Five New Playcalling Trends for the 2009 Philadelphia Eagles

With all of the changes to the Philadelphia Eagles’ roster, the coaching staff will need to adjust their playcalling in order to take advantage of the talent they will have on the field. Here are five new playcalling trends the coaches should look to use this season:

1. More Deep Passes

When Kevin Curtis is the third fastest wide receiver on your team, you know you have a special group of playmakers.

 

Jackson, Curtis, and Maclin all possess dangerous speed and are longball threats on virtually any given play. Baskett has deceptive speed on deep passes, and Brown and Avant have been known to catch a deep ball every now and then.

 

With a quarterback possessing one of the strongest arms in the National Football League, as well as a powerful offensive line capable of withstanding any defensive line in the league, the Eagles will have plenty of options on the deep pass.

 

2. Short Yardage Runs

 

For the first time in the Andy Reid era, the Eagles have a Pro Bowl-caliber fullback.

 

Leonard Weaver is more than capable of creating holes for third and fourth down situations. In 2008, the Eagles lost two games because of their inability to convert short yardage plays. Perhaps the problem resulted from using a converted defensive tackle as a fullback.

 

Weaver is experienced and powerful, and should help the Eagles jump from one of the worst short-yardage teams to one of the best.

 

3. Four Wide Receiver Formations

 

This is the formation that the “Greatest Show On Turf” thrived on. The St. Louis Rams thrived on four wide-receiver formations and watched as quarterback Kurt Warner won the league’s Most Valuable Player award in 1999 and 2001.

 

A four wide-receiver formation with Jackson, Curtis, Maclin, and Baskett is perfect. None of the four wide receivers is dangerous enough to require double coverage. However, all of the four is more than capable of breaking free from their defender on a fly pattern. Using this formation will also help the Eagles to stretch the field.

 

4. More Screen Passes

 

The Eagles need to keep using the screen pass.

 

It has been the signature play of Brian Westbrook’s career. In the 2008 postseason, Westbrook took a McNabb screen pass 71 yards for a touchdown, sealing the Eagles’ playoff victory against the Vikings. With the selection of the speedy LeSean McCoy in the 2009 draft, the Eagles have no reason to shy away from screen passes.

 

McCoy has game changing speed, perhaps even more than Westbrook. If the Eagles get the ball in the hands of either of these two in the open field, the results could be devastating.

 

 

5. Wide receiver end-around

 

Why not?

 

Jackson is fast. He’s incredibly fast. So are Curtis and Maclin.

 

If the Eagles use the end-around every other game, defenses will be fooled.

 

Look at the stats last season. Jackson rushed 17 times for 96 yards and a touchdown. You can’t argue with the results. 5.6 yards per carry is phenomenal. Even if a few end-arounds result in a big loss behind scrimmage, think about the big play potential.

 

With the speed of the Eagles’ receiving corps, this is a play that has the potential to be a 70 or 80 yard touchdown run.

 

It’s a risky play, sure, but the reward is worth much more than the risk.

Carson Palmer Hopeful for a Return to Form

It seems like a lesson in ancient history one overcast November Sunday in 2005 when the Cincinnati Bengals stood toe-to-toe with the vaunted Indianapolis Colts and lost a 45-37 shootout.

Since that day, the Bengals offense has been more extinct than the Republican Party.

In 2008, during a dismal 4-11-1 season, former Harvard quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was tasked with leading the Bengals offense while injured quarterback Carson Palmer spent his Sundays in sweatpants. The former Crimson standout spent most of the 2008 campaign trying to find his place on the field.

And in place of those shootout days way back in 2005, the Bengals would tally 12 points against instate rival Cleveland and that memorable three points put on the board against Baltimore.

Hopefully the 2009 season will be a return to the norm.

With Palmer out, the Bengal playbook was as exciting as spending a Saturday night watching C-Span re-runs. Sometimes due to a spotty offensive line or the weak arm of the former Ivy League standout, the Bengals relied heavily on safer plays.

But as Palmer anticipates his much-anticipated comeback, all indications are offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski will be more open to going down field. That is evident as the team is finishing the May OTAs even without the team’s No. 1 receiver, Chad Ochocinco.

Right now, Palmer hopes to hook up deep again with wide receiver Chris Henry. Palmer and Henry hooked up for the longest pass in Paul Brown Stadium in the second offensive play from scrimmage in the 2005 Wild Card playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Both Palmer and Henry were hurt on the play.

But with Ochocinco out, Palmer is hoping to rekindle the magic.

“We’ve got Chris Henry…,” Palmer told Yahoo sports. “He’s a guy that’s had a great offseason, really turned his life around. I’m excited to watch him play. He’s a guy that seems like he catches a touchdown every other ball that’s thrown to him, he’s that explosive.

“He’s kind of taken over for Chad’s position and he’s a guy that, like I said earlier, does not want to give up that spot right now.”

With the new attitude in Cincinnati coupled with Palmer’s oath of good health, the Bengals are hoping to return to the air. And if that happens, along with Bengals running back Cedric Benson returning to form and proving he can be an elite running back, the Bengals could raise a few eyebrows in 2009.

Bringing the Payne: Questions for Safety Kevin Payne

Not much went right for the Bears defense last year, particularly in the defensive backfield, but from start to finish Kevin Payne’s play at safety was one of the few consist bright spots.

As he enters his second year as a starter it’d be nice to get to know more about one of the emerging young players on this defense.

 

Background

• Growing up in Arkansas who were your favorite teams and the players you looked up to?
• In addition to football you lettered in basketball and baseball as well in high school. Was football always your best sport or was there a time you envisioned yourself playing one of the other two professionally?
• Professional football is a year-round endeavor now more than ever, but everyone needs a break. What do you do to get away from football?
• What about Kevin Payne that fans don’t know might really surprise them?

 

College

• When you started school at Louisiana-Monroe what did you think were your chances at playing in the NFL?
• After your sophomore year you switched to safety, but prior to that you had been in the offensive backfield. Do you think you could’ve made it in the NFL as a running back?
• You were also the back-up punter in college, is that a skill NFL teams ever discussed with you leading up to the draft? Would you get the call if Brad Maynard went down with an injury mid-game?

 

The NFL

• When you first came to the Bears your former college teammate Chris Harris was on the roster, did your relationship with him help you prepare for the adjustments to life in the NFL? How?
• Then before the season even began Chris was traded to Carolina, was that your reality check that pro football is a business first and foremost?
• You were moved to safety in college to replace Chris Harris and then ended up following after him on the Pro level too, does that ever make you compare or judge your play against his?
• Last season you reached the status of starter in the NFL. What was that feeling like? Was it as big or bigger than getting drafted or making the roster as a rookie?

 

Intangibles

• Playing in the same defensive backfield with fan and teammate favorite Mike Brown over the last two years, what sort of impact did he have on your game?
• Leadership is one of the words in sports that’s often thrown around but not always understood. How important do you think veteran leadership is to this team specifically? And what sort of impact does it have, particularly on younger players like yourself?
• What are the unique parts of your game you bring to the field that no one else does or does as well?

 

On the field

• Brian Urlacher has gone on record saying he hasn’t always felt Lovie Smith’s Tampa Two defense maximizes what he can do on the field. Do you think the system limits you in any way? Or are there things on the field you’d like to do but haven’t been given the opportunity yet?
• The coaching staff insists the safety positions are interchangeable in this defense, do you feel more comfortable at free or strong safety? Which do you feel better suits your strengths?
• What is the most important facet of your game for you to work on to become a more complete player?
• This year GM Jerry Angelo has stressed durability, particularly at safety. You were hurt during your first significant playing time as a rookie and then needed offseason shoulder surgery this year, are you worried about your body holding give your style of play? Would you or will you change how you play in order to stay healthier in the future?
• Who delivered your welcome to the NFL moment? What about the first play you made that convinced you, you belonged?
• Who are the fastest, strongest, and most difficult to tackle players that you’ve gone up against so far?
• Given the choice would you rather make an interception or deliver a big hit to force a fumble?

 

This year

• You are working with a new defensive back coach this year John Hoke, what has that been like? How does he coach the position differently than you’ve experienced before?
• You and Corey Graham came to the Bears in the same draft class, now he is making the switch from cornerback to safety, what sort of advice can you give him to make the transition smoother? What sort of asset could he be playing next to you on Sunday’s?
• Last year the Bears secondary ranked 30th in the NFL in yards against, is that something you and your teammates take personally? Even despite your personal accomplishments?
• What sort of difference do you think having Lovie Smith calling plays will make?
• What else about this defense is going to change to improve on last year’s performance?

Oakland Raiders: To Change the Results, Try Changing the Plays

Last offseason, the Raiders added some big ticket players—Javon Walker and DeAngelo Hall, and a home-run draft choice—Darren McFadden. McFadden’s no longer a rookie, and the Raiders added Darrius Heyward-Bey at wideout, in addition to returning receivers Schilens, Walker (post-surprise surgery) and 2008 breakout player Johnnie Lee Higgins.   

Russell is still under center, and now has legit backup in Garcia. In addition to those roster moves, the Raiders changed the offensive and defensive coaches, and accordingly the playbooks for both sides of the ball. 

What does that all mean?  Flea-flickers? Division champions? The spread offense? Dogs and Cats living together?  Not sure.  However, it definitely means that we should see some significant changes in the Raiders playbook for 2009. 

 

On Defense

Marshall’s defensive play calling is naturally going to depend on generating pressure.  All defenses face that challenge, but in Marshall’s successful campaign with the Seahawks, the front four generated consistent pressure, and the three linebackers went nuts on what was left.

The improvement over last year’s Ryan-esque defense should be in more consistent play calling and better preparation. 

In Marshall’s peak years, the ‘Hawks rarely looked surprised by an opponent. Only one team scored over 30 points (and still lost), and they were the sixth best defense in points allowed.

Looking back at that roster (Widstrom, Tubbs, Tatupu, Hill) does looks stronger than the current Raiders; however, keep in mind those players were all much younger then—and weren’t predicted to pull off what they did.  

Fans should expect to see Marshall take full advantage of his shutdown corners, and if any of our six safeties show better than average ability, even the Blitz will return to Oaktown, bringing fear back to opponents eyes.

 

On Offense

The Raiders offense last year was inconsistent at every level—coaching, playcalling, and execution. In all cases, it can only get better this year. Dismissing the first eight weeks due to the sideline theatrics, we have eight weeks on which to judge Cable. Early on, Cable’s calls seemed unimaginative and predictable. 

However, in the later games the execution improved significantly, and even a “boring” play like “HB Right Toss” sprang Bush for a 60+ yarder against TB. 

Tollner will bring a different approach to the passing game, and that a semi-functional Walker, a surprising Higgins and a healthy, veteran McFadden will make a huge difference play calling options. I also expect the occasional attempt to see if Russell can indeed overthrow Heyward-Bey. 

In summary, the core “run first, pass second” philosophy should remain with the Raiders this year. However, to the extent that Russell can be accurate with short and long passes, we might, dare we hope, have a balanced offense. 

The Shell and Kiffin eras both rapidly declined into contentious fights between grown men, which this year appears to be positioned to avoid.

Overall, fans should expect that we will see an offensive and defensive approach that no longer has to contend with disagreements between coaches and the front office, and that maybe, just maybe, the team could just play football! 

Denver Broncos a Playoff Team in ’09?: Coaching Is Capital, Players Are Pivotal

The Denver Broncos come into the 2009 season after experiencing a blizzard of changes in the off-season; seeing their all-time greatest coach in Mike Shanahan fired, their Pro Bowl quarterback traded, and numerous trade and draft-day acquisitions filling the current roster.

While there are many question marks that surround this football team, one thing is for sure, this is the most exciting preseason for the Broncos in a long time.

Josh McDaniels was named the 12th head coach in Denver Broncos history, and is already number one in one category for the Broncos, he’s their youngest coach ever.

Although, McDaniels, 33 years old, is just one of many baby-faced coaches in the NFL in 2009, as Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who was also a candidate for the Denver job, is the NFL’s youngest at 32 years old. Eric Mangini and Tom Cable are all part of this young coaching trend as well.

McDaniels though has shown that he is “the man” in Denver now, hiring his own coaching staff, which includes ex-49ers’ head coach Mike Nolan to run the Broncos defense, and bringing in numerous players that fit his style.

McDaniels, the new-age “mastermind” of offense, brings his highly effective spread offense to Denver. His revolutionary system is the same one that led the Patriots to NFL records in overall points (589), points per game, and yards per game in the 2007 season.  

It’s also the same system that took Matt Cassel from not good enough to start in the NFL, to having a decent season in ’08, and eventually going to Kansas City in a trade, earning Cassell huge starting QB money.

The looming question for the Broncos offense in 2009 is whether or not McDaniels’ schemes can evolve the game play of Kyle Orton, or Chris Simms, as one will likely be Denver’s starter this season.

Orton, acquired from Chicago as a result of the month-long McJaygate, is currently the favorite to take the starting job. He is a three-year veteran and Simms has missed the last two seasons following spleen surgery, so he is a wild card.

Orton enjoyed his best season statistically in 2008 with 2,900 yards, 18 TDs and 12 INTs, but those stats leave a great deal to be desired for Broncos’ fans as Cutler was a top-five quarterback last year.

Orton is not a great deep-ball passer, as he went 1-11 in passes of 30+ yards in ’08, but McDaniels’ offense revolves around short dink-and-dunk passes, spreading the field and the ball to multiple receivers.

Luckily for Orton, Denver is absolutely stacked at the receiver position, and he would be smart to throw in each’s direction.

Brandon Marshall, the Broncos best receiver, has a rare combination of speed, strength, and size that makes him a tough cover for any cornerback. Though, after being arrested his third time this offseason after a domestic abuse call in Atlanta, Marshall will probably miss the first half of 2009.

Eddie Royal, a second-year phenom from Virginia Tech is a burner, but his speed might not be utilized with Orton’s smallish arm. Royal though could be an awesome slot receiver for the Broncos, especially with McDaniels calling the plays.

Wes Welker, who does not come close to Royal in athleticism, had a great 2007 and 2008 with 223 receptions, for 2,340 yards, and 11 touchdowns under McDaniels. Think what Royal could do with all those looks across the middle and to the sidelines.

Along with those two studs, McDaniels brought in Jabar Gaffney, his old number three option in New England to play the third receiver spot for Denver. Gaffney had 38 catches for nearly 500 yards in ’08, and his numbers should rise in 2009 as he will get starting time with Marshall out.

The Broncos also have Chad Jackson, and ex-Patriot, and they drafted Kenny McKinley in the fifth round.

At tight end, the Broncos have Daniel Graham and Tony Scheffler as one is a great blocker, the other an awesome receiver. Graham is another New Englander turned Denverite, and will hopefully be utilized more than he was under Shanahan.

Scheffler has been rumored in trades, but if he is still on the team in ’09, he should have many catches down the middle of the field.

The most exciting question mark on offense is Knowshon Moreno, who was drafted 12th overall by Denver in the draft, the first running back taken. Moreno could have a huge impact on this Broncos team, and should get a look as the starter.

Denver though was the second-best offense in 2008 so McDaniels should be able to produce big numbers from all those play makers. Defense is where the Broncos truly struggled in 2008, going 30th in points, giving away games in fourth quarters.

Denver switched back and forth between the 4-3 and 3-4 in 2008, choosing to stick with the 4-3 to end the season. In 2009, the Broncos will play in the 3-4 scheme, a big time change from the 4-3 used for the past few decades in Denver.

Mike Nolan is in charge of this rag-tag squad, and has a huge challenge ahead of him to improve the defensive side of the ball.

The Broncos were so bad on D in 2008 that only three starters from last year are guaranteed to start in ’09: Champ Bailey, D.J. Williams, and Elvis Dumervil.

Bailey had his worst professional season of his career, missing seven games with a groin injury, forcing him to also miss the Pro Bowl for the first time ever. Williams missed time as well, five games, but still finished with 68 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Dumervil was arguably Denver’s best defender in 2008 with 5 sacks, but he only recorded 17 tackles, a number that must rise in ’09. Dumervil is looking at a move in position from DE to OLB in the 3-4 scheme, and his numbers might suffer as he weathers that move.

Brian Dawkins is the biggest offseason pickup for the Broncos, a 15-year veteran that can still play well. His leadership at safety will help Denver’s defensive backfield.

Rookie Alphonso Smith may challenge for the other starting CB spot, and Renaldo Hill is the likely starter at the other safety spot.

Ex-Brown Andra Davis should be another starter at linebacker, but after that, many spots are still up for grabs.

Who will compose the Broncos defensive line? Matthias Askew, Robert Ayers, and Kenny Peterson? Many question marks arise in this area, and the Broncos front seven may still be soft in 2009.

Overall, Denver’s offense should be good, and has a chance to be great. But, according to Randy Moss and Welker, they have just recently fully grasped the highly complex offense, after playing for two years in it.

This will cause problems for Marshall since he will be out, Royal because of his youth, and Orton since he has to learn the offense in only a few months. The Broncos though should still rank in the top-10 in offense in 2009, and will surely be exciting to watch.

The defense on the other hand will probably be a weak spot for the Broncos yet again in 2009. With up to eight new starters and a new scheme for many of them to learn, Denver will likely rank in the bottom-10 in defense this year.

When all is said and done, Denver could win 10 games and may make the playoffs. The AFC West is not particularly strong, and no one can say for sure how effective all this change will be.

Although, the Broncos have one of the toughest schedules in the NFL in ’09, playing the NFC East (Giants, Cowboys, Eagles), and also contenders in the Patriots, Colts, and Super Bowl champion Steelers.

In reality 8-8 would be a solid 2009 campaign, and they will likely hover around that mark this season.

Everything relys on how well McDaniels’ and Nolan’s coaching schemes work in Denver, and how completely the players buy into them.

There are many question marks that surround this team, but it all makes for mile high excitement this offseason, the most exciting in many years for the Broncos.

2009 Seattle Seahawks: On the Path to Redemption

In predicting a season for a team, you feel compelled to look at the previous team. There wasn’t much to look at in 2008 except for the glaring holes on both sides of the ball, the injuries, the blowouts, the close losses, and, finally, the end of the Mike Holmgren era.

 

Many experts feel the Seahawks are rebuilding as a recent Power Ranking on ESPN put the Seahawks as the 22nd best team in the NFL. That’s not saying much for a team that was in the playoffs five straight years and has been to the Super Bowl as recently as 2005.

 

Many experts feel the Seahawks are rebuilding, but Tim Ruskell believes otherwise.

 

Ruskell believes that last season was an aberration, and, by the way he went into the offseason, we should expect to be contending this season.

 

As training camp descends upon us all, many people get excited and start predicting a Super Bowl for their respective franchise. I would love to do the same. I always feel like my team can go 16-0 and win it all. 

 

Unfortunately that doesn’t seem at all plausible, especially with a team that has glaring needs at safety, center, and running back.

 

When examining the 2009 season, there are many games that could propel the Seahawks to the elite status or throw them back down to the bottom of the league.  Here are the 2009 opponents.

 

First four opponents:  vs. St. Louis, at San Francisco, vs. Chicago, at Indianapolis

 

The Seahawks catch a break at the beginning of the season by getting the Rams at home and traveling to San Francisco, where they have played pretty well in recent years. A 2-0 start is not out of the realm of possibility there. 

 

However, the Chicago Bears posses a tough matchup for the Seahawks, especially if the Seahawks cannot defend Jay Cutler and his wide receivers.   

 

The Seahawks then travel to Indianapolis to face Peyton Manning and the Colts. If the Seahawks had trouble with Jay Cutler and the Bears, imagine what Manning will do to the Seahawks secondary.

 

Predicted record: 2-2

 

Next four opponents:  vs. Jacksonville, vs. Arizona, at Dallas, vs. Detroit

 

Again the Seahawks catch a break in the second quarter of the season by having three of the four games at home, with the only trip going to Dallas.

 

Jacksonville is another interesting matchup, but with the regression of David Garrard at quarterback we could see the Seahawks bottle up Maurice Jones-Drew and pull out the victory.

 

Arizona will be another tough matchup. This game is really 50-50. If the Seahawks get in Kurt Warner’s face, they will win. If they allow Warner to hit his receivers they will lose.

 

Going to Dallas will be very tough for this Seahawks team, especially after the 34-9 manhandling at the hands of the Cowboys last season. Cowboys will likely take care of business at home.

 

The Seahawks get a young Detroit team who could have a rookie at quarterback. How will Matt Stafford fare against the 12th man of Seattle’s Qwest Field? 

 

Predicted record:  5-3

 

Next four opponents:  at Arizona, at Minnesota, at St. Louis, vs. San Francisco

 

Talk about a murderer’s row here. The Seahawks have three straight road games which could very well determine their postseason chances. The Seahawks will look to avoid going 0-3 on the road trip.

 

The Seahawks have never won at University of Phoenix stadium, so things do not look good for the Seahawks against the defending NFC champs as the Cardinals win. The Seahawks then travel to Minnesota and could face both Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson. Rounding out the road trip is a trip to the Edward Jones Dome for a date with the Rams. The Seahawks lose in Minnesota, but sweep the Rams again this season.

 

The Seahawks finally return home to a San Francisco team that beat the Seahawks in overtime last season in week two.

 

Realistically, the Seahawks could lose all four of these games, especially if they are worn down from the three road games. I see them splitting these four games, though.

 

Predicted Record:  7-5

 

Final four games:  at Houston, vs. Tampa Bay, at Green Bay, vs. Tennessee

 

Late December games against Houston and Green Bay on the road could be difficult for the Seahawks. However, I believe they take care of business in Houston against an up-and-coming Texans team. I do not, however, see them going into Green Bay and winning in the cold weather.

 

Tampa Bay has a new coach and new quarterback, which could turn out to be rookie Josh Freeman. Will Josh Freeman handle the 12th man? Probably not in his rookie season, as the Seahawks win at home.

 

A win against Tennessee rounds out the season.

 

Predicted record at end of season: 10-6

 

The Seahawks are in the mix to win the wide open NFC West this season. A 10-6 record could win this division and set up a home playoff game.

Philip Rivers: Hero to Some, Villain to Others

With a 92.9 percent quarterback rating and cumulative 10,697 passing yards in his career, what is there to hate about Philip Rivers?

Well, a lot apparently.

By just Googling “why people hate Philip Rivers” I received over 38,500 results in only .30 second (speedy are’nt we Google) about how much other people dislike Rivers.

One angry fan replied on a Yahoo forum, “How can you like someone who talks a bunch of crap and is that cocky but had done NOTHING in his career so far!! NOTHING!!”

On GetSportsInfo.com, writer Mark Fightmaster stated Mr. Rivers is just Ryan Leaf with a better supporting cast, that, “Maybe it is just because I think he is a smug prick, but I don’t like Philip Rivers at all and feel that he is mere seconds away from being Ryan Leaf.  He is lucky enough to have a good supporting cast, and he should thank his lucky stars for them.”

And of course on another forum:

“He’s such a whiny c*nt.”

So why all the hate for Rivers?

It is because he lambaste fans and players alike? Is it because he’s cocky about his position in the NFL-pulling an 8-8 team to the playoffs to upset the Indianapolis Colts twice?

Or is it just fan anger at a guy who is doing something none of us will ever be able to do: Mock Payton Manning/Jay Cutler/JaMarcus Russell from across the field, call their fans idiots and steal their women?

OK, I’m not sure about the last one but I wouldn’t put it past my favorite QB in the AFC.

Why is he my favorite quarterback in the AFC right now? Mostly because I hate Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger, but also because he’s the kind of guy that will speak his mind on and off the field.

He wants people to know how he feels about his opponents, the style of play they deliver and most importantly what he plans to do to them this coming Sunday.

While Rivers might open his mouth, some would say that he feels it is a key part of the game—taunting and heckling the other team in hopes of taking them off their guard and bring the SuperChargers to another victory—and he does so with gusto.

Obviously many people take offense to what Rivers says when he opens his mouth, but the guy has the stats and the team to back him up.

While he might not be the most spectacular of quarterbacks to ever don a Chargers uniform (Doug Flutie, Johnny Unitas, Drew Brees, not Ryan Leaf) he definitely grown leaps and bounds since his first appearances in the NFL in 2006.

Yes, he should keep his mouth closed from time to time but sometimes its alright to run your mouth—especially when you got guys like Darren Sproles, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Shawne Merriman to back you up.

He’s a young quarterback and he’s a bit obnoxious but hey—that’s what being the leader is all about.

“I love it here. But I want to play. I would rather play and be a starter somewhere else if I can’t do it here,” said Rivers.

Okay, maybe he should shut up now.

2009 Chicago Bears Position Battles

All the off-season talk around the Chicago Bears has centered around one man, Jay Cutler. But if the Bears are to go anywhere this season, even with Cutler, they first need to sort out key positions that are still up in the air.

Training camp is still two months away, but with the draft over and many top free agents already signed, few changes will be made and the team should be set with the players they have already signed. Let’s take a look at the key position battles.

Disclaimer: Under Lovie Smith, positions that were supposed to be a open competition often have not been open competitions at all.

Pro Set Fits Bills to a T-Gun

I’m a big believer in getting all the talent you can on the field at once.

You can effectively rotate players in and out in a platoon system, but whenever possible, giving the defense more skill position players to defend at the same time is critical to creating mismatches.

With the Bills moving to their new “T-Gun” this season, a fast-paced offense meant to harken back to the Bills glory days under Jim Kelly and the “K-Gun,” Buffalo will be in prime position to do just that.

The most intriguing story line for the Bills this season, aside from integrating Terrell Owens into the offense, has to be what they will do with the stable of running backs they’ve assembled.

Marshawn Lynch is suspended for the first three games, but when he returns he will join a log-jam in the backfield.

I’m in favor of leaning heavily on a pro set, using two-back formations that utilize different combinations of the backs.

Rotating combinations of Lynch, Fred Jackson, and Dominic Rhodes gives you two rushing options, as well as one to two more receiving choices depending on blocking assignments.

I also like the pro set because of the options for lining up. You can line the backs up traditionally in the center, or you can offset them to the strong or weak sides. You have the option to switch between with audibles depending on the defensive package and what Trent Edwards reads with regards to blitzes.

With T.O. and Lee Evans lined up as the outside receivers, you can rotate Roscoe Parrish and Josh Reed in the slot. I look for Parrish to have a big season this year as he looks to shake off his reputation as being “just a return guy.”

You can switch one of the receivers out for a tight end and move his position around depending on which side you’ve offset the formation in the backfield.

Derek Schouman and Derek Fine should get the bulk of the looks.

At this point, I’m afraid fans hoping for Shawn Nelson to get significant playing time as a rookie are probably deluding themselves. Nelson has reportedly been struggling with his route running and blown assignments early.

Though there is still a lot of time until the season starts, making the transition from a spread attack in college to an elaborate, often-shifting, pro style attack presents a daunting task for any rookie and Nelson is no exception.

Running the offense with the personnel combinations I’ve outlined will be far more effective at a fast tempo, and that’s what the Bills plan to do.

Keeping the pace up and switching formation orientation will make it that much harder for the defense to keep track of the personnel on the field as well as coverage assignments.

I think the Buffalo offense is poised to have an explosive season, and this is just one way to utilize all the talent they’ve assembled on that side of the ball.

Houston Texans Intend To Make Franchise History in 2009 Season

The Houston Texans continue to set ambitious, yet attainable goals for the 2009 regular season. Coach Gary Kubiak embarks on his fourth year at the helm after taking over a disgruntled team that finished 2-14 in 2005.

 

Now, with several critical elements in place, owner Bob McNair expects his team to be a playoff-caliber squad. It’s realistic to believe the Texans can win at least 10 games this season based on their offensive firepower and talented, young defense.

 

Houston entered the offseason looking to assemble the right coaching staff. Kubiak had some holes to fill and took the initiative to hire guys who fit his overall coaching philosophy.

 

Last season, Kubiak showed discontent toward defensive coordinator Richard Smith. Overall, the Houston Texans’ offense ranked third in the NFL, but the defense finished 22nd. So, the Texans elected to fire Smith, defensive line coach Jethro Franklin, and secondary coach Jon Hoke. 

 

Kubiak promoted senior defensive assistant Frank Bush to replace Smith as defensive coordinator. Bush, 46, understands Kubiak’s philosophy and has the respect of the team’s top defensive players.

 

Also, David Gibbs, son of Texans’ offensive line coach/assistant head coach Alex Gibbs, officially replaced Hoke as secondary coach. Gibbs held the same job title over the past three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.

 

The Texans possess young talent on defense, a Pro Bowl receiver in Andre Johnson and a solid quarterback in Matt Schaub, when he’s able to stay healthy. What the Texans also have is Steve Slaton, one of the best young running backs in the league.

 

If Houston really does make that long-awaited leap to being a postseason contender, Slaton’s contributions will factor heavily on the team’s success.

 

When analyzing the strengths of the Texans, it all starts with Johnson. In six seasons, Johnson has 6,379 receiving yards on 486 receptions, including 33 touchdowns. He led the NFL with 1,575 receiving yards last season with Arizona Cardinals superstar receiver Larry Fitzgerald (1,431) finishing second and Carolina Panther’s Steve Smith (1,421) third.

 

It’s not just the exceptional stats which propelled Johnson into becoming the best receiver in the NFL. In fact, everything he does without the ball makes him the most dangerous player on the field.

 

Top corners do everything in their power to cover Johnson over the course of a game, yet the former University of Miami standout produces better than anyone off “bump and run” coverage.

 

Johnson has a way of getting his hands in the right position by using “swim” tactics to maintain position and get in front or a step behind defensive backs. This typically results in a catch for the two-time All-Pro receiver.

 

What makes him truly unique revolves around his ability to open up the field, especially for No. 2 receiver Kevin Walter and Pro Bowl tight end Owen Daniels.

 

Even when defensive backs contain Johnson, he finds a way to continue his routes and get open. Throughout the game, defenses have to make several adjustments by either double or triple teaming him. When Schaub looks Johnson way on a double team, he’ll end up finding a wide open Walter or Daniels down the field.

 

In a way, Johnson doesn’t always have to make a catch to be the most dominant player on the field.

 

Schaub established a benchmark as the team’s starting quarterback last season. Overall, the Texans’ organization believes he can be one of the top quarterbacks in the AFL. He threw for 3,043 passing yards, completing 66.1 percent of his passes for 15 touchdowns and 10 INTs. Overall, Schaub averaged 276.6 passing yards per game in 2008 with a passer rating of 92.7.

 

The stats are impressive for the 27-year-old quarterback, but it requires more than just accumulating numbers to lead the Texans to their first ever postseason appearance. He must captain the offense in order to maintain aggressive play while protecting the football.

 

The Texans have a tendency to turn the ball over once they advance to their opponent’s side of the field. Schaub must step up and take responsibility for the offense. He’s already earned the respect of his teammates. Now, if he continues to lead, the team will follow.

 

Heading into training camp, Slaton has full command of the starting running back position. As a rookie, Slaton finished sixth in the NFL with 1,282 rushing yards on 268 carries, including nine touchdowns, 13 runs of 20+ yards and five runs of 40+ yards.

 

With the offensive line more experienced in Gibbs’ “zone blocking” scheme, the Texans offense should put a substantial amount of points on the board this season.

 

Bush’s defense features the monstrous All-Pro DE Mario Williams. Last season, he amassed 12 sacks and 53 tackles in 15 games. In the Texans’ first ever Monday Night Football game at Reliant Stadium against Jacksonville, Williams recorded three sacks and one forced fumble.

 

The Texans signed former Arizona Cardinals DE Antonio Smith to a five-year, $35 million contract to fill the gap opposite Williams. With third-year DT Amobi Okoye, the team’s 2007 first-round pick plugging the middle, Houston expects to have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL.

 

By selecting former USC linebacker Brian Cushing with its 2009 first-round pick, the Texans finally addressed the strong outside linebacker position. In addition to All-Pro middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans and third-year linebacker Zac Diles, the overall front seven of Houston’s should be lethal and productive against opposing offenses.

 

It’s going to take an overall collaborative team effort for the Texans to produce double-digit wins this season. They must decrease their turnovers while creating more turnovers from a defensive standpoint.

 

Kubiak’s squad should put points on the scoreboard, but the defense needs to spend more time on the sidelines rather than on the field during games.

 

The secondary, featuring fluid cover corner Dunta Robinson, must rise to the challenge and prevent opposing quarterbacks, like Peyton Manning, from exposing certain weaknesses.

 

Injuries could possibly be the Achillies tendon, causing the team to fall short of accomplishing short-term and long-term goals. Johnson, Schaub and Slaton have to remain on the field in order to make the Texans a contender in the AFC South. A critical injury to Slaton will likely take the Texans out of playoff contention.

 

Unfortunately, in the “zone blocking” scheme, Slaton will find himself taking hard hits over the course of a game.

 

The simple, yet effective scheme creates open lanes for fast running backs to excel. Since Slaton constantly looks for open holes, it gives opposing defense more time to react and tackle him at full speed. If the Texans can’t find an ideal backup, an injury to Slaton will damage the running game and create havoc to the overall offense.

 

A great coaching staff will utilize strengths while finding ways to turn weaknesses into strengths. For the first time as Texans’ head coach, Kubiak has the right coaching staff in place.

 

The players will be coached properly and should demonstrate a significant amount of improvement throughout the regular season. Based on their arsenal, it’s reasonable to believe this team will make franchise history with its first ever postseason appearance.

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