May 2009 News

Carolina Panthers: John Fox’s New Coaching Mates

Published: May 22, 2009

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Coaching staffs often spend years—sometimes decades—coaching together, learning the inner workings of each other’s thought processes so well they seem to know what the other is going to say before they open their mouths.

That, however, is not the case for John Fox’s staff of the 2009 Carolina Panthers, who among their 16 coaches will have six new faces roaming the sidelines or coaches’ boxes this season, four on the defensive side of the ball. And these aren’t face-spillers by any means.

We’re talking a new quarterbacks coach (Rip Scherer), a new linebackers’ coach (Richard Smith), and—among others—a new defensive coordinator (Ron Meeks).

So without further adieu, here are your NEW Carolina Panthers (coaches)!

Oakland Raiders: Don’t Make the Inevitable Trade of Derrick Burgess!

Published: May 22, 2009

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A month after I wrote that the Raiders would be trading Derrick Burgess, it may be about to happen. I hope it does not!

Sure, it would make sense! A team that failed to meet all of it’s pass-rushing needs, in the draft, would need a man like Burgess. He’s a former pro-bowl DE. He’s recovered from injury. He’s in great shape and could be a pass-rushing force again. He’s 31 and may not want to be in Oakland anymore.

I identified teams like the Lions, Bills, and Patriots as his likely suitors. What I find surprising is that New England didn’t fill their pass-rushing needs, with all of the picks they had in last month’s draft.

Now, they want Burgess. Don’t give him to them, Al! While a second or third rounder is a fair trade, I believe the Raiders would regret it. If this trade had been for a 2009 second or third rounder, during the draft, then it would have been better for the team. The Raiders could’ve drafted a player to help this year’s team.

Barring that, we would lose perhaps our best defensive lineman, and weaken our depth at DE, at the same time. We’d be willing to gamble that Trevor Scott is ready to fill Burgess’ shoes. Then, if Scott got hurt…what then?

Why help an American Conference playoff-caliber team solve a weakness? Should the Raiders be a playoff-caliber team themselves, wouldn’t strengthening a possible playoff foe, be a MISTAKE? That draftpick can’t strengthen us until 2010!

The Raider D is young and short on experience. Burgess is an experienced veteran who’s capable of providing much needed wisdom and leadership. We have no one who can replace him in this regard.

My belief is, that the Raiders have made enough improvements, to challenge for this year’s AFC West crown. Derrick Burgess is ready to have another good year. Whether he’s able to play every game, or not, he’ll be used smartly by new DC John Marshall.

I can’t see how this trade can help the 2009 Raiders. It only weakens us on the verge of going back to the playoffs. How many of you are sick and tired of losing seasons in Oakland? I know! Unless, the Raiders can get an impact player, in return, we have to keep the one we already have!

If the Raiders go through with the inevitable trading of Derrick Burgess, they will inevitably weaken their D and strengthen a foe’s.

Daily Haze: Three-Day Weekend!

Published: May 22, 2009

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Daily Haze

Big summer kickoff weekend ahead for all Americans. Any great plans out there?

Not an overwhelming weekend on my part. Going to an outdoor concert after work today. Heading down to Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday to watch a friend of mine play in the college ultimate Frisbee national championships. Staying in Columbus Saturday night for some fun, then back home for Sunday and Monday.

Not that you guys really care about that. The stuff that you came here for is below. Have a great weekend!

Here are today’s great reads:

Quarterback rankings for dynasty leagues, with Ben Roethlisberger a little too high—albeit at No. 10—for my liking. Dude has shortened career written all over him. [Pancake Blocks]
Still too early to project, but Brady Quinn is taking starter snaps over Derek Anderson as of right now in Cleveland. [ProFootballTalk]
Some of this year’s rookies on defense could make immediate impacts for those in IDP leagues. [No Offseason]
Still dissecting what went down in last month’s NFL Draft and how it is going to affect dynasty leagues out there. [Sons of the Tundra]

Got a pressing fantasy football question and need an answer now? Or just want to chat about all the recent developments in the sports world? Head over to The Hazean’s fantasy football forums for all that and more.

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Brick by Brick: 2009 Giants Back for Another Run

Published: May 22, 2009

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The draft has taken place, the free agency frenzy has dissipated, the proverbial dust has settled. The NFL offseason is no longer the time when coaches, players, and GMs can exhale but rather when the tweaks are made to the haves and the leaps are made by the have-nots.

After coming together for an epic run through the 2007 postseason that culminated in the Super Bowl XLII Championship, 2008 saw the New York Giants get off to a blazing 11-1 start before the season unexpectedly derailed.

Highly publicized off-field issues led to on-field problems that saw the Giants bounced from the playoffs at home against the hated Philadelphia Eagles. One and done. That’s no way to go out.

Possessing one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, General Manager Jerry Reese and Head Coach Tom Coughlin know that shots at the title are rare, and they are prepared to make another run at it in 2009.

Let’s take a look at the additions, the subtractions, and how they may shape the fortune of this year’s squad.

KEY LOSSES

Steve Spagnuolo, Defensive Coordinator

Spagnuolo’s scheme came together in the last two seasons and was a major determining factor in the team’s success, particularly creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. As a “hot” coordinator for the last two years, it was no shock to see him leave for a head job and rebuild in St. Louis.

Plaxico Burress, WR

Call him a buffoon, say he ruined the season, tell him good riddance…the fact remains that the Giants needed Plaxico down the stretch and their offense suffered as a result of him being injured, and ultimately, suspended.

His ability to convert big plays with QB Eli Manning was sorely missed and saw the offense’s scoring average drop from 29 points through the first 11 games to 18 points over the last six.

His release was the most significant event of the offseason and finding a replacement is the Giants’ No. 1 priority.

Amani Toomer, WR

A 14-year veteran of the team and a class act, his presence and professionalism will be an influence that cannot be easily duplicated. His 48 catches provided solid production but the Giants decided that they will be able to insert a younger, cheaper option at the wide-out position.

James Butler, S

Butler gained valuable experience in his five years with Big Blue and moved on in free agency to help Spagnuolo strengthen his defense in St. Louis. Butler’s aggressive play resulted in 68 tackles and three interceptions so it will be up to some of the younger players to step into his role.

Derrick Ward, RB

Ward filled in perfectly in the three games that starter Brandon Jacobs missed and was regularly a part of an excellent one-two punch when both running backs were active. A 1,000-yard rusher who led the team with a 5.6 yard-per-carry average in 2008, Ward will be missed.

KEY ADDITIONS (FREE AGENCY)

Chris Canty, DE

As old the adage goes, you can never have enough defensive linemen. After losing Michael Strahan to retirement and Osi Umenyiora to an injury in 2008, the burden fell on the likes of Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka, and Fred Robbins to put pressure on the opposing quarterbacks.

They also experienced a late season swoon so the addition of Canty provides them with excellent depth and an experienced player who may be entering his prime years.

Michael Boley, LB

Boley is an excellent addition to the linebacking corps which is likely the weakest unit on a very strong roster.

His quickness allows him to make some plays from sideline to sideline and his skills in pass coverage were badly needed so expect him to lock up on a lot of opposing tight ends on passing downs.

KEY ADDITIONS (DRAFT)

Hakeem Nicks, WR

The North Carolina product addresses the spot vacated by Plaxico Burress’ departure. Even though Nicks may not have explosive speed, he possesses tremendous hands and overall athleticism which will make him an immediate option for Manning opposite Steve Smith.

The caveat is that Smith is really a No. 2 option, so asking a rookie to come in and claim the No. 1 spot on a potential championship team is asking way too much.

Clint Sintim, LB

Adding a linebacker early in the draft illustrates the Giants’ concern with overall depth and talent at the position and addresses the need immediately. Sintim will be adjusting to a new system but, with his excellent size, he can take on would-be blockers in space.

Ramses Barden, WR

At 6’ 6”, 229 lbs, it’s safe to say he has rare size for a wideout. The jury is out on how well he will match up with elite talent but he should make an impact this season even if only in a limited role.

Travis Beckum, TE

Despite having some injury problems at Wisconsin, Beckum showed a lot of ability as a pass-catching tight end, which adds another weapon in addition to starter Kevin Boss.

Andre Brown, RB

A solid talent, Brown steps right into the fray with Ahmad Bradshaw to attempt to fill the hole that Derrick Ward left.

SUMMARY

For an offense that averaged five yards-per-carry in 2008, you can expect a heavy dose of the ground game with Brandon Jacobs, while Ahmad Bradshaw and rookie Andre Brown pick up the extra carries.

Also, expect the TEs to be an integral part of the passing offense this season, with Kevin Boss seeing more of Eli’s throws sent his way and rookie Travis Beckum in the mix.

Those two factors will allow wide receivers like Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith to function better as a unit until some of the younger players, including Nicks, develop.

Defensively, 28-year coaching veteran Bill Sheridan steps into a coordinator’s role for the first time. Much of the personnel will be the same but the additions of Canty, Boley, and the likely insertion of Kenny Phillips and/or Michael Johnson into starting safety roles, will require some reps for everyone to feel completely comfortable.

Expectations are high and the Giants have the components for a truly great team this season, so to let one deficiency at wide receiver derail them again would be the height of frustration.

Jerry Reese has purchased the groceries—it’s time for Coughlin and company to cook the gourmet meal.

NFL Power Rankings: The Three-Months-Too-Early Edition

Published: May 22, 2009

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Alright, Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the three-months-too-early edition of Power Rankings. I was in a good mood so I decided to spend countless hours making Power Rankings. I will say not everyone, of course, will like my power rankings and that is fine.

These rankings are due to change in a few weeks after OTA’s and Training Camp. Please check it out!

About the rankings: The Super Bowl Champion Steelers take the top spot due to the fact that they are returning almost the same team, if not a better team, than last seasons. The Patriots could easily be number one but it will depend on the health of Tom Brady.

Many teams such as the Cowboys, Bears and Packers have the potential to sky rocket up the rankings but we will have to wait and see how the 2009 season plays out.

Rank (Previous) Team Record Comments

1 (1) Steelers 0-0 The Steelers return much of the roster that made them Super Bowl Champions in 2008. Running back Rashard Mendenhall, who missed most of his 2008 rookie season, will be a major addition to the ground game and look for new starting middle linebacker Lawrence Timmons, who has a rare combination of speed and size, to make a huge impact on the leagues top defense.

With Ben Roethlisberger ready to make a statement after not receiving the Super Bowl MVP award, the Steelers appear poised for another Super Bowl run.

2 (2) Giants 0-0 This may be a surprise to some but the Giants have a front seven that keeps offensive coordinators up all night. The Giants had a chance to trade their first round pick for Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards who, despite all his drops, has the potential to be one of the best receivers in the league but instead drafted North Carolina’s Hakeem Nicks to fill Plaxico Burress’s shoes.

If Eli Manning plays at a consistently high level, the Giants could be the NFC representative in Miami.

3 (3) Patriots 0-0 The Patriots went 11-5 last season with Matt Cassel as their starter. If the Patriots have a healthy Tom Brady, this team has the potential for another 14 win season. The Patriots spent three second round picks and signed cornerbacks Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden in an attempted to address their defensive needs.

The defense will be in question throughout the season as well as the health of Tom Brady but if both go according to plan then the Patriots may have a chance at another undefeated regular season.

4 (4) Eagles 0-0 The Eagles had one of the most impressive offseasons in the league. The additions of Jason Peters and Stacey Andrews will solidify the once aging offensive line while speedy receiver Jeremy Maclin and running back LeSean McCoy should give Donovan McNabb more weapons in his arsenal.

The loss of seven-time Pro Bowl free safety Brian Dawkins could sting if new safety Sean Jones doesn’t play up to his potential. If McNabb can stay healthy the Eagles have the potential to have a better offense than the team that went to the Super Bowl in 2004.

5 (5) Colts 0-0 Peyton Manning is still an Indianapolis Colt which is why the Colts are still in the top five. The departures of head coach Tony Dungy, offensive coordinator Tom Moore and offensive line coach Howard Mudd could create more of a problem than initially thought.

Moore and Mudd have been coaching Manning since Day One and life will take some adjusting but if anyone can handle it, its Manning. The addition of Donald Brown with a healthy Joseph Addai will help get a ground game going that struggled last season.

6 (6) Chargers 0-0 Philip Rivers and the Chargers entered last seasons playoffs as the leagues hottest team. The Chargers had tough luck losing the first two games last season by a combined 3 points and became the first team in history to make the playoffs after starting a season 4-8.

The Chargers will return sack-master Shawn Merriman and the addition of first round pick Larry English will make the Chargers defense tough to game plan against. A healthy LaDainian Tomlinson and a speedy Darren Sproles will give the Chargers one of the best one-two punches in the NFL.

7 (7) Cardinals 0-0 The Cardinals appear to be the same old Cardinals, at least in the management department. After a scare by quarterback Kurt Warner flirting with the 49ers, the Cardinals return most of the high-powered offense that got them into the Super Bowl, minus offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

Haley’s departure may be underestimated due to Haley’s brilliant use of route combinations that kept defenses on their heels. The Cardinals did the right thing by not trading disgruntled receiver Anquan Boldin for a second round pick but Boldin is still insisting on a trade.

The Cardinals stole running back Chris Wells at the end of the first round. Wells will join Warner and company giving the Cardinals one of the top offenses again in 2009.

8 (8) Ravens 0-0 The loss of defensive coordinator Rex Ryan and middle linebacker Bart Scott will undoubtedly hurt but the Ravens have enough talent on the defensive side of the ball to not be a top unit in 2009.

Quarterback Joe Flacco showed his ability to manage games without making unnecessary throws. If the offense is able to show a little firepower and provide some production out of the passing game the Ravens could once again be in the AFC Championship.

9 (9) Falcons 0-0 Quarterback Matt Ryan and head coach Mike Smith aided in the turn around of dismal Falcon franchise in just one year. The emergence of Matt Ryan makes the Falcons instant front-runners in the NFC South.

The addition of Tony Gonzalez should not only help Ryan but will cause defenses to back off receiver Roddy White, who had a career year in 2008.

The Falcons defense took a hit in free agency especially with the loss of longtime linebacker Keith Brooking but the Falcons used all but one of their draft picks on the defensive side of the ball. If Ryan continues the progress he made on his 2008 season, the Falcons will be a forced to reckon with this season and beyond.

10 (10) Titans 0-0 The Titans added weapons to their offense in first round draft pick receiver Kenny Britt and free agent Nate Washington. With the emergence of the game changing Chris Johnson and power of LenDale White, the Titans offense has much more potential in 2009.

Look for second year defensive tackle Jason Jones, who had 3.5 sacks and three forced fumbles against the Steelers in week 16, to help fill the void left by Pro Bowler Albert Haynesworth. The Titans will only go as far as aging quarterback Kerry Collins will take them.

11 (11) Panthers 0-0 Jake Delhomme signed a five-year extension this offseason keeping him under contract ’til 2014 assuring him the Panthers have confidence in his abilities as a starting quarterback.

Delhomme did not have the best season in 2008 but the much anticipated breakout of DeAngelo Williams along with a strong showing by rookie running back Jonathan Stewart gave the Panthers the potential to run over any team in their path.

The Panthers hope to continue this trend in the 2009 season. Linebacker Jon Beason has established himself as one of the best 4-3 middle linebackers in the NFL. It remains to be seen if defensive end and franchise player Julius Peppers will be in uniform at the start of the season.

12 (12) Vikings 0-0 The controversy of who will be the Vikings starting quarterback for the 2009 season continues; whether it be Sage Rosenfels, Tarvaris Jackson or even Brett Favre, quarterback play is the only thing keeping this team from being a consistent contender year in and year out. Running back Adrian Peterson has the potential to be one of the best in our generation.

The addition of receiver Percy Harvin will give the offense even more speed causing problems for opposing defenses. The Vikings defense, led by a Pro Bowl studded defensive line, is near the top in the league every year. This team will only go as far as the quarterback will take them.

13 (13) Cowboys 0-0 Tony Romo can now take a deep breathe as Terrell Owens has now moved on. It will be up to receiver Roy Williams to prove he is worth a first, third and fifth round draft pick.

Look for Romo’s favorite target Jason Witten to have another big year along with the two headed monster in the physical Marion Barber and the speedster Felix Jones.

The Cowboy defense will have more depth on the defensive line with defensive end Igor Olshanksy and at linebacker with the addition of Keith Brooking. The Cowboys will be searching for their first playoff win since 1996 but it remains to be seen if Romo and company will be able to deliver.

14 (14) Texans 0-0 Is this the year the Texans finally post a winning record? Matt Schaub must stay healthy throughout the whole season especially with Sage Rosenfels gone.

Running back Steve Slaton proved to be a steal in the third round and will continue to be the Texans leading rusher. Receiver Andre Johnson appears to be making sure the NFL takes notes on his big play abilities.

The Texans have potential on offense to cause some disruptions in the AFC South. The defense led by linebacker DeMeco Ryans and monstrous defensive end Mario Williams are hoping first round pick linebacker Brian Cushing will help the Texans into the playoffs this season.

15 (15) Bears 0-0 The Jay Cutler era has started in Chicago. The Bears gave up a lot for Cutler but he will prove he was worth the investment. The Bears missed an opportunity to sign wide receiver Torry Holt this offseason and are still thin at the wide receiver position.

Running back Matt Forte, who rushed for over 1200 yards and caught 63 passes in his rookie season, will take some of the pressure off Cutler both in the backfield and in the open field.

The Bears defense has the playmakers to be a top-10 defense but they must play to the level of their abilities. The Bears have the potential to make some noise in the NFC if all goes well in Cutler-town.

16 (16) Saints 0-0 How many more games can Drew Brees win single- handily? Brees had a special year in 2008 and can hope to continue his success. It remains to be seen if running backs Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas will be able to handle more carries with the departure of Deuce McAllister.

Bush has been a special player since arriving in the NFL but he has yet to show he can carry a load. The addition of defensive coordinator Gregg William may be the most important offseason pickup. Williams will have the responsibility of cleaning up a defense that allowed 24.6 points per game, 26th in the NFL.

17 (17) Dolphins 0-0 The Dolphins had a special season in 2008 under first year head coach Tony Sparano. Quarterback Chad Pennington played well and will continue to prove his critics wrong. Second-round pick quarterback Pat White is the ideal fit for the wildcat offense, giving Sparano more options at his disposal.

Joey Porter and company can thank The Tuna for bringing back Jason Taylor and using a first round pick on cornerback Vontae Davis, who should provide immediate dividends. The Dolphins have the toughest schedule heading into 2009 so it remains to be seen if they will have the same success as they did last season.

18 (18) Jets 0-0 Head coach Rex Ryan will bring a new style to a defense that has potential. Ryan will use players in a way they have never been used before, turning small players into superstars. New addition middle linebacker Bart Scott will bring toughness to a defense that includes stud cornerback Darrelle Revis.

Second-year player Vernon Gholston should be the biggest beneficiary of Ryans arrival. First round quarterback Mark Sanchez may be the missing piece that the Jets have been looking for. If running backs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington are happy and playing to the best of their abilities, the Jets can be a sleeper team in the AFC.

19 (19) Packers 0-0 The Packers had one of the best drafts after stealing defensive tackle B.J. Raji and linebacker Clay Matthews. The conversion from the 4-3 to 3-4 will be closely monitored and much of the success of the team will ride on the defense buying into the switch.

After last season’s Brett Favre fiasco, the Packers are ready to move on for good. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers showed he can be a special player in his first season as a starter. If Aaron Rodgers continues his progression as a starting quarterback and the defense buys into the 3-4 then this team will be playing in January.

20 (20) Redskins 0-0 Year two of the Jim Zorn era might not be what owner Daniel Snyder is looking for. The Redskins added the prized possession of free agency in mammoth defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, but will he really be worth $100 million? The addition of Brian Orakpo will help get some pressure on the passer but it might not be enough.

The offense is loaded with talent but it hasn’t translated on the scoreboard. The Redskins struck out looking in their attempt to get Jay Cutler. Quarterback Jason Campbell has been more than professional with the media this offseason but he could be on his way out of town by seasons end.

21 (21) Bills 0-0 Oh Buffalo, did you really think the addition of Terrell Owens would help the progression of Trent Edwards? Yes Edwards now has more weapons at his disposal and the consistent double teams on wide receiver Lee Evans will back off but is Owens worth the headache?

The Bills drafted center Eric Wood and offensive lineman Andy Levitre to help sooth the losses of tackle Jason Peters and guard Derrick Dockery. The Bills defense played well last season and the addition of first round defensive end Aaron Maybin will only help.

22 (22) Broncos 0-0 The Broncos have been under the microscope all offseason. New head coach Josh McDaniels has all eyes on him in the locker room after trading away Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler for Kyle Orton and draft picks.

First-round draft running back Knowshon Moreno will provide an immediate impact to a position that was down to its seventh-string last season.

The defense struggled mightily last season but will benefit with the additions of first round pick Robert Ayers, and free agents Andra Davis and Brian Dawkins.

23 (23) Seahawks 0-0 It’s hard to believe Mike Holmgren is gone but the show must go on with head coach Jim Mora. The addition of wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh will help a passing game that ranked 29th in pass yards.

The defense was atrocious last season but the Seahawks brought some youth to their team especially with linebacker Aaron Curry, who was the top rated player on many teams boards. The Seahawks have the potential to be be contenders in the NFC West but they must stay healthy, especially quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

24 (24) Bengals 0-0 The success of the Bengals hangs on the shoulders of former Pro Bowl quarterback Carson Palmer. First round tackle Andre Smith, once thought to potentially be the top pick in the draft, will give the Bengals a solid anchor on the offensive line. The Bengals have upgraded their defense with free agent Tank Johnson and draft picks Rey Maualuga and Michael Johnson.

The character issues still persist in Cincinnati but if head coach Marvin Lewis can keep this team under control and Palmer can regain his once injury-free superstar form the Bengals can be a surprise team this season.

25 (25) Jaguars 0-0 The Jaguars may have missed their chance to make a splash in the AFC but they have made some right moves on offense this offseason using their first two draft picks on tackles Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton.

The Jags also added free agent tackle Tra Thomas as well as receiver Torry Holt while subtracting bust receivers Jerry Porter, Matt Jones and Reggie Williams. The Jaguars might not be a favorite to win the division so coach Jack Del Rio will have to do something to win some games this season.

26 (26) Buccaneers 0-0 The Buccaneers will be in rebuilding mood in the 2009 season. First year head coach Raheem Morris will have his hands full with an aging defense that will attempt to learn a new system from the old Tampa Two.

Morris released long time fan favorites Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn and let other veterans walk. The drafting of quarterback Josh Freeman in the first round gives the Buccaneers a quarterback but Freeman won’t be ready to take hold of the reigns anytime soon.

27 (27) Browns 0-0 Plain and simple the Browns are a mess. With new coach Eric Mangini bringing in a few of his former Jet players, the team still has many questions. The Browns failed to trade wide receiver Braylon Edwards and declined two first-round offers for quarterback Brady Quinn.

The additions of second round receivers Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi should give the Browns a few more options especially if Donte Stallworth is lost for the season due to his legal issues. This team is not very good so Mangini will have his hands full.

28 (28) 49ers 0-0 49ers fans rejoiced when two-time Biletnikoff winner Michael Crabtree fell into their laps. Crabtree will give whichever quarterback stars, whether it be Alex Smith or Shaun Hill, a big play receiver week in and week out. 49er fans can’t be happier with the team promoting Mike Singletary to head coach.

The 49ers will sure play with more fire on defense under tackle extremist Patrick Willis. If Singletary has his players playing his style of football and the quarterback position is figured out, then this team might be able to surprise some teams.

29 (29) Raiders 0-0 The Raiders make one smart offseason move by signing head coach Tom Cable, who is tough enough to keep this team in check but again the Raiders made people shake their heads by drafting wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey at No. 7.

The Raiders can only hope that DHB will give quarterback JaMarcus Russell a go to receiver. The Raiders have a solid linebacker core anchored by middle linebacker Kirk Morrison. The Raiders can only hope the work ethic of JaMarcus Russell improves, otherwise this team stays at the bottom of the NFL for another year.

30 (30) Chiefs 0-0 The Chiefs stole Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel from the Patriots for only a second round pick. The Chiefs drafted 3-4 defensive end Tyson Jackson a little high at No. 3 but new general manager Scott Pioli knows what he is doing from his days in New England.

Head coach Todd Haley will open up an offense that has been poor the past few seasons. Look for wide receiver Dwayne Bowe to have a big season with Matt Cassel throwing him the ball. Pioli and Haley will have this team playing at a very high level, just not this year.

31 (31) Rams 0-0 The Rams are a team that will be rebuilding under new head coach Steve Spagnuolo, who will bring a tough aggressiveness style to the defense. The Rams made two key moves drafting tackle Jason Smith, to ease the departure of Orlando Pace, and drafting James Laurinaitis in the second round.

The Rams will be riding running back Steven Jackson for most of the season. This season will be much the same as last but if Marc Bulger can stay healthy, they may steal a few games.

32 (32) Lions 0-0 Good news Detroit: The Lions will win more games than last year. The Lions have made the right moves this offseason.

The Matt Mullen era is over now it is time to rebuild. Head coach Jim Schwartz has much work to do this season and beyond. The Lions added linebackers Larry Foote and Julian Peterson to bring some leadership to the team.

The new $78 million face of the franchise Matthew Stafford should sit and learn this season and maybe even next. Schwartz and the Lions have their work cut out for them this season to say the least.

Dre’ Bly Signing Shows SF 49ers Front Office Is Finally Paying Attention

Published: May 22, 2009

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Since the dawn of the new millennium, the one word that sums up the 49ers front office is “ineptitude.”

Chasing Mariucci and Garcia away to placate TO, letting TO get away for virtually nothing, hiring Dennis Erickson, drafting Alex Smith over Aaron Rodgers, drafting a tight end with a top-10 pick who proceeded to blubber like a little girl (and has played like one).

I could continue, but I feel an ulcer coming on.

So when I read a Bleacher Report piece about Walt Harris being done for the season with a torn ACL in his right knee, I thought that the 49ers would rest on their laurels and plug Shawntae Spencer into the starting lineup.

A scary proposition for any SF fan, but the past nine years have taught me to prepare for the worst (it feels longer than nine years, doesn’t it?).

Much to my surprise, I was wrong.

The 49ers got intelligently aggressive and picked up Dre’ Bly, signing the 10-year vet to a one-year deal Wednesday.

I think my favorite part of this signing is the fact that Bly has a chip on his shoulder. The guy’s had a pretty esteemed NFL career, but new Denver Coach Josh McDaniels (who has already shown his ability to make friends and endear himself to his players) let Bly go.

“(I’ve) never been released. That was humbling to me,” Bly said in a San Francisco Chronicle article written by John Crumpacker. “The fact that happened, I’m so hungry. …At this point in my career, it’s not about money, it’s about the opportunity to come in and compete.”

49ers coach Mike Singletary, seemingly looking to capitalize on Bly’s hunger, will not just give Bly the starting corner job when he walks in the door. He basically told Bly that the position is up for grabs between him, Spencer and Tarell Brown.

You have to love the fact that Singletary isn’t playing favorites, nor is he just giving the spot to the big name. These are the little things that will make Singletary an excellent NFL head coach.

Before Wednesday, I cynically would have wondered if Singletary would have still been in San Fran when he put it all together.

But with the Bly signing, maybe, just maybe, York and Co. are starting to figure it out. Hey, it only took about a decade.

Green Bay Packers Defense: 3-4 Brings Big Changes to Defense

Published: May 22, 2009

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CBS Sports recently asked NFL writers, “What do you envision as the biggest changes in your team’s playbook due to shifts in team personnel and coaching staff?”

Everyone knows the answer as it pertains to the Green Bay Packers. In response to a poor 2008 season in which seven fourth-quarter leads were blown by the defense, the Packers fired most of the defensive coaching staff and hired Dom Capers to install a 3-4 defense.

The Packers are expected to become the ninth NFL team to run the 3-4. In 2008, four of the top-10 defenses ran the 3-4 scheme, including the top two: Pittsburgh and Baltimore.

This is due in large part to the superior versatility of the alignment, with linebackers more able to drop into coverage or come from different angles on blitzes. Blocking assignments are more complicated and so are coverage schemes.

Thus, while other teams may tweak their schemes for the new season, the Packers overhauled theirs. Usually, that means stark growing pains.

For one thing, the 3-4 does struggle against the run—especially power running games—because the personnel are smaller. While Pittsburgh and Baltimore were second and third against the run, respectively, no other 3-4 defense finished in the top 10 against the run.

That could be a problem for the Packers, facing last season’s NFC North-winning Minnesota Vikings and Adrian Peterson twice in the season. However, in looking at the rest of the Packers schedule, despite facing Matt Forte twice and Frank Gore once (both very good backs), Green Bay faces only one more team that finished in the top half of the league in 2008—the rebuilding Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

And let’s face it, the Packers run defense cannot be any worse than the injury-riddled 2008 unit against the run. That group was better than only six teams in total rushing yards (2105), average yards per carry (4.6), and first downs allowed (121); only five other teams allowed 20 or more rushing touchdowns.

Yet the Packers were within one score in all but two of their losses. That is why team officials, players, and fans alike should have more optimism than pessimism.

True, many players will be moved because of the scheme change and need to learn new responsibilities. But a healthy, more athletic, and more versatile defense should be much more capable of making plays in 2009, and the loss of size should really only hurt the team in two of their 14 games.

Plus, it is actually better-suited for many of the players physically.

For instance, Pro Bowl defensive end Aaron Kampman, one of the NFL’s top sack producers of the past few seasons, was undersized to play the end position and relied on his speed to make plays. As an outside linebacker—a position he is not unfamiliar with, having played it on college—in a 3-4, he is bigger than normal.

Moreover, it will be easier to move him over tackle or guard to get him beneficial matchups, on or off the line of scrimmage, in a two- or three-point stance, stunting, blitzing, or dropping into coverage.

Nick Barnett, who was lost for almost half the season to injury, has trouble shedding blockers. But in the 3-4, with a wider spread of linebackers to account for, he can be a moving target that is harder to get a hat on. On passing downs, Capers can use Barnett’s playmaking skills to both blitz and cover.

A.J. Hawk is above average size and possesses good straight-line speed and is an excellent tackler. His lateral movement, however, was insufficient to play the weak side, and he actually performed better once he had to fill in for Barnett because of injury—he will have less ground to cover and can attack forward in the new system.

In addition, with the bulk added on the line by drafting B.J. Raji and playing him on running downs at end, moving Johnny Jolly to end from tackle, and the return of a healthy Cullen Jenkins, it will be harder for opposing linemen to get to the next level. Thus, what was a thin spot for the Packers is deep now because of a return from injury, a draft pick, and removing one player from that unit by the scheme change.

All of this should help a ball-hawking secondary make even more plays as quarterbacks are under duress from the variety of blitzes they will face. While they will have to play more zone in a 3-4 than they are accustomed to, their man-to-man experience will come in handy on the many blitzes Capers is expected to employ.

Last season, the Packers dropped from 13th to 22nd in sacks, yet led the league in defensive scoring despite having all four original projected starters hurt. Only Charles Woodson played every game through his injury, and yet he was accompanied by two teammates (corner Al Harris and safety Nick Collins) on the Pro Bowl list.

Meanwhile, other secondary members like cornerbacks Tramon Williams and Will Blackmon as well as safeties Atari Bigby and Aaron Rouse gained valuable experience. This gives the Packers the deepest secondary in the league even without the addition of fleet-footed draft pick Brandon Underwood.

That is why even an overhaul of the system is sure to have more upside than downside for the Green and Gold.

Kenechi Udeze: The 2009 Minnesota Vikings Story Left Unnoticed

Published: May 22, 2009

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With the first set of OTA’s finished up, the Brett Favre talk is still the buzz around town. The press on Thursday, as it has for the past month and a half has been placing a shadow over Winter Park in the shape of a number four and have made it perfectly clear what they want to hear.

As Favre now sits in Mississippi shooting cortisone into his throwing arm and in an effort to release a tendon to cease pain in his arm, five-year Viking veteran Kenechi Udeze is at Organized Team Activities and practicing on the field for the first time in over a year.

Kenechi had originally been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on February 11, 2008 right after the 2007 season was officially in the books.

It was a big worry that Kenechi’s life was in jeopardy. To the pleasant surprise of the Vikings and Kenechi, the disease was an acute form and would only require a matching bone marrow transplant to make a full recovery. Fortunately, Kenechi’s brother, Thomas Barnes, was a matching donor and was very willing to to help his brother, Kenechi.

On July 1, 2008, the bone marrow transplant was successfully transmitted to Kenechi and he was out of the hospital by July 24, 2008. The Vikings also at that time placed Kenechi on the injury reserve list and offered to pay the defensive end’s salary even though they had no requirement to pay him while he was unable to play.

On November 9, 2008, Kenechi returned to the Metrodome as the Vikings honorary captain against the Green Bay Packers which the Vikings won 28-27. It was at this game that Kenechi announced that after he tied up his educational ties at USC, that the defensive end would be back on the gridiron in 2009.

The November 10th Pioneer Press reported an interviewwith Kenechi in which he stated “You know what? I’ll be back next year. The one thing that’s slowing me down are my feet. They’re slow to a lot of the treatment.

“But everything is going to be just fine. I don’t see myself not being a part of this team next year. I’m really glad to be back a part of it, and I was blessed enough to get out the hospital and start my road to recovery.”

Udeze was unavailable to reporters after this past Thursday’s workout, but Childress praised the defensive end’s determination and courage in making his comeback.

“It’s inspiring when you talk about a guy that 365 days ago was in the middle of intensive chemotherapy fighting for his life,” Childress said. “Put that into perspective. That was before he could even be considered for a bone marrow transplant. To be playing professional football back on the field kind of defies description.”

Kenechi’s career began at the University of Southern California where he was a three-year starter for the Trojans. He was remembered most for helping his team to a 2004 Rose Bowl victory as a junior. It was after that season that Kenechi entered himself into the 2004 NFL Draft.

He finished with 135 tackles (51 of them for a loss), 28 sacks (a school record), 14 forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, one interception, five pass deflections, and two blocked kicks. He also was a 2003 Ted Hendricks Award finalist. The Ted Hendricks award is awarded to the top defensive end in the country.

The Vikings selected Udeze in the first round as the 20th pick overall. In his rookie year, Kenechi started 15 games while recording 36 tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble and one pass deflected.

However, in his second year, Udeze only played three games before tearing cartilage in his left knee which forced him off the field for the remainder of the 2005 season.

Upon his return in 2006, Kenechi resumed his starting role starting in 15 games, recording 29 tackles, but no sacks. In 2007 however, he regained his leg strength and once again started 15 games with 47 tackles, five sacks and one interception.

I myself find it interesting that a man like this could be overshadowed by the immaturity of the media and Brett Favre. When a true story of adversity comes along, no one pays attention to the guy who fought for more then just a spot in the NFL Hall of Fame, but fought for his very life.

If I had the opportunity, I would love to ask him about his experience with this whole ordeal.

“Kenechi, what was your initial reaction when you discovered you had lymphoblastic leukemia? What was your reaction when you discovered it was acute and receding?”
“What was your initail reaction when your brother offered to do the bone marrow transplant?”
“What was your reaction to being able to make a full recovery and return to the Vikings?”
“Was there anyone in particular that stood by you through this whole ordeal? Who/What was your biggest inspiration?”
“With Jared Allen now a member of the Vikings, where do you see yourself on this team?”
“I don’t mean to ask this overused question, but what do you think of the Brett Favre situation?”
“If you return as a starter, do you think you would have the ability to play in 16 games a season like you did twice before being diagnosed?”
“Any comments on the Vikings coaching staff supporting you financially through this endeavor?”
“Do you have any goals for the ’09 season?”
“How are you feeling now in your return to football?”

By being on the field, Kenechi has accomplished a great feat in itself by becoming only the second athlete to ever return to professional sports after being diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia.

Childress said that the ceiling for Udeze is however high he wants to take it. It is presumable that he will challenge left end, Ray Edwards for the starting job or at least make an effort to back up both Jared Allen and Edwards.

Three Reasons the Denver Broncos Should Sign Michael Vick

Published: May 22, 2009

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Michael Vick was released from prison Wednesday, after being locked up for being “the key figure” in a grotesque dogfighting ring. He was sentenced in December 2007 to a 23-month stay in federal prison.

Vick, once one of the most electrifying players of all the NFL, was knocked off his pedestal of fame and fortune when found guilty.

A few major question marks hang over Vick, as two years is a long time to be away from the complex game of NFL football.

First, he has to be cleared by the iron fist of Roger Goodell to play again, and soon. If Vick has to wait out another year, he would be 30 when the season started, three years removed from a game of perfectionist quarterbacks.

Vick was drafted in 2001 and 2009 would be his seventh season, at the age of 29.

IF Vick was cleared soon, before camps, teams should jump at the opportunity of the former Pro Bowl quarterback being eligible.

Second, Vick has to accept that he may not ever be a starting quarterback again in the NFL, and if he wants to be one, he must really listen to coaching and play the way plays are drawn up.

Also, Vick has much to learn, especially if he wants to play for McDaniels’ highly complex offense, after being out of the NFL for two years.

IF all come to fruition, the Denver Broncos should definitely pick up Michael Vick.

Three reasons immediately come to mind about why the Broncos should snag Vick to compete for their starting quarterback job.

Reason One: With Jay Cutler gone, there is no defined starter…yet.

Sure, the Broncos acquired Kyle Orton in the trade with Chicago for Cutler, but he is not entitled to the starting job. McDaniels said so himself, stating that Orton and Chris Simms are in competition with each other.

Orton, a three year veteran, had his best season in 2008 with 2,972 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Not awe-inspiring when compared to Cutler’s record-setting 2008 season.

Like Vick, Simms has been out of the NFL for two seasons, after rupturing his spleen in 2006. Not many expect him to win the job, making the “competition” almost nonexistent.

Vick could come in and truly compete with Orton, if not for his smarts, but for his athleticism.

Reason Two: Vick is a veteran of the NFL.

Even though Vick has been out of the league for two seasons, he was a six-year veteran when he was placed in prison. He understands offenses and could possibly pick up McDaniels’ offense better than the others due to his experience.

Vick went through many coaching/play-calling changes throughout his career with Atlanta, so he knows how to quickly adapt to new plays.

Also, with Vick’s experience comes the knowledge of defenses and their tendencies.

Reason Three: Vick is exciting.

Michael Vick was a player that “puts butts in the seats;” he’s a fan favorite, exciting for even the most casual NFL fan.

He has the third most rushing yards by a quarterback in NFL history with 3,859, with 21 touchdowns to boot. Vick could drop back only to tuck and run on any defense, even if they planned for it. Late in games, Vick was known to take over and run for game-winning touchdowns.

As a passer, Vick has 11,505 yards, for 71 touchdowns. His best season included 2,474 yards, 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Quite comparable to Orton’s 2008 campaign. Add in Vick’s over 1,000 yards rushing and two TDs and Vick’s best season was much better than Orton’s.

Plus, imagine what McDaniels could do with Vick, Marshall, Royal, Stokley, Graham, and Moreno to name a few. There could be the Mile High-Octane offense, a wildcat-like style running and passing, innovating along the way.

That is what McDaniels is heralded for, right? Being innovative?

That really makes my point overall. Vick could come into Dove Valley and compete with Orton, and Simms to a lesser degree, which would push all players to their top level, and would prove the starter would be the best Denver could put out in 2009.

Competition should lead to better players and better play when all is said and done.

Vick could, and most likely would, make the Denver Broncos a better team in 2009 as far as the quarterback position is concerned.

2009 Pittsburgh Steelers’ Linebacker Corps Could Be Best in History

Published: May 22, 2009

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The 2008 Steelers’ defense entered the discussion as possibly the greatest defense in history. They were awe-inspiring at times in the way they attacked opposing offenses and were equally ferocious against both the run and pass.

There are plenty of other defenses in that same discussion to include the 1976 Steel Curtain, the 1986 Bears’ maulers, and the 2000 Ravens to name just a few.

The heart and soul of that 2008 Steelers’ defense was the linebacker corps, although the defensive line and secondary were both plenty good.

This year’s linebacker corps will likely be even better. The squad will return the league’s defensive MVP, a guy who has recorded eight playoff sacks in four games, and an inside linebacker who is a tackling machine.

That would be James Harrison, Lamarr Woodley, and James Farrior. Gone is the ever dependable Larry Foote to be replaced by 2007 first round pick, Lawrence Timmons.

Based on his stellar play on passing downs in 2008, this will almost certainly be an upgrade. Dick LeBeau will have a similar set of toys to play with as what he had when the Steelers rode their linebackers to the 1995 Super Bowl with Kevin Greene, Greg Lloyd, Levon Kirkland, and Chad Brown.

During that year, the Steelers had two outstanding pass rushers on the outside in Lloyd and Greene, a tackling machine in the middle with Kirkland, and an athletic inside linebacker who could attack the quarterback through the center of the line in Brown.

That is exactly what they will have this year with Lawrence Timmons fitting more in the mold of Chad Brown and James Farrior remaining as the resident tackling machine and defensive leader.

Last year, Harrison and Woodley paired as one of the great pass rushing duos in the NFL. Even at that, I don’t think Woodley has peaked yet, adjusting to the longer NFL seasons. His stats, and play, slowed during the second half of the season until he went on an absolute tear in the playoffs.

With the added athleticism of Timmons, experience of Woodley, and with Pro Bowl veterans James Harrison and James Farrior back, opposing quarterbacks and rushers are in for tough times in 2009.

And they are all the better because Dick Lebeau knows how to use their tremendous talent. Ron Jaworski once commented, “Dick LeBeau is arguably the best ever to coach defense.” A truer sentence has never been spoken. That factor is an important consideration when considering what these guys might accomplish in 2009.

So, will this squad prove to be the best linebacker corps in the history of the NFL? First, they need to earn the title of best linebacker corps in Steelers’ history, which is no small feat.

The Steelers’ tradition at linebacker is unmatched in the NFL. No other team comes close. They have boasted three linebacker corps that should be included in any top-ten list, the 1976 squad, the 1994 squad, and the 2008 squad.

The 70s squads featured Jack Lambert, Jack Ham, and Andy Russell playing out of a 4-3 defense. Those three accounted for 25 Pro Bowl appearances and two are in the Hall of Fame. I’m not sure Russell shouldn’t be there as well.

While the 70s Steelers’ linebacker corps were an elite squad, the fearsome foursome from the mid-’90s might have been even better. Greg Lloyd, Kevin Greene, Levon Kirkland, and Chad Brown were all exceptional players in their own right. The fact that they played together on one team just wasn’t fair for opposing offenses.

If they had won a couple Super Bowls together, I have no doubt they would be considered the best of the best. But, they did not have anywhere close to the talent around them that the ’70s corps boasted.

Other linebacker corps frequently mentioned are the Bears’ and Giants’ squads of the mid ’80s and the Saints’ squads of the late 80s and early ’90s. The 2000 Ravens also boasted a superb squad.

I think next year’s group has the potential to top all of them. Last year, Harrison and Woodley combined for 27.5 sacks. This year, they will likely top thirty, especially if the referees make offensive holding an emphasis item, as they should. By comparison, Greene and Lloyd combined for 24 sacks in 1994 when both were selected as first team all-pros.

The Harrison-Woodley duo will also be aided by a schedule that features plenty of teams who don’t pass block very well. That is not a good recipe for success when playing these Steelers.

Harrison is always thinking big play. He doesn’t just go for the sack. Instead, he literally attacks the ball. If the quarterback somehow manages to cover the ball up, he defaults to just mauling the quarterback. And Woodley is proving to be a quick understudy. He also is perfecting the strip sack.

Think about how many games these two guys literally took over this year and how often they combined for a big play.

One of the most memorable was the sack by Harrison on Ravens’ quarterback Joe Flacco in Steelers-Ravens Part I, which was scooped up by Woodley and returned for a touchdown resulting in a complete momentum shift. In almost all of the Steelers’ big wins, this duo played a huge part.

Last year, Lawrence Timmons added five sacks and Farrior notched 3.5 more. Timmons number will almost certainly go up this year with him on the field more often.

Farrior recorded a more than respectable 89 tackles last year, all the more remarkable because the Steelers defense had a knack for forcing three and outs, meaning they were not on the field as often as some of the lesser squads, which allows for more tackles.

It is hard to compare linebacker corps from different eras because the game has changed so much. Linebackers in the ’70s did not blitz as often in a more run dominant era.

And 4-3 and 3-4 linebackers are completely different animals. There is also the difference in athleticism and talent between football eras that isn’t fair to consider, but it does muddy the picture.

But, in removing nostalgia for the past from the equation, the 2009 Steelers’ linebacker corps, if it stays healthy, has a good chance of being the best ever to have played the game.

I’m not arguing that any of these linebackers are better than Lawrence Taylor, Ray Lewis, Jack Lambert, or even Kevin Greene. But, taken as an overall squad, these guys are something to behold and will surpass their units.

No doubt fans of the Saints who fondly remember the Dome Squad, one of their few positive football memories, will disagree. No doubt fans of the Giants, Bears, and Ravens will disagree. For that matter, plenty of Steelers’ fans may disagree.

But, the offensive coordinators who have to figure out how to block these guys might have a different perspective.

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