Josh McDaniels and the Broncos Have a Serious Problem in QB Jay Cutler

Josh McDaniels knew he had a problem with his franchise quarterback when he took the job in Denver.

It wasn’t a talent issue. It wasn’t a performance issue.

It was an attitude issue.

The leader of your offense has to completely buy into your system. He has to be an extension of you in the locker room.

Bill Belichick doesn’t win championships without Tom Brady, but Brady doesn’t win championships without Belichick either.

The relationship between a quarterback and a head coach is important. More important than any other player-coach relationship on an NFL team.

If a wide receiver doesn’t buy into the system, other wide receivers on the team can take their place. The same thing goes for running backs, cornerbacks, safeties, etc.

But there’s only one starting quarterback. There’s only one guy who touches the ball on every offensive play. There’s only one guy who speaks in the offensive huddle.

Cutler, with all of his physical talents, isn’t ready to be that guy for McDaniels. Matt Cassel, even though he lacks some of the physical tools Cutler brings to the table, is.

Which is why McDaniels tried to deal away his starting quarterback and bring in his former starting quarterback.

The trade fell through. It never happened. McDaniels is prepared to go into the season with his current starting quarterback while the one he wanted starts for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Cutler, however, is too busy crying to anyone who will listen about how he was “wronged” by his new head coach. The relationship, according to Cutler, is irreparably damaged.

Give me a bloody break.

Cutler needs to get the hell over himself. He needs to grow up.

So your team tried to trade you? So freaking what?

Cutler has done absolutely nothing in the NFL. He’s proven absolutely nothing. The Broncos have gone 8-8, 7-9, and 9-7 over the last three seasons.

Don’t you have to make the playoffs before you’re allowed to become a diva? Maybe Cutler can explain to me how anyone on a team that’s gone 24-24 over the last three seasons can have such a high opinion of himself.

He’s not Brady. He’s not Philip Rivers. He’s not even Cassel.

He’s a loser, a middling quarterback with a mouth that his play can’t back up.

He’s an immature punk who needed to be put in his place.

Cutler has a ton of talent, nobody questions that. But being a starting quarterback in the NFL takes more than just talent. If talent were all it took, Jeff George would be in the Hall of Fame.

McDaniels laid down the law with his new quarterback, and his new quarterback is currently throwing a temper-tantrum.

One of two things will come from this. Cutler will learn his lesson, come back, buy into McDaniels’ system, and be the Broncos starting quarterback.

Or he won’t.

Either way, McDaniels will be fine. McDaniels turned Cassel, a guy who had never started in college or the NFL, into a legitimate NFL starting quarterback.

You don’t think he can do the same with Chris Simms?

Or anyone else with a shred of talent and the right attitude for that matter?

If he doesn’t get his head out of his ass, Cutler can enjoy his time in Detroit

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—where he can be a coddled superstar quarterback on another non-playoff team.

The Broncos, meanwhile, will be just fine without him.

This article originally appeared on the New England Patriots Examiner page. To read more articles like this one, check them out here.

Sean Crowe covers the New England Patriots for Examiner.com and writes a bi-weekly column for Sports-Central.org.

He is a Senior Writer and an NFL Community Leader at Bleacher Report. You can email him at scrowe@gmail.com.

Much Too Early: 10 Predictions for the 2009 NFL Season

With March Madness going on, I’m sure that not everyone is focused on the 2009 NFL Season. But with the NFL being the king of the sports jungle, it’s never too early to make some terrible predictions (which I will be held liable for in 2010). We’ll have some laughs next year, but in the mean time, let’s get serious.

10. Jay Cutler will stay with the Denver Broncos:

I know that this one could be wrong within the next 48 hours, but I’m going to take a shot in the dark here and say Cutler will have to stay with the team.

The Broncos are asking a little too much than what most teams have to offer, but if they’re given the right price, Cutler could be on his way out. As good as Cutler is, he has a few attitude problems and it’s unknown if some teams will give up a first round pick and a top-tier quarterback.

9. The Lions will win five games:

I wouldn’t expect a Miami like turnaround from Detroit this year, but look for them to make a steady improvement. Now by no means is 5-11 a good season, but with three picks in the first 33 selections in the draft, there is definitely some room to build for the future. They’ve set themselves up nicely for a few playoff appearances down the road.

8. The NFL will announce that the Jaguars will move to Los Angeles:

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that a team will be moving to Los Angeles as a new stadium proposal has been approved, now they just need a team to put in it. Jacksonville seems like the perfect candidate for relocation to a large metropolis.

As the only team that doesn’t consistently pack the stands in support of their team, expect this announcement to be made this year.

7. The Redskins will get some bang for their buck:

Albert Haynesworth, Deangelo Hall, Derrick Dockery, and the inevitable additional newcomers should make a difference for them in 2009 (although two of these men already played with Washington previously).

As a Redskins fan, I won’t homer people all day and have them think I’m picking the Redskins as a slam dunk for the Super Bowl, but they should be able to make some postseason noise.

6. T.O. will get the Bills to the Playoffs:

It’s just a one year deal, it’s not a big risk for them. If things go badly, T.O. gets the boot, no biggie. If things do go well (which they normally do in the first year of T.O.’s tenures), the Bills should be able to at least grab a wild card.

This was a team that was pretty close in 2008, and they may be able to get over the hump in ’09.

5. There will be an announcement of no salary cap for 2010:

It just seems to be looming that the 2010 year will not include a salary cap, and the announcement should come in the next couple of months. If it goes down, expect a flashback to the days of the Cowboys, Redskins, and Raiders all returning to prominence, while teams like Buffalo and Jacksonville (if they’re around) may fall off a bit.

4. Arizona won’t repeat as NFC West Champs:

Things just went too well in the playoffs for a repeat performance. After just squeaking in by default, the rest of the field got better this offseason as San Francisco finished strong, Seattle will have a healthy Matt Hasselbeck with someone to throw to, and the Rams can’t be any worse.

3. Houston will make the playoffs:

After showing flashes of brilliance at the end of the past two seasons, expect the Texans to put it together for a full season and contend for the AFC West title. Indianapolis doesn’t appear to be getting better, Jacksonville has taken a step back, and the Titans may not be able to keep up as they appear to be getting a bit older.

2. The first pick of the 2009 NFL Draft will be:

Matthew Stafford.

1. The Super Bowl Champ will be from the NFC East:

There are four very good teams in the same division, one of them is bound to break through the playoffs and win the Super Bowl.

The AFC has held onto the title for too long, the Giants took the whole enchilada two years ago and they may be able to do it again. None of these teams appeared to get worse over the offseason and can only move up to the top-tier.

These are my predictions for 2009. Save them, lock them up. Bring them back out to me on February 8th, 2010 and tell me how fantastic these picks were. I won’t delete them. Just tell me what you think, and we’ll open it up for debate.

Jay Cutler Traded! No, But It Will Happen

The headline is coming soon. Bronco fans all over the country and beyond will be devastated and relieved at the same time. We have had a short lived affair with him as fans, but frankly we are all sick and tired of the whole thing. 

He is a top quarterback who does not fit into the plans of our new system. He is a gun slinging, Favre type quarterback, who will have success wherever he goes (at least until things don’t go his way there also). I wish him well.

I speculate that this was known for some time now by owner Pat Bowlen and rookie head coach Josh McDaniels. I for one, am glad the original trade for Cassel didn’t work out. I’m not sure Cassel has established himself enough yet.

There will be a high demand for Cutler’s services. A franchise quarterback is not available very often. He is exactly the player some teams feel will put them in the Super Bowl, such as Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Seattle, San Francisco, Washington, N.Y. Jets, Detroit.

OK Detroit’s a long way from the Super Bowl, anyway you get my point. Cutler is wanted by all teams that do not have a sure starter at the position right now.

Denver can expect to get better by trading Cutler also. Sure it would be nice if a player of his caliber wanted to stay, be a player within the system established, and lead the Broncos to the Super Bowl, but that is not the case.

He has one foot out the door already. If he were forced to stay, the continuity of the team first mentality would be messed up.

There will be many offers this week at the coaches conference for Pat and Josh to mull over. I assume they will be looking for something in the area of a first and a third this year and a conditional pick next year, or a pick and a player this year such as Peppers.

Cleveland is an option only because they have two quarterbacks to offer and an unhappy nose tackle.

So be ready Bronco fans, because sooner or later, you will see the headline Cutler Traded!

An Updated Version of Who the San Francisco 49ers Should Draft

Approximately two months ago I wrote an article titled “Players the San Francisco 49ers Should Draft.” Well, here’s an update to that article.

The 49ers still have pretty much the same needs: safety, pass rush help, offensive line help, and now there are fans looking for a three-headed rushing attack. So, here’s the updated list on who the 49ers should draft.

 

First Round

1. Sean Smith, Safety: The 49ers definitely need a play maker on defense in the secondary. He played more corner in college, but is much better suited as a safety in the NFL. At 6’4″, 215 pounds, he has excellent size at the position and has been compared to Mel Blount.

2. Rey Maualuga, Inside Linebacker: Due to his size he would fit well beside Patrick Willis. It’s looking like that the 49ers are looking at other positions due to the resigning of Takeo Spikes, but with Spikes’ injury history, anything is possible and Maualuga could learn a lot from Spikes.

3. Eugene Monroe, Offensive Tackle: It’s looking like even though one of the biggest needs for the 49ers is on the offensive line, that Monroe is going to be taken before pick No. 10. 

4. Everette Brown: If he magically falls down on the list the 49ers should swoop in to draft him. Brown would instantly improve the 49ers defense with his pass rushing capabilities and it would be helpful for the 49ers secondary because last year quarterbacks had all day to throw against the 49ers.

 

Second Round

1. Clint Sintim: If the 49ers are unable to draft the pass rushing Brown, then Sintim is the obvious choice. He is used to playing in the 3-4 system and last year he had 12.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks.

2. Victor Harris: The 5’11” cornerback would definitely fit a need in the secondary at the cornerback position because Walt Harris is aging. Victor Harris ended the year with six interception including two taken back for scores.

3. Phil Loadholt: A 6’8″, 332-pound tackle, he would definitely help on the offensive line. It would improve the size of the line as well as help with the fact that Mike Singletary wants a smashmouth type attack.

4. Duke Robinson could be a steal in the second round. A massive guard at 6’5″ 330 pounds, and he was a AP-All American, known for being the driving force of Oklahoma’s offense last year.

 

Third Round

1. Ramses Barden: No matter how much the 49ers look over this guy from a really small school, they shouldn’t. He could be quite a steal for the 49ers. He’s 6’6″, 230, and what a weapon to have, especially in the red zone.

2. Marcus Freeman: An outside linebacker form Ohio State who made the second team. Had 76 tackles including 9 for loss, and 3.5 sacks.

3. Michael Hamlin: Another intriguing prospect at safety. Considering that’s been the 49ers, it might not hurt to take two. Although, if the 49ers go this way they should be definitely drafting Maualuga.

Since, there’s been many fans recently wanting a three-headed running attack. For the fourth round, here’s where the 49ers should take a running back.

 

Fourth Round

1. Javon Ringer: Ringer was a workhorse back at Michigan State, gaining over 1,500 yards and scoring 21 touchdowns, and he would definitely help the 49ers rushing attack.

2. Andre Brown: Showed at NC State that he could catch the ball out of the backfield, and he has excellent size at 6’0 and 225 pounds, which might be more enticing to the 49ers: a big back that can take a hit.

3. Zach Follett: The 49ers should take a long hard look at the Cal product. He finished the season with 23 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, four passes broken up, and five forced fumbles. Follett has a motor that doesn’t quit and was the leader on the defensive side of the ball for the Golden Bears and showed tremendous intensity.

4. Nate Davis: A darkhorse from Ball State who showed tremendous ability at Ball State. Threw for 3,446 yards had 26 touchdowns to 7 interceptions and a 9.3 yards per attempt.

5. Kory Sheets: Showed excellent hands, catching 37 passes and rushing for over 1,000 yards. More importantly, scored 16 touchdowns and could definitely be a solid running back in the NFL.

 

Fifth Round

1. Mike Teel: Excellent size for a quarterback at 6’4′, 220 and showed scouts what he could do in the last few games of his senior year, throwing for over 1,000 yards and had 10 touchdowns to just 1 interception. He would definitely be a project and would definitely take a few years to develop.

2. Morgan Trent: Again, the 49ers will need to develop a corner who will be able to take over eventually for Walt Harris. Trent has good size for a corner at 6’1″ and 190 pounds. He had 41 tackles this season and three interceptions and was one of the bright spots for Michigan this year.

3. Worrell Williams: He fit very well in a 3-4 system which he thrived in. He’s a big hitter he’s 6’2″ 250 so he’s got the size to play the inside position. Another local guy who could make an impact with the team. He would also make it so the 49ers could draft a guy like Sean Smith in the first round as well. 

 

Sixth Round

1. Garrett Reynolds: At 6’7″ 310 he would again add height to the line and some size to it. He started 48 consecutive games and was a All Big-East first-teamer. He could get a chance as well.

2. Jaison Williams: He’s got the size to play in the NFL at 6’5″ 240 pounds. He’ll be a possession receiver and if the 49ers are able to develop him, he could become a solid receiver who can be utilized on third down and in the red zone. His problem was lack of consistency at the University of Oregon.

3. Patrick Turner:  Size wise at 6’5″ 225 he’s the best available of a projected sixth-rounder because he has the ability to cause mismatches due to his height and strength. His draft stock has fallen so far, but I believe it had something to do with being overshadowed by a transfer from Arkansas and the three running backs USC employed. 

 

Seventh Round

1. Mike Thomas: He could come in as a punt/kick returner for the 49ers to replace Allen Rossum or since he was resigned be the second return man. He has the potential to be a solid third receiver because he runs excellent routes and has good hands.

Also, considering he was able to catch 75 passes for 834 yards is very impressive considering the Pac-10 has some of the best corners in college football.

2. David Johnson: Johnson threw for 43 touchdowns but had 18 interceptions, but threw for 3,866 yards and averaged 10.3 yards per attempted throw.

3. Jeremiah Johnson could go in the sixth round, but if he’s available in the seventh he’d be an interesting choice considering the fact he’s very similar in size to Jonathan Stewart who performed very well for the Panthers last year.

Johnson would only be selected if the 49ers do not go after a running back in the earlier rounds.

Clint Sintim and the New England Patriots: A Perfect Fit

The New England Patriots’ biggest need heading into the 2009 draft is obviously linebacker. Many names have been floated around in connection to the Pats with the 23rd overall pick.

Larry English, Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews, and Cody Brown all have been specifically mentioned as being on the Patriots’ radar at linebacker.

I personally think the best option in the draft is Virginia linebacker Clint Sintim. I’ve heard people saying Sintim will go in the second or possibly even third round.

I remember some analysts saying the same about Jerod Mayo last year. I absolutely believe Sintim is worth the 23rd overall pick.

Sintim was a four-year starter at Virginia playing in Al Groh’s complicated 3-4 defense. He finished his college career with 26 sacks playing inside and at rush linebacker.

Many experts consider him the most versatile linebacker in the draft. As most people know, versatility is the most important part of playing linebacker in Belichick’s defense.

Al Groh and Belichick both come from the Bill Parcells coaching tree and both run similar defenses. So it’s not a stretch to say that Sintim may have an easier time picking up the Patriots defense than any of those other linebackers.

I think Sintim would be a good fit stuffing running backs inside or rushing the passer outside. 

While Sintim isn’t the most explosive pass rusher in the draft, he is still very good at applying pressure.

His aggressive tackling and ability to play inside or out is what separates him from all the others. Regardless of where he plays he will create an impact.

While the Patriots have many options in the first two rounds I’m hoping that Sintim will be in their plans.

Their need for an outside rusher is painfully obvious. They’re also going to need someone to replace Tedi Bruschi, who is winding down inside.

Sintim is the obvious choice to cover both areas of need. With all that in mind, he holds the most value. I would like to hear anyone else’s thoughts on what New England should do with their first-round pick.

Why the Detroit Lions Must Draft Defense with Their First Pick

An old saying says, “Offense sells tickets; defense wins championships.”

That’s right, a good defense is Detroit’s ticket to the promised land. 

If Detroit takes Aaron Curry with their first pick, they will have one of the most feared linebacking corps in the league. Curry, can immediately step in and make a difference to a team that lost a record 16 games. 

With pick 20, Detroit should trade up and take B.J. Raji or keep the pick and take the best DT available. Picking up a DT will solidify the middle and help to stuff the run.      

With pick 33, Detroit can take DE Tyson Jackson, which, would provide an upgrade to the poor pass rush of last year. 

Drafting defense, free agent pick-ups and the existing roster, Detroit will win and maybe even make the playoffs. That’s right I said the “P” word. 

By drafting defense the Lions will be on their way to becoming a Championship team. 

Can you say D-e-f-e-n-s-e?

A Time For a Vikings Fan To Vent: The Problems In Minnesota

I’ve had the idea to put my thoughts out to the world for quite some time now. I sat on my bed thinking of the potential the Vikings have to be a Super Bowl contender. My good thought was instantly ruined when I realized Minnesota has never won a Super Bowl.

You’ve been in the league since 1961, yet you have no Super Bowl wins! What is up with that? The Pittsburgh Steelers have won six titles already. Is the need to fail in the clutch something that you covet? We are sick of the phrase “Maybe next year…”

Can we do something to fix this problem?

How about you have the best running back in the league along with a great offensive line. Is that good enough?

How about a tremendous defense, who holds opposing running backs to under 80 yards per game? That still can’t get you past the second round?

I can think of several teams that went further in the playoffs this year that have less-talented players on their team.

What is the problem then? Lack of a strong head coach? Get over it!

Mike Smith led the Falcons to a 11-5 record. He was a rookie head coach. Brad Childress is not the problem. The Falcons had a new running back and a rookie quarterback leading their team. Somehow, Atlanta made the playoffs.

For those of you who like to blame everybody but the actual team, face the facts. A lack of chemistry is the problem.

If you bring in a new quarterback to lead your team every year, you will not succeed. What is preventing the Vikings from getting a quarterback with equal success to Peyton Manning or Tom Brady?

I’ve heard every single rumor about Jay Cutler over the past couple of weeks. I, quite frankly, am fed up with all of it. He’s a great quarterback, but in no way is he royalty. Nobody is un- trade-able. Big deal, Josh McDaniels wanted to hear what they would offer.

If the Colts were offered first round picks from the Lions for the next 10 years for Peyton Manning, they would do it. No deal will ever be that good, but it still goes to show that a player can be traded for the price.

You want Jay Cutler to be a Minnesota Viking? I do too. Wake up and smell the coffee, he won’t be on the team next season or any season for that matter. Don’t go out writing articles about how the Vikings should get him, when somebody posted the same thing the day before. I’m not telling you to stop writing articles on him all together. All I ask is that you come up with your own ideas.

For example, I posted an article called “Vince Young and Matt Leinart on Vikings’ Radar?” the next day there was a new article about Matt Leinart possibly going to Minnesota. Don’t break off pieces of other articles to make it into your own. Do you know what that is? It’s plagiarism.

I sit around for days coming up with my own ideas. The Vikings seven round mock draft idea was made by me. I did not see anybody else doing anything reasonably close. To my surprise, nobody went and copied my idea. I appreciate those of you who didn’t plagiarize my work.

By now you think that I need to grow up and just deal with it. Perhaps I need to, but I won’t go out without stating the opinions and feelings that I have.

Back to the reason for this article. The Vikings are one of those teams that wants to spend as little cash as possible to sign somebody. A couple million dollars more would have landed the Viks T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Sadly, they couldn’t make the move, and he is now a Seattle Seahawk.

Zygi Wolf, quit being a penny-pincher. You think that Sidney Rice scares any player in the opposing secondary? The only person that is afraid of him is himself.

Also for those of you who say that the Vikings need a star quarterback, no they don’t. Minnesota is not about finding a pro-bowler at the quarterback position. What they need is a leader.

Daunte Culpepper was the closest thing we had to success leading the team. A devastating ACL injury ended his season in 2005. Do you know where he is now? Leading the abysmal Detroit Lions.

Sage Rosenfels hasn’t had much time to display the skills that he may have. So, you write him off because he’s not a big name. Who are you to judge? You haven’t seen the guy play for the Vikings yet. What if he leads us to a 12-4 record? Will you then take back your words?

Call me a hypocrite if you must. I am not pleased with the quarterback situation as it is, because I feel that we could easily have a better quarterback yet we refuse to not sign one. We are stuck with what we have right now, and that is how the cookie crumbles.

If Gus Frerotte can win us eight games, can you imagine what a somewhat talented quarterback can do for us? Sage Rosenfels is much better than Gus, in my opinion. Disagree with that if you want, but take a strong look at Gus’ stats from last season.

I’m just tired with the Vikings signing players that used to be good, and players that have a hint of potential on other teams and are not re-signed, only to be signed by the Vikings.

Visanthe Shiancoe was a decent player with the Giants, and where we are right now, he’s a pretty darn good tight end. He started out slow, but really turned it on this past year. I’m proud of him, and I am one of the many that wrote him off as a bust acquisition.

It just shocks me why the Vikings don’t succeed more than they should. Their team is full of great players. The only area that concerns me a lot is the secondary, which seems to be improving. I believe Tyrell Johnson will one day be a pro-bowler. I’m starting to display my expertise at “homerism”.

I want to believe that this year will be different, but I am done. I am done convincing myself that this will be the year we make it to the promise-land. I’m going to let the chips fall where they may. Case in point, whatever happens, happens.

I’m one of those fans that is going to be in it through thick and thin. I have seen the highs and the lows. I’ve only been on this beautiful planet for 15 years old. In those 15 years, I have fallen in love with a football team.

Ever heard of the phrase “If you love it so much why don’t you marry it?”, I have. If I were able to marry the Minnesota Vikings, I would. I’m speaking hypothetically. I would teach them wrong from right. I would tell them what they need to do to be terrific.

I, am in no way, saying that I’m smarter than Brad Childress or the Viks front office, because I am not. I probably don’t know half of the things that they do. If us fans could have our way, things would be much different on this team.

My fingers have started to cramp up. I have much more to say, but I will hold off. If you feel the need to comment me saying “The Vikings will do none of the things that you have mentioned here. They suck!”, save it. I don’t need to hear that. Please, tell me something that I don’t know.

There is a reason that I’m the number one writer for this franchise. It’s not by the number of articles I write. It’s not by how many reads or comments they get. It’s me displaying to the world what I know. I hope to remain on top for as long as I live.

One day I hope to raise a family of Tanner Jr’s., and have a beautiful wife. I hope to be a sports writer for ESPN the Magazine. This is the dream I’ve had since I was 5 years old.

I want to write about the one team that has made my life what it is today. That team wears purple and gold on Sundays. That team has no Lombardi trophies, only 4 NFC Championship trophies. That team is one of the more respected franchises in the NFL today.

The team I have described is one of the biggest failures in NFL history. The team I cheer for every single week is the Minnesota Vikings.

Make it right in Minneapolis. Work with what you have. No more screwing up the opportunities that you receive. Work harder than any team ever has, and bring a title home to Minnesota. Win one for the fans who have cried over you, and to the fans who would give anything to see “Vikings win first Super Bowl in franchise history!”, headline on sports section.

To sum it up, the time for winning is now. We aren’t in re-building mode. We are in winning mode now, and party later mode. Just don’t party too hard. None of us want another boat scandal incident.

Thanks for reading an article about a kid whining and complaining. Commence the discussion with comments.

The 10 Greatest Seasons by a Wide Receiver in NFL History

When trying to find the best season by a wide receiver there’s a lot more to it that meets the eye. For example would you rather have a wide receiver that averages a lot of yards per catch? Would you rather have them average 10 yards? Does the amount of catches matter? Yards? Touchdowns?

For example, in 2002, Marvin Harrison caught 143 passes for 1722 yards which is an average of 12 yards per catch, and he also had 11 touchdowns, but was that his best season?

One could argue that it was and another could argue that his 1999 season was better when he caught 115 passes for 1663 yards had a yard per catch average of 14.5 and had 12 touchdowns.

While another argument would be that sure it was a great season, but was it one of the top 10 ever? Sure the 143 receptions was the most in NFL history and he lead the league in receiving yards as well.

Yet, even with the 143 catches it wasn’t the most yards in NFL history and on top of that only 11 touchdowns. So, did Harrison make the list? 

There are also players like Jimmy Smith who had incredible seasons, yardage-wise, but were much lower in touchdown totals as well.

What about Carl Pickens, who had a tremendous amount of touchdowns? Did he make the cut?  

So here is the list:

 

10. Jerry Rice’s 2002 season: Rice’s numbers were 92 catches for 1211 yards, 13.2 yards per catch, a long of 75, and 7 touchdowns.

Now, one would wonder why would Rice’s 2002 season would be on the list. For most receivers, this would be a career year for them, maybe not the seven touchdowns, but the total number of receptions and of course the long touchdown catch, yet not for Rice.

What makes this season special is that Rice did this at the age of 40 when there were a lot of doubters that he could still play at a high level.

 

9. Bob Hayes 1966 season: Hayes’ numbers were 62 catches for 1232 yards, an impressive 19.3 yards per catch, a long of 95, and 13 touchdowns.

For Hayes’ career he averaged an amazing 20 yards per catch, but unfortunately for him only one of his seasons ever got him past the magic number of 50-plus receptions and over 1,000 yards.

 

8. Buddy Dial’s 1963 season: Dial’s numbers were 60 catches for 1295 yards, an incredible 21.6 yards per catch, a long of 83 yards, and what puts him at eighth on the list is he only had 9 touchdowns.  

Dial’s season could be dropped lower because he had well over 20 yards per catch, but only nine touchdowns. Touchdowns are an important state as well, but one could argue that his ability to get a lot of yards made it easier for his team to score as well.

 

7. Torry Holt’s 2003 season: Holt’s numbers 117 catches for 1696, 14.5 yards per catch, a long of 48, and 12 touchdowns.

Now, Holt’s season was impressive due the amount of catches, yards, decent yard per catch average, but what puts him lower is the total amount of touchdowns, and, of course, only a long of 48.

Meaning that he wasn’t as dangerous as the other receivers were in this year.

Now, Holt’s 2000 season was an incredible one where he averaged 19.9 yards per catch, but only had six touchdowns. So, that season wasn’t as impressive as this one because he found the end zone more often.

 

6. Herman Moore’s 1995 season: Moore’s numbers 123 catches for 1686 yards, 13.7 yards per catch, a long of 69, and 14 touchdowns.

None of Moore’s numbers were eye popping in terms of yards per catch, but he did set a then record for most receptions in a season, until that was broken by Marvin Harrison.

 

5. Isaac Bruce’s 1995 season: Bruce’s season 119 catches for 1781 yards, 15 yards per catch, a long of 72, and 13 touchdowns.

Originally, I had Marvin Harrison’s 143-catch season here, but Bruce’s numbers were better than Harrison’s except for being 24 catches behind the 143 receptions by Harrison.

Bruce had more yards, averaged more yards per catch, and had two more touchdowns than Harrison. To me, yes, receptions are important and getting first downs are important, but even with 24 more catches than Bruce, was Harrison as dangerous of a threat? The answer is no. 

 

4. Cris Carter’s 1995 season: Carter’s season 122 catches for 1371 yards, only 11.2 yards per catch, a long of 60, and 17 touchdowns.

Now what makes Carter’s season better than Bruce’s season? Well the answer is even though Carter had three more receptions, he had six more touchdowns. Meaning that he was a bigger threat in the end zone than Bruce was.

Considering the fact that Carter only averaged 11.2 yards per catch it meant he did well as a possession receiver, but he also as one that had the ability to get open to get a key first down or grab the key reception in the red zone.  

 

3. Charley Hennigan’s 1961 season: Hennigan’s season 82 catches for 1746 yards, an astonishing 21.3 yards per catch, a long of 80, and 12 touchdowns.

Hennigan’s numbers are impressive including the amount of catches, the amount of yards which is third in NFL history, the 21.3 yards per catch and keeping that average for more than 50 catches is a huge accomplishment, but the only thing that brings him down is the amount of touchdowns only 12.

If he had a few more touchdowns, this could have been the finest season for a wide receiver.

 

2. Randy Moss 2007 season: Moss’s season 98 catches for 1493 yards, an average of 15.2 yards per catch, a long of 65, and the NFL record for most touchdowns in a season.

Now, Moss did score the record for most touchdowns in a season by a wide receiver but it wasn’t like he set it for a huge amount. Only one more than the previous record. His yardage is a little down from being the top spot, and his 15.2 yards per catch is solid, but still there was someone with a better season than Moss’s.

 

T-1. Jerry Rice 1987 season: Rice’s season 65 catches for 1078 yards, an average of 16.6 yards per catch, long of 57, and a then NFL record of 22 touchdowns.

Now the argument would be but Rice only had 65 catches just closing in on 1100 yards, he did have a better yards per catch average, and a then record of 22 touchdowns. Now the answer as to why this season was tied for the best in NFL history is because these numbers were done in 12 games.

So it’s easy to tell if Rice was able to play the full 16 game season his catches would be around 85, 1400 yards, and about 27 touchdowns. Keep in mind Moss’s numbers were put up in 16 games.  

 

T1. Jerry Rice 1995 season: Rice’s season 122 catches for 1848 yards, 15.1 yards per catch, a long of 81, and 15 touchdowns. 

Now this season couldn’t be left off as the number one season in NFL history. Not only did Rice catch the second most passes in NFL history, he set the record for most yards in a season in NFL history.

He averaged just as much yards as Moss did in his big season, the only thing that hurt this season and why it is not in sole possession of number one spot is that he had seven less touchdowns from his 1987 season.

The Jets, a Headless Horseman!

The New York Jets are quietly becoming the “Headless Horseman” of the NFL.

No, the Jets are not re-enacting Washington’s crossing, or recruiting any Hessian to play linebacker, but they seem more than content to go into the draft without a quarterback, or a plan to draft one.

By any reasonable standard Kellen Clemens is a bust. The 49th overall pick in the second round, Clemens has been lingering on the bench. Despite the fact that Eric Mangini refused to give Chad Pennington the proper support or respect, and would rather have the 39-year old Bret Favre call the signals, the “legend from Lakeview” was unable to find his way into the starting position.

For this is the DNA of the Jets organization. To continue to aimlessly enter another draft without a plan, or without a clue. For those who believe Ainge or Ratliffe make any sense, I bid you good luck, and another 5-11 flop.

The hard reality is that none of the active QB’s on this roster would make another team in the NFL, much less compete for the starting role!

So as the son of Buddy, who stacks his roster with ex-Ravens, continues to get a pass from the New York media, what is the plan with the most important piece of any NFL puzzle?

Can Woody ‘PSL’ Johnson look any serious Jet fan in the face and say this is the right course of action after last year’s collapse?

Can Mike “Why is he still GM” Tanenbaum give Jet fans any real hope when we look at past hirings, and past practice?

Is Mr. T trying to replace Matt Millen as the biggest front office joke in the NFL?

The Jets passed on Jay Cutler once. Will they do so again?

Even the “ball boy”, Eric Mangini, is trying to absolve old sins by making a play for Jay in fear that Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn will show him the door after one year by the lake!

Rex, the time has come to pull the trigger on the only position that matters. Sonny Werblin made one right decision in his whole life, and he’ll be forever remembered for it. Jet fans want, and deserve, a top flight QB. There shouldn’t be 40-year lapses in judgement with poor picks and dumb mistakes on draft day.

The Jets have one universal need.

It’s time to fill that need through the draft, or through a trade that brings us back into contention for 2009.

 

 

 

Give Campbell Some Time

We all know that Jason Campbell hasn’t been the star we have been looking for, but that’s because he has been in three different offenses in four years.

Every year that Campbell has played his stats have improved. His passer rating when he first came into the league was 76.5, and last year it was 89.4. His completion percentage sky rocketed from 53.1 to 62.3.

Yes, we have a team that can get to the playoffs. Some people think that we should give Colt Brennan a chance. I think that he should play, since he did break 31 NCAA records and all. We have all seen the plays he made during the preseason.

In the draft we need to get more help on the offensive line. We can not let Jason get sacked nearly every time he drops back. There are games that we could have won if we had an offensive line.

So I say give Campbell this year, if he doesn’t become the quarterback we need then let him go and start Colt Brennan.

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