Can Westbrok Help Eagles Turn Corner Against Cowboys?

Who could ever forget the Oct. 19, 2003 clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants?

Brian Westbrook scored on an 84-yard punt return with 1:16 to play, leading the Eagles to a come-from-behind 14-10 victory.

The Eagles need the old Westbrook back.

In a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately NFL, Saturday’s opening-round playoff matchup of the Philadelphia Eagles against the Dallas Cowboys could signal a changing of the guard.

Philadelphia was riding a six-game win streak coming into last week’s season-ending match against Cowboys.

A win would’ve guaranteed the Eagles sole possession of NFC East and the second seed, meaning at least one home playoff game.

A loss meant the sixth seed and playing all games on the road.

As well as know by now, the Eagles got smoked, 24-0 in the big D, and with the loss, they now face the NFC East champion Dallas Cowboys in Dallas on Saturday night.

In their last meeting, the Eagles two best scoring drives came on a first-quarter muffed fumble in the Dallas red zone, and a David Akers missed 53-yard field goal attempt in the third-quarter when the game was well in hand.

If you are the Eagles, how do you set up your game plan following such a horrible loss?

They need a have a short memory.

They must also get out of the gate fast, score first, and gain confidence.

The run game seemed off-kilter as the Birds tried to get twice-concussed running back Brian Westbrook back in the swing. Results were mixed and Westbrook seemed better catching balls in the flat than breaking off big gains from the backfield.

He just did not look to have the second burst of speed that he had in his prime; turning the corner and breaking the first tackle to get into the secondary.

The Eagles’ best receiver, DeSean Jackson, was largely shut down.

The Eagles, under Reid, seem to be a largely pass-first, run-second team.

That might work early in the season, but not down the stretch, where the ball has to be taken care of in cold conditions of the Northeast and Midwest regions.

A run-first, pass-second philosophy has proven to be a more effective system when heading into the playoffs.

Cowboys’ running back Marion Barber was a beast against the Eagles, setting up quarterback Tony Romo all day long.

If I had a magic wand, I would make Westbrook healthy.  Clearly, an effective Westbrook would ease the workload from rookie LeSean McCoy, and solve most of the Eagles offensive woes.

“Westbrook up the middle for five yards. First down to Jason Avant over the middle. Screen pass to Westbrook for eight yards…” I can hear Merrill Reese say.

You get the picture.

If the Cowboys were to respect the Eagles underneath game, eventually, the long plays to Jackson would open up top.

How did Donovan McNabb win the Denver game a couple of weeks ago?  Facing a third and long, McNabb pulled off a 20-yard first-down scramble to keep the drive alive.

At this point, Michael Vick may be more of a viable weapon.

In Week 13’s 34-7 win over Atlanta, Vick outran the coverage on a five-yard touchdown run to the corner of the end zone.

That is just something I don’t see Westbrook doing at this point of his career.

McCoy has been the Eagles’ primary runner this year, with 637 yards on 155 carries and four touchdowns, good for a 4.1 rushing average.  His longest rush of the season was a  66-yard scamper in Week 8.

Westbrook type of numbers.

Let’s face it: It well could be the last game for Donovan McNabb, Westbrook and most certainly defensive back Sheldon Brown, who wants a new contract for next season.

McNabb was given a raise before the season, but his contract is not extended past 2010. An early playoff exit could signal a change in quarterback for the Eagles—and possibly the Michael Vick era.

I can hear it now: “Westbrook at the 40, cuts back at the 35, has one man to beat, stiff arms the defender…touchdown!!!”

It could be the Eagles’ best and last shot at a Super Bowl title.

A healthy Westbrook could make the climb that much easier.

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Oakland Raiders: Fee, Fie, Fo, Fum, We Really Should Have Won

“Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum,

I smell the blood of an Englishman,

Be he alive or be he dead,

I’ll grind his bones to make my bread.”

The Baltimore Ravens are named for the poet Edgar Allen Poe who was born in America and had his early education in England. Poe’s poem, The Raven, is a favorite in American literature classes. It’s a poem about a bird; its a poem about depression, I believe.

The Oakland Raiders are named for a more fierce and aggressive presence. The Raiders are the pirates who sometimes have a bird on their shoulder.

The Raiders were established years before the Ravens. The Ravens started in 1996, and it is one of the youngest NFL teams. Two others, the Carolina Panthers and the Jacksonville Jaquars are one year younger than the Ravens.

And here is my poetic chant:

Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum, Last Sunday we should have won!

Not exactly as good as Edgar Allen Poe, but I made my point! Huh?

There are so many “what ifs” this season. Many variables are at play in the game of professional football.

Injuries took their toll on the Oakland Raiders, and we ended up tumbling down the beanstalk like the giant in “Jack and the Beanstalk.”

When you look at the numbers for wins and losses, there were as many “swings” in the curve for the Raiders as there were for the Ravens.

The bird flew back and forth; the pirate stumbled up and down.

Now, to use a regression curve to measure the overall direction the season was going for both the Raiders and the Ravens, we see that the slope of the regression line for the Raiders is positive. The slope for the Ravens, is, surprisingly, going downward, or decreasing.

From a statistical standpoint, if we extrapolate and imagine that the season is longer than 16 weeks, then the Ravens would have been headed downhill, according to the statistical model.

I know what you are saying, but I see the good in it all.

Defintely, we can conclude that we had improvement and an upward movement near the end of the 2009 season, although a second quarterback had injuries, and we lost our groove in the Ravens-Raiders game.

Let’s look at the bright side. We lost but maybe be have found a hen to lay our golden egg, and maybe we will do so much better once all of our players get their groove on in their respective positions.

So cheer up Raider Nation, and remember the big guy who said “Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum, tumbled down the beanstalk, and he was dead and done.”

Wow! The children’s story did not have a happy ending for Jack’s opponent.

In fact, Jack and his poor mom, got the hen and the golden eggs and lived “Happy ever after.”

Now, that’s the kind of ending we want for the Oakland Raiders in 2010.

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Success of Arizona Cardinals Season Doesn’t Rest on Sunday’s Outcome

It seems that some Cardinals fans have become the equivalent of spoiled rich L.A. teenagers.

No, they haven’t been given their own reality show or a spread in Playboy, although some of them may be named Spencer and Heidi. And no need to worry, the closest they’ve gotten to wearing Chanel or Prada is their $125 Kurt and Fitz jerseys.

Don’t be fooled, though, these two groups share a common bond.

Last year, these Cardinal fans were given the gift of a lifetime (think: winning the lottery the same day you married the hottest person you know). They were the recipients of three great playoff victories and one amazing Super Bowl week.

They were lavished with praise, attention, and a new higher status on the NFL food chain (depending on which expert you talked to).

Instead of being grateful for what they’d been treated too, this group of fans grew a sense of entitlement and expectation. Feeling that one great playoff run meant that anything less than a deep playoff run this year would be uncivilized (pardon me, but do you happen to have any grey matter?).

Raising expectations is acceptable but it has to be based in some sense of reality. That is, of course, unless you are a Cowboys fan.

Most fans, like myself, remember our Cardinal heritage.

We remember the 20-plus years we spent wandering the desert. We remember the leaders like Buddy Ryan and Denny Green who promised salvation but managed only disappointment. We remember when success was judged by not finishing last in the division. We remember how an 8-8 season was a big deal and a wild-card appearance in the playoffs was earth shattering.

Years of expecting four wins has offered perspective. The success of the Cardinals season doesn’t rest on a victory versus the Green Bay Packers Sunday.

Do we want the Cardinals to go back to the Super Bowl and win it? Yes. Do we need it to validate a season that Cardinals fans haven’t seen since St. Louis in 1976? No.

A 10-win season is something most fans would have sold their souls for three seasons ago (by the way, I’m still not regretting that decision). In years past, hoping for back-to-back division titles would have just been greedy.

If the pain we all suffered at the hands of previous Cardinals teams has taught us anything it should be this, enjoy the ride.

Come Sunday, win or lose, fans should be excited by what the team has accomplished in the past two years, and the new image that is beginning to take hold.

Like the rich teenager, no matter how much fans were spoiled last year they aren’t entitled to anything. Just ask followers of the Seattle Seahawks.

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Is Pete Carroll a Good Fit For the Seattle Seahawks?

Most NFL coaches who get fired receive their walking papers on the Monday after the final regular season. The Seattle Seahawks waited a few more days, but they have sent Jim Mora packing after just one season, due to the team’s 5-11 record.

Rumors are already centering on potential replacements—such as current USC Trojans head coach Pete Carroll or Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier.

ESPN reports that the Seahawks sought permission to interview Frazier, and Frazier declined. Carroll could be the next target.

On the one hand, Carroll could be a good fit, due to his laid-back West Coast style and his previous NFL experience, not to mention his success at USC. But on the other hand, Carroll struggled as the head coach of the New England Patriots, and it’s hard to see why he’d want to leave southern California, where has not only built a very successful program, but he has also become a fixture in the community.

Carroll has been known to wander—by himself, without security—into some of the Los Angeles’ area’s toughest neighborhoods to talk to troubled youths about their future.

Would Carroll want to return to the NFL? Could he have more success in Seattle than Mora did? Would he want to go to a team that fired its previous coach after just one season, with potential labor trouble looming?

Those are questions Carroll must ask himself before he leaves the sunny skies of SoCal for the rainy Seattle environs.

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Seattle Seahawks Interested In Pete Carroll

After firing head coach Jim Mora, league sources says that the Seattle Seahawks are interested in USC head coach Pete Carroll, according to ESPN.

The sources are also reporting that Carroll is interested and is trying to bring Trojans offensive coordinator Jim Bates with him.

“You’re about to see a big headline that shakes up the major college football world,” a source close to the situation told ESPN.com.

Mora was fired Friday morning after going 5-11 in his first only season in Seattle.

If reports are true, and Carroll is hired, this wouldn’t be his first stint as a head coach in the NFL.

Before coming to Southern California, Carroll was the head coach of the New York Jets in 1994 and the New England Patriots from 1997-99. Carroll went 6-10 with the Jets in 1994, but led the Patriots to the AFC East Division in 1997 after going 10-6 in New England. The Pats would lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC divisional playoff game.

Carroll led New England to a return trip to the playoffs in 1998, but was fired by the Patriots after going 8-8 the following season in 1999. Carroll has a record of 33-31 as an NFL head coach.

He has been the head coach of USC since 2001 and has 97-19 as head of the Trojans, along with National Championships in 2003 and 2004.

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Wrapping The Seattle Seahawks Season, Looking Ahead to Life After Mora

In a ritual completed in 19 other NFL locker rooms Monday, Seahawks’ players removed their belongings for the final time this season in an attempt to cleanse themselves of a forgettable 5-11 campaign.

Craig Terrill, a backup defensive lineman, and D.D. Lewis, backup linebacker, toted massive, plastic-covered posters containing the 2009 team picture upon their departure. Many of the players in the photo are unlikely to appear in next year’s version.  

“I think this year more than other years, there’s a lot of uncertainty,” said quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. “There has been uncertainty here before. I think back to 2004, there were 20-something unrestricted free agents, and no one in place to sign those people. This is a similar situation in a sense.”

The first major change occurred Friday with the reported firing of coach Jim Mora. Mora met with team officials Friday morning and was informed of their decision not to retain him, in a story first reported by FoxSports.com. The Seahawks went 1-4 and were outscored a combined 140-57 since team CEO Tod Leiweke made assurances that Mora’s job was safe in early December.

After finishing the year with 17 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, a bruised and battered Hasselbeck openly questioned the player’s trust in first-year offensive coordinator Greg Knapp’s system. Seattle’s patchwork offensive line provided the quarterback with little time to throw and allowed 15 sacks in the last five games of the year.

Even worse, Hasselbeck became too hurried to develop chemistry with free agent wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh or Nate Burleson, who returned after missing nearly the entire 2008 season.

“I think that’s just something you’ve got to ask yourself: ‘Did you trust the play?  Did you trust the guy coaching you?,’” Hasselbeck said. “When I’m cutting the ball loose, I (need) to trust that the guy I’m throwing to is going to help me out. At the same time, when I’m standing in the pocket, I’ve got to trust the guys around me got my back.”

One day after Hasselbeck ended the season with an interception that sealed the Seahawks’ fourth straight defeat, the 34-year-old quarterback said he hopes to be back in Seattle next year.

At a wrap-up press conference on Wednesday, a Seattle-area radio host asked Mora “When you close your eyes and imagine this team in September do you see Matt Hasselbeck as your starting quarterback?” Mora jokingly complied by shutting both eyes on the stage, pausing for a moment, before resoundingly saying “yes.” With a new coach, Hasselbeck’s status is now in question, as well.

Houshmandzadeh, for one, would welcome the return. The offseason prize signing said Hasselbeck and Mora were the two primary reasons why he chose to come to Seattle. Houshmandzadeh finished with 135 targets, but only 79 catches (his lowest total in four years).

More tellingly, the former Bengals receiver said in early December he would have had “90-100 catches,” if he had as many targets as Texans wideout Andre Johnson. At the time, Johnson had the ball thrown in his direction 130 times.

“There were certain things (Matt and I) got better at timing-wise, and certain things that we didn’t, some of it my fault,” Houshmandzadeh said. “You run routes a certain way your whole career and then you come here and it’s a little bit different. There’s times where you try to go back and do them how you’ve done them, and he’s not used to that.”

One receiver who may not return is Deion Branch. The former Super Bowl MVP ended the season with 45 receptions for 437 yards and has not finished with more than 51 catches in each of his four years with the Seahawks. Though the ex-Patriots wideout had a strong game in the season-finale against the Titans, Branch struggled filling in for Burleson at split end in the final month of the year.

“I’ve got two years left on my contract,” Branch said. “This is where I want to finish my career.”

Seahawks left tackle Walter Jones, a virtual lock for the Hall of Fame, hopes his career is not finished. Jones has missed the team’s last 20 games with crippling knee and back injuries and hinted at retirement near Thanksgiving. The nine-time Pro Bowler went on injured reserve in October and spent the majority of his time rehabbing in Florida.

“My knee feels a lot better. I feel pretty good in the direction that I’m going,” Jones said. “The decision (on whether to return next year) is going to be made pretty early, hopefully in the next couple months.”

Without Jones, the offensive line had difficulty opening holes for running backs Julius Jones and Justin Forsett in Knapp’s zone-blocking scheme. Jones had trouble hitting the hole quickly and finished with 3.7 yards a carry, the second-lowest in his career. Forsett, meanwhile, averaged 5.4 yards per run in primarily a backup role. Jones is unsure if he will return.

“I don’t know,” Jones said. “Some crazy things happen. I like the team, I would like to be here, but that’s not up to me.”

An encouraging sign for Knapp is that the Seahawks’ running game finally started to show improvement as the season wore down. Seattle averaged more than 4.0 yards per carry in each of its last three games. In their previous 12 contests, the Seahawks eclipsed that average only three times.

“I think it’s closer to where we want it to be,” Mora said. “I think that’s an indication of guys understanding the scheme, and how it does take some time.”

On defense, the loss of middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu for the season in late October stung as badly as the absence of Walter Jones. Though David Hawthorne filled in admirably with a team-high 117 tackles, the unit had to play more than half the year without its defensive quarterback. Tatupu has been pleased with his progress, as he recovers from a torn pectoral muscle.

“I’m not (bench) pressing 300 yet, but I’m doing okay,” Tatupu said. “I expect to be ready for offseason lifting (in) mid-March, (when) we usually get back into it.”

Unlike the running game on offense, the defense regressed in the final month of the season. During the month of December, the Seahawks allowed an average of 30.75 a game and a season-high 48 to Green Bay. Mora, however, was impressed with how the defense stifled Chris Johnson last week, when the Titans back was held to 3.7 yards per carry.

“I feel like, coming out of that game Sunday, it might’ve been the very first time I felt all year, defensively, that we kind of had it,” Mora said. “The players really understand the package and how we want them to play it. We want to make sure we continue that, and then add problems for the offense. That’s when you become a really good defense.”

Still, questions remain. Defensive end Patrick Kerney (elbow) and strong safety Deon Grant (wrist), both 30 or above, underwent surgery this week. Darryl Tapp, a fourth-year defensive end, will become a free agent in the offseason. 

Personnel decisions cannot be made until a new front office and coaching staff are put in place. Mora politely sidestepped questions on the new general manager on Wednesday and it is not yet known if he knew his fate at that time. His firing may signal the first major change.

“I really have no say in (the general manager’s decision),” Hasselbeck said on Monday. “It’s unfortunate that this year, we didn’t put our best stuff out there, what we showed on game film, which is kind of like your resume in a sense.  That’s disappointing. There’s nothing you can do about it except get better and, given the opportunity, make it happen.”

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Wild Wild Wild Card Preview

I will say that this is the hardest round one to predict in recent memory. All the teams are match up well, are well coached and can beat anyone in the league.

To be completely honest, I would not be surprised if any one of the six made the Super Bowl, besides the Jets (I just can’t see Mark Sanchez winning three on the road, sorry Jets). It should make for a pretty exciting slate of games. Without further adieu, my picks for Wild Card weekend.

 

Jets @ Bengals

I know the Bengals weren’t trying hard last week and were playing “vanilla,” as the new cliché suggests (what does it mean if a team decides to play “butter pecan”?). But last weeks game should show some major red flags. Carson Palmer looked terrible. Ocho Cinco is banged up and they don’t have another good receiver to help. Their defense sorely misses Rey Maualuga (still upset that the Ravens didn’t draft him). All signs point to the Jets in this game.

That said, I’m still taking the Bengals and here’s why: Mark Sanchez. I just don’t think he’s ready to make enough decent throws against a good defense and win the game. Marvin Lewis isn’t exactly Vince Lombardi when it comes to strategy, but I think he’ll play this one well: overload the box, make Sanchez beat you. It a lot to ask a rookie, especially on the road in the freezing cold after taking a pounding all year.

To me, this Jets team is like the 2003 Ravens. Stout defense, great running game, benefitted from a week conference but can still beat anyone on the right day. Nevertheless, when Anthony Wright is your QB, Anthony Wright is your QB (and Wright was statistically better in 2003 than Sanchez was this year). Maybe Sanchez becomes the next Brett Favre. But not this year. And certainly not this Saturday.

Bengals 17-9 in a snoozer.

 

Eagles @ Cowboys

I have to go with Philadelphia. Don’t get me wrong, I saw last week’s game. Philly had a lot to play for and got their butts handed to them. It was embarrassing. Dallas has a lot of momentum going into this one, and as many people have noted, they seem to be built to beat the Eagles.

Still, Philadelphia is always well-prepared come playoff time. It’s a hallmark of an Andy Reid team. They’ve never lost in the first round. I know all streaks have to come to an end sometime, and this Dallas team seems prime for the Super Bowl, but Reid will game plan better than he did last week for the game.

Plus, one can argue that Dallas has more pressure on them, even if this is a playoff game. Sure, winning the division is a mini-success, but for a team with Super Bowl expectations, two home playoff losses in three years would be devastating, especially in their shiny new stadium.

I really believe this comes down to the quarterbacks. Do you like McNabb or Romo better? I think Romo’s done a lot of good things this year and has proven himself a solid QB. But I’m going with Donovan. He’s got better receivers and can make plays. He’s quietly had an MVP-caliber season (although I would vote for Manning). And I think he makes the difference Sunday.

Eagles win it 31-28.

 

Ravens @ Patriots

I’m not a homer. I was going to pick the Ravens to lose this week before the Welker injury. Even when they had Lardarius Webb, their secondary was not very good. And while Joe Flacco has had an okay statistical season, he’s been inconsistent when they needed him to make the big play, or not make a big mistake.

But the Welker injury changes everything. The man had 123 catches. I know Julian Edelman had a good game last week, but you can’t replace production like Welker’s that easy. He was probably their offensive MVP and they’re going to miss him big time against a team that can’t cover slot receivers well. 

Plus, the Patriots had a hard enough time stopping Ray Rice in week four, and now that he’s savvier and better, I don’t see how that changes.

I don’t think the Ravens will roll through January. In fact, if they win this one I’m already prepared to write about the Colts beating them next week. But I think with Welker out, Brady seriously hurt and a non-threatening New England running game, the Ravens will be able to take advantage of these breaks and eek out a close one against a good team for the first time since they beat San Diego in Week 2.

Ravens advance 23-20.

 

Packers @ Cardinals

Craziest one on the board. This game is one that I really feel can play out any way possible, aside from defensive struggle. I could see Arizona or Green Bay blowing each other out or this becoming a classic shootout. Kurt Warner could revert to his Super Bowl-winning form or completely self destruct. Aaron Rodgers could make Wisconsin forget Brett Favre or could get sacked 10 times. I’m fascinated as a football fan to see this game unfold.

I’m leaning on Green Bay solely based on two things: their defense is good and Warner hasn’t been Warner the past few weeks.

In the olden days, I would lock in Green Bay because they dominated down the stretch so much, but these past few years have proven that matters little anymore. I think they’ve found the rhythm they have been capable of all year and are catching this Arizona team at the right time.

A month ago, the Cards looked like world beaters on that Sunday night against Minnesota. Now, I’m not sold on them as much. Of course, people were saying the same thing about Arizona last year and look what happened. Still, I will err along the side of caution.

Packers win again in Arizona, 35-24.

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USC Head Coach Pete Carroll To Coach The Seattle Seahawks?

 

On Friday morning, the Seattle Seahawks confirmed the firing of head coach Jim Mora. This firing came only months after Seattle fired then general manager Tim Ruskell. 

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is reporting that the Seattle Seahawks are targeting USC head coach Pete Carroll for their vacant head coaching position. These sources also indicate that Carroll is interested in the Seahawks head coaching position, and that he is currently trying to persuade USC offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates to leave with him.

As of now, the Seahawks have not commented on which direction the head coach search will take, but Chris Mortensen told ESPN that rumors surrounding Seattle’s interest in Carroll were so strong that, “at this point, it would be surprise if it did not happen.”

Pete Carroll has spent nine years at USC, amassing a 97-19 record, along with seven consecutive conference championships and two national championships.

Before the Seattle Seahawks rumors began, several college football analysts questioned whether Carroll would depart USC for the NFL. The move makes sense for Carroll, as USC could be on the downturn from a historic dynasty. Additionally, in terms of marquee talent, USC recently lost its game changing running back, Joe McKnight, to the NFL Draft. 

Carroll has two previous stints in the NFL. He coached the New York Jets for one year in 1994, going 6-10. More famously, he coached the New England Patriots from 1997-1999, winning one conference title in 1999. Carroll was fired by the Patriots after a disappointing 1999 season, paving the way for current head coach Bill Belichick.

Prior to Pete Carroll’s name being thrown into the fray, the Seattle Seahawks were rumored to be pursuing the usual suspects in the coaching carousel; former Steelers coach Bill Cowher and current Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, to name a few.

The Seattle Seahawks have not announced whether they will address their general manager position or head coaching vacancy first. Most pundits agree that the general manager position should be filled, and the general manager should then hire a coach of his choosing.

These rumors are ready to buck that trend, however, as Mortensen believes that the Seattle Seahawks and head coach Pete Carroll are near an agreement.

 

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NFL Quick Hits (Jan. 8): Jim Mora Fired After One Season

Jim Mora Done in Seattle

Mora lasted just one season in Seattle, as he guided the disappointing Seahawks to a 5-11 record and third place finish in the weak NFC West.

For more on Mora’s firing, click here .

 

Cleveland Sticking With Eric Mangini

After sitting down with Mike Holmgren in two separate meetings, both sides agree that the franchise was headed in the right direction, and the man to keep it going that way would be Mangini.

For more on Mangini and more NFL news, go here .

 

Anquan Boldin Doubtful For Sunday

Boldin has been doubtful all week and hasn’t practiced since being knocked out of Week 17’s match against the Green Bay Packers.

Widely known for his toughness and ability to play through injuries, it still doesn’t look very good for Boldin to make the Cardinals Wild Card game against Green Bay, as he deals with ankle and knee issues.

Monitor his status up until game-time tomorrow if you’re considering using him in playoff fantasy leagues. Despite the pessimistic diagnosis, we still wouldn’t count him out.

 

Randy Moss Misses Friday’s Practice

Moss has been spotted “limping around”, and after missing Friday’s practice, he’s at least questionable heading into New England’s Wild Card game against the Baltimore Ravens.

He’s still likely to play, especially with the loss of Wes Welker, but it’s clear he currently is not at 100 percent.

However, if the Patriots are to stand a chance against an under-rated Baltimore squad, Moss needs to be at the top of his game.

 

Jack Del Rio Still in Limbo

Not many details are know, but ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that Del Rio’s future will likely be determined in a meeting next week between him and Jacksonville’s owner, Wayne Weaver.

There isn’t much reason to keep Del Rio around, especially after his team dropped their final four games to miss the post-season. Except for, you know, that $15 million the Jaguars owe him over the next three years.

 

Marc Bulger Not Retiring?

In “who cares?” news, reports yesterday that has Rams quarterback Marc Bulger considering retirement have retracted, and now the report is that he fully intends on continuing his playing career.

He can do whatever he likes, but his monster salary coming in next season likely won’t be paid by St. Louis, and he’ll almost certainly be released.

Bulger has been fading for three straight years, and while he’s not completely to blame for his lack of production, his play shouldn’t inspire any other NFL teams to give him a shot as their starter.

 

Indy Running With Matt Stover, Not Vinatieri

The Colts have decided to run with the hot hand (or leg) in Matt Stover, choosing the 41-year old over Adam Vinatieri as their postseason kicker.

Vinatieri will remain on the active roster, but it’s clear Indy simply doesn’t trust his injured knee enough to throw Stover to the side.

Stover has been performing well, but could be rusty heading into the playoffs, as he will have gone five consecutive weeks without kicking a field goal in a game by the time the Colts play.

For more NFL news , go here .

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2010 NFL Draft Rankings: Offensive Tackles

2010 NFL Draft Rankings: Offensive Tackles

1.     Russell Okung (Oklahoma State)

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 300 lbs.

Projected Round: Top 5

Okung is a complete tackle, one that will do very well in the NFL. He is one of the few offensive players in this year’s draft to show true progression, both in his statistical achievements and understanding of the game. He is an ox on the line and a light foot in the open field. He has every quality needed to succeed at the next level and maybe even take the first pick in the draft.

Okung is a strong, patient pass blocker that does a great job at extending blocks and using his long arms and legs to sustain the rush. He needs to learn to keep his pads lower at times, but if he senses any sort of defeat, he is quick to push his man off balance or get low for the cut block.

He has great force in blocking down the field, getting a great initial pop on the defender. Okung is better at using angles to cut his man inside or outside rather than sheer strength, something that will benefit him at the professional level and only requires a little time in the weight room to perfect.

Okung has all the pieces you look for in a left tackle in the NFL and will most assuredly be the first tackle taken in April. He has no character problems and will be a great addition to any squad.

Teams that will target him: St. Louis, Kansas City, Cleveland

 

2.     Anthony Davis (Rutgers)

Height: 6’6″

Weight: 325 lbs.

Projected Round: Top 25

Davis is in the second position simply for his dominant run blocking. He hasn’t been asked to do a whole lot in Rutgers’ offensive scheme (traps, pulls), but he has all the athleticism you look for in a left tackle. He has a flawless work ethic and can play a number of positions at the line, a true scholar of the game.

Davis’ size will be his greatest attribute; his long arms are well suited in knocking over undersized ends and linebackers taking poor angles. At times, he depends upon his initial pop to sustain the block rather than sticking to his man and extending the play.

Davis has the sheer force and tenacity to create a gaping hole on either side of the line. He has the athleticism to catch the Sam linebacker off balance and drive the lane into the secondary. He does a great job staying within the defender’s pads; he is rarely victim of a holding penalty. His durability typically outlasts the man on the other side of the line, and he is consistent as he is strong.

Although questionable at times, Davis will show up big at the combine and cause his draft stock to rise considerably, making him my number two tackle taken in the draft. He will fit in well with a team who has more than one hole at the line because he can assist in whatever capacity is required.

Teams that will target him: Oakland, Indianapolis, Houston

 

3.     Charles Brown ( USC)

Height: 6’6″

Weight: 295 lbs.

Projected Round: Top 25

Brown was a tackle with great potential at the beginning of his junior season, finally getting the starting position after Sam Baker was taken in the 2008 Draft. Even then, his potential was evident.  ut after a stunning senior season, Brown is among the O-line elite in this year’s draft.

His athleticism is more dominant than his strength, but that isn’t meant to imply that Brown isn’t one of the stronger tackles in this year’s class. He relies on a quick pop to throw his defender off balance but doesn’t always drive his feet to sustain the block. His major strength is his ability to discern the motives of the rusher, going inside to cut off the blitz and jumping outside to mirror the defender.

Although he is an adequate run blocker, his technique and mechanics still need considerable work. He leans on the defender at times rather than driving him down the field. He is considered a quick lineman but doesn’t always follow through with his blocks down the field and could do a better job at creating additional run lanes in the secondary.

All in all, Brown is a gifted young man with enormous potential at the next level and, with proper coaching, could blossom into a pro-bowl tackle within his first three years. Look for a team with a low draft pick and pedigreed coaching to give Brown a spot on their roster.

Teams that will target him: San Diego, Indianapolis, New Orleans

 

4.     Trent Williams (Oklahoma)

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 290 lbs.

Projected Round: 1-2

As the only returning starter on Oklahoma’s offensive line, Williams had his work cut out for him, both in physical demand and leadership potential. Moved from right to left and back to right tackle throughout his career, he has had the chance to prove himself on both sides of the line.

As a run blocker, Williams is above average at best. His speed isn’t consistent and his arm extension is his best weapon against blitzes from the secondary. He will struggle against quick under-sized ends in the NFL.

When blocking for the runner, though, Williams is dominant at the very least. Fires off the line faster than anyone else on this list. His snap anticipation sometimes causes trouble in the form of false starts, but he makes up for it with a tenacious push on his man.

He struggles in a zone blocking scheme, failing to move his feet adequately at times.  He is best when confined to a small space in traffic; he struggles when given the responsibility of managing open space.

Williams’ progression isn’t great, but it isn’t bad, either. His return to school for his senior year will play a major role in the way teams look at him, but it’s unclear as to how long he will have to wait to be drafted. Look for a team to look at him as a potential player at the guard position or an anchor on the right side to pick him up.

Teams that will target him: Detroit, Washington, New England

 

5.     Bruce Campbell (Maryland)

Height: 6’7″

Weight: 310 lbs.

Projected Round: 1-2

Campbell was unlikely to enter this year’s draft until he, well, declared for this year’s draft. Although there is little to no doubt of his potential at the next level, there are some concerns about his past injuries and whether or not his durability can remain intact in the NFL.

Campbell gave the struggling Tarrapin offense a decent chance for success in ’09, although Turner and company still haven’t found their stride. With more than a few offensive line starters departing, Campbell was among the few elite players left and had to overachieve the entirety of the year.

While most expect him to hit his ceiling early in the NFL, Campbell is strong as he is quick. He has a tremendous pop in the pass blocking scheme, though he over-extends at times, causing the outside rushers to use a second move to get to the quarterback.

Campbell has elite strength as a run blocker and will undoubtedly do the same at the next level. I don’t know if he is ready to be an NFL left tackle, but he could certainly provide some girth in any position on the front. He has the speed to get down the field quickly and provide a second and third block for an advancing runner.

Campbell’s issue with grades will cause his stock to fall further than he’d like, but he can prove his physicality at the combine and make himself a contender to be a top-five OT rookie in 2010. Look for a team that has a sufficient enough line to make Campbell a personal project.

Teams that will target him: Denver, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati

 

6.     Ciron Black (LSU)

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 322 lbs.

Projected: 2-3

Black is another offensive lineman who could have done very well had he declared for the 2009 draft, but he opted to stay to further develop his technique. Although he lacks superior athleticism, he has great strength and versatility on the line.

As a pass blocker, Black is marginal at best due to his slow kick slide and his sluggishness off the snap. His long reach, though, will make up for it as he can reach the outside rusher and use a mean cut block if all else fails.

Black’s size is his greatest asset in creating run lanes, and he has sufficient straight-line speed to reach the next level and bowl over small corners and safeties. He has elite upper body strength and does very well at staying low and using his low center of gravity to create a push and open up the lanes.

He doesn’t always seal off the rush when it matters most, but he has a level of consistency that most other lineman at his level lack. His progression in college is something scouts look for and, while his stock is floating between elite and above average, the combine will be his opportunity to prove he is ready to compete at the next level.

Even though he has only ever played as the blind-side anchor for LSU, he has the ability to play multiple positions and that may be the deciding factor for a team looking at Black. Look for a team with needs in their run blocking scheme to look closely at him.

Teams that will target him: Houston, Arizona, Philadelphia

 

7.     Bryan Bulaga (Iowa)

Height: 6’6″

Weight: 312 lbs.

Projected Round: 2-3

Bulaga comes from a long pedigree of good linemen at Iowa and will likely continue the trend in the NFL. His progression at Iowa is something to be desired by other fellow linemen in this year’s class and, while he lacks the physicality needed to be dominant at this position at times, his athleticism makes up for it.

Bulaga’s pass blocking skills are marginal, but it’s unclear as to how well he could do with an offensive scheme that features it. Iowa isn’t a passing juggernaut but he has all the tools needed to be elite at the next level.

As a run blocker, he is better than most, progressing nicely from year to year. Most noticeably, he became less content to focus solely on the first line of defense his senior year and turned his sights on getting to the next level and create the secondary blocks needed to turn the back loose.

Bulaga is one of those linemen who could go either way in the NFL; he could become a backup who excels at filling the holes in most teams’ revolving door line or he could find a permanent home as a guard and, eventually, a right tackle. Of course, I’ve been surprised before and it’s always possible for a marginal player to find their stride at the professional level. Look for a team with shallow depth on the line to look closely at Bulaga.

Teams that will target him: Carolina, New York Jets, Green Bay

 

8.     Selvish Capers (West Virginia)

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 298 lbs.

Projected Round: 3-4

Protecting Pat White in the versatile West Virginia offense has forced Capers to remain athletic and quick, creating a unique profile for the upcoming draft. Capers made the switch from Tight End to right tackle in ’07, but showed no signs of difficulty in the transition. Rather, he excelled and began to increase his build to adjust to the new position.

It is Caper’s athleticism that sets him apart from the other linemen on this list. He lacks consistency in some of the mechanics that most others have mastered, but he has a desire to learn and the ability to progress that will overcome those downsides.

Even though he has a tremendous cut block, he goes to it too quickly at times. He presents a solid anchor as a pass blocker but doesn’t always keep his body low enough and loses his balance.

As a run blocker, Caper presents a tenacious pop and uses his quick feet to drive the defender far from the play. West Virginia’s spread offense doesn’t always call Capers to get set in a three point stance so transitioning to the next level may be difficult for the young man. He is quick off the line, but loses count of the snap sequence too much, resulting in unnecessary penalties.

He runs with surprising fluidity for a lineman down the field, getting to the next level fast and causing damage to an unsuspecting secondary. No matter the position he is called on to play, Capers is a football player at heart and his tenacity on the line will not go unnoticed by scouts. Look for teams to depend on his versatility and athleticism to contribute at the professional level and give Capers a chance at success.

Teams that will target him: Minnesota, Baltimore, Houston

 

9.     Kyle Calloway (Iowa)

Height: 6’7″

Weight: 317 lbs.

Projected Round: 3-4

Calloway is another lineman that comes from the Iowa pedigree of NFL-ready players who transition to the next level well. The only real controversy surrounding Calloway is his run-in with the law when he was pulled operating a Moped while intoxicated. Other than that, he is good at what he does and should receive deserved recognition come draft day.

Calloway does a wonderful job at mirroring the defender as a pass blocker. He stays low and becomes a wall at which defenders love to punch and get through but have little success. He uses his reach at times when he should use his feet, and doesn’t use his lower body to drive the outside rush, but he adjusts nicely to a variety of moves by elite ends and utilizes a mean cut block.

Run blocking is arguably Calloway’s forte, using his size to push the defender in any direction he desires. He does well to keep his hands inside and avoid penalties that often call the play back. He is a fighter at heart; he plays through the whistle each and every play.

Calloway has efficient speed and uses that quickness to get down the field and reach the secondary to create an extended run lane. Overall, he has tremendous upside and, even though he won’t be a top five tackle in the draft, will eventually blossom into an elite player at any position on the line.

Teams that will target him: San Francisco, Seattle, Cleveland

 

10. Sam Young (Notre Dame)

Height: 6’8″

Weight: 320 lbs.

Projected Round: 3-4

Young comes from a pro-style offense which will make his transition easier than most. Although he lacks superior athleticism and quickness, he has massive size and strength, an upside that will not go unnoticed by pro scouts.

Pass blocking is not something that Young excels in which is a large concern for a pass-happy NFL. His lack of quickness inhibits his lateral agility and ability to reach the outside rusher and maintain his balance. Against the elite ends of the NFL, Young will most likely have to rely on the cut block to protect his quarterback.

What keeps Young on the top ten list is his ability to be a wrecking ball in the run game. His technique still leaves something to be desired, but his size allows him to create holes that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible. He has tremendous initial pop and, if he can keep his balance, will drive the defender all the way down the field.

Four years as a starter has given Young more than enough experience and tremendous awareness on the field. He hasn’t shown as much consistency as some would like to see, but his sheer physicality will demand attention on draft day. He will probably never reach left tackle status, but could be a force on the right side or in the middle should that become a factor at the professional level. Look for a team needing beef on the front to give Young a spot on their roster.

Teams that will target him: Houston, Seattle, Tampa Bay

 

These, and other rankings, can be read at http://nflsoup.com

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

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