NFL Power Rankings: Week Two

So another exciting week of NFL football is over. There were some big upsets this week as well as some scares for some teams.

And after all of that, my power rankings have shifted a lot again. The top 5 look completely different as the Giants took over the number one spot.

The Steelers took a little drop, but nothing that should keep them out long. The Houston Texans and the New Orleans Saints both make huge jumps up the ladder while the Carolina Panthers drop down the ladder.

So where does your team fit? Let me know how you feel.

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NFL Power Rankings: PreWeek One

Finally, the preseason is over and we are only days away from the opening game. Its still easy to make any serious claims about who is the best team in the league, but I’m going to try.

Here is a list of the 32 teams in order of power ranking. Though you may not agree with my ideas I’d love to hear feedback and I always like hearing other opinions.

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Tennessee Titans: Cecil Watch—Hall of Fame Game Edition

One of the biggest stories for the Tennessee Titans is how their defense will do without their former defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

I am going to try and follow Chuck Cecil’s work on a week by week basis this season gaging his success based on how well our defense plays this year as opposed to last year. I will take into consideration the loss of Albert Haynesworth as well.

Background Information

Chuck Cecil was a walk-on at the University of Arizona who eventually became an All-American safety. Though stats were not kept as well back then as they are now, you can measure his success based on the fact that he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Cecil only played seven years of football in the NFL with Green Bay, Phoenix, and Houston. Cecil made an impact on the league getting on the cover of Sports Illustrated with the title, “Too Vicious for the NFL?” He then then backed up that statement by receiving the highest non-suspension fine the NFL had ever given in 1993.

Retiring in 1995, Cecil took a few years off before returning to the NFL to coach.

Coaching

In 2001, Cecil was hired by the Titans as defensive assistant for quality control. This simply meant he watched a lot of film for little pay. In 2004, he was promoted to coach of safeties and nickel backs, before being promoted to coach of the entire secondary in 2007. 

To look at Cecil’s success thus far, we have to compare 2006 (the year before he became secondary coach) to 2008 (the year he was promoted).

In 2006, the Titans had 14 interceptions throughout the secondary. This past year the secondary grabbed 19 picks.

In 2006, the Titans had no players from their secondary selected to the Pro Bowl. This past year three Titans represented Tennessee’s secondary.

One major change that is almost impossible to measure by stats is tackling. If you were a Titans fan in 2006, you would be so angry every time Pacman would dive at a players legs and just miss. Or Reynaldo Hill would be stiff armed to the ground.

This past year, you were impressed by how well Cortland Finnegan and Nick Harper tackled. One way to measure this is in 2006, Chris Hope had 121 tackles; however, in 2008 he only had 78. This is not because Hope has gotten worse, its simply because the cornerbacks are making their tackles initially, and Chris Hope doesn’t have to clean up.

This could be because of a personnel change, or it could be because Chuck Cecil is just a good coach.

Methods

Cecil is encouraging his players to play with the same passion he did. On Cecil’s first day, he wrote VIOLENT on the chalkboard as the players came into the room. Most players were excited for Cecil’s new method as soon as they saw that word.

Every game since Cecil took over as secondary coach, he has headbutted his players before the game. These players had helmets and he didn’t, which might be why they got so fired up.

“Sometimes you wonder whether or not he wants to put the pads on and do the job for you,” Michael Griffin said.

It’s that kind of intensity I would like to see carry over from him to the players.

Hall of Fame Game

So what was the most impressive stat about the Hall of Fame game for Cecil? The defense didn’t give up one touchdown. Not only did the starters not give up a touchdown, but the backups didn’t either. That is a sign of good coaching.

Tackling

The starters’ tackling was solid in this game, however it was obvious the rookies still need some work. Mouton’s diving at receivers’ feet reminded me of the old Pacman days.

Defensive Line

The defensive line was solid. It was very interesting to see the different setups they had. Jevon Kearse played both end positions, while Jason Jones and William Hayes played both tackle and end. Kevin Vickerson and Larry Birdine looked fantastic, which says a lot about our defensive line depth.

Run Defense

The run defense was absolutely perfect. Marshawn Lynch was held to seven yards on three carries. The best part was our defensive line was doing most of the tackling against the run.

Pass Defense

This was a little shaky, though the Bills ran the no-huddle offense which obviously caught our defense off-guard at times. Overall, the pass defense was above average. The pick by rookie Jason McCourty was very impressive, especially since it was the interception that sealed the game. The defensive line also impressed me by getting to the quarterback.

Blitzing

The question everyone has had for Cecil this off-season is “Will you blitz more than Schwartz did?”

Cecil’s original answer was that it wasn’t going to change much. It might have been the fact that it was a preseason game, but the Bills first offensive play, Cecil blitzed Nick Harper who stopped the running back for a short gain.

That was the only effective blitz I saw that game, but hopefully there will be more where that came from.

Overall

This was a very impressive first game for Chuck Cecil. The defense played outstanding, and any Titans fan should be happy with what they saw. If the defense continues to play at this level, by the end of the season Titans fans will be asking “Albert who?”

Don’t forget to watch the Titans’ second preseason game this Saturday at 7p.m. CST. And join me next week as I continue to track Chuck Cecil’s progress as the new Defensive Coordinator for your Tennessee Titans.

Tennessee Titans: Some Unnoticed Points About The Hall Of Fame Game

There are many headlines being watched this offseason that everyone knows already. Who will be Kerry Collins’ backup? Will the Titans have a more explosive offense? Who will be the third running back?

All of these headlines are very interesting, but there are a few points that slip by the news articles.

 

1. Defensive Line Schemes
I paid close attention the the defensive line this game. I’m not sure if it was because it was a preseason game or if it is the new scheme, but players were playing multiple positions.

I saw Jason Jones at defensive tackle, left end, and right end. I saw Jevon Kearse move over to left end and Kyle Vanden Bosch play right end. William Hayes played many different positions as well.

 

2. Blitzing
It was intriguing to see the Titans blitz a cornerback on the first defensive play of the game. It seemed they planned on being more aggressive this year. Then they decided to back off and let the front four do its work again.

The Titans’ run defense has obviously improved this year, while their pass defense seemed to be lacking. Regardless the most impressive stat was that the defense did not give up a touchdown all game.

 

3. Kick Returns
Ryan Mouton was given his chance to be the kick returner this week. However, his production was less than impressive. The Titans brought in Mark Jones to kick return and I wonder how long it will be before he gets his shot.

 

4. Third Receiver

With the third receiver spot up for grabs on the team, no one really stood out tonight. Paul Williams grabbed the only receiving touchdown, but was less than impressive the rest of the game. Lavelle Hawkins wasn’t thrown to very often, even though he was in pretty much the whole game.

 

5. Williams vs. Mouton vs. McCourty
So the depth at cornerback is being decided. All three of these guys got a shot this week at proving they deserved to be on the team.

Williams was not very impressive and missed a lot of open field tackles. However he made a very good fourth down pass breakup, if that’s what you would like to call it.

Mouton showed fantastic coverage skills, but also had some trouble wrapping up receivers. He showed his speed on a deep pass in which he drew the offensive pass interference.

McCourty showed good zone coverage, but was beaten many times on the short comeback routes. He made up for it by his interception that sealed the game.

 

There are a few other developing stories in the preseason, such as the tight end depth chart, but I will have to get to those when we get a chance to see more games. The Titans are definitely looking good this preseason and one can only hope it continues.

NFL Rookies: Top 5 First Round Draft Picks to Make an Impact This Season

Now that training camp has started and we are finally getting somewhat of an idea of how the rookies will start to pan out. Every year many rookies make direct impacts on their teams.

Three years ago it was Vince Young who turned around a losing season to take the Titans to a game away from the playoffs. Adrian Peterson transformed the Vikings running game in 2007, and made them a competitor in the NFC North.

Last year was the year of rookies, with Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, Matt Forte, Chris Johnson, and Steve Slayton all made huge impacts on their teams last year.

This year there are five guys who stick out in my mind as players who should make an impact this year, and here is the real surprise: three of them are defensive players.

5. Percy Harvin, WR, MIN

Many people will not agree with Harvin being one of the top rookies this upcoming year. However, the reason he will be a top rookie is due to the situation he has been put in. With no big threats in the passing game, and most defenses spending the majority of their gameplanning on Adrian Peterson, Harvin will be given the chance to be a major impact.

It will not surprise me to see many different screens and gimmicks designed for Harvin. Look for reverses or play action wide receiver screens to throw off the defense and potentially let Harvin hit some homeruns for the Vikings.

4. Brian Cushing, LB, HOU

Cushing is going to be put into a place to succeed. From what I understand he is going to be playing on the other side of the field as Mario Williams. Since Williams will be taking many double blocks, any blitzes from Cushing’s side could produce a wide open path to the quarterback.

On top of that, most teams will not run toward Mario Williams, giving Cushing the opportunity to make game changing tackles. Teams also have to account for DeMeco Ryans who made 112 tackles last season. Cushing’s success will depend on how hard he works this offseason.

3. Aaron Curry, LB, SEA

This guy is the best athlete in the draft. He is going to be a great addition to the Seahawks defense and between Curry and Lofa Tatupu the Seahawks now have a great core to work around. Curry will be able to help the running defense and passing defense immediately.

2. Brandon Pettigrew, TE, DET

Yes, Matt Stafford was taken ahead of Pettigrew, but this year Pettigrew will make more of a difference. With Dennis Northcut and Calvin Johnson on the outside there will be a lot of room available in the middle for Pettigrew to make plays.

It would not surprise me if Pettigrew became a favorite target of Dante Culpepper or Stafford this year. I’m not expecting a Rookie of the Year award for Pettigrew, but he will definitely make an impact.

1. Brian Orakpo, DE, WAS

This rookie is getting the best opportunity by being able to play next to arguably the best defensive tackle in the league in Albert Haynesworth. Orakpo will very rarely be double teamed this year as long as Haynesworth is healthy.

London Fletcher would also take attention of Orakpo, giving him every chance to succeed.

Honorable Mention
Donald Brown, RB, IND
Robert Ayers, DE, DEN
B.J. Raji, DT, GB
Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI
Mark Sanchez, QB, NYJ

Vince Young: The Titan Quarterback’s Past, Present, and Future

Over the last three years the most talked about player for the Tennessee Titans would be Vince Young. Though his future with the team is uncertain, he continues to be all over the media.

It started three years ago in the 2006 NFL draft. Young, Matt Leinart, and Jay Cutler were the top three quarterbacks in the draft, and, holding the third overall selection that year, the Tennessee Titans had the pick of the litter.

The Titans took Young, favoring his big frame, toughness, and running ability. Steve McNair was then dropped from the team and Kerry Collins was signed.

The first three games for the Titans that season were horrible. Countless grounded balls toward open receivers thrown by Collins riled up the crowd to start chanting Young’s name.

Young got his start on the fourth game of the season. From that game forward, he won the hearts of fans mostly with his ability to scramble for first downs. Though the Titans barely missed the playoffs, Young’s season was capped off with a Rookie of the Year award.

In 2007, Young’s season was not as pretty, but it was still productive. He maintained a 71.1 quarterback rating even after throwing 17 interceptions and only nine touchdowns. The Titans made it to the playoffs, but Young’s poor play against San Diego left the offense without a touchdown all day.

Everything looked promising for Young in 2008. It was his third year in the league, and this was supposed to be the year he took the Titans even further in the playoffs. However, luck had a different plan as he went down after only one touchdown and two interceptions versus the Jaguars.

Kerry Collins then took over the starting position and the media began questioning Young’s mental health. Instead of playing football games last year, Young was busy trying to build his personal image back up.

The only other game we really saw Young in was at the end of the year against Indianapolis. Though he didn’t look amazing, Young’s stats were solid. He had a 70 percent completion percentage, and his most important stat was his zero interceptions.

Unfortunately, now any time we see Young in the media, it is always negative. His recent remarks on a Baltimore station saying he wanted to be traded if he couldn’t start created an even worse image for him.

So what is the future for Vince Young? Will he end up in a Canadian or European league or will he eventually be a starter in the NFL?

I personally think he will be the starter for the Titans. I’m not talking about this year, but in the future. Jeff Fisher has still yet to back off the statement about Vince Young being the future of this franchise.

Sure they will have to fork out a little bit of money for him next year, but if the Titans truly believe he can be the face of this franchise then it’s more than worth it.

“[The contract] is not an issue right now, currently to us and I don’t anticipate it being an issue,” Fisher said. “We drafted Vince to be our starter, we got involved in a contractual situation that would pay him as a starter and it’s not an issue for us right now. After the season we may revisit it like we do with everybody else, but it’s not an issue. We’re making a much bigger deal out of nothing right now.”

From what has been said, Young seems to be having a great offseason with an even more impressive work ethic. Earlier in the year Young told Fisher he wanted to earn his starting spot back, and asked what he had to do.

“He’s been here just about every day and he’s having a great offseason. That’s really the only thing that’s important to me.” Fisher said of Young, “Kerry is our starter, Vince is our backup. And we’re going to continue to develop Vince to the point where he can eventually be our quarterback.”

Player Profile: Kenny Britt

Name: Kenny Britt
College: Rutgers
Hometown: Bayonne, NJ
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 218 lbs
D.O.B: September 19, 1988

 

40 Yard Dash: 4.47
Vertical: 37″
Bench Press: 23*
*Top 3 out of prospects.

 

2008 Stats (Junior)
Rec: 87
Yards: 1371 (fifth in the nation / first in Big East)
TDs: 7 (second in Big East)
Yards Per Game: 114 (Second in the nation)
Best Game: @ Pittsburgh / 5 Rec, 143 Yards, 3 TDs

 

2007 Stats (Sophomore)
Rec: 62
Yards: 1232 (first in Big East)
TDs: 8 (fourth in Big East)
Best Game: @ Louisville / 12 Rec, 173 Yards, 2 TDs

 

2006 Stats (True Freshman)
Rec: 29
Yards: 440
TDs: 2
Best Game: vs. Syracuse / 4 Rec, 94 Yards, 2 TDs

 

Career Stats:
Rec: 178
Yards: 3043
TDs: 17

 

Accomplishments
Big East All-Time Receiving Yards
14 100 yards receiving games (tying Larry Fitzgerald’s record in the Big East).
Most Touchdown Catches in Rutgers History
Third Team AP All-American
First Team All-Big East
Rutgers Offensive MVP in 2007 over Ray Rice

 

Advantages
Size
Britt has a size advantage over the majority of cornerbacks in the league. This will come in handy when trying to get off press coverage and while blocking.

Blocking has been one of Britt’s strengths over his college career. There is even a video of him lighting up a defender.

In college, Britt was not pressed very often because no cornerback was big enough. Though he’ll have the size advantage over cornerbacks, he still lacks experience. What will really help him is lining up against Cortland Finnegan, who will press him as well as any cornerback in the league.

Yards After Catch
Britt was a very good receiver when it came to yards after catch. However, Britt is by no means a finesse receiver. Britt catches the ball and if he gets to turn he will run over the defender for extra yards.

Route Running
Many scouts reviewed Britt as having quick feet and running great routes. That is one of the most important aspects of a NFL wide receiver. 

 

Disadvantages
Short Receiving Routes
Britt has been all about running routes that are deeper or cross the middle. There were not many times in college in which he ran short comeback routes or short out routes.

This is only a big disadvantage because those are some of the main routes the Titans like to run with their wide receivers. They usually leave the routes that cross the middle to the tight end.

Hands
Britt’s biggest problem is his hands. He will make some clutch catches, but many times he will catch with his body instead of his hands. This is something the Titans coaches will address immediately.

 

Outlook
So how will Kenny Britt do? I believe he will likely become the Titans’ number one receiving option for years to come. Some compare his style to that of Larry Fitzgerald and Reggie Wayne. If he turns out like either of these receivers, he will have a successful career.

This year the Titans will try and get Britt in the lineup soon. However, former Steeler receiver Nate Washington expressed to the press how hard the Titans system is to learn.

He adapted to the college system for the last nine games of his freshman season, even though Rutgers had planned on redshirting him. Obviously he was able to grasp the system fast, even though he was only a four star recruit.

Britt will likely start as the slot receiver on the team, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he became more involved in the offense as the season went on.

NFL True Power Rankings

Here are my power rankings.

 

1. Patriots

They are just the best team that’s ever played football. With Tom Brady back they are unstoppable.

 

2. Eagles

They improved their offense in the offseason. It doesn’t matter that they lost Brian Dawkins they are the best team in the NFC.

 

3. Steelers

They are so amazing. Probably even better than last year, but the Patriots are just a little better.

 

4. Giants

What a great team. No one can stop their running game and their defense is amazing.

 

5. Colts

This team is just amazing. No one cares that they lost their head coach, off. coordinator, and def. coordinator.

 

6. Cowboys
The Cowboys are America’s team. They are in the NFC East which makes them an amazing team.

 

7. Redskins
What can I say they got Albert Haynesworth and they are in the NFC East, which is the best division in football.

 

8. Chargers
LaDainian Tomlinson is the best running back to ever play the game and Shawne Merriman is God.

 

Ok I’m going to stop there. This was a complete and total joke.

I’ve made two serious power rankings and every one of the teams I listed above, especially the Eagles, bit my head off.

I had one guy pissed because the Patriots were No. 5 and not No. 2. Another guy was mad because the Eagles were 10.

Oh and the nerve of me putting the Cowboys or Redskins in the bottom half of the league. Their in the NFC East that makes them playoff contenders.

All this article was supposed to do is make you think about what power rankings are about. If you want the cookie cutter power ranking, well there you go. There is a power ranking with absolutely no thought involved.

I can tell you right now that this cookie cutter power ranking will be wrong. The past couple of years there have been teams that topped the power rankings that weren’t expected to.

Honestly, I would like to know what fun is it to have this typical ranking? Is this the way you want it to be?

I mean I can go into probably 30 reasons for each team as to why they could be a good team this year… and that’s all anyone does whenever I put up a power ranking. They complain that their team isn’t higher because of reasons a, b, and c.

So please think next time before you post a 500 word essay on why your team deserves to be in the top five on someone else’s power rankings.

10 Questions For Tennessee Titans’ WR Kenny Britt

Kenny Britt was the Tennessee Titans number one overall draft choice in the 2009 NFL Draft.

For years fans were crying out for the Titans to grab a top notch receiver. Now that they got one is he who we’ve been praying for. I’d have a couple of questions to ask him to find out for myself.

Mr. Britt, congratulations on your three great seasons and Rutgers and being drafted in the first round. I have a few questions if you don’t mind.

 

1. You were the go to guy on a team that wasn’t expected to win anything. What was your mentality going into each and every game?

I would be asking this question to see how he would handle it if the Titans had a bad season and were then ranked in the bottom of the power rankings.

 

2. What was it like when you realized you broke Larry Fitzgerald’s total yards record and tied his most 100 yard receiving games record?

This question is more of a confidence booster question. I would like to see the kind of ego he has or if he is modest about the accomplishments.

 

3. Where were you when you found out you would be a Tennessee Titan?

This is a lighthearted question. Just used to keep him comfortable and to give a little break to the reader.

 

4. Coming into OTAs what has been the hardest transition you had to make?

Maybe I can find out what he’s having trouble with or if he thinks he’s grasping everything perfectly.

 

5. Do you see yourself becoming the go to guy this team has been missing since the loss of Derrick Mason?

I like to know aspirations, because usually people with higher aspirations play better.

 

6. What goals have you set for yourself for the 2009 season?

Is Britt just trying to learn the system, or is he trying to make his mark on the NFL?

 

7. What sets you apart from the other receivers on this team?

Why does he think he deserves to be the go to guy?

 

8. You must have a flaw in your game, what would you like to improve on before the start of the season?

A lot of times players know what they need to work on even if the media doesn’t see it.

 

9. Where do you see yourself as an NFL player in five years?

Does he see himself as a 1000 yard probowl receiver?

 

10. How do you think the Titans do this season?

We’ll see where he sees the team he plays for. This is the most important question because it goes back to the number one question. Not to mention it tests his confidence in his team.

 

Thank you for your time Mr. Britt have a great day.

A Look at the Tennessee Titans Pro Bowl Secondary

Last season, the Tennessee Titans’ defense was ranked among the best in the nation. They were top ten in stats such as yards allowed, points per game, interceptions, forced fumbles, and defensive touchdowns.

Many people attributed this success on defense to star defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. It was the pressure that Haynesworth put on quarterbacks that led to the success of the secondary.

So with Haynesworth now in Washington, how will the Titans’ secondary fair?

Last year when Nick Harper was hurt, four year veteran Eric King stepped in and made some crucial plays before breaking his forearm. Kick Returner Chris Carr then stepped in and was targeted as the weak link in the defense.

At the end of the year when Jim Schwartz was given the job as the new head coach for the Detroit Lions one of his first moves was to grab King to start rebuilding their defense.

A few weeks later the Baltimore Ravens signed Chris Carr leaving the Titans with starters Cortland Finnegan, Nick Harper, and seventh round draft choice Cary Williams.

Though there were some holes to fill at cornerback, the safety positions are solid. Michael Griffin and Chris Hope both made it to the pro bowl last year for there excellent play.

The Titans managed to grab former nickelback for the Houston Texans, DeMarcus Faggins to begin to add depth at cornerback. Faggins will battle with safety Vincent Fuller to play nickelback for the Titans this year. Fuller is the favorite for this position as he has played it for the last couple of seasons.

Third round draft choice Ryan Mouton and sixth rounder Jason McCourty will try and earn their spot on the depth chart.

The four starters are all solid tacklers with 70 tackles each last season. Three of the starters had over four interceptions with Griffin leading the group with seven interceptions.

Look for the Titans’ secondary to play well again this season and don’t be surprised if they are in the the top 10 for interceptions once again.

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