Super Bowl 2009: Rivers and Rodgers Will Duel As Chargers Face Packers

Get your popcorn ready.

Better yet, get your comments ready, because here comes the big one:

Green Bay will face San Diego in the Super Bowl.

THIS SEASON.

Bold prediction you might say. Call me a fool will you? Even say I am crazy perhaps?

Go ahead. What is the fun in making a prediction if you know what is going to happen?

I can not name a single team that is locked for the playoffs that does not have a great chance to reach the Super Bowl. I also can not name a single team that is a lock for the Super Bowl. So if everyone is eligible, why not these two?

I will explain why both should finish atop their collective conferences. I look forward to any type of reception I get.

AFC:

San Diego is arguably the hottest team in the AFC. They are playing as well or better than any other team in the league, and with Indy suffering their first loss, there is no longer an “invincible” label on any team.

Phillip Rivers is a touchdown machine, rarely turns it over, and can make any throw at any time. He also gets great protection regardless of which lineman is hurt during a given week. If not for Brees and Manning having stellar years, Rivers would probably be the unanimous MVP.

Rivers is complimented by a slew of talented receivers, including two giants among secondaries. Vincent Jackson (6’5”) and Antonio Gates (6’4”) provide matchup nightmares for any defense, and if you put too many defenders on them, Legedu Naanee and Malcom Floyd will eat the single coverage up all day long.

Running backs LaDanian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles, and Jacob Hester can hit the home run on any play. All three are capable of running the ball as well as being excellent receivers out of the backfield.

Match that red-hot offense with a stalwart defense featuring Shawne Merriman, Shaun Phillips, Larry English, Antonio Cromartie, and Quentin Jammer, and you have a recipe for disaster.

This front seven will eat your QB alive, and if he somehow gets the ball away, this aggressive and opportunistic secondary is ready to pick it off and run it back at any given moment.

The Chargers are averaging 29 points and 360 yards of offense per game. Their defense is allowing 20 points and 326 yards. The Chargers are scoring nine more points and accumulating 30 yards more their opponents.

So we know why they are good football team. Why will they beat their opposition en route to the Super Bowl?

I believe their best competition will come from the Colts, Pats, and Bengals.
Here is why I believe each team to be inferior to the Chargers:

Indy:

I liked the Colts chances if they went 16-0, or at least lost while their starters were playing. Now they have two monkeys on their back. This year’s version of the Colts will not have the chance to prove they know how to rebound from a loss that matters, and they will have to deal with the “Super Bowl or bust” label they branded themselves with when they passed on perfection. I sense a massive collapse brewing in Indy.

Peyton Manning is playing inspired football, but he has not had to go head to head with a team as talented as San Diego in 2009. They are short handed and will have to deal with their first dose of adversity in the playoffs. Sounds like a one-and-done kind of scenario to me.

They are 0-2 against the Chargers in the last two playoff games.

Patriots:

New England is not the smash mouth team they once were, and have not shown they can play with the big boys this season. Their biggest matchups of the season against the Broncos, Colts, and Saints were all losses. The losses to the Jets and Broncos may help them get fired up for whichever team they face in the wild-card round, but I do not see them getting past the divisional round.

They are 2-0 in recent matchups against the Chargers in the playoffs, but those were different teams and different times.

Bengals:

They have had to deal with just about every physical and emotional problem that can hamper a team, and it has not slowed them down. They have talent on each side of the ball and the veterans on this team are hungry for a title.

The difference is that Carson Palmer seems to wait until the game is getting too high pressure before he will start taking over. This will be a “too little too late” problem if he does this against the Chargers. San Diego has the athletic corners to cover OchoCinco, Caldwell, and Coles, as well as the front seven can contain Cedric Benson.

The Bengals lost a 27-24 thriller to San Diego in week 15. This game was supposed to be a tribute to the recent death of receiver Chris Henry. If they can’t win during an emotional regular season game that helped lock the Chargers into the No. 2 seed, I do not think they will beat the Chargers when everything is on the line for both teams.

The Chargers seem to be the team to beat in the AFC, even though they own the second best record. This team is battle tested and hungry. The Colts and Pats already have won trophies this decade, so they will not be able to match the Chargers desire. The Bengals just don’t seem to know how to play an entire game anymore. You cannot always play so-so for three quarters and then win in the waning moments of the fourth.

NFC:

Even if this conference is supposedly the inferior one, each of the six teams already locked in are riddled with talented veterans. There really isn’t one team that stands out as the clear juggernaut, but there are a couple that have been red-hot lately. It is just my humble opinion that the Packers will prevail. Here is why:

Green Bay boasts one of the best offenses in the league. They are averaging 28 points and 380 yards per game (both totals rank fourth in the league). They have failed to break 20 points just once (a 17-7 victory over Dallas). They gave up way too many sacks in the first half of the year, but have made the necessary adjustments and are currently winners of six of their last seven contests.

This offense can do it all. Aaron Rodgers has shown he can make every kind of throw, and is deceptively mobile. He has thrown for more than 4,000 yards for the second straight year, and leads all active QB’s in rushing yards. His 29 touchdowns against only 7 interceptions proves he can score at will and take care of the football at the same time.

The offensive line has improved since re-signing veteran right tackle Mark Taucscher, and the running game has been resurgent as a result. Ryan Grant, Ahman Green, and Brandon Jackson are all capable of running up the gut or catching passes out of the backfield, and are averaging a combined 118 yards per game.

If you are looking for a depleted receiving corps, look elsewhere. Green Bay has one of the deepest and most talented group of wideouts. Starters Greg Jennings and Donald Driver are both deep threats who can also make tough catches over the middle. Backups James Jones and Jordy Nelson have become proven targets against the league’s best secondaries, as they usually enjoy single coverage while defenses game-plan around Driver and Jennings.

Second year tight end Jermichael Finley is a matchup nightmare, as he is faster than most linebackers, and is far taller than most safeties. His size and soft hands make him a great target at any point on the field, but he is deadly in the red-zone. Backups Spencer Havner and Donald Lee are both capable, but both lack the big play ability Finley brings to the table.

Green Bay’s defense ranks first in the NFC, and second in the NFL. They are allowing a league low 85 rushing yards per game, and just 205 yards passing. Opposing offenses have averaged just 19 points per game, which ranks ninth in the NFL.

Let me clear this up:

Green Bay is averaging 28 points and 380 yards while their defense is holding opponents to just 19 points and 290 yards.  A differential of 9 points and 90 yards is a very healthy number. Green Bay also ranks first in turnover differential with +22.

The defense is lead by all-pro all-everything captain Charles Woodson. This guy can cover like Deion, pass rush like Strahan, and tackle like Lambert. His aggressive playing style has catalyzed the 3-4 scheme, and led to many opportunities for some otherwise unsung heroes.

The front seven is ferocious. Linemen Cullen Jenkins, BJ Raji, and Johnny Jolly are quickly emerging as one of the best lines in football. All have immense pass rushing abilities, and are quick to stop the run as well. Linebackers Clay Matthews, Nick Barnett, AJ Hawk, Brandon Chillar, and Brad Jones are becoming a fearsome group. All of them have immense run and pass coverage abilities, and can beat the stuffing out of a QB.

The secondary is loaded as well.

Previously mentioned Charles Woodson is having another pro-bowl year, as is safety Nick Collins. They are joined by journeyman Tramon Williams and Atari Bigby. All four can lay out a receiver just as easy as picking off the pass. The loss of all-pro Al Harris stung at first, but Williams has done a standup job filling his cleats.

Coordinator Dom Capers has done a phenomenal job transitioning the team into the new scheme, and they are getting hot just when it really counts. Other than a five-hundred yard passing nightmare courtesy of Pittsburgh, this defense has been playing lights out since mid-season.

So why is this the best team in the conference? It is not because Green Bay is simply superior. It is because each of their opponents are fatally flawed.

New Orleans:

The Saints have proven over the past couple of weeks that they have severe weaknesses. Shut down the run and cover 2 deep, and suddenly the offense looks incomplete. Drew Brees is turning the ball over way too much, and the running backs are all backups at best.

The talented group of wideouts is suddenly inconsistent, since only Meachum seems to get open on a frequent basis. Losses to Dallas and Tampa Bay, coupled with dangerously close calls against Atlanta and Washington have to be recognized as troubling.
The offense has been held to 17 points in the each of the last two games, and both were losses. The defense has become a cause for concern as well as they are just not shutting down opponents the way they were up until midseason.

This team has no proven track record in the postseason, and until they prove us all otherwise, I see no reason to give them the benefit of the doubt, especially with their recent decline on both sides of the ball. They will most likely rest their starters in week 17 and enter the playoffs cold, rusty, and still wondering how tough they are.

Minnesota:

The recent problems between Favre and Childress could not have come with worse timing. The locker room is a divided mess, Adrian Peterson can’t seem to gain more than three yards per carry, and the offensive line, once a mainstay, is falling apart.
Oh, and the secondary just got burned for fourtouchdowns by Jay Cutler. Things look bleak indeed.

Jared Allen has been non-existent recently, EJ Hendersen is gone for the year, and all-pro cover man Antoine Winfield’s age may have finally caught up with him. The only one you can count on right now is old man winter himself, Brett Favre. I do not like their chances if Favre has to deal with the pressure of carrying the team in a win or go home situation. (hint: they are 1-3 in the last 4 contests, all were must win games for playoff seeding…)

This team has little to no recent playoff success, and unless they make some quick fixes, this ship will sink fast. If they face Dallas or Philly in the wild card, look out for a fast exit.

Philadelphia:

The offense can score at will, and the defense is full of talented playmakers that love to eat a QB alive. That being said, all is not well.

Brian Westbrook is playing here and there while recovering from a pair of concussions. No one knows how much if any playing time he will see this postseason. An already injury riddled offensive line just lost their star center.
LeSean McCoy is a fair impression of Brian Westbrook, but I do not want a rookie RB in the playoffs determining my offensive output?

DeSean Jackson really struggled against Champ Bailey, and each of the teams Philly will face in the playoffs have at least one great cover corner.

Philly as a team gave up a lot of plays and points to a so-so Denver team last week, and will face a tough must win game against Dallas on Sunday. They very nearly let San Francisco back into what should have been a blow out win two weeks ago. They allowed massive amounts of offense to the Giants three weeks ago, and came out alive due more to New York’s depleted secondary rather than a great offensive scheme.

Long story short, this is another team that has yet to prove they can win consistently when it matter most. This week will be their biggest test, and how they fare should be an image of what is to come.

Dallas:

The Cowboys have been way too inconsistent to predict correctly, but I will do my best. As they currently stand, they are capable of a deep playoff run. The offense is finally balanced. Romo has tightened the screws and become a much more efficient field general, and Miles Austin is the real deal. As a whole, the offense can attack from any part of the field, and has the receivers to get the deep ball in play.

The defense is coming together at the right time, finally playing the way they were built to. Ware and the front seven are racking up sacks, and the secondary is playing just well enough. No one other than Ware is having a great year save for Keith Brooking, but two linebackers do not a defense make.

Cover corners Terrance Newman, Orlando Scandrick  and Mike Jenkins are all well rounded players, but I want to see how they perform in a must win matchup with Philly this weekend. If they pass that test, great. If not, it could be another decade before Dallas wins a playoff game.

Special teams is a massive concern, especially when it comes time for a field goal. Nick Folk was cut and Shaun Suisham was so inconsistent that he was cut from the lowly ranks of the Redskins.

Dallas has not won a playoff game in the current decade, and until they do, I will keep predicting quick exits in the second season.

Arizona:

This year’s Cardinals squad is full of questions and not so many answers. Kurt Warner is playing great, unless the defense applies pressure. Beanie Wells is running great, unless the defense tackles him. Larry Fitzgerald is catching everything, unless a corner and safety cover him.

Lets face it, this offense is not the dominant well oiled machine we saw last season. Boldin and Breaston are not having the breakout performances we saw in 2008, and so defenses are loading up against Fitzgerald. Beanie Wells is an inconsistent runner in the mold of Adrian Peterson, and fumbles just like him.

The defense is unable to figure out a way to stop the run and the pass, especially the pass. They have been torched for an average of 233 yards per game, ranked 22nd in the NFL. They have allowed just 19 points per game, but only score 24 on average.
The offense has been held to 17 or fewer points four times this season, all losses.
The defense is allowing nearly 350 yards to the opposition, which will not get it done. The offense averages just 354, not nearly enough to outgain the enemy on a consistent basis.

Chalk full of talented playmakers that can’t seem to bring it all together, this Arizona team is in desperate need. They entered the post-season last year on a tumble, and ended up in the Super Bowl, so I am not ruling anything out.

The difference may be that this year’s crop of teams seems a lot deeper, so look out.
It looks like the clock is about to strike midnight on this Cinderella story, turning Kurt Warner into the proverbial pumpkin.

Green Bay has had to deal with a lot of adversity this season, having to bounce back from losing both Favre Bowls as well as being the first team to drop a game to Tampa Bay. They are 6-1 since midseason, and show no signs of slowing down. Their one loss during that stretch, a one point last second disappointment against a Steelers team with their backs against the wall. It was also a non-conference game that had little meaning for the Packers.

This team is battle tested, and might be the NFC’s version of San Diego. I conclude that both will make it to the Super Bowl. If I happen to be correct, I will be happy to write a preview article showcasing which team will emerge victorious.

I would like to thank anyone who gave their time to reading this novel, and look forward to your responses. Happy Holidays to all.

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Indiana Pro Sports: Polar Opposites

Who is to say whether a college or university is a “football school” or a “basketball school”? When you say North Carolina you think basketball, and when you say Alabama you think football. Then there are those that could be considered both, such as Texas, Florida, and Tennessee.

The same holds true for some cities and their professional sports teams. Detroit loves their football, but they follow their Pistons more than the Lions. Philadelphia is closer to their Eagles than the 76ers. Fans in St. Louis obviously follow their Cardinals more than they do the Rams.

Perhaps there is no greater gap between successful professional franchises as the one that lies in the city of Indianapolis. The Pacers and Colts play their home games less than a mile from each other, but one is considered the top team in their league, while the other is towards the bottom. The funny thing is, not long ago, it was the other way around.

As the new decade begins tomorrow, it is easy to realize that this decade was owned by the Colts. The decade before this one (1990-1999) was easily dominated by the Pacers.

The common theme with each franchise during their dominant years is the star “franchise” player for each. The Pacers were led by Reggie Miller, and now the Colts have been on Peyton Manning’s shoulders this entire decade.

During the Pacers’ best years, they got to the NBA Finals once where they eventually fell to Kobe, Shaq, and the Lakers. Who knows how many more Finals appearances they might have had, had it not been for some guy in Chicago that wore #23. It seemed that the Pacers were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Playoffs every year by MJ.

Some would argue the biggest fight in sports history (Brawl at The Palace) was the point where the Pacers began their great fall. Ever since Ron Ron went into the stands to punch the wrong person in the face, the Pacers have never sniffed the playoffs. Look at their roster today, and all you can really do is shake your head.

Peyton Manning’s first year in Indianapolis ended with a 3-13 season, but entering his third season with the Colts, they have been arguably one of the best three teams in the NFL every single year. The Colts have a Super Bowl win this decade and are looking for their second this year, which is more success than the Pacers can claim.

When most people think about sports in Indiana, basketball is usually what comes to mind. Now thanks to Ron Artest, Jamaal Tinsley, and Kelvin Sampson, basketball is usually over before the season is officially finished.

While the city is split 99% Colts and 1% Pacers, there is nothing I would rather see than for the Pacers and Indiana Hoosiers to get back to the top of the basketball world.

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Does T.O. See Jimmy Clausen As His Next QB? 2010 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

One weekend remains in the chase to the top…..arrr bottom of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Most of the chips are in place and we can get a fantastic handle going into the Senior Bowl, Blue vs Grey Classic and the Combine.

Again I’ll remind you that this could be the most unpredictable draft we’ve seen in years. The collective bargaining agreement that hinges the fate of over 200 would be unrestricted free agents and the possibility of a record underclassmen exoduses in search of what could be the last of the super pay days for rookies make this a once in a generation sensation.

#1. St Louis – Ndamukong Suh DT NEB          

If the Rams don’t pull out a victory over San Fran this week the top pick is all theirs and leads to what I believe will be a prognosticators worst possible nightmare. You could easily make a case for 3-4 different players with as many holes as the Rams have.

 As it stands Suh is the guy right now, St Louis has a history with Nebraska players over the last ten years and it makes sense to take the best player in the country. I wouldn’t rule out a trade, maybe to Cleveland for Brady Quinn and their pick

#2. Detroit – Russell Okung OT OKST

This pick is also up for grabs with the Lions already paying Matt Stafford a boat load of cash.

I wouldn’t be shocked if they trade down and save some money. If they stay put someone to protect their franchise QB will be tempting and Okung is a beast. Gerald McCoy will also be an option but I stand firm in my belief Shaun Rogers is on his way back to town.

 #3 Kansas City – Derrick Morgan DE GT

Morgan is oozing skills; guys that attack the QB like he can don’t come along every year. While I think Eric Berry might be a better fight or Golden Tate might be a huge weapon I don’t think they should pass up making their line almost unstoppable by drafting Morgan

#4. Tampa Bay – Eric Berry S TEN

Raheem I hope that win against New Orleans felt good because it cost you Big Suh.

I like Berry here as the best player on the board and to a few teams the best player in the draft. If rumor holds true that Bill Cowher is their next head coach this guy can fly around and be their Rod Woodson type hard hitting safety.

 #5 Washington – Sam Bradford QB OKA

They have options and Bruce Allen will talk shop with anyone interested in this pick.        I like Bradford just because they are going to make a splash, although they could be stuck with Jason Campbell if they can’t find a taker as he’d be a restricted free agent in an uncapped year. Other options could include C.J. Spiller or Anthony Davis

#6 Cleveland – Gerald McCoy DT OKA

They have a ton of needs but keeping this defense steady with the possible loss of Shaun Rodgers is a must and McCoy fits that bill. Holmgren will turn one of those QB’s into a decent option and they have weapons with Cribbs, Massaquoi, and Harrison. If Mangini stays and has a say don’t count him out of talking Mike into trading down.

#7 Seattle – Anthony Davis OT Rutgers

Seattle is hurt the most by Jake locker staying in school as they are likely to go with Matt Hasselbeck again next year. Matt has to stay healthy and needs some protection to do it. Davis is a rung bellow Okung but is still a heck of a prospect at 6’6 325 and can help a team that has had a few injury issues up front since their Superbowl run.

#8 Buffalo – Jimmy Clausen QB ND

I’ve been saying since he was fired from the Fighting Irish Charlie Weiss is the next coach of the Bills and it make sense that Jimmy Clausen is their man, TO has a few years left and nothing would make him happier to have both those guys helping out a horrific offense.

#9 Oakland – Joe Haden CB FLA

The Raiders win totals since 2004- 5,4,2,4,5, and 5.

I think Al Davis falls in love with his speed flat out. Tim Tebow is an option and no one would put it past the Raiders to make a reach pick but at the end of the day putting someone who can ball hawk across from Nnamdi Asomugha is a must at this pick.

#10 Denver (from Chicago) – Rolando McClain LB ALA

Denver could go a few ways here, their secondary is old but LB outside of D.J. Williams is a bigger question mark for me. McClain provides none stop motor, not overly flashy but well rounded. Joe Haden and Taylor Mays would also be fantastic selections. I would not be surprised if Sam Bradford falls past Washington and Josh Mac jumped at the chance to get his QB of the future.

#11 San Francisco (from Carolina) – Taylor Mays S USC

San Fran’s Offense is on the up swing. Its Defense is on the verge of being very very good. Taylor Mays maybe is the guy to push them over the top, along with Dashon Goldson their stud rookie and an improving pass rush I think next year is the year they catch Arizona. Mays is someone who can spy Kurt Warner and make big plays against the likes of Boldin and Fitzgerald.

#12 Jacksonville – Carlos Dunlap DE FLA

We know they like Tim Tebow but I get the sense everyone believes he will slip into round two. Having seen Dunlap up close they know what their getting here, a QB heat seeking missile that they lack.

#13 Tennessee – Earl Thomas S TEX

Their secondary was exploited all year due to injuries so it makes sense to add depth. Thomas ranks above Mays on some draft boards and the savvy Titans get a big time play maker. I could see Dez Bryant or Golden Tate here to give them someone across from Kenny Britt.

#14 San Francisco – Trent Williams OT OKA

After helping the Defense with Taylor Mays they will look to help Alex Smith have time to develop their spread offense. Williams is well rounded and at 6’5 300+ he should be able to grow into a Pro Bowl tackle.  

#15 Miami – Golden Tate WR ND

Chad Henne is now the man is south beach but he needs help, we all hear Bill Parcels hates first round WR’s and after Teddy Ginn who could blame him? Golden Tate is a Percy Harvin clone as far as what he can do on the football field. Add him to a potent wild cat spread and give Henne a deep threat and that offense becomes a force.

#16 Pittsburgh – Terrence Cody DT ALA

Sixburgh got run all over this year, and Mount Cody is the answer to stopping the bleeding and opening lanes back up for that vaunted pass rush. They do need help in the secondary and if any of the Mays/Thomas/Haden trio fall they would also be tempting.

#17 Atlanta – Dez Bryant WR OKST

Matty Ice had issues this year when teams double covered Roddy White; Michael Jenkins just isn’t the answer. Bryant is a huge talent and getting him at this value shouldn’t be passed up. They do have needs on defense so don’t rule out a Brandon Spikes either.

#18 Houston – C.J. Spiller RB Clemson

I have every faith Steve Slaton will be back to normal next year but Gary Kubiak can’t run that risk with the lack of depth they showed late in the season. Spiller is a do everything type and the one two punch will only open things up further for Andre Johnson.

#19 Baltimore – Bruce Carter LB UNC

Sometimes the right player lands with the right team and it’s a no brainer, Carter is a guy Ray Lewis can finally pass the torch to. A beast that came out during UNC’s bowl game, his stock is soaring.

#20 NY Jets – Jermaine Gresham TE OKA

Gresham can be safety blanket for Mark Sanchez who desperately needs someone who can open up the outsides by exploiting the middle of the field. Gresham should not have any lingering issues from missing his senior season but he will feel it in the pocket book as he could have been a top 10 guy last year.

#21 Seattle (from Denver) – Colt McCoy QB TEX

They can’t simply keep ignoring Matt Hasselbeck’s injury issues. McCoy can sit and learn for most of next year and take over as soon as Hasselbeck shows once again he just cant stay on he field.

#22 NY Giants – Patrick Robinson CB FLST

The G-Men have to address their secondary and Robinson is the best value at this pick, they’d love to get one of those top safeties but a cover guy who can stay with the likes of DeSean Jackson isn’t so bad after all.

#23 Green Bay – Mike Iupati OL Idaho

This would be a great addition for the Packers attempt to get Aaron Rodgers uprite, his experience in cold weather at Idaho and his positive attitude will make him an instant fan favorite in the trenches for Green Bay

#24 Arizona – Cameron Heyward DL OSU

The 6’6 290lb second team all Big Ten selection can help a team that still gets gashed against the run. Arizona has developed a solid pass rush and ball hawk DB’s so finding guys who can be stout against the likes of Gore and Jackson is a must if they wish to return to the Superbowl.

#25 Cincinnati – Jason Pierre-Paul DC SFLA

Cincy lost some luster when Antwan Odom went down mid season. Finding a legit pass rusher is a priority. Brandon LeFell or Marty Gilyard could also be appealing but I doubt you replace Chris Henry with a first rounder and put that kind of pressure on a kid.

#26 Dallas – Sergio Krindle LB TEX

Jerry Jones has seen this beast grow up in his back yard and addressing an ageing LB core led by Keith Brooking is a necessity this offseason.

#27 New England – Ricky Sapp DE Clemson

Their line struggled without Richard Seymour, with all the picks Bill Belichick has horded this upcoming draft they can retool an aging dynasty. As always the Mad Genius will be moving up and down thru out the rounds.

#28 Minnasota – Brandon Spikes LB FLA

Spikes will be a good fit in case E.J. Henderson has issues recovering from his horrific leg injury late this season. A leader Minnesota is lacking without their play caller on the field. Getting younger on the defensive line is also something the Vikings will be looking to do, would Mount Cody be a perfect fit if he drops?

#29 Philadelphia – Navorro Bowman LB PNST

Nothing flashy this year, look for an emphasis of the D side as their offense is clicking. Bowman would be a fantastic leader and playmaker able to blitz and chase with that scary secondary behind him.

#30 San Diego – Brandon LeFell WR LSU

Phillip Rivers loves tall WR’s and LeFell is a monster at 6’3 210. D-line is an issue but health really effected them this year and I don’t think it’s going to be a problem next year.

#31 New Orleans – Jahvid Best RB CAL

Reggie Bush may cost them too much to keep around next year, so Best can give the offense a playmaker in Reggie’s mold.

#32 Indianapolis – Dan Williams DT TEN

The Colts close out round one with help on the D-line that has battled injuries closing out the last few years. I’d like to see them draft Tim Tebow and turn him into a TE that runs the Wild Cat, what do you think?

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Hating Dallas Is Who We Are

Dallas Cowboys fans, we hate you.

Actually, if there was a word stronger than hate that’s how Eagles fans would feel about you.

It’s not that we are jealous of your five Super Bowl trophies, your new stadium, or the moniker “America’s Team.”

The contempt we hold for your spineless supporters begins with the fact that most of the fans have no connection to the Dallas area and are nothing more than bandwagon-hopping front-runners.

The cockroaches known as Cowboys fans litter America from coast to coast and they have the worst excuse for being a fan.

Some of the frauds will tell you they liked the star on the helmet when they were younger or they will tell you how much they love and respect Tom Landry or Roger Staubach.

Stop. Your reasons for splintering your backside on the bandwagon are embarrassing. Half the fan base has no connection to the Dallas area, and the other half could not locate Dallas on a map if you spotted them Texas.

Meanwhile true Eagles fans have done nothing but suffer through 49 years of not winning a championship. But we’re okay with that, because we have character and integrity. Any self-respecting Philadelphian would rather never watch a down in the NFL instead of being a traitor.

Yet when the Eagles and Cowboys throw down on Sunday afternoon, the aforementioned cockroaches will crawl back into their holes if and when the Cowboys begin to lose.

Eagle fans have no problems with a Cowboy fan that grew up in or around Dallas, but they have major issues with the fraud fans that starting liking the Cowboys because it was convenient.

Where is the character in that? Where is the dedication? Where is the satisfaction?

It’s probably a good thing frauds like that are Cowboys fans. You see, Eagles fans don’t have time for someone like that. Fans like that would whine and cry when things get tough. Yes, Eagles fans may complain about the team’s performance, but they won’t abandon their team and cheer for the flavor of the week.

Eagles’ fans are better than that.

So go ahead Dallas fans and ask us how many Super Bowls the Cowboys have. I’d be shocked if you could count that high. And we’re glad that Cowboys fans like to live in the past, because the future isn’t going to bring them what they believe is rightfully theirs.

But this year is different right?

Tony Romo finally wins a couple of games against the Giants and Redskins and suddenly everything is fixed?

Oh, it is the win against the Saints that made you believers. Right, cause the Saints looked so good over the past month including the clunker they had against the hapless Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

I’m sure Cowboys fans will come up with a good excuse as to why the Eagles beat them on Sunday. After all, your excuses for becoming a Cowboy fan are so creative.

The only thing Eagles fans can truly hope for is that with an Eagles’ win on Sunday some of the cockroaches are exterminated.

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Marcel Reece Given an Early Chance To Make the Raiders’ 2010 Roster

Despite the loss to the Cleveland Browns, there may have been a bright spot in the game: the early emergence of FB Marcel Reece.

Sure he didn’t have the greatest game, but it was decent, with one reception for nine yards and two kick returns each for 23 yards. That 23-yard average on his two returns is actually better than the Raiders’ other five return men. Considering that it was his first NFL game and first time playing FB aside from preseason, he did a pretty good job.

In case you don’t know who Marcel Reece is, I will tell you:

He is a southern California native who played HB/WR at Washington. Here is his highlight reel if you haven’t seen it before.

If a team can have a fan favorite on the practice squad, he is it, as he has intrigued Raider fans with his tremendous potential and playmaking ability ever since he was picked up as an undrafted free agent.

He has spent the last two seasons on the Raiders practice squad transforming from an HB/WR to an NFL FB, learning the new position, and developing the skills that go along with it.

Reece was activated from the practice squad after Luke Lawton was suspended for four games because he violated the league’s performance enhancing drug policy.

One thing is for sure. Reece is not going back to the Raiders practice squad, as he has used up all of his practice squad eligibility.

So now it’s time to sink or swim. Reece will either have to make the final roster or be cut and try to succeed elsewhere or give up the sport he loves.

But on the bright side Reece has been given two extra games to make his mark and compete for a spot on the 2010 roster.

Without a doubt Reece has the hands and more than enough speed to play FB. The only question is his blocking. Over the last two years, how has he developed from an HB/WR deep-threat play-maker to a lead blocking multi-threat back?

In college he was not only known for his deep threat ability, but for his tremendous size and blocking strength (for a receiver) and ability to seal corners, and he was a huge asset in the run game. But now he is going up against NFL linebackers, not college-level corners.

At 6’2” and 240 pounds, he at least looks the part of an NFL FB. He looked just as big, if not bigger than fellow FB Gary Russell.

Next Sunday in the season finale I encourage everyone to watch his performance, not just the way in which he catches the ball out of the backfield or returns kicks, but how he blocks and opens up lanes for the likes of Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, and Justin Fargas.

If he develops his blocking ability to the level of an NFL FB, he could be a very dangerous weapon much in the mold of the Bronco’s Peyton Hillis, or better.

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Baltimore Ravens Would Be Wise To Consult Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Although the names and faces have changed, the story reads eerily the same.

As the Baltimore Ravens prepare to take on the Oakland Raiders this Sunday—a win to get in scenario for a postseason berth—it might just be in their best interests to seek some consulting advice from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers team of last year.

For those that don’t remember, let us reflect on the happenings of Dec. 28, 2008 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida.

The Bucs started last season white-hot, going 9-3 through their first twelve games. A trip to the postseason was seemingly imminent. But after suffering three straight embarrassing losses, they found themselves in the same precarious situation that the Ravens will face this weekend.

Tampa Bay’s Week 17 matchup was against the Oakland Raiders, a team who had fired their head coach Layne Kiffin earlier in the season. At 4-11 heading into the game, the Raiders had nothing to play for and nothing to lose. The Bucs were playing for their postseason lives and laid it all on the line.

Yet who emerged victorious?

“To be 9-3, and you lose four in a row when all you have to do is win one and you’re in, it’s tough to swallow,” said Buccaneers Running Back Warrick Dunn after the loss. “The guys in this locker room have prepared hard, played hard. Things haven’t gone our way. There’s disbelief. There’s shock. There’s emotions, I’m sure, that I can’t really describe.”

Those are not pleasantries from Warrick Dunn; those are truly deep sentiments, especially coming from a seasoned veteran like himself.

It is safe to say that if the Ravens are uttering words like “disbelief”, “shock” or “emotions…that I can’t really describe,” after their game on Sunday, they will have suffered the same ugly fate as the Bucs.

As a team, the Ravens would be wise to consult game film and players and/or coaches from Tampa’s squad last season as a scare tactic to help prevent them from making the same mistakes the Bucs did in taking Raiders too lightly.

An uninspired performance this weekend would result in a long offseason and post-game comments echoed to the sound of this tune:

“This collapse in this last month of the season is something that none of us ever would have expected,” said Bucs Quarterback Jeff Garcia. “It definitely hurts. It’s going to stick with us for a long time after this day.”

Be wise Baltimore—and recognize what is truly at stake here this weekend.

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New England Patriots: History Review of The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

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2009 New York Giants Draft Recap

The 2009 New York Giants were a big dissapointment to all Giants fans around the world. The team started off going 5-0 but have gone down to a record of 8-7 and have missed the playoffs for the first time in a while.

The same dissapointment happend with the 2009 Giants Draft Class. Jerry Reese had been amazing at drafting for the Giants until this year. In fact, Reese picked up Ahmad Bradshaw in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

This draft class had been hyped during the preseason but hardly produced what was once thought. Other than a few the 2009 New Yor Giants did not play well or will hardly even given a chance. Let’s hope next year’s draft class will produce and play well and that this year’s class will produce next season.

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Buffalo Bills vs. Indy Colts: Week 17 Preview

This coming Sunday the Buffalo Bills will host the Indianapolis Colts to close out the regular 2009 season. The game features two teams at different ends of the spectrum.

For the Colts, coming in with a record of 14-1, their chances at a perfect season came to an end last weekend against the New York Jets. As a result, fans should make sure they are in their seats for the opening kickoff, as the first quarter may be the only time they get to see Peyton Manning perform. 

Could you imagine Peyton Manning playing a full game against a defense that had already placed Terrence McGee, Jairus Byrd, Kawika Mitchell, Leodis McKelvin, and Keith Ellison on season ending I.R.?

What if the Bills declared Marcus Stroud, Bryan Scott, and Nic Harris as out? I shudder to think what the end result of that outcome would have been.

It would almost be laughable. Behind Manning, the Colts drive the entire field in three or four plays. The Bills need three or four plays just to get a first down, and don’t succeed at that very often either, as they are last in the league at converting on third down.

How long will the Colts regular offensive and defensive starters go in this game? Hard to tell now, but there is little motivation for them to play the entire game. The Colts have already clinched home field advantage in the AFC throughout the playoffs.

For the Bills, sitting at 5-10, this is their final chance to leave an impression on video tape for the new regime coming in to analyze their play. Whoever is hired in the offseason to take over, will be pouring over these final game tapes to see who continued to play hard, and who was going through the motions. Your standard video resume.

This is a difficult game to preview or forecast because of the unique circumstances leading up to it. If the Colts wind up resting all their starters in the second half and playing only their reserve guys, the Bills may find themselves winning this game. A win would create a positive ending to this forgettable season.

Trying to prepare for the playoffs, the Colts came up with 29 players on their injury list for this week, even though quite a few players on that list practiced fully on Wednesday. Expect the Colts to sit out a number of these guys as a precautionary measure against further injury.

Having a big injury list is nothing new to Bills fans, and true to form, the Bills will have a number of players missing this game as well. 

So far, we know that Bryan Scott and Jonathan Scott will both be out (Great Scott!). Andre Ramsey, fresh off of the practice squad, will be starting on the offensive line. Other Bills that missed practice this week include: Marcus Stroud, Jamon Meredith, Nic Harris, Josh Reed, and Jonathan Stupar.

Ramsey has his work cut out for him, as both Colts defensive ends, Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, were named to the Pro Bowl team. Good luck Andre, and while I am at it, good luck to whoever is playing QB behind you.

Speaking of QB, no final word yet on who the Bills will start, Brian Brohm or Ryan Fitzpatrick. Both have issues, but we already know what Fitzpatrick can do. The sample size of Brian Brohm’s work is too small to judge him fairly. I want to see more of Brohm and hope he will start the game.

However, Perry Fewell is coaching to win, and since that is what Ralph Wilson asked him to do when he was handed the interim gig, Fewell is doing everything in his power to win. The Bills are 2-4 under Fewell, and the team battles every week for him.

That is nothing new, as the team battled every week under Dick Jauron as well. Fewell does coach with more passion, but his tenure will probably be the interim assignment only. Whether or not he is retained as Defensive Coordinator remains to be seen.

It is curious that Fewell never did name a new Defensive Coordinator, as he maintained the dual role during his stay as interim head coach. Maybe he was in his defensive coordinator side of the brain when he ordered up the punt on fourth down last week from the Falcons 37 yard line. If he was Head Coach only, maybe he goes for it then?

That example may be a bit of a reach I realize, but is an illustration of why I want the Bills to hire an offensive minded head coach. I have had my share of defensive coordinators running the team.

Fewell’s chance to finish with a winning record wasn’t plausible because of the battered team he inherited. Fewell will be a victim of the Bills many injuries and the limited offensive abilities. He will finish with a losing record as a direct result. Too bad, because Perry deserved a better fate.

 

What Does the Season Finale Mean for Bills Fans?   

This game is meaningful on a number of counts. It marks the end of the decade. A decade that saw the Bills never advance to one single playoff game.

It was also a decade of dreary offenses, poor front office decisions, and a never ending run of failed experiments at quarterback, mixed results in the draft, poor head coaches and general managers.

The end of the season also means that we don’t have to see any more players carted off of the field in to the locker room. No more stories about a running back torching the Bills for over 200 yards. No more losses to make our Monday mornings miserable.

Out with the old and in with the new. Because of the 19 players that the Bills placed on I.R. this year, the team roster has swelled to enormous proportions with all of the replacement players added on. How many of the players that were picked up during the course of the year will be on the 2010 roster? 

Players like Chris Draft, Kendall Simmons or Richie Incognito may be brought back next year to play a role on the team. Depending on whom the Bills draft and sign via free agency, perhaps none of them are brought back.

Many Bills will be playing their final game on Sunday. Is this the last time Terrrell Owens will line up as a Bill? Does Aaron Schobel retire after the year as he has hinted he may do? What about Trent Edwards? Does he come back next year to compete for a starting QB job, or do the Bills release him or trade him away?

For some old Bills, Sunday’s game is a homecoming game and a farewell of sorts at the same time, as Gibran Hamdan and Josh Stamer, recent roster additions due to new injuries, will probably not be back next year.

 

Other Items of Note and Things to Watch for

Congratulations to Jairus Byrd for making the Pro Bowl team. Byrd is the first Bills rookie defensive player to have earned a nod to the Pro Bowl team. Kudos to Kyle Williams for being named as an alternate, and I suspect other Bills will be named as alternates as well. Namely Aaron Schobel and Brian Moorman.

Look for more snaps this week for James Hardy, as he continues to get more involved in the offense. He did not get many plays in last week, but he has a lot of rust to work off. Would be nice to see him receive more targets, especially if Josh Reed sits this game out.

The outcome of this game will determine the Bills final draft position, but for all intensive purposes, we are looking at a slot somewhere in the first 10 picks. That should allow the team to find an impact player, and hopefully not another project like Aaron Maybin.

The only acceptable project I would subscribe to would be for a franchise quarterback selection. Just look at the job that Mark Sanchez did this year with the Jets, and you know that Sam Bradford, Jimmy Claussen, or Colt McCoy would need to spend at least a year to learn and observe from the sidelines.

However, I would be delighted if the Bills select a stud lineman, either on the offense or defense side, to improve our physical line play. We need to run the ball better, and defend the run better, so anybody that will help on either side of the line is a priority.

For what it is worth, try to catch some of the episodes being run on Showtime this week that are looking back at the old AFL. They have some great footage covering the Bills of old.

I especially enjoyed the game footage that featured Harry Jacobs with a microphone. He was barking out defensive alignment calls. They showed the Mike Stratton tackle of Keith Lincoln three times in rapid fashion. That never gets old.

I never tire of seeing Cookie Gilchrist running through tackle after tackle. He desimated old AFC defenders and should be somebody that Marshawn Lynch should be patterning himself after.

Gilchrist was as powerful a running back as the Bills have ever employed. You will see footage of Jack Kemp, Daryl “The Mad Bomber” Lamonica, Ron McDole, etc. Classic stuff. They even had Jim Brown making comments about Gilchrist.

Finally, just a note to say thank you to the many Bills fans that have offered their comments and opinions to my articles throughout the season.This was the first year that I have covered the team in this fashion and it was a learning experience for me.

I have enjoyed writing about the Bills more than you can imagine. I just wish I had more positive things to write about, but I personally don’t like to sugar coat things, so try my best to tell it like it is.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe New Year’s Eve and hearty wish for a healthy and prosperous 2010. Happy New Year!! Go Bills!!

 

 

 

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Cleveland Browns’ Restricted Free Agents: No CBA in 2010 Helps a Lot

As of right now, if the NFL cannot get a new Collective Bargaining Agreement in place, then the NFL’s 2010 regular season will not be a capped year.

One would think that not having a salary cap would mean that the richest of the rich NFL owners would pick up every big name free agent player that is on the market, kind of like how the New York Yankees operate every year in Major League Baseball.

This is a possibility, but unless a player has been in the league for six years, that player will not be an unrestricted free agent during an uncapped year.

Under an uncapped year, any NFL player who has not been in the league for six years will be a restricted free agent, unlike a capped year, where players are eligible after only being in the NFL for four years.

This means that all the players who have been in the NFL for four years now will not be able to cash in on a big payday in an uncapped year, which is unfortunate for those players who deserve a big payday.

The Cleveland Browns will be one of the few teams that will luck out in an uncapped year because they will have six starters who would have been unrestricted free agents in a salary capped year.  Those players are: linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, running back Jerome Harrison, fullback Lawrence Vickers, linebacker Matt Roth, safety Abram Elam, and safety Brodney Pool.

Of those six players, the Browns may have only been able to retain a couple of them, but now they will have the chance to match any offer made. Or, if they decide not to match the offer within a week, then the Browns will be compensated with one or two draft picks.

New Browns’ President Mike Holmgren may not have an interest in retaining most of these players anyway once he finishes his evaluation of the current roster at the end of the season.

However, regardless of what Holmgren decides, if another team really wants one of these players, then that means more picks to add to the Browns’ already NFL-leading 11 picks in the 2010 NFL draft.

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