Packers Vs. Vikings, Nov. 1: A “Not So Welcome Home” For Brett Favre?

Tell me if this sounds familiar.

The Packers are down 23-17 with 1:07 remaining in the game. Favre steps back and hits his receiver with a 42-yard strike. The team races down field to line up again; Favre’s arms flailing around, pointing, directing until he goes under center again with the clock ticking. Favre drops back hits his target in the endzone and the Packers pull out a nail biter for the win.

Well, that 42-yard pass was to Sterling Sharpe; the touchdown pass was to Kitrick Taylor; and on that day in 1992, against the Bengals, a Hall of Famer had been born despite his five fumbles.

That type of last minute heroics, the masterful craft of the hurry up offense that was perfected by Favre, all worked to make him better known as: The Comeback Kid.

On Nov. 1, Favre will be doing a different comeback, when he comes back to Green Bay as a Viking; something that is taboo and unthinkable, even now, to most Packers fans.

Lambeau Field will literally be a ward of mixed emotions, and rightfully so.

Favre to Green Bay was like a child to their parents. We watched Favre grow from a kid into a man, we embraced his tears of joy while remaining empathetic to his tears of sorrow, we struggled with his drug addiction, we yelled and screamed at the top of our lungs at his often exampled miscues and poor decisions, and we even felt the pain that comes with a child telling us they are leaving home.

But in the grand scheme of things there is one point I haven’t mentioned.

This is football, baby!

Favre can find a job being the next great water boy and it doesn’t, and shouldn’t, matter in the slightest.

This matchup—one of two—is incredibly important. The ramifications, and postseason implications, this game has is huge to say the least, and that is what we, and the team, need to focus on—period!

Will it be somewhat difficult to see Favre donning a Vikings jersey? Of course it will, but things are what they are. He is still the man in tundra-land so please oh please let’s move on.

Favre, probably more than anyone, knows this to be true. Minnesota has a very good team as do the Packers, so this matchup, as well as the other, will undoubtedly have a major impact on the end of the season—the team, and the fans, needs to focus on that.

Look, there is no way to sugar coat this at all. Favre is a Viking now, and so be it. As much as we all hate it—since the Vikings are a division rival—we just have to wade our way through the mire. But if the focus is on Favre, what type of service does that provide to the rest of the team—Rodgers especially!

It is a new era in Green Bay and new eras in the football realm are never easy grant it, but they are times where the fans really need to embrace and stand on their own two feet.

How many of you remember Majkowski, as a Lion, going against Favre in Green Bay when he (Majkowski) first returned home brandishing a division rival jersey?

For those of us who do remember, it was atrocious. In that game, the “Majik Man” as we came to know him, seemingly lost his wand—going 15-for-32 for a mere 153 yards, a single TD, and an embarrassing five sacks.

That game made it easier for Packers’ fans to adjust to the “new kid.” Now, admittedly, we probably won’t have the same situation here, but the point remains.

The Packers have a job to do as do the Vikings and Favre.

The fans will never forget the years and years of excitement, leadership, and personal relationship they had with Favre, but Green Bay fans also NEVER forget there are 16 chances to get to the postseason, and in the end, that is what matters most.

Mixed emotions?

Check.

Initial difficulty figuring out whether to cheer or boo?

Check?

But remember, there is a another “new kid” now, and we are in an impasse; a transition if you will, just like when Favre took over for Majkowski—and we were all calling for his head against Cincinnati, screaming to have Ty Detmer put in, think about that for a second—thank god coaches DON’T always listen to us fans.

I wish Favre the best in his endeavor, I really do. I thank him for the memories and the things he did for us fans and this team.

But I also know one thing.

It is always hard to say goodbye, but it is far easier to say hello!

Packers Training Camp: The Dawn Of A New Fullback Era In GreenBay?

Since 2006, the Packers haven’t had the luxury of a Fullback capable of being a viable blocker who is able to pave the road for the running game while at the same time providing that little extra in blocking for the passing game.

They have longed for a competent and capable every-down receiving threat out of the backfield to break up the coverage schemes of defenses league-wide.

They wait for that one player who is going to step up, and reintroduce some good old-fashioned smash mouth football that only a fullback can provide where a tailback cannot.

This year, that could very well change, and the Packers may have exactly the caliber of player they have been looking for.

Last year, the tandem of both Korey Hall and John Kuhn provided a competent attack both in the air and on the ground in situational play for the Packers. They gave the passing game a lot of help in the blocking department.

Korey Hall, who battled a knee injury for four weeks at the beginning of the season, afforded the Packers 38 yards on seven passes with a single touchdown, but was never used in the running game. Even so, Hall was considered a dependable receiving threat just enough for defensive coordinators to take him into consideration.

John Kuhn, who didn’t even see action until week seven against the Colts, finished the year with 21 yards on seven receptions and two touchdowns, alongside 10 yards on eight carries with a single touchdown.

But this isn’t the type of threat the Packers can take advantage of for 16 games.

Enter recently-signed Quinn Johnson, and suddenly we see a possible change in the landscape at a position that is often overlooked but rarely forgotten.

Quinn is known for his smash-mouth style lead blocking skills that the Packers have desperately salivated for in recent years, and they may just have what they are looking for.

At LSU, Johnson was almost exclusively used for his penchant for blocking and, on occasion, utilized for his wonderful ability as a backfield receiving option. When one sits back and ponders, they beg the question: Is this the guy?

Johnson has tremendous size and bulk. He’s considered a premier and dominant lead blocker which could help to improve upon Grant’s 3.9 yards per carry from a year ago.

Johnson is a very physical and aggressive back who also has a huge upside as a special teams candidate which always bodes well for a rookie.

So with all of this said, how do we go through the mire of fullbacks competing in training camp? Just how does the team decide, outside of individual performance, who’s the best fit?

Hall provided an ample, sometimes average, 2008 performance. Unless he steps up his game this year, chances are he could be the odd man out.

Aside from his lack of running ability, a knee injury for a fullback is not something any team wants to take a chance on, even if he did recover.

Kuhn, on the other hand, made a name for himself by becoming a reliable short yardage back in crucial situations for the Packers; I suppose it also helps to have his friend Rob Davis in the front office.

But the Packers never went to him all that much as a viable receiving back. Rather, they leaned on Hall for that.

Kuhn has the better chance of being retained by the team in the long run, which opens up the door for Quinn.

Sometimes, decisions work themselves out.

This is, of course, my take and pure speculation, but I also feel it is the best course of action if Johnson can prove himself, and one of the biggest humps to get over is pass protection as a rookie fullback.

Did I mention he was almost exclusively utilized for that at LSU?

But wait—there’s more!

We haven’t considered an option which—albeit rare—is another possibility: what if the Packers sported a roster with three fullbacks?

Now, things get interesting.

The Packers are already fast becoming a team built around sick and crazy potential depth that makes their “B squad” look more like an 8-8 starting team in the NFL, so why not continue on with this trend where it really counts—the trench soldier.

Imagine an already bolstered depth chart with the receivers. Now you add that same type of depth at fullback? I, for one, think it could speak volumes of things to come if it works.

William Henderson was a household name a couple of years ago. If the Packers can utilize and harness the talent and physicality of Johnson while preserving the blocking skills and situational offensive threat in Hall and Kuhn, the team will undoubtedly add yet another dimension to a rapidly emerging intimidating offense that will quite frankly be able to take on any defense.

And who said training camp isn’t fun?

Kenechi Udeze: Saying Goodbye Is Never Easy.

The Minnesota Vikings have announced the retirement of defensive end Kenechi Udeze, ending his bid for a comeback this year with the club.

In February of 2008, Udeze was diagnosed with leukemia. And despite receiving a bone marrow transplant and being able, initially, to participate in OTAs, Udeze’s decision was mainly due to side effects associated with the treatment which hindered his progress.

The first-round draft pick by the Vikings was enjoying what was building up to be a rather impressive campaign with the club. Udeze recorded 117 tackles and 11 sacks in 47 starts as a Viking.

His current bout with leukemia, which is in remission, was not the first time in his career he has faced adversity—nor was it ever a reason to quit.

Udeze battled weight problems before entering USC’s program coming out of high school—a challenge he overcame.

In 2003, Udeze returned to action for the Trojans after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his knee only to be a part of the 2004 Rose Bowl team.

Udeze will never be known as a quitter—that much is for certain.

While playing for USC in 2001, the redshirt freshman garnered 35 tackles (nine for loss) and four sacks in only 10 games started. Udeze earned a spot on The Sporting News Freshman All-American Second Team and The Sporting News All-Pac 10 First Team, as well as USC’s Co-Lifter Award.

Udeze enjoyed a very successful 2002 campaign as well.

He was named Defensive Lineman of the Year, was an All-Pac 10 Second Team selection, and shared the Pac-10 lead with six forced fumbles, which was a USC record.

In total, Udeze boasted 135 tackles (51 for a loss) and 28 sacks—a school record as well—in addition to 14 forced fumbles as a Trojan.

As with any severe illness, people and players often find themselves having to make difficult decisions that are often never truly understood by others.

In Udeze’s case, his penchant for never quitting anything only amplifies the obvious disheartening nature this had to yield.

In football, the opportunity to come out of retirement is always a reality, and there is never a true way of knowing what the future holds for Udeze going forward—a notion that holds a bit of optimism in the football realm for himself, for his fans, and the Minnesota Vikings.

The most positive aspect of all of this is that Udeze feels healthy, his leukemia is in remission, and the road to recovery, albeit daunting, is ready for the taking.

And you can surely bet Udeze, and the spirit that has become synonymous with him and his endeavors, will be ready for the challenge with his best foot forward at all times.

Here’s to a speedy recovery and a positive outcome to an otherwise unfortunate turn of events for Udeze and his family.

Packers Training Camp: Is Nelson Vs. Jones A Win-Win For Green Bay?

The Green Bay Packers, and many of their fans, will enter preseason with a myriad of questions, most of which will need time to answer.

• Will the transition to 3-4 be a success?

• Will Rodgers’ sophomore year be a good, if not better, compared to his rookie campaign?

• Will the Pack take the division, or have to battle for a Wild Card spot?

These and many other questions are looming everyday around the organization; they serve as reminders to what is to come this season. But one question seems to be cast to the wayside, perhaps for the best.

 This is an unavoidable question for the Packers, but it’s one that is a win-win no matter the outcome.

If you remember last year, Jones battled a nagging knee injury nearly all year long that began in preseason; this happening to a guy who previously was never injured.

Jones did play 10 games, and in that time, he racked up 274 yards on 20 catches. The year before, he set the record for best pass-catching by a rookie with 676 yards on 47 grabs.

Of the 20 catches Jones made last year, half of them came in the last four games which led everyone to believe the knee was getting better—the Packer faithful and brass were seeing shades of the 2007 rookie from San Jose State that quickly became their new slot receiver.

But in the mix and playing when Jones could not was Kansas State’s own Jordy Nelson, who even started two games.

Nelson played in all 16 games and in that time garnered 366 yards on 33 touches. He caught nearly every ball thrown to him.

Nelson was the only rookie last year to play in all 16 games. He added to his receiving numbers by also returning punts and in doing so earned 208 yards on 11 returns.

Nelson was sharp, he ran his route very well, and he learned the offense incredibly quick. All of these statistics impressed the Packers’ coaching staff.

So here is the 2009-10 season and the Packers find themselves having to choose from two very good receivers. Both are big targets, with Nelson at 6’3” 217 pounds and Jones at 6’1” 218 pounds.

Nelson has more speed, can run the lateral routes, and uses his speed to create separation while relying on his sure hands to make each possession worthwhile. He is also a proven punt returner.

Jones is a solid target over the middle on the slant routes and had a solid year in 2007, showcasing his sure hands. He can take the hits, and has good YAC averages. Last year, he had a case of dropping passes, but you can chalk a lot of that up to his knee problem that never really went away.

For the organization, having to make a decision on these two really won’t be a good thing or a bad thing though.

If you go with Jones and he stays healthy, the likely choice, your fourth receiver becomes Nelson which is basically just another starter. If you go with Nelson, the same thing applies and nothing really changes.

Add in Ruvell Martin and Jermichael Finley, you have yourself a pretty deep-receiving corp to rely on.

With five solid wide receivers, a team at that point has an immeasurable amount of options in a formation. They have the ability to substitute more, preserving the longevity of each player, and can create all sorts of mix-matches and problems for defensive coordinators.

In all likelihood, considering Jones’ rookie performance and hot start to last year’s camp before the injury against Denver, it appears that he is the front runner, but that doesn’t mean Nelson won’t legitimately beat him out.

Either way, when it is all said and done, the Packers will have the best receiving-corps depth in all of football.

So where does the Packer community stand? Voice your opinion and let everyone know your thoughts on “The Battle for No. 3.”

 

NFL 2009-10 AFC Predictions: Who Will Reign Supreme?

And now for Part Two, the AFC.

The competition level in the AFC is so high it was almost impossible to make sense of everything.

Interestingly enough, there were some big changes for a lot of teams that could have both positive and negative results depending on a lot of things.

The Jets get a huge upgrade defensively while the Titans lose a couple of big names. The Chiefs significantly upgraded AND downgraded themselves all in one shot, the Bengals, Bills and Texans have a lot of people guessing, and of course, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Big Ben.

See what I mean?

So let’s take a look at what I came up with and you can be the judge.

 

1. San Diego Chargers

San Diego is very interesting. They have a QB who played through some injuries that perhaps some say he shouldn’t have. LaDainian Tomlinson had over 1100 yards last year and that was a BAD season for him.

 

They have some of the best downfield receivers in the game, and Shawne Merriman has recently been called out by Ocho Cinco.

 

Still, the Chargers have what it takes to secure the number one seed and possibly a Super Bowl berth.

 

 

2. New England Patriots

It will probably be a very long time until the Patriots are NOT in the top of these types of articles. That’s one thing we can all bank on. Well, that and Brady is back.

 

If it wasn’t for his injury and an aging defense I would list them as No. 1, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be one of the top-two teams left standing. I’ll afford you all your own ending.

 

 

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

This team simply has a blueprint for winning year in and year out. The chances of them being around in January will depend on health and whether or not they can improve the running game.

 

Shaun McDonald should be an improvement, and the ageless Ward will have another banner year.

 

Has anyone noticed that Mike Tomlin looks a LOT like Omar Epps?

 

 

 

4. Indianapolis Colts

Similar to the Pats, the Colts are usually a solid pick for the playoffs but they will finish fourth in the conference no better. The Colts will have to improve their rushing game as well as their ability to stop the run ironically enough. They’ll win a wild-card game but go no further than that.

 

 

 

5. Baltimore Ravens

Last year, Flacco and company had a brutal defense to back them up.  But this year the D won’t be as good. The Ravens, however, should be good enough to finish 10-6 and appear in a wild-card game, possibly against the Colts—see above for the outcome of that one.

 

 

 

6. Jacksonville Jaguars

Yup, that’s right. The Jags are my sleeper pick (and for you fantasy readers, Jones-Drew is a top fantasy sleeper pick as well, mark my words).

 

The problem with finishing 10-6 is that they will probably face Big Ben and company and the Jags won’t measure up. They’ll give them a good fight but nothing more.

 

 

 

7. Tennessee Titans

I hate the No. 7 spot because it is always the most controversial. I like the Titans, but I can’t see them making the playoffs with the departures they had this year and the fact that they don’t put up a lot of points.

 

 

 

8. Cincinnati Bengals

Carson Palmer is back, which will equal points scored—something the Bengals lacked immensely last year. The ground game should be better, and the receivers got a shot in the arm with Lavernues Coles.

 

In addition, the Bengals had a terrific draft that spells good things for the future. For the present, 8-8 is enough to make them most improved in the AFC.

 

 

 

9. Houston Texans

The Texans should come into this year much better than last year and could be good enough to turn some heads early.  However, they’re not good enough to achieve better than 8-8 however.

 

One interesting note is that Antonio Smith is primed to have a breakout season. If the LB corp can play a bit better, they will cause some noise in the division.

 

 

 

10. Buffalo Bills

An uncertain backfield and the addition of TO will not be good enough to take the Bills to the next level. This team is no better than 8-8. Since there is little to hope for the immediate future, an 8-8 trend could be a couple of years running.

 

 

 

11. Miami Dolphins

Last year was great, it really was. But there is little chance for the Dolphins to repeat the same success this year. Losing Renaldo Hill and Vonnie Holiday will hurt the team, and the running game will probably not do anything better than what they did last year. 7-9 seems about right.

 

 

 

12. Denver Broncos

The competition is so high in the AFC that the Broncos are one of those teams that is really hard to get a read on. They have a good set of receivers and a potentially dangerous ground game, but the D may not adjust to the changes as fast as everyone wants them to. Next year seems more fitting for a playoff run.

 

 

 

13. Kansas City Chiefs

Add a high-caliber QB and take away his primary target and then replace him (Gonzalez) with Tony Curtis? Sure why not?

 

Not enough pieces in place to make a run, or achieve better than five wins.

 

 

 

14. Oakland Raiders

There is so much uncertainty that it over shadows a team with a pretty good backfield and an improved defense.  But the Raiders are two years away from challenging anyone at this point.

 

 

 

15. New York Jets

Yes they upgraded on defense, but they all but did away with any playmakers on the team. Add in Sanchez and the philosophy of ground and pound and this formula spells disaster from the start.

 

 

 

16. Cleveland Browns

This team will need more than an overhaul and Mangenius to compete this year. Aside from Jamal Lewis and possibly Brady Quinn, there is virtually nobody worth mentioning when it comes to week after week play that is good enough to elevate this team out of the bottom of the pack.

 

The Browns will be lucky to win five games.

 

 

 

Playoff Picture

 

San Diego and New England with a first-round bye.

 

Pittsburgh deals with the Jags 27-13 and the Colts edge the Ravens 24-21 in the Wildcard.

 

San Diego holds on to beat the Colts 14-13 while Pittsburgh sends Brady and company packing 20-17

 

San Diego gets “revenge” for the 11-10 contest of last year and edges the champs 17-14 in OT.

 

 

 

So there you have it folks. My predictions for all 32 teams. I hope everyone enjoyed and as always thanks for reading and sharing your time with me.

 

NFL 2009 NFC Predictions: Who Will Be No. 1?

As a football fan, this time of the year is particularly entertaining for me.

Camp is underway, speculation about where a team will be, and how they will do, is at an all time high, and fans everywhere try to envision where everyone will wind up at season’s end.

I am no different.

I decided, as I do every year, to take a hard look and predict the season and how it will unfold. Of course, this type of thing usually garners heavy debate, but what’s football without some hard nose debates.

Some of you may agree with some of these predictions while others may call for my head.

But that’s OK.

So without further ado here are my 2009 NFL predictions.

 

The NFC:

1. Carolina Panthers:

 

The Panthers were a hard team to choose for me since I have an itch that the Vikings are gonna run away with the conference, still, the Panthers have such a balanced team and they return virtually unchanged from last year making them a dangerous competitor. I see them capturing the No. 1 seed with home field advantage.

 

 

 

2. Minnesota Vikings:

 

Even if Favre does in fact join this team, I still would’ve picked them second overall and first in the division. The Vikings have probably the best defense in the NFL hands down, and one of the best running backs in the league. The wide receivers are a bit underrated and they will have to step things up, but overall the Vikes will secure the No. 2 spot and a home game with a bye.

 

 

 

3. Arizona Cardinals:

 

The Cardinals should have no trouble returning to the post season and proving to folks that last year wasn’t a fluke. The defense will be better as will the ground game which should take them deep into the playoffs.

 

 

 

4. New York Giants:

 

The Giants missed Plax in the playoffs last year and decided to go big with Nicks in the draft, which should boad well for them as time goes on. Still, this team is good enough to win the division and secure the No. 4 spot, but a first round elimination is about as far as they will go.

 

 

 

5. New Orleans Saints:

 

Thanks to the Panthers, the Saints could be looking at a wildcard spot instead of a division crown, but to be honest, the whole NFC South is up for grabs minus the Bucs. The Saints will have to vastly improve upon last year’s defense if they want to go deep in the playoffs.

 

 

 

6. Green Bay Packers:

 

The Packers will undoubtedly be better than last year and that could mean a sleeper pick for a deep run in the playoffs; that is of course if they can get past Arizona in the wildcard game. The successful transition to a 3-4 defense and the ground game will be the key.

 

 

 

7. Atlanta Falcons:

 

I know, I know. This team has Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, and now Tony Gonzalez. How could I leave them out of a playoff berth? But after analyzing the season and individual schedules, I think the Falcons will be a victim of a tie breaker rule and NOT lack of play. But that’s why the good lord made erasers right?

 

 

 

8. Philadelphia Eagles:

 

I admit the Eagles could get to the playoffs but there is so much uncertainty in the receivers, defense and whether or not Westbrook and McNabb can do it one more time—I feel they can’t. The will finish 9-7 and tied with the Cowboys and will hope for another year.

 

 

 

9. Dallas Cowboys:

 

One thing I have learned about the Cowboys is that when they don’t talk up the upcoming season things are usually not good. This team’s success will depend on how well Phillips and Garrett maintain a winning way and control. They have the talent but they are not as good as some of the other teams this year.

 

 

 

10. Seattle Seahawks:

 

Quite possibly the best team that will finish 9-7 this year and definitely the most improved. The Seahawks will need another year though to return to postseason status.

 

 

 

11. Chicago Bears:

 

Adding Cutler isn’t going to solve the myriad of problems the Bears have to deal with such as, but not limited to: Who to throw the ball to consistently, and whether the defense will step up let alone stay healthy. Give them another two years and things will be much different.

 

 

 

12. Washington Redskins:

 

Jason Campbell doesn’t seem to have the kind of support from his coaches a quarterback should have and that’s terrible because this kid has talent. The Redskins have a lot of issues with depth and consistent play week-to-week, and unless things change drastically and rapidly they will be no better than 6-10.

 

 

 

13. St. Louis Rams:

 

The Rams have Spagnuolo at the helm and he will inevitably bring an intensity that was MIA last year. But the Rams will need a better O-Line, better play out of their defense, and they will surely need Bulger to justify his contract extension. They are a couple of years away from challenging for the division.

 

 

 

14. San Francisco 49ers:

 

Once this team acquires a legit quarterback they can count on and stop surrounding the team around Gore they will reach a record that yields more than four wins. A couple of receivers would help too.

 

 

 

15. Detroit Lions:

 

No, there will be no win-less team this year and the Lions, even with Stafford, are years away from a winning season. The offensive line will have to dramatically improve for more than one year and they have to get someone in there to compliment Calvin Johnson in order to compete, but things are on the rise in the Motor City.

 

 

 

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

 

The Bucs have little to no play makers, a new defensive system, and a collection of running backs that are the brightest spot. This team is in an obvious rebuilding mode and 4-12 is about all they will accomplish in a very, very difficult division.

 

 

 

Playoff Picture:

 

Carolina and Minnesota with a first round bye.

 

Packers over Cardinals 24-21 and Saints over the Giants 27-17 in Wildcard Games.

 

Panthers edge Packers 17-16 while the Vikings stop the march of the Saints, 24-17.

 

Minnesota flexes its ability to stop the run, get to Delhomme three times, and win a tight game in Carolina 16-9.

NFL QB Comparisons, Pt. 2: Can Mark Sanchez Be Better Than Joe Flacco?

The exodus of Brett Favre ushers in a new name for Jets fans, who hope, will be their new franchise QB—USC’s own; Mark Sanchez.

For Sanchez however, the uphill climb has already begun, and the bar is way above his head.

In part one, we discussed just how high the bar for rookie QBs have been set, thanks to Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan. We compared Ryan to Stafford and talked a little bit about what Stafford will have to do as his learning curve comes along if he is to compete at the same level.

You can read it here if you missed it.

The same goes for Sanchez. A very similar comparison comes with Flacco, and Sanchez is a little bit different in the fact that he will be the starter come game one. In addition to this, he will have the enormous task of filling in the shoes left behind in the locker by Brett Favre.

USC has produced a plethora of names over the years when it comes to QBs. You have to wonder whether Sanchez will be the next Palmer or Cassel, or will he turn out to be another Peete or Salisbury.

He surely can’t be Leinart since he won’t spend much time on the bench and the old fart who played in NY a year ago just supposedly bought a condo in Minnesota—that’s for another article.

Starting for the Jets, picking up where Favre left off, and playing up to the caliber that Flacco and Ryan did last year is enough to start buying stock in Calgon and Tylenol.

I hear the stock market has been buyer friendly as of late.

Flacco comes from a short line of names that, well, outside of Rich Gannon most people wouldn’t even know. But Flacco put in a great deal of time and effort in his college career.

Flacco, in his first year as a Fightin Blue Hen posted 3000+ yards with 18 TDs, and 10 INTs only to trump that with a 2007 campaign that yielded 3300+ yards, 18 TDs, and only 5 INTs.

Flacco was An All-American Third Team, The ECAC Player of the Year in 2007, All-CAA First Team and CAA Co-Offensive Player of the Year in 2007, and was considered the most accurate passer in 2007 before the draft.

Flacco solidified himself in the NFL combine and, after an injury to Boller and an illness to Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, Flacco came into the NFL and steamrolled his way to an impressive first year.

Had it not been for the injury or the illness, Flacco may not have gotten his chance.

Sanchez, unlike Flacco, comes into the NFL without being battle tested. Sanchez was a one-year starter at USC throwing for 3200+ yards and 34 TDs (second in school history behind Leinart) and 10 INTs; the year he decided to enter the draft.

But one successful year in college doesn’t mean anything in the NFL.

Without having the playing time to back you up there is very little reason to think Sanchez will succeed in the pro circuit, and even less reason to justify a very lucrative contract that guarantees $28 million before even taking a snap.

I guess playing for Carroll in his “sophisticated” pro-style offense is enough for the scouts and front offices alike.

Sanchez chose USC in aspiration he would follow in the footsteps of Carson Palmer—his idol, but following even these footsteps is yet another daunting task.

Sanchez will also be walking into a team not exactly as good as the Ravens were when Flacco got there.

Sure, Baltimore’s WRs were suspect, but they had a great running game and a stellar defense, and O-Line to back him (Flacco) up.

The Jets?

The team has all but had a fire sale on the last big playmakers, and the WRs are unproven and at best mediocre—sound familiar?

The ground game is the brightest spot for the Jets and bringing in Marques Douglas and Bart Scott will make the defense better. It won’t make them the Ravens, but it will make them better.

But Sanchez just doesn’t have enough experience to think he will measure up to last year’s phenoms. He doesn’t have the scars to prove his time in the trenches which is what football is all about, and as time goes on he could prove to be a bigger bust than anything else.

But hey, this is football right? This is just my opinion, and there are millions of football and Jets’ fans out there that could agree and perhaps disagree so I want to hear from all of you, especially the Jets fan’s perspective. Let’s roll up our sleeves and discuss this topic further, shall we.

As always since this is the end of the two part series, thanks to all who have taken the time to comment, rant and rave, and read.

 

NFL 2009/10 Preview: 11 New Coaches; Are They Ready?

Any football fan will inevitably know the 11 new faces coming into this year’s season as head coaches—some of them not so unfamiliar of course.

But with that, comes automatic speculation as to what will happen with their new team. What, if any, types of success will they have? Will they improve upon a miserable season from last year? And so on and so on.

That’s the thing with football; you never really know.

One year you could be a playoff contending team, and the next year you be a bottom feeding has been.

This year, there are 11 new head coaches; some of which, obviously, have already been there at the pro level, while others are having their first crack at it.

I have decided to take a look at these candidates and speculate where they could possibly be by year’s end in no particular order.

 

Eric Mangini—Cleveland Browns

Aside from all the hype of the apparent QB controversy/race that is ensuing in Cleveland, one has to think that Mangini neither gained nor lost anything in terms of who he is coaching. The Browns have had numerous problems in the secondary for the past couple of years, and their underachieving receiving corps. has been trumped by off-season trades and problems.

The Browns had one good year against a schedule that was no better than .500—two years ago—and to say things will immediately turn around given the division they compete in alone would be futile. If Mangini can turn things around for the better it will take two maybe three years to do so, given the amount of holes he has to fill. I can’t see them even competing with the Bengals this year, and to expect anything more than third in the division would be unthinkable.

 

Steve Spagnuolo—St. Louis Rams

The Rams appear to be a much underestimated team; Spagnuolo may be just the answer.

With rumors of talks about selling the team, an underachieving O-line from last year, and a season that produced nowhere near what they were capable of, the Rams could be poised to make a splash.

Spagnuolo brings an intensity to the club that wasn’t there the last two years. Spagnuolo is a defensive minded coach who can change the level of play in St. Louis—if the team steps up. I would like to say the Rams finish second in the division but I feel the Seahawks will do so.

 

Jim Mora—Seattle Seahawks

Add in Housh, a healthy Hasselback, and a handful of receivers ready to step up, and what do you have? How ’bout a team that is still questionable on the ground.

If Seattle can get their ground game moving better than last year, the Seahawks are poised to take second and even push the Cardinals in the latter half of the season for first.

 

Raheem Morris—Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Morris has all but done away with the Tampa Two defense, and has begun to usher-in a new philosophy, that he feels, better suits the team in a zone blocking scheme. Winslow is not the type of blocking TE to accomplish that, despite the fact he could be taught.

The problem is, the defense doesn’t have enough play-makers to keep up in a very stout division, and although they kept Bryant at WR, and added Ward in the backfield—they simply don’t have enough weapons overall to make it to the postseason.

In another year or two this could change. Look for Tampa to be last in the division unfortunately.

 

Mike Singletary—San Francisco 49ers

Can Smith be the guy they thought? Can the organization get away from surrounding the team around Gore? Can the team afford themselves more consistency on defense from years past? Can Singletary have another halftime talk with his pants around his ankles for three minutes? Who knows?

The point is, there are more inconsistent issues for the 49ers than they are capable of overcoming to compete in the division. Before anything, and just like the Bengals, this team will first have to learn how to put up points and play solid defense week in and week out to challenge for a postseason spot.

Look for the 49ers to improve upon last year but ultimately be relegated to 4th in the division.

 

Josh McDaniels—Denver Broncos

McDaniels is another coaching prodigy from New England, and that alone could be enough to get him started.

After all, the Pats coaching staff just simply makes winners out of everyone they touch nowadays. McDaniels and the Broncos have all the right tools in place to be a spoiler in the division: Moreno and Jordan as their primary backs, a new two TE system that will inevitably lessen the load on Orton, who is better than most think, and an O-Line that will be much better than last year.

Denver has become another team making a switch to 3-4 with no true NT to anchor the D, but the Broncos could surprise everyone if they can put it all together by the regular season.

Look for Denver to take second in the division behind San Diego with a possible postseason berth.

 

Tom Cable—Oakland Raiders

Cable put together a season good enough to allow him to stay, but that won’t be enough this year.

The upside is, the guys in the backfield, if healthy, can pose a serious threat to teams, and the defense should get better against the run; which was an Achilles heel to last year’s season. Look for Higgins to have a breakout season, but other than that, the Raiders will finish 4th behind two teams that have better players and experience, and one team that has better tools to work with.

 

Todd Haley—Kansas City Chiefs

Haley has a very intriguing situation in KC. He gets Cassel at QB, which will vastly improve the landscape of who is throwing the ball.

The trouble is, outside of Bowe, the Chiefs will need newly acquired Bobby Engram to keep double coverage away from him (Bowe). Enter in, they gave up Gonzalez for Engram and a RB position that, unless Johnson gets himself together, remains suspect—and things don’t look so promising.

The only thing that would help is Johnson. If they can run effectively, the Chiefs can continue to try and spread the field a bit, and with Cassel at the helm there is no reason to think it can’t be done. The DBs are a bright spot but the D must improve on the lack of sacks from last year.

Look for the Chiefs to finish a modest 3rd in the division.

 

Jim Caldwell—Indianapolis Colts

Wayne and Gonzalez get promotions with Harrison gone, Donald Brown should fit well in the system, and Caldwell is in line to be yet another coach to inherit an already well-built team.

The conundrum with the Colts is that, they have to not only run the ball better, but stop the run better as well. They will probably finish second behind the Titans, but don’t be surprised if the Texans give them a run for their money.

 

Rex Ryan—New York Jets

If you pay attention closely to the Jets and get away from Mark Sanchez, which in my opinion will be a huge bust, then you can clearly see Ryan’s concerns. Ryan is trying to utilize Jones by instilling a new ground and pound system offensively. He has already improved upon a weak defense in acquiring Douglas and Scott, but without a TE who can block, and virtually no receivers worth mentioning, this team is no better than 4th in the division, even on paper.

 

Jim Schwartz—Detroit Lions

The best for last perhaps?

The Lions are a big topic with Stafford, but he inevitable comes into a team that isn’t ready just yet—to add to that, Flacco and Ryan set the bar for rookie QBs and although, if you compare Stafford to either of the aforementioned, he clearly measures up—but he won’t be the starter come time game one.

Culpepper reunites with Linehan, and although he won’t have what both of them had in their days in Minnesota, Culpepper has enough tools to make some noise.

The problem is whether or not he will, and the consensus is he won’t. Smith will be asked to be more of a power runner, which he isn’t, and the addition of Morris may not lessen the load.

The Defense will improve upon last year where they weren’t that bad, but the O-Line will definitely have to improve upon a franchise high 52 sacks only second to the 49ers. Is this the year? No!

Will the Lions be a better team in years to come Yes! But for now 4th place is all they will acquire…albeit a better 4th place, but still.

NFL QB Comparisons, Pt. 1: Can Matthew Stafford Live Up to Matt Ryan’s Success?

If you were Matthew Stafford, would you want the weight of changing the only 0-16 franchise into a winning one?

If you were Mark Sanchez, would you want the daunting task of not only filling in where Brett Favre left off, but also try to do it with a group of receivers who haven’t even established themselves yet at the pro level?

Take a moment; I’ll wait.

Last year, the bar was set for rookie quarterbacks coming into the NFL thanks to Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco—play like veterans from the get go, or enjoy the bench.

In this Pt. 1 of a two-part series, we will look at the two first-round draft picks, and compare them to the last two first-round picks from last year; are things really that different?

At the beginning of the year, we really didn’t know they were gonna be out there so soon, did we?

Ryan was supposed to be the guy who spent a year in training before getting out there. Coach Smith was adamant about keeping his prized rookie away from the game so he could learn—so much for that, and enter in his first pro pass for a TD.

Flacco had a somewhat different entry into the NFL.

Kyle Boller was all but washed up and Troy Smith, as you remember, had that strange bout with an illness that wouldn’t go away. Flacco started from day one, despite the worry of Harbaugh, who worried it was too soon. Flacco went a modest 15-of-29 with 129 yards in a win over Cincinnati, and won the next week against Cleveland.

The bar was set by these two even-keeled gunslingers as they surpassed the expectations of their coaches, and enamored their fans with poise and leadership. They afforded their fans with hopes of a brighter future, and solidified themselves as starters with every passing week.

So here we are in 2009. The new crop of QBs focuses on Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez, and fans of New York and Detroit immediately want to know if the same success Atlanta and Baltimore enjoyed is on the horizon for them as well.

Sadly, it isn’t—at least not anytime soon.

Ryan was a first round third overall pick by Atlanta.

Matthew Stafford as everyone knows was the number one overall pick for the Lions, and although Stafford is rather comparable to Ryan, there are some things that separate the two:

Ryan was 25-7 as a starter; Stafford was 27-7.

Ryan had 15 games of 200-plus yards for BC; Stafford had 22 for the Bulldogs.

Ryan won three bowls and completed 59.9 percent of his passes; Stafford won two bowls while completing 57.1 percent of his passes.

Ryan was known for his decision-making skills and intangibles that were pro-ready; he was considered a plug-and-play-type guy despite Mike Smith’s early opposition.

Stafford is considered a pocket-oriented QB who played for a pro-style offense at UAG, but has displayed poor decision making skills, particularly his penchant for taking risks and throwing into coverage he shouldn’t be throwing into.

The two are very similar, yet interestingly different.

Take Ryan, and what you know about him now, and plug him into the current Detroit team coming into 2009, and you’ll probably agree there isn’t much he would be able to do.

Detroit is still very much suspect at the O-line especially the whole left side, and with the Lions making a switch to a more power-based running game, one has to wonder whether or not Kevin Smith will adjust and if not, whether Morris is any better of an option.

The receivers aren’t much better, either.

Obviously, the raw talent of Calvin Johnson is the highpoint of the team, but outside of him there really isn’t much to mention. Ronald Curry and Bryant Johnson were nice free agent pickups, but both underachieved.

In addition to all of this comes the defense’s history of being a bad as Matt Millen’s ability to run the team, including the team giving up over 500 points last year—as if 0-16 wasn’t bad enough.

A poor defense equals unnecessary stress for a QB. The Lions made strides in the off-season, but overall could have done better.

Stafford’s situation is far worse than Ryan’s ever was considering Ryan benefited from Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood in the backfield, Roddy White, Michael Jenkins, and Brian Finneran as receivers, a solid O-line that gave up only 17 sacks, and a defense that wasn’t all that bad despite having trouble stopping the run.

Ryan had green fields and blue skies in his rookie year while Stafford has looming storm clouds above desolate and shaky ground at his foot.

Stafford will not start right out of the gate so long as Culpepper stays healthy—a task all in its own. But if Culpepper can remain healthy and somewhat effective he can keep Stafford on the bench, affording Detroit more time to build.

All in all, Detroit will not turn things around in the fashion that Atlanta did last year. In fact, it could take two or three years, but, in time, if Stafford can grow, and if the organization can find the right talent, then perhaps the Lions can have their first Pro Bowl quarterback since the days of Bobby Layne—an aspiration only time will tell.

In Pt. 2 we will compare Flacco and Sanchez, but for now let’s discuss this comparison. I want to hear from everyone especially Detroit fans.

NFL Nostalgia: A Look Back at the 2008 Season

As we get set to usher in the 2009-2010 NFL season, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the finest moments of last year’s season.
As football fans, we often forget the peculiarities that define any one given season once it is over. Normally, there isn’t much to speak of, but last year was a cut above the rest. Last year was in a class of its own, defining records, providing mesmerizing finishes, and on occasion, affording us eye-opening jaw-dropping stories that will always be a part of the team’s history.
Some of these things mentioned will be adored, like the Steelers winning yet another Super bowl while some things are better left forgotten like the 0-16 you-know-whos.
For those of you who don’t know who, it was the Lions—the same team to go undefeated in the preseason!
So come take a walk with me down memory lane. Let us recap some of the NFL firsts, some of the team records set, and some of the oddest occurrences

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