With training camp on the horizon, it's time to get back to football. The NFL is set for a another great season, but which teams will perform as the best teams? Who will come out on top to win the Super Bowl? All won't be answered until the season begins in September, but we can at least predict the outcome, beginning with the AFC.
AFC East:
1. New England Patriots: 11-5: The Patriots continue to dominate the east in the AFC. The defense has gotten stronger over the course of the last two seasons, and should get stronger this season with the additions from the offseason such as CB Darelle Revis and the return of players that fell to injury last season like DT Vince Wilfork. This division is the Patriots' to win easily until another team decides to take it from them.
2. New York Jets: 8-8: The Jets were a surprising 8-8 last season, and there is very little reason to say 8-8 won't happen again. Still plenty of uncertainty coming from the quarterback position is the main culprit of no improvement in the standings. Geno Smith will either improve as a passer, or will be replaced by Michael Vick. The defense will be the strength of the team and will keep the Jets in games. Rex Ryan will be coaching for his job yet again, and 8-8 might not be enough this year.
3. Buffalo Bills: 6-10: The Bills dealt away a 2015 first round pick to move up this year and select dynamic Clemson WR Sammy Watkins, but is it enough to lift Buffalo over the proverbial hump and make the playoffs for the first time in the 21st century? Short answer: no. The Bills have plenty of weapons on offense, but EJ Manuel is another AFC quarterback whose improvement is needed for the team to improve. The defense will either be pretty good or average, but might end up being the latter, leading to another 6-10 record.
4. Miami Dolphins: 3-13: Miami's locker-room meltdown last year was just the beginning of the end of the current regime. Even though Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin are gone, but the damage has been done in the public eye and the pressure will be on. The Dolphins will be among the worst teams in the NFL mainly because the chemistry of the team is explosive, and south Florida needs to prepare for a nuclear explosion.
AFC North:
1. Cincinnati Bengals: 12-4: The Bengals are perhaps the toughest team in the AFC. By toughest, I mean they have a hard-nosed defense and a strong philosophy of running the football. Oh yeah, they can also have a strong passing attack with weapons galore. What might hold back Cincinnati is whether or not quarterback Andy Dalton takes that next step. This team is the most talented team top to bottom, but now Dalton needs to take control of this team, because the clock is now officially ticking. Other than that, both coordinators from last season took head coach jobs elsewhere, so a little transition may be in order, but by no means would it hurt the Bengals' chances. Cincinnati is destined to go far in the playoffs, the jobs of head coach Marvin Lewis and Andy Dalton depend on that.
2. Baltimore Ravens*: 10-6: The Ravens followed up a Super Bowl victory by finishing a disappointing 8-8 and missing the playoffs. It won't be easy, but Baltimore will find their way back into the playoff race this year. It will take winning 17-10 games every week, however. The defense is stout and added on to the talent pool in the offseason, it is the offense that is a concern. The team added former Panthers star wideout Steve Smith, but it's hard to expect a lot from a 35 year old player. The offensive line is the weakest link on the team, and it has caused for some poor numbers in the rushing department. Quarterback Joe Flacco, wide receiver Torrey Smith will need to carry this offense. Nothing new for the Ravens though, they have always relied on their defense, as will be the case this season.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-9: How long can the Steelers put the weight of the team on Ben Roethlisberger's shoulders. Sure, he is a strong man, but he does need some more help than just Antonio Brown. The defense, despite the constant draft to replace players, is still aging and not to the "top five in every category" standard they are accustomed to. The cards are just not in the Steelers' favor this year of any improvement from the previous two seasons of 8-8 football.
4. Cleveland Browns: 4-12: Well, the Browns are over....again. This is like deja vu from last season. Out with Rob Chudzinski after one 4-12 season, in with Mike Pettine for what looks like could be another 4-12 season. Johnny Manziel has taken the league by storm without even taking a snap in the NFL. Fans will have to wait for the Johnny Football era to begin, as it is obvious the Browns plan to let Manziel sit for at least a good portion of the season behind Brian Hoyer. Do the Browns have talent? It would seem that way, but it is hard to believe in this team when the past six seasons have amassed a record of 27-69 and no season finishing with more than five wins.
AFC South:
1. Indianapolis Colts: 10-6: It has been made very clear that this is Andrew Luck's team, and as I said for most of the teams in the AFC North, Luck is going to have to carry this team again. The Colts want to play the old school style of football, as in running the football and playing defense, but neither are meeting requirements. The offensive is not a very strong unit for running the football, and they must block for Trent Richardson, who gained a 2.9 yard per carry average since his trade from Cleveland. The defense finished 20 in the NFL in total defense, and that includes a bad 26 ranking in run defense. Improvements must be made as a team, and same with Luck, who must cut down on mistakes as well. Luckily, the division is very weak, so the Colts will win their second consecutive division crown.
2. Houston Texans: 7-9: Boy, last season's meltdown in Houston escalated quickly. The Texans before last season were expected to make a run at the Super Bowl. What happened instead was a 2-14 disaster with all 14 losses happening consecutively to end the season. Is there room for a rebound? Well, the defense is very good, so it's possible. The quarterback situation, on the other hand, says otherwise. New head coach Bill O'Brien already named Ryan Fitzpatrick as the starting quarterback, and that is almost out of default with Case Keenum and Tom Savage being the guys behind him. Not many defensive coordinators in the league are losing sleep over facing them. The defense will keep this team in games, but the wins won't be there.
3. Tennessee Titans: 6-10: I don't know what to say about the Titans anymore. The past couple of seasons, I have said that the Titans have talent and that they may make the playoffs, only to have those words followed up with a 13-19 record over those seasons. So, while I acknowledge that this team does have talent, they will need to prove to me that can win before I say they make the playoffs again. Speaking of proving worth to me, quarterback Jake Locker is also on the clock with new head coach Ken Whisenhunt. Locker, as well as his all of his receivers, have a lot invested in them, so it is now time to play or go elsewhere. The pressure is on some players to perform, but for now, a six win prove it record is what they deserve.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars: 4-12: The Jaguars appear to be on the right track to getting back to respectability, but it is a long road ahead. The Jaguars drafted who they hope to be their franchise quarterback in Blake Bortles. It is uncertain if Bortles will start the season starting or sitting and learning behind Chad Henne, but it is very likely to be the latter. Head coach Gus Bradley brought in a pair of his former Seahawk defenders via free agency in Red Bryant and Chris Clemons, but this Jaguars defense will be no where near as dominant as the defense of the Super Bowl champion Seahawks. How will this season go in Jacksonville? Well, to put it lightly, more fans will be drawn to the speculation of whether the team will be moved to Los Angeles than the 2014 Jacksonville Jaguars.
AFC West:
1. Denver Broncos: 13-3: Does anyone know what hit the Broncos last February? Well, Denver does, and they were busy in the offseason to prevent what happened in the Super Bowl at the hand of the Seahawks from happening again. The Broncos focused on defense, signing three big name defensive free agents in defensive end DeMarcus Ware and defensive backs Aqib Talib and TJ Ward, and then used their first round pick on Ohio State cornerback Bradley Roby. The Broncos record setting offense was shut down by Seattle, but they might improve with all-pro left tackle Ryan Clady returning from injury and former right tackle Orlando Franklin being converted to left guard where he is better suited. As long as Peyton Manning is under center, the Broncos are contenders, and very well could find themselves back in the big game this year, but the window is closing fast and the pressure is on to win that big game.
2. Kansas City Chiefs*: 10-6: The Chiefs were a surprise to many around the league (well, except me since I picked them for the playoffs, but I am not going to brag). It may be difficult predicting a repeat in success, but this defense is excellent when healthy. They will have to win 17-16 games most times like last season, because the offense seems to still be pretty bland. Alex Smith played better at the end of the season and in the playoffs, but overall, he should not be the answer at quarterback. Jamaal Charles returns to be the leader of this offense (led the team in rushing and receiving in 2013). The schedule appears to be tougher than others, but Andy Reid will have this team ready to play.
3. San Diego Chargers: 9-7: San Diego was a nice surprise last season in the AFC, making the playoffs on the final day of the regular season. Like the Chiefs, the question is is whether the Chargers can also repeat their success. If Phillip Rivers can continue to build off of his good rebound season of last year, they can. The rest of the team is in wait and see mode though, and that is what prevents them from making the playoffs this season.
4. Oakland Raiders: 4-12: Like the Jaguars, the Raiders appear to be on the right track, but are a little farther ahead than the Jaguars. A great offseason that saw plenty of veterans sign thanks to a whopping $60 million in cap space along with a great draft that brought in a potential star linebacker and quarterback of the future. Now is the question of how all players will come together as a collective group. A lot of new players joining in at the same time may have growing pains that need to be adjusted to this season. Then there needs to be signs of improvement from all levels of this team. Add all the improvement and chemistry questions and throw in the fact that Matt Schaub will be the starting quarterback with a lesser talent pool than his former Texan team, and this season might prove to be another difficult one in Oakland.
*denotes Wild Card teams
Final AFC Standings:
1. Denver Broncos
2. Cincinnati Bengals
3. New England Patriots
4. Indianapolis Colts
5. Baltimore Ravens
6. Kansas City Chiefs
7. San Diego Chargers
8. New York Jets
9. Pittsburgh Steelers
10. Houston Texans
11. Tennessee Titans
12. Buffalo Bills
13. Oakland Raiders
14. Cleveland Browns
15. Jacksonville Jaguars
16. Miami Dolphins
Monday, July 28, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
Beware of Overvaluing Back-up Quarterbacks
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| The departure of Shaun Hill (#14) leaves the Lions questioning who will backup Matthew Stafford. |
Backup quarterback Shaun Hill left the Detroit Lions to backup Sam Bradford with the St. Louis Rams, opening up a spot in Detroit behind Matthew Stafford. Hill was a very valuable member for the Lions and leaves a big question mark should Stafford find himself injured.
Former undrafted free agent Kellen Moore is the only other quarterback on the roster, and was one of the best collegiate quarterbacks in history at Boise State. However, the questions of whether Moore has enough arm strength to play in the NFL has resurfaced now that there is a chance to move up the depth chart. The only film Moore has in the NFL to prove he can play at this level is from the last two preseasons, and there was plenty of signs of improvement from 2012 to 2013. Having a new coaching staff makes plans a little different with Moore, but it is valuable to find a backup that is cheap both financially and one that doesn't cost a draft pick.
It may be a better chance the Lions select a quarterback around the fourth round thanks to the acquisition of a pair of compensation picks for that round. Being able to take Georgia's Aaron Murray or perhaps LSU's Zach Mettenberger in the fourth round would be a nice luxury, but the Lions need to evaluate whether or not backup quarterback is more valuable than building the depth at positions that really need it. The Lions let a few players on last year's roster walk, leaving a depth issues that are more valuable to a winning football team than a backup quarterback. The team must ask in the draft room what is more important to win, insurance or players that will actually get on the field and contribute.
Having a backup quarterback can be best described as a game of chicken. Teams invest on the backup in hopes that the starter never gets injured. The Green Bay Packers showed the country last year what happens when you lose that game, having a revolving door that included Seneca Wallace, Scott Tolzein and Matt Flynn relieving injured Aaron Rodgers, and struggling with a 2-6-1 record in Rodgers' absence. It is a tough game of chicken that is scary to think about the consequences, but it is safe to bank on a guy like Kellen Moore with Matthew Stafford being able to start 48 consecutive games and the Lions boasting one of the best young offensive lines in the NFL.
The best backup quarterbacks are those that can come in if something happens to the starter and not do too much to the position but put the team in a good chance to win, and Moore was a winner with every obstacle he faced at Boise State. The only real answer to questions on Moore's abilities is that there are reasons this is a backup quarterback position rather than being starting quarterbacks.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Top 10 NFL Games of the 2013 Season
The 2013 NFL season has come to a close. Although the Super Bowl was a disappointment, the rest of the season had it's fair share of outstanding games played. It was difficult picking 10 games as the best of the season, but they were the best of them all no doubt. Criteria for this list is the overall entertainment value of the games, all including very memorable moments as well. So let's get started shall we?
Number 10:
"The Meltdown in Big D"
Green Bay Packers 37--Dallas Cowboys 36
Kicking off the list was a comeback for the ages that helped send Green Bay to the playoffs while forcing Dallas to miss. Most memorable aspect was the Packers ability to come back from a 26-3 halftime deficit to win with a backup quarterback. Matt Flynn was making his third start in a backup quarterback carousel in relief of Aaron Rodgers. Flynn threw four touchdowns against a historically porous Cowboy defense and running back Eddie Lacy capped off the comeback with the go ahead touchdown. The story however, was how the Cowboys lost. Cowboys, despite a 7 yard per carry average rushing, were content on throwing the ball, and two of Tony Romo's last three passes were costly interceptions. Dallas had a meltdown that appears to be a common occurrence nowadays, but Green Bay's fight and determination allows this game to check in at number 10.
Number 9:
"The Hold Seen 'Round the World"
Carolina Panthers 24--New England Patriots 20
Although this game will always be remembered for the hold Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly got away with at the end of the game, but that doesn't discredit a great defensive battle. This game highlighted how good Carolina's defense was in 2013 and how improved New England's defense was on the national stage. Ted Ginn Jr. gave the Panthers the lead with a 25 yard touchdown catch and run with less than a minute to go. Tom Brady, meanwhile, looked poised to lead the Patriots to another last second victory, when a last throw to the endzone with no time left saw the Kuechley hold on Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. The flag was waived off to New England's dismay, allowing the Panthers to claim the victory. As mentioned before, one bad call does not destroy all other aspects of the game, as it doesn't here being the 9th best game of 2013.
Number 8:
"A Texas-sized Comeback"
Houston Texans 31--San Diego Chargers 28
The 2013 season ended opening week with a dandy pitting the Super Bowl favorite Houston Texans against the rebuilding San Diego Chargers. Down 28-7 with less than five minutes to go in the third quarter and the Chargers dominating, the Texans stormed back and tied it with a Brian Cushing 18 yard interception return with nine and a half minutes to go in the game. Houston complete the comeback with a Randy Bullock walk-off 41 yard field goal. The rest of the season for both teams went in opposite directions from expectations, as the Texans finished 1-14 while the Chargers went 9-6 and found themselves in the playoffs. Oh, how the tables turned so quickly, as they did in the 8th best game of the 2013 season.
Number 7:
"The Beginning of a Dynasty?"
Seattle Seahawks 23--San Francisco 49ers 17
The NFC Championship game pitting the two NFC West rivals against each other finds its way at number seven. As you might have expected after watching the NFC West this season, this game was full of defense. Russell Wilson on 4th and 7 on the San Francisco 35 yard line threw a pass into the endzone for the go-ahead touchdown and jump-started the team to their first ever Super Bowl win. Much was made of Richard Sherman's controversial interview immediately after the game, but it goes to show you how emotional and physical the 7th game on this list was, and it very well could switch places with the game that took 6th place.
Number 6:
"Denver Silences Arrowhead"
Denver Broncos 35--Kansas City Chiefs 28
After playing just two weeks prior, the Denver Broncos complete the season sweep over division rival Kansas City to take control of the AFC West. The Chiefs came out of the gate swinging with a 21-7 second quarter lead that included a 108 yard kickoff return touchdown by Knile Davis, but Kansas City failed to stop Eric Decker. The Broncos wide receiver recorded four touchdown catches to lead Denver to score 28 unanswered points to silence the historically loud Arrowhead crowd.The Chiefs attempted the comeback but fell 13 yards short of a tie. The overall intensity and atmosphere of this game allows it to be placed at #6.
Number 5:
"The Return of Rodgers"
The Chicago Bears broke Aaron Rodgers' collar bone in their week 9 matchup, Rodgers then broke the Bear's hearts in return. The Packers ad Bears battled for NFC North supremacy in week 17, and Rodgers took back the reigns. Green Bay went 2-5-1 without Rodgers (with one of the victories being the #10 game above) and he proved why he his one of the most valuable players in the NFL. In a back-and-forth struggle, the Bears took a 28-20 lead at the start of the fourth quarter. Green Bay engineered a touchdown drive following Chicago's final score to cut the lead to 28-27, which would stand until less than one minute remaining in the game. Rodgers added more to his already large resume with a 4th and 8 situation. Instead of playing safe and playing for the first down, Rodgers found a wide open Randall Cobb deep for a 48 yard touchdown (seriously though, how does a guy get so wide open on 4th & ball game?). Just a gutty effort for a quarterback to be in his first game back after eight weeks on the bench and carry his team for a win and a playoff berth.
Number 4:
"The Two Minute Drill"
Baltimore Ravens 29--Minnesota Vikings 26
These two teams entered the fourth quarter with the Ravens clinging to a 7-6 lead. What transpires in the quarter? Mayhem. Just utter mayhem. Minnesota took a 12-7 lead at the beginning of the quarter, and that score stood until Joe Flacco threw a touchdown pass and converted the two-point try for a 15-12 at the 2:05 mark. The Vikings on the ensuing drive march down the field with running back Toby Gerhart regaining the lead with a 41 yard touchdown run with 1:27 remaining. Oh, it doesn't stop there, as Jacoby Jones returned the following kickoff for a touchdown to give Baltimore the lead back at 22-19. Vikings wide receiver must believe in the saying "never say die," and took a screen pass and broke through daylight for a 79 yard touchdown and the Vikings are back on top 26-22 with 45 seconds remaining. Guys, lets settle down a bit when criticizing Joe Flacco, because he then led the Ravens 80 yards in 41 seconds capped off by a 9 yard touchdown pass to receiver Marlon Brown to win the game. Teams will practice a two-minute drill every week before a game, and both the Ravens and the Vikings both perfected it on a snowy Baltimore day and granted us with the 4th best game of 2013.
Number 3:
"A Little Bit of Luck"
Indianapolis Colts 45--Kansas City Chiefs 44
Yes, my nickname for this game is clearly a pun, as Colts quarterback Andrew Luck earns his first playoff victory in his patented comeback fashion. Mistakes galore committed by the Colts, and the Chiefs were cruising along with a 38-10 lead at the start of the second half. Andrew Luck then remembered he was a can't miss prospect out of college and led Indianapolis on an unbelievable 35-6 run, with some luck involved (you can interpret that as a pun too if you want). The cards were in the favor of the Colts in the fourth quarter. A Donald Brown fumble on the goalline fell into Andrew Luck's hands where he ran it into the endzone from there (this where the luck puns come in). Indy then took their only lead of the game on the next drive with a 64 yard touchdown pass from Luck to receiver TY Hilton. This was certainly a comeback for the ages.
Number 2:
"A Leap of Faith"
Detroit Lions 31--Dallas Cowboys 30
Five months after this game ended, there is still disbelief as to how the Lions pulled this last second victory off. Trailing 13-7 entering the fourth quarter, Detroit and Dallas traded scores until the score was 27-24 in Dallas' favor. The Lions failed to convert on fourth down at their own 31 yard line with 1:24 remaining in the game. A holding call on the Cowboys on third down stopped the clock and settled for a field goal to go up 30-24 with 1:02 remaining. The Lions then performed one of the most unbelievable two-minute drills ever, driving 80 yards in 50 seconds. Quarterback Matthew Stafford went 4-for-5 passing (the incompletion was a spike to stop the clock) for 79 yards highlighted by a 40 yard pass to receiver Kris Durham. The 80th yard was gained after Stafford hit Calvin Johnson on a perfectly thrown pass to go down at the Cowboy one yard line with time running. Rushing the offense to stop the clock, everyone including the offense thought Stafford was going to spike the ball. Instead, Stafford took the initiative to leap over the line and break the plane of the endzone for the game winning touchdown. It is still hard to make heads or tails as to what happened, even from Lions fans, and this finish earns the #2 best game of the season.
Number 1:
"Shootout at the Jerry Jones Corral"
Denver Broncos 51--Dallas Cowboys 48
Was there any doubt as to which game would make the top spot? An offensive shootout for the ages that saw both Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo throw for 920 yards and 9 touchdowns, and the total offense for the game eclipsed 1,000 yards. The fewest scores in a single quarter was the first frame where Dallas led 14-7. Words cannot describe the intensity of this game, the scoreboard describes it best. This game will go down in history as not just the best game of the 2013 season, but as one of the best games played.
Number 10:
"The Meltdown in Big D"
Green Bay Packers 37--Dallas Cowboys 36
Kicking off the list was a comeback for the ages that helped send Green Bay to the playoffs while forcing Dallas to miss. Most memorable aspect was the Packers ability to come back from a 26-3 halftime deficit to win with a backup quarterback. Matt Flynn was making his third start in a backup quarterback carousel in relief of Aaron Rodgers. Flynn threw four touchdowns against a historically porous Cowboy defense and running back Eddie Lacy capped off the comeback with the go ahead touchdown. The story however, was how the Cowboys lost. Cowboys, despite a 7 yard per carry average rushing, were content on throwing the ball, and two of Tony Romo's last three passes were costly interceptions. Dallas had a meltdown that appears to be a common occurrence nowadays, but Green Bay's fight and determination allows this game to check in at number 10.
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| Packers RB Eddie Lacy caps the comeback with the go-ahead TD. |
Number 9:
"The Hold Seen 'Round the World"
Carolina Panthers 24--New England Patriots 20
Although this game will always be remembered for the hold Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly got away with at the end of the game, but that doesn't discredit a great defensive battle. This game highlighted how good Carolina's defense was in 2013 and how improved New England's defense was on the national stage. Ted Ginn Jr. gave the Panthers the lead with a 25 yard touchdown catch and run with less than a minute to go. Tom Brady, meanwhile, looked poised to lead the Patriots to another last second victory, when a last throw to the endzone with no time left saw the Kuechley hold on Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. The flag was waived off to New England's dismay, allowing the Panthers to claim the victory. As mentioned before, one bad call does not destroy all other aspects of the game, as it doesn't here being the 9th best game of 2013.
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| Panthers LB Luke Kuechley got away with this hold for the 24-20 victory. |
Number 8:
"A Texas-sized Comeback"
Houston Texans 31--San Diego Chargers 28
The 2013 season ended opening week with a dandy pitting the Super Bowl favorite Houston Texans against the rebuilding San Diego Chargers. Down 28-7 with less than five minutes to go in the third quarter and the Chargers dominating, the Texans stormed back and tied it with a Brian Cushing 18 yard interception return with nine and a half minutes to go in the game. Houston complete the comeback with a Randy Bullock walk-off 41 yard field goal. The rest of the season for both teams went in opposite directions from expectations, as the Texans finished 1-14 while the Chargers went 9-6 and found themselves in the playoffs. Oh, how the tables turned so quickly, as they did in the 8th best game of the 2013 season.
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| Texans escape San Diego, but it ended up being short-lived luck. |
Number 7:
"The Beginning of a Dynasty?"
Seattle Seahawks 23--San Francisco 49ers 17
The NFC Championship game pitting the two NFC West rivals against each other finds its way at number seven. As you might have expected after watching the NFC West this season, this game was full of defense. Russell Wilson on 4th and 7 on the San Francisco 35 yard line threw a pass into the endzone for the go-ahead touchdown and jump-started the team to their first ever Super Bowl win. Much was made of Richard Sherman's controversial interview immediately after the game, but it goes to show you how emotional and physical the 7th game on this list was, and it very well could switch places with the game that took 6th place.
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| Seahawks WR Jermaine Kearse catches the game winning TD. |
Number 6:
"Denver Silences Arrowhead"
Denver Broncos 35--Kansas City Chiefs 28
After playing just two weeks prior, the Denver Broncos complete the season sweep over division rival Kansas City to take control of the AFC West. The Chiefs came out of the gate swinging with a 21-7 second quarter lead that included a 108 yard kickoff return touchdown by Knile Davis, but Kansas City failed to stop Eric Decker. The Broncos wide receiver recorded four touchdown catches to lead Denver to score 28 unanswered points to silence the historically loud Arrowhead crowd.The Chiefs attempted the comeback but fell 13 yards short of a tie. The overall intensity and atmosphere of this game allows it to be placed at #6.
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| Eric Decker leads the Broncos to a decisive divisional victory. |
Number 5:
"The Return of Rodgers"
The Chicago Bears broke Aaron Rodgers' collar bone in their week 9 matchup, Rodgers then broke the Bear's hearts in return. The Packers ad Bears battled for NFC North supremacy in week 17, and Rodgers took back the reigns. Green Bay went 2-5-1 without Rodgers (with one of the victories being the #10 game above) and he proved why he his one of the most valuable players in the NFL. In a back-and-forth struggle, the Bears took a 28-20 lead at the start of the fourth quarter. Green Bay engineered a touchdown drive following Chicago's final score to cut the lead to 28-27, which would stand until less than one minute remaining in the game. Rodgers added more to his already large resume with a 4th and 8 situation. Instead of playing safe and playing for the first down, Rodgers found a wide open Randall Cobb deep for a 48 yard touchdown (seriously though, how does a guy get so wide open on 4th & ball game?). Just a gutty effort for a quarterback to be in his first game back after eight weeks on the bench and carry his team for a win and a playoff berth.
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| Randall Cobb was so wide open, no Chicago Bear is near this picture. |
Number 4:
"The Two Minute Drill"
Baltimore Ravens 29--Minnesota Vikings 26
These two teams entered the fourth quarter with the Ravens clinging to a 7-6 lead. What transpires in the quarter? Mayhem. Just utter mayhem. Minnesota took a 12-7 lead at the beginning of the quarter, and that score stood until Joe Flacco threw a touchdown pass and converted the two-point try for a 15-12 at the 2:05 mark. The Vikings on the ensuing drive march down the field with running back Toby Gerhart regaining the lead with a 41 yard touchdown run with 1:27 remaining. Oh, it doesn't stop there, as Jacoby Jones returned the following kickoff for a touchdown to give Baltimore the lead back at 22-19. Vikings wide receiver must believe in the saying "never say die," and took a screen pass and broke through daylight for a 79 yard touchdown and the Vikings are back on top 26-22 with 45 seconds remaining. Guys, lets settle down a bit when criticizing Joe Flacco, because he then led the Ravens 80 yards in 41 seconds capped off by a 9 yard touchdown pass to receiver Marlon Brown to win the game. Teams will practice a two-minute drill every week before a game, and both the Ravens and the Vikings both perfected it on a snowy Baltimore day and granted us with the 4th best game of 2013.
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| Vikings WR Cordarelle Patterson breaks for daylight, but the Ravens somehow come back |
Number 3:
"A Little Bit of Luck"
Indianapolis Colts 45--Kansas City Chiefs 44
Yes, my nickname for this game is clearly a pun, as Colts quarterback Andrew Luck earns his first playoff victory in his patented comeback fashion. Mistakes galore committed by the Colts, and the Chiefs were cruising along with a 38-10 lead at the start of the second half. Andrew Luck then remembered he was a can't miss prospect out of college and led Indianapolis on an unbelievable 35-6 run, with some luck involved (you can interpret that as a pun too if you want). The cards were in the favor of the Colts in the fourth quarter. A Donald Brown fumble on the goalline fell into Andrew Luck's hands where he ran it into the endzone from there (this where the luck puns come in). Indy then took their only lead of the game on the next drive with a 64 yard touchdown pass from Luck to receiver TY Hilton. This was certainly a comeback for the ages.
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| Andrew Luck recovers a fumble for a TD to help lead the Colts in the #3 game of 2013. |
Number 2:
"A Leap of Faith"
Detroit Lions 31--Dallas Cowboys 30
Five months after this game ended, there is still disbelief as to how the Lions pulled this last second victory off. Trailing 13-7 entering the fourth quarter, Detroit and Dallas traded scores until the score was 27-24 in Dallas' favor. The Lions failed to convert on fourth down at their own 31 yard line with 1:24 remaining in the game. A holding call on the Cowboys on third down stopped the clock and settled for a field goal to go up 30-24 with 1:02 remaining. The Lions then performed one of the most unbelievable two-minute drills ever, driving 80 yards in 50 seconds. Quarterback Matthew Stafford went 4-for-5 passing (the incompletion was a spike to stop the clock) for 79 yards highlighted by a 40 yard pass to receiver Kris Durham. The 80th yard was gained after Stafford hit Calvin Johnson on a perfectly thrown pass to go down at the Cowboy one yard line with time running. Rushing the offense to stop the clock, everyone including the offense thought Stafford was going to spike the ball. Instead, Stafford took the initiative to leap over the line and break the plane of the endzone for the game winning touchdown. It is still hard to make heads or tails as to what happened, even from Lions fans, and this finish earns the #2 best game of the season.
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| Lions QB Matthew Stafford stuns the Cowboys with his fake spike to win 31-30. |
Number 1:
"Shootout at the Jerry Jones Corral"
Denver Broncos 51--Dallas Cowboys 48
Was there any doubt as to which game would make the top spot? An offensive shootout for the ages that saw both Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo throw for 920 yards and 9 touchdowns, and the total offense for the game eclipsed 1,000 yards. The fewest scores in a single quarter was the first frame where Dallas led 14-7. Words cannot describe the intensity of this game, the scoreboard describes it best. This game will go down in history as not just the best game of the 2013 season, but as one of the best games played.
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| Broncos QB Peyton Manning leads the Broncos to a shootout victory. |
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Marcus Smart's Dumb Decision
Unless you haven't tuned into Sportscenter or checked your social media sites in the last couple of days, you have heard about the incident Saturday from Oklahoma State basketball player Marcus Smart. The incident occurred at the end of the Cowboy's 65-61 loss to Texas Tech, where Smart went into the crowd and pushed a fan after the fan said something to him. The consequences for the push were a technical foul called on Smart and Smart has also been suspended for OSU's next three games.
Way too much speculation has followed on whether his actions were justified. Reports have surfaced that the fan, Jeff Orr, used a racial slur to Smart, spawning the altercation. So if the report is true, and Orr did say the slur (it was supposedly the "N" word just so you know), Smart's actions are rational, right?
Quick answer: No.
Nothing that Orr said validates what Smart did. Being disciplined and ignoring the taunts from the crowd, or other players for that matter, is a huge part of any sport. No matter how offensive the comments may be, a player retaliating causes more negative consequences than positive ones.
Think of this situation as a coach, would you care what a fan said to the player? No you do not, because the player who responded in that way just affected the team negatively. Smart's behavior yielded a technical foul which gave Texas Tech free throws that were key in OSU's defeat. On top of that, Smart was handed a three game suspension, so now head coach Travis Ford must lead his team without one of his key players for three important games. Not one coach has ever condoned an action that will hurt the team in any magnitude, and this situation is certainly one not to be excused.
On another note, how much more justifiable is a racial slur compared to a comment on your mother being overweight or your girlfriend/wife being a woman that sleep with other men? The N-word, no matter how harmful it is, is still not any different than calling you mother fat or girlfriend a tramp, it just isn't. All of these comments are very offensive, but no matter what is uttered from their mouth, there is no pardon for retaliation.
Even if Jeff Orr is at fault in this altercation, Marcus Smart must learn to ignore the heckling. Being a part of a team in sports means you are a part of something bigger than yourself, and Smart's reaction was very selfish.
Way too much speculation has followed on whether his actions were justified. Reports have surfaced that the fan, Jeff Orr, used a racial slur to Smart, spawning the altercation. So if the report is true, and Orr did say the slur (it was supposedly the "N" word just so you know), Smart's actions are rational, right?
Quick answer: No.
Nothing that Orr said validates what Smart did. Being disciplined and ignoring the taunts from the crowd, or other players for that matter, is a huge part of any sport. No matter how offensive the comments may be, a player retaliating causes more negative consequences than positive ones.
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| Marcus Smart finds himself suspended for his actions on Saturday |
On another note, how much more justifiable is a racial slur compared to a comment on your mother being overweight or your girlfriend/wife being a woman that sleep with other men? The N-word, no matter how harmful it is, is still not any different than calling you mother fat or girlfriend a tramp, it just isn't. All of these comments are very offensive, but no matter what is uttered from their mouth, there is no pardon for retaliation.
Even if Jeff Orr is at fault in this altercation, Marcus Smart must learn to ignore the heckling. Being a part of a team in sports means you are a part of something bigger than yourself, and Smart's reaction was very selfish.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Top 10 Right Now: Pass Rushers
Making it's return just before the 2013 season opens up, its the top ten right now series. For the mighty return of the series, I take a look at the defensive side of the ball for the first time. Pass rusher is a term that is pretty obvious the role is, they rush the quarterback. But in today's NFL, pass rushers aren't only coming from the defensive end position. The popularity of the 3-4 defense has allowed more players to become elite pass rushers, primarily from an outside linebacker. So here is the list of the best pass rushers in the NFL in 2013:
10. Geno Atkins, DT, Cincinnati Bengals
9. Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Washington Redskins
8. Terrell Suggs, DE/OLB, Baltimore Ravens
7. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, New York Giants
6. Clay Matthews, OLB, Green Bay Packers
5. Von Miller, LB, Denver Broncos
4. Demarcus Ware, DE, Dallas Cowboys
3. JJ Watt, DT/DE, Houston Texans
2. Aldon Smith. OLB, San Francisco 49ers
1. Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota Vikings
10. Geno Atkins, DT, Cincinnati Bengals
9. Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Washington Redskins
8. Terrell Suggs, DE/OLB, Baltimore Ravens
7. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, New York Giants
6. Clay Matthews, OLB, Green Bay Packers
5. Von Miller, LB, Denver Broncos
4. Demarcus Ware, DE, Dallas Cowboys
3. JJ Watt, DT/DE, Houston Texans
2. Aldon Smith. OLB, San Francisco 49ers
1. Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota Vikings
Friday, August 30, 2013
NFL Predictions: Awards for 2013
Well, NFL fans, the regular season is just over a week away, are you excited? We all know that I am since I am shaking in anticipation for football to return. I have so much anticipation for the season that I am actually bored. To kill time for right now, I have decided to add onto my regular season and postseason predictions to the NFL with picks as to who will win the major awards at the end of the season. These awards include MVP, offensive and defensive player of the year, offensive and defensive rookie of the year, comeback player of the year, and coach of the year. As always, I will give full analysis of each pick, so here you go:
MVP: Peyton Manning, QB, Broncos
This is the pick here because why not? Manning already owns the most MVPs in NFL history, and he will lead what looks like could finish as the best team in the NFL. How often have we heard "Peyton Manning will have to carry his team" throughout his career? Well, it looks like this year won't be any different with a plethora of injuries and a suspension to defensive star Von Miller. Manning looks to own another piece of hardware for his already hall-of-fame career.
Offensive Player of the Year: Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
How can you follow up on a season in which you break the NFL record for receiving yards? Well, as a Lions fan, a few more touchdowns would be nice too. With all of those receiving yards, Johnson only recorded five touchdowns. The touchdown total (and yes, the very small amount of wins for his team) were the reasons Johnson didn't get as much attention as he normally would for his accomplishment. Breaking receiving records is harder than breaking rushing records because with running the football, all the runner has to do is take a handoff and run. A receiver has to get open and hope his quarterback can get the ball to him. With that in mind, Calvin Johnson should edge out players like Adrian Peterson this season.
Defensive Player of the Year: Jared Allen, DE, Vikings
Perhaps the best pass rusher in the NFL. He was half a sack short of the NFL record with 22 sacks in 2011 and was snubbed for the award, partly due to the Vikings 3-13 record. Now the team should be fighting for a playoff spot, which means Allen will get more recognition for his performance. Don't expect a 22 sack performance this year, but he should win a close race against the likes of JJ Watt and Luke Kuechly.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Tavon Austin, WR, Rams
The most explosive player coming out of college brings that explosive play to the NFL. The big play threat the Rams offense sorely needed, expect Austin to put up some big numbers this season. Very comparable to Percy Harvin as a player, and Austin should be used in the role that the Vikings used Harvin in. Small little note, Percy Harvin was the offensive rookie of the year in 2009, so if Austin follows in those footsteps, the award is his.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Ezekial Ansah, DE, Lions
They are plenty of defensive rookies that may earn this spot, but Ansah is in the best situation as a player. A very raw prospect with little football experience, but he makes up for it with extreme athleticism. That and having his hand on the ground next to the dominant duo of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley helps his cause. With those two next to him, Ansah will get plenty of one-on-one situations to show his worth. Should be a tough race with Rams LB Alec Ogletree, Dolphins DE Dion Jordan and Browns DE/LB Barkevious Mingo.
Comeback Player of the Year: Robert Griffin III, QB, Redskins
I know I have predicted the Redskins missing the playoffs, but what other high-profile player is coming off of a big injury? So much speculation has been made on whether he will be ready for the season opener and if he can stay healthy all season. I know Griffin only missed the end of the playoff loss to the Seahawks, but he might earn the honors if he comes back playing the way he played in his rookie campaign, it wouldn't matter if Washington makes the playoffs or not for him to earn this award.
MVP: Peyton Manning, QB, Broncos
This is the pick here because why not? Manning already owns the most MVPs in NFL history, and he will lead what looks like could finish as the best team in the NFL. How often have we heard "Peyton Manning will have to carry his team" throughout his career? Well, it looks like this year won't be any different with a plethora of injuries and a suspension to defensive star Von Miller. Manning looks to own another piece of hardware for his already hall-of-fame career.
Offensive Player of the Year: Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
How can you follow up on a season in which you break the NFL record for receiving yards? Well, as a Lions fan, a few more touchdowns would be nice too. With all of those receiving yards, Johnson only recorded five touchdowns. The touchdown total (and yes, the very small amount of wins for his team) were the reasons Johnson didn't get as much attention as he normally would for his accomplishment. Breaking receiving records is harder than breaking rushing records because with running the football, all the runner has to do is take a handoff and run. A receiver has to get open and hope his quarterback can get the ball to him. With that in mind, Calvin Johnson should edge out players like Adrian Peterson this season.
Defensive Player of the Year: Jared Allen, DE, Vikings
Perhaps the best pass rusher in the NFL. He was half a sack short of the NFL record with 22 sacks in 2011 and was snubbed for the award, partly due to the Vikings 3-13 record. Now the team should be fighting for a playoff spot, which means Allen will get more recognition for his performance. Don't expect a 22 sack performance this year, but he should win a close race against the likes of JJ Watt and Luke Kuechly.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Tavon Austin, WR, Rams
The most explosive player coming out of college brings that explosive play to the NFL. The big play threat the Rams offense sorely needed, expect Austin to put up some big numbers this season. Very comparable to Percy Harvin as a player, and Austin should be used in the role that the Vikings used Harvin in. Small little note, Percy Harvin was the offensive rookie of the year in 2009, so if Austin follows in those footsteps, the award is his.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Ezekial Ansah, DE, Lions
They are plenty of defensive rookies that may earn this spot, but Ansah is in the best situation as a player. A very raw prospect with little football experience, but he makes up for it with extreme athleticism. That and having his hand on the ground next to the dominant duo of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley helps his cause. With those two next to him, Ansah will get plenty of one-on-one situations to show his worth. Should be a tough race with Rams LB Alec Ogletree, Dolphins DE Dion Jordan and Browns DE/LB Barkevious Mingo.
Comeback Player of the Year: Robert Griffin III, QB, Redskins
I know I have predicted the Redskins missing the playoffs, but what other high-profile player is coming off of a big injury? So much speculation has been made on whether he will be ready for the season opener and if he can stay healthy all season. I know Griffin only missed the end of the playoff loss to the Seahawks, but he might earn the honors if he comes back playing the way he played in his rookie campaign, it wouldn't matter if Washington makes the playoffs or not for him to earn this award.
Monday, August 19, 2013
NFL Predictions 2013: Postseason
The stage is set for another postseason run. Who will hold up the Lombardi Trophy in February in New York/New Jersey? Here are the teams competing for that prize if you have forgotten (Or just too lazy to scroll down to see again):
NFC: AFC:
1. Seattle Seahawks 1. Denver Broncos
2. Atlanta Falcons 2. Cincinnati Bengals
3. Green Bay Packers 3. Houston Texans
4. New York Giants 4. New England Patriots
5. San Francisco 49ers 5. Baltimore Ravens
6. New Orleans Saints 6. Kansas City Chiefs
Wildcard Round:
NFC:
49ers over Giants
Packers over Saints
AFC:
Ravens over Patriots
Texans over Chiefs
The Wildcard Round of the playoffs shows some pretty exciting matchups. First we have the Super Bowl runner-up, the 49ers taking care of business against the Giants. Then, the Super Bowl champion Ravens taking down the Patriots again in Foxboro. Further north, we see the Packers overwhelm the Saints in the cold of Lambeau Field. And the final matchup has the Texans getting their third straight opening playoff game win, with a victory of the Chiefs. Now onto the Divisional Round.
Divisional Round:
NFC:
Seahawks over 49ers
Packers over Falcons
AFC:
Broncos over Ravens
Bengals over Texans
The second round gives plenty of intrigue. The Broncos get revenge on the Ravens for last year's divisional round game, while the other number one seed Seahawks handle their division rival 49ers. The Falcons continue to struggle in the playoffs despite playing at home, and the Bengals finally defeat the Texans in the playoffs, as Houston fails yet again to get past the second round. Next is the conference championships.
Conference Championship:
NFC:
Seahawks over Packers
AFC:
Broncos over Bengals
And the matchup is set for Super Bowl XLVIII. Who will come out on top?
The 2013 Super Bowl champion is:
The Denver Broncos.
That's right ladies and gentlemen, the Denver Broncos are your Super Bowl XLVIII champs. Peyton Manning wins his second title, and will the first quarterback to win a Super Bowl for two different teams. The Broncos are a very fun team to watch, as are the Seahawks, but it is Denver who wins because someone has to in this great matchup. Just a great finish to what should be a great football season.
NFC: AFC:
1. Seattle Seahawks 1. Denver Broncos
2. Atlanta Falcons 2. Cincinnati Bengals
3. Green Bay Packers 3. Houston Texans
4. New York Giants 4. New England Patriots
5. San Francisco 49ers 5. Baltimore Ravens
6. New Orleans Saints 6. Kansas City Chiefs
Wildcard Round:
NFC:
49ers over Giants
Packers over Saints
AFC:
Ravens over Patriots
Texans over Chiefs
The Wildcard Round of the playoffs shows some pretty exciting matchups. First we have the Super Bowl runner-up, the 49ers taking care of business against the Giants. Then, the Super Bowl champion Ravens taking down the Patriots again in Foxboro. Further north, we see the Packers overwhelm the Saints in the cold of Lambeau Field. And the final matchup has the Texans getting their third straight opening playoff game win, with a victory of the Chiefs. Now onto the Divisional Round.
Divisional Round:
NFC:
Seahawks over 49ers
Packers over Falcons
AFC:
Broncos over Ravens
Bengals over Texans
The second round gives plenty of intrigue. The Broncos get revenge on the Ravens for last year's divisional round game, while the other number one seed Seahawks handle their division rival 49ers. The Falcons continue to struggle in the playoffs despite playing at home, and the Bengals finally defeat the Texans in the playoffs, as Houston fails yet again to get past the second round. Next is the conference championships.
Conference Championship:
NFC:
Seahawks over Packers
AFC:
Broncos over Bengals
And the matchup is set for Super Bowl XLVIII. Who will come out on top?
The 2013 Super Bowl champion is:
The Denver Broncos.
That's right ladies and gentlemen, the Denver Broncos are your Super Bowl XLVIII champs. Peyton Manning wins his second title, and will the first quarterback to win a Super Bowl for two different teams. The Broncos are a very fun team to watch, as are the Seahawks, but it is Denver who wins because someone has to in this great matchup. Just a great finish to what should be a great football season.
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