Not Only Is Jay Cutler a Crybaby, He’s Also a Liar

On Josh McDaniels:

“Just the brief amount of time I was able to spend with him, he’s impressive. He knows a lot about offenses, he knows a lot about getting guys open and scoring points, as everyone’s seen when he was in New England, so I think they’re going to be fine.”

Those are the words of Chicago quarterback, Jay Cutler, the former Vandy who ran from the Broncos after hearing rumors that the Broncos had interest in Matt Cassel.

If you buy his explanation, I have a bridge I can sell to you.

What Cutler is essentially saying is: I believed in Josh McDaniels so much so, that I could not play with such a great coach.

“I mean, they’re good fans there and you know we left…it wasn’t the best situation,” Cutler said.

That’s about all Cutler would say about Denver’s fans after dissing them in a Chicago radio interview during training camp, when he said Broncos fans were a six and Bears fans a nine. He later clarified his remarks to say he was talking about the bigger crowds at Bears training camp practices, that’s all.

Pardon the accusation, but: Was Cutler drunk? What does “you know we left” mean?  Cutler sounded like he was slurring his words, incoherent, and can’t get his story straight. Perhaps, if Cutler truly did believe in Josh McDaniels, his reaction to the trade rumors was merely a drunken tirade.

Lies like these from a drunken puppet like Cutler make me wonder who was pulling the strings.

Offensive Assessment Of Buffalo Bills Personnel

NFL teams need a two back system now because of the punishment that players take and the long haul of a 16 game schedule. The Buffalo Bills have three quality running backs and should be in good shape if one of them misses a prolonged period of time. 

One quiet but good signing by the Bills was the addition of Dominic Rhodes to add depth to the backfield. Rhodes brings a wealth of experience and a Super Bowl ring to a somewhat inexperienced group of running backs.

Rhodes will fill in nicely as a complementary back when Marshawn Lynch misses the first three games of the regular season serving his suspension. It will showcase Rhode’s ability to spell starter Fred Jackson during the three games. The games will also serve as a showcase for Jackson as a featured running back.

Dynamic Bills return man and wide receiver Roscoe Parrish will be showcasing his talents in these remaining preseason games in the hopes of being traded or catching on if he gets caught in a numbers game. He’s a fun player to watch on kickoffs and Turk Shoenert has been looking for ways to get him the ball, but it’s usually been feast or famine with Parrish. He’ll do something electric like return a punt for a touchdown or lose 10 yards on a bubble screen.

Parrish is good, but the team has spent a lot of money on former first rounder Leodis McKelvin to return punts. James Hardy should get a lot of reps at wideout once he returns from knee surgery, and second year man Steve Johnson is more technically sound than Parrish. Parrish wanted a trade this past offseason, but it looks more likely he’ll be dealt as other teams have injuries at wide receiver.

Bills fans should be concerned about the inexperience at tight end. Derek Shouman is entering the season as the number one on the depth chart, but every one knows that it’s rookie Shawn Nelson that’s going to get a lot of the reps on throwing downs. Bills fans know that the tight end is a key part of the no-huddle offense. The Bills’ version was named after tight end Keith McKellar.

Nelson is big, quick and creates a lot of match-up problems for opposing defenses. Once the season goes on, I expect him to have a major impact on the outcome of games. Second year man Derek Fine should show Nelson better blocking techniques so that Nelson will become a complete package at the position.

It will be interesting to see if the Bills incorporate the wildcat formation into the no-huddle offense. The no-huddle lends itself to quick scores, but if run right it could add a lot of gadget plays too. To see Lynch or Jackson take a direct snap and run up the gut after a long completion to Evans would ignite Ralph Wilson Stadium.

NFL: Fantasy Football Rookie Report

With some fantasy drafts recently completed by myself, I have decided to look into the fantasy depth and expectations of the rookie class of 2009. I’ve taken the approach of looking at the key offensive positions, where the players may be drafted, their possible playing time and touches, and their possible fantasy output.

The motive for this is mainly selfish, as I tend to only play in keeper leagues (I prefer to let the newbies play draft and trades). Of course, you won’t agree with some (or maybe any) of my views—but there is a reason I annually finish in the top third of all my keeper leagues.

Quarterbacks

1. Mark Sanchez (NYJ)—Middle rounds of fantasy drafts. The newly named starter of the Jets probably has the best potential to contribute at the position. He has a ground game in NY and some reliable targets at TE and WR in place to go along with a great offensive line.

I drafted him as a backup, or trade bait, in one of my larger leagues and expect numbers similar to Flacco’s 2008 campaign—around 2,800 yards and 16 TDs with about 12-14 ints.

2. Matthew Stafford (DET)—Undrafted or late rounds in deep leagues. Scouts have raved about his NFL-style approach since high school, but it is unclear if he will start from day one. (I don’t see what harm he could possibly do to the team.) I expect he starts from day one, or at least by week six.

I’m optimistic on his numbers mainly because he has a good young running back with him, Calvin Johnson, Brandon Pettigrew (continue reading), and they will be playing catch-up in most outings. I’m counting on about the same numbers as Sanchez, even if he doesn’t start until a couple weeks in.

3. Pat White (MIA)—Middle rounds in most leagues, upper third of deep leagues. Maybe the hardest cat to figure out of the rookie class. Amid clouds of questions as to how he will be used, I would expect simply effectively. Yardage wise, I would venture a guess of about 1,000 combined rushing a passing with eight TDs, give or take. I will be honest here; he is a completed guess.

4. Josh Freeman (TB)—Largely undrafted. Doesn’t look like he will start on opening day, but then again news broke today that Tampa is shopping a QB—which could open the door for the 6’6″, 250 lb. monster. Nothing more than a third option in leagues with 12 plus teams.

Running Backs

1. Knowshon Moreno (DEN)—Middle rounds. A team full of holes on defense doesn’t take a RB No. 12 overall if they don’t plan to use him. Although I am not overly impressed with him or the touches he may receive, I would think that 1,000 rushing yards mixed in with more than a handful of catches (see, Orton to Forte). He’s your perfect No. 1 bench back that you don’t have to overspend on.

2. Chris Wells (ARZ)—Middle rounds in all leagues. I do not love him as an NFL player. Average size, speed, hands and toughness usually equal an average NFL career. However, with that said, he is my favorite rookie RB for 2009. So why did I rank him second? Injuries.

If healthy, he’ll get his touches on his way to 850 rushing yards, 150 receiving, and eight total TDs. Not a bad hall for a rookie. I grabbed him very leate as my No. 3 back in two big leagues—and I am excited by the sheer number of touches he should receive.

3. Donald Brown (IND)—Middle rounds. With the injury history of Joseph Addai coupled with the departure of Harrison as a target, the Colts may run or dump to backs in the red zone more in 2009. That plays well for a rookie in a potent offense. He’s probably a lock for 800 combined yards and four to six TDs. He is only another Addai injury away from 1,200 total yards and a great season.

4. LeSean McCoy (PHI)—Middle and late rounds in all drafts. I saw him play live a few times, and he is the fastest player I have ever seen live. He is special on returns as well and has above average hands.

It has been made clear publicly that he is a clone to Westbrook in terms of how he can be utilized. That should be enticing to anyone who is aware of the 30 year old Westbrook’s injury history. I’m thinking somewhere around 500 rushing yards and 200 receiving with five TDs. Not bad as a handcuff if you own Westbrook or you stumble on him in the bottom third of your draft.

5. Shonn Green (NYJ)—Late rounds. The Jets seemed to target him by trading some picks to land him. Not sure where he fits into a crowded backfield in NYJ, but take whatever you think Leon Washington is worth, minus the return yardage.

6. Glen Coffee (SF)—Late rounds in deep leagues/largely undrafted in leagues under 12 teams. He could see some playing time in coach Mike Singletary’s run-first offense and with the recent regress made by Gore. If you own him, hope for 500 rush yards and five TDs. Potential to get some touches however if he proves useful early.

 

Wide Receivers

1. Percy Harvin (MIN)—Top third to middle third of drafts. I am not sold on him, but he has been drafted first among the rookies in my leagues and I suppose with good reason in a below average field. With Brett, I would say 600 yards and four TDs are not a reach. He could find himself some rushing yards as well.

2. Darrius Heyward-Bey (OAK)—Middle rounds in most leagues. I am not a believer of any Oakland players. I think he will prove to be a bust, and I would be happy with 700 yards and four TDs from him.

3. Hakeem Nicks (NYG)—Middle to late rounds in deep leagues. He has gone undrafted in a few leagues, and I am not sure why. Anyone that saw him play in college loves his stuff, and the opportunity in NY in there. Eli is looking for a No. 1 and if he builds rapport, he has breakout rookie receiver written all over him.

4. Jeremy Maclin (PHI)—Middle to late rounds. He has good value as a bench player in leagues counting return yards, and he should see the field a bunch in 2009. I like his chances as good return numbers and 700 yards with limited touchdowns. He won’t be a red zone target due to his size and Philly’s options (Westbrook, Jackson, Curtis, Brown, McCoy, Celek), but don’t doubt his ability to break away.

5. Brian Robiskie (CLE)—Undrafted. I may catch heat for this, but who else does Cleveland have after Edwards now that Stallworth is banned? He was a red zone target at OSU, and it would be nice if he could continue that in the NFL. Possibly 500+ yards and 5/6 TDs. Not a bad haul if you are in a huge league and looking for a fill-in.

6. Kenny Britt (TEN)—Undrafted. Loved the way he played at Rutgers, and he has the potential with the Titans’ limited receivers to make an impact. His height gives him an advantage inside the twenty, and I like him for 600 yards and five scores. Don’t be surprised if he gets on the field often though and leads the team in receptions.

Tight Ends

1. Brandon Pettigrew (DET)—Later third rounds, undrafted. A deep TE crop across the NFL makes Pettigrew, who the Lions moved up to grab, the only one worth looking at.

I do like Shawn Nelson and Chase Coffman as well. The Lions moved up to get him in the first, and I like pairing young QBs with TEs. He can do it all (even block) and I expect him to be a red zone target. If you start two TEs, or have a flex that includes them, don’t think that 500 yards and five TDs are out of the picture.

 

I am guessing many of you have looked into the 2009 class, mainly for your own selfish reasons, and undoubtedly will have your opinions. Of course there are some others worth looking at, and there are some flying under the radar as usual who will break out. Please, as always, let me know where you feel I am off – I’ll gladly receive your advice in order to dominate yet another season of keeper leagues.

Kellen Clemens and the New York Jets’ Quarterback Job He Could Never Win

It’s difficult not to feel some sorrow for Kellen Clemens and his unfortunate tenure with the New York Jets.

The young man wasn’t exactly sabotaged, but his run in the NFL has been an arduous one thus far. With decks routinely stacked against him, one has to wonder where his thought process was on the day he was formally notified of his position as the backup quarterback…again.

After spending the last two seasons in what’s been billed as an open quarterback competition, it would appear from some angles as if the job he’s been working to earn was intentionally kept just outside his reach.

When Mark Sanchez was drafted, there wasn’t much doubt surrounding the intentions for the fifth-overall draft-pick. The Jets were to be his team, and he would eventually receive the starting nod. Head coach Rex Ryan agreed.

Sure, there were some intriguing scenarios and compelling arguments in Clemens’s favor, but none were going to alter the future of the organization.

The Jets made sure to never invest themselves too deeply in Kellen Clemens, and that’s why the future rests in the hands of No. 6, for better or for worse.

The idea here is not to suggest that the fourth-year quarterback deserves an extensive pity party. But a little bit of sympathy can be a positive thing, no?

The writing was on the wall for Clemens the night Mike Tannenbaum completed the trade for Brett Favre in August 2008. The circus was packed and ready to come to town, and with it came an indictment on Clemens and how the Jets felt regarding their desire to grow through him.

That sentiment ultimately received an emphatic echo when Sanchez was drafted in April.

But this does not signify a complete “Woe is Clemens” scenario. For whatever reason, he could never distinguish himself from his competition when given his opportunities.

That was true against a rookie this summer, and it’s been true throughout his career.

Former head coach Eric Mangini appeared willing to hand the keys over to Clemens after benching Chad Pennington in 2007, but Clemens had to help his former coach make that decision. He didn’t.

When the job was up for grabs in 2008, all reports out of training camp revolved around their pedestrian performances; nothing terrible, but nothing magnificent either. In fact, it took an undrafted free agent in Brett Ratliff to generate any kind of quarterback buzz in the pre-Favre era.

Since Favre’s retirement, Clemens may have been taken for an unceremonious ride filled with false hopes and vacant nods of approval, but there was still an idea that he could be the opening day starter in 2009. But he had to do it on his own.

There are expectations that come with being a starting quarterback. Clemens found a way to do a confident quarterback impression in his dealings with the media, but was never quite convincing enough.

He’d say the right things, but it was always tough to believe him.

Whether or not he received a fair shot at the job is inconsequential at this juncture. He was drafted as a second-round pick, which can be translated to high enough to produce but low enough to not hinge a future upon.

As far as the Jets are concerned, it appears as if all parties involved are content with the decision to go with Mark Sanchez to start the season.

While Sanchez may have very well earned the job outright, it speaks volumes of Clemens’s inability to relieve everyone of any doubts.

Speculation for the heck of it—sound off!

With Clemens being in the final year of his contract, there raises an interesting situation. Do the Jets let him walk, or try and find immediate value for him before it’s too late?

At the present, it’s unreasonable to expect many teams making offers Tannenbaum can’t refuse. But the preseason is young.

One of the most intriguing sidebar-worthy notes of the first two exhibition games has been the extensive look Ryan has had of Erik Ainge. All things considered, is it unreasonable to assume he’s being groomed as the immediate backup to Sanchez?

Is it too reckless to assume that the next two preseason games could be Kellen Clemens’s opportunity to audition for another team if Rex feels confident about Ainge?

There’s no five-year, $50 million deal with the Jets in Clemens’s immediate future. If all goes according to plan, Sanchez will be the face of the franchise for the next decade.

What would be the purpose of holding on to a quarterback whose contract is about to expire? Especially if said quarterback believes he has starter potential?

Whatever happens next for Clemens is unknown, but in the meantime could the Jets potentially seek value for him with a quarterback-starved team? The Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, and San Francisco 49ers immediately come to mind.

Obviously, experience is not a concern for Ryan, so keeping Clemens around under the guise of veteran tutelage, or as an insurance policy, defies logic.

The next two preseason games should determine where Clemens and Ainge fit into the Jets’ plans.

NY Giants—Big Blue and The Empire State in 2009

Halfway through the first half of the New York Giants preseason schedule and I, like most rational people, worry not about how the G-Men are looking. Playing scrubs and third-stringers in two preseason games is nothing to worry about or get in a tizzy about any time soon.

Of course, who said that Giants fans were rational?

With the departure of Steve Spagnuolo as defensive coordinator to head up the St. Louis Rams (may God have mercy on him) and a lack of Plaxico Burress to throw to, many assumptions have been made of the boys in blue early in the preseason for no apparent reason.

Maybe it’s because I live in Albany, NY, home to the (former?) training camp of the New York Giants. Maybe it’s because preseason games are hyped up more than usual this year across the board, and even maybe—just maybe—it’s because Giants fans don’t want to jinx themselves because the Monster from the Meadowlands is shaping up to be a Grade-A team this time around.

With a newly franchised Eli Manning making more money than his older and wiser brother, a first-round draft-pick that could re-ignite the receivers this season, and a mediocre regular season schedule it could be very easy to expect the Giants to run right through the competition like a toddler on a sugar high.

To even state that the Giants could make the playoffs by the end of October causes fans to shake and convulse like voodoo witch doctors to get rid of any bad ju-jube that might have been created.

Nevertheless, the New York Giants are shaping up in the preseason and look to have their hardest game against the New England Patriots. Even with a loss to the Chicago Bears, the Giants will get the rust out before a regular season run that would even make an aged Brett Favre salivate at the possibilities.

Key games in the season include a September start against the Washington Redskins with the Dallas Cowboys following a week later. After trips to the West for games against Kansas City, a bye week at Oakland, New Orleans and Arizona; the Giants play the Eagles at Philly, fight San Diego at home, with a dogfight against the Atlanta Falcons right after the bye week in mid November.

If the G-Men can keep their cool, most of these games should go like clockwork. While Arizona is hot off a run to the Superbowl, and Philadelphia is looking to mess up any postseason appearances, most of these games should barely test Eli and the offense. Most of the judgments will come from Bill Sheridan’s boys on the other side of the ball.

With the departure of the aforementioned Spagnuolo, the defensive prowess of the 2008 Giants could be in jeopardy. The Giants may not be the steel curtain of Pittsburgh, but much like other Eastern Division teams (in both conferences), Giants football is won on defense just as often as offense. If teams are looking for any cracks in the Giants plans, it begins with a D.

But not all is lost. If the defense can stand up for themselves this year, Eli will be able to quickly and efficiently pay off any debts they create. $97.3 million is not so much a payment plan as an insurance premium this time around for New York, as Eli is now a veteran of the NFL in all its facets.

No one can blame him for being a green-jean rookie anymore, and Manning is now the franchise of the Giants. With Kevin Boss at tight end, Domenik Hixon, David Tyree returning at wide receiver, and first-round draft-pick Hakeem Knicks, the Giants’ offense is stacked this year and Eli will be sitting pretty behind the O-Line, unleashing shots to his receivers all season long.

As the Giants leave their dorms at the University at Albany, and their third preseason game against the Jets looms on Aug. 29, Giants fans need not worry. The preseason means nothing, and the rust will be out soon enough. Just rest easy knowing that Fred Robbins might get the chance to hit Micheal Vick twice this year.

Tight End Battle Crucial For Rams in Final Two Weeks of Preseason

While there are several roster spots up for grabs with the St. Louis Rams, one of the most interesting competitions is at tight end.

The Rams will most likely keep three tight ends. Incumbent starter Randy McMichael and free agent acquisition Billy Bajema are considered locks to make the final 53-man roster.

So that leaves Daniel Fells, Joe Klopfenstein and Eric Butler vying for the final spot.

As the Rams prepare to take on the Cincinnati Bengals Thursday night, it will be interesting to see how much playing time head coach Steve Spagnuolo gives to those three in a game that is considered the dress rehearsal for the regular season.

“The question will be whether we bring the first group out in the second half,” Spagnuolo said following Sunday’s practice at Rams Park. “A lot depends where the total of plays are at a certain point in the game. We’ll see what happens.”

One of the tight ends could be gone as early as next week. Spagnuolo and general manager Billy Devaney must release five players as part of the league’s first roster trim.

“Like every training camp, you go in with more guys than you’re going to end up having on the roster,” Bajema said. “It just comes down to working hard and competing on the field doing your best.”

Bajema, who had a career seven receptions in his four years in San Francisco, has been a pleasant surprise this preseason. Bajema has made incredible, diving catches in practices and is the team’s second leading receiver in the first two preseason games.

Bajema has always known he could catch, and is glad he’s finally getting his chance in Pat Shurmur’s offense.

“I definitely feel like I have the ability to do more than just block,” said Bajema, who has four catches for 51 yards. “I can make plays in the passing game. I just want to help the team in any way I can, and when I have to catch passes, I believe in myself that I can do it.”

While he relishes the opportunity to have a few balls thrown his way, Bajema also understands his role.

“I take a lot of pride in my blocking, and I know that’s a big thing I’m going to be used for,” Bajema said. “But I see myself as a tight end, and I want to be a great blocker, and a great all-around player. I want to be good at everything.”

The West Coast offense, which Bajema played in as a rookie in San Francisco, has been welcomed by McMichael. The eight year veteran had his most productive seasons in 2003 and 2004, but is looking for a career renaissance in 2009.

“It’s a fun offense to play in,” McMichael said. “Finally I’m getting an opportunity to play in it. And, it’s not just me. We have quite a few tight ends that can get the job done. I’m excited. I’m just going to be patient, and if it comes, it comes. I still have other duties on this team, other than catching balls. I just have to focus on all three phases of what a tight end does.”

And plenty of that comes from new tight ends coach Frank Leonard, who is one of the more vocal coaches in the league.

“Coach Leonard, he’s a fun coach,” McMichael said. “His energy level, he really makes practice a lot of fun for us. And the one thing about him, it’s all genuine. It really doesn’t matter what anybody thinks of him, he’s just going out there to try to make us better players. He’s just a naturally energetic guy, and it rubs off on all of us.”

McMichael is thought of as the pass-catching tight end, and has two receptions for 25 yards in limited play during the first two preseason games. He and Bajema could both play into the second half Thursday night, so it will be interesting to see which player finishes with more receptions.

McMichael called Bajema “a really good dude,” and knows his new teammate can do more than create holes in the running game.

“Everybody wants to say Billy’s a blocking tight end, but Billy can get down and catch the ball really well,” McMichael said. “He’s going to be a really great addition to this team.”

As they compete for the same position, Bajema said he and McMichael help the younger players as much as they can, adding that the relationship between all of the tight ends has been good.

“Randy sets such a great example, and I try to do the same,” Bajema said. “You give everything you got, in the way you prepare in the meeting room and on the practice field.”

The most impressive of the other three tight ends has been Fells, a three year veteran from UC-Davis whom the Rams acquired in the offseason. He’s got two catches for 21 yards, and has put in a solid camp.

Two guys who are securely on the bubble are Klopfenstein and Butler.

Klopfenstein, a second round draft choice by the Rams in 2006 and on his way toward bust status, has just one reception for five yards this preseason. He needs to really impress in the final two weeks to remain with the team. He’ll probably make the first round of cuts, but it’s doubtful whether he’ll be on the final roster.

Butler is trying to make an NFL roster for the first time after spending time in 2008 on both the Indianapolis and New York Giants practice squad. He has one catch for four yards, and could be relegated to practice squad duty again.

Klopfenstein may be the only one without a job when the Rams open the regular season at Seattle on Sept. 13. With two rounds of cuts between now and then, count on some sleepless nights for the bubble players like Butler and Klopfenstein.

“I think a lot of guys have those butterflies in the stomach before cut day,” Bajema said. “It’s a big day for a lot of guys on this team.”

2009 Seahawks: New Faces, Old Numbers

The Seattle Seahawks are now officially in the Jim Mora Jr. era, as we can see by the new players and new jersey numbers.

In the Mike Holmgren era, Bobby Engram wore No. 84, Mack Strong wore No. 38, Shaun Alexander wore No. 37, and Chris Gray wore No. 62, and way back when, Ricky Watters wore No. 32.

Those five players are some of the best to put on Seahawks blue. And usually in the NFL, after that player either leaves or retires, their number doesn’t get taken.

Well this is not good old Mike’s team any more, it’s Jim Mora Jr’s team.

The Seahawks have brought in a few players this offseason to shore up the team. A few of those players have been in the league a long time and have been a great player in the league, like TJ Houshmandzadeh.

However, there are rookies that have only recently gotten their feet wet in preseason waters.

For some reason, I like to give respect to players who have been great and feel that they should be respected by not having their number taken over.

Currently, TJ Houshmandzadeh is No. 84. Rookie safety Courtney Greene is No. 37. The Seahawks’ brand new offensive lineman brought in off waivers Brian De La Puente is No. 62. Newly acquired running back Edgerrin James is No. 32, and fifth string cornerback Kevin Hobbs is No. 38.

I think those numbers look familiar to the ones mentioned earlier. Now, TJ Houshmandzadeh (84) and Edgerrin James (32) are the only two exceptions on that list because they have been in the NFL for a number of years, and they have been great players in the NFL.

However, a seventh-round rookie gets Alexander The Great’s number? A waiver LG that just made his first practice in a Seahawks jersey gets Chris Gray’s number? A fifth-string CB gets Mack Strong’s, the best fullback in NFL history, number?

That’s just not fair to the guys who have earned their jersey.

I think Seahawks fans remember Jerry Rice getting the No. 80 jersey, formerly of Seahawks and NFL great, Steve Largent.

That one wasn’t so bad because it was Jerry Rice.

Imagine if Deon Butler got the No. 80 jersey; I think Seahawks fans would either have the world’s highest expectations of Butler, or be very unhappy with a rookie wearing 80 in a Seahawks jersey.

For a team like the Seahawks, which has been enforcing respect and good character, to do this kind of thing leaves you wondering why certain players who haven’t earned their stripes in the NFL are getting some of the greatest jersey numbers in Seahawks history.

Those numbers are (and feel free to add in one with a comment):

71-Walter Jones

37- Shaun Alexander (now Courtney Greene)

10-Jim Zorn (now Olindo Mare)

32- Ricky Watters (now Edgerrin James)

28- Curt Warner (now Travis Fischer)

17- Dave Kireg

96- Cortez Kennedy (now Michael Bennett)

79- Jacob Green (now Red Bryant)

45- Kenny Easley (now Kevin Houser)

22- Dave Brown (now Julius Jones)

1- Warren Moon

81- Carl Eller (now Nate Burleson)

34- Franco Harris (now David Kirtman)

Someone tell me what’s wrong with this picture. Now, I know most of those players are not going to be on the roster, but still…I would like to see more respect coming from the Seahawks to their former great players.

 

 

Redskins Vs Steelers Review: Defense (and Other Stories)

There were several Redskins defensive storylines I could have focused on Saturday night when Washington squared off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Preseason Week Two.

You know the kind …

Had middle linebacker London Fletcher really lost the half-step he seemed to have misplaced a couple of times against the Ravens in Week One? Did sophomore cornerback Justin Tryon replace the athletic supporter said marauding purple gang stole from him? Was Redskins Defensive Coordinator Greg Blache going to demonstrate yet again that there is, in fact, a flavor less than vanilla?

But at “game” time, when it came right down to it, turns out the only thing I was really dialed in to see was whether or not the Redskins revamped defensive line could get after the damn quarterback.

Drilling down even further, I discovered the one thing I really wanted to see was how the starting group fared in that regard. Depth is a wonderful thing, to be sure. A dynamic, dominating wall of slobbering oncoming burgundy and gold, overrunning the offensive line from the opening gun, however, is even, well …more wonderfull.

The last time the Redskins had one of those, I had hair. Sometimes I wonder if there’s a connection.

So, preseason level of appropriate seriousness properly calibrated …

The first series lived up to the hype—all of it.

DT Albert Haynesworth and Co. swarmed, harassed and otherwise flummoxed Pittsburgh QB Charlie Batch (who I think might have hair once too) and his offensive line on four successive pass plays, forcing a holding call, four ugly incompletions and leaving the Steelers with 4th-and-11.

FedEx Field was rockin’ and your humble scribe grinnin’.

1-10-PIT 29 (8:08) 16-C.Batch pass incomplete short left to 39-W.Parker (99-A.Carter). PENALTY on PIT-78-M.Starks, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at PIT 29 – No Play.
1-20-PIT 19 (8:03) 16-C.Batch pass incomplete short right to 39-W.Parker.
2-20-PIT 19 (7:57) (Shotgun) 16-C.Batch pass short right to 39-W.Parker to PIT 21 for 2 yards (23-D.Hall).

Apparently, the officials got caught up in the moment too, however, because after the 3rd down play, they called a really [emphatic epithet] weak personal foul on Redskins CB DeAngelo Hall for an alleged late “hit” (somewhere, Night Train Lane ran off his tracks).

3-18-PIT 21 (7:10) (Shotgun) 16-C.Batch pass incomplete short left to 83-H.Miller.
PENALTY on WAS-23-D.Hall, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards, enforced at PIT 21.

Personally, I think they wanted to watch the Redskins defense do their thing some more.

Which they did.

1-10-PIT 36 (7:04) 39-W.Parker up the middle to PIT 38 for 2 yards (93-P.Daniels, 23-D.Hall).
2-8-PIT 38 (6:26) PENALTY on PIT-38-C.Davis, False Start, 4 yards, enforced at PIT 38 – No Play.
2-12-PIT 34 (6:06) 39-W.Parker left tackle to PIT 35 for 1 yard (99-A.Carter, 64-K.Golston).
3-11-PIT 35 (5:23) (Shotgun) 16-C.Batch pass deep middle to 10-S.Holmes to WAS 18 for 47 yards (22-C.Rogers). Washington challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 16-C.Batch pass incomplete deep middle to 86-H.Ward (23-D.Hall).

There was a brief “Immaculate Reception Lite” moment there when the officials, clearly enjoying themselves, allowed a 3rd-and-11 pass to bounce off the ground to a grateful (and surely guilt-ridden) Steelers WR Santonio Holmes, who pranced with it all the way to the Redskins 18.

Fortunately, the 21st century prevailed and instant replay set the record straight.

First string defense, first possession:

8 plays, 6 yds, 2 penalties
Passing: 1-for-4, 2 yds
Rushing: 2 carries, 3 yds

As first impressions go—starting Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger or no Pittsburgh starting QB Ben Roethlisberger—turning in a couple of emphatic three-and-outs in succession against the defending champions was a pretty nice home introduction to Greg Blache’s new toy.

The happy buzz didn’t last, of course. The next time the defense trotted on the field, setting up shop at midfield (more on that below), the Steelers reminded everyone watching of two very important facts:

1. They are, in fact, the defending world champions, and
2. Preseason giveth, and preseason taketh away.

1-10- (4:03) 39-W.Parker right end to WAS 43 for 7 yards (23-D.Hall).
2-3-WAS 43 (3:25) 16-C.Batch pass incomplete short middle [96-C.Griffin]. PENALTY on PIT-16-C.Batch, Intentional Grounding, 10 yards, enforced at WAS 43.
3-13-PIT 47 (3:19) (Shotgun) 16-C.Batch pass short middle to 10-S.Holmes to WAS 37 for 16 yards (48-C.Horton; 22-C.Rogers).
1-10-WAS 37 (2:39) 16-C.Batch pass incomplete deep left to 17-M.Wallace.
2-10-WAS 37 (2:32) 16-C.Batch pass incomplete short right to 86-H.Ward.
3-10-WAS 37 (2:28) (Shotgun) 16-C.Batch pass deep middle to 86-H.Ward to WAS 13 for 24 yards (30-L.Landry).
1-10-WAS 13 (1:45) (Shotgun) 16-C.Batch pass short left to 83-H.Miller to WAS 3 for 10 yards (22-C.Rogers, 48-C.Horton).
1-3-WAS 3 (1:03) 16-C.Batch pass incomplete short right to 83-H.Miller.
2-3-WAS 3 (:58) 39-W.Parker right end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

As you have no doubt surmised, there is a reason the two third down plays are bolded. Those of you who have followed the Redskins the past few years don’t need me to explain. For those who have not … they’re bolded because the Redskins always give up third and long conversions. Those two plays were highly unwelcome symbolism, given The Moment was supposed to belong to Big Albert and Co. And if you saw his face on the sidelines afterwards, it was apparent he agreed.

The drive went nine plays in total. On the seven non 3rd-down plays, the Steelers picked up 20 yards—10 passing (1-for-5, including an intentional grounding call), and 10 rushing (two carries, including the 3-yard TD).

On the other two plays, both 3rd-and-long situations, they converted on two relatively easy-looking passes over the middle for 40 yards (16, 24). Hey, if you found yourself mumbling “I’ve seen this movie,” you weren’t alone.

And that was it for the first team. The next time the Redskins defense took the field, most of the starters were wearing baseball caps and quaffing Gatorade on the sideline.

Total Steelers offensive numbers on the first two possessions:

Plays: 15 (6, 9)
Total yds: 56 (6, 50)
Passing: 4-for-10, 52 yds
Rushing: 4 carries, 13 yds
Points: 7

[Don’t yell at my math—the breakout numbers account for penalties]

So what does it all mean?

It means that the defensive line, at full bore, looks every bit as capable of wreaking havoc on offensive lines as has been projected since the day Haynesworth put ink to the dotted line.

It means that for at least one more week, despite said brief glimpse of dominance, the lingering concern in some minds that the Redskins defense still can’t get off the field on third downs remains alive. It was “only” two plays out of 15, but they were killers.  We know that drill.  We don’t like it.

It means that, on at least one of the two possessions, the starting corners and safeties played far enough off the ball to allow opposing receivers to roam pretty much at will underneath … while the defensive line either got tired, bored or something else bummer-inducing and didn’t apply any pressure. Or the Steelers offensive line took pity on Charlie Batch after the first series debacle and decided to save his life.

Or Greg Blache decided he had played with his shiny new toy enough on the first possession, and on the second went back to giving vanilla a bad name, and calling off the dogs and torturing his DB’s by putting them on the proverbial desert island again.

And it clearly means that trying to read anything serious into preseason is … please feel free to fill in the blank.  Me, I’m fresh out of preseason adjectives.

Still, those first few plays, with the crowd on the edge of its collective seat, and the Redskins defense exploding off the ball and hunting in packs through the Steelers offensive backfield … far as I’m concerned, the regular season really can’t come soon enough.

***

One other defense-related thing that put a smile on my face was the last series. It seems like it’s been a long time since I watched them get after the passer in the final minutes of a one-score game. For years, it’s seemed as if the master plan has been to sit back in the dreaded “prevent” and hope to stop somebody.

This last Saturday night, with the “game” on the line, the Redskins defense looked determined to punch somebody in the mouth and steal their candy.

1-10-PIT 32 (4:04) 33-I.Redman up the middle to PIT 33 for 1 yard (57-C.Glenn).
2-9-PIT 33 (3:31) 13-M.Reilly pass short middle to 15-M.Nance to PIT 41 for 8 yards (29-L.Holmes).
3-1-PIT 41 (2:52) 33-I.Redman right tackle to PIT 43 for 2 yards (75D-A.Dixon, 58-R.Henson).
1-10-PIT 43 (2:18) (Shotgun) 13-M.Reilly scrambles up the middle to PIT 48 for 5 yards (76-J.Jarmon).
Timeout #1 by PIT at 02:10.
2-5-PIT 48 (2:10) (Shotgun) 13-M.Reilly sacked at PIT 41 for -7 yards (95-C.Wilson).
Two-Minute Warning
3-12-PIT 41 (2:00) (Shotgun) 13-M.Reilly right end to WAS 39 for 20 yards (41-K.Moore).
Timeout #2 by PIT at 01:45.
1-10-WAS 39 (1:45) PENALTY on PIT-84-D.Sherrod, Illegal Substitution, 5 yards, enforced at WAS 39 – No Play.
1-15-WAS 44 (1:45) (Shotgun) 13-M.Reilly pass incomplete deep right to 19-T.Grisham.
2-15-WAS 44 (1:40) (Shotgun) 13-M.Reilly pass short middle to 19-T.Grisham to WAS 35 for 9 yards (29-L.Holmes) [91-R.Jackson].
3-6-WAS 35 (1:17) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 13-M.Reilly pass incomplete short right to 82-B.Williams (40-M.Grant).
4-6-WAS 35 (1:14) (Shotgun) 13-M.Reilly pass incomplete short left to 82-B.Williams [76-J.Jarmon].

Yeah, I know—I see the third-and-long conversion too. Old habits die hard.

Preseason or no preseason, fact is it did this old heart good to see the Redskins get after the quarterback in a game-ending one-score-game scenario and slam the door shut.  If that alone turns out to be an indication of a shift in Blachian philosophy, sitting through four preseason “games” will have been worth it.

***

Going over the NFL’s drive stats for this piece, something jumped out.  So for [stuff] and giggles (and since at one point during the game I remarked—not for the first time—“does it seem like the entire game is being played in Redskins territory?”), here is a breakdown of the starting field position for each team throughout the game.

See what if anything jumps out at you …

Pittsburgh (9 possessions)

First half:
26 (6 yds), 50 (TD), 31 (1 yd), 10 (21 yds), 38 (46 yds, FG), +35 (5 yds, Missed FG)
Avg start: 31.6 yard line

Second half:
26 (9 yds), +45 (22 yds, FG), 46 (-4 yds), 32 (33 yds, end game)
Avg. start: 39.75 yard line

Game: 34.8 yard line

Washington (10 possessions)

First Half:
35 (62 yds, FG), 11 (0 yds), 20 (7 yds), 8 (33 yds), 36 (1 yd), 18 (21 yds, INT)
Avg. start: 21.3
Second Half:
40 (TD), 24 (25 yds), +18 (TD), 20 (69 yds, INT)
Avg. start: 41.5

Game: 29.4 yard line

Maybe there’s more to this whole defense thing than just … defense?

Okay, I’m outta here.

NEXT UP: Colt Brennan & Chase Daniel

The Top Five Unsung Vikings Players Today

Every team has those players that just seem to be “there”, you know?

There are players that start along side some pretty notable characters, but don’t get the recognition they deserve. Some play every so often on third and short situations and some play every down and go unnoticed.

It doesn’t matter what they do, they can’t get their names out to the rest of the NFL. Many are considered role players and not fit for regular playing time.

Usually people like to use the term “underrated”, but for this article, I like the term “under-appreciated” much better.

Begin Slideshow

The Green Bay Packers Defense: Preseason Surprise?

Something doesn’t seem to make sense here.

Week two of the preseason has come to a victorious close for the Green Bay Packers.  The Buffalo Bills have been left in the dust; victimized by five turnovers from an opportunistic Green Bay defense

The first team offense looked stellar, and was helped immensely by the aforementioned takeaways. Green Bay has managed nine picks in two games and have only given the ball up three times, which is superb.

So what is it? What is it that seemingly makes no sense?

The Packers that’s who. They don’t make any sense at all right now.

This is a team that is supposed to be falling apart; a once proud contender on the decline ready to resume a not so distantly forgotten place in the basement of the NFC.

Their franchise quarterback is playing for a hated rival. They have a mystifying general manager who is attempting to build a team primarily out of rookie free agents and unheralded draft picks. They have a new defensive coordinator with a new defensive scheme, the 3-4, that is unfamiliar to many of the Packers personnel. They posted a 6-10 record last year in the remarkably weak NFC north and so on and so forth.

Surprise, surprise; it seems someone forgot to tell the 2009 Packers these things. Or, more likely, they know and they just don’t care. 

These are some perceptive people we’re talking about here; it’s part of their job to pay attention.

This 2009 Packers squad is so delightfully confusing it’s getting very hard for a fan such as myself to wait as long as September 13th and the Chicago Bears. 

The Packers have taken to Dom Capers’ 3-4 like ducks to water. 

Capers has a history of turning defenses around fast, but I was not aware that positive change would be visible so quickly.

This certainly is a surprise, and a pleasant one. Why are the Packers showing such progress so soon? Just what the Mandarich (perfect substitute for a curse word there people) is going on in Green Bay?

I’m going to run three names up the flag pole here and we’ll see if you salute; or not.

Ted Thompson, Mark Murphy and Bob Harlan.  

Ron Wolf was one of the greatest Green Bay general managers in team history, if not the greatest. He worked side by side with Harlan to rebuild a franchise into a yearly contender and a home for classy, responsible players and coaches. 

Now, Bob Harlan wasn’t perfect. Remember Ray Rhodes anyone? Anyone? 

No. I understand completely. 

Not perfect no, but what I feel about Bob Harlan could fill three pages on its own and most of it would be positive if not down right school girlish.

In brief, Bob Harlan means the past twenty years and the future as well to Packers fans. He built the Brett Favre dynasty and he stayed the course near the end of his career to see that the Packers were in Murphy’s capable hands instead of John Jones.

I think Mark Murphy has done a fantastic job replacing Harlan as Packers CEO. He has joined Thompson in the quest to bring the Lombardi trophy home and their plan is ever nearing fruition.

This plan has become somewhat clearer to me as I’ve been writing a series on the past five Packers drafts. These are men who don’t believe in quick fixes and band-aid solutions. 

Why draft an inside linebacker fifth overall the year after you were last in rushing?  Because you have vision and foresight, that’s why.

Yes, that’s what it ultimately comes down to with the Packers front office these days. Staffed with men of vision, always looking to the future and trying to win in an ever changing financial NFL.

Try to wrap your head around this: Thompson, Harlan and Murphy have been hard at work the last five years at their plans. This might be the year it all comes together. 

The real question for the Packers is can their defense adjust to the change in schemes quickly enough to bring them into contention in the NFC this year?

I think they can, and here’s why. 

The players on the defensive side for the Packers may be a bit more ready for this switch than anybody gives them credit for. Ted Thompson is not a GM who drafts on yearly needs. He’s been looking to the future for a while now; and who really knows how long ago he made up his mind that the Packers would be a 3-4 team in 2009?

I don’t. He does. I don’t have his number; can someone arrange an interview? Oh, he’s busy? Makes sense, really…

It’s possible that the Packers have been, well, waiting for this. The 3-4 is known for putting the right player in the right place at the right time; plays just have to be made.  

I believe the Packers have players who will thrive within this philosophy. Packers fans know them, but they’re not household names on Sunday afternoons. 

Names like Jenkins, Bishop, Hawk and Williams. Is this their year? I certainly hope so.

Preseason predictions are what they are. Someone always seems to mention the Lions at this point and their record over the last few seasons being perfect. 

If you were a Detroit Lion wouldn’t you try to win every football game you were in harder than you ever tried to do anything in your life? 

Think about it. 

I do like to play it safe, but based on what the Packers have shown so far this preseason I have to say I am confident they will fight for and hopefully win the NFC north. They are definitely in the picture.

Of course, everybody’s in the picture right now. Oh God September 13th, won’t you ever come?

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