Joe's NFL 2010 Season Preview: NFC West posted by Joe Anello

We're another weekend closer to the NFL kicking off for real! After my last look at the AFC South, this time around I'll be examining the teams in the NFC West, a division that is always up for grabs. (Unless you're the Rams.)

St. Louis Rams

When talking about the lowly Rams, number one overall pick Sam Bradford has to be first on your mind, and for good reason. After signing the most lucrative contract ever ($50 million guaranteed), expectations for Bradford will be similarly through the roof. The problem? He's still behind a porous offensive line that gave up four sacks on him during their first preseason game. Not exactly the best start. Right tackle Jason Smith (2nd year) starts at right tackle while rookie Rodger Saffold will be protecting Bradford from the left side. Young much? Piling on further pressure to Bradford is running back Steven Jackson, who, while still incredibly tough, isn't getting any younger. With only a few years left of Jackson in his prime, the Rams have to make these years count. Want even more problems? The Rams' wide receivers are hot garbage. While Bradford will probably start day one, I would be slower on the trigger. Unfortunately, the Rams don't have my patience or any slack at this point. 

Do I really need to discuss the Rams defense now? Ugh. They have solid performers in each defensive unit, but the Rams are a long way from intimidating anyone. Chris Long is developing on the line at his end spot, but losing DT Chris Hovan for the year won't help matters. Leonard Little, last year's leading sack-man for the Rams, is still undecided about returning for his 13th season. The linebackers are anchored by Na'il Diggs who is a solid 'backer at best. Free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe is one of the better on the NFL, but even he couldn't find any other takers during the offseason. (To be fair, St. Louis would have matched any offer made on him anyway.) Three solid/decent players an NFL defense does not make.

Joe's Draft Recap: Day One posted by Joe Anello

After all the waiting and anticipation, the start of the 2010 NFL Draft went according to plan. Quarterback Sam Bradford went to the Rams, Ndamukong Suh to the Lions and Gerald McCoy to the Bucs. After the known occurred, there was plenty to discuss. Here's what caught my eye from day one.

-It's hard to not like what Pete Carroll and the Seahawks did with their two first-rounders. Russell Okung should be an instant mainstay at left tackle with the reported retirement of Walter Jones. Earl Thomas is a fantastic safety and maybe a better corner. They didn't take Jimmy Clausen, but they should feel comfortable with Matt Hasselbeck under center with Okung protecting him.

-Tim Tebow is a Denver Bronco. After trading back twice in the first round and drafting wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, the Broncos traded back up to draft Tebow as their quarterback of the future before the Bills made their move. This is Josh McDaniels' giant middle finger to the rest of the NFL as he says "Watch what I can do with this guy." I feel bad for Brady Quinn, who might get the six games in-between Kyle Orton's tenure and the start of Tim Tebow's. Denver made the most of their multitude of picks and turned it into a bright future with replacements for the exiled Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall. 

The scary part? I actually felt happy for Tebow. Lame. 

-Falling into the 20's, wide receiver Dez Bryant had waited longer than he anticipated. All that frustration faded away as he saw the Dallas Cowboys trading up to get ahead of the Baltimore Ravens, a likely landing spot. Dallas owner Jerry Jones passed up on Randy Moss because of character concerns, a mistake he did not want to make with Bryant. This move also suggests the Roy Williams has not been near the success it should have been.

Draft Evaluation: Wide Receivers/Tight Ends posted by Randolph Charlotin

In anticipation of the NFL Draft, each position will be evaluated for the team’s need at that position. Each position will be rated for the Patriots’ need, with 1 not a need and 5 being ugent:

Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, Brandon Tate, Sam Aiken, Darnell Jenkins, David Patten, Matt Slater, Robert Agnone, Alge Crumpler

Need: WR 3

The biggest problem for the receiving corps is health. Welker will miss part of the season while recovering from knee and shoulder surgeries. Tate played in one game before being placed on IR. Edelman had a surprisingly good rookie season for a seventh round draft pick. If he takes a step forward in his development, he should adequately fill in for Welker.

Aiken’s promotion from special teamer to offensive contributor is a feel good story, but the eight-year veteran needs to produce better with his limited opportunities. A healthy Tate overshadowed Hakeem Nicks at North Carolina. That’s reason for optimism considering Nick’s rookie year with the Giants, But Tate will have to prove it. 35-year old Patten and Jenkins are question marks.

Moss believes this will be his last season with the Patriots. If he’s right, there isn’t anyone on the roster with the look of a primary receiver. Quality depth hurt New England last season so finding young a reliable target would be good for the future of the receivers.

Need: TE 5

Alge Crumpler is a blocker with declining abilities as a receiver. He isn’t the player he used to be with Atlanta when he was a four-time Pro Bowler. Agnone is huge (6-6 256) but the rookie free agent caught few passes in his final year at Delaware (14 rec 147 yds 2 TD).

Steps Behind posted by Randolph Charlotin

Because I’ve been immersed in my mock draft and inspired to write a few articles, I haven’t posted for a while. During this time, a lot of news regarding the Patriots crossed the news wire. I should had said a little something about every bit of news, but I was distracted.

But like a cornerback with 4.2 speed, watch me quickly make up lost ground:

At some point, TE Chris Baker signed with Seattle. I completely missed it. But his replacement, Alge Crumpler, already signed on the dotted line. Best of luck, Baker. Now the Pats need a receiving TE.

After heaping effusive praise on Florida QB Tim Tebow, Bill Belichick was seen eating dinner with Tebow in Boston. Don’t read too much into it. I don’t want Tebow unless he becomes a Hall of Fame tight end or consistently pressure the quarterback as a rush linebacker. QB Brian Hoyer was good enough to be the sole back-up to Tom Brady as a rookie. If Hoyer takes the next step in his development, Tebow will be an afterthought.

What should be news is that New England watched Northwestern DE Corey Wootton work out. The verdict: he’s not athletic enough to switch to OLB. Clearly the Patriots are finally taking the need for an OLB seriously.

The NFL released the preseason schedule, and the Patriots play four NFC teams: New Orleans, Atlanta, St. Louis, and the New York Giants. And that means absolutely nothing. It’s not a revenge game against the Saints. Beating the Giants won’t change the result of Super Bowl XLII. All we’ll get is some good looks at the rookies and guys cleared to play after rehabbing from injury. I’ll be looking particularly at OLB Shawn Crable, WR Brandon Tate, and ILB Tyrone McKenzie.

Random Sports Thoughts posted by Chad

1.  Ndamakuong Suh should be the number 1 pick in the 2010 NFL draft.  The ability to control the middle is being lost with rush ends and the 3-4.  Pressure up the middle against the run and pass is still the most effective start to an NFL defense.  QB's can step up to avoid the rush on the outside, but there is no substitute for having a C/G pushed back into his lap.

2.  You cannot convince me that Tim Tebow is an NFL QB.  I don't think that he has the footwork, touch or understands how to move through his progressions.  His biggest "asset".. his legs will not worry NFL defenses at all.  He's not explosive and could not take that pounding day in and day out.  He's a good story, but not a legit prospect.

3.  Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball will not lose a home game this year.. with or without Jon Leuer.  Trevon Hughes and Jordan Taylor can play.  Somehow, they've managed to win 2 games they've had no business winning because of mad offensive struggles (Michigan and Penn State).  A win is a win.. especially without your leading scorer.

4.  John Schneider will have the Seahawks in the playoffs in 2 years.  I think he'll blend the best of Ron Wolf and Ted Thompson into becoming a super GM.  He's also a very nice man; easy and fun to talk to.  I met him at Wisocnsin and watched some Penn State film with him.  I learned more in 45 minutes of "scouting" with him than I would have ever done on 5 hours of my own.  By the way, I told him Jay Alfred was boom or bust and that Posluzny was an NFL starter.  I guess I was 2 for 2, wonder why he hasn't called me about a scouting job yet?
Continue reading "Random Sports Thoughts"

Mark Sanchez & Pete Carroll are "going to do things better than it's ever been done before" posted by Colin Linneweber

After New York Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez helped lead his team to a 24-14 Wild Card victory over the Bengals in Cincinnati Saturday, the precocious signal-caller found time to tweak his former college coach at the University of Southern California (USC).

Sanchez, 23, a three-time Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week winner, was publicly chastised by recently resigned Trojans Head Coach Pete Carroll last January after he declared himself eligible for the draft with a year of collegiate eligibility remaining.

“The facts are so strong against this decision,” said Carroll, 58, of Sanchez who went 12-1 and was awarded with the 2009 Rose Bowl Most Valuable Player in his only season as the Trojans starter.

“After analyzing all the information, the truth is there – he should’ve stayed for another year.”

Sanchez always possessed the necessary tools to be an elite professional quarterback and it was quite evident from the outset that Carroll’s ass was chapped strictly because “The Sanchise” was his ticket to a potential third national championship.

Undaunted, Carroll decided to cite a study to the media that indicated 62 percent of underclassmen quarterbacks who declare early for the draft flounder in the professional ranks.

“Big Balls Pete” further lowered himself when he openly projected that Sanchez would not be selected until the second round of the draft.

“Mark’s chance to increase his value and become the top player in college football next year would have been worth $10-$20 million or more – likely more,” whined Carroll, who is known to employ a player-friendly, relaxed style of coaching.

First Playoff Win in 14 Years For 'Boys posted by Nicholas Schwartz

The Dallas Cowboys have pulled off their first playoff win in years.  Tony Romo is now 1-2 in the playoffs, and Wade Phillips finally has won one himself.  Phillips and Romo had been known as "choke artists" in the past years, Romo fumbling a kicker hold against the Seattle Seahawks and throwing an interception late against the New York Giants.

However,  not only did they win, but they won in convincing fashion against the Philadelphia Eagles.  Holding one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL to 14 points in two games, the defense is playing inspired football.  With the front 7 applying pressure on the running game and the quarterback, the secondary locks down on big name receivers.   Next week is a favorable match up against the Minnesota Vikings offensive line.  They continue to allow Favre to be sacked, and Adrian Peterson is unable to have his explosive speed contribute when he can barely get to the line of scrimmage.  

Romo continues to play the best football of his career with 2 touchdowns and 244 yards.  This is far from the Romo of December and January's past; he has truly learned how to hold onto the ball and avoid turnovers while still being a big play threat.   Miles Austin is his deep threat, but Jason Witten and Patrick Crayton continue to be huge 3rd down targets.  Even Roy Williams is looking in sync with Romo, catching a bullet pass that was way over his head.

The Vikings had a great regular season, but were beginning to see a bit of slump towards the end.  The defense was unable to harass opposing quarterbacks and the offense was stagnant at times.  As Favre is pressured more and becomes frustrated, he makes far more errant passes.  The lone exception to this was the beat down the Vikes put on the Giants in the final game of the regular season.  They began to combine everything they had put together early in the season and were able to rebuild some confidence.  Still, with a bye week they could be sluggish.  Only time will tell how this match up will end, but you have to like the Cowboys chances. 

Joe's Opening Drive: Week 10 posted by Joe Anello

There were a few games I couldn’t even pretend to drum up a story for. Monday night’s Baltimore v. Cleveland match-up is beyond ugly. Still, there's plenty of drama for the week 10 edition of the Opening Drive! 

(6-2) Cincinnati Bengals at (6-2) Pittsburgh Steelers 

Ready for an AFC North slugfest? Well, that’s what you’re going to get today in a noon start. If you remember, the Bengals shocked the NFL with a come-from behind win over the Super Bowl Champs in their earlier meeting. Carson Palmer and will be trying to finish the season sweep when they visit Heinz Field. Unfortunately for them, Troy Polamalu will be back on the field for the Steelers defense. I have a hard time believing Mike Tomlin’s squad will drop this home game.

(3-5) Seattle Seahawks at (5-3) Arizona Cardinals 

I only put this game on my list because it’s the last chance the Seahawks have to meet my division-winning expectations. A loss would put their playoffs hope in a coffin and their team under the microscope for next year. Even Matt Hasselbeck could be on the hot seat. In Arizona, the Cardinals haven’t fared as well as they have on the road with all of their three losses coming in front of their home crowd. Oh well, they still have Kurt Warner and a hella-explosive offense. This one may not last long. 

(6-2) Dallas Cowboys at (4-4) Green Bay Packers 

A four-game winning streak will be on the line for tony Romo and the ‘Boys when they roll into Lambeau Field today. The Packers have lost two in a row and are in danger of an injury to Aaron Rodgers with the way Dallas rushes the QB. Green Bay desperately needs a successful running game to keep that defense off his back. Mike McCarthy is certainly feeling pressure to get his team back to the playoffs and dropping to 4-5 won’t do his job security any favors. 

Joe's Final Drive: Week 6 posted by Joe Anello

In a crazy week six in the NFL, we saw both New York teams fall, one squad completely give up, and three teams continue their undefeated ways. The Final Drive of week six starts right now! 

(3-3) Houston Texans 28
(4-2) Cincinnati Bengals 17 

Every once in a while, Houston goes ballistic and puts up mega-points. Matt Schaub once again proves he’s a fantastic fantasy QB… five games a season. The Bengals aren’t an elite team, so you had to expect a letdown eventually after winning four straight. Now they dropped back with Pittsburgh, who are also 4-2, but technically behind since the Bengals beat them head-to-head.  

(6-0) Minnesota Vikings 33
(3-3) Baltimore Ravens 31 

Why won’t anyone beat the Vikings?! Steven Hauschka’s missed 44-yard field goal keeps the legend of Brett Favre in Minnesota going strong for another week. Who thought that the Baltimore defense would be the team’s weakness this season? They don’t deserve to be called “good” with the amount of points they’re allowing. Take that Ray Lewis.

(5-0) New Orleans Saints 48
(5-1) New York Giants 27 

What was supposed to be the best game of the weekend was over by halftime. Drew Brees let loose with another four TD’s as the Saints pwned the Giants in Louisiana. But the football sky isn’t falling in New York… at least not for Giants fans. 

Welcome to Fantasy Land! posted by Amari Harris

Good morning fantasy friends!

Today is Saturday September 26, 2009 so you have a little more than 24 hours to get your fantasy act together or you may end up with that crucial week 3 L.  

It has been a very interesting week in fantasy land for me.  Lots of wheeling and dealing, some unfortunate attempts at cheating and a hazy injury to Marion the Barbarian.  Let’s begin with this “cheating” situation:

So, I am in a random NFL.com fantasy football league. We’ll call it the “Bush League” which is a very appropriate title for so many reasons.  One great fantasy insight that I’ve picked up this year is setting up my fantasy alerts.  (In most leagues you can set up regular e-mail alerts that notify you of a player’s status, league transactions, starting line-ups, trades, etc).  These alerts are very useful because it allows me to check on important league activity without having to log into the site every five minutes.  My fantasy alerts proved to be very useful this week. 

You can imagine my surprise when I received notification of a pending trade involving “Bush team 1” and “Bush team 2”.  (Although I have aliased the names of these two teams for confidentiality and competitive purposes everyone should know that the real names of these two teams were very similar which raised a red flag in my head from the beginning, but I digress.)  My notification revealed to me that there was a pending trade that would send Chris Johnson and Andre Johnson from Bush team 1 to Bush team 2 for Joseph Addai and Michael Jenkins.  Now to the average person this is no big deal because the players play the same position and 2 equals 2.  But to “fantasy landers” this is sheer blasphemy.  Consider the fact that Chris Johnson scored 3 touchdowns last week of 50 yards or more and amassed

Gradkowski has 2 TD passes for Raiders (AP)

The end of the exhibition season brought encouraging signs for the Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks when it comes to their backup quarterbacks. Bruce Gradkowski threw two touchdown passes in the first quarter and the Raiders mostly used backups to end the preseason with a 27-24 victory over the Seahawks on Thursday night. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Seahawks LB Hill takes major pay cut (AP)

Linebacker Leroy Hill is taking a major pay cut to play for the Seattle Seahawks in 2010. Hill, who is facing a one-game suspension for off-the-field issues, will have a base salary of $2.125 million for this season according to the NFL Players Association web site. Hill was previously scheduled to make $6 million in 2010 as part of a six-year deal Hill signed in April 2009 that could have been... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Seahawks trade CB Wilson to Ravens (AP)

The Seattle Seahawks have traded starting cornerback Josh Wilson to the Baltimore Ravens for a conditional 2011 draft pick. The move came just as the Seahawks were wrapping up practice on Tuesday, a practice that Wilson participated in. Wilson spent his first three seasons with the Seahawks after being a second-round pick out of Maryland in 2007. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Seahawks sign WR Brandon Jones (AP)

The Seattle Seahawks have signed former San Francisco wide receiver Brandon Jones, a year after he signed a lucrative deal with the 49ers. The team confirmed Jones' signing on Sunday and said there was no update on the right ankle of rookie left tackle Russell Okung. Okung was injured in Saturday night's preseason game against Green Bay. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Seahawks trade Lawrence Jackson to Lions

The Seattle Seahawks traded defensive end and former first-roundpick Lawrence Jackson to the Detroit Lions on Wednesday for anundisclosed draft choice in 2011. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL