Todd Haley and Chan Gailey: Still Throwing It Around, but Not Out of the Pistol

Smash-mouth, back to the basics, “Marty-ball,” (circa Schottenheimer success), are all nicknames for a commitment to the ground game.  When a team has a high-priced first-round draft pick at running back this commitment is hard to escape.  

However, in 2008, with quarterbacks getting hurt Kansas City’s ground game grew less prominent with the emergence of Tyler Thigpen and his success in the spread offense. 

By the end of the year, the Chiefs had no thousand yard rushers and despite a partial season, Thigpen was in the top fifteen among quarterbacks for passing touchdowns.  

Enter Todd Haley.  The offensive coordinator for an explosive air attack in Arizona his 2008 resume boasted the No. 2 and No. 16 ranked NFL receivers in total yards and the No. 3 quarterback in passing yards, 

The script seemed designed for Thigpen to step-up as a rising talent, but Haley has already voiced that a great offense begins by working with the pieces available. 

This means all the pieces, so back to the ground game.

Given the NFL’s trend toward tandem backfields the Chiefs will be wise to feature Larry Johnson not in a lessened role, but a more creative one.

Johnson needs to split carries with speedster Jamaal Charles.  One dilemma is that Johnson insists more carries equal built up momentum and that he needs every carry to get to maximum output.  However, Johnson and Charles pose different and complementary threats.  

Running backs often have short-lived success in the NFL because of the beating their bodies take over the course of a 16-game regular season.  Exceptions include anomalies like Barry Sanders, who had 10 consecutive stellar seasons prior to retirement, but the “workhorse” running back is becoming an endangered species.

Two of the top three teams in rushing yards, the New York Giants (No. 1) and the Carolina Panthers (No. 3) feature multiple backs.  

The Giants pull off the “thunder and lightning” duo with the bruiser Brandon Jacobs and the shifty Derrick Ward, who both finished the season with over a thousand yard on the ground. 

Carolina paired DeAngelo Williams with then-rookie Jonathan Stewart.  Both backs finished in the top 25 of all running backs for rushing yards, and Williams managed a startling 5.5 yards-per-carry.

Still, one can’t ignore Haley’s history as a wide receiver coach with multiple teams before his stint with the Cardinals.  A passing attack will remain and with the departure of Tony Gonzalez to Atlanta the Chiefs will rely on their receivers pick up the slack.

Now for why Thigpen’s feel-good story was canned before ever reaching production.  The talented athlete is tied to the spread offense.  This lead to the pistol formation, which featured the quarterback in the shotgun with the running back lined up directly behind him as if in the I-formation.

While the pistol has the running back lined up nearly as far as a punter it is not without potential.  Multiple receiver formations spread the defense and bring in extra corners.  This opens up the potential for successful underneath screens and delayed hand-offs. 

Still though, needing to run everything out of the shotgun is more restrictive than most coordinators desire.

Enter Matt Cassel, a burst-onto-the-scene phenom who ranks in the top ten of all quarterbacks in quarterback rating.  Somewhat the product of a great supporting cast, some questions linger, but he has shown he can make the throws and provides greater versatility.

This does not mean a total deviation from the perks of the pistol though.  Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey has shown the ability to help an offense adapt and he will be challenged to conjure up plans that resemble Haley’s adoration of the passing game and utilize a two-time pro-bowler in the backfield.  

Now let’s get new-age with the game.  While I am fond of the selfless, traditional fullback, let’s take him out for a few plays and in his place put another true running back. 

Spread the defense by going three-wide with a two-back pro-form backfield.  Out of this formation there is potential for a standard pass play, the delayed hand-off to Johnson up the middle on a small defense, or the underneath screen to Charles if he is covered by linebackers that stay in to cover the threat of Johnson.

The Chiefs will likely move toward a balanced offense and run out of atypical formations.  Fans will still see that second tight end from time-to-time, but it will be interesting to note what percentage of run plays in 2009 are run out of formations with more than two receivers.          

The pistol is not extinct, but it will be as rare as the “workhorse” running back.

My (Hypothetical) Interview with Shaun Ellis

Shaun Ellis has played defensive end for the Jets for almost a decade now, starting 127 games in green and white since the 2000 season. He is currently the longest tenured player on the team and recently I had the pleasure of chatting with him inside the locker room.

First question is, you were born and raised in South Carolina, how was the transition to living near the big city? Did you experience a lot of culture shock? 

You came to the Jets as a first round pick, did you feel a lot of pressure because of that? 

You’ve been with the Jets for almost a decade and seen a lot of players come and go over that time, who’s been your favorite and least favorite teammates in that time? Any particular player or players you were happy to see leave? Why?

The image that fans get of pro athletes is very glamorous and exciting, but what’s the worst part about being an NFL player?

Was there any particular team you were hoping would draft you more than any other? 

What’s the best part about playing football in New York?

You sacked and stripped the ball away from Brett Favre in your first game playing for the Jets, did you or he ever mention that last season when he was on the team? 

How excited were you to have made the Pro Bowl team in 2003? Did it live up to your expectations? How great was playing football in Hawaii for a week? 

If I wanted to stop Shaun Ellis, as an opposing coordinator or player, what’s your best advice? 

Well, unfortunately that was all the time I had with Shaun, but I’d like to thank him a lot for answering my questions.

Jerricho Cotchery’s Story Is One We Should Listen to

Though we’re subjected to many stories pertaining to sports stars these days, Jerricho Cotchery’s is one we should truly listen to.

 

Growing up as the second-youngest of 13 children in a poor family, the New York Jets wide receiver learned the hard way to work toward achieving his goals.

 

Things wouldn’t get any easier as he grew up. As a matter of fact, he suffered through the most trying time of his life in 1998, while he was in high school.

 

One night after competing in basketball practice, a 16-year-old Cotchery and his best friend, Brian Talley, got into an automobile accident. Talley was thrown from the car and died moments after the crash.

 

Cotchery lost a lot of blood through several cuts on his arms, hands, and head. To this day, he still has scars caused by the remnants of shattered glass.

 

Perhaps becoming the Jets’ top receiver for the upcoming season doesn’t seem so daunting after all.

 

If given the chance to learn more about Cotchery’s psyche and professional aspirations, no amount of questions would suffice. However, these came to mind:

 

1. Looking back on blossoming into a man who achieved his goals, did your difficult experiences as a child help you learn to deal with trials and tribulations on the football field?

 

2. Witnessing the tragic passing of a dear friend, did that event change your mindset regarding work ethic and the fact that just waking up everyday is a blessing in life?

 

3. On a similar note, do those experiences remind you that a bad game or dropped pass isn’t life-or-death as some prognosticators sometimes make them out to be?

 

4. As a former member of the North Carolina State Wolfpack, does it mean a lot to you to have broken several collegiate receiving records previously held by current NFL star Torry Holt?

 

5. Considering you were a prized star in college, was it humbling to be selected after 107 players in the 2004 NFL draft?

 

6. You recorded 311 yards and 25 receptions in your first two professional seasons combined. In your third campaign, you registered 961 yards and 82 catches. What helped you take the next step toward stardom?

 

7. For five seasons with the Jets, you’ve been labeled as a solid secondary receiver. With veteran Laveranues Coles out the picture, do you feel ready to become a top option in the NFL?

 

8. Having made the playoffs just twice in your five seasons with New York, do you feel you have a good grasp on what it takes to win at a high level in this league?

 

9. It’s been said a strong defense serves as the best offense. With that in mind, how will new head coach and defensive-whiz Rex Ryan help the Jets take a step in the right direction?

 

10. Sit back and think about this one for a second. What does Jerricho Cotchery look like as a No. 1 receiver?

Can Jimmy Raye Save the Day?

The San Francisco have replaced their offensive coordinator once again. This will be their seventh offensive coordinator in seven years and they hope this candidate will be able to do the job right.

Mike Martz was replaced after not being able to revive the “Greatest Show On Turf” on the west coast. The 49ers then brought in the running aficionado, Jimmy Raye II.

Raye is a run first sort of guy and this is what head coach Mike Singletary was hoping for. Singletary wants to be more of a smash-mouth team and use their most valuable asset on the offense, Frank Gore, to its utmost potential.

Raye has had many successes in his career, including his years with the Los Angeles Rams in 1983-1984. These years would see the Hall of Fame running back, Eric Dickerson, set his NFL single season rushing record with 2,105 yards. Also in his rookie campaign, he got the Rookie of the Year award and set records for touchdowns and rushing attempts.

Raye has had successes with the Jets also recently, helping running backs Thomas Jones the past two seasons and in 2002, Curtis Martin. We can see that he is able to help back understand how to get positive gains and score touchdowns, but he also has had some failures along the way too.

While offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 11985 and 1986, they finished last and had one of the worst offenses in the league. Also with his brief stint as coordinator with the Oakland Raiders in 2004 and 2005, his rush offense was ranked last and 29th respectively.

So we don’t have a magic crystal ball that will tell us which Jimmy Raye will be coaching the 49ers, but we do know that Singletary will do what it takes to win. So if anything goes wrong, Raye will definitely get an earful, but if he succeed he will also get praise.

Raye will be stocked with many offensive weapons and should have an easy time figuring out schemes to throw at defenses.

We all know Gore is an established back, but we also know that he does a few issues with durability. So far he has been able to fight off fatigue and serious injuries, but with him getting majority of the carries, it will takes its toll on him. The 49ers decided to draft him some help in the name of Glen Coffee.

Coffee will perfectly complement Gore and they can provide an excellent two back threat in the league. Coming from a balanced offense at Alabama, Coffee can run the ball well and is also a solid receiver from the backfield.

Throw in undrafted free agent Kory Sheets from Purdue and San Francisco could be unleashing a three-headed dragon of backs against defenses.

If Raye can establish the run game early and consistently, that will open the pass game. The quarterback position is still unsure with Shaun Hill and Alex Smith vying for the top spot, but we know that whichever one wins, we can ensure quality passing and leadership from them. Hill or Smith will have plenty of options in the pass attack to throw too as well.

Isaac Bruce return for another season and top-tier rookie, Michael Crabtree, will be solid options in the pass game. Add emerging youngsters Josh Morgan and Jason Hill and tight ends Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker and there is lots of production to be made for the passing offense of the 49ers.

This is an offense to keep an eye on throughout the season. On paper they look like they still could use some tinkering, but once they get on the field they could surprise you. The 49ers are trying hard to escape being the goats of the NFC West again and rise to the challenge of taking the division crown.

Are they going to do that? Well that all depends on if Jimmy Raye has the magic touch and can transform this rag tag group into formidable champions.

Denver Broncos: Has The Defense Been Reborn?

 

 

Jason Campbell and The Beastly Quarterbacks

The only certainty about the Washington Redskins’ upcoming season is that Daniel Snyder is disenchanted with his quarterback, Jason Campbell.

 

Campbell finished the 2008 season ranked 19th in passing yards, sandwiched between Carolina’s Jake Delhomme and Jacksonville’s David Garrard.

 

That was enough to drive Redskin owner Daniel Snyder mad…for Jay Cutler and Mark Sanchez, both of whom would have single-handedly overcome late season breakdowns on the offensive line and the slow development of rookie wide receivers. Apparently.

 

Washington’s maneuvers raise a question. How does Jason Campbell compare to other NFC East quarterbacks at the same point in their development?

 

Mark him down for third place.

 

Campbell has started 36 games. In 2008, he completed 62.3 percent of his passes, with 6.4 yards per completion. He threw 13 touchdowns and six interceptions for an 84.3 QB rating. He has a 16-20 record as a starter.

 

Philadelphia’s Donovan McNabb started his 36th game during the 2001 season. In that season, McNabb completed 57.8 percent of his passes for 6.6 yards per attempt. McNabb threw 25 TD passes and 12 interceptions for an 84.3 QB rating. He was 24-14 as a starter by the end of the season.   

 

Tony Romo has started 39 games for the Dallas Cowboys. His 61.3 percent completion rate for 2008 extends a three year decline in performance since 2006. His 7.7 yards per attempt, while impressive, also marks a steady decline from his 2006 high (8.6 Y/A). Romo threw 26 touchdowns and 14 interceptions for a 91.4 QB rating. He is 27-12 as a starter.

 

Eli Manning started his 36th game for the New York Giants in 2006. In that season, he completed 57.7 percent of his passes for 6.2 yards per attempt. Manning tossed 24 touchdown passes and 18 interceptions for a 77.0 QB rating. Manning did not complete over 60 percent of his passes, or exceed a QB rating of 80, until the 2008 season. By the end of the 2006 season, Manning was 20-19.

 

Donovan McNabb benefited from the stability of a strong coaching staff and a powerhouse team in 2001. Eli Manning also benefited from a stable coaching staff. His biggest coaching adjustment came in 2006, when his quarterback coach, Kevin Gilbride, was named offensive coordinator under head coach Tom Coughlin.

 

Tony Romo won the starting job when head coach Bill Parcells finally tired of veteran Drew Bledsoe. When Parcells left the Cowboys in 2007, owner Jerry Jones tailored the entire offense, from talent to coaching, around Tony Romo.

 

Jason Campbell famously never had consecutive years in the same offense under the same offensive coordinator until this year. Teams making the changes that Washington did from 2006 to 2008 seek stability with a veteran quarterback. Washington’s turmoil defeated Mark Brunell. Jason Campbell got his start in the depths of a ruinous 2006 season.

 

His development tracks with Eli Manning, except for throwing touchdowns. Jason Campbell’s paltry touchdown production opens the door to Daniel Snyder’s dissatisfaction. A normal progression by Campbell this year could lead to 64 percent of passes completed, for 3500 yards, 20 touchdowns, 10 INTs, and a QB rating of 89.0.

 

That performance could make Campbell the third best quarterback in the NFC East. And it won’t satisfy Daniel Snyder.

 

Donovan McNabb enters 2009 as the best of the Beast quarterbacks after Philadelphia’s strong offseason. The Eagles loaded their offensive line with the addition of tackles Stacy Adams and Jason Peters. DeSean Jackson has a year under his belt at wide receiver.

 

The Eagles boosted talent at the position by drafting Jeremy Macklin. Rookie running back LeSean McCoy is expected to supplement Brian Westbrook.

 

Tony Romo is second best on this list. Everyone focuses on the departure of Terrell Owens. Here’s what that really means; the Cowboys will rely less on the passing game and more on its ground attack with Marion Barber and Felix Jones.

 

Beast teams win on the ground in December. Less dependence on Romo will lead to better results for the Cowboys.

 

Eli Manning finally achieved a top tier performance in 2008, but the Giants struggled late without Plaxico Burress. Until New York resolves that issue, the Giants and Manning are question marks going into 2009.

 

For Jason Campbell to lock his place in Washington, or ensure a starting role with his next team, he has to be a top three quarterback. That means he has to throw 30 touchdown passes, regardless of the play of the offensive line or of Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly. Thirty touchdown passes should lead to 10 or 11 wins and a first round playoff bye.  

 

A performance like that would drive teams to offer first round draft picks for Campbell, a development that should please Daniel Snyder.  

 

Matt Cassel a Denver Bronco in 2010? Why the QB’s Stay in KC Could Be Short

If you follow the trail very closely, the Jay Cutler fiasco in Denver was not the fault of Josh McDaniels.

It was also not the fault of Cutler.

It was not even the fault of Matt Cassel.

If Denver fans want to blame anyone for what went down this offseason, they should look no further than Kansas City Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard, the man who blew out Tom Brady’s left knee in the 2008 season opener.

If Pollard had not nailed Brady, Cassel would probably never have played, and McDaniels likely would not have even thought about trading Cutler away for him.

Regardless, that is all in the past, and what happened has happened—end of story.

But after all that work and no reward, could McDaniels still end up with his man?

Kyle Orton has a chance to be great in Denver with a full arsenal of weapons and the brick wall that is Denver’s offensive line, but McDaniels may not be able to pass up the opportunity to have his homegrown product on hand.

Cassel has yet to restructure his contract with the Chiefs, and to be quite honest, there are no signs of improvement. 

If Cassel plays well in 2009, Kansas City will have no other option but to franchise tag him next offseason, where his one-year franchise tender will be valued at more than $17 million.

With an uncapped year likely, the Chiefs may not even see this as a problem.

Still, it seems as though the feeling of Cassel reuniting with his mentor McDaniels in Denver is a mutual one. 

This is definitely a move to watch for in 2010. Both Orton and Cassel are set to hit the free agent market, and Denver may be in a bind as to which one to pursue.

On one hand, you have Orton, who has a golden opportunity placed in front of him. He could have a career season and force Denver to give him a hefty extension.

However, if Orton flops, there is no doubt the Broncos will pursue Cassel. Denver fans seem to be bent out of shape about the fact that they traded away their own first-round pick in next year’s draft because they had a chance to get a quarterback.

Well, Denver fans, you may get your wish. The Broncos just might give up the final piece in the Jay Cutler trade for the man they initially had their hearts set on. 

If that situation presented itself, irony would not even come close to being the word that would do it justice.

It appears as though Matt Cassel’s stay in Kansas City will be only for a short while, and he may have his heart set on the Mile-High City.

Different Jets Faces, Same Philosophy

For the Jets, change means more of the same.

 

Rex Ryan is the new head coach, making his much awaited debut as top gun on the sidelines. If you see similarities in tactical defense to his predecessor, Eric Mangini, it is because Ryan will also utilize the 3-4 scheme.

 

Granted, the two coaches have their differences.

 

Ryan has a reputation as an aggressive coach who will blitz as often as he breathes and will certainly abandon Mangini’s cryptic way with the media. Beat reporters, at times, were tempted to resort to waterboarding in order to pry information from Mangenius.

 

Despite their contrasting personalities, each of their defensive ideologies were inspired by masterminds who came before them. Ryan had his father, Buddy Ryan, who was the first to employ the vaunted 46 defense. Mangini gleaned from Bill Belichick the intricacies of a base 3-4 alignment. 

 

Both men understand the value of a chameleon like defensive attack. Confuse the opposing offense with varying looks. 

 

While Mangini believes in deception up until the snap, Ryan will throw his front on the field and challenge the offense to beat it. If you have the personnel, Ryan’s method can be effective as he proved in Baltimore.

 

General Manager Mike Tannenbaum and the Jets, armed with the rewards of a defensive spending spree, anticipate that Ryan will have all the tools necessary for his 3-4 to dominate. 

 

Former Ravens Bart Scott, Jim Leonhard, and Marques Douglas are asked to infuse the vicious nature of their old defense to their new digs at the Meadowlands.

 

Head coaching changes are often accompanied by subordinate staff overhauls. Although Ryan takes the helm, the Jets retained offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and special teams’ coach Mike Westhoff. The only major change is the hiring of Mike Pettine as defensive coordinator and demotion of Bob Sutton to linebackers coach.  

 

Ryan has heaped high praise on Pettine and one would expect nothing less as the former Baltimore outside linebackers coach was his choice.

 

“Mike is a rising star in this league,” Ryan said. “We’re fortunate that we were able to get him on our staff and he’s my right hand man.”

 

Just as Tannenbaum wanted a head coach to fit the Jets’ 3-4 personnel, Ryan searched for a defensive coordinator who mirrored his own approach. He did not have to look far for Pettine who spent seven years in Baltimore assisting the defense.

 

Brian Schottenheimer returns with a somewhat unenviable group on the offensive end. Schottenheimer, who fell short in his own candidacy for the head coaching job, lost notables Brett Favre, Laveranues Coles, and Chris Baker.  

 

Much of Schottenheimer’s time will be attributed to acclimating rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez to the system. Accustomed to turnover at the position, 2009 will mark the third consecutive year the Jets will open the season with a different starting quarterback.

 

Without the necessary playmakers in the passing game as Schottenheimer attempts to develop Sanchez and Kellen Clemens, the Jets are expected to restrict their offense from some of the gunslinging that Brett Favre is revered for.

 

Many would argue, however, that the playbook was never opened up for much of a downfield passing game last year anyway and, therefore, the offense will not be so dramatically limited in comparison.

 

Schottenheimer’s offense is dependent upon its rushing with the AFC’s leading rusher Thomas Jones, the explosive Leon Washington, and powerful rookie Shonn Greene.

 

Running behind a steady offensive line and aiming to keep turnovers to a minimum, Schottenheimer would love to get 35-40 carries combined out of his three horses in the backfield.

J.J. Arrington Release Comes As No Surprise, But Is Denver Wooing Ellis?

The extremely crowded Denver Broncos’ backfield was thinned out a bit when the team released running back J.J. Arrington.

The release of Arrington really comes as no surprise as it seemed both he and second year back Ryan Torain were on the proverbial chopping block because of injuries.

Unfortunately for Arrington, his microfracture surgery will cost him the entire 2009 season, and even worse his signing bonus with the Denver Broncos. 

Arrington was signed along with Correll Buckhalter in the early stages of free agency, but complications with his contract delayed the official move for a couple of weeks.

When the Broncos signed Arrington, they also signed Buckhalter, Darius Walker, Kestahn Moore, and drafted Knowshon Moreno, so his role on the team was virtually unknown.  He was expected to be a kick return man and third down back by many.

With a roster spot now freed up by Arrington, could the Broncos look to a rush linebacker to help their young, relatively inexperienced group?

As it stands right now, the starting hybrid linebackers for the Broncos would be Darrell Reid and Elvis Dumervil, with Robert Ayers and Jarvis Moss on the second team.

Could Denver be looking for help in the form of former Dallas Cowboy Greg Ellis?

Ellis has been on the trading block for about a week now, and if the Broncos hold out long enough they may be able to get him for a late round draft pick.

If the price is right, the Broncos need to make the move.

Ellis is a 33-year-old veteran of the game who has great experience in the 3-4 defense, and the Broncos could certainly use him.

If not, free agent defensive lineman Vonnie Holliday is also still available, and the Broncos could bring him in for a look at defensive end.

Broncos Passing Camp Update: Chris Simms Takes First-Team Reps at QB

The Denver Broncos concluded their three-day passing camp today, and the media arrived to a bit of a surprise.

Quarterback Chris Simms, not the heavily favored Kyle Orton, was taking reps with the Broncos’ first offensive unit. 

Still, fans and observers are being told this is no guarantee whatsoever that Simms will be the starting quarterback in Game One, and that both he and Orton are just learning the ropes.

“Both of them will take reps with the ones, and we’re going to keep doing that until it becomes clear and apparent, and it’s not yet. They’re both doing some good things, and they’re both making some mistakes.”

Simms was not the only first-team surprise at the passing camp. 

While it is not usually the best indication of who the starters will be this early in the off-season, Denver featured many new faces on the defensive side of the ball.

On the defensive line, those running with the first team were Ryan McBean, Ronald Fields, and Kenny Peterson.

At rush linebacker were Darrell Reid and Elvis Dumervil, and in the middle were D.J. Williams and Andra Davis. 

There were not many surprises in the defensive backfield, but only one familiar face in Champ Bailey. Aside from him, the starters were Andre’ Goodman, Renaldo Hill, and Brian Dawkins.

Despite all the fresh faces, the Broncos appeared to be very cohesive during the practice session. In a hypothetical drill in which the clock had only one second remaining, Simms hit Daniel Graham for a touchdown. Still, Dumervil tried to plead his case to head coach Josh McDaniels that he sacked Simms prior to the pass.

The touchdown stood.

On special teams, kicker Matt Prater hit eight field goals on eight attempts.

At the end of practice, the Broncos had a little bit of fun with punt returns. 

Nose tackle Chris Baker fielded a punt that saved the defense from extra meetings, and fellow undrafted rookie Nate Swift, a wide receiver, caught a punt while already holding onto three balls he had previously fielded.

This is the time of year for NFL fans to be optimistic, and the Denver Broncos appear to be giving their fans reason to be giddy.

Practice info courtesy of the Denver Broncos’ official website.

 

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