz the damn safety.
With neither team doing anything offensively, we’re nearing the end of the first half. As Minnesota attempts a pass on 3rd down, it’s defended beautifully by Shawntae Spencer who celebrates by waiving his hands around in an “incomplete” motion. Penalty flag for taunting, drive extended. This ref should have his toenails pulled out. Is there a reason we need to penalize an entire team for a young player celebrating a great play? Vikes get a FG out of the drive and the ref gets a bonus check from the Minnesota fan club. 13-7 Vikings.
With the Vikings marching down the field again, they are stopped in FG range, but the general sense of the game is that this could seal the win, with all the momentum on Minnesota’s side. Somehow, San Fran’s line gets a great push, blocks the FG and Nate Clements returns it for a TD. 14-13 Niners and we have a ball game.
It’s now the 3rd quarter and I see something else I don’t like with San Fran’s offense. They continually motion a WR, usually Josh Morgan, across the formation, but have him crouch behind the tackle. Once he stops, they run the ball and use Morgan as an inside blocker. It’s not that I disagree with using WRs in creative ways to run block, it’s that this motion tips the defense to a running play, every time. San Fran needs to get more creative in order to find a few big plays. Why not run this motion and sneak Morgan out on a play action pass?
As I’m busy critiquing the Niners offense, Favre throws a pick and San Fran moves the ball far enough for a FG. 17-13 Niners, and an upset in the making?
On the ensuing kickoff, Percy Harvin takes the return 101 yards for a game-changing touchdown. I don’t think he was touched. Great play. 20-17 Vikes.
I think someone just told Vernon Davis to play his ass off or Mike Singletary will drop his pants again. He just made a beautiful grab over the middle in tight double coverage and followed it up with another TD reception. Not only is Davis playing like an unstoppable force, but Shaun Hill is once again making a gutsy drive to take a 4th quarter lead. With 5:10 left in the 4th quarter, he is 4-4 for 89 yards and a TD in the quarter. 24-20 Niners.
With 2:40 left in the game, Favre has a chance for a game-winning drive. This seems like a good time to mention that if the referee hadn’t blown that taunting call earlier in the game, it would be a 7 point lead. I’m just pointing it out.
On 3rd and 5, Favre misses his target by ~8 yards, not pretty. On 4th and 5, Dre Bly knocks the pass attempt down and it looks like the victory is sealed. Unfortunately for the 49ers, they once again can’t move the ball on the ground and punt it into the end zone.
With 1:30 left in the game and 80 yards to go, it seems like Brett Favre needs a miracle. Apparently he had one left in the bag. Favre makes some sharp throws to the sideline mixed with a few up the middle to Harvin. While the announcers criticized Minny for throwing to the middle of the field with no time outs, I liked it. It opened up the sidelines for other passes and got them some quick yards. With 8 seconds left, Minny had time for one play from the 35 yard line. If you haven’t seen it, here it is. It was really an amazing play. 27-24 Minny.
I have one complaint though. As usual, all the announcers could talk about was Favre. Granted, he made a nice play avoiding the rush and getting the pass off. The insane part of the play is the catch. Their 4th WR, Greg Lewis, makes the catch in a position that looks impossible to keep his feet in bounds. He gets the left foot down, drags the right foot and manages to keep control of the ball in a very awkward position. This is a once-in-a-lifetime catch and he deserves to be recognized. Greg Lewis, you receive the first Sports Opinionated Bow Down award. We grovel at your feet.
Heart-breaking loss for San Fran, euphoric win for Minnesota, and a great game to watch as a partially-neutral fan.
Bears (25) at Seahawks (19)
I joined this game with 8:45 left in the 1st Quarter with the score 7-0 Seattle. Who scored the TD? Julius Jones, one of my bottom feeder fantasy picks and currently the best running back on my one fantasy team. Man I love when I’m right. Just don’t look at the picks I was wrong about.
Dear god, who designed these uniforms for Seattle, a crossing-guard union? I can no longer see the color green when I look away from the TV. Someone needs to burn those uniforms.
Chicago runs a nice reverse to Devin Hester, make a couple nice pass completions and look genuinely solid and then Jay Cutler throws a pick.
On the next drive by Seattle, Seneca Wallace misses Nate Burleson for a sure TD when he’s 3 steps behind his man. Seattle FG for a 10-0 lead. It looks like the SO Curse might be back on.
I jumped away to a few other games with this one looking out of hand already, but I turned back to see Olindo Mare miss a FG at the end of the half to leave the score 13-7 for Seattle.
Chicago managed another TD to go up 14-13 in the 3rd quarter. Seneca Wallace then makes his second big mistake of the game. As he tries to avoid a safety, despite being outside the tackle box, he tries to throw a pass instead of just dumping it out of bounds. INT by Lance Briggs.
Seattle gets to Cutler on a 3rd and 4 inside the 10 though, keeping it to just a FG. 17-13 Bears. Seattle follows up with a good drive riding Julius Jones tough running to a field goal. 17-16 Bears.
In the 4th quarter, Aaron Curry comes around the blind side edge and causes Cutler to fumble. It looks like Seattle has a chance. On 3rd and 11, Seneca Wallace rolls out to avoid the rush and makes a nice throw but #24 on Chicago makes a leaping play to knock the ball down. Seattle settles for a field goal but is up 19-17.
Chicago is using Wolfe and Petersen at running back right now, where is Forte? Apparently it doesn’t matter, since Cutler hits Hester on a quick slant and he takes it 30 or 40 yards for a TD. With the 2 point conversion, Chicago is up 25-19.
Seattle makes a valiant effort to come back down the field but has a 4th and 2 pass into the flat snuffed out by good man coverage. Bears win 25-19. Maybe the SO Curse isn’t real after all.
Steelers (20) at Bengals (23)
I liked the look of this game because the Bengals were only 1 fluky play from being 2-0. And in my mind, the Steelers weren’t playing that well. I thought the Bengals had a shot to keep it close, but figured Pittsburgh would still pull it off.
Has anyone else noticed the announcers using the word “swagger” too much this year? Guys, you’re not Jay Z or Kanye, just stop trying. One guy on ESPN radio this morning actually used the word swagger-licious, that’s just disgusting.
I really only watched the first half and bit of the 3rd quarter of this game. Pittsburgh jumped out to an early lead, leading 13-3 at halftime and lost their “swagger” with a terrible miscommunication between Big Ben and Santonio Holmes for a Cincy INT and TD to make it 13-10.
I didn’t see anything else other than highlights, but what a great win for the Bengals and their fans.
Saints (27) at Bills (7)
Most people didn’t give the Bills a chance in this game.
With the Saints up 7-0 in the 1st quarter, the Bills stuffed Reggie Bush on 4th and 2. They made a nice drive riding Fred Jackson’s running and scored a TD on a fake FG. 7-7. I loved the fake FG call. Early in the game against a dynamic offense, you need points and they found a way to get seven of them.
Buffalo musters a sack and fumble on Brees. They look very good on defense right now. Speaking of looking good, does Fred Jackson get to keep the starter’s job when Marshawn Lynch comes back? I think he should.
The Bills are still making the defensive stops, but Robert Parrish fumbles on a punt return giving the Saints a field goal. 10-7 Saints.
Both defenses keep the pressure on and we go into halftime at 10-7.
I can’t believe how terrible Buffalo’s passing game is right now. The Saints seem to be playing good defense, but it’s not like they are normally good against the pass. That said, the Bills have really limited the Saints passing attack, which is a much bigger feat.
At the beginning of the 4th quarter, Trent Edwards just missed Terrell Owens who had a step on his defender. T.O. is not a happy guy. He’s had 185 consecutive games with a catch, but 0 tonight. I’m looking for some type of Twitter update in which he insults Edwards’ manhood. Nothing online yet, give it a day.
New Orleans decided to bring Pierre Thomas into the running game at halftime and it’s been a stroke of genius. He is moving the ball and eventually breaks a 34 yarder in the 4th quarter for a TD. 17-7 Saints.
Buffalo punts again to make it 7 punts in the last 8 possession. Stick a fork in their offense.
The Saints are now imposing their running game, yes, you read that right, their running game. Another FG to make it 20-7.
The Bill offense is still doing nothing, so Thomas puts his final stamp on the game with a 19 yard TD to give the Saints a 27-7 lead. He ends up with 126 yards and 2 TDs in the 2nd half alone.
It’s too bad for the Bills defense. They held the Saints in the first half but eventually just got tired. If their offense had moved the ball and given them some rest, they could have put their stamp on this game.
Colts (31) at Cardinals (10)
I can’t possibly give you any impartial comments on this game. All I can do is spare you the Colts-fest I would write and simply state that too many people underestimate the impact of Peyton Manning. ‘Nuff said.
Well, it was a suspenseful week with some great finishes. That said, I feel for the 49ers, who were a couple 4 yard runs and a terribly blown taunting call away from icing a 3-0 start. That and my retinas are still burning from a couple hours of staring at those Seahawks jerseys.
No wonder I feel hung over.
Friday, September 25, 2009
NFL Rants & Raves before Week 3
With week 3 games only two days away, I’ve got a few thoughts bouncing around this skull that I just want to throw out there.
Rants
What is Michael Crabtree hoping to accomplish with this holdout?
Every year a 1st round pick holds out for a better contract and in almost every case his first year is wasted. I don’t think that players realize how much impact it has on their ability, and playing time, to miss camp, and especially pre-season games. NFL playbooks are infinitely more complex than college and training camp is needed to get players into game shape. When a pick holds out, he misses all of that preparation and usually never recovers in his first season. So are the extra couple million dollars on a 5 year deal worth more than starting your career off right. How many players never get a 2nd contract because they don’t play well enough in their first one?
In this case, Crabtree was thought to be the best receiver in the draft and the most NFL-ready offensive player available. He may have been the second receiver taken, but who wants to play for the Raiders anyway? Instead, he went 10th overall to a good organization in the 49ers, who desperately need a #1 receiver. If Crabtree really wanted to make an impact in the NFL, he would have got into camp, earned a starting spot and played like the rookie of the year. Many first round picks have to wait their turn for a starting spot. Crabtree could have earned his from day 1 and learned from a great veteran receiver in Isaac Bruce. He blew it, plain and simple.
Crabtree and his agent, Eugene Parker are arguing that he is a better receiver than Heyward-Bey and therefore deserves to get paid more. Here’s a little note for Crabtree and Parker, life doesn’t always turn out the way you want, but you have to suck it up and deal with it sometimes. You’re lucky enough to make more in the first five years of your working life than most couples ever hope to make in their lifetime. If you really want to prove that you’re a better receiver, get out on the field and show everyone, don’t whine about who should get more money.
Speaking of money, here’s how it breaks down.
The first receiver taken, Darius Heyward-Bey got a 5 year deal worth $38M with ~$23.4M guaranteed after being picked 7th overall.
The 9th pick, B.J. Raji signed a deal that is essentially 5 years worth $22.5M with $17.7M guaranteed.
The Niners are offering Crabtree almost exactly what Raji is making, but Crabtree is holding out. So essentially, Crabtree is holding out for $16.5M overall, but only $5.7M guaranteed over a 5 year deal. If you’ve spent any time following the NFL, you know that the guaranteed money is the only thing you can count on. Given that Crabtree has already missed 2 games and will most likely miss another this weekend, he’s probably already given up close to $1M is lost salary, even if he was stuck sitting on the bench.
In the end, Crabtree is holding out for an extra $4-6M, but ruining his dream of playing in the NFL in the process.
Raves
I love watching great defensive ends rush the passer. I used to think Bruce Smith and Reggie White walked on water and I stand up every time the Colts hold someone to 3rd and long so I can watch Dwight Freeney work his magic. So when I saw that the leading sack-master in the NFL was Antwan Odom with 7 after two games, my remote control finger got itchy.
I’m not saying the Odom is the next great pass rusher. He’s 28 and has never had more than 8 sacks in a season. That said, some guys blossom later in their careers or find a coach that uses them to the best of their ability.
All I can say, is that with 7 sacks in 2 games, and facing the porous Steelers line this week, I’ll be watching to see how many times he catches up to Big Ben on Sunday.
Rants
What is Michael Crabtree hoping to accomplish with this holdout?
Every year a 1st round pick holds out for a better contract and in almost every case his first year is wasted. I don’t think that players realize how much impact it has on their ability, and playing time, to miss camp, and especially pre-season games. NFL playbooks are infinitely more complex than college and training camp is needed to get players into game shape. When a pick holds out, he misses all of that preparation and usually never recovers in his first season. So are the extra couple million dollars on a 5 year deal worth more than starting your career off right. How many players never get a 2nd contract because they don’t play well enough in their first one?
In this case, Crabtree was thought to be the best receiver in the draft and the most NFL-ready offensive player available. He may have been the second receiver taken, but who wants to play for the Raiders anyway? Instead, he went 10th overall to a good organization in the 49ers, who desperately need a #1 receiver. If Crabtree really wanted to make an impact in the NFL, he would have got into camp, earned a starting spot and played like the rookie of the year. Many first round picks have to wait their turn for a starting spot. Crabtree could have earned his from day 1 and learned from a great veteran receiver in Isaac Bruce. He blew it, plain and simple.
Crabtree and his agent, Eugene Parker are arguing that he is a better receiver than Heyward-Bey and therefore deserves to get paid more. Here’s a little note for Crabtree and Parker, life doesn’t always turn out the way you want, but you have to suck it up and deal with it sometimes. You’re lucky enough to make more in the first five years of your working life than most couples ever hope to make in their lifetime. If you really want to prove that you’re a better receiver, get out on the field and show everyone, don’t whine about who should get more money.
Speaking of money, here’s how it breaks down.
The first receiver taken, Darius Heyward-Bey got a 5 year deal worth $38M with ~$23.4M guaranteed after being picked 7th overall.
The 9th pick, B.J. Raji signed a deal that is essentially 5 years worth $22.5M with $17.7M guaranteed.
The Niners are offering Crabtree almost exactly what Raji is making, but Crabtree is holding out. So essentially, Crabtree is holding out for $16.5M overall, but only $5.7M guaranteed over a 5 year deal. If you’ve spent any time following the NFL, you know that the guaranteed money is the only thing you can count on. Given that Crabtree has already missed 2 games and will most likely miss another this weekend, he’s probably already given up close to $1M is lost salary, even if he was stuck sitting on the bench.
In the end, Crabtree is holding out for an extra $4-6M, but ruining his dream of playing in the NFL in the process.
Raves
I love watching great defensive ends rush the passer. I used to think Bruce Smith and Reggie White walked on water and I stand up every time the Colts hold someone to 3rd and long so I can watch Dwight Freeney work his magic. So when I saw that the leading sack-master in the NFL was Antwan Odom with 7 after two games, my remote control finger got itchy.
I’m not saying the Odom is the next great pass rusher. He’s 28 and has never had more than 8 sacks in a season. That said, some guys blossom later in their careers or find a coach that uses them to the best of their ability.
All I can say, is that with 7 sacks in 2 games, and facing the porous Steelers line this week, I’ll be watching to see how many times he catches up to Big Ben on Sunday.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
NFL Hangover - Week 2
Well, I'm back from San Fran, and I've definitely got my NFL Hangover. Not only did I see a great game from a great view, but my Colts pulled out yet another late game comeback on Monday night! I'm spent.
For those that missed the note at the bottom of Week 1's column, I was at the Niners vs Seahawks in person this week. So in keeping with my goal of only commenting on what I see, I'll only be commenting on 1 game this week.
Please be kind with my recollection of the game, some of the times and minute details may be clouded by my enthusiasm, the fantastic Gordon Biersch Hefeweizen beer, the 7-lb burrito I consumed at halftime or the old dude next to me obsessing over Seattle crowding the box to stop Frank Gore.
For starters, you can't go anywhere in San Fran without being able to buy two jerseys at a discount, Alex Smith and Vernon Davis. Welcome to the Niners first round draft history! Even an Andy Lee jersey was worth more. If you're not motivated by your own fans thinking the punter is more valuable than you, I'm not sure you should be a pro athlete.
I have to admit, I'm fascinated by watching pro teams warm up. Just watching Nate Davis, the Niners 3rd string QB, throw bombs to the corner of the endzone for the receivers to warm up was fun. The guy is slinging these passes from the 50 yard line and hitting his spot every time, and he doesn't even crack the lineup for a team that needs a QB. That tells you what kind of talent it takes.
To be honest, when I bought the tickets for a Niners-Seahawks game, I wasn't exactly expecting to see the cream of the NFC crop. I figured that the Seahawks would be better than last year and that San Fran would hopefully keep it close. After watching the Niners hold the Cards in the 4th quarter of last week's game, however, I figured we had a game on our hands.
Let's get this out of the way now, so no one can dispute that I said it later. Patrick Willis has the chance to be the NFL's next Ray Lewis. I'm not saying he's there yet, but he has a chance. He flies around the field, crushes players so hard they don't want to get up, has freakish speed for his size, gets his entire team fired up and angry in the huddle and is coached by one of the best middle linebackers to ever play the game. He has a shot, that's all I'm saying.
By the way, speaking of guys that knocked people out of their cleats for a living, Ronnie Lott is the honory captain for the coin toss this afternoon. He just walked onto the field for a standing ovation and then all of Candlestick chanting "Ronnie, Ronnie, Ronnie". I love it.
1st Quarter
The first time the Seahawks get the ball, they go 3 and out. The entire crowd was just standing for 3rd and 2......for the first defensive stand of the game. I think we're in for an intense experience.
I can't believe how many people in San Francisco love Mike Singletary. They think he is the greatest thing to hit the Niners sideline since Bill Walsh. The number one reason they love him? He didn't put up with Vernon Davis' crap any longer. By the way Davis is playing so far, he might want to hug Singletary for saving his career. He is the only weapon they have besides Gore.
Speaking of Frank Gore, with 2:36 left on the clock in a purely defensive game, Frank the Tank decides to bust one for 79 yards and a touchdown. The best part is he looked catchable for the last 15 yards of the run as his legs started to tire, but he somehow swerved away from the defender and stumbled his way into the end zone. I'm on my feet and I'm not even a Niners fan - wow. 10-0 San Fran.
There is absolutely nowhere to run on the San Fran's defense. After watching them stuff Arizona, I wondered if they were just good at defending the pass and would be exposed by a decent running team. Apparently not. Chalk up another 3 and out for the Seahawks. They tried a pass over the middle only for John Carlson to fear for his life with Willis sizing him up for a body bag. Incompletion.
The Niners just returned a punt for a touchdown, only to have it called back on a penalty. The crowd seems completely deflated. Not a good sign. San Fran's offense plays the next series just as deflated and has to punt. As I look to the sideline though, I see Lee warming up to, and he kicks himself in the head (with his knee or shin) on the follow through. No wonder people want his jersey. You just can't see that stuff on TV.
2nd Quarter
Seattle finally starts finding an offensive rhythm out of the shotgun and with a few play action passes. They move the ball well enough to get in field goal range. 10-3.
With 7:09 left in the quarter, the 49ers look like they're gaining some offensive momentum of their own, and Isaac Bruce drops a fairly routine ball during a play action pass. It's hard to describe how quiet the crowd just became. You can tell that this is a fan base that has become used to losing.
I'm having a tough time recognizing San Francisco as a city with a defensive football team that relies on a conservative running attack. It just doesn't seem right. I still picture Montana, Rice, Taylor, and Roger Craig. Man I'm old. Unfortunatley, this version of the 49ers uses screens and shovel passes on 3rd and long, they don't want to turn the ball over. Clearly the crowd has embraced it though. We've stood for every 3rd down stand the defense has made.
After getting a few first downs on the outside pitch to Gore, they fake the outside toss and go up the gut to the fullback, Moran Norris for about 10-15 yards. Great play call to keep the defense off balance. Field goal. 13-3.
With only 3 minutes left in the half, the Seahawks have found their offense again. They drive from their own 9 yard line to inside the Niners 5 yard line. As Hasselbeck tries to run a broken play into the end zone, he gets hit hard and stopped at the 1 yard line. As he got up, I could tell something was wrong. He tried to get off the field by looked wobbly and dropped. Most of us in the stands thought he had a concussion, they're saying now that it's a rib injury, I don't believe it. Seneca Wallace comes into the game and calmly hits Julius Jones for a 1 yard touchdown pass in the flat. 13-10.
After dominating the entire first half, the Niners have only a 3 point lead and a very nervous crowd.
3rd Quarter
On the first play from scrimmage, with the veteran season ticket holder beside me muttering about Seattle having 9 in the box, Frank Gore decides to pop an 80 yard touchdown run to kill any hope of the Hawks being in this game. This is what great players do, and today Frank Gore is playing the part. 20-10.
Another 3 and out for Seattle. Apparently they're trying to set a record or something.
On a 3rd and short, San Fran runs a play out of the Wildcat and fumbles. Luckily they recovered the ball.
Julius Jones just won't let people write him off. With absolutely no room to run all afternoon, he just caught a short pass and fought through 3 tackles for a first down on 2nd and 15.
On a later possession, with San Fran backed up on the 1 yard line and facing 3rd and 10, Shaun Hill completed a pass in the flat to that big-play weapon, Moran Norris. He makes a quick move and gets the first down. That was a game-saving play.
Later in the drive, on 3rd and 22, the Niners ran a Wildcat set and tried to throw the ball. They had a receiver open, but the throw was a lame duck. This would have been a great play call on 2nd and 4, not 3rd and 22.
A half-dozen plays later, with 1:30 left in the third, Goldson intercepts Wallace on a pass down the middle intended for Nate Burleson. This game is done.
4th Quarter
With the game itching to be closed out, Shaun Hill leads a gutsy drive with a great completion to Isaac Bruce on 3rd and 13, another 10 yard completion to Gore and some other nice check downs. San Fran puts three more points on the board with a field goal. 23-10.
Seattle's next drive results in, you guessed it, a 3 and out. The Niners defense has been getting consistent pressure with only 4 rushers, which is what they did against the Cardinals too. When you can generate a decent pass-rush with only the linemen, it makes it a lot easier to defend a lead. This defense has huge potential.
With the Niners unable to run out the clock, Seattle gets the ball back with 5:11 left on the clock. Unfortunately for Seattle they suffer their second bad snap of the game and Wallace is caught trying to scramble on 3rd and 13. 4th and 12 with the game on the line, and he makes a clutch completion to TJ Houshmandzadeh. The Seahawks make their way inside the red zone with 4 chances to score a TD and stay in the game but the Niners have a solution on every play.
With the victory, San Francisco tops the NFC West with a 2-0 record and both wins coming against division opponents. Frank Gore topped 200 yards on only 16 carries and the defense looks poised to crack the top 5. I didn't expect it, but I also didn't expect to eat a burrito that big. No wonder I feel hung over.
For those that missed the note at the bottom of Week 1's column, I was at the Niners vs Seahawks in person this week. So in keeping with my goal of only commenting on what I see, I'll only be commenting on 1 game this week.
Please be kind with my recollection of the game, some of the times and minute details may be clouded by my enthusiasm, the fantastic Gordon Biersch Hefeweizen beer, the 7-lb burrito I consumed at halftime or the old dude next to me obsessing over Seattle crowding the box to stop Frank Gore.
For starters, you can't go anywhere in San Fran without being able to buy two jerseys at a discount, Alex Smith and Vernon Davis. Welcome to the Niners first round draft history! Even an Andy Lee jersey was worth more. If you're not motivated by your own fans thinking the punter is more valuable than you, I'm not sure you should be a pro athlete.
I have to admit, I'm fascinated by watching pro teams warm up. Just watching Nate Davis, the Niners 3rd string QB, throw bombs to the corner of the endzone for the receivers to warm up was fun. The guy is slinging these passes from the 50 yard line and hitting his spot every time, and he doesn't even crack the lineup for a team that needs a QB. That tells you what kind of talent it takes.
To be honest, when I bought the tickets for a Niners-Seahawks game, I wasn't exactly expecting to see the cream of the NFC crop. I figured that the Seahawks would be better than last year and that San Fran would hopefully keep it close. After watching the Niners hold the Cards in the 4th quarter of last week's game, however, I figured we had a game on our hands.
Let's get this out of the way now, so no one can dispute that I said it later. Patrick Willis has the chance to be the NFL's next Ray Lewis. I'm not saying he's there yet, but he has a chance. He flies around the field, crushes players so hard they don't want to get up, has freakish speed for his size, gets his entire team fired up and angry in the huddle and is coached by one of the best middle linebackers to ever play the game. He has a shot, that's all I'm saying.
By the way, speaking of guys that knocked people out of their cleats for a living, Ronnie Lott is the honory captain for the coin toss this afternoon. He just walked onto the field for a standing ovation and then all of Candlestick chanting "Ronnie, Ronnie, Ronnie". I love it.
1st Quarter
The first time the Seahawks get the ball, they go 3 and out. The entire crowd was just standing for 3rd and 2......for the first defensive stand of the game. I think we're in for an intense experience.
I can't believe how many people in San Francisco love Mike Singletary. They think he is the greatest thing to hit the Niners sideline since Bill Walsh. The number one reason they love him? He didn't put up with Vernon Davis' crap any longer. By the way Davis is playing so far, he might want to hug Singletary for saving his career. He is the only weapon they have besides Gore.
Speaking of Frank Gore, with 2:36 left on the clock in a purely defensive game, Frank the Tank decides to bust one for 79 yards and a touchdown. The best part is he looked catchable for the last 15 yards of the run as his legs started to tire, but he somehow swerved away from the defender and stumbled his way into the end zone. I'm on my feet and I'm not even a Niners fan - wow. 10-0 San Fran.
There is absolutely nowhere to run on the San Fran's defense. After watching them stuff Arizona, I wondered if they were just good at defending the pass and would be exposed by a decent running team. Apparently not. Chalk up another 3 and out for the Seahawks. They tried a pass over the middle only for John Carlson to fear for his life with Willis sizing him up for a body bag. Incompletion.
The Niners just returned a punt for a touchdown, only to have it called back on a penalty. The crowd seems completely deflated. Not a good sign. San Fran's offense plays the next series just as deflated and has to punt. As I look to the sideline though, I see Lee warming up to, and he kicks himself in the head (with his knee or shin) on the follow through. No wonder people want his jersey. You just can't see that stuff on TV.
2nd Quarter
Seattle finally starts finding an offensive rhythm out of the shotgun and with a few play action passes. They move the ball well enough to get in field goal range. 10-3.
With 7:09 left in the quarter, the 49ers look like they're gaining some offensive momentum of their own, and Isaac Bruce drops a fairly routine ball during a play action pass. It's hard to describe how quiet the crowd just became. You can tell that this is a fan base that has become used to losing.
I'm having a tough time recognizing San Francisco as a city with a defensive football team that relies on a conservative running attack. It just doesn't seem right. I still picture Montana, Rice, Taylor, and Roger Craig. Man I'm old. Unfortunatley, this version of the 49ers uses screens and shovel passes on 3rd and long, they don't want to turn the ball over. Clearly the crowd has embraced it though. We've stood for every 3rd down stand the defense has made.
After getting a few first downs on the outside pitch to Gore, they fake the outside toss and go up the gut to the fullback, Moran Norris for about 10-15 yards. Great play call to keep the defense off balance. Field goal. 13-3.
With only 3 minutes left in the half, the Seahawks have found their offense again. They drive from their own 9 yard line to inside the Niners 5 yard line. As Hasselbeck tries to run a broken play into the end zone, he gets hit hard and stopped at the 1 yard line. As he got up, I could tell something was wrong. He tried to get off the field by looked wobbly and dropped. Most of us in the stands thought he had a concussion, they're saying now that it's a rib injury, I don't believe it. Seneca Wallace comes into the game and calmly hits Julius Jones for a 1 yard touchdown pass in the flat. 13-10.
After dominating the entire first half, the Niners have only a 3 point lead and a very nervous crowd.
3rd Quarter
On the first play from scrimmage, with the veteran season ticket holder beside me muttering about Seattle having 9 in the box, Frank Gore decides to pop an 80 yard touchdown run to kill any hope of the Hawks being in this game. This is what great players do, and today Frank Gore is playing the part. 20-10.
Another 3 and out for Seattle. Apparently they're trying to set a record or something.
On a 3rd and short, San Fran runs a play out of the Wildcat and fumbles. Luckily they recovered the ball.
Julius Jones just won't let people write him off. With absolutely no room to run all afternoon, he just caught a short pass and fought through 3 tackles for a first down on 2nd and 15.
On a later possession, with San Fran backed up on the 1 yard line and facing 3rd and 10, Shaun Hill completed a pass in the flat to that big-play weapon, Moran Norris. He makes a quick move and gets the first down. That was a game-saving play.
Later in the drive, on 3rd and 22, the Niners ran a Wildcat set and tried to throw the ball. They had a receiver open, but the throw was a lame duck. This would have been a great play call on 2nd and 4, not 3rd and 22.
A half-dozen plays later, with 1:30 left in the third, Goldson intercepts Wallace on a pass down the middle intended for Nate Burleson. This game is done.
4th Quarter
With the game itching to be closed out, Shaun Hill leads a gutsy drive with a great completion to Isaac Bruce on 3rd and 13, another 10 yard completion to Gore and some other nice check downs. San Fran puts three more points on the board with a field goal. 23-10.
Seattle's next drive results in, you guessed it, a 3 and out. The Niners defense has been getting consistent pressure with only 4 rushers, which is what they did against the Cardinals too. When you can generate a decent pass-rush with only the linemen, it makes it a lot easier to defend a lead. This defense has huge potential.
With the Niners unable to run out the clock, Seattle gets the ball back with 5:11 left on the clock. Unfortunately for Seattle they suffer their second bad snap of the game and Wallace is caught trying to scramble on 3rd and 13. 4th and 12 with the game on the line, and he makes a clutch completion to TJ Houshmandzadeh. The Seahawks make their way inside the red zone with 4 chances to score a TD and stay in the game but the Niners have a solution on every play.
With the victory, San Francisco tops the NFC West with a 2-0 record and both wins coming against division opponents. Frank Gore topped 200 yards on only 16 carries and the defense looks poised to crack the top 5. I didn't expect it, but I also didn't expect to eat a burrito that big. No wonder I feel hung over.
Monday, September 14, 2009
NFL Hangover - Week 1
The first Sunday is in the bag, and I feel like I always do, like I've got a football hangover.
The combination watching a dozen games, losing my bets for the day, finding out my fantasy teams aren't as good as I thought, and of course the nachos, beer and chile have taken their toll. The Monday Nighter will be like that drink you have the day after a bender, just to ease the headache. Only now they have 2 Monday Nighters, so I guess it's like having a couple drinks on a patio the next day. Ok, I'm getting off topic.
Like a lot of fans, I tend to channel surf. I’ll watch 2 games at the same time, then switch to a game that is close if one of the games I’m watching seems like it’s already decided. I’m only going to write about the games I watched, since I believe highlight shows never really indicate the true ebb and flow of momentum or how well a team played overall or under pressure.
Titans (10) at Steelers (13)
Within the first 10 minutes of this game, one thing is glaringly obvious. Troy Palomalu is quite possibly the quickest defender in the league. His closing speed on Chris Johnson and later on Bo Scaife was just unreal. Too bad he got hurt, I was enjoying that display.
This just in, Snoop Dogg is a Steelers fan. They just showed him in a box. I thought Long Beach was in California, not Pennsylvania? See, even Snoop can’t stomach the Raiders.
Big Ben might be the best improvisational quarterback in the league. He seems to excel when the play breaks down.
Late in the 4th quarter, Pittsburgh is destroying the Titans through the air using the no huddle. So what do they do? They huddle, then run twice on 3rd and 2 and get stuffed. Who made that play call?
Hines Ward’s fumble at the end of the game wasn’t a poor play like some people made it out to be, Michael Griffin made a fantastic play to knock the ball loose.
Wait a second, there’s a rule that you get a free, uncontested kick if you fair catch the punt with no time left? Who comes up with this stuff. Someone needs to explain this to me.
Fantastic point by one of the announcers, explaining why players like Marvin Harrison, John Runyan and Derrick Brooks aren’t signed yet. Apparently any player on the week 1 roster has 100% of his salary guaranteed if he’s a vested veteran. If he’s not on the roster until week 2, only 25% of the salary is guaranteed. That’s a big difference for a player who might not stay healthy. Look for these 3 guys to get picked up this week.
Starting the season off with a game that goes into OT, is exactly what the NFL was hoping for.
Jaguars (12) at Colts (14)
The Colts outplayed Jacksonville in the 1st quarter but the interception in the endzone and the fumble by Addai set them back immensely. Losing Anthony Gonzalez isn’t going to help the passing game.
Maurice Jones-Drew (MJD) looks good and Garrard looks efficient. At this point, the Jaguars offense looks promising.
Has anyone else ever noticed that Indy is always playing rap music over the loudspeakers during Colts games? Am I the only one who expected AC/DC or Bon Jovi?
The Colts are having 1 of their DT’s stand up and pass rush from different angles on obvious passing downs. It’s an interesting twist, and it seems to be working. They’re getting good pressure with only the front four.
After an MJD touchdown, the Jaguars try a Wildcat-like direct snap to MJD for the 2 point convert, which is stuffed like a turkey. While I like the Wildcat, it’s not effective inside the 10 yard line, because the defense is too compact for misdirection to open any sizable creases.
Apparently the Colts haven’t fixed their problems in short-yardage offense. They got crushed on a 4th and inches attempt.
The Colts pass rush sealed this victory. Garrard had someone in his face the entire 2nd half.
Vikings (34) at Browns (20)
I watched this game early on, then changed when it got out of hand.
Brett Favre did not impress anyone early on. In the first quarter, he was 5/6 but for only 30 yards.
Brady Quinn took a hit from Kevin Williams that looked primed for the NFL’s first official decapitation.
With ~8 minutes left in the 1st half, Braylon Edwards made a gorgeous catch while being interfered with. Too bad for that re-establishment rule or it was a TD. That said, Brad Childress made a great decision to challenge the play. It saved 4 points.
As I mentioned above, I don’t like the Wildcat inside the 10 yard line. Apparently the Browns were determined to prove me right by running Josh Cribbs out of it on 2nd and goal, and 3rd and goal. He almost scored on the first play, but was smacked on the next one.
With 2:15 left in the half, Favre was sacked by a safety on a play where he could clearly see the rusher, and clearly could do nothing about it. Trust me, when the Vikes play someone good, he’s going to hold them back.
Josh Cribbs takes Cleveland’s offense into his own hands by scoring a TD on a 67 yard punt return.
Brady Quinn is going to get killed unless his O-line steps it up, I’m scared FOR him.
Eagles (38) at Panthers (10)
I only perused this game in the first half. By that time it was out of hand.
Carolina ran a few Wildcat plays with DeAngelo Williams with no success. They may be trying it because Jake Delhomme is looking so pitiful. Sure, the Eagles defense is getting some pressure, but he’s 3/9 for 19 yards and 2 INTs. I think the Panthers would start Brooks Bollinger at this point.
DeSean Jackson took a punt back 85 yards for a touchdown and threw a dagger in the heart of the Panthers at the same time.
Jake Delhomme’s final line when he was yanked: 7/17 for 73 yards and 4 INTs. Cue up Josh McCown’s entrance music for week 2.
Chiefs (24) at Ravens (38)
I didn’t switch to this game until there was 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Frankly, I couldn’t believe it was still close. I may have predicted the Ravens to slide a little, but I didn’t think they were bad enough to lose to the Chiefs.
I change to the game just in time to see Ray Rice burst through the line like a bowling ball on speed. He looked like MJD in his rookie year. Several Ravens fans just high-fived each other. He made 2 more nice runs on the drive and Le’Ron McLain plunged for a yard to put the Ravens up 24-17.
On the return drive, I was shocked by how well the Chiefs moved the ball with Brodie Croyle at quarterback. You can count me among the group who figured the KC coaching staff was thinking “screw it, let’s just throw Croyle in there, take the loss, and move on to week 2 when Cassel’s healthy”. He throws the tying TD with five and a half minutes left. 24-24.
Baltimore then puts their running game into another gear by mixing Rice, McLain and McGahee with a beautiful deep touch from Flacco to score 2 more TDs in the final 3 minutes. Game over.
Let’s give KC some credit for scoring 24 points on the road in Baltimore though.
Broncos (12) at Bengals (7)
Well, this game looked like the biggest snoozer of the NFL for almost the entire day. I kept seeing 3-0 and 6-0 scores on the ticker and really wasn’t interested at all, until I saw the Bengals up 7-6 with less than a minute to go, and most of the other games had finished. I turned to the game at the right time.
For those that haven’t seen the play, here it is. I actually feel terrible for the Bengals. Leon Hall made a gorgeous leap to get his hand on the ball and it looked like a game saving play. Dumb luck helped the Broncos there. Josh McDaniels might want to buy a Powerball ticket, his stars are aligned right now. That said, I like Stokely wasting extra time at the end of the run, really smart.
Redskins (17) at Giants (23)
This was a game I’d been looking forward to all day. I love tough division games. Both teams were talking tough before the game. I especially loved Brandon Jacobs and Alberta Haynesworth jawing at each other, but B-Jac might want to watch that video of Big Al stomping an offensive lineman from a few years back before he gets too yappy.
The Giants started off reasonably well, and then used Ahmad Bradshaw on a toss right in a 3rd and inches situation with about 8 minutes left in the 1st quarter. I thought they had Brandon “265” Jacobs for these situations? As you would predict, the play got stuffed.
The Giants defense looked really good early in this game. A nice interception by Corey Webster and a great fumble return by Umenyiora were the highlights.
The ‘Skins were forced to resort to a fake FG for their first touchdown, but it was a great fake. Nobody on the Giants had a clue it was being run in.
In the 2nd half, Haynesworth continued to be a monster in the middle, Antwaan Randle-El looked like Washington’s only offensive threat and the Giants continued to look like they had no go-to receiver.
The Giants did a really nice job grinding out the lead in the 2nd half with their strong running game and great pass rush. The Redskins, however, showed some resilience and kept it close, but not close enough.
Round 1 goes to the Giants, but I think Washington will surprise a lot of teams.
49ers (20) at Cardinals (16)
I didn’t tune into this game until there were 4 minutes left in the 3rd Quarter and the score was tied 13-13.
This may surprise you, but Arizona doesn’t have a running game. No really, I’m serious. Arizona has a drive stall, but still manages a FG to go up 16-13 in the first play of the 4th quarter.
I like how Shaun Hill is playing. He might lose to Chad Pennington in an arm-strength competition, but he’s feisty and hits the short routes quite well. He makes a nice 3rd down completion to Vernon Davis and then tries a horrible throw to Isaac Bruce and is lucky it isn’t intercepted.
A couple more completions underneath the zone and the Niners are marching down the field. The stats graphic shows that Frank Gore has 16 carries for 26 yards, that’s not a good sign. That’s OK because the Niners pick up a blitz and Hill hits Bruce for another 1st down.
Vernon Davis is getting a lot of looks in the passing game. Apparently he and Mike Singletary have hugged it out.
Another ‘Zona blitz and Hill sees Gore wide open in the flat, touchdown San Fran. 20-16.
Arizona make an attempt to come back down the field but Mark Roman de-cleated Jeremy Urban and Nate Clements just blanketed Larry Fitzgerald for another missed 3rd down conversion.
San Fran got pinned on their 1 yard line and ran the lamest Shotgun draw play on 3rd and 7. Why do teams do this crap when they’re backed up? It never works.
As the Cardinals get the ball back, the graphic on the screen shows that they’ve incurred 11 penalties for 72 yards in this game. Wisenhunt isn’t exactly running a tight ship. As I make a note of it, Jeremy Urban just dropped a wide open pass, but the play was called back for holding anyway. I’d hate to be a Cardinals fan right now.
I’m extremely impressed with how often the ‘Niners are getting to Warner. He has no time to throw and just got sacked on 4th and 5. I thought this would end the game.
The 49ers couldn’t run out the clock, so they have to punt it with 55 seconds left. Somehow Antrel Rolle runs 12 seconds off the clock on a punt return that gained about 3 yards, not pretty.
The Cardinals ran too passing plays that took a total of 35 seconds off the clock to gain 30+ yards and then had to spike the ball with 8 seconds left on their own 45 yard line. Justin Smith doesn’t even let Warner get the hail mary off as he records his 2nd sack in the last 5 minutes.
What a monstrous road win for San Francisco. Next week, I’ll be in attendance when they host the Seahawks. Giddy up.
Bears (15) at Packers (21)
This is a great division rivalry to have on Sunday night. Not only that, but it’s Jay “Trade me right F*@k!ng now” Cutler’s debut with the Bears. As I’ve mentioned before, I think Cutler makes the Bears a much better team.
In a related note, Cutler looks terrible. He gets lucky after 2 passes that should have been picked off, then manages to ensure the INT on his third try. This would be a good time for the Bears offensive coordinator to forget his man-crush on Cutler and use Matt Forte a little.
Neither offense seems to get going early, but it has a lot to do with the defenses. Front seven players are swarming like hornets right now. I love football.
Green Bay might want to stop feeding their offensive lineman the local bratwurst and cheese for a pre-game meal. They’re looking a little sluggish and Aaron Rodgers might get killed.
It took until the 11 minute mark of the 2nd Quarter for an actual offensive series. The Packers seem to have found their rhythm mixing the run and pass to keep the Bears pass rush off balance. They end the drive with a FG.
On the next drive, Cutler hits some kid named Knox for a 60-70 yd play over Charles Woodson. Now THIS is the type of play they expected when they traded for him. The next play didn’t get enough press in my opinion. John Jolly, a Packers d-lineman, makes a one-handed interception on an inside screen to Forte. It was amazing! All the announcers could talk about was another Cutler pick, but it was more of a fantastic defensive play. The pick didn’t matter too much anyway, because the Bears hit Aaron Rodgers for a safety on the blitz.
At this point, with 6 minutes left in the 1st half, Cutler is 5/15 for 111 yards and 2 INTs. Did I mention they should be using Forte? And as soon as I wrote that, he threw another pick. Given my endorsement of Jay Cutler in my season preview, I’m wondering if I’ve just created the Sports-Opinionated Curse.
After a Ryan Grant TD run, the Bears have the ball again with 3 minutes left in the half. Brandon Chillar just hurdled a Chicago running back and sacked Cutler, he looks ready to surrender.
Has anyone else noticed that Clay Matthews Jr. has hair that makes him look like a cast member from Dazed and Confused? Now that I think about it, most of the Packers linebackers have a little “party in the back” going on. Is this like a mustache competition?
Despite a terrible first half, the Bears are only down by 8 points. They’re still in the game.
The Bears come out in the 2nd half having realized that they employ one of the best running backs in the league. A mix of the run and pass along with better protection schemes has them marching down the field.
Cutler hits Hester with a deep pass for a TD, and we have a game. By the way, the Bears now have 2 passing plays over 30 yards, which is one more than they had all last season.
Unfortunately, Brian Urlacher hurts his wrist and is taken out of the game. The news today is that he might miss the whole season. Not great news for the windy city.
Early in the 4th quarter, with the Bears up 12-10, they attempt a fake punt on 4th and 11. I’m just as stunned as the announcers. Later we find out that the long snapper decided to snap to the up-back in order to catch the Packers with 12 men on the field. Who gives the long snapper the power to audible? Why not have the fullback change plays at the line? Of course, Green Bay takes advantage of the field position and kicks a FG to go up 13-12.
Cutler and the offense make a nice drive in the final 10 minutes to get into FG range. Gould nails it and they’re up 15-13. It looks like Cutler might redeem himself.
With a minute and a half left, the Packers make a gutsy play call and get rewarded. On 3rd and 1, they fake the run and Rodgers hits Greg Jennings for a 70 yard TD to take the lead 21-15 after the 2 pt conversion.
The Packers seal the win with an Al Harris interception of Cutler shortly after. He might get run out of town after 1 game. Looks like the S-O Curse is official.
No wonder I feel hung over.
The combination watching a dozen games, losing my bets for the day, finding out my fantasy teams aren't as good as I thought, and of course the nachos, beer and chile have taken their toll. The Monday Nighter will be like that drink you have the day after a bender, just to ease the headache. Only now they have 2 Monday Nighters, so I guess it's like having a couple drinks on a patio the next day. Ok, I'm getting off topic.
Like a lot of fans, I tend to channel surf. I’ll watch 2 games at the same time, then switch to a game that is close if one of the games I’m watching seems like it’s already decided. I’m only going to write about the games I watched, since I believe highlight shows never really indicate the true ebb and flow of momentum or how well a team played overall or under pressure.
Titans (10) at Steelers (13)
Within the first 10 minutes of this game, one thing is glaringly obvious. Troy Palomalu is quite possibly the quickest defender in the league. His closing speed on Chris Johnson and later on Bo Scaife was just unreal. Too bad he got hurt, I was enjoying that display.
This just in, Snoop Dogg is a Steelers fan. They just showed him in a box. I thought Long Beach was in California, not Pennsylvania? See, even Snoop can’t stomach the Raiders.
Big Ben might be the best improvisational quarterback in the league. He seems to excel when the play breaks down.
Late in the 4th quarter, Pittsburgh is destroying the Titans through the air using the no huddle. So what do they do? They huddle, then run twice on 3rd and 2 and get stuffed. Who made that play call?
Hines Ward’s fumble at the end of the game wasn’t a poor play like some people made it out to be, Michael Griffin made a fantastic play to knock the ball loose.
Wait a second, there’s a rule that you get a free, uncontested kick if you fair catch the punt with no time left? Who comes up with this stuff. Someone needs to explain this to me.
Fantastic point by one of the announcers, explaining why players like Marvin Harrison, John Runyan and Derrick Brooks aren’t signed yet. Apparently any player on the week 1 roster has 100% of his salary guaranteed if he’s a vested veteran. If he’s not on the roster until week 2, only 25% of the salary is guaranteed. That’s a big difference for a player who might not stay healthy. Look for these 3 guys to get picked up this week.
Starting the season off with a game that goes into OT, is exactly what the NFL was hoping for.
Jaguars (12) at Colts (14)
The Colts outplayed Jacksonville in the 1st quarter but the interception in the endzone and the fumble by Addai set them back immensely. Losing Anthony Gonzalez isn’t going to help the passing game.
Maurice Jones-Drew (MJD) looks good and Garrard looks efficient. At this point, the Jaguars offense looks promising.
Has anyone else ever noticed that Indy is always playing rap music over the loudspeakers during Colts games? Am I the only one who expected AC/DC or Bon Jovi?
The Colts are having 1 of their DT’s stand up and pass rush from different angles on obvious passing downs. It’s an interesting twist, and it seems to be working. They’re getting good pressure with only the front four.
After an MJD touchdown, the Jaguars try a Wildcat-like direct snap to MJD for the 2 point convert, which is stuffed like a turkey. While I like the Wildcat, it’s not effective inside the 10 yard line, because the defense is too compact for misdirection to open any sizable creases.
Apparently the Colts haven’t fixed their problems in short-yardage offense. They got crushed on a 4th and inches attempt.
The Colts pass rush sealed this victory. Garrard had someone in his face the entire 2nd half.
Vikings (34) at Browns (20)
I watched this game early on, then changed when it got out of hand.
Brett Favre did not impress anyone early on. In the first quarter, he was 5/6 but for only 30 yards.
Brady Quinn took a hit from Kevin Williams that looked primed for the NFL’s first official decapitation.
With ~8 minutes left in the 1st half, Braylon Edwards made a gorgeous catch while being interfered with. Too bad for that re-establishment rule or it was a TD. That said, Brad Childress made a great decision to challenge the play. It saved 4 points.
As I mentioned above, I don’t like the Wildcat inside the 10 yard line. Apparently the Browns were determined to prove me right by running Josh Cribbs out of it on 2nd and goal, and 3rd and goal. He almost scored on the first play, but was smacked on the next one.
With 2:15 left in the half, Favre was sacked by a safety on a play where he could clearly see the rusher, and clearly could do nothing about it. Trust me, when the Vikes play someone good, he’s going to hold them back.
Josh Cribbs takes Cleveland’s offense into his own hands by scoring a TD on a 67 yard punt return.
Brady Quinn is going to get killed unless his O-line steps it up, I’m scared FOR him.
Eagles (38) at Panthers (10)
I only perused this game in the first half. By that time it was out of hand.
Carolina ran a few Wildcat plays with DeAngelo Williams with no success. They may be trying it because Jake Delhomme is looking so pitiful. Sure, the Eagles defense is getting some pressure, but he’s 3/9 for 19 yards and 2 INTs. I think the Panthers would start Brooks Bollinger at this point.
DeSean Jackson took a punt back 85 yards for a touchdown and threw a dagger in the heart of the Panthers at the same time.
Jake Delhomme’s final line when he was yanked: 7/17 for 73 yards and 4 INTs. Cue up Josh McCown’s entrance music for week 2.
Chiefs (24) at Ravens (38)
I didn’t switch to this game until there was 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Frankly, I couldn’t believe it was still close. I may have predicted the Ravens to slide a little, but I didn’t think they were bad enough to lose to the Chiefs.
I change to the game just in time to see Ray Rice burst through the line like a bowling ball on speed. He looked like MJD in his rookie year. Several Ravens fans just high-fived each other. He made 2 more nice runs on the drive and Le’Ron McLain plunged for a yard to put the Ravens up 24-17.
On the return drive, I was shocked by how well the Chiefs moved the ball with Brodie Croyle at quarterback. You can count me among the group who figured the KC coaching staff was thinking “screw it, let’s just throw Croyle in there, take the loss, and move on to week 2 when Cassel’s healthy”. He throws the tying TD with five and a half minutes left. 24-24.
Baltimore then puts their running game into another gear by mixing Rice, McLain and McGahee with a beautiful deep touch from Flacco to score 2 more TDs in the final 3 minutes. Game over.
Let’s give KC some credit for scoring 24 points on the road in Baltimore though.
Broncos (12) at Bengals (7)
Well, this game looked like the biggest snoozer of the NFL for almost the entire day. I kept seeing 3-0 and 6-0 scores on the ticker and really wasn’t interested at all, until I saw the Bengals up 7-6 with less than a minute to go, and most of the other games had finished. I turned to the game at the right time.
For those that haven’t seen the play, here it is. I actually feel terrible for the Bengals. Leon Hall made a gorgeous leap to get his hand on the ball and it looked like a game saving play. Dumb luck helped the Broncos there. Josh McDaniels might want to buy a Powerball ticket, his stars are aligned right now. That said, I like Stokely wasting extra time at the end of the run, really smart.
Redskins (17) at Giants (23)
This was a game I’d been looking forward to all day. I love tough division games. Both teams were talking tough before the game. I especially loved Brandon Jacobs and Alberta Haynesworth jawing at each other, but B-Jac might want to watch that video of Big Al stomping an offensive lineman from a few years back before he gets too yappy.
The Giants started off reasonably well, and then used Ahmad Bradshaw on a toss right in a 3rd and inches situation with about 8 minutes left in the 1st quarter. I thought they had Brandon “265” Jacobs for these situations? As you would predict, the play got stuffed.
The Giants defense looked really good early in this game. A nice interception by Corey Webster and a great fumble return by Umenyiora were the highlights.
The ‘Skins were forced to resort to a fake FG for their first touchdown, but it was a great fake. Nobody on the Giants had a clue it was being run in.
In the 2nd half, Haynesworth continued to be a monster in the middle, Antwaan Randle-El looked like Washington’s only offensive threat and the Giants continued to look like they had no go-to receiver.
The Giants did a really nice job grinding out the lead in the 2nd half with their strong running game and great pass rush. The Redskins, however, showed some resilience and kept it close, but not close enough.
Round 1 goes to the Giants, but I think Washington will surprise a lot of teams.
49ers (20) at Cardinals (16)
I didn’t tune into this game until there were 4 minutes left in the 3rd Quarter and the score was tied 13-13.
This may surprise you, but Arizona doesn’t have a running game. No really, I’m serious. Arizona has a drive stall, but still manages a FG to go up 16-13 in the first play of the 4th quarter.
I like how Shaun Hill is playing. He might lose to Chad Pennington in an arm-strength competition, but he’s feisty and hits the short routes quite well. He makes a nice 3rd down completion to Vernon Davis and then tries a horrible throw to Isaac Bruce and is lucky it isn’t intercepted.
A couple more completions underneath the zone and the Niners are marching down the field. The stats graphic shows that Frank Gore has 16 carries for 26 yards, that’s not a good sign. That’s OK because the Niners pick up a blitz and Hill hits Bruce for another 1st down.
Vernon Davis is getting a lot of looks in the passing game. Apparently he and Mike Singletary have hugged it out.
Another ‘Zona blitz and Hill sees Gore wide open in the flat, touchdown San Fran. 20-16.
Arizona make an attempt to come back down the field but Mark Roman de-cleated Jeremy Urban and Nate Clements just blanketed Larry Fitzgerald for another missed 3rd down conversion.
San Fran got pinned on their 1 yard line and ran the lamest Shotgun draw play on 3rd and 7. Why do teams do this crap when they’re backed up? It never works.
As the Cardinals get the ball back, the graphic on the screen shows that they’ve incurred 11 penalties for 72 yards in this game. Wisenhunt isn’t exactly running a tight ship. As I make a note of it, Jeremy Urban just dropped a wide open pass, but the play was called back for holding anyway. I’d hate to be a Cardinals fan right now.
I’m extremely impressed with how often the ‘Niners are getting to Warner. He has no time to throw and just got sacked on 4th and 5. I thought this would end the game.
The 49ers couldn’t run out the clock, so they have to punt it with 55 seconds left. Somehow Antrel Rolle runs 12 seconds off the clock on a punt return that gained about 3 yards, not pretty.
The Cardinals ran too passing plays that took a total of 35 seconds off the clock to gain 30+ yards and then had to spike the ball with 8 seconds left on their own 45 yard line. Justin Smith doesn’t even let Warner get the hail mary off as he records his 2nd sack in the last 5 minutes.
What a monstrous road win for San Francisco. Next week, I’ll be in attendance when they host the Seahawks. Giddy up.
Bears (15) at Packers (21)
This is a great division rivalry to have on Sunday night. Not only that, but it’s Jay “Trade me right F*@k!ng now” Cutler’s debut with the Bears. As I’ve mentioned before, I think Cutler makes the Bears a much better team.
In a related note, Cutler looks terrible. He gets lucky after 2 passes that should have been picked off, then manages to ensure the INT on his third try. This would be a good time for the Bears offensive coordinator to forget his man-crush on Cutler and use Matt Forte a little.
Neither offense seems to get going early, but it has a lot to do with the defenses. Front seven players are swarming like hornets right now. I love football.
Green Bay might want to stop feeding their offensive lineman the local bratwurst and cheese for a pre-game meal. They’re looking a little sluggish and Aaron Rodgers might get killed.
It took until the 11 minute mark of the 2nd Quarter for an actual offensive series. The Packers seem to have found their rhythm mixing the run and pass to keep the Bears pass rush off balance. They end the drive with a FG.
On the next drive, Cutler hits some kid named Knox for a 60-70 yd play over Charles Woodson. Now THIS is the type of play they expected when they traded for him. The next play didn’t get enough press in my opinion. John Jolly, a Packers d-lineman, makes a one-handed interception on an inside screen to Forte. It was amazing! All the announcers could talk about was another Cutler pick, but it was more of a fantastic defensive play. The pick didn’t matter too much anyway, because the Bears hit Aaron Rodgers for a safety on the blitz.
At this point, with 6 minutes left in the 1st half, Cutler is 5/15 for 111 yards and 2 INTs. Did I mention they should be using Forte? And as soon as I wrote that, he threw another pick. Given my endorsement of Jay Cutler in my season preview, I’m wondering if I’ve just created the Sports-Opinionated Curse.
After a Ryan Grant TD run, the Bears have the ball again with 3 minutes left in the half. Brandon Chillar just hurdled a Chicago running back and sacked Cutler, he looks ready to surrender.
Has anyone else noticed that Clay Matthews Jr. has hair that makes him look like a cast member from Dazed and Confused? Now that I think about it, most of the Packers linebackers have a little “party in the back” going on. Is this like a mustache competition?
Despite a terrible first half, the Bears are only down by 8 points. They’re still in the game.
The Bears come out in the 2nd half having realized that they employ one of the best running backs in the league. A mix of the run and pass along with better protection schemes has them marching down the field.
Cutler hits Hester with a deep pass for a TD, and we have a game. By the way, the Bears now have 2 passing plays over 30 yards, which is one more than they had all last season.
Unfortunately, Brian Urlacher hurts his wrist and is taken out of the game. The news today is that he might miss the whole season. Not great news for the windy city.
Early in the 4th quarter, with the Bears up 12-10, they attempt a fake punt on 4th and 11. I’m just as stunned as the announcers. Later we find out that the long snapper decided to snap to the up-back in order to catch the Packers with 12 men on the field. Who gives the long snapper the power to audible? Why not have the fullback change plays at the line? Of course, Green Bay takes advantage of the field position and kicks a FG to go up 13-12.
Cutler and the offense make a nice drive in the final 10 minutes to get into FG range. Gould nails it and they’re up 15-13. It looks like Cutler might redeem himself.
With a minute and a half left, the Packers make a gutsy play call and get rewarded. On 3rd and 1, they fake the run and Rodgers hits Greg Jennings for a 70 yard TD to take the lead 21-15 after the 2 pt conversion.
The Packers seal the win with an Al Harris interception of Cutler shortly after. He might get run out of town after 1 game. Looks like the S-O Curse is official.
No wonder I feel hung over.
Friday, September 11, 2009
NFL Fantasy Football Preview Part 2
The Running backs
No other position seems to hold more fantasy promise for rookies as does the position of running back. As such, part 2 of the fantasy rookie preview will focus on the most important position to draft a rookie.
Knowshon Moreno: If he was drafted a year earlier under the tutelage of the run-happy Mike Shanahan, he would be a very hot commodity come fantasy draft day. It is yet to be seen how much the new Cutler-less Bronco offence will rely on running the ball. If history is a good predictor, a Josh McDaniels’ offence might not put up huge running numbers, especially for a feature back. Despite this, there is a pretty common consensus that Moreno is the top running back talent out of the draft.
He doesn’t possess the greatest size or the fastest speed but does possess exceptional tangibles, balance, vision, ability to absorb tackles and most of all, natural ability for the position. His talents have made him become the most sought after running back of the class as his potential at the NFL level seems to be most assured.
In the bronco offence, he will assume the role of primary running back right away and will be useful on passing third downs as well. For this he is the favourite to provide the best fantasy numbers of all the running backs of this class. He also provides great potential in keeper drafts. He will go higher than you would like to take a rookie running back however since the bronco offence will most likely be trailing in games and forcing the ball downfield, he might not generate the numbers one would expect. Buckhalter, Arrington, Jordan, Hillis might all steal carries and touchdowns away from Moreno as McDaniels’ schooling under Belichick in New England might suggest.
Donald Brown: Massive college numbers pushed Brown to the top echelon of backs coming out of college. Although his NCAA conference was relatively weak, his team had such confidence in Brown that they only threw the ball 6 times in the Bowl game. That is un-heard of in NCAA football, never mind a Bowl game.
He is an obvious workhorse with a strong physique and exceptional receiver skills to compliment his strong running ability. What seems to be his most important trait is his football intelligence, a trait the Colts value highly.
It is obvious that the Colts plan to use Brown this year and may eventually want him to replace Addai. Until then, at best, he will share duties with Addai and will have an edge on goaline and short yardage opportunities. Due to Addai’s injury history, many are banking on Brown getting his share of opportunities to impress, especially those in keeper leagues.
Chris “Beanie” Wells: Probably the most over-rated of the running backs. If a rookie running back was to be drafted too early, most likely it will be Wells.
Wells enters a situation where the Superbowl finalists want to put more emphasis on their run game. This should play well for Wells, right? The main problem isn’t the lack of talent of the Arizona running backs (Hightower, James – this was a problem but not the main one). The main problem is the terrible run protection of the Arizona offensive line. During the off-season, the Cardinals have done little if anything to try to improve this situation. Warner is probably the most effective and the most experienced NFL quarterback at running a West coast style, short and quick passing game. This helps when your line is being over-powered and out-played. However it also masks the true problem, the weak line.
Wells is considered to be a bruising style runner that likes to punish defenders and can also run well in open field, despite his size. The problem with his fit in Arizona is that if the offensive line doesn’t improve, the front seven of the opposing defence might have a lot of open cracks at the rookie running back, whose not well known for staying healthy. He seems to carry a lot of nagging injuries, some look at this as playing hurt (mental and physical toughness) however if nagging injuries hampered his college productivity, then they are a good indicator that this can be a bigger problem in the NFL, where players are larger and the hits are much stronger.
Although he may never develop into an elite back, he could get the majority of carries for the Cardinals this year however his numbers should closely resemble those of Tim Hightower’s last year. Average running back numbers. His potential is relatively low compared to the other top running backs of his class.
LeSean McCoy: This is a player to watch out for. Michael Westbrook has had a great career with the Eagles. McCoy seems not only to be his air-apparent but his mirror image. A speeder, who can shift downfield and explode past defenders, LeSean is the best receiver of this running back class. The Eagles love to pass, especially to the running backs (look at Westbrook’s receptions over the past 6 years) and this has added emphasis in fantasy football league the reward running back receptions. He has toughness beyond his 5’10” frame and shows very quick feet to find the hole or cut outside the tackles.
LeSean enters an intriguing situation in Philadelphia where the offence should be a force in the NFC and the starting running back is coming off of off-season ankle surgery. There is no doubt that if (and history dictates it will happen a few times this season) Westbrook is injured, LeSean should put up some decent fantasy numbers and where his true value resides is in his keeper value. LeSean McCoy possesses the talent to be an elite running back at the NFL level and is in the ideal situation, with plenty of offensive talent around him, to allow him to reach his potential. LeSean could very well put up the best fantasy numbers of any rookie this year.
Best of the Rest:
Shonn Greene: A perfect fit for a Rex Ryan offence as he is a big bruising style runner who is very compact for his frame. Won’t see much action this year and doesn’t show much promise as a keeper pick.
Glen Coffee: Played behind a great college line allowing scouts to see what he can do. An intelligent runner who plays with intensity, an obvious favourite of coach Singletary which should lead to stealing some carries from Gore however he needs to bulk up at the NFL level to show any promise as an NFL starter.
Andre Davis: Good size, good speed however has had nagging injuries in college and tends to be on the receiving end of some solid hits. Doesn’t accelerate well so can get stalled at the line. Potential might be there however he joins a relatively busy backfield.
James Davis: A solid between the tackles runner that doesn’t impress overall. Often tackled too easy for his size and doesn’t show good burst to breakaway. Does enter an inviting situation playing behind an aging and battered Jamal Lewis.
The Running backs
No other position seems to hold more fantasy promise for rookies as does the position of running back. As such, part 2 of the fantasy rookie preview will focus on the most important position to draft a rookie.
Knowshon Moreno: If he was drafted a year earlier under the tutelage of the run-happy Mike Shanahan, he would be a very hot commodity come fantasy draft day. It is yet to be seen how much the new Cutler-less Bronco offence will rely on running the ball. If history is a good predictor, a Josh McDaniels’ offence might not put up huge running numbers, especially for a feature back. Despite this, there is a pretty common consensus that Moreno is the top running back talent out of the draft.
He doesn’t possess the greatest size or the fastest speed but does possess exceptional tangibles, balance, vision, ability to absorb tackles and most of all, natural ability for the position. His talents have made him become the most sought after running back of the class as his potential at the NFL level seems to be most assured.
In the bronco offence, he will assume the role of primary running back right away and will be useful on passing third downs as well. For this he is the favourite to provide the best fantasy numbers of all the running backs of this class. He also provides great potential in keeper drafts. He will go higher than you would like to take a rookie running back however since the bronco offence will most likely be trailing in games and forcing the ball downfield, he might not generate the numbers one would expect. Buckhalter, Arrington, Jordan, Hillis might all steal carries and touchdowns away from Moreno as McDaniels’ schooling under Belichick in New England might suggest.
Donald Brown: Massive college numbers pushed Brown to the top echelon of backs coming out of college. Although his NCAA conference was relatively weak, his team had such confidence in Brown that they only threw the ball 6 times in the Bowl game. That is un-heard of in NCAA football, never mind a Bowl game.
He is an obvious workhorse with a strong physique and exceptional receiver skills to compliment his strong running ability. What seems to be his most important trait is his football intelligence, a trait the Colts value highly.
It is obvious that the Colts plan to use Brown this year and may eventually want him to replace Addai. Until then, at best, he will share duties with Addai and will have an edge on goaline and short yardage opportunities. Due to Addai’s injury history, many are banking on Brown getting his share of opportunities to impress, especially those in keeper leagues.
Chris “Beanie” Wells: Probably the most over-rated of the running backs. If a rookie running back was to be drafted too early, most likely it will be Wells.
Wells enters a situation where the Superbowl finalists want to put more emphasis on their run game. This should play well for Wells, right? The main problem isn’t the lack of talent of the Arizona running backs (Hightower, James – this was a problem but not the main one). The main problem is the terrible run protection of the Arizona offensive line. During the off-season, the Cardinals have done little if anything to try to improve this situation. Warner is probably the most effective and the most experienced NFL quarterback at running a West coast style, short and quick passing game. This helps when your line is being over-powered and out-played. However it also masks the true problem, the weak line.
Wells is considered to be a bruising style runner that likes to punish defenders and can also run well in open field, despite his size. The problem with his fit in Arizona is that if the offensive line doesn’t improve, the front seven of the opposing defence might have a lot of open cracks at the rookie running back, whose not well known for staying healthy. He seems to carry a lot of nagging injuries, some look at this as playing hurt (mental and physical toughness) however if nagging injuries hampered his college productivity, then they are a good indicator that this can be a bigger problem in the NFL, where players are larger and the hits are much stronger.
Although he may never develop into an elite back, he could get the majority of carries for the Cardinals this year however his numbers should closely resemble those of Tim Hightower’s last year. Average running back numbers. His potential is relatively low compared to the other top running backs of his class.
LeSean McCoy: This is a player to watch out for. Michael Westbrook has had a great career with the Eagles. McCoy seems not only to be his air-apparent but his mirror image. A speeder, who can shift downfield and explode past defenders, LeSean is the best receiver of this running back class. The Eagles love to pass, especially to the running backs (look at Westbrook’s receptions over the past 6 years) and this has added emphasis in fantasy football league the reward running back receptions. He has toughness beyond his 5’10” frame and shows very quick feet to find the hole or cut outside the tackles.
LeSean enters an intriguing situation in Philadelphia where the offence should be a force in the NFC and the starting running back is coming off of off-season ankle surgery. There is no doubt that if (and history dictates it will happen a few times this season) Westbrook is injured, LeSean should put up some decent fantasy numbers and where his true value resides is in his keeper value. LeSean McCoy possesses the talent to be an elite running back at the NFL level and is in the ideal situation, with plenty of offensive talent around him, to allow him to reach his potential. LeSean could very well put up the best fantasy numbers of any rookie this year.
Best of the Rest:
Shonn Greene: A perfect fit for a Rex Ryan offence as he is a big bruising style runner who is very compact for his frame. Won’t see much action this year and doesn’t show much promise as a keeper pick.
Glen Coffee: Played behind a great college line allowing scouts to see what he can do. An intelligent runner who plays with intensity, an obvious favourite of coach Singletary which should lead to stealing some carries from Gore however he needs to bulk up at the NFL level to show any promise as an NFL starter.
Andre Davis: Good size, good speed however has had nagging injuries in college and tends to be on the receiving end of some solid hits. Doesn’t accelerate well so can get stalled at the line. Potential might be there however he joins a relatively busy backfield.
James Davis: A solid between the tackles runner that doesn’t impress overall. Often tackled too easy for his size and doesn’t show good burst to breakaway. Does enter an inviting situation playing behind an aging and battered Jamal Lewis.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Wildcat Isn't Done
I’m a big fan of strategic game-planning. I believe that teams who have a few tricks up their sleeve and a few matchups that they can exploit have an edge over their competition. It’s part of the reason that the Patriots have been so successful over the years and the Eagles defenses have been so effective despite not having dominant players. Another example would be the Steelers offensive penchant for coming up with big plays at the right times, and generating turnovers through the zone blitz.
I’ve heard a lot of debate lately about whether or not the Wildcat offense can still have an impact on the NFL. While I agree that it is gimmicky, I believe it can be prominently involved in the playbook for a lot of teams.
To be fair, the Wildcat is not a base offense. Teams shouldn’t be lining up with a RB taking direct snaps on every play. What it should be used for is a change of pace and a way to catch defenses off guard.
Most of the Wildcat’s detractors will point out that defenses have had an entire offseason to watch film and will now be able to stop it. Well they have every offseason to gameplan for play-action passes but they still get beat deep when a safety bites on the fake.
The Wildcat wasn’t unstoppable last year, it just got defenses to hesitate a little. That’s really what all offenses (and blitzing defenses) are trying to create, a bit of hesitation and confusion as to what’s coming next. How many teams have we seen create big plays out of half-back option passes or end-around passes in the last 5 years? Sure, they’re not plays that you build your entire offense around, but they’re worth using to surprise the defense. The wide receiver screen is another great example. A few years ago, sportscasters thought it was a college football gimmick play, but it’s proven to be very useful against defenses that give big cushions to receivers.
Just like any other set of offensive plays, the Wildcat needs to be used properly to have a positive effect on games. Below are the Sports Opinionated Rules for Offensive Off-Balance Plays (OBPs) to be effective.
OBP Rule #1 – Don’t Tip Your Hand with Special Substitutions
If the Dolphins bring in Pat White for every Wildcat set this year, it will fail miserably, because the defense will know what’s coming. As soon as they see Pat White sent onto the field, they’ll know to get ready for a Wildcat-style set. The confusion was created last year when the Dolphins broke the huddle and then the defense realized that Pennington was split out wide.
Rule 1b is that whatever personnel grouping is used to run an OBP, should also be used to run other plays, to ensure the defense can’t guess what’s coming. If the Dolphins need both Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown to be on the field for the Wildcat, why not trot them both onto the field for use in a shotgun formation with a RB on either side of Pennington? If the defense sent out a package of players geared to stopping the run, wouldn’t this catch them off guard and leave a bulky linebacker to cover Ronnie Brown in space? This is why I should be the Raiders offensive coordinator, I have to be smarter than anyone they pulled out of Bed & Breakfast Management classes.
OBP Rule #2 – Don’t overuse your “surprise”
OBPs are most effective when the defense only sees them 5-6 plays per game. The Wildcat could possibly be used 9-10 plays if there are enough variants from the original 2 or 3 options. Plays like end-around passes can only be used once every 3 or 4 games, not all the time. If an OBP is over-used, it ceases to be a surprise and obviously no longer keeps a defense “off balance”.
OBP Rule #3 – Create new variations that look like old variations
The key to keeping OBPs successful over the whole season or multiple seasons is to make the defense believe they’ve seen this before. A perfect example is the Patriots use of the fake TE screen to one side and then throwing a RB screen to the other side. They started this practice a few seasons ago. The Pats had become so screen-dependent that defenses were expecting it, so they faked the screen. Not only did it open up the RB screen off the fake, but later on, it made the TE screen viable again. The variation I’m waiting to see this year is for a team to fake the wide receiver screen and then have that same WR go deep on the double move. Not only will it catch an aggressive CB biting on the quick throw, but it could create space for the WR Screen again later in the game.
OBP Rule #4 – If the formation contains the surprise, snap the ball quickly
For plays like the flea flicker and double screens, the formation the offense lines up in doesn’t usually tip off the defense. In the case of the Wildcat, once the defense realizes that Ronnie Brown is behind center, they have an idea of what to expect. In these cases, a quick snap count gives the defense less time to realize what’s going on and adjust. I know it seems simple, but I saw a few times last year where teams would survey the defense for too long and give the defensive leaders time to bark out orders to the rest of the squad.
So, since I think the Wildcat and other OBPs have a bright future in the NFL, I suppose you’d like to know what I think is coming next? For starters, I think there are a number of teams that could incorporate more OBPs into their offenses this year.
Atlanta Falcons – with Jerious Norwood on the team, a slight hesitation by the defense could mean a long touchdown. I could see the Falcons using he and Michael Turner in a Wildcat-type set a few times per game. Don’t forget that offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey used Antwaan Randle El in an OBP role when he was in Pittsburgh.
Cleveland Browns – The Man-genius used Brad Smith under center a few times last year, but teams saw it coming. Why not try Josh Cribbs? If he’s the team’s legit 3rd or 4th WR, he will be on the field fairly often, so having him line up in the shotgun with Jerome Harrison at his side on a 3rd and 4 will definitely catch the offense off guard. He’s also a former QB, so the pass option is available. He’s the ideal Wildcat “QB” in my opinion.
Tennessee Titans – Isn’t this the ideal way to ensure Vince Young gets playing time and is a contributing member of the offense? I’m not saying they should run the Wildcat as Miami did, but why not a version of the spread offense? If Vince lined up in the shotgun with Chris Johnson at his side and the defense spread out with 4 WR’s, he could wreak havoc. They could run the zone-read he used at Texas and still have pass-run options for him attacking one side of the defense at a time. All they would have to do is send this package in once per half and go no-huddle to tire out the defense. If the defense looks adept at stopping it, switch back to a power running game with LenDale White. It’s not like the Titans offense is so prolific that they’d lose their “rhythm”.
I’m sure many other teams will run a few snaps in the Wildcat just to see how it pans out, but in my mind, these are the teams with the best chance to take it to another level.
With athletes getting more and more versatile, and more college programs using run-pass options for their QBs, I could see the spread being the next dominant OBP, much like the Wildcat was used by Miami this year.
I’ve heard a lot of debate lately about whether or not the Wildcat offense can still have an impact on the NFL. While I agree that it is gimmicky, I believe it can be prominently involved in the playbook for a lot of teams.
To be fair, the Wildcat is not a base offense. Teams shouldn’t be lining up with a RB taking direct snaps on every play. What it should be used for is a change of pace and a way to catch defenses off guard.
Most of the Wildcat’s detractors will point out that defenses have had an entire offseason to watch film and will now be able to stop it. Well they have every offseason to gameplan for play-action passes but they still get beat deep when a safety bites on the fake.
The Wildcat wasn’t unstoppable last year, it just got defenses to hesitate a little. That’s really what all offenses (and blitzing defenses) are trying to create, a bit of hesitation and confusion as to what’s coming next. How many teams have we seen create big plays out of half-back option passes or end-around passes in the last 5 years? Sure, they’re not plays that you build your entire offense around, but they’re worth using to surprise the defense. The wide receiver screen is another great example. A few years ago, sportscasters thought it was a college football gimmick play, but it’s proven to be very useful against defenses that give big cushions to receivers.
Just like any other set of offensive plays, the Wildcat needs to be used properly to have a positive effect on games. Below are the Sports Opinionated Rules for Offensive Off-Balance Plays (OBPs) to be effective.
OBP Rule #1 – Don’t Tip Your Hand with Special Substitutions
If the Dolphins bring in Pat White for every Wildcat set this year, it will fail miserably, because the defense will know what’s coming. As soon as they see Pat White sent onto the field, they’ll know to get ready for a Wildcat-style set. The confusion was created last year when the Dolphins broke the huddle and then the defense realized that Pennington was split out wide.
Rule 1b is that whatever personnel grouping is used to run an OBP, should also be used to run other plays, to ensure the defense can’t guess what’s coming. If the Dolphins need both Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown to be on the field for the Wildcat, why not trot them both onto the field for use in a shotgun formation with a RB on either side of Pennington? If the defense sent out a package of players geared to stopping the run, wouldn’t this catch them off guard and leave a bulky linebacker to cover Ronnie Brown in space? This is why I should be the Raiders offensive coordinator, I have to be smarter than anyone they pulled out of Bed & Breakfast Management classes.
OBP Rule #2 – Don’t overuse your “surprise”
OBPs are most effective when the defense only sees them 5-6 plays per game. The Wildcat could possibly be used 9-10 plays if there are enough variants from the original 2 or 3 options. Plays like end-around passes can only be used once every 3 or 4 games, not all the time. If an OBP is over-used, it ceases to be a surprise and obviously no longer keeps a defense “off balance”.
OBP Rule #3 – Create new variations that look like old variations
The key to keeping OBPs successful over the whole season or multiple seasons is to make the defense believe they’ve seen this before. A perfect example is the Patriots use of the fake TE screen to one side and then throwing a RB screen to the other side. They started this practice a few seasons ago. The Pats had become so screen-dependent that defenses were expecting it, so they faked the screen. Not only did it open up the RB screen off the fake, but later on, it made the TE screen viable again. The variation I’m waiting to see this year is for a team to fake the wide receiver screen and then have that same WR go deep on the double move. Not only will it catch an aggressive CB biting on the quick throw, but it could create space for the WR Screen again later in the game.
OBP Rule #4 – If the formation contains the surprise, snap the ball quickly
For plays like the flea flicker and double screens, the formation the offense lines up in doesn’t usually tip off the defense. In the case of the Wildcat, once the defense realizes that Ronnie Brown is behind center, they have an idea of what to expect. In these cases, a quick snap count gives the defense less time to realize what’s going on and adjust. I know it seems simple, but I saw a few times last year where teams would survey the defense for too long and give the defensive leaders time to bark out orders to the rest of the squad.
So, since I think the Wildcat and other OBPs have a bright future in the NFL, I suppose you’d like to know what I think is coming next? For starters, I think there are a number of teams that could incorporate more OBPs into their offenses this year.
Atlanta Falcons – with Jerious Norwood on the team, a slight hesitation by the defense could mean a long touchdown. I could see the Falcons using he and Michael Turner in a Wildcat-type set a few times per game. Don’t forget that offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey used Antwaan Randle El in an OBP role when he was in Pittsburgh.
Cleveland Browns – The Man-genius used Brad Smith under center a few times last year, but teams saw it coming. Why not try Josh Cribbs? If he’s the team’s legit 3rd or 4th WR, he will be on the field fairly often, so having him line up in the shotgun with Jerome Harrison at his side on a 3rd and 4 will definitely catch the offense off guard. He’s also a former QB, so the pass option is available. He’s the ideal Wildcat “QB” in my opinion.
Tennessee Titans – Isn’t this the ideal way to ensure Vince Young gets playing time and is a contributing member of the offense? I’m not saying they should run the Wildcat as Miami did, but why not a version of the spread offense? If Vince lined up in the shotgun with Chris Johnson at his side and the defense spread out with 4 WR’s, he could wreak havoc. They could run the zone-read he used at Texas and still have pass-run options for him attacking one side of the defense at a time. All they would have to do is send this package in once per half and go no-huddle to tire out the defense. If the defense looks adept at stopping it, switch back to a power running game with LenDale White. It’s not like the Titans offense is so prolific that they’d lose their “rhythm”.
I’m sure many other teams will run a few snaps in the Wildcat just to see how it pans out, but in my mind, these are the teams with the best chance to take it to another level.
With athletes getting more and more versatile, and more college programs using run-pass options for their QBs, I could see the spread being the next dominant OBP, much like the Wildcat was used by Miami this year.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Ronaldinho Isn't Good Anymore
All that said, Ronaldinho isn’t very good anymore. Sure, he was good enough to destroy Sienna with a couple beautiful passes but he was downright pathetic against Inter last weekend and it was embarrassing for himself and the club. Look at this Alexandre Despatie-level dive after a missed shot (watch the 45s mark of this clip). That could have put them up 1-0, but instead he scuffed it, dove and complained to the ref. The ‘Dinho I know wouldn’t do this stuff.
As I mentioned in my previous column, I’m an AC Milan fan. That’s why it hurts so much to say this.
If Ronaldinho is a starter, Milan might not even make the Champions League. He needs to come off the bench.
This isn’t a new idea. Carlo Ancellotti did it last season and it worked well. As soon as he took ‘Dinho out of the starting lineup, they started winning. There’s a reason for it. Ronnie doesn’t have his pace anymore. I don’t know if it’s because he parties all night, he’s getting older or just doesn’t like running hard, but teams aren’t worried about him going by anyone. Watch how a defender marks Pato, and then watch how they mark Ronnie. Defenders look legitimately scared of Pato, and they back off. They are in Dinho’s grill so fast he barely has time to dive properly. He still has the vision and the ball control, but they’re not as effective without his pace. He’s fine against lower-level teams, but top-notch teams have the players to man-mark him and take him out of the game.
Another reason that he needs to hit the bench is to make room for Milan’s most gifted offensive catalyst, Pato. Sure, “The Duck” doesn’t sound like an intimidating nickname, but this kid is electric. He’s got pace, courage and unpredictability, which is just what Milan need more of. In order to use him properly though, he needs to be the link between midfield and attack, not Ronaldinho.
Here is the lineup and formation I would use if I took over for Leonardo as manager, and let’s be honest, I SHOULD take over for him. Do you know how good I am at FIFA 09 on the Xbox?:
Center Fwd - Klass-Jan Huntelaar
Support Striker (left) - Pato
Attacking Mid - Clarence Seedorf
Left Mid - Massimo Ambrosini
Center Mid (regista) - Andrea Pirlo
Right Mid - Mathieu Flamini
Left Back - Gianluca Zambrotta
Center Backs - Alessandro Nesta & Thiago Silva
Right Back - Massimo Oddo
Goalkeeper - anyone but Nelson Dida
Pato is at his best attacking from the left where he can cut inside for a shot or take the defender wide with his pace. Does that sound familiar? Yeah, it’s what Dinho used to do. Seedorf is a better fit than Ronaldinho because he’s more comfortable NOT being the offensive focus and will track back and tackle when needed. Flamini needs to be involved as a box-to-box player like he was at Arsenal. He’s probably the most under-utilized player on the roster. Pirlo can still sit back and distribute as long as Ambrosini and Flamini are willing to be the ball winners. Nesta looks like he’s back to being world class and Thiago Silva looks quite good, so Leonardo needs to explain to his full-backs that they are never, ever, ever to push up. That means Jankulovski never plays in the fullback roll again, and I’m fine with that. While overlapping fullbacks give width and option to the attack, Milan’s players don’t have the pace to do it anymore. I’ve seen more speed during a shuffleboard game. So why not just have them focus on defense? There is more than enough offense with Pato, Pirlo, Seedorf and “The Hunter”. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is the young, hungry center forward they’ve been craving for the past 4 years and they didn’t even start him against Inter? Give me a break. Ronaldinho can come on for Seedorf or Pato when the coach feels it will give them an offensive spark late in the game, depending on the opponent. He can also start against the weaker clubs to give the others a much-needed rest.
This brings me to another omission, Gennaro Gattuso. He is one of my favorite soccer players of all time, but he’s done. He is the only soccer player that ever reminded me of a checking-line winger in hockey. He’s always been there to shut down the opponents best midfield player, to slide through tackles so hard that opponents would one-touch passes when they didn’t need to. His nickname means “The Snarl” for a reason. His domination of Cristiano Ronaldo in the 06-07 Champions League was phenomenal. He backhand slapped Ibrahimovic in the face in ’03! How can you not like him? Unfortunately, he spontaneously combusted against Inter this weekend and his decline was evident all of last season. It was one thing to take be injured or take an unfortunate card, but his second yellow showed that he can't play intelligently for a full game. He definitely showed his diminished skill at the Confederation Cup this summer. He needs to become a “closer” off the bench. When Milan is up by a goal or two, he needs to come on as a substitution with 25-35 minutes left and just fly around like the Tasmanian Devil.
Milan’s only real hope this year is to clear their head, grasp the reality that their team needs to center around the young core of Pato, Flamini, Silva and Huntelaar and ask the rest of the team to play within their best capabilities, which is solid possession in midfield and the phenomenal defensive prowess of Alessandro Nesta. The rest of the team needs to know their role and deal with it, especially Ronaldinho.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
NFL Preview Part 4 - fantasy predictions
Well, with the season only a week away and my own fantasy drafts done, it’s time I shared my predictions and thoughts on the upcoming fantasy football season. Keep in mind, that fantasy and actual football are different. I may not like a player for the reasons of winning football games, but they could still rack up a ton of fantasy points. If you want to read about the actual NFL season, check out Part I , Part II and Part III of my NFL preview.
I feel like I have some knowledge to share here since I won both of my fantasy drafts last year. Never mind that I needed a bunch of luck to do it, that’s not important. Sure I knew Le’Ron McLain and Pierre Thomas would be my starting running backs for the finals, didn’t any of you guys predict that at the beginning of the season?
I always think that fantasy leagues depend on 3 things; find a few blue chip players, avoid players who will make you drink heavily and unearth a few gems. Each category is about managing risk. Blue chip players ensure top-level performance for your early picks. Avoiding busts means that you won’t waste a pick on a player who has numbers below expectations and finding some gems is about searching for upside with low-cost selections like late round picks and waiver wire pickups.
The Shaquille O’Neal group – blue chippers
Every position in fantasy has a first tier. These players may not have a better season than second-tier players, but they carry less risk. They are less likely to have an off year or just tank down the stretch. You have to pick a tier 1 player before picking someone with more risk. Here are my first tier players.
QBs
1. Drew Brees – he almost set the NFL record for most yardage in a single season and has healthier weapons this year and a full year of Pierre Thomas. He’s a shoe in for a killer season.
2. Tom Brady – Heeee’s Baaa-aack! He’s the best QB in the league and he has Moss and Welker to throw to.
3. Peyton Manning – He won’t put up the same numbers as Brees and Brady, but he’s automatic for 4000 yds and 25-30 TDs. He also makes awesome commercials
WRs
Andre Johnson, Randy Moss and Larry Fitzgerald – There’s not much to differentiate the 3 and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Sign yourself up for a guarantee of 90 catches, 1300 yards and 10-15 TD’s.
RBs
1. Adrian Peterson – All Day is going to dominate all season. Now that he has Favre to make defenses back off a bit, he might actually do better than last year.
2. Matt Forte – Another back to tore up last season and will benefit from having a competent QB who backs up defenses crowding the box and gives him more goal line chances.
3. Maurice Jones-Drew – with Fred Taylor gone he gets all the touches, and he was already a good fantasy back.
4. Steven Jackson – They’ve got a rebuilt line and he’s dominated before along with playing in a weak defensive division.
5. LaDanian Tomlinson – I’m sure a lot of people will disagree with this pick. He’s healthy, he’s been a dominant back for years, he plays on the team with the best passing game in the league and Norv Turner loves to give goal-line touches to his feature backs.
The Pamela Anderson group – yup, big-time busts
There are just some players you need to avoid. If you can get them really late in the draft or quite cheap in an auction, that’s fine. Don’t overpay or your season is done.
1. Brandon Marshall – he may be a top 5 talent at the receiver position, but he’s a certified headcase and clearly doesn't want to be with the Broncos. Punting it away from the ball boy is all class.
2. Michael Turner – For starters, he could be this years victim of the Curse of 370. He’s only been a top back for one year, and now the Falcons have Tony Gonzalez to take away some of his red zone TDs. That said, he’s only a bust if you take him in the top 5 like most experts are suggesting you do.
3. Kellen Winslow Jr. – He’s talented but he’s inconsistent and his obvious off-field issues could cause him to miss games. If he flushes his career any further down the toilet, he'll be playing in the CFL with Pacman Jones.
4. Kurt Warner – Ageless Kurt is one big hit away from missing 8-10 games. He’s absolutely fantastic when he’s healthy, but he hasn’t proven to be durable during his career.
5. Brian Westbrook – Mr. Everything for the Eagles over the last 5 years, his fantasy value will drop due to his inevitable 3-4 games missed to injury and the fact that the Eagles have more weapons now in DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Lesean McCoy and Mike Vick all stealing yards and TDs from him.
The Catfish group – bottom feeding
If you want to win, you need to be able to make the most of the late rounds in the draft and the waiver wire. In keeper leagues, this is even more important because many leagues force you to give up that round of draft pick next year to keep the player. 2 years ago I got Wes Welker in the 14th round and Ryan Grant off waivers and last year I got Pierre Thomas off of waivers. That’s way more value for the pick than getting Reggie Bush in the 2nd round.
In order to make the most of the late rounds and waiver wire, it’s important to identify players who have the chance to shine. Whether it’s from being newly inserted in the starter role, playing behind an injury-prone starter or just showing flashes of greatness during limited playing time last year.
Here are the players I think have the best chance to make a fantasy leap next year:
Anthony Gonzalez, WR Colts – he was good to begin with and now he’s a starter on the Colts offense. He will be good for 60-70 catches, 1000 yards and 6-7 TDs.
Domenik Hixon , WR Giants – sometimes we overcomplicate things. He was the Giants leading receiver last year and now he’s their clear #1 going into the season. He’ll get enough targets to at least be a #3 receiver on any team.
LeSean McCoy, RB Eagles – he’s a versatile running back that is a homerun threat going to the Eagles. Sound like the heir apparent to anyone? Not only that, but every fantasy team needs a “Le” or “De” name to be complete. I have DeSean Jacskon this year, so I’m set.
Miles Austin, WR Cowboys – he was great with limited playing time last year as a deep threat and catching some tough balls over the middle. This year he’s set to win the #2 wide receiver job with Tony Romo throwing to him. Worth a late-round flyer.
Jerome Harrison, RB Browns – could be this year’s Leon Washington. Not only that, but Jamal Lewis’ time as a starter could be just about up.
Jerious Norwood, RB Falcons – figures to see several touches a game anyway, but is just waiting for the Curse of 370 to catch up to Turner.
Eddie Royal, WR Broncos – He was dynamite last year as an undersized, underneath receiver with great YAC. Now he’s got Wes Welker’s former offensive coordinator as his head coach and Brandon Marshall is AWOL. I think he’ll get a ton of targets.
Matt Schaub – QB Texans – This is all about health. He’s a top 6 or 7 fantasy QB when healthy, so he’s a perfect #2 since there’s no risk.
Cedric Benson, RB Bengals – he’s the starting RB, he has to get enough action to be someone’s #3 back on their roster. Although, whoever picks him in your draft should be forced to cry and talk about how nobody believed in them.
Julius Jones, RB Seahawks – another starting RB that gets overlooked. With all the attention on the passing game, he could rack up a lot of yards and goal-line TDs.
Shonn Greene, RB Jets – he’s behind an aging Thomas Jones and is getting rave reviews from the coaching staff. He’s less likely than the others to blow up but has a chance and is valuable in leagues that give bonuses for rookies.
Clinton Portis, RB Redskins – while he’s not a big time sleeper, he can be had in the 2nd or 3rd round in most drafts, which is phenomenal value. He’s only 28, is a near automatic 1300 yds and 10 TDs and knows how to take criticism from a legend.
Well, that wraps up the season preview from me. Let’s get ready for next Thursday’s kick-off!
I feel like I have some knowledge to share here since I won both of my fantasy drafts last year. Never mind that I needed a bunch of luck to do it, that’s not important. Sure I knew Le’Ron McLain and Pierre Thomas would be my starting running backs for the finals, didn’t any of you guys predict that at the beginning of the season?
I always think that fantasy leagues depend on 3 things; find a few blue chip players, avoid players who will make you drink heavily and unearth a few gems. Each category is about managing risk. Blue chip players ensure top-level performance for your early picks. Avoiding busts means that you won’t waste a pick on a player who has numbers below expectations and finding some gems is about searching for upside with low-cost selections like late round picks and waiver wire pickups.
The Shaquille O’Neal group – blue chippers
Every position in fantasy has a first tier. These players may not have a better season than second-tier players, but they carry less risk. They are less likely to have an off year or just tank down the stretch. You have to pick a tier 1 player before picking someone with more risk. Here are my first tier players.
QBs
1. Drew Brees – he almost set the NFL record for most yardage in a single season and has healthier weapons this year and a full year of Pierre Thomas. He’s a shoe in for a killer season.
2. Tom Brady – Heeee’s Baaa-aack! He’s the best QB in the league and he has Moss and Welker to throw to.
3. Peyton Manning – He won’t put up the same numbers as Brees and Brady, but he’s automatic for 4000 yds and 25-30 TDs. He also makes awesome commercials
WRs
Andre Johnson, Randy Moss and Larry Fitzgerald – There’s not much to differentiate the 3 and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Sign yourself up for a guarantee of 90 catches, 1300 yards and 10-15 TD’s.
RBs
1. Adrian Peterson – All Day is going to dominate all season. Now that he has Favre to make defenses back off a bit, he might actually do better than last year.
2. Matt Forte – Another back to tore up last season and will benefit from having a competent QB who backs up defenses crowding the box and gives him more goal line chances.
3. Maurice Jones-Drew – with Fred Taylor gone he gets all the touches, and he was already a good fantasy back.
4. Steven Jackson – They’ve got a rebuilt line and he’s dominated before along with playing in a weak defensive division.
5. LaDanian Tomlinson – I’m sure a lot of people will disagree with this pick. He’s healthy, he’s been a dominant back for years, he plays on the team with the best passing game in the league and Norv Turner loves to give goal-line touches to his feature backs.
The Pamela Anderson group – yup, big-time busts
There are just some players you need to avoid. If you can get them really late in the draft or quite cheap in an auction, that’s fine. Don’t overpay or your season is done.
1. Brandon Marshall – he may be a top 5 talent at the receiver position, but he’s a certified headcase and clearly doesn't want to be with the Broncos. Punting it away from the ball boy is all class.
2. Michael Turner – For starters, he could be this years victim of the Curse of 370. He’s only been a top back for one year, and now the Falcons have Tony Gonzalez to take away some of his red zone TDs. That said, he’s only a bust if you take him in the top 5 like most experts are suggesting you do.
3. Kellen Winslow Jr. – He’s talented but he’s inconsistent and his obvious off-field issues could cause him to miss games. If he flushes his career any further down the toilet, he'll be playing in the CFL with Pacman Jones.
4. Kurt Warner – Ageless Kurt is one big hit away from missing 8-10 games. He’s absolutely fantastic when he’s healthy, but he hasn’t proven to be durable during his career.
5. Brian Westbrook – Mr. Everything for the Eagles over the last 5 years, his fantasy value will drop due to his inevitable 3-4 games missed to injury and the fact that the Eagles have more weapons now in DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Lesean McCoy and Mike Vick all stealing yards and TDs from him.
The Catfish group – bottom feeding
If you want to win, you need to be able to make the most of the late rounds in the draft and the waiver wire. In keeper leagues, this is even more important because many leagues force you to give up that round of draft pick next year to keep the player. 2 years ago I got Wes Welker in the 14th round and Ryan Grant off waivers and last year I got Pierre Thomas off of waivers. That’s way more value for the pick than getting Reggie Bush in the 2nd round.
In order to make the most of the late rounds and waiver wire, it’s important to identify players who have the chance to shine. Whether it’s from being newly inserted in the starter role, playing behind an injury-prone starter or just showing flashes of greatness during limited playing time last year.
Here are the players I think have the best chance to make a fantasy leap next year:
Anthony Gonzalez, WR Colts – he was good to begin with and now he’s a starter on the Colts offense. He will be good for 60-70 catches, 1000 yards and 6-7 TDs.
Domenik Hixon , WR Giants – sometimes we overcomplicate things. He was the Giants leading receiver last year and now he’s their clear #1 going into the season. He’ll get enough targets to at least be a #3 receiver on any team.
LeSean McCoy, RB Eagles – he’s a versatile running back that is a homerun threat going to the Eagles. Sound like the heir apparent to anyone? Not only that, but every fantasy team needs a “Le” or “De” name to be complete. I have DeSean Jacskon this year, so I’m set.
Miles Austin, WR Cowboys – he was great with limited playing time last year as a deep threat and catching some tough balls over the middle. This year he’s set to win the #2 wide receiver job with Tony Romo throwing to him. Worth a late-round flyer.
Jerome Harrison, RB Browns – could be this year’s Leon Washington. Not only that, but Jamal Lewis’ time as a starter could be just about up.
Jerious Norwood, RB Falcons – figures to see several touches a game anyway, but is just waiting for the Curse of 370 to catch up to Turner.
Eddie Royal, WR Broncos – He was dynamite last year as an undersized, underneath receiver with great YAC. Now he’s got Wes Welker’s former offensive coordinator as his head coach and Brandon Marshall is AWOL. I think he’ll get a ton of targets.
Matt Schaub – QB Texans – This is all about health. He’s a top 6 or 7 fantasy QB when healthy, so he’s a perfect #2 since there’s no risk.
Cedric Benson, RB Bengals – he’s the starting RB, he has to get enough action to be someone’s #3 back on their roster. Although, whoever picks him in your draft should be forced to cry and talk about how nobody believed in them.
Julius Jones, RB Seahawks – another starting RB that gets overlooked. With all the attention on the passing game, he could rack up a lot of yards and goal-line TDs.
Shonn Greene, RB Jets – he’s behind an aging Thomas Jones and is getting rave reviews from the coaching staff. He’s less likely than the others to blow up but has a chance and is valuable in leagues that give bonuses for rookies.
Clinton Portis, RB Redskins – while he’s not a big time sleeper, he can be had in the 2nd or 3rd round in most drafts, which is phenomenal value. He’s only 28, is a near automatic 1300 yds and 10 TDs and knows how to take criticism from a legend.
Well, that wraps up the season preview from me. Let’s get ready for next Thursday’s kick-off!
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