Tank Williams: Bill Belichick’s Secret Weapon on Defense

While going over the New England Patriots’ flurry of offseason signings, I failed to notice until recently that they re-signed safety Tank Williams. Williams was signed in the ’08 offseason to come in and be a safety/linebacker hybrid.

There were reports last year that Williams was practicing with the linebackers and that linebacker coach Matt Patricia had made Williams a special project.

All that changed in August though when Williams went down with a devastating knee injury. His season was ended before it could even begin. It was a heart-breaking story for Williams, who had spent two long years trying to claw his way back from a shattered knee cap he suffered while with the Minnesota Vikings in 2006.

Most people probably don’t see much significance in re-signing Williams. He’s seen as damaged goods after missing two of the last three seasons because of knee injuries. Where some people people see an injury-prone player, I see a player who could make a difference in ’09.

I’m a native Tennessean. So I’ve seen plenty of Williams over the years. From 2002-2005, he was a difference maker on the Titans’  defense. While only adequate in coverage, William’s ferocious tackling at the line of scrimmage helped the Titans lead the league in run defense twice. At 6’2″ and 223 pounds, he hits like a tank (pun intended).

He’s a player that’s comparable to Roy Williams, only with better coverage skills and without the Pro Bowl appearances. He can tackle and blitz well. The Pats will probably use him as a backup safety and nickle linebacker in ’09 if his knees hold up.

It remains to be seen how much speed Williams has left but the Pats were confident enough to offer him another contract.

Hopefully Williams can help the Patriots’ third-down defense, which was one of the worst in the league last year. Belichick had high hopes for Williams before the ’08 season, so he must see something in the player.

Williams re-signing also means that Patriot great Rodney Harrison’s career is probably over. At 28-years-old, hopefully Tank still has something left in the tank.

Mankok Still Running The Cleveland Browns

Hey how about this trade: NYG WR Amani Toomer, for WR Braylon Edwards and a first round pick? That would be another dream that MANKOK would push, even with Toomer being on free agency already.

This is getting stranger by the day but at least MANKOK is trying to get something going. Trade talks have a lot of rumors going right now, so read the team’s home page to get the most out of the Browns.

Letting Joe go was a big thing and it hurt the team, but we need to keep the faith, and with two potential starting quarterbacks, who knows who will leave next.

The defense is starting to look good, but Rogers needs to stop acting like a spoiled brat…he is making 41 million PLAY FOOTBALL so who cares if the coach did not come over and wipe your big nose off. Did Roger say anything to Mangini or did he go crying to him like all brats do? Keep up the good work MANKOK if you fail then you will answer to us.

Breaking News: Oakland Raiders Acquire Center

Doesn’t he just look like a Raider?

In another move to shore up the offensive line, the Oakland Raiders traded an undisclosed draft pick to the Dolphins for C Samson Satele.

Samson Satele started 53 games during his collegiate career at Hawaii.  He mainly played at center, but also saw time at both guard positions.  He earned all-WAC honors every year and all-WAC First Team in ’05 and ’06.  The Dolphins drafted him in the second round of the ’07 draft.

Miami obviously thought Jake Grove was a better center for their system, but I think he is an upgrade at center for the Raiders.  Jake Grove’s injury report is thick as a phone book. 

Samson Satele has proved to be very durable with 53 starts in college and 32 starts since becoming a pro.  He also started all eight preseason games for the Dolphins, Satele brings stability to the position.

The Hawaiian born center stands 6’3″, 300 lbs.  He brings versatility to the Raiders’ O-line as he has experience at G and C.  He was projected to move to G if he stayed with the Dolphins, but he will be our starting C going into the season. 

The move also opens the door for the Raiders to go D-line or LB in the second round instead of targeting a C like Alex Mack or Max Unger.

I like how the Raiders keep adding to the trenches.  Satele is only 24-years-old with 32 career starts.  We most likely acquired him for a pick on the second day of the draft which would be fourth, sixth, or seventh.  I’m thinking sixth or seventh or maybe a late round pick from the ’10 draft.  Who knows?  We’ll all find out soon enough.

Now it’s time to focus on the D-line in the NFL Draft.

RAIDERS4LIFE ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Peyton Manning Poised To Remain the Top Quarterback in the NFL in 2009

As another season of NFL football is set to roll along, so too will be the league’s top quarterback. Always a staple of consistency, I expect the reigning league MVP to continue that trend in 2009.

While other positions often appear to be in a state of flux, the best quarterback in the NFL has managed to secure that position over the course of the past decade.

Although other really good quarterbacks have come and gone, nobody has even approached the level of consistency which Manning has personified.

He’s thrown for over 3,700 yards for the 11th season in a row. That would be every year of his career. He’s thrown over 25 touchdown passes for 11 years in a row. While earning a league-record third league MVP award in 2008, Manning also eclipsed the 4,000-yard passing mark for the ninth time in his career!

To put that into perspective, Dan Marino is in second place with six such seasons.

Manning’s ability to remain productive is absolutely amazing.

He lost his star running back in Edgerrin James in 2006, no problem. Spent a great deal of the 2007 season playing with an offensive line that consisted half of second-stringers, yet still no problem. Two knee surgeries in the 2008 offseason, no problem, as Manning became the league’s MVP.

The only man who could have given Manning any slight run for his money regarding the top spot of the quarterback position would have been Tom Brady but after his knee sustained significant damage and Manning succeeded to the extent he did in 2008, Brady has once again been knocked down to a pretty distant second place.

Still, Peyton alone is not the only reason why he is poised for a big 2009 season.

The loss of Marvin Harrison might even prove to be a blessing in disguise, as Manning can build a better rapport with Anthony Gonzalez.

Since the Colts’ running game couldn’t possibly get much worse (after being ranked 31st in 2008), I expect the combination of an improving rushing attack and a healthy offense (both the offensive line and receiving core) to elevate Manning to a superior level once again.

With new Head Coach Jim Caldwell and new Defensive Coordinator Larry Coyer, the Colts have the potential to build towards the future. Although many other pieces might be coming and going, Peyton Manning will remain the constant.

Weeks before the NFL Draft, I couldn’t be more excited for the 2009 NFL season.

The 10 NFL Players That Have to Prove Themselves in 2009

Everyone is talking about who will break out in the 2009 season. ( I am guilty of doing so as well) But what about those players that should have already broken out. The players that have the tools and the situations, but just can’t do it. Well that is what this slide show is on…The 10 Players That Have to Prove Themselves in 2009 (NFL)

They are in no particular order.

Chicago Bears Offseason Analysis: The Running Backs

In today’s offseason analysis we will take a look at the running back position.

We last left off with Matt breaking down the offensive line with players on our current roster and areas of need.

From offensive line to the players they will be blocking for we will evaluate our talent at running back for the 09 season.

April’s draft will be only the second time since 2002 that the Bears will not select a running back in the NFL draft since there are four running backs currently on our roster .

Chicago is a city with a proud tradition and rich history of running backs. From Beattie Feathers, to Red Grange, to Gale Sayers, to the greatest running back of all time Walter “Sweetness” Payton himself.

Over many years that tradition and heritage has been diminished with names like Enis, Salaam, and Benson.

There have been a couple of potential promises with names like rookie sensation Anthony Thomas that only diminished in productivity, and Thomas Jones that for whatever reason was traded to the Jets.

Chicago will look to go back to a two running back system this season.

Many NFL teams are successful with the two RB scheme and makes it more difficult for defensive coordinators to plan around.

Kevin Jones will be Forte’s complement back and the pair of fresh legs that should keep defenses tired.

We will evaluate these running backs starting from Forte down to Garret Wolf.

Matt Forte # 22

6’2″    216 lbs

College-Tulane

Matt Forte was the Bears first rookie to start at running back since Walter Payton in 1975.

Forte made his NFL debut against the Colts and rushed for 123 yards and averaged 5.3 yards per carry that game.

Forte broke for a 50-yard touch down run in the first quarter in which he broke tackles and left NFL’s Defensive Player Of the Year Bob Sanders looking from behind.

Forte was the work horse and entire Bears offense in his rookie year leading the team in both rushing and receiving for most of the 08 season.

Forte had a workload of 316 rushes and registered 1,238 yards rushing. He showed that he was an all-around back by compiling 477 yards receiving with 12 total touchdowns.

In his rookie season Forte broke legendary running back Gale Sayers’ rookie record for total yards from scrimmage by a rookie, and was a finalist for the NFL’s Rookie Of the Year.

Forte will look to continue his success in the 09 season while sharing more of his work load with Jones.

Forte, if healthy, will continue to be a major contributor into next season and should pile up another 1,000 yard season.

Forte’s fellow RB is former Lion:

Kevin Jones # 27

6’2″ 216 lbs

College-Virgina Tech

Jones was drafted in the 2004 season and was a standout as a rookie. Jones rushed for over 1,133 yards with five touchdowns and averaged 4.7 yards per carry his rookie year.

Jones was picked up by the Bears before the start of the 08 season as an insurance policy for Forte.

Since Forte turned out to be an every-down back, Jones only had 34 attempts rushing for 109 yards.

Jones asked to move to special teams later in the season so he could continue to contribute on the field.

Jones was recently signed in the offseason for two more years with the Bears. Kevin’s signing makes sense for the Bears rather than go looking for another running back in free agency.

Jones already knows the system and will come into the 09 season with a clean bill of health.

Jones will have a much bigger role running the ball next season having a two running back tandem system put into place.

Smith, 26, can prove to be a solid backup running back for the Chicago Bears for many more seasons depending on injury and success.

The next back on our list is running back:

Adrian Peterson #29

5’10”  210 lbs

College-Georgia Southern

Peterson was drafted in the sixth round in the 2002 season by the Chicago Bears.

Adrian ran for 100 yards on only 20 attempts last season.

Peterson’s role has diminished over the years with players like Benson, Jones, and now Forte being the solidified starters with Kevin jones taking the No. 2 spot.

Peterson is a very tough back who is not afraid to take or deliver a hit.

In the 07 season when Cedric Benson sustained a season ending injury  against Denver, Adrian stepped up and rushed for 510 yards the rest of the season and had his first career 100-yard rushing game.

Peterson’s famous play as a Bear came that game against the Broncos where he Bulldozed his way into the end zone with the entire Bronco defense in his way.

Adrian has been primarily relied on as a specialist over the recent years. In 2004 he led the Chicago Bears special team unit with 28 tackles.

Peterson will definitely be on the field for the 09 season but in a limited role again.

Look for Adrian in some third-down situatuions with occasional run blocking, pass protection, and some halfback screens.

The final running back on our roster is:

Garrett Wolfe #25

5’7″ 186 lbs

College-Northern Illinois

Garrett Wolfe was drafted in the third round in the 2007 draft.

Wolfe had 31 attempts for only 85 yards rushing during his rookie campaign.

Last season Wolfe had 46 rushes for 154 yards rushing.

Wolfe has proved to be a solid special team player maker and his speed makes him dangerous on punt blocks.

Wolfe was drafted for his quick speed, but at 186 pounds, Wolfe has been swallowed up by linebackers at the line of scrimmage on plays up the middle.

Wolfe’s role will be very limited in the 09 season but he will definitely see some playing time on draws, a slot type back, or halfback screens.

Look for him to continue to make plays on special teams and have a few break out plays.

In all, Forte and Jones should have a productive year and will hopefully solidify the running back situation for many more years.

In our next segment of Chicago Bears offseason Analysis, my fellow sports colleague Matt will give us a look at the wide receiver position.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How New York Giants’s Offense Can Become a Juggernaut Via 2009 Draft

The New York Giants have many draft picks (up to 11 including compensatory picks), which means that they can maneuver basically however they please in the upcoming draft.

 

As the Giants’ offense dwindled down the stretch in the 2009 season, many assessed the downfall to a lack of a true No. 1 receiver.

 

While Plaxico Burress’ absence certainly hurt the team, it wasn’t entirely his fault that the Giants faltered down the stretch. There were two very specific things that occurred which led to the downfall of the offense; they could not convert third downs and they could not command the attention of the safeties over the top to prevent them from coming down to the line of scrimmage to stop the running game.

 

Those issues can be resolved without having to break the bank for a No. 1 wideout, despite the fact that many people expect a blockbuster trade to occur to obtain a true No. 1 receiver. While I am not totally against this strategy, I believe that there are more economical and more effective ways to bolster the Giants’ offense in the draft.

 

I maintain that if the Giants use their draft picks wisely, it will be more effective than any trade they can swing for a receiver. I say that in the understanding that the receiver is one of the toughest positions in the league to transition from the college game.

 

The following would be my draft plan if I wanted to make the Giants’ offense a juggernaut.

 

1.       Draft whoever is left between Jeremy Maclin and Darius Heyward– Bey- While neither is really a name that I have mentioned in association with the Giants in the past, I think they can contribute greatly on day one for several reasons. Maclin has amazing vertical speed that defenses will have to respect from day one. Assuming that Hixon remains the No.1 guy, Smith will move into the No. 2 role and Maclin can be a stud slot receiver. Most of the routes that he ran it Missouri would be similar to those he would run out of the slot. Also, Maclin gives added value as a kick returner, which can be a great way to bolster the offense via field position.

2.       Draft the best player left available between Chase Coffman, Cornelius Ingram, and Jared Cook in round three– Remember when Florida beat down Ohio State in the National Championship game? Well if you do, there was one player that surely stood out, and it was Cornelius Ingram. He blew out his knee in the beginning of the 2008 season, but was ready for the Championship game. Florida’s staff advised him against playing, but his determination is undeniable. At his best, Ingram can be an absolutely dominant tight end. Cook is one of the fastest tight ends coming out (4.4 40- yard dash speed) for the draft in a number of years. That could certainly demand safety respect over the top. Lastly, Coffman was one of the most productive pass catching tight ends in years during his time at Missouri . His hands are incredible and he would fit right into The Giants offense.

 

The formations which the Giants throw from will be very key in this upcoming season. The two-tight-end and three-receiver sets will probably be the two most used sets, and any of the aforementioned individuals would provide immediate upgrades to those formations.

 

Upgraded personnel in each and every formation formation leads to more third-down conversions, which leads to more respect from the defense. Problem solved.

Jake Grove and Eric Green: Contract Breakdowns and Football Analysis

The Dolphins have made two potentially significant signings in recent weeks, adding center Jake Grove and cornerback Eric Green via free agency.

Neither has come without its share of complaints from Dolphins fans. The Grove signing has some fans troubled, not just because they like Samson Satele but also because of Grove’s age, injury history and money he received.

Meanwhile, Eric Green certainly addresses a need position, but he’s not the most exciting name and certainly hasn’t shown he can be a long-term NFL starter at cornerback.

In the following article, I examine the signings of Grove and Green from a football standpoint as well as a financial one.

 

Jake Grove

A Rimington Trophy winner as college football’s best center during his time at Virginia Tech, Grove was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round (45th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft.

In five seasons in Oakland, Grove appeared in 54 games and started 46. He started a career-high 16 games for the Raiders in 2006.

Contract Breakdown

Grove signed a five-year, $29.5 million contract with the Dolphins on Mar. 2. The deal reportedly includes $14.5 million in guaranteed money. His base salaries throughout the contract are as follows:

• 2009: $2 million
• 2010: $2.66 million
• 2011: $3.32 million
• 2012: $3.94 million
• 2013: $3.08 million
• Total: $15 million

No mysteries here. We have a total contract value of $29.5 million. We then have $15 million in base salaries and $14.5 million guaranteed. Adds up perfectly.

This is a good bit of money to pay Grove, so it’s clear the team plans for him to be a key part of the offensive line in the coming years. Let’s take a look at the signing from a football aspect.

Analysis

While Samson Satele’s struggles in 2008 were well-documented, many Dolphins fans didn’t consider center to be a big need position this offseason. Thus, plenty of fans were surprised when the Dolphins inked Grove to a big-money contract.

On the surface, Grove doesn’t seem like much of an upgrade and certainly not one worth all that cash. He has a long history of injury problems, playing in all 16 games just one season out of five and missing a total of 26 games in five years.

He also has similar size (6’4″, 300) to Satele (6’3″, 300) and the biggest complaint about Satele is not being strong enough to handle the bigger nose tackles.

Still, Grove is stronger and a much more physical and aggressive player, which gives him the edge over Satele in matchups versus the Vince Wilforks of the league. He’s a proven lineman and capable starter who no doubt upgrades the Dolphins’ line—a unit that had struggles at two spots throughout last season.

Though Grove has experience at guard and the right guard was a problem spot in 2008, it seems Grove is indeed being brought in to play center.

There’s speculation Satele could be given a chance to move to right guard and compete with Donald Thomas, though I suspect the organization likes Thomas better and would give him the edge. Don’t be surprised to see Satele dealt before camp, possibly on draft day.

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Eric Green

A third-round pick out of Virginia Tech in 2005, Green appeared in 51 games for the Cardinals (33 starts) in four pro seasons and recorded 167 tackles, two interceptions and 30 pass deflections. He started a career-high 11 games in 2007 and racked up 51 tackles and eight pass deflections.

As a restricted free agent in the 2008 offseason, Brown received a first-round tender offer from the Cardinals and was re-signed. A knee injury, coupled with the emergence of rookie Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, limited Green to 13 games and nine starts in 2008.

Contract Breakdown

Per Rotoworld.com, Green signed a two-year, $6 million contract with the Dolphin on Mar. 12. These are his bas salaries:

• 2009: $1.2 million
• 2010: $1.65 million
• Total: $2.85 million

Given that his base salaries make up less than half of the total value of the deal, it’s likely Green received a decent signing bonus. However, this short-term contract still isn’t very expensive and is certainly a manageable one for the Dolphins.

This is classic third-corner money and isn’t a heavy investment should Green not win a starting job and/or perform well.

Analysis

Cornerback was certainly a need for the Dolphin this offseason after losing Andre’ Goodman in free agency. After Will Allen, the Dolphins had a few dime backs (Nathan Jones and Joey Thomas) and a couple camp bodies (Will Billingsley and Scorpio Babers). Somebody, anybody, would have been a good addition.

Given Green’s signing, it’s obvious the Dolphins weren’t willing to shell out big money for a corner like Domonique Foxworth, Jabari Greer and Bryant McFadden. Truth be told, that’s probably a good thing because while corner was a need, none of those player are really worth the money they received.

I’m in definite agreement with the Dolphins that you don’t overpay for player just because you have a need at his position.

In Green, the Dolphins get a young, experienced and physical cornerback with good ball skills. He’s not a quality starter at this point and isn’t even a lock to start for the Dolphins, but he’s certainly an upgrade over every corner on the team not named Will Allen and thus improves the secondary.

Of course, Green’s signing does not mean the Dolphins won’t take a cornerback high in the draft. I’d wager cornerback gets addressed by Miami within the first three rounds of the draft, and I myself am predicting one of the team’s two second-round picks will be used on the position.

While Green will have a leg up on the rookie to start in 2009 due to his experience, he’ll certainly be pushed.

I understand Dolphins fans aren’t too excited about Green and would prefer a bigger name/more proven player.

However, before you get down on the signing of a 27-year-old cornerback with starting experience and a so-so career to this point, just remember the Dolphins signed a quite similar player in the 2006 offseason: Andre’ Goodman.

As we all know, Goodman had a career year in 2008, and while he deserves a lot of credit, so do the Dolphins. Nick Saban deserves credit for bringing him in, and Bill Parcells, Tony Sparano and Todd Bowles deserve credit for coaching him up to the level at which he played last season.

Green might not be the sexiest free agent addition, but we should have faith in a coaching staff that has shown they can get the most out of their players.

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Chris Nelson is a journalism major at Georgia State University. He operates his own Miami Dolphins blog, which can be found here.

Brady Quinn: “It’s All Part of the Drama of Being in the NFL.”

Regardless of how much he has done in the NFL compared to Jay Cutler, Brady Quinn is handling similar trade talks in a much more respective and calm manner.

“I don’t think there’s any need to ask questions like that,” Quinn said. “If anything like that were true and going to happen, I think they’d eventually let me know in talking about it. I’m not putting any stock in it whatsoever.”

Quinn has recently been rumored to be the center of potential trade talks involving disgruntled Denver quarterback Jay Cutler.  The proposed trade has the New York Jets basically cleaning out their draft picks, sending their first round pick (17th overall) this year, next year, and a second round pick to Denver while the Broncos would send that second round pick to Cleveland for Quinn, landing Cutler in New York.

Denver is an attractive landing spot for Quinn, mainly because Josh McDaniels runs a similar offense to what Quinn learned under Charlie Weis at Notre Dame.  However, Quinn doesn’t think that is an issue or a factor.  Cleveland’s offensive coordinator, Brian Daboll, was a receivers coach with New England back when Weis ran the offense.

“It’s funny, because people underestimate the fact Brian Daboll was under Coach Weis as well,” Quinn said. “You could say that for both coaches, I guess. It’s all rumors. It’s all part of the drama of being in the NFL.”

One sad and curious Broncos fan has to wonder:  Why could Cutler not say that same thing?  “It’s all rumors.”

With the recent downfall of “McJaygate”, which incidentally is the dumbest and not clever term I have ever heard (no offense Mike Klis), has led to Cutler’s likely departure from Denver, possibly by the end of the owners’ meetings that are taking place this week in California.

It seems unlikely to this spectator that Cleveland would be willing to part with Quinn simply in exchange for a second round pick. They have a lot of money invested in Derek Anderson, but it appears that Quinn is the favorite to win the starting job for 2009.

A more likely scenario would send Cutler to Cleveland for Quinn and high draft picks, but Browns fans have not been reacting well to that.

Brady Quinn’s comments have confirmed that no matter the ego, no matter the name, any player is susceptible to trade rumors. Quinn understands, and is going about his business as though he is getting paid millions. Jay Cutler should do the same.

Oakland Raiders: Michael Crabtree Vs. Jeremy Maclin

For the four years, the WR corps has been a model of inconsistency, especially with recently cut Ronald Curry.

I believe at the #7 spot in the NFL draft the need pick DT and LT won’t be available therefore WR will be upgraded.

Some say Al Davis is going to pick Jeremy Maclin because he has a 40 time, while others have said that regardless of 40 he’ll take the best player and they believe he thinks it’s Crabtree.

I believe it’s Crabtree too because of his hands, his route running, and his ability to get up and get the ball.

Regardless of speed you’ll see the big difference between Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin in this slideshow and how one WR can really alter the way defenses play against Oakland.

A trio of Crabtree, Higgins, & Schilens could be quite scary, especially with McFadden having the ability to line up at slot.

I’ve seen several WR’s come out of school with lots of hype, however the one consistent thing you’ll see when watching Crabtree on any youtube highlight is the fact he catches the ball with his hands. He doesn’t wait for the ball to come in to his body like Maclin as you’ll see with other slides.

People say Crabtree is like Fitzgerald but have since changed that because of his height. I tend to think he’s more like a Reggie Wayne. Both are similar in size, speed, and hands.

Maclin has the pure speed, but he doesn’t have the same hands or technique to adust to the ball like Crabtree nor has the “strong hands” like Crabtree is known for having.

I believe Crabtree will adjust the quickest. Maclin could do well, but I believe Crabtree is by far the safest pick.

Anyway, if anyone thinks differently or likes this please let me know. This is my first slideshow.

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