Oakland Raiders’ Commitment to Excellence in 2009

With the free agency signing frenzy in the rear-view mirror and the 2009 NFL Draft less than four weeks away, the NFL has a rebirth on its hands – The Oakland Raiders commitment to excellence.

Go ahead ESPN and the rest of you skeptics, who say as long as Al Davis is in control, the Raiders will never win again. The Raider nation has heard that one before.

One simple transaction and one simple comment, both powerful, made last week by the Raiders bring clarity to this truth. 

First, Cable convinced, yes convinced, Davis to trade for starting center Samson Satele, a second rounder two years ago by the Dolphins.  Davis trusts Cable period, even after the Kwame Harris failure. 

Not just with the O-line but the whole enchilada—he made him head coach didn’t he? Davis complied by trading away a sixth rounder and a flop of fourths to make this happen.

Ironically, Satele was replaced by our former center Jake Grove, who wanted to return to Oakland but was lured away by Parcells and a wad of guaranteed cash. 

Did ESPN or NFL Network get up in Parcells or the Dolphins’ Kool-Aid for “overpaying” for an injury-plagued player from one of the worst teams of 2008?  Did they commend Davis for not overpaying? SHOCKER!!!! Sorry, I digress.   

Cable and Davis—clear teamwork at its best; mutual respect and trust combined with a will to get the job done.

Second, Cable declared that he was pleased with the changes thus far in the offensive line’s progress and that offensive tackle is the area of greatest need heading into the draft. He also said, “Not necessarily with the seventh pick overall since the draft is deep at the OT position.” 

Does this statement mean he will draft a tackle? Or does he mean trade for one?  Or just develop one on their current roster? Or simply sign a rookie free agent? 

Here’s my theory. Early on, one of the Raiders offseason goals was to add players to the offensive line with a couple of free agents and one through the draft. True to their strategy, they added Kalif Barnes and Erik Pears, both with left and right tackle starter experience through free agency.

Include the resigning of free agent G Cooper Carlisle, the trade for Satele and probably a rookie free agent or two (think Barry Sims) and they are set for 2009 without drafting a lineman. 

One thing we all definitely know, Cable is not going to give away Davis’s strategy if he doesn’t want his new title to be former head coach.

So Raider Nation, whether you think the Raiders should choose a big sexy, Crabtree, Raji, Orakpo, Curry or trade down with the seventh pick, the power in these two simple events is clearly a boon. 

Davis and Cable are working as a real team-not media lip service team. 

Think Davis and Madden or Davis and Flores. 

This team mentality at the top will transcend teamwork (or as Cable calls it: selflessness) throughout the organization. Together, they will ensure a return to greatness and a rebirth of a commitment to excellence in 2009!

Is Taking a QB With the First Pick Smart? Not If Seattle Wants Success This Year

So here we are, all of us Seahawks fans, waiting for the end of April to come around so we can see what good or bad decisions are going to be made in this years draft.

There are some writers out there with some really good ideas of what Seattle should do, and then there are some with really bad ideas of what they should do.

Seattle has made a few good moves in the offseason in the free agency.

Definitely, signing Hoosh was the best move of the offseason—A+ on that move.

As far as the other moves, I would give them a C. Sure, Seattle added depth, but I am not sure that we improved much.

A key move we made was getting rid of Julian Peterson. I say it was a good move because he has just not been as productive as of late. I don’t know if what we got would be considered an upgrade though. I guess we will truly see once we see them in action come game time.

Hopefully it was a good move because I am tired of seeing Seattle pick someone up in the offseason, only to watch them do worse for Seattle, then when they were playing for their last team. Hence, the next move to talk about.

Getting rid of Mo Morris. Dumb, dumb move. I was up and down on this move during last season when I knew he was in his last year of his contract. See when Seattle got rid of Shaun Alexander, I really felt like my favorite team had betrayed me. I have been a fan of him since watching him while he played at Alabama.

(See, I have an Uncle from Alabama who used to tell me about him—all the time! I started to pay attention to him, and learned he was a hell of a running back. When Seattle drafted him, I couldn’t wait for Ricky Watters to get the hell out of dodge so Shaun could start. My prayers were answered and Ricky broke a bone.)

When they got rid of Shaun, and not Mo, there was a little resentment to Mo. I am a Ducks fan though, so I knew what type of back Mo was in college, and he always did awesome backing up Shaun in the pros.

Last season, we picked up Julius Jones and I thought, “Well maybe this will be a good combo.” Was I ever so wrong.

I think that if Mo wouldn’t have gotten injured last year, our team would have done better because Mo is one hell of a running back. In preseason I didn’t really think it was him running, because it seemed like he was running for a starting job and not just a back up for Shaun.

I thought he should have been the full-time starter at the beginning of last season, not a rotation back. Damn, Holmgren!

Now, we go and get rid of Mo, and are left with “Jack-off” Jones to carry the load.

Now all that rambling up above has brought me to the point I wanted to bring up in this article about all the crack smoker’s that think we need a QB with are very first pick.

You all saw Matt go down and we had Seneca to back him up. Then Wallace goes down with a leg injury, while trying to be a wide-out, and then we end up using Charlie (cheeseburger) and Frye-s.

I understand why you think we should get a QB. Nobody wants to see what happened last year, happen again. What people need to realize though, is that Seattle had a bad year due to injuries not lack of play. You cannot expect anyone to just enter into a game and hit the ground with there feet at full speed.

I guarantee, that if what happened last year to the Seahawks (injuries), happens again, I don’t care if you draft a QB in the first round or not, Seattle is destined for another No. 4 pick again. Last year was a fluke—a big one. Will not happen again. So I guess that would bring me to my first point.

Seattle does not need a QB in the first round. We could get a great QB in the third or fourth round. People don’t realize how different college ball is from the NFL. They sit there and hear NFL critics say who is the best and who is the most “NFL-ready.”

Well, we don’t need an “NFL-ready” QB. We have a starting QB—who is healthy.

We have a back up—who can come in and take the reigns if the starter goes down.

Now I will be the first to agree with anyone that says that Seneca is not a franchise QB, but he has proven he can come in and win. With a healthy team, he would win games for us if Matt were to go down for a couple of games. You can’t blame Matt or Seneca on what happened last year.

If Matt was the only one to have been injured last year, we would have won the NFC West and made the playoffs. If we draft a QB, we can have one that is going to be a signal caller for a couple years and develop himself at the NFL level. There are 10 different QB in this years draft that could be successful NFL QB.

How many NFL rookie QB have there been in the NFL since 1980 to lead their team to the Super Bowl? Can anyone tell me?

Let me help everyone out who doesn’t know—NONE.

Let me say it again— NONE!

Now in the past 29 years, how many QB have been said to be “NFL-ready”? Sorry, I don’t know that number, but I guarantee it is a lot. How many have been failures? A lot. I could generate a list but you can do the investigating if you feel you need to school me on something.

My point is we don’t need a QB with our first pick. I hope those who think Seattle is in desperate need of one, have finally woke up. If not, shed some tears for me when come draft day, your heart is broken when we don’t pick one up in the first round.

If Seattle is to be successful this year, and make a Super Bowl run, we are going to have to be healthy. Bottom line.

I know that there are only two positions, which if addressed in the high rounds of the draft, can make an immediate impact on Seattle’s success this year—D-line and running back.

I definitely agree that by picking up B.J. Raji in the first round, he will have an immediate impact on our D-line.

I also agree that if we pick up a running back in the first round, he will have immediate success, and also earn a starting role after four weeks into the season. There are a little more options at running back.

I will give you two draft scenarios, and hope that my predictions come true.

Draft No. 1

No. 1—B.J. Raji/DT Boston College

No. 2—Rashad Jennings/RB Liberty

No. 3—Phil Loadholt/OT Oklahoma

No. 4—Juaquin Iglesias/WR Oklahoma or Louis Murphy/WR Florida

No. 5—Louis Vasquez/OG Texas Tech or Trevor Canfield/OG Cinncinati

No. 6—Rett Bomar/QB Sam Houston st. or Hunter Cantwell/QB louisville

No. 7—Nick Reed/LB Oregon

Draft No. 2

No. 1—Chris Wells/RB Ohio St.

No. 2—Ron Brace/DT Boston College

No. 3—Max Unger/C Oregon

No. 4—Juaquin Iglesias/WR Oklahoma or Louis Murphy/WR Florida

No. 5—Louis Vasquez/OG Texas Tech or Trevor Canfield/OG Cinncinati

No. 6—Rett Bomar/QB Sam Houston st. or Hunter Cantwell/QB louisville

No. 7—Nick Reed/LB Oregon

There are my two drafts. If you notice, the top two picks are the same positions. All four of those players will do really good for Seattle.

Hope you can understand the top two draft positions Seattle needs to address for immediate success. My other picks could have immediate success, but the door for them is not as open as the running back and defensive tackle position.

People will realize that with one of these two scenarios there could be immediate help at a few key positions, and that is what we need. Other than that, Seattle is poised for another run to the big bowl.

Detroit Lions Draft Options from the 3rd Round and Below

The Detroit Lions need to upgrade several positions and will look to fill some of these needs during the 2009 NFL Draft. Four positions need to be addressed: quarterback, the offensive line, defensive tackle, and middle linebacker are crucial to their rebuilding future.  

While there has been speculation to whom the Lions may draft first overall, nothing is certain until April 25th.

Three intriguing prospects not included here are Rashad Jennings, a power back from Liberty, Ramses Barden a 6’6 wide receiver from Cal Poly, and Sean Smith a 6’3 cornerback from Utah. 

All three players have displayed tremendous ability at the combine and/or pro day upping their value to the first few rounds. 

Six prospects have been targeted for the Lions from the 3rd round and below.  While the Lions have been the talk of the NFL regarding their 3 selections in the first 33 picks overall, nothing has been said about who they should target later in the draft. 

This may be difficult to determine, since no one can predict where every player will go.  Draft experts cannot even agree on which player should be selected first overall.

These six prospects display certain flaws because they project to be 3rd round or second day selections. 

Many players drafted on the second day have become Hall of Fame caliber players, yet they tend to come with more questions marks then players drafted before them.

Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz stated it best, when talking about the difference between the first overall pick and draft picks in the later rounds.

Schwartz said, “If you’re drafting a guy in the third or fourth round, you can start saying, ‘OK, well, he doesn’t have this, but, hey, it’s the third round. “

Here are the 6 prospects the Lions should target in the later rounds in alphabetical order.

 

Kevin Barnes-CB-Maryland

6’0 185lb

Barnes is a YouTube sensation with his big hit on California running back Jahvid Best.  Best said afterwards that no one has hit him as hard as Barnes did.

He impressed at the combine ranking in the top 5 CBs in the 40 yard dash (4.45), vertical jump (38.5 inches), and broad jump (10 feet, 8 inches). 

Barnes also scored a 41 out of a possible 50 on the wonderlic test.  A test of 50 problem solving questions with only 12 minutes to answer the questions, the average score for a CB is 18.

He is a physical corner that has good ability or breaking up and intercepting passes.  His biggest weakness is his footwork; he also needs to show his shoulder has healed after the injury shortened his 2008 season.

 

Joe Burnett-CB-UCF

5’9 190lb

Burnett is a raw, talented cornerback that has excelled in the collegiate return game.  He racked up countless numbers of awards in Conference USA, including Special Teams Player of the Year. 

In 2008, he was the only player in the nation to rank in the top 20 in both kickoff and punt returns.  Burnett shows good speed running a 4.49 second 40 yard dash.

Mike Mayock, the NFL Network’s draft expert, named Burnett the “Best Value Pick”  among cornerbacks during the combine.  Mayock feels Burnett can be a strong performer in nickel coverage and as a returner.

Burnett is smaller than many teams would like, but shows tremendous upside in the return game.  Also as a Criminal Justice major, NFL teams can rule him out as a troublemaker.   

 

Nick Hennessey-Colgate University-OL

6’6 291lb

Hennessey recently completed his pro day at Colgate with 6 or more NFL teams in attendance including the Lions and Patriots.  This was quite impressive for a Division 2 player, especially since quarterback Nate Davis, a potential second round pick, had only Colts representatives at his pro day.

He was identified as a Top 10 offensive tackle by the National Scouting service prior to the season. 

Hennessey attended the world renounced Phillips Academy of Andover, which boasts alumni such as President George H.W. Bush and his son, President George W. Bush, as well as current Patriots coach and legend Bill Belichick. 

He was a two time All-Patriots League selection and played in the Texas vs. the Nation Challenge.

Hennessey played right tackle at Colgate as well as offensive guard.  He projects as a late round pick with upside. 

 

Rashad Johnson-S-Alabama

5’11 200lb

Johnson started his Alabama career as a walk on and ended it as an All-American.  He has a passion for the game and is highly regarded for his field intelligence and leadership.

He is extremely tough, sufficient in pass coverage and shows the ability to deliver devastating hits.  Johnson finished second on Alabama’s defense in tackles with 89 and shows traits of becoming a productive NFL starter.

Concerns have arisen about Johnson’s speed, which he answered with a 4.49 second 40 yard dash.  He lacks the ideal size for the safety position in the NFL and has added weight attempting to suppress any doubters.   

Johnson has heart and will prove he is a starting NFL safety and if he doesn’t succeed he should become a special teams star.

 

Jordan Norwood-WR-Penn St.

5’11 180lbs 4.57 40

Norwood was considered the 3rd Penn St. wide receiver, behind Deon Butler and Derrick Williams.  His size and moderate speed make his a second day projection.  He ran a 4.57 40 yard dash.

His strengths are his great hands and willingness to go across the middle and had a 38 inch vertical jump, which ranked 6th among receivers at the combine. 

Norwood was considered more of a basketball player coming into college, his brother played on the George Mason Final Four team a few years ago.  His father was Penn State’s defensive backs coach and was hired by Baylor as their defensive coordinator.

He also made the Big Ten All Academic Team in his sophomore year.

Norwood possesses great hands shown through the several outstanding catches in his college career; many can be seen on YouTube.  Norwood is a smart player on and off the field and has the potential to succeed in the NFL.    

 

Myron Pryor-DT-Kentucky

6’1 319lb

Pryor disappointed after a very productive sophomore season, in which is had 42 tackles, including 7 for a loss and 5 sacks.  At one point he was one of the top prospects in the country;  though multiple injuries could be part of the reason he is not seen in the same light. 

There is a perception that he takes plays off and can be overpowered due to poor technique.

Pryor may have quelled some doubters after his senior season though, which included 29 tackles, 10 for a loss, and 4.5 sacks.  He was named All-SEC second team in 2008 and also ranked in the top 10 in caused fumbles.

At times he was a dominant presence in the defensive line and if he plays up to his potential, Pryor could be a big steal in the later rounds of the draft.

Tony Dungy: Quiet Strength

Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life by Tony Dungy with Nathan Whitaker

Review by C. Douglas Baker

Tony Dungy is a rather unique and inspiring person. Tony Dungy has been in the National Football League as a coach for many years. As a head coach, he lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the brink of a championship before being let go. He finally got over the hump by winning Super Bowl XLI over the Chicago Bears behind Peyton Manning and the feisty play of strong safety Bob Sanders.

This memoir is about how Coach Dungy applies his Christian faith to not only his coaching in professional football, but to his life off the field as well. His approach to coaching football is certainly unique. He is no Bill Parcells, who often demeans his players, sometimes in public, to motivate them. He is also not the stereotypical coach who screams, yells, and cusses at his players when they make mistakes or in an attempt to fire them up or get the best out them. His style, by all accounts, is a quiet, understated approach that has certainly worked well for him.

Dungy rebuilt the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from a lousy team to a championship-caliber team, but could never quite get the wins in the playoffs to reach the Super Bowl. He was, most would say, unfairly fired by the Buccaneers as they seemed to feel he was not going to get them past the playoffs and to the Super Bowl. One year after he was let go by Tampa Bay, the team won Super Bowl XXXVII over the Oakland Raiders with Jon Gruden as head coach.

After being hired as head coach by the Indianapolis Colts, Dungy quietly built up the defensive side of the ball. The defensive unit had often let the team down and was clearly a weak link. While the Colts defense never became quite as good as his Buccaneers teams, it was just good enough to get a Super Bowl win.

Beyond talking about applying his faith to his role as head coach, Dungy talks about the importance of his family and his community and how he has striven to give all he can to each. And through this memoir, the reader learns a lot about Dungy’s career in the NFL and his teams, so there is plenty of football talk in the book to please fans of the game. He also talks about how his faith helped him cope with the inexplicable suicide of his teenage son.

Overall, this is an excellent book if you are a fan of football or you just want to hear the story of a devoutly religious man and how he applies his faith to everyday life.

Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life

Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles: A Trade Waiting to Happen

All Cleveland Browns fans should be well aware that new Head Coach Eric Mangini and General Manager George Kokinis have started the rebuilding process. If they are rebuilding, do they really need a huge impact rookie like Brian Orakpo?

As it stands the Browns have five overall draft picks: No. 5, 36, 50, 104, and 177 overall. Having three picks in the top 100 (and one just outside) is good for a rebuilding team, but could they obtain more?

If you think about it, the Browns don’t need a player like Orakpo. They need players that can be possible starters, or players that can be bred into starters by the time they are ready to win. Later-round picks could benefit them more than a player drafted fifth overall.

Also, late-round picks wouldn’t break the bank, saving the Browns money that could come in handy later.

All Philadelphia Eagles fans should be well aware that Philly is contending. Donovan McNabb wants that championship ring and wants it as soon as possible.

With Jon Runyan’s possible retirement and Tra Thomas signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Eagles have a pressing need at offensive tackle. Most of the better OT’s will be gone in the top 15, and the others by the time the Eagles picks come around.

The Eagles have two first-round picks (21 and 28) but would like to move into the top 10. Could the Eagles trade both their first-round picks (21 and 28) for the Browns’ first-rounder?

With two later first-round picks, what could the Browns expect to do? Who should they take?

Clay Matthews III: Some call him Clay Matthews Jr. but he is actually the third. His father, the real Clay Matthews Jr., was drafted by the Browns 12th overall in the 1978 NFL Draft. He was a linebacker for Cleveland, and was a four-time Pro Bowler for them as well.

His grandfather, Clay Matthews Sr., and uncle Bruce Matthews also played in the NFL. His family has been successful in football so he could, too. His father played for the Browns so it could be a reunion of some sort.

With the possible retirement of Willie McGinest, Matthews could be a perfect fit with Cleveland. He isn’t Brian Orakpo, but the Browns only need players who will get better in years to come.

Matthews III would be a great selection at No. 21 for the Browns.

Knowshon Moreno: He and Chris “Beanie” Wells are unknowingly competing. Wells has been considered the No. 1 running back heading into the draft for some time but some see Knowshon climbing the board.

Wells’ injuries are a turn-off, which could benefit Moreno in the draft. Still, neither of the running backs are projected to go until late into the draft.

Jamal Lewis is winding down and none of the other backs are starter material. Cleveland’s got to realize that running back is bigger need then it may seem.

If the Browns could catch Knowshon at No. 28, it would fill a huge hole, especially since he could possibly be the best running in the entire draft. Knowshon would be an instant starter for Cleveland but wouldn’t break the bank either.

So if you were Cleveland, would you want an expensive OLB in Brian Orakpo whose impact wouldn’t do much to a rebuilding team, or a cheaper OLB with similar potential and possibly the draft’s best RB?

It seems like a no-brainer for Cleveland, but what about the Eagles?

A luxury back to play behind Westbrook sounds good and they could catch tight end Brandon Pettigrew. Doesn’t an elite OT sound better though? The huge holes that Thomas and Runyan left behind need to be filled, and quickly.

OT Jason Smith should be gone by the No. 5 pick but Eugene Monroe or Andre Smith could still be around. If one is gone, the other should still be there. An elite OT would help the Eagles so much.

The trade could be good on both sides, getting both teams what they need.

The Browns need young players to help fill holes and rebuild. With four picks in the first two rounds, many holes could be filled.

The Eagles get an elite OT to help solidify their O-line, not to mention once again that the shoes of Runyan and Thomas need to be filled if their offense wants to succeed.

The trade could happen now, or it could happen on draft day. It might not happen at all, but nonetheless this trade would benefit both teams greatly.

If not this trade, look for a trade similar to this to occur.

Must Have Resource For Washington Redskins Fans

The Redskins Encyclopedia by Michael Richman

Review by C. Douglas Baker

The Redskins Encyclopedia is definitely a must have for Redskins fans. I am not even a Redskins fan and I found it thoroughly engaging and interesting, which is quite a feat for a text heavy encyclopedic history of a professional football team I don’t even root for.

The bulk of the book is dedicated to a chronological history of the Washington Redskins’ franchise from its origin in 1932 as the Boston Braves through 2006.

The book provides a review of each and every season in Redskins history, and what a history it has been.  You have the 1940’s with Slinging Sammy Baugh and a few World Championships.  You get to relive the topsy-turvy 1970’s under coach George Allen when the team lost Super Bowl VII to the undefeated Miami Dolphins.  

You can recapture the glory years under Joe Gibbs and the heyday of the team in the 1980’s, winning three Super Bowls.  And then you can lament, if you are a Redskins fan, the post-Gibbs era and the recent return of Gibbs to save a franchise mired in mediocrity that persists today (and will like to continue to do so under the meddlesome owner Dan Snyder).

During the journey you will meet the great players and characters throughout Redskins history and get an excellent feel for the deep history and historical ebbs and flows of this long tenured franchise.

One of the nice touches of this work is that it breaks Redskins history into eras.  Before each era the book provides introductory insights into the franchise and where it was at and where it was headed before delving into season by season reviews.  This provides context and continuity. 

It also uses text boxes to provide greater detail about seminal Redskins owners, executives, and players. The text boxes provide some excellent information while nicely breaking up the text, making it more reader friendly.

One section of the book consists of mini-biographies of all the great Washington Redskins players, coaches, owners, and executives in the history of the franchise. I thought I would skim through this section quickly but it captured my attention so much I read through the entire section.

The last part of the book provides what most encyclopedias are supposed to provide, all-time team results, records, and other various statistics about the team.

Overall I found this to be a very through and engaging treatment of the history of the Washington Redskins.

 

The Redskins Encyclopedia

NFL Introduces New Rules to Maintain Parity During the 2009/10 Season (Satire)

The first week of the ’08/’09 NFL season left many patriot fans gasping for air when Bernard Pollard struck the beloved golden boy of the Patriots, Tom Brady, and ending his season right then and there

Although this angered and hurt many Patriot hopefuls, it gave other teams in the AFC East a chance to win the division now that Brady wasn’t there to lead the Patriots to another Division title.

With the 2009/10 season just around the corner, the NFL has decided to introduce a new set of new rules in order to keep the Patriots offensive threshold in check and helping other inferior teams like the Jets, Bills, Broncos, and…did I mention the Jets already?

Here are the rules that the NFL wants enforced during the 09/10 season:

Rule No. 1: For every yard the Patriots gain, they will lose half a yard.

Rule No. 2: The Patriots must dress at least three punters for all games, otherwise they will be fined.

Rule No. 3: The Patriots must go a two-point conversion every time they score. If the attempt fails, they will not get any points and the opposing team will get the ball on the Patriots’ two yard line.

Rule No. 4: Tom Brady must announce to the other team the play they are about to run and not call any audible.

Rule No. 5: The Patriots may not ever be down by less than a touchdown with two minutes left in the game. Brady having the ball with two minutes to go just isn’t fair to the opposing team

Rule No. 6: In order to win, the Patriots must score at least three more touchdowns than their opponent. If it’s a divisional game, they must score five more touchdowns than their opponent.

Rule No. 7: Randy Moss must play every game with one hand tied behind his back (probably won’t make a difference).

Rule No. 8: Bill Belichick must not deface any NFL apparel (i.e. cut the sleeves off hoodies). This will result in a five game suspension and a hefty fine.

And last but not least,

Rule No. 9: Tom Brady may not date (or marry) anyone better looking than the opposing team’s head coach’s wife.

Underdog Card Always Perfect Card for Pittsburgh Steelers

The “Underdog Card”, what a fantastic card it is to play. Some misconstrue it as the Bluff Card, for whatever reason, it seems to befuddle me.

 

The underdog card is used so to speak, to keep the players in check and away from complacency. You want the players to enter each game as if the opponent is a better team than yours.

 

The bluff card is used in terms, to force other teams to think that you are depleted. When I mean depleted, I mean that your team is so called playing without key players to injury. The message the other team should register into their minds is “Oh, it looks like we have this game in the bag.”

 

Take the Pittsburgh Penguins for example: In the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs the Penguins used both cards to attempt to claim the cup. They went into each game of each series with the attitude that the other teams were way better, causing them to play at the highest level they could.

 

The coaching staff opened up the bluff card in the media expressing that they had several players injured. It was used to try and throw the other teams off balance and play down to a lesser level.

 

Now you see how people can sometimes misconstrue the two types of cards, “Underdog and Bluff.”

 

OK, getting back to the underdog card, that’s the card that the Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of familiarity with. It’s the card that they are often comfortable using, because they are very successful at playing it.

 

Boy, the Steelers sure are awesome at playing the underdog card. In fact they win most of their games playing the underdog card.

 

If you look back at recent history, the Steelers played the “Underdog Card” to push themselves to be the ones at the end of the tunnel playing in Super Bowls XL and XLIII.

 

Back in 2005 everyone was talking about the Steelers not being able to make it to the Super Bowl. Why? Because they counted on Ben Roethlisberger to have a sophomore slump.

 

People were saying things like “Quarterbacks usually have sophomore slumps in their second year in the NFL.” Well did Roethlisberger have a sophomore slump? No. He went out there and proved everyone wrong.

 

Former head coach Bill Cowher used this to the Steelers advantage, to prepare his team to have the set mind frame that they are the underdogs. The Steelers played the “Underdog Card” throughout the 2005 season and it worked.

So they continued the use of the underdog card end-to-end in the post-season, they hit the jackpot with a gracious victory in Super Bowl XL.

 

Fast-forward to 2008, media members had the preconceived idea that second-year head coach Mike Tomlin could have a sophomore slump. Doesn’t this remind you of what was said about Big Ben Roethlisberger?

I bet it does.

Well, anyways, Mike Tomlin took to account recognizing all of the above poppycock, he used it as an asset and rolled with the punches proving them wrong.

 

Mike Tomlin saw a use for the underdog card, he used it at will getting all his players on board with that mind frame. So, the Steelers went through the toughest schedule game-by-game playing the “Underdog Card.” It worked.

They continued playing that card throughout the post-season, keno the Steelers hit the lottery, bringing home the sixth unprecedented Lombardi Trophy.

 

Here goes a quote from Mike Tomlin: “That’s been our story all year. We’ve got a team that doesn’t blink in the face of adversity. It’s never going to be pretty or perfect, if you will, but they’ve got a great deal of belief in one another.

“They’ve got a great deal of resolve, and it was put on display. Our defense gets a lot of recognition for what they’re capable of, and rightfully so, but what you saw from our quarterback and our offense at the end of that football game is what they’ve provided for us all year. When we’ve needed it the most, they’ve done it and done it big.

“That’s a rerun for us. We did that in Baltimore to win the division. We’re a team and that’s why there’s no division in our locker room, because those guys know that when the chips are down, number seven and company will ante up and kick in.

“I’m just so happy and proud of them. If I could win any way, it would be like that. All people being involved and having to deliver for us is truly special. As a coach, it’s special.”

 

I think this quote of Tomlin’s well describes the Pittsburgh Steelers using the “Underdog Card.”

 

OK, now let’s get to brass taxes, the Steelers actually play the underdog card for 95 percent of their games.

 

If you have noticed, the media hardly ever mentions the Pittsburgh Steelers as a Super Bowl contender at the beginning of the season, if not at all. You usually hear the media mention teams like the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, and Dallas Cowboys being favored to win the Super Bowl.

 

The Steelers don’t mind not being brought up in the Super Bowl ring of latent contenders. Yes, it’s okay, they like it that way, flying under the radar playing the “Underdog Card.” The Pittsburgh Steelers are at their best on the gridiron when they play that card.

 

So, I believe Steeler Nation has embraced the underdog card, I know I have, and Mike Tomlin has likewise. Underdog Card it is, because it’s the best card to play.

 

Just remember, the “Underdog Card” is always the perfect card for the Steelers to play.

Mark Sanchez; A Pre-Draft Journeyman

So, what will happen to Mark Sanchez, the second best quarterback in the draft? Well, here are five possible happenings in the draft to show where he may end up that you may not have thought of before.

1. Denver Broncos trade Jay Cutler to the 49ers for the No. 10 pick in the draft, and select Mark Sanchez No. 10 overall. They could add another player at No. 12 like Tyson Jackson or BJ Raji.

Mark Sanchez could be better than Jay Cutler, with a year or two he could be a lightly seasoned version of Phillip Rivers.

2. Seattle Seahawks select Mark Sanchez with the No. 4 overall pick. He could back up Matt Hasselbeck for a year at most until Seattle realizes that Hasselbeck’s prime is over.

This would also allow them to switch Seneca Wallace to wide receiver like they’ve been planning for a while; they just needed a decent backup for Hasselbeck to do so.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade their No. 19 pick to Green Bay and their third-round pick for the ninth overall pick.

The Buccaneers have spent too many years signing middle-of-the-road quarterbacks who end up on the wrong end of the stick. Sanchez would provide leadership and help take Tampa back to the top.

4. Philadelphia Eagles trade their No. 20 and 28 picks to Oakland for their No. 7 pick. Don’t worry Giants fans, McNabb will, as history has proven, get hurt again.

I believe that when that does happen, the Eagles’ management will say, “Alright, you’ve provided a staggering era for this proud franchise, but we believe it is time to move on.” That is when Sanchez would get the call and lead the team for many years.

5. St. Louis Rams select Sanchez with the No. 2 overall pick. Hey, why not? The Rams cut their two most proven veterans already this offseason (Orlando Pace and Torry Holt), so who’s to say they won’t do the same with Marc Bulger?

They should pick Jason Smith or Michael Crabtree, but they really don’t care what they should do. They want to make a splash, and this would be a big one.

NFL Pick-By-Pick Analysis of the Last 10 Years: 32-30

With the 2009 NFL Draft so close that we can almost taste the “fantastic upside,” I think it’ll be fun to look back at previous year’s picks.

I will go through every selection, declare the hits and busts, and grade the selections. Today, the last three picks of the first round (and first pick of the 2nd round in certain drafts).

(Note: It’s hard to grade guys in the 08 and 07 drafts, so they won’t be official grades)

 

32nd pick

2009: Pittsburgh Steelers

2008: Phillip Merling – DE – Miami Dolphins

2007: Anthony Gonzalez – WR – Indianapolis Colts

2006: Mathias Kiwanuka – DE – New York Giants – Grade: B+

2005: Logan Mankins – OG – New England Patriots – Grade: A-

2004: Ben Watson – TE – New England Patriots – Grade: C

2003: Tyler Brayton – DE – Oakland Raiders – Grade: B-

2002: Patrick Ramsey – QB – Washington Redskins – Grade: F

2001: Drew Brees – QB – San Diego Chargers – Grade: A

2000: Dennis Northcutt – WR – Cleveland Browns – Grade C+

1999: Kevin Johnson – WR – Cleveland Browns – Grade: C-

Analysis: The creme of this crop is obviously Brees. He did well in San Diego before going down with a shoulder injury, prompting them to draft Phillip Rivers. Now with the Saints, he is one of the best quarterbacks in the league.

The biggest bust at this position is Ramsey, who was a major reach for the Redskins, who desperately needed a quarterback at the time. He has had a journeyman career with few satisfying results.

Gonzalez looks like he will be a new favorite target of Peyton Manning in upcoming years, and Mankins has been great on the Patriots O-Line.

There have been some picks such as Johnson and Watson who were disappointments, but not busts, but overall teams have had solid picks with the 32nd slot.

 

31st pick

2009: Arizona Cardinals

2008: Kenny Phillips – S – New York Giants

2007: Greg Olson – TE – Chicago Bears

2006: Kelly Jennings – CB – Seattle Seahawks – Grade: C+

2005: Mike Patterson – DT – Philadelphia Eagles – Grade: A-

2004: Rashaun Woods – WR – San Francisco 49ers – Grade: F

2003: Nnamdi Asomugha – CB – Oakland Raiders – Grade: A+

2002: Robert Thomas – LB – St. Louis Rams – Grade: C-

2001: Todd Heap – TE – Baltimore Ravens – Grade: A-

2000: Trung Canidate – RB – St. Louis Rams – Grade: D

1999: Al Wilson – LB – Denver Broncos – Grade: A-

Analysis: The 31st pick has certainly been up-and-down so far. The best player of the this group is Nnamdi Asomugha, who also happens to be the best cornerback in the league.

Al Wilson was great for many years, but injuries cut his career short. Injuries have plagued some of Todd Heap’s seasons as well, but he has been great for the Ravens.

A fellow tight end taken with the 31st who looks to have a bright future is Greg Olson of the Bears. The worst pick was Rashaun Woods, who dealt with some injuries as well in parts of his career, but he never played well, even when healthy. He is out of the league now.

Kelly Jennings can (and has gone) go either way whether he is a boom or bust, but this past season has been a disappointment for the young corner.

30th pick

2009 – Tennessee Titans

2008 – Dustin Keller – TE – New York Jets

2007 – Craig Davis – WR – San Diego Chargers

2006 – Joseph Addai – RB – Indianapolis Colts – Grade: A

2005 – Heath Miller – TE – Pittsburgh Steelers – Grade: A

2004 – Kevin Jones – RB – Detroit Lions – Grade: B-

2003 – Sammy Davis – CB – San Diego Chargers – Grade: C-

2002 – Kendall Simmons – OG – Pittsburgh Steelers – Grade: B+

2001 – Reggie Wayne – WR – Indianapolis Colts – Grade: A+

2000 – Keith Bulluck – LB – Tennessee Titans – Grade: A

1999 – Patrick Kerney – DE – Atlanta Falcons – Grade: A-

Analysis: Wow, the Titans should feel good holding the 30th slot based on this pick’s history. It has produced several studs over the years (and Keller and Davis are both looking very good as well), the best of them being Reggie Wayne who is a top 10, perhaps even top 5 receiver in the league.

Addai is a premier running back, Miller is a top tight end, Bulluck has been consistently great for the Titans, and Kerney has done very well for the Falcons and Seahawks, accumulating 77 sacks on his career so far.

The worst pick of the bunch was corner Sammy Davis, who had a good rookie season but went down from there. Ironically, at one point he was traded for fellow bust Rashaun Woods.

 

Next edition: Picks 29, 28, and 27

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