Giants vs. Eagles Breakdown 2009

A different writer wrote a similar article, though I believe it was lacking in substance.

I will try to be as unbiased as possible. 

The reason I pick these two teams is that they are often talked about as the two best teams in the NFC East and in the conference overall.

One of these two teams could (should?) make it to the Super Bowl, and the two (or three) meetings between them could have a heavy impact on the Big Game.

First, I’ll look at each position, then I’ll look at individual matchups (O-Line vs. D-Line, WR vs. corner).

 

O-Line

QB: Eagles have the advantage.

This is a classic argument.

Giants fans argue that Eli’s Super Bowl ring gives him the advantage, while Eagles fans point to statistics, head-to-head history, and every other piece of evidence.  Eli is one of the best at the two-minute drill, and he has come up with some fourth-quarter magic.

But, so has McNabb, and (for most of his career) he’s done it with subpar receivers.

I’ll go with McNabb for a few reasons, but the main one is turnovers. McNabb has the lowest interception percentage in NFL history; Eli has thrown 92 in four years.

In a close game between the Eagles and Giants, a turnover can easily swing the outcome. 

In addition, McNabb has better arm strength (which is key in the windy games they play) and ability to avoid the pass rush. Still, Eli is a solid QB and is definitely better than Tony Romo and Jason Campbell.

RB: Giants have the advantage

Brian Westbrook is one of the most exciting players ever, but the Giants have better depth. Jacobs and Bradshaw both have a great deal of experience, and Jacobs has a chip on his shoulder.

The Giants’ rushing attack should be formidable once again. Rookie Andre Brown also figures into the equation.

On the other side, the Eagles use their running backs differently. I think Brian Westbrook will still create nightmares for the Giants’ linebackers, and Lesean McCoy will also be used extensively. 

However, the Giants have two proven commodities and one unknown; the Eagles have only one proven and one rookie.

So, I’ll give the Giants the edge, but keep in mind that both teams use their running backs differently.

The Giants may have more success on the ground, but Westbrook and McCoy will be effective off screens and short passes.

LT: Advantage Eagles

David Deihl is solid, but Jason Peters has amazing versatility in both pass protection and running the football. Whether or not Jason Peters is the best in the NFL is debatable, but he is up there. 

LG: Even

Rich Seubert has experience, but Todd Herremans has steadily improved and could be on the verge of a Pro Bowl.

C: Advantage Giants

Shaun O’Hara is the best in the business.

Period.

Jamaal Jackson is above average, but O’Hara is an All-Pro.

RG: Advantage Giants

Once again, Chris Snee is one of the best players in the NFL at any position. Stacy Andrews is still young and is moving to his more suitable position. His size will allow him to win most battles, but Snee has experience and pedigree.

RT: Advantage Eagles

Despite the position switch, I think Shawn Andrews will be successful. He is a better fit at right tackle because of his athleticism. He has been to Pro Bowls and should dominate this year.

I like Kareem McKenzie, too.  He has a lot of experience, but I think Andrews’ talent wins the battle here.

Overall O-Line: Advantage Giants

This unit has played together in a Super Bowl, and that experience makes them the best line in the NFL, with the Eagles a close second.

WR: Advantage Eagles

Desean Jackson is a lot better than Steve Smith. He demands double teams and went for nearly 1,000 yards last year. Smith is solid, but is not on Jackson’s level. 

Kevin Curtis has more experience and better hands than Domenik Hixon. The rookies are largely unknown, but think of the fact that Jason Avant basically equalled Steve Smith’s production last year, and he would be the Eagles third or fourth receiver. 

Maclin should have an immediate impact, but so should Hakeem Nicks.

However, I think the Eagles’ proven commodities (two receivers who have gone over 900 yards in their career) give them the edge.

TE: Even

Kevin Boss is a great blocker, but not a great receiver. Brent Celek exploded when he started at tight end last year and is a solid, reliable target for McNabb. Cornelius Ingram will be used to create some mismatches, especially in the red zone. 

I call this even because both teams have tight ends that fit their needs. The Giants have an elite run-blocking tight end, and the Eagles have two tight ends that can create mismatches in the passing game.

Travis Beckum will also be used as a pass-catcher and should create some mismatches for the Giants.

 

D-Line

Right Defensive End: Advantage Giants

Trent Cole is a magnificent and underrated every-down right end, but Osi Umenyiora is simply one of the best in the business. He terrorized Winston Justice in one game, and, though he is unlikely to reach the same level of success, he is constantly in other teams’ backfields.

Right Defensive tackle: Advantage Eagles 

Chris Canty is making a position switch, while Broderick Bunkley had a breakout run at the end of the year last year and seems poised to be a force both against the pass and against the run.

Left Defensive Tackle: Even

Both Mike Patterson and Fred Robbins are experienced, brick wall-type run stuffers with playmaking ability.

Left Defensive End: Advantage Giants

Justin Tuck is a force to be reckoned with, while the Eagles’ carousel has still not produced a consistent player. 

Depth: Even

The Giants have Rocky Bernard, Mathias Kiwanuka, and Barry Cofield; the Eagles have Darren Howard, Juqua Parker, Trevor Laws, Dan Klecko, and Chris Clemons. Both teams have great depth and ability to move guys around in different situations. 

Overall: Advantage Giants

The Giants will be able to generate significantly more of a pass rush, while both teams will be solid against the run.

WLB: Advantage Giants

Michael Boley is coming off a solid year in Atlanta. Akeem Jordan is a bit undersized and could lose his spot to Omar Gaither.

MLB: Advantage Eagles

Antonio Pierce was burned by Westbrook last year, while Stewart Bradley has the size, speed, and athleticism to be the next Brian Urlacher.

SLB: Even

Chris Gocong and Danny Clark are both solid, if unspectacular, 70-tackle players.

Overall: Even

Both teams have solid linebacking corps.

 

Secondary

CB1: Advantage Eagles

Asante Samuel had a tough time getting used to Jim Johnson’s system, but, once he did, it was smooth sailing.

Samuel had three interceptions in the last few games, including two in the playoffs, one of which he returned for a touchdown and another was returned to the two yard-line.

He’s the second-best cornerback in football and is poised for a huge season.

The Giants are also set for the position with playmaking cornerback Corey Webster.  However, while both have lockdown abilities, I give Samuel the edge because of his playmaking ability to both force a turnover and be dangerous on the return.

However, both the Giants and Eagles are set at this position.

CB2: Advantage Eagles

Assuming Sheldon Brown is playing, he has the experience and was scored on just once last year. Aaron Ross is solid, but Brown is an elite corner and probably the best No. 2 corner in the league.

Nickel: Advantage Eagles

Terrell Thomas is another inexperienced player, while both Joselio Hanson and Ellis Hobbs are experienced corners.

Hobbs was the No. 2 corner for a Super Bowl team.

FS: Advantage Giants

Kenny Phillips improved greatly last year, while free safety is still a bit of an unknown. If Demps plays, I think Phillips’ experience gives him the edge.

However, if Sean Jones starts at strong safety and the Eagles slide Quintin Mikell to this side, give the Eagles a huge edge.

Mikell is the best safety in the division. 

SS: Advantage Eagles

No matter how you slice it, the Eagles have the edge here. Quintin Mikell is a playmaker, while Sean Jones had five interceptions last year. Michael Johnson had a nice year for a rookie, but he is still improving as a player.

No matter who starts here, I would give the Eagles an advantage. 

Overall Secondary: Advantage Eagles

The teams are fairly well-matched.

The thing to notice is that neither team has a huge advantage at any position. The teams have very few to no weaknesses.

Should be entertaining NFC East battle.

 

In terms of matchups

I like the Eagles’ secondary over the Giants’ wide receivers, and I think the Giants’ run game will be a bit of a stalemate. Jacobs will have a couple of big runs, but for the most part the Eagles will limit the bleeding.

Expect 17-20 points for the Giants.

On the other side, the Giants will be one of the few teams the Eagles will fail to light the scoreboard up against. The run will be almost completely shut down, but I believe the Eagles will make plays on short passes to Brian Westbrook, Lesean McCoy, Brent Celek, and Desean Jackson to keep the chains moving on back-breaking third downs.

Expect about 20 points for the Eagles. 

These will be close, tough games.

I expect turnovers to be the deciding outcome. In addition to having a slightly smoother offense, I think the Eagles are better at taking care of the ball and forcing turn overs, so I give them a slight edge head-to-head (though I think they will split the season series). 

In terms of facing the rest of the league, both teams should have a similar level of success because each has the ability to dominate other teams in certain aspects.

 

Three New Coaches Will Help Cable and Raiders Offense Significantly

Three new significant hires were made by Tom Cable and company on the offensive side of the ball in order to lift the Raiders offense past mediocrity and into dynamic.

With potential play-makers waiting to break out like Darren Mcfadden and JaMarcus Russell, let’s take a look at what these new coaches will bring to the table for the Raiders offense…

Quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett (who has worked with Joe Montana, Chad Pennington, and Rich Gannon) will be invaluable to coach Tom Cable, who will be calling the plays this year for the Raiders as he did last year after relieving former offensive coordinator Greg Knapp of play-calling.

Read more…

The Bear Den: The Top Five Bear Games To Attend In 2009

We are on the verge of training camp beginning for NFL teams, and that means one thing.

The 2009 NFL season is getting closer.

The Chicago Bears will start selling tickets to fans on July 25th and I’m sure many fans are excited.

So for those fans planning on attending a game this year, here is a list of the five best games to attend.

Enjoy!

5.)  vs. Philadelphia, Sunday Nov. 22, 2009, 7:20 CST 

The Eagles come into Chicago for a re-match of last years Sunday Night Football game that went Chicago’s way.

Philadelphia expects to be a top team in the NFC in 2009, and will have their eyes on the Super Bowl.

Donovan McNabb also makes his return to his hometown.

This Sunday Night Football game will be a treat for Bears fans, as it always is. The Bears could be in a race for a playoff spot or home field advantage.

4.) vs. Pittsburgh, Sunday Sept. 20, 2009, 3:15 CST

The defending Super Bowl champions come into Chicago to take on our Bears. For fans this should be a treat.

I would expect tickets to sell out fast for this game.

Both teams have good defenses, with the potential of being great defenses. If that stays true, we could be in store for one of those good old fashion defensive games.

In this decade when the Bears play the defending Super Bowl champion, they are 0-2. They lost to Baltimore in 2001, and New England in 2003.

3.) vs. Green Bay, Sunday Dec. 13, 2009, 12:00 CST

Bears-Packers are always a hot ticket when they play, no matter the place in the standings.

This is one of the oldest rivalries in the NFL, and both teams fans just flat out hate each other.

This year the rivalry just got a little bit more interesting. With the signing of Jay Cutler, the Bears now have a stable quarterback. Just like the Packers do with Rodgers.

Getting a ticket to this game might be impossible if you dont get one on July 25th. Connections might work, but who would pass on this?

Both teams could be fighting for the division or a playoff spot.

I advise if you get a ticket to this game, to go and enjoy one of footballs greatest rivalries.

2.)vs. Minnesota, Monday Dec. 28, 2009, 7:30 CST

This is one of the biggest games of the year for both teams. The Vikings come in on a cold December night for a Monday Night Football game.

Brett Favre who will likely be a Viking this year will play in only one cold weather game, and this is it.

This could be a classic game as both teams should be fighting for the NFC North title.

Bears fans, get your hands on this “hot” ticket as these will be sold out fast.

1.) At Green Bay, Sunday Sept. 13, 2009 7:20 CST

The Bears and Packers open up the 2009 season in primetime on NBC’s Sunday Night Football.

The rivalry is renewed with two young quarterbacks looking to take their team to the next level.

Sure this game will be played at Green Bay, but it will be worth the drive.

This will be the best game to attend for many reasons. It’s one of the best rivalries in the NFL, two young quarterbacks, and its Sunday Night Football to kick off the 2009 season.

You Know You Have One…Just Admit It. Who’s Your Man Crush?

I think of myself as just your ordinary, run of the mill, heterosexual man. I love a few sports, watch most of them, and consider myself a pretty devoted sports fanatic.

But it took just a little while for me to realize, as un-heterosexual as it may sound, that I have quite a few so-called, “man crushes.”

But I actually found out, amongst my circle of married and single male friends, that they were dealing with the exact same feelings. Some were obviously more willing to “crush” than others. Others were on their way to cheating on their significant others with their mental man crush.

It certainly doesn’t help when your wife is making fun of you and your infatuation with another dude.

But here I was, looking at these men, and thinking…”man, if only I could get them in a room alone!” To sign stuff and talk about the shot they pulled off, or the home run they hit, or what it felt like to do whatever they did to make them the object of my fascination.

Why? What did you think I was going to do in the room with them? No, see sentence number one!

For me, as a die-hard Blue Jays fan living in Maryland, I count down the days for when Roy Halladay and company come to town. I’ll buy prime seats along the Jays dugout, just so I have the chance to yell to “Doc.” Maybe he’ll look my way, probably he won’t. But just give me a little look, a wave, something, and I’ll call it a day.

I know his stats, his repertoire of pitches, his real name. Heck, I’ve got one of those posters of him in my computer room. And, as weird as it sounds, I’m not a 12 year-old boy anymore. Haven’t been for 16 years. But when it comes to my various “man crushes,” I might as well be.

But I don’t just “man crush” on anyone, I’m not a man crush player here. I’m not out there man crushing on Prince Fielder. Although, I think there are definitely some people out there right now, crushing on Prince. Or even King Felix while we’re at it.

No, I reserve my most deeply felt man crush for someone much more hated. A person that people hear his name, and their first reaction is a combination of: “I hate him” and “Why would you like him?”

Sergio Garcia.

That’s right. El Nino. Sergio “stop gripping the damn club” Garcia. Sergio “Mrs. Martina Hingis” Garcia. Sergio “Mrs. Greg Norman’s daughter” Garcia. The list goes on.

But while my girlfriend’s desktop photo is a picture of us smiling it up at a wedding reception, mine is Sergio Garcia blasting out of a bunker at this year’s Masters. And I’m totally cool with that. I think she has become very accepting of my crush. Or at least pretends well.

Did I also mention that he is the background on my iPhone too? So what if my girlfriend has a picture of us on her cell phone? I’m sure it all balances out somewhere!

All I know, is that since I have verbally committed to having these “man crushes,” to my friends and golf partners and anyone else I feel like telling, I feel free. Maybe a little more vulnerable, but free from the shackles that were keeping my feelings locked deep inside.

Maybe you completely disagree with my entire note and feel just a little more metro-sexual after reading this post. But maybe, somewhere in there, you feel exactly the same about Tom Brady or Roger Federer or even, Prince Fielder.

So, who are your “man crushes?” Don’t be afraid or shy to write them down here, let those crushes out and remember that the truth will set you free!

Where Are They Now?: Lawrence Phillips

Hello Readers,

Every week I told you that I will be writing about Superstars or Super-Busts, and this week I’ll continue with another Super-Bust, Lawrence Phillips.

In 1993 in the state of Nebraska, the people of Lincoln, coaching staff, boosters, and teammates were so excited about the new young talent they got with his speed and power.

It was something to look forward to.

He was established as Nebraska’s main running game against Florida State’s high powered defense, where he ran 13 times for 64 yards and a touchdown. 

Sophomore year, Phillips tied a school record, running 11 games straight for over 100 yards per game.  People loved him even more when he played through a broken thumb, which pretty much left him one-handed.

Orange bowl 1994, with the likes of Warren Sapp and Ray Lewis in a tough-nose defense on the Miami Hurricanes, Phillips rushed for 19 carries for 96 yards.

It included a 25 yard run, which was the longest that stellar defense allowed all season as Phillips ended the season with 1,772 yards—a Cornhusker record.

Everyone thought that the Cornhuskers were well on their way to repeat their success, and Phillips was up for the Heisman award against Michigan. Phillips had  22 carries for 206 yards and four touchdowns.

Now, here comes trouble. 

Later that night, while in east Lansing, Phillips went looking for an ex-girlfriend, found her, then went on to assault the female by dragging her down the stairs by her hair and her shirt.

Phillips was suspended from the team.

Phillips would be reinstated shortly thereafter, but gained weight and physically was out of it. Even though he looked rusty, coach Tom Osborne still played Phillips.

While freshman Ah-man Green carried the loads, Phillips helped out and got his stride back.

Lawrence Phillips decided to enter the NFL draft a year early, and several teams passed on the running back out of Nebraska, stating that he had too many issues.

But the St.Louis Rams picked the young promising back, even trading away future hall-of-fame back Jerome Bettis to the Steelers.

Phillips went over to NFL Europe, setting a record with the Barcelona dragons before returning to the states with the San Francisco 49ers. Phillips, known for missing a very important assignment, injured Steve Young and caused him to retire due to the hit by cornerback Aeneas Williams.

Later in his career he would try to play with the arena football league and even the Canadian football league—in both situations he was released due to insubordination.

From 2001 to 2008, Phillips was dealing with the law quite frequently, from assault with a deadly weapon charge to domestic violence.

In March of 2006, Phillips would stand trial for assault with a deadly weapon, assault on a minor, and fleeing the scene.

On Aug. 21, 2005, Phillips ran his car into three teenagers’ cars after a pick up game of football that ended with an argument. Phillips was found guilty on seven counts of assault

On Oct. 3, 2008, Phillips was sentenced to 10 years in a California state prison.

NFL Preliminary Predictions: Baltimore Ravens Win Super Bowl

This is a basic look at my predicted win/losses for the NFL in 2009, including the post-season.

AFC East:

New England Patriots: 11-5

Miami Dolphins: 9-7

Buffalo Bills: 8-8

New York Jets: 7-9

 

AFC North:

Baltimore Ravens: 13-3

Pittsburgh Steelers: 12-4

Cleveland Browns: 5-11

Cincinnati Bengals: 4-12

 

AFC South:

Tennessee Titans: 11-5

Houston Texans: 9-7

Indianapolis Colts: 8-8

Jacksonville Jaguars: 5-11

 

AFC West:

San Diego Chargers: 10-6

Kansas City Chiefs: 7-9

Denver Broncos: 5-11

Oakland Raiders: 4-12

 

NFC East:

Philadelphia Eagles: 11-5

New York Giants: 9-7

Washington Redskins: 8-8

Dallas Cowboys: 6-10

 

NFC North:

Minnesota Vikings: 11-5

Chicago Bears: 10-6

Green Bay Packers: 8-8

Detroit Lions: 5-11

 

NFC South:

Carolina Panthers: 11-5

Atlanta Falcons: 11-5

New Orleans Saints: 7-9

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3-13

 

NFC West:

Arizona Cardinals: 10-6

Seattle Seahawks: 8-8

San Francisco 49ers: 6-10

St. Louis Rams: 4-12

 

Wild Card Playoff Round:

Tennessee Titans defeats Miami Dolphins

Pittsburgh Steelers defeat San Diego Chargers

Atlanta Falcons defeat Arizona Cardinals

Philadelphia Eagles defeat Chicago Bears

 

Divisional Playoff Round:

Baltimore Ravens defeat Tennessee Titans

New England Patriots defeat Pittsburgh Steelers

Minnesota Vikings defeat Philadelphia Eagles

Atlanta Falcons defeat Carolina Panthers

 

Conference Championships:

Baltimore Ravens defeat New England Patriots

Atlanta Falcons defeat Minnesota Vikings

 

Super Bowl:

Baltimore Ravens defeat Atlanta Falcons

 

Yes, that’s right. The Super Bowl this year in my completely biased, way too early prediction will be between the sophomore quarterbacks Joe Flacco of the Ravens and Matt Ryan of the Falcons. The Ravens will win the Super Bowl in a tight game where both quarterbacks are tested by strong defenses, but the play-makers on the Ravens will take over late and win the NFL Championship for the Baltimore Ravens.

QBing the Pittsburgh Steelers: The Ben Roethlisberger Paradox

Back in the 1970s, the Steelers established the benchmark for all contemporary NFL dynasties.

The ingredients were as follows:

1. A dominant defense.
2. A powerful running game.
3. An efficient passing game.

The defense was the bedrock of the team, upon which everything else would be built.

On offense, the running game was the preferred method of advancing the football down the field, not because the QB couldn’t be trusted, but because running the football is the most fundamental, low-risk method of advancing it.

The passing game was basically used as a secret weapon, emerging only whenever it was absolutely needed. If the offense faced third-and-long, the pass was used to move the chains and keep a drive going.

If the defense allowed more points than normal, the pass helped the team rally from a deficit, and also kept the offense from being one-dimensional.

Due to the high-risk nature of throwing the football, however, if the defense and running game worked well, there was no need to rely on the QB’s arm.

It certainly made the QB’s job easier, but such a gesture on the coach’s part should never be mistaken for a lack of trust in a QB—the way it too often is today.

The way the coaches saw it, their secret weapon was the deadliest of them all precisely because it wasn’t used any more than necessary. The less it was used, the less opposing defenses would be prepared to stop it.

Terry Bradshaw was Pittsburgh’s secret weapon at the time, and it should come as no surprise that he was deadliest in the playoffs.

He could make all the throws, and, despite perceptions of him as a dim-witted rube, he was smart enough to draw up and call his own plays. Even as more and more teams were relying on their offensive coordinators, Bradshaw was his own offensive coordinator.

And, he clearly had what it took to work two jobs simultaneously—if his 1978 league MVP award, his Super Bowl XIII, and XIV MVP awards are proof of anything.

Many people claim he was “overrated” simply because other QBs of the time, like Roger Staubach and Fran Tarkenton, had better career stat lines.

I’d argue that he was underrated because he not only succeeded as both a QB and an offensive coordinator, but he also played very well in pressure situations. What he meant to the team could never be measured simply by statistics.

The tradition of strong defenses and running games in Pittsburgh has been consistent since Chuck Noll was hired to be the Steelers’ head coach in 1969, with few exceptions.

The defense withered in the mid-to-late 1980’s, but has ranked outside the top 10 in only three seasons since Bill Cowher became the head coach in 1992.

The running game has had a couple of off-years this decade in 2003 and 2008, but they’re directly linked to the performance of the offensive line in general.

Other than those exceptions, the Steelers have not changed their identity since the glory years of the 1970s, and why would they?

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

In spite of the Steelers sticking to their roots, however, they suffered through a championship drought that lasted over a quarter of a century.

From the 1980s through the 1990s and into the beginning of this decade, they trotted out QBs, like Mark Malone, Bubby Brister, Neil O’Donnell, Kordell Stewart, and Tommy Maddox.

Malone and Brister never really benefited from defenses and running games the caliber of those enjoyed by the Steelers of the 1970s, but the fact that neither of them were sought after as starting QBs by other teams once they left Pittsburgh is telling.

O’Donnell was the anti-Bradshaw.  His career numbers looked pretty, but he was terribly inefficient in the playoffs. Stewart was a choker who simply couldn’t handle the pressure of being a QB, and Maddox was a fluke.

By early this decade, the consensus of NFL fans and experts alike was that the Steelers were a tough team that had been wasting its effort and squandering its opportunities on a string of mediocre QBs.

That brings us to Ben Roethlisberger and the ensuing about-face in consensus.

Since Roethlisberger took over as Pittsburgh’s starting QB, his best efforts have been continuously discredited by people who must think it’s unfair that somebody should experience such quick success in the NFL.

After his rookie season, people claimed that he was simply in the right place at the right time, even though the team’s roster was largely unchanged between 2003, when they finished 6-and-10, and 2004.

After he became the youngest QB to ever win a Super Bowl, people derided him for his poor passer rating in Super Bowl XL, conveniently forgetting that the Steelers probably wouldn’t even make it to the Super Bowl without him.

In 2006, people claimed that “the real Ben Roethlisberger was exposed,” conveniently forgetting that he suffered three medical emergencies in a matter of four months.

As for 2007, apparently it never happened.

Finally, just a few months ago, after Roethlisberger led the Steelers on a game-winning TD drive in Super Bowl XLIII that will be immortalized by NFL Films, people just snickered about his passer rating in Super Bowl XL.

Which brings me to several questions I have.

If it’s so easy to do what Ben Roethlisberger does, then why did the Steelers have to wait 26 years to win a fifth Super Bowl?

Why is Roethlisberger one of only 10 QBs in NFL history to win multiple Super Bowls?

Why do people still compare Roethlisberger to Trent Dilfer, even though Roethlisberger has won twice as many championships and has a career passer rating that’s almost 20 points higher than Dilfer’s?

If a dominant defense and a powerful running game is all it takes, then why aren’t the Minnesota Vikings the runaway favorites to win Super Bowl XLIV?

I think we all know the answers to these questions, but plenty of people will deny them nonetheless. The truth is, Ben Roethlisberger brings something extra to the Steelers that cannot be quantified, much the same way Terry Bradshaw did.

Roethlisberger is the new secret weapon for the Steelers, doing the most damage to opponents when he has to, such as when his team is trailing by three with 2:37 left in a really really really big game.

I call it the Ben Roethlisberger Paradox: that’s when so many people claim a player is “overrated” that he becomes underrated in the process.

I think QBs like Mark Malone, Neil O’Donnell, and Kordell Stewart are proof that, no, not “any old QB” can succeed in Pittsburgh.

Even if a dominant defense and powerful running game make life easier for a QB, it’s still the hardest position in football to master, and those that do all have a special quality that cannot possibly be reflected in statistics.

Making life easier for a QB is the least a football team can do. It’s what the Pittsburgh Steelers have done on a consistent basis since 1969, but only two QBs—Terry Bradshaw and Ben Roethlisberger—have been good enough to take advantage of it.

That’s what makes them special.

That’s what makes them much more than just “any old QB.”

That’s what makes it an honor to have watched them play.

The Top Five: Best 4-3 Defensive Tackles in the NFL

In any defense, the tackles may be the most important part.

They are the first line, and they’re the tone-setters. Their play can determine the difficulty or ease of the linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties behind them.

If the line is playing well and keep the linebackers clean, odds are that team will be fairly successful. If they’re not, their respective team is looking at a very long day.

They’re the biggest guys on the field and their only intention is to make sure that the other big guys across from them don’t move them. They growl, they snot, and they snarl just to defend that six inches of ground.

The trenches. It’s the reason why we love football and what makes it such a man’s man of a sport. Giving up or keeping that six inches can be the difference between a win and a loss.

These are the guys who do it best.

5. Mike Patterson – Philadelphia Eagles

54 games started, 9.5 sacks, 1 INT, 3 forced fumbles, 1 TD, 154 tackles

Patterson has been solid since his first days in the NFL, but over the last two seasons he has really began to separate himself as one of the better tackles in all of football.

He’s grown into a brick wall. He’s not tall, and not all that big at only 5’11 and barely breaking 300 pounds, but he understands that leverage is all that counts when you’re a lineman, and he uses it better than most.

His shorter stature seems to help with this, as it’s much easier for a guy at 5’11 to get lower than a guy at around 6’4.

Look for Patterson in the Pro Bowl this year, and several times in seasons following. If this list is put together again in a few years, he may find himself much higher.

4. Marcus Stroud – Buffalo Bills

100 games started, 24.5 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 245 tackles, *3-time Pro Bowler

Stroud is an absolutely dominating force.

He’s highly underrated because of the small markets he’s played in (Jacksonville and Buffalo), but make no mistake there is not a single offensive coordinator in the league who doesn’t gamplan for a way around Marcus Stroud.

Even without the deserved media coverage, Stroud has still found his way to three Pro Bowls. One more than his former teammate, John Henderson.

Stroud is always going to command a double-team, and will make his teammates better because of it.

3. Tommie Harris – Chicago Bears

69 games started, 24.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 143 tackles, *three-time Pro Bowler

Tommie Harris may be the quickest man playing defensive tackle.

Unlike Patterson, Harris is much more of a pass-rush specialist. While he certainly doesn’t seem to lack against the run, his forte is getting pressure on the quarterback and creating havoc in the backfield.

Barring injuries, Harris may be considered the best tackle in all of football, regardless of the scheme. Unfortunately for Harris and the Bears, he has been injured throughout his career and unable to reach his full potential.

Even while he may not ever get to that point, he is still a force to be reckoned with and should be recognized as one of the most complete tackles playing the game today.

2. Albert Haynesworth – Washington Redskins

74 games started, 24 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 200 tackles, *two-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro

Personally, I’m not a huge fan of Albert Haynesworth. He seems to only be motivated by the money and the glory of playing professional football. I may be wrong, but the fact that he has only produced in contract years does nothing to temper the criticism.

As far as on-the-field goes, no one has been better than Haynesworth the past two years. He has been a disrupting force anywhere along the line. While he’s mainly a tackle, he has moved out to defensive end on occasion with great success.

He is a beast of a human being and is able to beat nearly any offensive lineman that the league can throw at him. Again, the only problem is that he has only produced in contract years.

If we throw out the past two seasons (both contract years), Haynesworth has a mere 9.5 sacks. He also has never finished out an entire season. This, in my mind, does not entitle him to the $100 million contract he received. He has his money, now will he be motivated to perform?

1. Kevin Williams – Minnesota Vikings

94 games started, 42.5 sacks, 4 INTs, 5 forced fumbles, 4 TDs, 223 tackles, *four-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro

Kevin Williams is without question the very best defensive tackle in the entire NFL.

He is incredibly reliable (having missed only two games in his career), and can rush the passer as well as stuff the run.

He’s an absolute wrecking ball on the line. Moving him is a nightmare for any offensive line. He consistently must be double-teamed if he is going to be taken out of a game, and even then he usually dominates.

His rare mix of being able to get to the quarterback and hold his own on the line is something the NFL hasn’t seen since back when Reggie White graced the football field with his presence.

The four career interceptions, two of which he’s returned for touchdowns, shows the rare athleticism he possesses for a man his size. He also has scooped up two fumbles for touchdowns.

Williams is a talent that only comes along once a generation. He’s a man who’s extremely under appreciated because of the position he plays, but should get serious Hall of Fame looks if his career holds up the way it is.

 

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Courtney Greene: Seahawks No-Name Player to Watch in 2009

This is the first article in a five part series that will list five no-name Seahawks players fans should watch in 2009. I will start the series with rookie safety Courtney Greene, drafted in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL draft.

Greene was not a highly-rated player coming into the ’09 draft, but he will bring a lot of good traits that remind a few scouts of Indianapolis Colts FS Bob Sanders. Like Sanders, Greene is very athletic and hard-hitting, but short.

Greene has a great opportunity to make a name for himself this season because the Seahawks only have one sure lock safety, Deon Grant. At SS they have players like Brian Russell, C.J Wallace, and Greene.

Russell has been a complete bust since signing a four-year contract back in 2006. He is no longer the “hardest hitting safety in the NFL,” like Chad Ochocinco once said he was.

Wallace, still a young, is a blooming yet unproven player. He doesn’t bring as much to the table as Greene does though.

With the physical abilities that Courtney Greene brings to the table, it should allow him to really make a name for himself this season.

AFC East Quarterbacks in 2009: Fantasy Rankings

The AFC East features the best QB in the NFL, two others who are steady but unspectacular for your fantasy team, and a rookie.

1. Tom Brady

The encore to his record-breaking, 50 TD season was a severe knee injury in week one that put Brady out for the entire 2008 season, with some concern that it would carry into this season.

But from the little we saw of a recent minicamp workout, he appears to be ahead of schedule and set to go from the start.

If so, with Moss, Welker, and now Galloway—who’ll most likely be called upon to run post patterns—look for another top-tier season with over 4,000 yards and 35-40 TDs.

Trent Edwards

In his brief two-year career, Edwards has been efficient, but not flashy. The system and personnel have deterred big numbers, and in 2008 he finished with 2,699 yards and 11 TDs.

This year, things could be vastly different. Owens arrival gives Edwards a huge target to throw to and makes Evans more dangerous. And with RB Lynch out for the first three games, the passing game should be more relied on. Look for a big step forward with over 3,500 yards and 20 TDs.

Chad Pennington

Pennington is as steady as they come and an extremely cerebral QB. That’s not the problem; the problem is he lacks a big arm and rarely posts the numbers you need to be a top-flight fantasy QB.  He still managed over 3,600 yards and 19 TDs.

This year it looks like more of the same, or a slight drop off, as the Dolphins have the league’s toughest schedule. But some of the younger receivers (Ginn, Camarillo) are maturing, and that could lead to some big plays. Look for another 3,250-3,500 yards and 17-20 TDs.

Mark Sanchez

In two years, he’ll probably be second on this list. But not as a rookie. The first round pick from USC has a very strong arm, pinpoint accuracy, and is a great all-around athlete. However, he will be utilized much like Joe Flacco was in year one, as a game manager.

Expect between 2,000-2,500 yards and 10-12 TDs.

Draft Tip

Brady went as high as No. 2 in the draft last year but won’t go until round two this year, as there’s still concern over his knee. Edwards and Pennington will go around the same time, probably after round eight. Sanchez will only be drafted as a number three with the hopes that he turns out like Matt Ryan, which is extremely unlikely.

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