I Bleed Honolulu Blue and Silver: the Story of My Fanhood

I grew up in a small town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I was always a huge sports fan growing up, and my love for sports seemed to intensify as I grew older.

I was born into a family of Lions fans. Both my older brother Jim and my dad were fans and they spent football seasons watching the Lions games together. I longed to watch the games with them, and eventually I got my chance, and never looked back.

Over the years, I became more familiar with the players and the coaches. I followed games more closely and understood them better after I began playing football in middle school.

The more I grew up, the more I made my presence known on game days. I was a much different fan from what my family was used to. I talked to the television during the games, and often screamed at it, as well. My brother and father needed time to adjust to this, because it wasn’t their style.

After my older brother moved out of the house, and my father lost interest in the games from the years of losing, I remained in the living room, glued to the television.

I would say I have been a Lions fan for about ten years now, and with each passing season, I become a stronger fan. I was lucky enough to witness the great Barry Sanders in action for a few years.

The last few years, however, have not been so lucky. I sat through the Matt Millen era, which was the worst in eight years in Detroit history, capped off by a win-less season in 2008. The Lions became the first team to finish a season 0-16.

I attended my first NFL game last season at Lambeau Field as the Lions finished their season, without a win. It was difficult to swallow, but I stood in the stands of Lambeau Field and rooted for my team, and will gladly do it again next season, and for many seasons to come.

Tom Brady is Back: Super Bowl or Bust For 2009 Patriots

Who cares if Tom Brady is on the cover of the upcoming issue of Sports Illustrated? The Patriots will still win the Super Bowl this season.

The joke, as many of us know, is that Sports Illustrated has a great record of cursing those who grace its cover. And with Tom the Terrific back and recovered from a devastating knee injury, SI needs him as its athletic poster boy.

So go ahead SI, do it if you have to, because nothing could go worse than what happened to Brady in ’08.

Forget magazines and insider opinions; put power rankings aside. All you have to know is that the Patriots are a better team on paper than the greatest team never to win a championship, the Patriots of 2007.

Also, they’re far superior to the Brady-less 11-5 team from last season, that missed the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

It’s not like the Patriots rocketed to space and collected all the stars, because that’s not the Patriot Way. Sure, Bill gave Tom a few toys to play with in ‘07: Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and Donte’ Stallworth.

Instead of setting their sights on stars, the Patriots have solidified the team’s overall depth chart by adding seasoned veterans with a steady dose of draft-day picks.

For Patriots fans, it’s hard not to bank on a Super Bowl appearance. But if it’s going to count, this is what has to happen.

The additions of Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden instantly strengthen the depth of the team’s secondary. Ellis Hobbs is out, traded away on draft day. In four seasons with the Patriots, Hobbs had 11 interceptions—averaging not quite three a season. He will best be remembered for surrendering the game-winning touchdown to Plaxico Burress in Super Bowl XLII.

Second-year players Jonathan Wilhite and Terrence Wheatley will look to step up in their sophomore seasons. Darius Butler, who, according to draft pundits, was eyed by Belichick prior to the draft, could possibly be the corner the Patriots have coveted since Asante Samuel’s departure.

If they want to play super, they need to improve on giving up “big” plays, for a defense that allowed 12 passes of more than 40 yards.

A contender in all of the Patriots Super Bowl appearances is now a Kansas City Chief. After all the sacks and red zone touchdowns, Mike Vrabel was traded on draft day in the Matt Cassel deal.

Vrabel could quite possibly be replaced by a combination either of Pierre Woods, Shawn Crable, or Tully Banta-Cain at outside linebacker.

With Adalius Thomas returning from a broken arm, Jerod Mayo returning as the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Tedy Bruschi entering his 14th season, the linebacker core is among the finest in the NFL.

It’s the same for the front three defensive linemen: Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, and Ty Warren. In 2007, the Patriots were second in the NFL in sacks with 47, but in ’08, the defense only managed to get 31. If the Patriots 3-4 defense plays to their potential, a Super Bowl won’t be a problem.

On offense, the tight end and running back positions see the most growth. The Patriots acquired Chris Baker and Alex Smith.

Neither tight end is known for his pass-catching ability, but Alex Smith is praised for his ability to block, which could help protect Brady’s backside like Daniel Graham once did with great success.

Ben Watson is not quite Ben Coates, though he could see more significant action with the return of Brady. For the tight ends, protecting Brady is the best course of action.

Sammy Morris bulled his way through opposing defenses when called upon to take over for Laurence Maroney, who missed almost the entire past season due to a broken shoulder.

Maroney has a lot to prove, and despite his lack of durability, he averaged nearly 4.5 yards per carry in his first two seasons.

Fred Taylor should provide fresh legs, depending on how many carries he gets. Knowing how much the Patriots will run this year remains to be seen.

But if healthy, the core of running backs could be stronger than previous backfield tandems, and Kevin Faulk will continue to serve as the Patriots all-time greatest third down running back.

When it comes to receiving, Randy Moss and Wes Welker can’t be covered. But who will emerge as the team’s No. 3 receiver?

If Tom has his way, it will be Joey Galloway, who, at age 37, is in the later period of his career but is still averaging 15.7 yards per reception.

If he can become more of a threat than Jabar Gaffney, and more productive than Donte’ Stallworth when he served as the team’s No. 3 receiver in 2007, Brady will be able to pass the pigskin as he pleases.

But it’s all about Brady. Without a healthy Brady, the team won’t make the Super Bowl. Matt Cassel was sacked a staggering 47 times last season; in 2007, Brady was sacked 21 times.

The offensive line needs to create as much time as they can for Brady. There can be no repeat performances of anything resembling the beating Brady took from the Giants in Super Bowl XLII.

Randy Moss was quoted in a Boston Herald article May 26:

“The sky’s the limit for this offense,” Moss said. “I think that we could be a little bit better than two years ago. I’m very excited for us as an offense. I’m excited for us as a team.

“There’s a lot of good things about Tom Brady coming back that excites people, the fans, the coaches and the players around here. All we can hope is to come out with smoking guns.”

If Brady can shoot for 40 touchdowns, the team can win the Super Bowl. But this team is going to be better than the ’07 team, so he’ll probably throw for more.

Just win, Brady!

Classic Film: Must-See Viewing for the Offseason

Summer carves a football-free stretch in the year of the die-hard football fan.  That is, if you are a lucky football fan.  

During the lazy days dedicated to golf, tennis, and baseball, the rabid faithful should be praying for precious little news to surface from their camp.

On rainy summer days, I immerse myself in watching summer sports or movies, but I have to admit, I still miss football.  I would rather live in the moment yet every so often, like a film buff who seizes an opportunity to watch Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” for the millionth time, I cannot resist tuning into my favorite Steeler games.

Coaches and players analyze game film, gleaning for tell-tale moments illustrating weakness and strength.  My favorite games are really favorite moments.   Moments that seem to last forever because upon them, months of work pivot.

Number one in my book comes from the 2005 AFC playoff game between the Steelers and the Colts.  It was a heavyweight David and Goliath epic featuring the Steelers’ chance to avenge the regular season beat-down that they suffered at the hands of Indy.

Yet, revenge is never perfectly linear.  As Bruce Willis’ boxer in Pulp Fiction discovered, things are either put perfectly right or go horribly wrong when a guy who lives by his own code finds himself in a certain place at a certain time. 

The divisional matchup featured an overflow of occasions that epitomized the strengths of both the Steelers and the Colts:  None stronger than Roethlisberger’s tackle, none weaker than Vanderjagt’s shank.

Yet the moment that symbolizes the 2005 Steelers’ season for me follows Joey Porter’s sack of Peyton Manning on fourth down at the Colt’s two with 1:20 left in the game.  

The camera pans toward the Steeler bench giving fans a view of Cowher hopping around at the thoughts of this game being all but over.  In the slow motion replay however, there is a shot of Roethlisberger making a B-line for a coach.    

Ben doesn’t reach out for Bill Cowher or Ken Whisenhunt, instead he grabs Dick LeBeau in an effort to channel his palpable emotion.  Ben yells out his homage, and in return, LeBeau calmly slaps Ben on the chest—I think he may even say: “Stop.”

For me, the moment is full of the timeless emotional gravity of James Stewart pulling Zuzu’s petals from his jacket pocket in It’s A Wonderful Life with one major difference: George Bailey’s nightmare has come to an end, while Ben is oblivious to the Steelers’ tribulation that is about to unfold. 

Roethlisberger trots onto the field with God knows what swirling through his head, and seconds later, the kid has the presence of mind to thank LeBeau with his actions when he snagged Harper’s foot and made that tackle.  

I could watch it forever.

The 2005 playoffs feature other moments upon which drama pivots and character is revealed.  Hines Ward, also playing the role of a defensive player, is a highlight of the opening drive of the AFC Championship against the Denver Broncos.  

Ward stripped the pick from Champ Bailey, made the impossible catch, held on after a brutal hit, and stood up with a smile on his face.  Composed and classy, lethal, and tough as nails.  Ward so frequently is right there just when you need him the most.  I would have to say, he is pure James Bond.     

Let’s hope for a long summer, filled with bright days spent outdoors.  But on those rainy weekends that pop up, I strongly recommend kicking back with some classic film. 

Panthers: Dwayne Jarrett to Fight TEs, RBs, Marcus Monk for Catches

Who is the Carolina Panthers’ No. 1 wide receiver? Duh! There’s no question there—It’s Steve Smith, for any of you non-Panthers people out there.

What about No. 2? That answer is just as easy to come up with. It’s Muhsin Muhammad, who returned to Charlotte last season after a three-year hiatus in Chicago.

No. 3? With the Feb. 25 release of D.J. Hackett, it’s third-year man Dwayne Jarrett out of Southern Cal.

Jarrett has hardly had time to build an NFL resume, fighting Hackett for every opportunity he got last season, when he managed just 10 receptions for 118 yards and no touchdowns. Still, it was better than his six-reception, 73-yard rookie campaign.

The prototypical NFL wideout, Jarrett stands at 6’4″ and weighs 218 pounds. But in an offense that must seem like one that hardly utilizes the pass—Delhomme threw 414 balls last season in 16 games, while Trojan QB John David Booty threw 436 in 13 games Jarrett’s junior season (his last)—Jarrett has yet to put up the kind of numbers many thought he would in the league.

Perhaps with Hackett’s release—and the loss of his 13 catches and 181 yards in 2008—Jarrett will put up quasi-respectable numbers in 2009. At least he might get a reception in more than half of the Panthers’ games, a feat he couldn’t accomplish last season.

The only thing standing in the way? Well, in addition to the offense being run first, it’s also a look-to-Smith-second, third, and fourth system. When Delhomme fixes his down-field glare on someone not wearing No. 89, it’s usually Muhammad.

So having the quarterback out of the bayou even look his way is an accomplishment in and of itself, not to mention being open.

Did I mention there is another road block for Jarrett in Charlotte?

Second-year offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson isn’t shy about using his backs and tight ends as receivers, leading a running back (DeAngelo Williams) and two tight ends (Jeff King and Dante Rosario) to better receiving years than Jarrett in 2008.

Williams hauled in 22 balls for 121 yards and two touchdowns, with King and Rosario each tallying around 20 receptions and 200 yards. Tailback Jonathan Stewart also nabbed eight receptions for 47 yards.

Billed a possession receiver in the mold of fellow former-Trojan (and former-Panther) Keyshawn Johnson, Jarrett can’t be happy seeing non-wideouts filling that role for Delhomme.

If he is going to impress his ability upon Davidson and Delhomme at any point, it’s not going to be able to wait until the regular season. He’s going to have to show his ability in training camp and the preseason.

But he won’t be alone. Newly acquired Marcus Monk, an NFL novice without a pro stat to his name since being selected in the seventh round by Chicago in 2008, was signed shortly after an impressive pro day at his alma mater, Arkansas. And he isn’t about to let this newest NFL opportunity slip through his fingers that easily.

Still, with Monk never setting foot on an NFL field for a regular-season game, it mostly will be King, Rosario, and Williams that Jarrett will be competing with for the looks of Delhomme.

But regardless of whether he convinces Delhomme he is a star ready to shine—he might be, but not in this system and not with the receivers ahead of him—he should have his best year to date. Look for 20-30 receptions and around 300 yards from Williams in 2009, if not more.

Seven Pittsburgh Steelers To Keep An Eye On in 2009

Building a championship football team takes a mix of veterans and youth, superstars and role players. It’s a delicate recipe that requires just the right balance.

This blending of ingredients takes place during free agency and ends with the draft. In the last four years, no team has done a better job of mixing and matching talent than the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The superstars are well known.

Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, James Harrison, and Troy Polamalu have gotten all the glory during Pittsburgh’s run to Super Bowl titles in two of the last four seasons. Nothing wrong with that. They are stars in the league and deserve all the accolades they’ve received.

But without the role players, the unsung performers who give it their all, championship rings and the Lombardi Trophy wouldn’t belong to the Steel City right now.

Guys like Brett Keisel, Santonio Holmes, LaMarr Woodley, Heath Miller, and Casey Hampton have emerged in recent seasons and are important cogs in the Steeler machine.

As a new season fast approaches, who will be Pittsburgh’s breakout players and newcomers to look out for in 2009?

Here are seven to keep an eye on.

Devin Hester: How Good is He?

The joke at Halas Hall says that the reason Devin Hester was converted to wide receiver was not because of his explosive play-making ability, but because former QB Rex Grossman was really good at throwing to corner backs.

Ah, the pre-Cutler era.

Fast-forward three years into what was once dubbed the Devin Hester Experience, and we see a very capable pass-catcher penciled in as a No. 1 receiver heading into training camp.

But how good is Hester really?

With the criticism the Bears wide receiving corps has received in recent weeks, it’s a pressing question considering Hester will be asked to become Jay Cutler’s top target.

His 51 catches ranked 61st in the league, topped on his own team by a RB and a TE.

Ouch.

However, a closer look reveals a budding play-maker anxious to prove his doubters wrong.

When new savior Jay Cutler was asked about his receivers at the recent Bears Fans Expo, Cutler responded, “Receiving-wise, we’ve got what we need here. You don’t need to worry about it.”

Offensive coordinator Ron Turner expressed direct confidence in Hester as a guest on the Waddle and Silvy show.  Pressed on one guy to step up this coming season, Turner very matter-of-factly stated No. 23 would be that guy.

“He’s having a tremendous offseason. Late last year, the last (six) weeks of the season, he really came on,” Turner said.  “He was learning how to play the game at the speed it has to be played at all the time.  He was learning how to practice the way you have to practice to go out and play in games.  And he’s having a great offseason this year working hard and playing fast all the time”

Through the last six weeks of the season, Hester amassed 25 receptions for 347 yards.  That averages out to be about four catches per game for 58 yards, and while no one is going to confuse those numbers for Larry Fitzgerald’s anytime soon, consider that in the 12 previous games combined, Hester’s totals read 26 catches for 318 yards.

Those stats become even more impressive when one takes into account Hester started only four of those six games because of the Bears’ rotation.

The stretch also came after Kyle Orton’s much publicized ankle injury which clearly hampered his ability to get the ball downfield during Hester’s stretch. 

“We went back and looked at a lot of our tapes from a year ago and we had some opportunities to get him the ball down the field, to get him some big plays and it just didn’t happen,” continued Turner.  “With Jay—not just Jay but the offensive line—everything coming into it, I think he’s going to be able to make some of those plays and step up.”

One could argue that Hester’s biggest contribution at WR doesn’t even show up in the stats.  In the New Orleans game, Hester was able to draw three huge pass interference plays that allowed the Bears to come back and beat the playoff hungry Saints.

Hester later said of the game, “I felt like no one on the field could stop me.”

Turner has also expressed on multiple occasions that Hester is receptive of the doubts people have about his ability to become a number one receiver

“He’s a very determined young man; he has a lot of pride and he hears people say he can’t be a No. 1 receiver and he is determined to make sure that he is.  And he’s not just talking about it, he’s working at it”

If Hester is to take the next step and join the 1K club, he will of course need just as much help from Jay Cutler as Cutler will need from him.

And if we are to believe the hype about Cutler, the future looks very bright for Hester.

Former Broncos offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger called Cutler’s deep ball “excellent” and went on to add that he “has never seen anyone throw the deep ball like him.”

A look at the all important DYAR (“The simple version: DYAR means a wide receiver with more total value”) stats from FootballOutsiders.com reveals Hester in a favorable ranking in comparison to receivers like Dwayne Bowe, Braylon Edwards, Torry Holt, Santonio Holmes, and Tedd Ginn.

With his teammates, coaches, and city behind him, you have to think Hester is indeed primed for a breakout season.

While most will question Hester, many will doubt, and a few might completely write him off, this much is certain: If his past is any indication of his future, the second you blink with Hester, is the second you miss him.

 

Prater’s Problem: An In-Depth Look at The Denver Broncos’ Kicker

Mile High altitude is a kicker’s best friend. It may just be a myth, but it does always seem that kickers can get that extra few yards on those long kicks.

In the 2008 offseason, former Broncos’ head coach Mike Shanahan decided not to resign beloved kicker Jason Elam. Elam had kicked four game-winning field goals the previous season, but Shanahan wouldn’t give up the cash. He wanted a player who had a powerful leg and was good at kickoffs, so he let Elam slip away to Atlanta.

How can you replace a player who is the franchise leader in points and games played? Its certainly isn’t easy. You need a guy with a powerful leg and an unbreakable spirit. The answer: Matt Prater?

Matt Prater is a simple man from a small town in Ohio. The 5’10”, 180-pound kicker isn’t hard to figure out. Here’s a look at his 2008 statistics:

Yard Range: FG% for Yard Range (makes/attempts)

1-29 yards: 87.5% (7/8)

30-39 yards: 88.9% (8/9)

40-49 yards: 45.5% (5/11)

50-plus yards: 83.3% (5/6)

As you can see, Matt Prater had three misses total from 1-39 yards, and 50-plus yards. He had double that in the 40-49 yard range with six!

With a new head coach, the Broncos’ need to be great in all three aspects of the game. In order to be successful, the special teams needs Prater to step up from the 40-yard range.

If Matt Prater wants to continue to be a pro kicker, he needs to prove that he has the heart and mind to be one.

Statistics provided by http://ownersedge.fanball.com/nfl/player/6705

How Percy Harvin Changes the Vikings Playbook in 2009

The above picture is of Percy Harvin, the Minnesota Vikings 2009 First Round selection in the NFL Draft. A force in his three years at Florida, the Vikings took a chance by drafting him after his positive marijuana test at the NFL Combine.

While short in stature (5’11”, 195), Harvin should single-handedly change the Vikings playbook in 2009 because of his versatility.

Last year at Florida, he averaged 9.4 yards per rush and 16.1 yards per catch. The Vikings drafted him for the sole reason that they believe he could improve their offense more than drafting a right tackle (the position many thought they would address in the First Round).

Two short years ago, the Vikings playbook changed immensely when they drafted Adrian “All Day” Peterson with the seventh selection of the 2007 NFL Draft. The team still ran a West-Coast offense, but the emphasis of the team became running the ball, shifting dramatically from the days when Randy Moss caught 70-yard bombs from Daunte Culpepper. 

However, the ability to run with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor has been both a blessing and a curse.

While the Vikings ranked fifth overall in rushing last year, they ranked 25th in passing. Defenses have constantly loaded up with an eighth man in the box to stop the Vikings run game, but the team has not had a formidable passing game to make opposing defenses pay. 

The addition of Bernard Berrian last year helped to stretch the field and the drafting of Percy Harvin this year should make the Vikings offense one to be reckoned with in 2009.

The Vikings like to line up in a variety of single-back formations, with two-to-three WRs and one-to-two TEs—especially on early downs—in order to get Peterson established in the game. The problem is that opposing teams have realized this and stacked the box. 

While Peterson is the best running back in the NFL, he does tend to lack patience and look for the home run. How else to explain his usual stat line of runs of 1,1,3,4,2,3, and then 60 yards while Chester Taylor consistently seems to get at least three or four yards per carry?

Percy Harvin should allow the Vikings to line up in more split back formations and four or five wide-receiver looks.

Many will remember Adrian Peterson’s first professional touchdown was a little screen pass from Tarvaris Jackson that Peterson took 60 yards down the right sideline. This play will be featured more with Harvin in the lineup in order to utilize his speed.

Lining Harvin up in the backfield with Peterson would give opposing defenses fits. They are both explosive enough to score a TD on any touch, but would also be perfect decoys for each other. This formation would also help to set up play-action for Bernard Berrian downfield.

The Vikings should also incorporate more “bubble” screens with Harvin, if he is lined up at WR. Bernard Berrian has great downfield speed, Bobby Wade has great hands, and Sidney Rice is a great Red Zone target, but none of them possess the speed and athleticism that Percy Harvin has. The bubble screen would be a fantastic option to get Harvin the ball in space and let him go to work.

Finally, there have been rumblings that the Vikings may try some form of the Wildcat formation that the Miami Dolphins made so popular last season. With Peterson, Harvin, Chester Taylor, Berrian, and Tarvaris Jackson at their disposal, this seems like a wise idea.

The basic idea behind the Wildcat is that any of the players potentially involved have enough athleticism to pull off the duties of multiple positions. For example, if Bernard Berrian lined up at QB, he might have to run the ball (like a RB), pitch it to Peterson (like a QB), and then catch it later in the play like a WR. 

Any way you slice it, the addition of Percy Harvin has the potential to significantly expand the Vikings playbook, something that the team needs to take the next step on offense and punish teams for bringing the eighth man into the box.

Which Undrafted Free Agents Have a Chance To Make the Giants’ Roster

Warren Moon, Kurt Warner, Rod Smith, Priest Holmes, Antonio Gates, Tony Romo, Willie Parker, Mike Vanderjagt, Wes Welker, Adewale Ogunleye, NY Giant great Emlen Tunnel.

What do these eleven players all have in common?

None were chosen in the NFL draft, but have had great careers.

Most general managers often say how the few hours after the draft are just as important as the draft itself, because it is a time to build depth that can create championships. Every team scrambles to sign players right after “Mr. Irrelevant” is announced, to try to gain an advantage.

 

The Giants signed seven draft-eligible players. Jerry Reese and the rest of the Giants staff is regarded around the league as one of the best at evaluating talent. Here is an inside look at each player and his chances to make the roster:

 

Maurice Evans: Defensive End, Penn State

Evans was a standout player during his sophomore season at Happy Valley, racking up 12.5 sacks.  Draft hype quickly surrounded him. In his junior season though, Evans got into legal trouble and made it to Joe Paterno’s doghouse, and he was never able to get out.

The man who replaced Evans, Aaron Maybin, was drafted 11th overall by the Buffalo Bills. Some feel that could have been Evans—if he had stayed out of trouble. After his disappointing junior season, he declared himself for the NFL draft, but went undrafted.

Checking in at 6’1” and 274 pounds, Evans is a bit undersized, but has the speed off the edge the Giants crave. After a very impressive minicamp, expect Evans to challenge Dave Tollefson for a roster spot.

Evans chose to sign with the New York over Tampa Bay, Detroit, and Buffalo. I believe that shows a lot in his character because it demonstrates he is not not afraid to back down from any competition. The Giants have great depth in the defensive line, and if Evans makes the 53-man roster, he backs Jerry Reese’s statement that you can never have enough pass rushers.

 

Vince Anderson: Defensive Back, Webber International

Anderson is the first player ever from Webber International to sign with an NFL team, and hopes to stay in the league.

Anderson has great size for a player in the secondary, standing at 6’2″ and weighing 205 pounds. One of the reasons the Giants like him so much is because he can play both corner back and safety. With the backup safety spot in question, look for Anderson to get a long look there, as he only has to compete with Steve Cargile and fellow undrafted free agent rookie, Sha’reef Rashad.

 

Sha’reef Rashad: Safety, Central Florida

I believe Rashad has the best chance to make the roster, due to the lack of depth at the safety position.

The Giants thought about taking Rashad at the end of the draft, but opted for Stoney Woodson and DeAndre Wright. Rashad has the flexibility the Giants love, able to play both strong and free safety at 6’0″ and 198 pounds.

Rashad also has a good head on his shoulders, being a two-time Conference USA All-Academic Team selection. Right before the draft, he was named to the 2009 class of the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame’s Hampshire Honor Society. The Giants crave intelligent football players with a high “football IQ.” Travonti Johnson, a former teammate of Rashad at UCF, and a practice squad player for the Giants, told secondary coach Dave Merritt that Rashad is extremely bright. 

 

Bruce Johnson: Cornerback, Miami

The University of Miami has a reputation for producing standout performers on the gridiron. Bruce Johnson hopes to continue this legacy.

Johnson has great speed, but the one big knock on him is his lack of size, only being 5’11” and 182 pounds. Johnson hopes to challenge Wright and Woodson for a spot in the secondary. The Giants are set with their first four corners—Aaron Ross, Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas, and Kevin Dockery. If Johnson wants to make the team, he should try and shine in the special teams area.

 

Alex Field: Defensive Tackle, Virginia

A behemoth of a man, Field is 6’7” and 270 pounds. With a player of that stature, it will be difficult for coaches to overlook him. The Giants have a lot of depth at defensive tackle, but if Field is able to make an impact on the defensive line or the field goal block unit, expect him to make the team.

Field could be a force blocking field goals, because kickers often struggle to get it over the taller lineman (Julius Peppers).

 

Dwayne Hendricks: Defensive Tackle, Miami

Hendricks, just like fellow Hurricane teammate Bruce Johnson, signed with the Giants after not being drafted. Hendricks was highly regarded out of high school as the third-rated player in the state of New Jersey, and the 19th-overall-rated tackle.

With a rare blend of size and speed, Hendricks is a very athletic defensive tackle. He is a run-stuffing tackle, at 6’4” and weighs in at 300 pounds. Hendricks is a long shot to make the team, but if he plays well in training camp, he could find a spot on the practice squad.

 

Kenny Ingram: Linebacker, Florida State

Ingram is a very interesting prospect to watch, as he continues to make the switch from safety to linebacker. Ingram was too big to play in the secondary, at 6’5” and 239. He lacks the speed of an NFL safety, but packs a serious punch to his hits. It will be tough for Ingram to make the roster due to the depth the Giants have at the linebacker position.

 

Emmit Thomas, a hall of fame corner back for the Kansas City Chiefs, was never drafted. John Randle, the great defensive tackle, played for the Minnesota Vikings, making the Pro Bowl seven times, and holds the record for the most sacks by a defensive tackle in the history of the NFL. As you can tell, the list of great NFL players not drafted goes on and on. If these players want to make the roster, and eventually make a name for themselves in the league, they have to remember that hard work will pay off, and they too can be great.

Seats Warming For Bills’ Coaches

It appears that North America’s team will go as far as its offense takes it this season. 

The pieces finally seem to be in place from a personnel standpoint, but what about the coaching staff? 

The evolution of Trent Edwards is the most important growth in western New York, short of the activity in the vineyards dotting the banks of the Finger Lakes. 

Both Edwards and offensive coordinator Turk Schonert are former starting quarterbacks at Stanford, and both have to deal with high expectations this season. 

Under Schonert, Edwards has shown progress and is clearly one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL.  

The Bills set a goal for Edwards to average eight yards per attempt and Edwards managed to reach 7.2, up from 6.1 the year before that. 

“That was a big jump for him,” Schonert said. “We’re going to aim for eight again this year and, yeah, T.O.’s going to help, hopefully, get the average per attempt up there.” 

Ah, yes—T.O.

Of course the addition of Terrell Owens changes what the offense is capable of, but Schonert stresses that Owens will have to fit into what the Bills are trying to do. 

“We’ve got our system intact and we’re not going to change the entire system because we add somebody new,” Schonert said. 

Schonert faces the task of balancing what looks to be a potent running game with a passing attack that they will utilize even more with big 81 on the edge.

“We’re going to put him into our system and then it’s kind of a feel thing for us. What do we need to add? What do we need to take away? We can plug him in and run our offense and not miss a beat.” 

While the seat is certainly hot for Schonert, no one’s sweating as much as head coach Dick Jauron. 

The decision to bring Jauron back for another season after leading the Bills to a 7-9 record in each of his first three campaigns was very unpopular among the Buffalo fan base—and Jauron knows it.

“I understand their feelings,” Jauron said. “We have to win, that’s our business. We plan on winning. I’m really excited to have another opportunity. I’m really excited about our team…My job is to do a better job and to get us ready, to attract more talent, better prepare it, get us on the field and be a consistent winner.” 

That’s all well and good, but Jauron’s track record does little to inspire confidence. 

In six seasons leading the Chicago Bears, Jauron posted a .438 winning percentage, the same percentage he has in three seasons in Buffalo. 

He did lead the Bears to a 13-3 regular season in 2001, winning the NFC North division. However, the Bears then lost in the first round of the playoffs. 

History only tells us so much. It’s a new season and there is good reason for the optimism of the coaching staff. The pieces are in place to be very good. The staff just has to find a way to gel the team to help the team realize their lofty goals. 

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