Posts Tagged ‘NFL’

Willy’s Wild Card Weekend Recap

What a weekend for football, two teams who were featured in last years super bowl, have had an early exit from the playoff’s, as both the Saints and the Colts lost this weekend. So let’s take get to it and take you to Seattle.

Saints 36 Seattle 41

To some, this game was the biggest upset in post-season NFL history. The Saints rolled into Seattle banged up, heavily at the running back position. It was a crucial part of the saints offense, and it was idle from this game. Seattle got their “golden-boy” quarterback back under center Saturday, and it couldn’t have come at any better time. Matt Hasselbeck passed 272 yards with 4 touchdown passes while completing 22 of 34 passes. Although Hasselbecks performance wasn’t the biggest highlight, RB Lynch took that one, as he galloped to an amazing (and that’s an understatement) 67 yard touchdown run. He broke at least a half a dozen tacklers on that play. Drew Brees passed for 404 yards with only 2 touchdown passes, he completed 39 of 60 passes. 60 passes ? Yes 60 passes, which is why they lost. They only ran the ball 20 times, for 71 yards, although they generated two rushing touchdowns. They lacked the continuity, the balance. Seattle ran the ball 23 times for 151 generating 1 touchdown, but they had balance, they passed the ball only 35 times.

Eagles 16 Packers 21

Rodgers came up big today as he finally won a playoff game, the Packers QB threw for 180 yards and 3 touchdown passes, completing 18 of 27. The rushing game was spot on today as rookie running back Starks rushed for 123 yards in 23 carries. No interceptions today, but Aron did put the ball on the ground, which lead to a Eagles touchdown drive. Mike Vick threw for 292 yards with 1 touchdown pass, completing 20 out of 36. But the running game never really left the ground as they only rushed for 82 yards combined. Again the ability to run the ball was the difference maker in this one, that and Vick’s interception in the endzone at the end of the game.

Colts 15  Jets 16

This epic rematch of last years AFC Championship earns this week game of the week. This was a game of who ever had the ball last, would win the game. Mark Sanchez threw for 189 yards with 1 interception, completing 18 of 31. The Jets rushed for a combined total of 189 yards generating 2 touchdowns led by Tomlinson (82 yds), and Greene (70 yds). The Jet’s ability to run the ball, worked out perfectly, but Sanchez’s last drive was key as he drove his team down the field for the game’s winning field goal. Payton Manning threw for 225 yards and 1 touchdown pass, completing 18 of 26. The Colts rushed the ball 27 times for only 93 yards. The Colts had balance on offense, they just couldn’t get any thing out of it. It just came down to who had the ball last, the Jets answered right back after Manning led his team to a score.

Chiefs 7  Ravens 30

Joe Flaco got it done through the air today, throwing for 265 yards and a pair of touchdown passes. He completed 25 of 34 passes and no interceptions. Running back’s Ray Rice and Willis McGahee rushed for a combined total of 101 yards and 1 touchdown. The Ravens defense came up big, generating 3 turnovers. Matt Cassel threw for only 80 yards completing 9 out of 18 passes. Ouch, that’s less than I was throwing in middle school, I threw for an average 134 yards back then. The Chiefs rushed for 91 yards and one touchdown, led by running back Charles who rushed for 82 of those. The Chief’s beat them selves in this one, the turnovers really hurt.

Divisional Playoff’s

NFC

(11-6) Greenbay @ (12-4) Atlanta     PREDICTION: Greenbay wins 23-20

(8-9) Seattle @ (11-5) Chicago            PREDICTION: Chicago wins 38-17

AFC

(11-5) Jets @ (14-2) Patriots                 PREDICTION: Jets win 37-34

(12-4) Ravens @ (12-4) Steelers        PREDICTION: Steelers win 17-13

Hate Mark Sanchez, But Don’t Bench Him

I vouched for this kid. And regardless of many other experts opinions, he made me look like a genius, while leading the surprise New York Jets to a 3-0 start.

But I never said this was a Cinderella story. I said this was a playoff team, but I never alluded to the dream that he was a playoff-caliber quarterback.

He’s a rookie, folks. This is what rookies do. Read more…

Tim Tebow: UFL Star or NFL Back-up?

It’s a fair question. And quite honestly, based on Tim Tebow’s decision to return for his senior season at Florida, one that actually warrants a careful response.

We will undoubtedly have to wait until next April’s NFL Draft to find out for sure, but the question remains: Would it be better for an under-hyped college football star to take the short route to pro stardom and join the UFL, or take his chances in the NFL Draft and be a back-up?

Or worse—possibly not even make an NFL roster?

Read more…

2009 Fantasy Football: Third-Year Receivers

(Calvin Johnson has already arrived.)

Everyone knows the old cliche’ about wide receivers. They don’t always make an immediate impact as rookies, and despite having natural talent, usually take a while to carve a niche with their team.

About three years, to be exact.

Not everyone can be Randy Moss and bust out 17 touchdowns in their first try, or like last year’s Eddie Royal, and haul in 91 receptions.

No, sometimes fantasy owners and NFL teams are forced to go the traditional route and wait.

Here’s a look at the wide receivers from the 2007 NFL Draft, who are entering their third season, with analysis on their progress and role with their team.

(This article will only analyze those receivers taken in the 2007 draft.)

1. Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions)

Johnson is arguably a top-three fantasy receiver, depending on who you’re talking to.

Despite not having a dependable quarterback, or any sort of supporting cast, Johnson racked up over 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2008.

The new regime is reportedly enamored with Johnson (how couldn’t they be?), as he’s poised to match last year’s numbers, and possibly add to them.

Prediction: 85 rec., 1,479 yards, 13 TD

2. Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City Chiefs)

Bowe has already made a quiet name for himself, as he was the second-best weapon (behind Tony Gonzalez) on Kansas City’s offense in 2008.

With Matt Cassel coming to town, Bowe should easily crack 1,000 yards again with a pass-happy system and an upgrade at the signal caller position.

Bowe has already showed glimpses of his potential with 12 touchdowns in his first two seasons. This should be his break-out year.

Prediction: 87 rec, 1,244 yards, nine TD

3. Anthony Gonzalez (Indianapolis Colts)

Gonzalez has been showing for the past two years that his speed and hands are more than able to make up for the loss of future Hall of Famer, Marvin Harrison.

His chemistry with Peyton Manning improves with every day of practice, and there’s no doubt Gonzelez can improve (and will) on his 2008 numbers of 57 catches, 664 yards, and four scores.

Prediction: 81 rec, 1,209 yards, eight TD

4. Ted Ginn Jr. (Miami Dolphins)

Ginn has progressed slower than many had hoped, but he has still shown flashes of electric play-making ability, and has starred as a solid return man, too.

His role has been increasing in the offense over his two years with the team, and to avoid the Wildcat offense from getting predictable, his production will have to increase.

Prediction: 74 rec, 1,088 yards, seven TD

5. Steve Breaston (Arizona Cardinals)

Breaston has been quite impressive already, as he topped 1,000 yards as the Cardinals reliable third option.

Apparently it’s not very difficult to get open when you have Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin taking all the attention from the secondary. Go figure.

Breaston has already “broken out” more than he or anyone else could have hoped, considering he was the third option last year, and will continue to be in 2009.

His numbers are likely to dip a bit, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t already “arrived.”

Prediction: 72 rec, 955 yards, five TD

6. Steve Smith (New York Giants)

With Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer out of town, Steve Smith is likely to pair up with Domenik Hixon (at least in the early going), and will have a legitimate chance at locking down a starting role.

Smith has good hands and is a solid route runner, and also possesses underrated speed and quickness. If he and Manning can continue the chemistry that landed him 57 catches and over 500 yards.

Prediction: 79 rec, 855 yards, three TD

7. Sidney Rice (Minnesota Vikings)

Rice battled injuries last year, taking him down a peg after putting forth solid effort in his rookie year.

With the potential (and likely) addition of Brett Favre, Rice could easily develop into a solid red-zone target, and could also be a decent down-field threat, as his speed has gotten better every year.

Prediction: 58 rec, 744 yards, six TD

8. James Jones (Green Bay Packers)

Jones and fellow slot receiver candidate, Jordy Nelson, both arguably have the talent right now to unseat Donald Driver.

Unfortunately, they will have to settle (at least for 2009) for fighting over third receiver duties.

While Nelson appears to have the upper hand with better size, speed, and hands, Jones may have more ability after the catch, making him a better fit for the slot.

Regardless, Green Bay’s system leaves the door open for tons of yards and scores to go around, especially as Aaron Rodgers matures.

Prediction: 46 rec, 690 yards, five TD

9. Johnnie Lee Higgins (Oakland Raiders)

Higgins is in line for contending for a starting role, and may end up with one of the starting gigs, almost by default.

Seventh overall selection, Darrius Heyward-Bey, has been slowed for the past month with injuries, and Javon Walker hasn’t been able to put forth 100 percent of his effort in over a year.

Higgins was a highlight reel waiting to happen on returns (three scores), and it’s clear Oakland coaches will do what is necessary to get the ball in his hands.

Prediction: 45 rec, 722 yards, four TD

10. Mike Walker (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Dennis Northcutt and Matt Jones are gone, which leaves the door open for Walker to step in and snag the spot opposite of Torry Holt.

Walker has the skills needed to make the jump, and in limited action, has impressed.

Prediction: 44 rec, 596 yards, three TD

11. Laurent Robinson (St. Louis Rams)

Robinson was a bit of a disappointment in Atlanta, which prompted the Falcons to send him packing to St. Louis.

Now Robinson is a better environment to utilize his skills, but will also have some young talent around him, making his production difficult to gauge.

Prediction: 42 rec, 539 yards, four TD

12. Jason Hill (San Francisco 49ers)

Until further notice, Michael Crabtree and Isaac Bruce are not starters, while Josh Morgan and Jason Hill are.

Hill has good after-the-catch ability, and could snag a spot in the slot, regardless of the play of Crabtree.

Prediction: 39 rec, 477 yards, three TD

13. Chansi Stuckey (New York Jets)

Stuckey burst onto the scene early last year with some nice catches and decent performances, as he and Brett Favre formed some solid chemistry.

However, that eroded mid-way through the season, and we never saw that confident, rising receiver again.

It’s unlikely he’ll reach his potential with Kellen Clemens or a first-year Mark Sanchez throwing him the ball, but he’s a better bet than, say, a Titans receiver.

Prediction: 41 rec, 505 yards, four TD

14. Robert Meachem (New Orleans Saints)

Meachem only makes this list because Drew Brees spreads the ball around more than Fabio spreads I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, and that Saints offense is insanely sick.

He can still run with the best of them, and even as their fourth option, could still put up some decent numbers.

Prediction: 33 rec, 421 yards, three TD

15. Dwayne Jarrett (Carolina Panthers)

Muhsin Muhammad won’t be around forever to rescue Steve Smith from double teams. Come to think of it, I’m not sure he was that great at it last year.

Jarrett isn’t guaranteed slot duties, and is still in a run-first offense. But if he can show he can get it done in pre-season, he could prove to be a dangerous weapon with Steve Smith distracting the secondary.

Like many receivers, though, he’ll have to start slow.

Prediction: 22 rec, 311 yards, four TD

Michael Vick: 10 Possible Destinations

Although this article, as many are, is based on hypotheticals, let’s not indulge ourselves into any more than are necessary. For example, start now by ridding yourself of what “remorse” means, or what Commissioner Roger Goodell thinks it means.

When predicting the future of the league, or it’s players, one cannot get themselves caught up in legal drama, possible suspensions, or trivial things like contracts, money, and position status.

No, especially not when that player is a convicted dog-killer, as well as one of the most hated athletes in the nation.

While Vick likely still has the talent to dazzle us all and see himself littered across ESPN every Sunday, the question is, do we care to see it?

If you’re a true football fan, the answer is a resounding, yes.

Vick will be 29 when the season begins, will be playing like a 27-year old, and still has a lot to show us. But if Goodell let’s him play, will there actually be any takers?

Uh, yeah.

It’s time for us to think outside the box, America (and all other countries). Did Buffalo pop into our heads as Terrell Owens’ landing spit upon his release? No.

Did we start getting Jets fever when we heard Favre wanted to come back last year? Not likely.

So, as Vick will likely keep his options and mind open, so too, shall you.

Here’s a look at ten teams that would give Vick a serious look, for one reason or another, in no particular order:

1. New England Patriots

Bill Belichick drafted Kent State’s Justin Edelman to use in a new wildcat package, but what if he had Vick as his disposal?

If Vick would be willing to play primarily receiver and running back, the Patriots could grab that extra bit of talent to get them back to where they were in 2007.

Verdict: The Patriots could think about it, but with Brady back, they don’t need Vick to scare the opposition.

2. Miami Dolphins

Miami took Pat White to further advance their offense, but what if Vick could step in and be their primary back-up quarterback, as well as their wildcat signal caller?

Once again, if Vick is open to playing other spots on the field, he shouldn’t have too much of a problem getting a shot somewhere.

Verdict: Bill Parcells probably wouldn’t spend more than five minutes on this conversation. They drafted White for a reason, and they’ll stick with what they’ve got.

3. Cleveland Browns

New coach Eric Mangini isn’t sold on either one of his quarterbacks, so depending on his opinion of Vick, this wouldn’t be too outlandish of a landing spot.

Besides, Mangini has been toying with his own ideas for a wildcat package.

Verdict: With two solid quarterbacks battling for the top spot, Vick would bring unwanted media exposure. Mangini isn’t going to risk a blow-up in his first year.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

If you don’t jump to conclusions, you’d probably stick to the thinking that David Garrard is a pretty good quarterback. However, his and the Jaguars’ awful 2008 would suggest otherwise.

If Jack Del Rio is scared and afraid of losing his job, a desperate signing of Vick wouldn’t be surprising.

Verdict: Can’t rule it out.

5. Oakland Raiders

You can’t predict anything in Raider Nation, and you sure can’t predict what Al Davis will do, or what he is thinking.

He’s marching into 2009 with a shaky quarterback, and a 39-year old veteran behind him.

Seriously, what could it hurt to add Vick?

Verdict: Unless Davis says no, it will forever remain a possibility.

6. Washington Redskins

Like Al Davis, with Daniel Snyder, almost anything is possible. Just look at Albert Haynesworth’s $100 million contract if you need further evidence.

The Redskins haven’t exactly been voicing their confidence in starter, Jason Campbell, this off-season, so Vick could be tempting.

Verdict: If Campbell doesn’t look like the right guy in pre-season, Vick could be targeted.

7. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have three options.

They can ride it out with either of the average guys they have at quarterback, take their chance on Brett Favre’s 39-year old arm, or grab up the dog-killing Vick.

Verdict: If Favre can play, he’s their guy. If not, Vick is a bigger possibility than people think.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Let’s see. It’s Luke McCown, or…?

Yeah, Vick is on the radar.

However, with a new regime in Tampa, it’s actually fairly unlikely they’d take a chance on a guy like Vick. They’re establishing youth and character under Raheem Morris, so landing Vick wouldn’t make much sense.

Verdict: Jon Gruden is gone, and the Bucs are done collecting quarterbacks. At least, we hope.

9. San Francisco 49ers

If you’re satisfied with Shaun Hill, Alex Smith, and Nate Davis, then stop me here.

But I doubt that.

Davis has potential, but he’s likely going to take at least 2-3 years to fully develop both the physical and mental parts of the game.

If Vick could come in and bring a strong arm, leadership, and game-changing ability, why stop him?

Singletary would look like an absolute genius if it worked out.

Verdict: It’d be strange, considering Singletary’s big “character” out-burst on Vernon Davis, but maybe he’s not a dog lover.

10. St. Louis Rams

If the Rams are completely comfortable going into 2009 with Marc Bulger as their starter, they clearly have no intentions of competing at a high level.

It’s arguable that Vick wouldn’t change their playoff fortunes much, but he’d at least bring some excitement and pure talent back to this franchise.

Verdict: The Rams are starting over at almost every other position. What’s the hold-up at quarterback? Plain and simple: Bulger has to go; why not start by adding Vick?

There are a few other teams that could be slight possibilities, while I am completely ruling out Jim Mora Jr. and his Seattle Seahawks.

Vick already ruined his career one time. Mora won’t let him do it again.

All we know is Vick won't be in Atlanta