Brett Favre: Is Number Four Really Ruining His Legacy?

Brett Favre was born on October 10,1969 in Gulford, Mississippi.

In the 1991 NFL Draft, he was selected by the Atlanta Falcons, who had the 33rd overall pick.

Favre only lasted one season with the Falcons, as he went from Atlanta to the cheese head Country in Green Bay, Wisconsin to join the Packers.

The Packers saw potential in Favre, potential that he can find success with the franchise and under coach Mike Holmgren.

Favre’s stint with the Packers lasted longer then expected: 16 seasons of great memories, great times, and great performances with the Packers.

As a Packer, Favre achieved the NFL highest standard.

He is the only quarterback in the history of the game to win three MVP’s (’95,’96,’97)

He is a ten time pro-bowler, including a member of the 1990s NFL Decade Team.

Favre led the Packers to seven division championships.

The Packers made four appearances to the NFL Championship game with Favre under center.

The team also made two Super Bowl appearences, one of them being a Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots.

The all-time statistics, however, is what he is most remembered for.

He holds the record for the most consecutive starts by a quarterback ( 269).

He holds the most regular season victories by a quarterback ( 169).

Favre also holds the record for Passing TD’S ( 464), passing yards ( 65,127),completions ( 5,720), career games with at least three touchdowns ( 65), and career interceptions thrown ( 310).

The NFL world didn’t expect the 2007 NFC Championship Game to be his final one as a Packer, a game where Green Bay came up short for a final shot at a Super Bowl.

It was expected that Favre was going to retire as usual, but to return to the Packers for another season.

However, that did not happen, as Favre and the Packers went their separate ways, as he went to New York.

It was an up and down season for Favre and the New York Jets. The team started off 8-2, and in the Daily News on a Monday, had predicted a Super Bowl match up against the Giants.

However, they went down the wrong path, and finished with a record of 9-7, failing to make the playoffs.

After the completion of the Super Bowl, Favre retired again, this time stating that he is not coming back, he is finished.

The statement seems far away from the truth, as signing with the Minnesota Vikings becomes more likely.

Now, however, the question has risen of his legacy.

People believed when he went to the Jets that his legacy began to lay in ruins.

If he signs with the Vikings, a long division rival of the Packers, his legacy would be gone forever in Packer Nation.

Yet, does it have to end this way? Is his legacy being tarnished in front of our eyes?

To many, signing with the Vikings is the final straw.

But people must realize one thing. They must realize that all the accomplishments Favre achieved, they were all with the Packers.

Maybe the exact number passing touchdowns or passing yards weren’t all achieved with the Packers, but the memories will always be there.

Not being a Packer fan shows the sign of the different perspective. However, I will always remember what Brett Favre did with the Packers: the highs and lows, the records, the success.

From my perspective, the appearances with the Jets and possibly the Vikings are non-existent to me. Don’t get me wrong here, I have gotten discouraged with what he has done myself. However, I don’t feel his whole career should be forgotten because of it.

The only thing that you can believe is hope: hope that Favre makes the right decision, a decision that will not affect his legacy, his legacy, as a Green Bay Packer.

Breaking News: Terrell Owens Turned Down In Buffalo By A Romo ( Humor)

Buffalo, New York

As the Buffalo Bills break for mini-camp, the show decided to arrive. Terrell Owens, who signed a one year deal with the Bills after his controversial release by the Cowboys, is looking for his normal start he gets with the team.

History has shown that Owens finds success in the early going with his team, putting up numbers of the top five receiver he can be. The spotlight has already found him in upstate New York, where frankly, nothing has happened in years.

Earlier this week, however, Owens did have the spotlight, and for the first time was denied.

According to T.O himself, after searching for a new house to live in since coming to Buffalo, when acquiring about a current place for sale, he was denied the request, due to the media and other accolades he would bring to the community.

“Wow. I’m just in total shock.” said Owens. “I never knew that somebody would turn a man down looking for a place to live because he brings a lot of attention upon himself. Quite rather disturbing.”

Owens didn’t actually confront the owner of the house, rather the man who is running the real estate. However, earlier today news broke that the owner of this house, is Athena Romo, the 86 year old great aunt of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.

When asked by reporters if this had anything to do with Owens critical of Tony Romo, she answered:” What do you think”?

Why would you turn down a loaded customer because of actions in the past?

“How he treated my nephew with utter disrespect did it for me. I will not allow this man to be living within this community, and cause as much trouble as he had in his time in the NFL.”

When Owens was told about the discovery, he just shook his hand and smiled.

“At first I was thinking to myself, who would turn down a customer because he had a past encounter with a family member?”

But then I thought, why should I be surprised? The jealously runs in the family. Me against the Romo’s. It just never stops.”

Owens continues to look for a home to his liking. But I think he has learned something out of this. Maybe he’ll get his act together and be able to not blame everybody, but to blame himself.

Then again, the word “change” and Terrell Owens don’t quite fit together.

The Cream of the Crop, Pt. 2: Ranking the NFL’s Offenses

I am continuing my series of the ” Cream Of The Crop”. Last time, I ranked each division in the NFL. With the 2009 NFL Draft over, and training camp nears, the rankings will continue. This time I will rank the offenses in the league. Will the same teams stay at the top of these offenses rankings? Who will fall? This will be one of the more debateable discussions out there.

Starvin for Marvin: Why Marvin Lewis Is Taking the Trip to the Hot Seat

The Cincinnati Bengals over the past decade have not been able to find the greatest path in the NFL. Down deep in this city in Ohio, crime walks the streets.

In “Bungletown,” as some fans do call it, the Bengals are known as the derelicts team, thus for a large percent of the roster receiving jail time and community service.

It didn’t stop there, however, as they signed former trouble maker Tank Johnson to a contract!

Cincinnati has also been within the headlines over the past few seasons involving Chad Ochocinco.

The trouble Pro-Bowl wide receiver has wanted out of the orange and black for some time, and the franchise has not let him go. This is largely in part of Marvin Lewis, whom they have let make most of the decisions within the organization.

Another long season occurred in 2008, finishing 4-11-1, third in the AFC North.

This offseason, they let, statistically, their most consistent wideout in ’08, T.J. Houshmandzadeh to free agency.

Carson Palmer, their franchise quarterback, injured himself earlier in the year, resulting in facing major issues at the most important postion.

Many fans in Cincinnati and around the league thought this could have been the end of Lewis, but it was not.

The organization still is sticking with Lewis, hoping to bring them back to the playoffs for their second time this decade (2005).

The Bengals did have the 12th ranked best defense in the league. Finally, Lewis’ skills as a defensive mind paid off just like when he was with the Baltimore Ravens back in the ’90s.

In the aftermath of the 2009 NFL Draft, Cincinnati was happy with their class.

Particularly in the first round, at the sixth overall pick, where they selected Andre Davis from the university of Alabama.

Smith has the talent; however, his issues at the combine and off the field at college led him to drop.

Will he become effective with the Bengals’ offense? Can he co-exist with the team?

They did need somebody to protect Palmer on the left side, where they hope to get that from Andre.

Cinci also pulled off one of the bigger drop offs in the draft, in selecting USC line backer Ray Maualuga.

Projected to be a mid-to-late first rounder, getting Ray in the early second round was a solid pick, which adds good depth to an improving defense.

As the 2009 season inches closer, eyes around Ohio will be lurking over Marvin Lewis.

This is going to have to be the year of make or break.

First off, he will have his quarterback back and healthy, and when at full strength, plays up to his potential as a top five QB in this league.

The offense still has Chad Ochocinco, who thus far is going to be playing opening weekend and not cause any trouble.

Cedric Benson was a great spark of a running game toward the last few months of the season, and he returns for another season.

The offensive line wasn’t all that disappointing as in years past, and with adding Andre Smith and some free agents, the line could handle a bit more pressure.

The defense also returns, which showed great strides, and upgraded even more through the draft and free agency.

The pieces are in place to make an improvement, and that’s what he needs.

Of course, the fans are going to want that playoffs, but in the AFC North, they don’t have enough pieces to make it this year.

Can they reach eight wins? It could happen, especially with the easier schedule they have.

If the Cincinnati Bengals nears or reaches 500, Marvin Lewis is staying put.

However, with all the hot coaching names out on the market this coming winter, if this does not happen, we could say good-bye to Lewis as a head coach.

 

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com

Same Face, New Place: Which NFL Head Coach Will Find the Most Success in 2009?

In the 2008 season, the Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, and the Atlanta Falcons caught everyones attention. Three teams that were put on as a bottom-feeder, yet they make the playoffs, all under head coaches who were in their 1st year with the team. This year, we have many head coaches, whether rookie a coach, or have just found a new home. Who will find the most success this season?

Why The Steelers, and Not The Patriots, Are The Early Favorites In 2009

The National Football League witnessed history in the 2008 season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals to become the first franchise in the leagues history to win six Super Bowl Championships.

An accomplishment no one can say they have achieved, the Steelers fought through one of the toughest schedules in NFL history, including defeating the San Diego Chargers, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Arizona Cardinals to capture the trophy.

For years the Steelers have been known for the most dominant defense in the league, and have carried this tradition for decades.

In the playoffs, however, Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, and Santonio Holmes led the spark of offense the Steelers received when the defense couldn’t make the stops in certain situations.

The Steelers entered the offseason with confidence, signing Hines Ward and James Harrison to contract extensions. Locking up both of these players will help continue their dominance for the next few seasons.

Pittsburgh was very quiet in the offseason, they made very few acquisitions and released line backer Lary Foote into the free agent pool.

There also wasn’t much action taken place in the draft, with the Steelers trying to fill a few of their needs they have.

Their only weakness? The offensive line, which was once again very inconsistent throughout the season.

As the 2009 NFL season inches closer, with training camp soon beginning, the Steelers have to be the early favorite, don’t they?

With everybody coming back, including a healthy Hines Ward and full strength Willie Parker, you must at least give them the edge, correct?

Try telling this to many of the football fans of the NFL, who believe that the New England Patriots are the early favorite this season.

Hold on a second; why are they the favorites?

The story of the Patriots is a rather interesting one in 2008.

In week one against the Kansas City Chiefs, Tom Brady, the centerpiece of the franchise, tears ligaments in his knee, resulting in the end of his season after not even playing a full half.

The world began to shock, stumble. The Patriot’s dynasty to many was a lost cause, never again will we see a dynasty such as this one in New England.

Once again, more shock occurred, when Matt Cassel took the reigns of quarterback for the Pats, and finished with a Pro-Bowl caliber season.

Even though they were Bradyless, the team managed to finish 11-5, just a game short of a playoff birth.

During the season, Tom Brady did have the surgery, and at first, it was nerve racking.

It appeared to be that more issues with the knee occurred, and the odds of multiple surgeries seemed necessary.

With months of rehab, however, another surgery was not needed, and Brady hit the practice field in late winter.

At this point in time the league is currently in mini-camp mode, an unusual time for a player to use this opportunity as much as a player like Tom Brady does.

It seems it is going the Patriots way in the early going, and Mr. Brady will be ready for opening weekend.

People, just because we are going on the Patriots word that Brady will be ready to go, it means that we are just going to make them the favorite in the early going?

Sure, the entire structure of the team is coming back for another season, but the most important part is still in question.

Brady is most likely going to be comfortable through mini and training camp.

Yet, it is a completely different story from the games.

A rough start could occur for Brady in the early-going. How will his knee affect his play when having to play all four quarters at an exceptional speed?

To judge him based on success in camp does not mean anything, the public needs to see how he performs the entire game.

Remember, this is the knee, which will have to adjust to the multiple defensive ends and line backers coming his way.

Does this mean the Patriots have no shot at success this year? Of course not.

When and if the Patriots perform up to their expectations, they do deserve the credit they will receive.

However, it is the best bet to give the Steelers the reign as the early favorites to win it all.

A healthy quarterback, a top defense.

Until somebody knocks them off, you have to give the lead to the Super Bowl Champions.

 

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com

Anquan Boldin to the Ravens? Please, Make It Happen Ozzie

The Baltimore Ravens captured the public eye as one of the big turnarounds in the NFL last season. After finishing with a 5-11 record in ’07 to an 11-5 record in ’08, including an appearance at the AFC Championship Game, fans are jumping on the bandwagon once again.

From the hiring of John Harbough to the selection of Joe Flacco, the front office of the Ravens has continued its quest for their second Super Bowl Championship, with the superb defense on one side and its young offense on the other side.

Led by NFL great and current general manager Ozzie Newsome, the Ravens have one of the best front offices in the entire league.

Their scouts alone have helped the Ravens become successful by helping the decisions of selecting Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Jonathan Odgen, and Joe Flacco in previous seasons.  Baltimore selected wisely once again last year by taking Flacco, who exceeded expectations and proved to be an offensive leader, with the 18th overall pick.

Facing a slow start to the season, Flacco improved his game the rest of the season, nearly finishing with 3000 yards and 20 touchdowns.

His shining part of the season, however, was in the playoffs, where becoming the first rookie quarterback to win two playoff games.  The impressive part of the accomplishment? Both wins were on the road.

Flacco and the Ravens put up a great fight against the Steelers, yet they came up short again in the playoffs.

We all saw what occurred at the game. A tired defense playing their heart out, but just not 100 percent as they hoped to be for the game.

Of course, being a Ravens fan, that is the logical answer we give.

But did anyone ever consider the other side of the perspective, the offensive perspective?

Keep this in mind: the running game was not much of a factor, the offensive line played poorly, and most importantly, they didn’t get much help from the receivers.

Don’t take it the wrong way; from what was seen at the game it looked obvious that Baltimore’s top wide receiver, Derrick Mason, was hurting from the beatings and injuries he took all season.

It didn’t help though he was double or even triple-covered by the Steelers’ secondary, or Mark Clayton being one of the bigger disappointments in recent drafts of the Baltimore Ravens.

There is always a solution to the problem, and it is a problem that hopefully can be addressed. A potential top five receiver needs to land in Baltimore, in fact, this season wouldn’t hurt.

I do have confidence that Mason can play at a good level, however he is at the end of his tenure in the NFL, and an accompaniment is needed beside him.

I present to you Anquan Boldin.

The entire league is well aware of Boldin’s frustrations with the Arizona Cardinals regarding a contract extension. Arizona does believe a contract will be reached, but would the Cardinals pay top dollar for two wide receivers?

Boldin is the odd man out, as Fitzgerald isn’t going anywhere.

Anquan’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, says Boldin will be traded by training camp, and continues to pursue options with other teams.  Both sides are not cooperating, nor shall it happen anytime soon.

Who would still be in the Boldin sweepstakes to begin with?

The Giants have eyed Braylon Edwards. The Jets are interested in Plaxico Burress. The Chicago Bears have nothing left to give.

The chance is here for the Baltimore Ravens to make a deal for Boldin after the sweepstakes has died down for many teams.

The price won’t be cheap for Boldin, even though a contract situation hasn’t been resolved.  The Cardinals would like to receive a package involving a first and third round pick, possibly even a late pick in future rounds.

Is it a steep price to pay? Sure it is.

The Ravens can surely work some type of package to their fair liking, as we have always relied on the young guys to develop under the system.

Is the price worth the talent Boldin brings to the field? Absolutely.

The cap room could be an issue, the front office could find a way to make this work from the teams perspective.

He still has put multiple Pro-Bowl caliber seasons, even though he is surrounded by arguably the best wide receiver in all of football.

Anquan Boldin in purple and black? A success that is awaiting to happen.

In Baltimore, Boldin would be getting the great recognition from Raven nation. At least I would give it to him.

With Boldin in the Ravens’ playbook, the offense opens up entirely, while still having two wide receivers who can make the cream of the crop of the AFC.

This will create more havoc for defenses, who would be having trouble to double two potent receivers.

This will be judged by some, however, I do think Baltimore would have a much more balanced offense with Boldin then the Cardinals do with him.  Think about it: with a top running game, two tight ends with playmaking ability, and don’t forget a quarterback who has one of the strongest arms in the league who would make Boldin a great target.

If there are worries about a locker room issue, nothing of the such will occur while Ray Lewis is in town.

There is speculation that parts of the team may be splitting up after the 2009 season.

Acquiring Boldin does make us a definite Super Bowl contender, and puts us at odds on favorite with the defending champion Steelers.

It is also a great fit for the future of the franchise in general (who knows, Flacco to Boldin could be the next Young to Rice).

Ozzie Newsome is one of the more respectable people around the league, and I shall always have his trust with this organization.

Hopefully, the Wizard of Oz will pull another trick from his sleeve, and make a move that puts the Baltimore Ravens as the team to beat in the NFL.

 

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com

The Houston Texans: Are They Ready For The Super Stardom In The NFL?

The National Football League always consists of great parity within all 32 teams. Every year a franchise, whether good scouting or free agent signings, finds a way to rise to the top of the NFL’s elite.

In 2008, the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, and the Baltimore Ravens went from the bottom of the league to having success that led them to the playoffs.

The NFL is filled with the sleeper teams, who have decent success but are a piece or two away from becoming with the cream of the crop.

Is there one team that fits this mold in 2009?

I, for one, am thinking about the Houston Texans.

Houston is currently the youngest franchise after joining the league in 2002.

Of course since it was an expansion team, they were going to face a rough start to the franchise, which is what the Texans faced.

With their first draft pick in franchise history, the Texans selected quarterback David Carr.

In his rookie campaign, when the Texans finished 4-12, he was sacked an NFL single-season record 76 times.

The Texans could not find any improvement the first three seasons of existence, especially after the report of the team “tanking” games to receive the No. 1 pick in 2006, which they later did receive after finishing 2-14.

In early 2006, the Texans booted the entire staff of head coach Dom Capers, and introduced Broncos offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak to run the show.

Speculation of whom the Texans would select began with the heated argument of Reggie Bush or Vince Young.

In a shocking selection, the Houston Texans drafted Mario Williams, a defensive end from N.C. State.

From that moment the reign of Gary Kubiak began, which in result was for the better.

In his first season as head coach, Kubiak led the young Texans squad to an 8-8 record, their best in their short history.

Mario Williams didn’t have the great campaign that was hoped for, however, his counterpart DeMarco Ryans won Defensive Rookie Of The Year.

As the aftermath of that 2006 draft is looked back upon, it is obvious Williams has had the better start to his career, already having 30.5 career sacks and making two Pro Bowl appearances, one as a starter.

In 2007, the David Carr era was over after trading for backup quarterback Matt Schaub from the Falcons.

The Texans finished that year with a record of 8-8 once again, still putting a competitive team on the field.

Finally, in the 2008 season, the Texans began showing their mark as a team to be reckoned with in the future. The Houston Texans were one of the more surprising teams in the league.

Even though they finished 8-8, they had crucial wins over the Tennessee Titans and other division foes.

The highlight of their season was Andre Johnson, the Texans’ top wide receiver.

Johnson positioned himself as a top five receiver, fighting for the top spot with Larry Fitzgerald.

This past season he set his career highs in receptions (115), yards (1,575), and tied his career high in TDs (8).

Matt Schaub was the reason for Johnson’s best season, passing for 3,043 yards and 15 TD passes in another season that he caught the injury bug.

Steve Slaton, the rookie running back out of West Virginia, had a solid rookie season, rushing for 1,282 yards and 9 TDs.

Surely, the Houston Texans are going in the right direction.

They have their quarterback whom they feel is good enough to lead the franchise.

You have the young running back capable of being a Pro Bowler in this league and don’t forget, arguably the best wide out in all of football.

What is the next step in the Texans plan to step up a notch and enter the playoffs?

With an offense becoming solidified, and a young defense on the rise, it is going well down in Houston.

The work in the draft included selecting Brian Cushing, the linebacker from USC, in the first round.

The athletic linebacker, who is going to be all over the field, was a great investment there.

The Houston Texans finished with the 22nd overall defense in the league, and frankly no team can make the postseason with those stats.

We must keep in mind that they are one of the younger defenses in the league and are a bit inexperienced.

Nonetheless, they are talented and have the pieces to make a run.

In the future years, the front office will have to make a big splash in the free agent market at some point, as they have been quiet since their inception.

Still, the fan base has developed at the stadium to see this young team play, a team who they hope can replace the ancient Houston Oilers as a team to believe in.

Playing in the NFL comes with fulfilling expectations, and the super stardom that comes along with it.

It will be a challenge, but this franchise is on the rise and is molding into one of the better teams in the league.

They shall compete once more for a playoff spot in 2009.

Michael Crabtree vs. Jeremy Maclin: Which Receiver Will Be Better in 2009?

The month of May always brings questions as training camp inches closer.

How will the rookies adapt to their new locker room and facilities?

Will there be any quarterback controversy around the league?

We always find some sort of way to make an observation about the upcoming rookies, and to see whether they’ll make a quick impact or be a late bloomer.

This year’s draft had one of the better wide receiver classes we have seen come out of the draft, six of them being taken in the first round.

As usual, the draft always has its surprises, and this year was no different with Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin.

Crabtree, who was originally thought going no later then the Raiders at number seven, dropped all the way to the 10th pick in the draft to the San Francisco 49ers.

Maclin, who was originally thought of as going at the seventh pick to the Raiders, or the eight pick to the Jaguars, had the biggest fall, as he dropped to the 19th pick and was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles.

There are a few similarities both Crabtree and Maclin have.

They both played in the Big 12 Conference, under somewhat similar styles of offenses, which includes the shotgun quarterbacks in Graham Harrel and Chase Daniel.

Crabtree, who was the most dominant wide receiver in college football the past two seasons, is known for his strong physical ability, in relation to Texans Andre Johnson.

On the other hand, Jeremy Maclin is known for his speed and his play-making skills, and is valued more over Percy Harvin for having better disciplinary qualities and more durability.

Crabtree heads to a 49ers offense that has quarterback controversy for the last five seasons, while Maclin heads to the Eagles offense, where he’ll be a big target alongside Desean Jackson.

The question now arises of who will make a bigger impact in their rookie season, Crabtree or Maclin?

The 49ers don’t have the greatest amount of options on the offensive side.

Frank Gore has been a big disappointment since his breakout season just a few years ago. Vernon Davis, the highly talented tight end from Maryland, hasn’t proven the expectations, and got on the bad side of head coach Michael Singletary.

Michael Crabtree is going to have a major role in the offense entering the season, being the most talented receiver on their roster and will be a main target.

The question leading up to the draft is how his speed will transition to the pros. Can he be able to get past the speedy secondaries of the NFL?

Jeremy Maclin is in a different situation than Crabtree.

We all know the success the Eagles have had in the past. It is certainly known of the Eagles to come up short multiple times, due to the lack of a number one wideout they have been looking for.

Just a few years ago, the Eagles did take Desean Jackson from California. Questions have come up of him not developing into a top five receiver in the likes of Randy Moss and Terrel Owens.

Is Jeremy Maclin any different?

The focus of the offense for years has been Brian Westbrook. This has caught up to Brian, who has been sidelined many times due to nagging injuries.

With the loss of tight end L.J. Smith, McNabb is going to be looking for his young wide receivers to make the big plays.

Crabtree and Maclin have this in common as well: Young, but talented rookie wide receivers who are going to be expected to make a big impact within the offenses.

There are also some advantages and disadvantages that both of the receivers have.

From Maclin’s perspective, he already has the NFL speed, and will be able to handle the corner backs of the NFL without an issues?

What he lacks? It is his size. Because of the speed he is going to get double covered if he does get off to a hot start, and it is not in his favor to jump up and snag a reception between two or even three corners.

Crabtree does have great physical attributes for him to succeed in that way. Even though he is not as tall as Plaxico Burress, he does have some pretty solid height and can leap up to make the grab just like he did in college.

However, Crabtree lacks a bit of speed, which is vital to his development.

Not that his minor foot surgery is an issue, but Crabtree will need the speed to find passes down the field for long yardage.

In a tough debate that could go either way, I will take Jeremy Maclin.

The wide receivers are going to have a lot of chances to make an impact, but there is a little less pressure on Maclin in the Eagles offense than Crabtree in the 49ers offense.

Surrounding Maclin is a Pro-Bowl type quarterback, a dominant playmaker in Westbrook, another target in Jackson, as well as a veteran offensive line that have a few solid years left in the tank.

Maclin will not be the only vocal part of the offense, which in his favor, will open up one-on-one coverage.

Michael Crabtree, on the one side, is in an offense with a quarterback issue, a running back who has tailed off, alongside Vernon Davis who hasn’t proved just yet he will play at a Pro Bowl level.

You never want to put too much pressure on rookie players who will be considered a number one target. In Crabtree’s case, the odds may be a bit much to handle.

It must be said, though, that it is too early to judge their entire career just on opinion, but it will sure be a good thing to get off to a good start for your career, especially a wide receiver who is going to have to fill big shoes right away in the NFL.

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Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com.

Mark Sanchez: Why He Will Not Follow Flacco and Ryan in ’09

We are over a week removed from the 2009 Draft, an event that had a lot of excitement and surprises. It’s also been about a year since the 2008 draft, one that had much more excitement than this past one.

As we look back at the 2008 draft, there are two obvious players that people are already considering the “top dog” from last year. Matt Ryan, who was selected third overall by the Atlanta Falcons, was this year’s NFL Rookie of the Year. He posted 3,440 passing yards, including 16 touchdown passes and didn’t miss a start.

Ryan led his Falcons to the playoffs, which was unexpected at the beginning of the season. The playoff run didn’t last, however, with a loss to the NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals.

The fans in downtown Atlanta were still pushing to get Michael Vick back in town when released from prison. Things have changed, however, with now their new savior giving them light.

There was also another quarterback in the draft last year, Joe Flacco. A senior quarterback from the University of Delaware, many organizations were skeptical about his lack of competition at the college level.

Apparently, many people are rethinking that decision. I remember Mel Kiper saying at the draft that Flacco had one of the strongest arms he has ever seen, and as soon as he was drafted, he would already have elite arm strength.

After trading down from the 8th pick via trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Baltimore Ravens selected Flacco with the 18th overall pick. The Ravens were a team destined to find a quarterback sooner or later.

Joe had a rough start at first, he didn’t throw his first touchdown pass until his first Monday night game against the Steelers.

Flacco finished with 2,971 yards and 14 touchdown passes. Yet, high moments of his rookie career were in the postseason. With victories over the Dolphins and Titans, Flacco became the first quarterback to win two playoff games in his rookie season—much less two games on the road.

Many people give most, if not all credit to the ferocious defense of the Ravens. Yet, Flacco did find a way to come up big in clutch situations in his two wins.

Both of these quarterbacks have a lot in common during their rookie season. Both started all 16 regular season games. Both led their teams to the playoffs. Both quarterbacks were with rookie head coaches, and carried two franchises who some thought they were supposed to rebuild.

Can anyone ever repeat this type of season? Will anyone ever accomplish it?

There are many people, atleast at ESPN, believe Mark Sanchez just a year later will be the next “savior.”

Whether or not he is being considered a savior by those New York folk, I do not believe he will achieve all the aspects Flacco and Ryan did.

First off, his schedule doesn’t favor him. Having one of the tougher schedules in the league. He must play the AFC East favorite New England Patriots, with a healthy Tom Brady; the Miami Dolphins, who are coming off an 11-5 season and now have cornerback play; as well as the Bills who are a .500 team, now with Terrell Owens in town. They also must play the tough AFC South, as well as the young and talented NFC South.

Joe Flacco had an interesting schedule in his rookie season. However, the only threat within his division was the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. The depth of the AFC East is not in the Jets favor, especially after failing to make the playoffs last season.

Also, Sanchez is unlikely to start, as offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer even admitted fourth year man Kellen Clemens is “way ahead” of Sanchez as far as the system goes.

The most important argument to be made here is the Jets overall do not have enough offensive talent. Dustin Keller is a rising tight end in the league, and will probably have a similar season as he did last year.

However, their are questions at the wide receiver spot. Jerricho Cotchery is not a true No. 1 wide receiver. And with the loss of Laveranues Coles, and failure to get Anquan Boldin over the offseason, Sanchez, if he starts, doesn’t have the most ideal targets.

Both Flacco and Ryan did have solid targets on the offense. Derrick Mason has been a number one target during his tenure in the NFL.

Matt Ryan had an overall solid depth of wide outs, with Roddy White leading the way.

Just like the Ravens, Rex Ryan will rely heavily on the running game. Yet, I still see some questions. Will Thomas Jones contract situation get resolved with the Jets? Even if so, can he follow up with the season he had last year?

Also, can Leon Washington and new rookie Shonn Greene be as productive as Willis McGahee and Ray Rice were behind Le’Ron McClain?

The Falcons running game was led by Michael Turner, who broke out last season for nearly 1,700 yards as a true No. 1 back in the NFL.

The Ravens led the league in rushing attempts, always leaving the play-action open for Flacco, which he did best.

The one thing going well for Sanchez is the defense behind him. The defense will have to keep them in games, and with Rex Ryan’s system, they should have some success. They are facing high-powered offenses this season. If they can hold the likes of the Colts and Patriots, hopefully Sanchez can finish the job.

In the end though, it will just be too much to handle for Sanchez. What we witnessed in 2008 seems to look like a one time occurrence, with both rookie quarterbacks achieving different things.

It is too early to judge Sanchez’s entire career. My prediction for Sanchez this season (if he wins the job) is about 2,700 yards passing and 16 TD passes.

Would I be shellshocked if this happened? Not as much as I was last year with Flacco and Ryan.

He does have the young defense to build around, but in the end I do not see the possibility of Sanchez following in the footsteps of Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco.

 

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com

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