The New York Jets’ Matteau Moment

Recently, a fellow bleacher report writer had written an article about Matteau’s game winning goal against the Devils in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals that launched the Rangers to the Stanley Cup finals. This got me thinking, what is the New York Jets’ Matteau moment?

Well if you know the Jets then you know they have not had much playoff success. And in my mind the moment that comes closest to matching Matteau didn’t happen in the playoffs at all.

If you woke up on Tuesday October 24th, 2000, you would have seen the headlines on the newspapers saying “The Monday Night Miracle Men”, and for a day that is exactly what they were.

The night before, the Jets took on divisional foe Miami Dolphins and it was a key match-up in the season. The Meadowlands was packed to capacity as the J-E-T-S chants could have been heard from Maine, to Florida, and across to LA, only because it was a nationally televised game.

But the intensity was short lived as the fish swam out to an early lead and built that lead to 30-7 going into the fourth quarter. The fans began to pile out of the stadium while Jets announcer Howard David quoted “And with a whole quarter to go, this game is over.”

There were a few optimists left in the stands, they remained loyal to their team and stuck it out. Arnold Schwarzenegger was in the booth at halftime and made a bold prediction that Wayne Chrebet would catch a TD to win the game. Arnold was close.

Chrebet would catch a fourth quarter TD which was followed by a Jumbo Elliot TD to send the game into overtime where John Hall would finish off the second largest comeback in NFL history.

To show how strange of a game this was, the Jets recorded 20 first downs in the fourth quarter and Vinny Testaverde threw three touchdowns to players who have never recorded a touchdown before, which were Coles, Wiggins, and Elliot.

In overtime, The Jets intercepted the ball twice, but one was fumbled immediately and given right back to the Phins. The second though led to John Hall’s field goal.

OK, its not the playoffs and it didn’t propel the Jets to the Super Bowl like Matteau propelled the the Rangers to the Cup Finals. But to me,this is the greatest Jets moment in my lifetime.

And it isn’t the same because there is no single hero in this game, there were several. It could have been Chrebet, Elliot, Testaverde, Hall, or even the “New York Sack Exchange” who were responsible for holding the Phins in the 4th quarter.

It just goes to show you, if you pay 80$ for that ticket, you may as well stay for the whole game because you never what will happen before the final buzzer sounds.

Green Bay Packers Coaching Profile and Grades, Part Two

Part One of this article, written two days ago, can be found at this url: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/183560-green-bay-packers-coaching-staff-profiles-and-grades-defense.
This article covers the remainder of the Packers coaching staff—offense and special teams—and the grades of either these coaches or the ones who held a comparable position last season.

Will LeSean Be The Real McCoy for the Philadelphia Eagles?

Sometimes I look at the Eagles of 2009 and it is déjà vu all over again.

Philadelphia let an aging defensive star walk, signed one of the biggest free agents available and improved their skill positions on draft day instead of dipping into the free agent market.

Jevon Kearse became Brian Dawkins.

Asante Samuel became Stacy Andrews.

DeSean Jackson became Jeremy Maclin.

And Lorenzo Booker became LeSean McCoy. Sort of.

If the first three work out like they did in 2008, the Eagles and their fans will rejoice. If McCoy turns out to be Booker, the Eagles might regret not spending some of that $23 million they are currently under the salary cap to replace veteran Correll Buckhalter.

While there’s a hint of déjà vu, the differences are immediate. Both Booker and McCoy were acquired on the day of the draft. However, Booker was a one-year veteran the Eagles traded their fourth round selection to the Miami Dolphins for. The Eagles acquired McCoy with their second round choice in the 2009 draft.

Consider the fact the Eagles could have selected Tashard Choice with that fourth round selection and what Choice did for the Cowboys (92 carries for 472 yards, 21 receptions for 185 yards and two rushing touchdowns) and the decision to select an unproven talent has credibility.

The difference here is the expectation for McCoy to step in and be Philly’s number two back behind soon-to-be-30 year-old offensive star Brian Westbrook. The same Westbrook who required arthroscopic knee surgery in the winter and has never played 16 games in a season.

While Booker was someone the team thought could contribute on offense (he didn’t), there were other options behind Westbrook. Most notable: Buckhalter who delivered 102 touches and 693 yards from scrimmage.

Now, Buckhalter is gone. On the depth chart, second round choice McCoy is behind Westbrook where Buckhalter’s name usually was. Behind McCoy, the names are either unreliable (the previously mentioned Booker) or unproven (Eldra Buckley or Walter Mendenhall).

Why should there be particular concern about McCoy? Well, there’s plenty of upside. His three-minute scouting video will make you salivate.

He’s fast, elusive and can hit the hole in a hurry. He’s patient, catches the ball out of the backfield, wants the ball and wants to win. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

There are holes in LeSean’s game though. Aren’t there with all rookies? He’s not big (5’10” and 198 lbs.), holds the ball loosely and his east-to-west running style might not be as successful against the faster defenses of the NFL.

And that’s not the biggest problem.

Apparently, McCoy does not pick up the blitz. Plus, his blocking when he does pick it up did not receive high marks. At Pitt, when McCoy was asked to block, it mostly consisted of cut blocks. In the Eagles’ offense, they expect him to be a stand-up blocker.

If the sophomore-to-professional does not progress once the squad puts on pads and goes through the training camp motions, how big of a part can McCoy play in the offense? If the regular season begins and LeSean has not developed at least adequate blocking skills, can he be the number two option?

Sure, the Eagles added size to the offensive line. However, they need McCoy to step in and be effective for eight to ten touches per game to keep the pressure off of Westbrook to carry the load and risk a major injury.

How effective can McCoy be if he is an ineffective blocker? It’s doubtful the Eagles would risk using a pass blocking liability on pass plays so putting LeSean on the field would also put a target on his back. What else does a running back do if he can’t block other than get the ball?

There is little doubt of McCoy’s potential. The rookie has already been tabbed the running back of the future. He couldn’t have a better mentor than Westbrook, an equally undersized elusive back who progressed from a third round pick to one of the league’s elite backs.

Is he the backup running back of the now, though? It is not something we can figure out from the few minutes of scouting video floating around or even discern from May’s helmet and shorts non-contact camp.

Remember last May when hopes were high for Booker who at least had a year of NFL experience under his belt. If I told you then that the Eagles would make the NFC Championship but Booker would be deactivated, would you have believed me?

Let’s not rush to the conclusion that LeSean is the real McCoy and the answer to their depth problems at running back behind Westbrook… especially when his weakness could limit his time on the field.

Don’t forget, Booker was already not the answer once; do the Eagles want to explore that chapter again? Blocking Booker on the depth chart might be the biggest one McCoy has to throw before the ’09 season even begins. Is he up for it?

The Boys Are Back In Town: A Look Into The New Tampa Bay Coaching Staff

“Rebuilding” has been the word used when summarizing what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be doing this 2009 season.

Major changes were made to the roster, but many new faces are seen in the coaching staff as well.  Malcom Glazer picked Mark Dominik as the new General Manager and haven’t looked far in selecting the head coach.

Key members in play calling and decision making will need to step up, but it will be up to the staff and players to band together and win games.

 

Raheem Morris, Head Coach

Jon Gruden is gone.  Taking his place is Morris, 33, who has been with Tampa Bay for seven years. 

No stranger to Tampa Bay, Morris is known for his role as Defensive Backs coach and a member of the defensive coaching staff from 2002-2005. 

After a disappointing 19th-place finish in pass defense in 2006, Morris came back (Morris’ lone season away was at Kansas State in 2006) in 2007 with a plan of action. He had the Bucs’ secondary limit opposing QB’s to a 76.2 percent passer rating.  This placed them eighth in the NFL, far better than their 29th rating in 2006.

Under this type of coaching style, five members of the secondary had interceptions in 2007, and a dynamic trio was also molded in his reign.

The Tampa Trio—safeties Jermaine Phillips, Tanard Jackson, and Sabby Piscitelli—garnered great numbers in tackles and interceptions under the direction of Morris, solidifying their spots as cornerstones of the Tampa Bay defense.

With Morris on the staff, they have never dropped below sixth in the NFL in total defense.

Being young, talented, and respected, it is no wonder that Morris was the man for the job.  He will be the key factor when it comes to decision making if the Bucs season starts out shaky.  He can offer insight to defensive coordinator Jim Bates on how the defense game has been run in the past.

As the old school saying goes, “there is no I in team,” so in order to win, Morris, the staff, and the players must work together.

Richard Bisaccia, Associate Head Coach, Special Teams Coordinator

One thing that doesn’t worry the Bucs is their special teams.

With 17 years of college and pro experience, it is no secret that Bisaccia and special teams will be key to win games.

After joining the staff in Tampa Bay in 2002 as running backs coach, Biasaccia looks to continue his success as special teams coordinator.  Working with raw talent such as Deuce McAllister and Earnest Graham, he is no stranger to breeding successful football players.

Bisaccia will look to Morris and other members of the coaching staff to get together and produce great numbers.

Jeff Jagodzinski, Offensive Coordinator

Another NFL and college football coaching veteran, Jagodzinski has served for over 20 years as various administrator/coaching positions. 

After serving two years of his five-year contract at Boston College, he was released as head coach.  The Bucs jumped at the chance to pick up such an experienced offensive mind and hired Jagodzinski as offensive coordinator.

Most recently as head coach for Boston College, he led the Eagles to an impressive 20-8 record over two years, ranking first in the Atlantic Coast Conference both seasons.

He has also worked with the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons as apart of his NFL career.  Contributing to the offensive coaching team, Jagodzinski learned from the best—such as Alex Gibbs, who produced the successful offensive line of the Denver Broncos that won Super Bowl XXXII.

His vast offensive line knowledge will be key in filling the holes of the Tampa Bay offense.  If players aren’t that strong and can’t step up to the position, Jagodzinski has the experience to move it around and make it work.

Morris will look to Jagodzinski to put points on the board.

Jim Bates, Defensive Coordinator

Sadly, The Cover Two Defense and Monte Kiffin have moved on. 

Can Bates and his Run Contain Defense live up to the Tampa Two and the legacy Kiffin left?

We will see.

When the Denver Broncos dropped from ninth to 29th in scoring in 2007, Bates announced he was leaving in 2008.  Looking for a great defense to take hold of, it was no surprise that Tampa Bay chose Bates after Morris’ promotion to head coach left the spot open.

Bates will use the defensive tackles as key to the scheme to take away the outside run.

If the Bucs run into a team with a strong passing game like Tom Brady and the Patriots, they’re in trouble.  In this case, the offensive line should press the quarterback.  Sacrificing the defensive tackles in a pass rush is a must, but nothing different from last season.

The key to pull this whole team together will be the defense.  Fans must look to Bates to use his vast knowledge and experience to make sure there are no holes.

Luckily, Morris is still on his side.  Bates can look to him when questions arise in putting together the best defense.

 

Other Offense, Defense and Strength/Conditioning Coaches

Along with key coaching-staff replacements, other new members that round out the Tampa Bay staff.

Steve Logan, running backs coach; Alfredo Roberts, tight ends coach; Chris Mosley, assistant offensive line coach; Joe Baker, defensive backs coach; Joe Barry, linebackers coach; Chris Keenan, assistant strength and conditioning; Pete Mangurian offensive line coach; Robert Nunn, defensive line coach and Jay Kaiser, assistant to the head coach.

These nine new assistant coaches should serve well in the rebuilding of the Bucs.

Denver Broncos’ Scheme Overview For 2009

It’s been said that schemes in football are cyclic. It’s also a fact that the NFL is a copycat professional sports league of sorts. As soon as one team finds a way to put a leg up on the competition, other teams immediately try to imitate the type of success the winning team has. 

In order to pull off wholesale changes in philosophy, a team has to be loaded with a versatile talent pool. 

In the NFL it can be hard to teach old dogs new tricks, so any team that implements changes in philosophy usually winds up being a younger team.  Such is the case with the 2009 Denver Broncos as they strive to overcome the shortfalls of the last decade.

Under Josh McDaniels the Denver Broncos have already seen wholesale changes across the board. The Broncos are expected to have a new philosophy on offense and defense, in part due to Josh McDaniels and his version of The New England Way.

 

On Offense

The strength of the Broncos passing game was Jay Cutler’s rocket arm the last two seasons. Jay has poor technique in where he positions the ball and how he would go about making his reads from time to time. 

This costs the Broncos dearly and more than likely cost Mike Shanahan his stay in Dove Valley and caused a rift between McDaniels and Cutler.  This of course lead to the eventual trade of Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears in exchange for Kyle Orton and a few high draft picks. 

Jay Cutler wanted more say in what happens on the offensive side of the ball and Josh McDaniels played the power card as he wasn’t having any of it. However, it’s important to understand what the Broncos had, what they lost, and where they are going in 2009.

Jay Cutler could hit any spot on the field on a dime. Translated that means the deep passing game, which was slightly under utilized, has now taken a severe hit. Unless the Broncos new scheme has a counter, defenses will make the adjustments.

Jay Cutler connected on 28 passes over 20 yards at home and 27 over 20 yards on the road for a total of 55 passes completed over 20 yards.  That works out to nearly 3½ deep completions per game. 

Kyle Orton is not quite that strong as a quarterback and neither is Chris Simms.  While in Chicago last season as the starter Orton completed 18 passes over 20 yards at home (in cold and humid Chicago), and 16 passes over 20 yards on the road. 

That totals to 34 passes completed over 20 yards per game.  That works out to just over two a game.  Chris Simms had 21 in 11 games in 2005 in Tampa.  That is just under two completions over 20 yards per game.

So with the New England influence in Denver what should the Broncos fans expect? 

Consider Matt Cassel, a first time starter last year in the New England offense threw for a total of 19 completions over 20 yards at home and 18 on the road for a total of 37 catches over 20 yards. 

Those numbers are just a touch above what Kyle Orton put up in Chicago. Taking a deeper look at the line on Cassel he certainly posted some respectable numbers in New England, and that was part of why McDaniels considered trading Cutler. 

 

Matt Cassel’s stats in New England 2008

G  Comp Att   Comp Pct   Att/G    Yds     Avg   Yds/G     TD   Int    Sck    Rate 2008

6   327    516     63.4      32.2       3,693    7.2     230.8    21    11       47      89.4

 

The one figure that has a positive is that Cassel connected on 63.4 percent of his passes under Josh McDaniels last season.  On the down side, Cassel was sacked 47 times for an average nearing three sacks per game.

Look for a more balanced passing attack coming from the Broncos as each and every receiver will fill a vital role.  This could test Brandon Marshall’s character as he’s presumably going to miss at least one or two games early or possibly more related to the off season incident and the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. 

Once he returns he will be a piece of the puzzle, but won’t have to be the focal point.  Eddie Royal could become the best slot receiver in football this season. The Broncos will move him around to create mismatches. 

Eddie was known last year for how hard he worked during training camp to become the other starting wide out, and made a phenomenal debut in Oakland. Look for the depth of this position to become the best asset and perfect complement to whomever the Broncos put behind center.

In 2008 the Patriots ran for 2,278 yards as a team last season, with their top rusher Sammy Morris gaining 727 yards. The Broncos totaled 1,862 with a backfield that saw seven starting tailbacks go down. 

No doubt the Broncos rushing attack had to get better since they really lacked power in hitting the hole. Six of the top seven rushers from 2008 have already been released or traded. Gone are Michael Pittman, Selvin Young, Jay Cutler, Tatum Bell, Andre Hall, and P.J. Pope.

The Broncos new regime saw the lack of a starting tailback, the lack of power runners, and tried to address the anemic red-zone problems the Broncos have had. 

This years’ top draft pick Knowshown Moreno is projected to be the starting tailback and is complemented by three bangers who can carry the rock inside in Correll Buckhalter, LaMont Jordan, and Peyton Hillis who will primarily be a fullback. 

Versatility comes in the way of J.J. Arrington who will fit the bill on third down situations.

With the talent of this group at the running back position, it does two things for the Broncos attack. One it makes the Broncos a more physical team to the punch enabling them to hit the holes on the line of scrimmage with force. 

Secondly, it does balance the Broncos out to where they can open up the passing game through their run game. 

There is certainly a gamble in starting a rookie tailback, Moreno however appears to be a strong vertical runner who can dish out punishment and fake would be tacklers.  He should be up to the task.

The Broncos offense will only be as strong as the numbers this group puts up however.  Kyle Orton and the receivers can balance out the short pass game and make the run game better by being efficient, something McDaniels has coached up in New England.

The key to winning for the 2009 Denver Broncos is ball control. Long drives seasoned by opportunistic scores off the back of defensive turnovers.

The fatal flaw of this offense will revolve around not stretching the defense enough in order to open up the running game and the underneath routes.

 

On Defense

Say what you will about the defense under Coach Shanahan, the need to either get bigger or faster or both is really the reason has needed to switch schemes.

The benefit running the 3-4 over the 4-3 is that if your defense is undersized (which the Broncos are upfront) it gives your team an opportunity to be more competitive than they could be otherwise. 

Additionally the 3-4 opens avenues for an attaching defense to be affective because of the presumed team speed it takes to run the scheme. Further benefits include the lack of man on man accountability which can cross up offensive lines during pass protection and quarterbacks in making the proper reads. 

All of this can lead to turnovers, which the Broncos blend of speed and experience seem set up to take advantage of.

The things we know about the Denver Broncos defense right now is that they are undersized. 

They have good athletes up front that give them decent team speed. 

The addition of Brian Dawkins to the defensive backfield has brought an instant attitude to the defense and a welcomed addition in helping Champ Bailey lead the DB’s. 

The Broncos are also somewhat deeper now than they were at the end of the 2008 season at nearly every position. It is a clear benefit to the Broncos chances in making them more competitive. 

The team speed and overall health of the defense will have to payoff for the Broncos defense to keep them competitive.

Realistically the Broncos are still small up front.  The defensive line was porous all of last season and it eventually cost them a trip to the playoffs. This year not much has changed at the position itself. The new defensive scheme however could make them more competitive. 

Additionally, this is the year the Broncos need previous picks like Tim Crowder and Jarvis Moss to rise up and start playing up to their full potential.

The keys to winning on defense are bending and not breaking. Finding ways to stop the run, apply pressure, and create timely turnovers.

The fatal flaw of this defense rest in the D-line and linebackers, if they are unable to stop the run or put pressure on opposing quarterbacks it will be a long season in Denver.

Washington Redskins Interview: Up Front with Derrick Dockery

The Washington Redskins entered the 2009 NFL off-season in desperate need of an upgrade along the offensive line. Though they failed to make a thorough renovation, they did bring back guard Derrick Dockery to strengthen the interior.

Dockery, after spending four seasons with Redskins upon being drafted out of Texas in 2003, departed the team in 2007. He spent two disappointing seasons in Buffalo with the Bills, who signed him to a monster seven-year, $49 million deal.

Dockery was unable to live up to his huge contract in Buffalo, but his return to DC might rejuvenate his career. He is only entering his seventh season, and excelled in offensive line coach Joe Bugel’s system during his first tenure with the Redskins.

Dockery replaces veteran Pete Kendall at left guard. He will play alongside Chris Samuels and Casey Rabach, as the ‘Skins look to rebound from last year’s blocking breakdown, in which they surrendered 38 sacks.

I sat down with Big Dock to get his perspective, and to tap into what he expects from the 2009 season.

You made it clear you were happy to return to DC, saying you felt like “this is where I belong.” However, what did you learn from your experience in Buffalo?

Joe Bugel was thrilled to see you return. Will you have a tough time readjusting to his scheme or should it be a seamless transition?

How about the chemistry between you and the rest of the “Dirtbags?” Do you feel that the bond is still there?

Mike Williams was signed by Washington in April. You played together at Texas. How much of an effect did you have in getting the Redskins to sign him?

Williams’ work ethic and inability to control his weight have been issues for him since entering the NFL. How hard has he been working to erase those doubts this off-season?

The Redskins have struggled to become an elite NFL franchise despite big signings and marquee names. What does the team need to do to turn things in the right direction?

What are the team’s expectations this upcoming season? What needs to happen to ensure you live up to your expectations?

Do you feel that the man you are blocking for, Jason Campbell, is poised to have a big year?

Who on the team do you have a close relationship with? Do spend time with them away from the field to build your friendship or do you keep things strictly business?

With the way things are shaping up, the NFC East division title will likely be hotly contested once again. Who do you feel is on the inside track at the title?

Which NFC East rival are you most excited about facing again?

The offensive line feels complete once again with Dockery’s return. In a few months, we’ll see firsthand if it plays as a complete unit. Rest assured, Dock will bring the same effort and energy he gave in his first stint with the Redskins.

Why I Love The Baltimore Ravens: One Fan’s Manifesto

Asking me why I’m a Baltimore Ravens fan is about the same as asking why I’m breathing. Forces collided, nature took its course and here I am.

But why am I a Ravens fan you ask? Well, here’s my testimony.

First, there is the genetics. I was born in Westminster, Md., out in rural, or at least what was rural, Carroll County. Westminster is about 15 miles outside of Baltimore and my mother and her family grew up there. Even though I grew up on the Eastern Shore, a love of all things Baltimore is sort of in the DNA.

I’m a Ravens fan because, to me, being a Ravens fan is unique. This is not a team du jour, like our PA rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. D-list celebs do not jump on our bandwagon.

I’m a Ravens fan because being a Ravens fan is a commitment. After all, this is not exactly a club that moves the national Q rating. The Ravens started off as America’s Most Hated team because they were the Cleveland Browns. The face of our franchise, Ray Lewis, was once indicted for double murder.

The Ravens have never had a sexy offense, other than in 1996 when they had no defense. They play in Baltimore, a city which has become a national punching bag for its murder rate. You have to want to be a Ravens fan.

I’m a Ravens fan because the Ravens do not have gimmicks. There are no towels being waved here. No, we Ravens fans wear purple camouflage pants. Now that’s commitment.

I’m a Ravens fan because we are not presumptuous enough to use the word “nation” to describe us. Ravens fans are a cult, an Illuminati-like underground society that weeds out bandwagon-hoppers in a hurry. Ravens fans are not everywhere in America. And you know what, we like it that way. It makes being a Ravens fan a special experience.

I’m a Ravens fan because no matter what our rivals may say about us, they can never say that we’ve never won the Big One.

I’m a Ravens fan because they help me forget how bad the Orioles have been for the last decade-plus.

I’m a Ravens fan because of: Ray Lewis’s pregame dance, Michael McCrary’s motor, Terrell Suggs’s sack dances, Ed Reed’s big plays, Jonathan Ogden’s effortless playing style, Matt Stover pointing to the sky after every kick, Shannon Sharpe and Tony Siragusa’s trash talk, Sam Adams’s first step, Brian Billick’s arrogance, Joe Flacco’s arm, Bart Scott’s soul-crushing hit on Ben Roethlisberger in 2006 and Derrick Mason’s professionalism.

I’m a Ravens fan because they’re MY team.

Spontaneous Human Combustion: Exposing the Myth

When I married my wife in 1997, I was already an incurable Packer fan. My wife understood that and she put up with it well.

When I visited her outside of Packer viewing area she went with me to the sports bar to catch the games. Once we lived together, although we had free cable, she allowed me to take down and put up the Direct TV every Sunday just to watch the games.

She still finds it funny how I know where every player attended college – though its not as funny to her when I start drilling her on her team, “Quick babe, where did Tony Romo go to college?”

But overall she enjoys watching the games with me although her stamina for it does not extend all day like mine does. Somewhere in the early game, late game, and night game progression of a Sunday she usually drifts off to doing other things.

The one thing she had to get used to was the little explosions of temper that happen when I watch a game. Other than yelling at the cat to get off the table I have probably not yelled outside of a Packer game in many years. I am a very calm and patient person who laughs at the drop of a hat, but yells very infrequently….

…unless Brett Favre while running for his life throws an underhand pitch to Brian Urlacher that gets returned for a touchdown to lose the game. AHHHHH! I am yelling at the computer screen right now just thinking of it. What the <bleep> <bleep> was he doing!!!

These little outbursts used to catch my wife by surprise and worry her. I had to reassure her that this was not showing some dark, angry side of myself, it was just football. No, strike that. This was PACKER football.

When you watch a team you are really into, you have to let out these little Mount Vesuvius moments. You have to vent and yell or it festers. Before you know it you start muttering to yourself and suddenly little statements will pop out at the wrong time. “Why the heck are they going for the field goal?” is perfectly acceptable when yelling it at the television on Sunday afternoon, but not as appropriate if you yell it out during the business meeting on Wednesday. “TACKLE HIM!” is a perfectly normal thing to exclaim while watching Monday night football but not as normal if blurted out during your son’s graduation from kindergarten.

I can watch other teams play and not get so caught up, but when its the Packers these emotions have to be let out. They are fleeting and quick. Once you yell, the emotion passes and you can enjoy the rest of the day. If it is not released, however, the consequences may be extreme. Spontaneous human combustion my eye. It’s just a Packer fan who hasn’t yelled enough during the game and it built up until he exploded.

I am additionally prone to pacing and on rare occasions throwing something. “No, lil Bub, nothing is wrong with grandpa, he’s just watching the Packers,” is not an uncommon exchange on a fall Sunday in my home. The opposite of pacing is also possible, where you stay fixed in your “good luck spot” and can not move when things are going well for your team – but this would be the theme of another article. I have never broken anything but the SLAP of a book hitting the floor was most recently audible when Steve Smith caught a long bomb for yet another late game Packer loss.

Slowly my wife has grown accustomed to the loud noises in our home when the Packers play. The Marv Albert-like, “YES!”, when something good happens. Or yelling, “GO!”, during a long play. And even when I yell in anger, “Oh come on!” (or worse) when something bad happens. She now realizes this does not mean I am mad. I am just emoting and letting the feelings out so I don’t explode later. It’s healthy. It’s necessary. My family has even given me my Bad Call Brick and my Da**it Doll – pictured above – to have something soft to throw, just in case.

Saints Will Tweak Streaking Offense

In recent years I estimate the New Orleans Saints have run more than 40 percent of their plays from a three wide receiver, one tight end, one running back set (3WR/1TE/1RB).  This was a comfort zone them for good reason.  Either the team was playing catch up because of their undermanned defense, or they were sticking with their big play offense because they were so bad on short yardage third downs.

The Saints have essentially the same offensive personnel, but they need to, and will, adjust thier game plans this year.

The Saints have Gregg Williams as their defensive coordinator this year, and the team has brought in some new talent and experience to bolster the struggling secondary of last year.

In order to become more balanced, which they must to make a Superbowl run, the Saints must improve their defense dramatically.  A great catalyst to improving this defense will be for the offense to posses the ball longer during the games.

To posess the ball longer, coach Payton needs to adapt his game planning to the strengths and weaknesses of each opponent, and tone down, just a bit, the big play focus for a more steady approach.

With all the talent at the skill positions on offense, its going to be a challenge for Payton to both tone it down a bit, and to effectively utilize all his weapons.  His instincts are going to have to be sharp, so he can go with the hot hand week to week, or even quarter to quarter.

So how do the Saints posses the ball longer?  Well, they need to run the ball more effectively, get Shockey the ball and have him show up consistently, and receive the mentality and grit to consistently pick up first downs in short yardage situations by running the ball up the gut.

The Saints next favorite formation seems to be the 2WR/2TE/1RB set.  This is where I believe they need to mix it up.  Some how, the Saints need to have two and three running back sets.  

In order to commit to and develop an effective, consistent running game, the Saints need to run more plays out of multi-back sets so they can disguise their running attack.

Pierre Thomas and Heath Evans in the backfield on first and second downs, with Shockey and two wide-outs, give the offense a lot of options.  Evans would be essentially a blocking back in this scenario, but he is versatile enough to take some plays as a half-back to give some added flavor to the game plan.  

From this personnel package, the Saints can establish an inside the tackles running attack, and mix it up with a short passing game consisting of some wide-receiver screens, quick slants, and Shockey exploiting linebackers on seam routes.

Shockey will have to step it up and block a lot more.  But he has to step it up in the passing game as well.  He really needs to be a big factor this year.  He is due, and it will be fun to see him have a great year.

What about Reggie?  I know everyone is squirming in their chairs reading this because I don’t have Reggie in the game.  Think Kevin Faulk.  Reggie will be a third down back and run draws and catch short passes in space.

Also, when running in their more traditional 3WR/1TE/1RB set, that RB should be Reggie Bush.  He should go in motion to the slot, and essentially make it a 4WR set.  This puts a ton of pressure on the five linemen, yet that pressure can be neutralized by a smart, accurate quarterback.  That is what the Saints have in Brees.  He can make the quick read and hit receivers in stride, exploiting the talents of Bush and the wide outs.

The 3RB sets I referred to above would include Reggie Bush and his role again should be to go in motion and essentially become a wide-out.  This would be a variation to the two back set that I hope to see get a lot more play, and would allow Payton to satisfy his need to run creative, unconventional plays as well.

Again, as I stated in an article I wrote last week, the relatively anonymous role player, Heath Evans, I believe is a key component to transforming the Saints offense into a dynamic machine that can play wide open, or control the ball.  He can pick up first downs in short yardage situations, he can open holes for Pierre Thomas, he can pass block, and he has decent hands.  

His presence will allow Payton to have a much more flexible game plan that will at time slow the streaking offense of the Saints, but at the same time, make them more balanced, more effective, and most importantly, more capable of making the plays to win games.

2007 Packs: Smashing Records, Breaking Hearts

What is your favorite team of all-time? 

Two or three years ago I would have told you how in awe I was still with the 1997 Packers; that changed. The 87th Pack Season in 2007 still takes me back.

Not only was it Brett Favre’s last season before he betrayed most of his fans by going to the New York Jets, but it was a season that no Packer fan will overlook. Going 13-3, the bye in the playoffs, pummeling the Seahawks in a blizzard, and losing to the Giants for a trip to the Super bowl—this was the whirlwind season every Packer fan cheered, feared, and whimpered along with, wishing each season could be similar.

Lambeau field turned 50 in 2007, and I also got to visit the monstrosity that holds the Legend of the Packers within it. Colorado’s Mason Crosby joined the squad, kicking it up a notch, as did two remarkable free agents: Ahman Green and Donald Lee.

Aaron Rodgers would sit the bench another season, except one fill-in for Favre after a severe shoulder injury caused by a sack. Favre, Grant, and Crosby battered outstanding records by the greats including Dan Marino and John Elway.  We had most completions, rushing yards, franchise rushing touchdowns, and pass attempts.  It was a remarkable season from beginning to end.

As rumors began to swell about Favre giving his 38-year old body a rest, the season began to go downhill.  Scores got a little closer and the winning record began to dwindle down. We almost lost the chance to get to the Playoffs, but when we least expected it, an 80 yard passes from Favre to Driver or Favre to Jennings or holds from Bigby, Collins, or Harris – we bounced back. 

Then for the third coldest game in history: Attendance 72,740, wind chill: -1 degrees F, time: 6:30 p.m., opponent: New York Giants. Back-and-forth action kept the fans on their toes.  Favre got the record and the excitement as he chucked a 90-yard pass to Donald Driver for the touchdown.  Still, with this impressive game, it turned bittersweet when Favre threw one of his classic interception which cost us the game, and possibly his last trip ever to the Super Bowl.

Impressive, but anticlimactically the Packers amazed and transcended in one short season from July to December.  The roster extraordinary, the records impressive, and the last pass, astringent.  The 2007 Packers were on and off and on again.  Though the Packs missed their trip to the legendary bowl, no one could take away the notable season.  The 2007 Packs will go down in history for the season that broke the biggest records and the biggest hearts. No Cheesehead will forget, and none will forgive.

 

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