Here is my pre-combine/pro day mock draft. Let me know what your thoughts are about each pick. I will be doing a few revisions up to the day of the draft.
2010 NFL Mock Draft Round 1
1. St. Louis – Ndamukong Suh DT, Nebraska
2. Detroit – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
3. Tampa Bay – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
4. Washington – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
5. Kansas City – Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
6. Seattle – Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
7. Cleveland – Joe Haden, CB, Florida
8. Oakland – Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
9. Buffalo – Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
10. Jacksonville – Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
11. Denver – Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
12. Miami –Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
13. San Francisco – Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
14. Seattle – Taylor Mays, S, USC
15. New York Giants – Earl Thomas, S, Texas
16. Tennessee – Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
17. San Francisco – C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
18. Pittsburgh – Mike Iupati, G, Idaho
19. Atlanta – Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
20. Houston – Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
21. Cincinnati – Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
22. New England – Brandon Graham, OLB/DE, Michigan
23. Green Bay – Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
24. Philadelphia – Brian Price, DT, UCLA
25. Baltimore – Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
26. Arizona – Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
27. Dallas – Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
28. San Diego – Jared Odrick, DE/DT, Penn State
29. New York Jets – Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
30. Minnesota – Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan
31. Indianapolis – Charles Brown, OT, USC
32. New Orleans – Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
2009 Recap: Cleveland Browns
In Romeo Crennel’s final season in 2008, the Browns finished with a terrible 4-12 record and he was subsequently fired along with general manager Phil Savage. Eric Mangini, the former Jets coach, was hired to turn over the roster and lead the team to only its third winning season since 1999.
As the free agency period began, Mangini set out to bring in former Jets players including linebackers Eric Barton and David Bowens, defensive end C.J. Mosley, and cornerback Hank Poteat.
Despite having limited playmakers on offense, Mangini shipped out oft-injured tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a second round pick in the 2009 draft and fifth round pick in the 2010 draft.
Armed with the fifth overall pick and with prominent prospects such as wide receiver Michael Crabtree, defensive tackle B.J. Raji, and quarterback Mark Sanchez on the board, the Browns surprisingly traded the pick to none other than the New York Jets who selected Sanchez as their franchise quarterback. After trading down multiple times in the first round, the team finally made its first selection by taking center Alex Mack with the 21st pick. In the second round, they picked up two receivers in Brian Robiskie of Ohio State and Mohamed Massaquoi of Georgia. Receiver was a big need especially after starter Donte Stallworth was suspended and also jailed after killing a pedestrian in a car accident.
Once again quarterback was a major issue for the Browns. Neither 2007 first round pick Brady Quinn nor 2007 Pro Bowler Derek Anderson could string together any semblance of consistent performances.
Besides their quarterback fiasco, an aging Jamal Lewis was the only experienced running back, wide receiver Braylon Edwards continued to disappoint, and both rookie receivers failed to live up to their draft expectations.
In their first four games, all losses, the team averaged a miserable 12.25 points. Even in their first win against the Bills in week five, they won by a paltry score of 6-3.
After the losing streak, Edwards was shipped off to the Jets for several players and two draft picks.
Once again the offense struggled and the team went on a seven game losing streak which featured back to back blowouts against the Packers, Bears, and Ravens by a combined score of 77-9.
Surprisingly, things turned around at the end of the season as the Browns reeled off four consecutive wins against the Steelers, Chiefs, Raiders, and Jaguars to finish the year at 5-11.
It doesn’t say much when your best quarterback has a rating of 67.2 Quinn threw for a paltry 1,339 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in ten games.
Anderson continued to regress from his remarkable 2007 season, throwing for a mere 888 yards and a pitiful three touchdowns and ten interceptions.
Lewis, who ran for at least 1,000 yards in seven of his eight NFL seasons, lasted only nine games in 2009, rushing for 500 yards and only 3.5 yards per carry and no touchdowns. However, the biggest surprise of the season came in the form of fourth year back Jerome Harrison. Although he came into the league in 2006, Harrison had only 77 carries in three seasons before busting out for 862 yards in only seven starts including a Browns’ record 286 yards and three touchdowns against the Chiefs. He followed that performance up with 148 yards and a touchdown against the Raiders and 127 yards and a touchdown against the Jaguars. Special teams demon Josh Cribbs also gained 381 yards on the ground for a 6.9 yards per carry average.
Massaquoi led the team with only 34 receptions for 624 yards and three touchdowns. Robiskie was a huge disappointment despite being billed as the most polished receiver in the 2009 draft. He only caught seven passes for 106 yards.
Cribbs was the team’s best player although most of his damage was done in the kick return game. He averaged 27.5 yards per return while scoring three touchdowns. On punt returns, he was equally as dangerous, averaging 11.9 yards and a touchdown.
Overall, the offense ranked 29th in scoring at 15.3 points per game. They had the worst passing attack but did rank eighth in rushing.
Known for his defensive mind, Mangini’s unit was not impressive. The defense really missed middle linebacker D’Qwell Jackson who missed the last 10 games due to a shoulder injury. Without Jackson, the defense finished the year ranked 28th in rush defense.
Nose tackle Shaun Rogers still played well when healthy, but he suffered through a nagging ankle injury, finishing with 36 tackles and two sacks. Corey Williams, who was acquired for a second round pick before the 2008 season, continued to underwhelm.
Former first round pick Kamerion Wimbley posted 6.5 sacks from his outside linebacker position, however, he has never put up the numbers he did in his rookie season when he recorded 11 sacks. Bowens added 5.5 sacks for a unit that surprisingly ranked eighth in the category.
In the secondary, third year pro Eric Wright tied for the team with four interceptions with safety Brodney Pool. The defense recorded only 10 interceptions which ranked 29th.
Mangini was able to save his job as Mike Holmgren took over in a Bill Parcells type role, however, the team’s roster is truly devoid of playmaking talent. The team is attempting to sign Cribbs to a new deal while they still don’t know if they have a starting quarterback on their roster. Besides Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas and perhaps Harrison and Massaquoi, there isn’t much hope for the offense as it stands now. The Browns will need to make the most of their draft picks in 2010 to infuse this roster with some exciting talent.
Off-Season Issues to Address:
1. Quarterback: Quinn and Anderson have failed to make an impression on anyone. Holmgren has had the privilege of working with big time quarterbacks including Joe Montana, Steve Young, Brett Favre and Matt Hasselback so he certainly has the knowledge and experience in training future stars. The team will have to determine whether either Quinn or Anderson can lead this team in 2010.
2. Cornerback: Wright is a solid number two at best, but besides him, the Browns have next to nothing at the position. Many mock drafts and football experts have the Browns taking Florida cornerback Joe Haden with their first round pick. Haden is an extremely skilled, shutdown corner who is far and away the best in this class. He would be a great fit for the defense and should immediately start.
3. Receiver: Linebacker could have been here but the team does have some depth at that position. However, after trading Edwards, the team has a big void at the receiver position. Chansi Stuckey is a number three receiver and Massaquoi and Robiskie may never end up being anything better than second or third receivers. Oklahoma State’s Dez Bryant is the top receiver available who could easily go in the top 10 if he tests and interviews well at the combine. Atop the second round, the team could look at Notre Dame’s Golden Tate, Illinois’ Arrelious Benn and LSU’s Brandon LaFell.
As the free agency period began, Mangini set out to bring in former Jets players including linebackers Eric Barton and David Bowens, defensive end C.J. Mosley, and cornerback Hank Poteat.
Despite having limited playmakers on offense, Mangini shipped out oft-injured tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a second round pick in the 2009 draft and fifth round pick in the 2010 draft.
Armed with the fifth overall pick and with prominent prospects such as wide receiver Michael Crabtree, defensive tackle B.J. Raji, and quarterback Mark Sanchez on the board, the Browns surprisingly traded the pick to none other than the New York Jets who selected Sanchez as their franchise quarterback. After trading down multiple times in the first round, the team finally made its first selection by taking center Alex Mack with the 21st pick. In the second round, they picked up two receivers in Brian Robiskie of Ohio State and Mohamed Massaquoi of Georgia. Receiver was a big need especially after starter Donte Stallworth was suspended and also jailed after killing a pedestrian in a car accident.
Once again quarterback was a major issue for the Browns. Neither 2007 first round pick Brady Quinn nor 2007 Pro Bowler Derek Anderson could string together any semblance of consistent performances.
Besides their quarterback fiasco, an aging Jamal Lewis was the only experienced running back, wide receiver Braylon Edwards continued to disappoint, and both rookie receivers failed to live up to their draft expectations.
In their first four games, all losses, the team averaged a miserable 12.25 points. Even in their first win against the Bills in week five, they won by a paltry score of 6-3.
After the losing streak, Edwards was shipped off to the Jets for several players and two draft picks.
Once again the offense struggled and the team went on a seven game losing streak which featured back to back blowouts against the Packers, Bears, and Ravens by a combined score of 77-9.
Surprisingly, things turned around at the end of the season as the Browns reeled off four consecutive wins against the Steelers, Chiefs, Raiders, and Jaguars to finish the year at 5-11.
It doesn’t say much when your best quarterback has a rating of 67.2 Quinn threw for a paltry 1,339 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in ten games.
Anderson continued to regress from his remarkable 2007 season, throwing for a mere 888 yards and a pitiful three touchdowns and ten interceptions.
Lewis, who ran for at least 1,000 yards in seven of his eight NFL seasons, lasted only nine games in 2009, rushing for 500 yards and only 3.5 yards per carry and no touchdowns. However, the biggest surprise of the season came in the form of fourth year back Jerome Harrison. Although he came into the league in 2006, Harrison had only 77 carries in three seasons before busting out for 862 yards in only seven starts including a Browns’ record 286 yards and three touchdowns against the Chiefs. He followed that performance up with 148 yards and a touchdown against the Raiders and 127 yards and a touchdown against the Jaguars. Special teams demon Josh Cribbs also gained 381 yards on the ground for a 6.9 yards per carry average.
Massaquoi led the team with only 34 receptions for 624 yards and three touchdowns. Robiskie was a huge disappointment despite being billed as the most polished receiver in the 2009 draft. He only caught seven passes for 106 yards.
Cribbs was the team’s best player although most of his damage was done in the kick return game. He averaged 27.5 yards per return while scoring three touchdowns. On punt returns, he was equally as dangerous, averaging 11.9 yards and a touchdown.
Overall, the offense ranked 29th in scoring at 15.3 points per game. They had the worst passing attack but did rank eighth in rushing.
Known for his defensive mind, Mangini’s unit was not impressive. The defense really missed middle linebacker D’Qwell Jackson who missed the last 10 games due to a shoulder injury. Without Jackson, the defense finished the year ranked 28th in rush defense.
Nose tackle Shaun Rogers still played well when healthy, but he suffered through a nagging ankle injury, finishing with 36 tackles and two sacks. Corey Williams, who was acquired for a second round pick before the 2008 season, continued to underwhelm.
Former first round pick Kamerion Wimbley posted 6.5 sacks from his outside linebacker position, however, he has never put up the numbers he did in his rookie season when he recorded 11 sacks. Bowens added 5.5 sacks for a unit that surprisingly ranked eighth in the category.
In the secondary, third year pro Eric Wright tied for the team with four interceptions with safety Brodney Pool. The defense recorded only 10 interceptions which ranked 29th.
Mangini was able to save his job as Mike Holmgren took over in a Bill Parcells type role, however, the team’s roster is truly devoid of playmaking talent. The team is attempting to sign Cribbs to a new deal while they still don’t know if they have a starting quarterback on their roster. Besides Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas and perhaps Harrison and Massaquoi, there isn’t much hope for the offense as it stands now. The Browns will need to make the most of their draft picks in 2010 to infuse this roster with some exciting talent.
Off-Season Issues to Address:
1. Quarterback: Quinn and Anderson have failed to make an impression on anyone. Holmgren has had the privilege of working with big time quarterbacks including Joe Montana, Steve Young, Brett Favre and Matt Hasselback so he certainly has the knowledge and experience in training future stars. The team will have to determine whether either Quinn or Anderson can lead this team in 2010.
2. Cornerback: Wright is a solid number two at best, but besides him, the Browns have next to nothing at the position. Many mock drafts and football experts have the Browns taking Florida cornerback Joe Haden with their first round pick. Haden is an extremely skilled, shutdown corner who is far and away the best in this class. He would be a great fit for the defense and should immediately start.
3. Receiver: Linebacker could have been here but the team does have some depth at that position. However, after trading Edwards, the team has a big void at the receiver position. Chansi Stuckey is a number three receiver and Massaquoi and Robiskie may never end up being anything better than second or third receivers. Oklahoma State’s Dez Bryant is the top receiver available who could easily go in the top 10 if he tests and interviews well at the combine. Atop the second round, the team could look at Notre Dame’s Golden Tate, Illinois’ Arrelious Benn and LSU’s Brandon LaFell.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
2009 Recap: Pittsburgh Steelers
Entering 2009, the Pittsburgh Steelers returned all but two starters on their historic defense which propelled them to a Super Bowl victory over the Arizona Cardinals in 2008. In the off-season, the organization made it a priority to retain its own free agents including four starters on the offensive line. The team lost third receiver Nate Washington, starting cornerback Bryant McFadden, and starting inside linebacker Larry Foote to free agency.
On draft day, the team used the last pick in the first round on Missouri defensive tackle Evander “Ziggy” Hood. In the third round, the team used one of its three picks on Mississippi speedster Mike Wallace who impressed scouts with a 4.28 40-yard dash at the combine.
Offensively, the team was led by Pro Bowl quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who already won two Super Bowls since being drafted 11th overall in 2004.
The Steelers started the season slowly, dropping two straight games to the Bears and Bengals after an opening day overtime win against the Titans. Star safety Troy Polamalu injured his knee in the first game and did not return until week six.
Even without one of the two best safeties in the NFL, the Steelers managed to put together a nice five game winning streak in which the team averaged 29.6 points per game. It was during this time that 2008 first round running back Rashard Mendenhall really emerged. He averaged 105.6 rushing yards and scored four touchdowns over this span.
Unfortunately the Steelers continued to suffer injuries on defense. Pro Bowl defensive end Aaron Smith tore his rotator cuff and was placed on IR, Lawrence Timmons played through a nagging ankle injury, and Polamalu was never able to play at 100 percent.
The team’s playoff hopes took a huge hit when they went through an uncharacteristic five-game losing streak including losses to all three division opponents. Despite winning their last three games, the team was unable to qualify for the playoffs and the defending champions joined the other 19 teams watching the playoffs from home.
Roethlisberger had one of his best seasons, posting career highs in completion percentage (66.6) and yards (4,328) while throwing 26 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions.
Mendenhall showed why he was so highly touted out of Illinois in 2008. After missing nearly all of his rookie season due to Ray Lewis breaking his shoulder, Mendenhall carried the ball 242 times for 1,108 yards and seven touchdowns. His success made former starter Willie Parker forgettable even though he had averaged over 1300 yards between 2005-2007.
Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward formed a very solid combination at wide receiver. Ward caught 95 passes for 1,167 yards and six touchdowns while Holmes set career highs in catches (79) and yards (1,248). However, the most surprising contributor came in the form of Wallace who stepped right into Washington’s role as the team’s deep threat. Wallace racked up an impressive 756 yards on 39 catches for a remarkable 19.4 average. Tight end Heath Miller also had a bounce back season posting a 76/789/6 line.
After surrendering 49 sacks in 2008, the offensive line gave up an astounding 50 sacks. Although part of the blame falls on Roethlisberger for holding the ball too long, pass protection is still an issue for this group. As run blockers, they were average as they ranked 19th in rushing yards.
Pittsburgh’s defense was certainly not on the same level as its historic one in 2008, but it still was one of the top units in the NFL. Outside linebackers Lamarr Woodley and James Harrison both earned Pro Bowl nods as they recorded 13.5 and 10 sacks respectively. James Farrior led the team with 102 tackles while Timmons also played well despite being injured, recording 78 tackles, seven sacks, and four forced fumbles.
Casey Hampton, one of the top nose tackles in the league earned his fifth Pro Bowl selection after making 43 stops and 2.5 sacks. Brett Keisel played solid, leading the defense line in tackles with 54 while posting 3 sacks and forcing a fumble. Keep in mind that the Steelers lost arguably one of the best 3-4 ends in Smith early on and that in their system, defensive linemen are asked to hold the point of attack rather than make tackles and sacks.
Once again, this unit was excellent against the run, ranking third in rush defense at only 89.9 yards per game.
On the back end, the team struggled without Polamalu in the lineup. Starting cornerbacks William Gay and Ike Taylor combined for one interception which clearly highlighted their problem with making plays on the ball. With such feared pass rushers like Woodley and Harrison putting pressure on the quarterback, there should be no reason that the secondary had a total of 10 interceptions.
The secondary was a pretty average unit, ranking 16th overall in passing yards allowed.
Overall, the defense’s effectiveness clearly took a hit with the losses of Polamalu and Smith as they surrendered 20.3 points per game compared to only 13.9 in 2008.
Off-season Issues to Address:
1. Offensive line: The Steelers have long been known as a team that runs the ball and plays great defense. Although they are clearly shifting to a more pass-oriented attack, they still are an average to below average group on the offensive line. The team does not need someone to step in right away at the tackle spots as Willie Colon and Max Starks are still rather young, but they could use competition at any spot on the line.
2. Safety: Ryan Clark could be on his way out as an unrestricted free agent who could command a salary that the team may not want to pay. There are several safeties in the draft who could be available when the Steelers are on the clock with the 18th pick. Look out for Earl Thomas, Taylor Mays, and Chad Jones as draft possibilities.
3. Defensive Line: This year’s draft is loaded with quality defensive linemen. Hampton is a free agent who will probably be franchise tagged, however, Hampton will be 33 next season, Smith will be 34, and Keisel will be 32. Although Hood was drafted in the first round last year, the team will certainly need to think about adding a possible replacement at nose tackle as Hampton’s career winds down. Dan Williams of Tennessee and Terrence Cody of Alabama are options that could be available via the draft.
On draft day, the team used the last pick in the first round on Missouri defensive tackle Evander “Ziggy” Hood. In the third round, the team used one of its three picks on Mississippi speedster Mike Wallace who impressed scouts with a 4.28 40-yard dash at the combine.
Offensively, the team was led by Pro Bowl quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who already won two Super Bowls since being drafted 11th overall in 2004.
The Steelers started the season slowly, dropping two straight games to the Bears and Bengals after an opening day overtime win against the Titans. Star safety Troy Polamalu injured his knee in the first game and did not return until week six.
Even without one of the two best safeties in the NFL, the Steelers managed to put together a nice five game winning streak in which the team averaged 29.6 points per game. It was during this time that 2008 first round running back Rashard Mendenhall really emerged. He averaged 105.6 rushing yards and scored four touchdowns over this span.
Unfortunately the Steelers continued to suffer injuries on defense. Pro Bowl defensive end Aaron Smith tore his rotator cuff and was placed on IR, Lawrence Timmons played through a nagging ankle injury, and Polamalu was never able to play at 100 percent.
The team’s playoff hopes took a huge hit when they went through an uncharacteristic five-game losing streak including losses to all three division opponents. Despite winning their last three games, the team was unable to qualify for the playoffs and the defending champions joined the other 19 teams watching the playoffs from home.
Roethlisberger had one of his best seasons, posting career highs in completion percentage (66.6) and yards (4,328) while throwing 26 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions.
Mendenhall showed why he was so highly touted out of Illinois in 2008. After missing nearly all of his rookie season due to Ray Lewis breaking his shoulder, Mendenhall carried the ball 242 times for 1,108 yards and seven touchdowns. His success made former starter Willie Parker forgettable even though he had averaged over 1300 yards between 2005-2007.
Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward formed a very solid combination at wide receiver. Ward caught 95 passes for 1,167 yards and six touchdowns while Holmes set career highs in catches (79) and yards (1,248). However, the most surprising contributor came in the form of Wallace who stepped right into Washington’s role as the team’s deep threat. Wallace racked up an impressive 756 yards on 39 catches for a remarkable 19.4 average. Tight end Heath Miller also had a bounce back season posting a 76/789/6 line.
After surrendering 49 sacks in 2008, the offensive line gave up an astounding 50 sacks. Although part of the blame falls on Roethlisberger for holding the ball too long, pass protection is still an issue for this group. As run blockers, they were average as they ranked 19th in rushing yards.
Pittsburgh’s defense was certainly not on the same level as its historic one in 2008, but it still was one of the top units in the NFL. Outside linebackers Lamarr Woodley and James Harrison both earned Pro Bowl nods as they recorded 13.5 and 10 sacks respectively. James Farrior led the team with 102 tackles while Timmons also played well despite being injured, recording 78 tackles, seven sacks, and four forced fumbles.
Casey Hampton, one of the top nose tackles in the league earned his fifth Pro Bowl selection after making 43 stops and 2.5 sacks. Brett Keisel played solid, leading the defense line in tackles with 54 while posting 3 sacks and forcing a fumble. Keep in mind that the Steelers lost arguably one of the best 3-4 ends in Smith early on and that in their system, defensive linemen are asked to hold the point of attack rather than make tackles and sacks.
Once again, this unit was excellent against the run, ranking third in rush defense at only 89.9 yards per game.
On the back end, the team struggled without Polamalu in the lineup. Starting cornerbacks William Gay and Ike Taylor combined for one interception which clearly highlighted their problem with making plays on the ball. With such feared pass rushers like Woodley and Harrison putting pressure on the quarterback, there should be no reason that the secondary had a total of 10 interceptions.
The secondary was a pretty average unit, ranking 16th overall in passing yards allowed.
Overall, the defense’s effectiveness clearly took a hit with the losses of Polamalu and Smith as they surrendered 20.3 points per game compared to only 13.9 in 2008.
Off-season Issues to Address:
1. Offensive line: The Steelers have long been known as a team that runs the ball and plays great defense. Although they are clearly shifting to a more pass-oriented attack, they still are an average to below average group on the offensive line. The team does not need someone to step in right away at the tackle spots as Willie Colon and Max Starks are still rather young, but they could use competition at any spot on the line.
2. Safety: Ryan Clark could be on his way out as an unrestricted free agent who could command a salary that the team may not want to pay. There are several safeties in the draft who could be available when the Steelers are on the clock with the 18th pick. Look out for Earl Thomas, Taylor Mays, and Chad Jones as draft possibilities.
3. Defensive Line: This year’s draft is loaded with quality defensive linemen. Hampton is a free agent who will probably be franchise tagged, however, Hampton will be 33 next season, Smith will be 34, and Keisel will be 32. Although Hood was drafted in the first round last year, the team will certainly need to think about adding a possible replacement at nose tackle as Hampton’s career winds down. Dan Williams of Tennessee and Terrence Cody of Alabama are options that could be available via the draft.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
2009 Recap: Cincinnati Bengals
For years they have been known as the Cincinnati “Bungles”, a team that annually underachieved with low-character players who had run-ins with the law. Coming off a terrible 4-11-1 season in 2008, in which the team lost former number one overall pick, quarterback Carson Palmer to a serious elbow injury and 2008 first round linebacker Keith Rivers to a broken jaw, head coach Marvin Lewis was clearly on the hot seat. Since taking over in 2003, Lewis’ only winning season was in 2005 when the team won the AFC North title.
Unsurprisingly, the Bengals made headlines by signing a player who had character issues – running back Cedric Benson, the fourth overall pick in 2005. After averaging a dismal 585 yards per season during his time as a Chicago Bear, Benson joined the Bengals hoping to resurrect his career.
In addition the team added a veteran wide receiver in Laveranues Coles albeit with a large four-year, $27.5 million contract. Coles caught 70 passes for 850 yards and seven touchdowns in 2008 as a New York Jet.
As the NFL Draft approached, the team needed to upgrade along the offensive line after losing Stacy Andrews via free agency. With the sixth overall pick, the team selected mammoth offensive tackle Andre Smith of Alabama. A consensus First-Team All American and winner of the 2008 Outland Trophy, Smith was under a lot of scrutiny when he left the combine and later ran his 40-yard dash shirtless.
Besides Smith, the Bengals were able to grab USC linebacker Rey Maualuga in the second round and talented, but inconsistent Georgia Tech defensive end Michael Johnson in the third.
Armed with young and talented defense, a returning Palmer, and an upgraded offense, hopes were high in Ohio. However, after a prolonged holdout, Smith fractured his left foot on his first day of non-contact practice and did not start until Week 13.
After losing in week one versus the Denver Broncos, the Bengals reeled off an impressive four game winning streak including victories against all three of their division opponents.
The team lost in week six to the Houston Texans, but they rebounded in a big way against the Chicago Bears with a 45-10 rout that featured five Palmer touchdown passes and 189 rushing yards by Benson.
Once again, the Bengals stunned everyone when they beat the AFC North’s two powerhouses – the Steelers and Ravens in weeks nine and 10. Unfortunately Benson was injured and missed the next two games including a 20-17 loss to the Oakland Raiders. Once Benson returned against Detroit, the team finished the season with a final record of 10-6, capturing the AFC North division title.
Come playoff time, the team squared off with the New York Jets who had beaten the Bengals in week 16 to clinch a playoff spot. In the end, the Bengals’ offense simply couldn’t put up enough points and the team was eliminated following a 24-14 loss.
A year removed from his injury, Palmer threw for 3,095 yards along with 21 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Palmer was certainly above average, but he failed to come close to the Pro Bowl numbers he put up back in 2005-2007.
Benson did a complete turnaround, establishing himself as a tough, between the tackles, runner. If not for his injury, Benson probably would have made the Pro Bowl after finishing the season ranked eighth with 1,251 yards in only 13 games. He also set a Bengals postseason record with 169 rushing yards in the playoff loss to the Jets. The team also got good production from rookie Bernard Scott (74 carries/321 yards) and mid-season free agent signee Larry Johnson (46 carries/404 yards). Johnson was signed after he was released by the Chiefs when they could not put up with his attitude and comments about the coaching staff and organization.
After his worst season since his rookie year, Chad Ochocinco devoted himself to getting into the best shape of his life in preparation for 2009. The training worked wonders for Ochocinco as he returned to form, catching 72 passes for 1,047 yards and nine touchdowns. He also was named to his sixth Pro Bowl.
Coles’ age seemed to have robbed him of his ability to separate as he posted a disappointing line of 43/514/5. Andre Caldwell, the team’s third-round pick in 2008 also had a pedestrian line of 51/432/3.
Sadly, Chris Henry, a talented, but often troubled player who seemed to have been turning his life around, died on December 17, 2009 after falling off the back of a truck during a domestic dispute. Henry was the team’s best deep threat and had a knack for finding the end zone.
Surprisingly, the offensive line played well. Left tackle Andrew Whitworth and Bobbie Williams were the leaders of a group that blocked for the league’s ninth-ranked rushing attack. They also ranked ninth with only 29 sacks allowed.
Much of the Bengals’ success can be attributed to their defense. Up front, Antwan Odom started out hot, recording eight sacks in the first four games before injuring his Achilles. The rest of the defensive line did not post great numbers, but they did play well against the run.
At the second level, the linebackers played very well. Ten-year veteran middle linebacker Dhani Jones led the team with 113 tackles. At the outside positions, former USC teammates Maualuga and Rivers flashed the talent that made them high profile players in college. Rivers played in 13 games and posted 72 tackles, a sack and an interception. Maualuga started 15 games on the strong-side, making 63 tackles, including six for loss, three forced fumbles and a sack.
The group finished the year ranked seventh in rush defense.
In the secondary, the opposing quarterbacks couldn’t muster much against the Bengals’ talented cornerback duo of Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall. A Michigan alum, Hall made second team All Pro after recording 71 tackles, two forced fumbles, and six interceptions. Joseph was no slouch either, making 69 tackles and picking off six passes including one he returned for a touchdown.
Safety Chinedum Nkudkwe finished second on the team with 89 tackles, however, the team could certainly use a playmaker at the position.
Led by their two corners, the team ranked sixth in passing yards allowed, ninth with 19 interceptions, and seventh in opposing quarterback rating.
After a tumultuous 2008, the Bengals made a statement by sweeping their division games in 2009. In order to make a return to the playoffs, the defense will have to continue to develop its young players while the offense must become more explosive.
Off-season Issues to address:
1. Receiver: Ochocinco recorded 1,047 yards. The Bengals’ second and third receivers combined? 946. The team needs someone to draw attention away from Ochocinco. After missing on second rounder Jerome Simpson and with Caldwell only averaging 8.5 yards per catch, the team needs an explosive playmaker at the receiver position.
2. Safety: The Bengals’ top three safeties combined for two sacks, three interceptions, and one forced fumble. With two Pro Bowl caliber corners, a talented safety could potentially make this an elite unit. Earl Thomas and Taylor Mays are options that could be available via the draft.
3. Pass Rush: Outside of Odom, the Bengals posted only 26 sacks which would have ranked 29th with the DETROIT LIONS. This year’s draft is loaded with defensive linemen including ends Derrick Morgan, Carlos Dunlap, Everson Griffin, and Jason Pierre-Paul. Outside of Morgan, all could be available when the Bengals pick at 21.
Unsurprisingly, the Bengals made headlines by signing a player who had character issues – running back Cedric Benson, the fourth overall pick in 2005. After averaging a dismal 585 yards per season during his time as a Chicago Bear, Benson joined the Bengals hoping to resurrect his career.
In addition the team added a veteran wide receiver in Laveranues Coles albeit with a large four-year, $27.5 million contract. Coles caught 70 passes for 850 yards and seven touchdowns in 2008 as a New York Jet.
As the NFL Draft approached, the team needed to upgrade along the offensive line after losing Stacy Andrews via free agency. With the sixth overall pick, the team selected mammoth offensive tackle Andre Smith of Alabama. A consensus First-Team All American and winner of the 2008 Outland Trophy, Smith was under a lot of scrutiny when he left the combine and later ran his 40-yard dash shirtless.
Besides Smith, the Bengals were able to grab USC linebacker Rey Maualuga in the second round and talented, but inconsistent Georgia Tech defensive end Michael Johnson in the third.
Armed with young and talented defense, a returning Palmer, and an upgraded offense, hopes were high in Ohio. However, after a prolonged holdout, Smith fractured his left foot on his first day of non-contact practice and did not start until Week 13.
After losing in week one versus the Denver Broncos, the Bengals reeled off an impressive four game winning streak including victories against all three of their division opponents.
The team lost in week six to the Houston Texans, but they rebounded in a big way against the Chicago Bears with a 45-10 rout that featured five Palmer touchdown passes and 189 rushing yards by Benson.
Once again, the Bengals stunned everyone when they beat the AFC North’s two powerhouses – the Steelers and Ravens in weeks nine and 10. Unfortunately Benson was injured and missed the next two games including a 20-17 loss to the Oakland Raiders. Once Benson returned against Detroit, the team finished the season with a final record of 10-6, capturing the AFC North division title.
Come playoff time, the team squared off with the New York Jets who had beaten the Bengals in week 16 to clinch a playoff spot. In the end, the Bengals’ offense simply couldn’t put up enough points and the team was eliminated following a 24-14 loss.
A year removed from his injury, Palmer threw for 3,095 yards along with 21 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Palmer was certainly above average, but he failed to come close to the Pro Bowl numbers he put up back in 2005-2007.
Benson did a complete turnaround, establishing himself as a tough, between the tackles, runner. If not for his injury, Benson probably would have made the Pro Bowl after finishing the season ranked eighth with 1,251 yards in only 13 games. He also set a Bengals postseason record with 169 rushing yards in the playoff loss to the Jets. The team also got good production from rookie Bernard Scott (74 carries/321 yards) and mid-season free agent signee Larry Johnson (46 carries/404 yards). Johnson was signed after he was released by the Chiefs when they could not put up with his attitude and comments about the coaching staff and organization.
After his worst season since his rookie year, Chad Ochocinco devoted himself to getting into the best shape of his life in preparation for 2009. The training worked wonders for Ochocinco as he returned to form, catching 72 passes for 1,047 yards and nine touchdowns. He also was named to his sixth Pro Bowl.
Coles’ age seemed to have robbed him of his ability to separate as he posted a disappointing line of 43/514/5. Andre Caldwell, the team’s third-round pick in 2008 also had a pedestrian line of 51/432/3.
Sadly, Chris Henry, a talented, but often troubled player who seemed to have been turning his life around, died on December 17, 2009 after falling off the back of a truck during a domestic dispute. Henry was the team’s best deep threat and had a knack for finding the end zone.
Surprisingly, the offensive line played well. Left tackle Andrew Whitworth and Bobbie Williams were the leaders of a group that blocked for the league’s ninth-ranked rushing attack. They also ranked ninth with only 29 sacks allowed.
Much of the Bengals’ success can be attributed to their defense. Up front, Antwan Odom started out hot, recording eight sacks in the first four games before injuring his Achilles. The rest of the defensive line did not post great numbers, but they did play well against the run.
At the second level, the linebackers played very well. Ten-year veteran middle linebacker Dhani Jones led the team with 113 tackles. At the outside positions, former USC teammates Maualuga and Rivers flashed the talent that made them high profile players in college. Rivers played in 13 games and posted 72 tackles, a sack and an interception. Maualuga started 15 games on the strong-side, making 63 tackles, including six for loss, three forced fumbles and a sack.
The group finished the year ranked seventh in rush defense.
In the secondary, the opposing quarterbacks couldn’t muster much against the Bengals’ talented cornerback duo of Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall. A Michigan alum, Hall made second team All Pro after recording 71 tackles, two forced fumbles, and six interceptions. Joseph was no slouch either, making 69 tackles and picking off six passes including one he returned for a touchdown.
Safety Chinedum Nkudkwe finished second on the team with 89 tackles, however, the team could certainly use a playmaker at the position.
Led by their two corners, the team ranked sixth in passing yards allowed, ninth with 19 interceptions, and seventh in opposing quarterback rating.
After a tumultuous 2008, the Bengals made a statement by sweeping their division games in 2009. In order to make a return to the playoffs, the defense will have to continue to develop its young players while the offense must become more explosive.
Off-season Issues to address:
1. Receiver: Ochocinco recorded 1,047 yards. The Bengals’ second and third receivers combined? 946. The team needs someone to draw attention away from Ochocinco. After missing on second rounder Jerome Simpson and with Caldwell only averaging 8.5 yards per catch, the team needs an explosive playmaker at the receiver position.
2. Safety: The Bengals’ top three safeties combined for two sacks, three interceptions, and one forced fumble. With two Pro Bowl caliber corners, a talented safety could potentially make this an elite unit. Earl Thomas and Taylor Mays are options that could be available via the draft.
3. Pass Rush: Outside of Odom, the Bengals posted only 26 sacks which would have ranked 29th with the DETROIT LIONS. This year’s draft is loaded with defensive linemen including ends Derrick Morgan, Carlos Dunlap, Everson Griffin, and Jason Pierre-Paul. Outside of Morgan, all could be available when the Bengals pick at 21.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
2009 Recap: Buffalo Bills
Entering 2009, Dick Jauron’s Buffalo Bills had finished 7-9 for three consecutive seasons. The team had finally given up on 2004 first round quarterback J.P. Losman who threw for 33 touchdowns and 34 interceptions during his time in a Bills uniform. With 2007 third round pick Trent Edwards under center, the Bills had hope for an offense that already included a solid running back tandem of Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson and wide receiver Lee Evans.
The team made headlines when it signed six-time Pro Bowl receiver Terrell Owens to a one-year, $6.5 million contract to line up opposite of Evans. Unfortunately the Bills totally neglected their offense line, trading away Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters to the Eagles for draft picks and releasing starting tackle Langston Walker before the season began.
Armed with two first round picks in the 2009 NFL draft, the team took defensive end Aaron Maybin of Penn State with the 11th overall pick. They also drafted center/guard Eric Wood of Louisville with the pick they obtained for Peters. However, the team’s best pick turned out to be Jairus Byrd, a free safety out of Oregon who would later be named to the AFC’s Pro Bowl roster after tying for the league lead with nine interceptions despite only starting 11 games.
Things nearly started out well in the team’s opener on Monday night against the division rival New England Patriots. If not for a Leodis McKelvin fumble on a kick return, the Bills would have upset the Pats. Unfortunately for them, Tom Brady had one of his signature late game drives and the Pats won by one point.
The team did beat up on the hapless Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week two, winning 33-20; however, with an inexperienced offensive line and an underachieving Owens, the Bills were outscored in their next three games 81-20.
They did seem to pick things up when they secured an overtime victory against the New York Jets and a 20-9 win against the Carolina Panthers before their bye week, yet, the Bills would end up winning only three of their next eight games. Jauron was fired on November 17 after the team suffered a 41-17 blowout against the Tennessee Titans.
By season’s end, the team finished in fourth place with a 6-10 record.
For the second season in a row, Edwards displayed an inability to stay healthy, only starting in six games. He ended the year completing 60.1 percent of his passes for 1,169 yards and only six touchdowns and seven interceptions. His replacement, Ryan Fitzpatrick, a seventh round draft pick by the St. Louis Rams in 2005, didn’t fare much better, completing only 55.9 percent of his passes for 1,422 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
After being drafted 12th overall in 2007, Lynch became a workhouse rushing for 1,115 and 1,036 yards in his first two seasons. However, Lynch missed the first three games of the year due to suspension and ran for a disappointing 450 yards en route to a 3.8 yards per carry average.
Jackson, Lynch’s backup in 2007-2008, ended up carrying the Bills’ offense, rushing for 1,062 yards while also catching 46 passes for 371 yards.
The T.O. experiment was a dud. Owens posted one of the worst seasons of his career, catching a mere 55 passes for 829 yards and five touchdowns. Evans, who was supposed to benefit from increased attention to Owens, posted a career low in catches (44), yards (612), yards per catch (13.9), and first downs (27). Outside of Owens and Evans, the only other receiver on the roster with double-digit catches was Josh Reed (27/291/1).
The offense finished the season ranking 28th in points per game, 30th in passing offense, and 16th in rushing.
Defensively, the Bills actually had one of the league’s best secondaries. They allowed the second fewest yards per game, ranked second with 28 interceptions, and third in opposing quarterback’s completion percentage (56.8%). Along with Byrd, safety George Wilson had a very good season finishing with 103 tackles, two sackes, one forced fumble, and four interceptions.
Middle linebacker Paul Poslunszny led the team in tackles with 110 while also forcing three fumbles and making three interceptions. However, the Bills’ run defense was terrible in 2009, ranking 30th at 156.3 yards/game.
Luckily for the Bills, defensive end Aaron Schobel returned to Pro Bowl former, registering 56 tackles and 10 sacks to go along with three forced fumbles and an interception. Seventh year end Chris Kelsay chipped in with 62 tackles and five sacks while defensive tackles Marcus Stroud and Kyle Williams combined for 122 tackles and six sacks.
Unfortunately for the Bills, Maybin was a total non-factor in his first season despite being a top-15 draft pick. The former Nittany Lion posted 0 sacks despite finishing his redshirt-sophomore year with 12.
In January 2010, the Bills named Chan Gailey their new head coach and will be implanting a 3-4 defense which should help Maybin capitalize on his athletic ability, however, the team certainly has a lot of work to do in order to move up in the standings in the improving AFC East.
Off-season Issues to Address:
1. Offense: The team still does not know if it has a franchise quarterback on its roster. Edwards took a step back in 2009 and Fitzpatrick is nothing more than a backup. The offense line featured two rookies and a seventh round pick at left tackle. They will all have to improve in 2010 including Wood who suffered a gruesome leg injury. Evans desperately needs some quality receiving depth behind him if he is to produce to his abilities. Perhaps 2008 second round pick James Hardy will be able to step up but he has done nothing since tearing his ACL.
2. Run defense: Whether it’s a linebacker or defensive tackle, the Bills must improve against the run in a division that features three good run offenses. With the switch to the 3-4, the Bills will need to assess who fits where in their new scheme and then look to the draft to fill in the rest.
3. Coaching: Jauron never led the team to a winning record during his tenure as head coach. Gailey formerly coached the Cowboys and recently coached the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets from 2002-2007. The Bills ranked 24th overall in attendance last season. The team has not posted consecutive winning records since the 1998-1999 seasons.
The team made headlines when it signed six-time Pro Bowl receiver Terrell Owens to a one-year, $6.5 million contract to line up opposite of Evans. Unfortunately the Bills totally neglected their offense line, trading away Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters to the Eagles for draft picks and releasing starting tackle Langston Walker before the season began.
Armed with two first round picks in the 2009 NFL draft, the team took defensive end Aaron Maybin of Penn State with the 11th overall pick. They also drafted center/guard Eric Wood of Louisville with the pick they obtained for Peters. However, the team’s best pick turned out to be Jairus Byrd, a free safety out of Oregon who would later be named to the AFC’s Pro Bowl roster after tying for the league lead with nine interceptions despite only starting 11 games.
Things nearly started out well in the team’s opener on Monday night against the division rival New England Patriots. If not for a Leodis McKelvin fumble on a kick return, the Bills would have upset the Pats. Unfortunately for them, Tom Brady had one of his signature late game drives and the Pats won by one point.
The team did beat up on the hapless Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week two, winning 33-20; however, with an inexperienced offensive line and an underachieving Owens, the Bills were outscored in their next three games 81-20.
They did seem to pick things up when they secured an overtime victory against the New York Jets and a 20-9 win against the Carolina Panthers before their bye week, yet, the Bills would end up winning only three of their next eight games. Jauron was fired on November 17 after the team suffered a 41-17 blowout against the Tennessee Titans.
By season’s end, the team finished in fourth place with a 6-10 record.
For the second season in a row, Edwards displayed an inability to stay healthy, only starting in six games. He ended the year completing 60.1 percent of his passes for 1,169 yards and only six touchdowns and seven interceptions. His replacement, Ryan Fitzpatrick, a seventh round draft pick by the St. Louis Rams in 2005, didn’t fare much better, completing only 55.9 percent of his passes for 1,422 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
After being drafted 12th overall in 2007, Lynch became a workhouse rushing for 1,115 and 1,036 yards in his first two seasons. However, Lynch missed the first three games of the year due to suspension and ran for a disappointing 450 yards en route to a 3.8 yards per carry average.
Jackson, Lynch’s backup in 2007-2008, ended up carrying the Bills’ offense, rushing for 1,062 yards while also catching 46 passes for 371 yards.
The T.O. experiment was a dud. Owens posted one of the worst seasons of his career, catching a mere 55 passes for 829 yards and five touchdowns. Evans, who was supposed to benefit from increased attention to Owens, posted a career low in catches (44), yards (612), yards per catch (13.9), and first downs (27). Outside of Owens and Evans, the only other receiver on the roster with double-digit catches was Josh Reed (27/291/1).
The offense finished the season ranking 28th in points per game, 30th in passing offense, and 16th in rushing.
Defensively, the Bills actually had one of the league’s best secondaries. They allowed the second fewest yards per game, ranked second with 28 interceptions, and third in opposing quarterback’s completion percentage (56.8%). Along with Byrd, safety George Wilson had a very good season finishing with 103 tackles, two sackes, one forced fumble, and four interceptions.
Middle linebacker Paul Poslunszny led the team in tackles with 110 while also forcing three fumbles and making three interceptions. However, the Bills’ run defense was terrible in 2009, ranking 30th at 156.3 yards/game.
Luckily for the Bills, defensive end Aaron Schobel returned to Pro Bowl former, registering 56 tackles and 10 sacks to go along with three forced fumbles and an interception. Seventh year end Chris Kelsay chipped in with 62 tackles and five sacks while defensive tackles Marcus Stroud and Kyle Williams combined for 122 tackles and six sacks.
Unfortunately for the Bills, Maybin was a total non-factor in his first season despite being a top-15 draft pick. The former Nittany Lion posted 0 sacks despite finishing his redshirt-sophomore year with 12.
In January 2010, the Bills named Chan Gailey their new head coach and will be implanting a 3-4 defense which should help Maybin capitalize on his athletic ability, however, the team certainly has a lot of work to do in order to move up in the standings in the improving AFC East.
Off-season Issues to Address:
1. Offense: The team still does not know if it has a franchise quarterback on its roster. Edwards took a step back in 2009 and Fitzpatrick is nothing more than a backup. The offense line featured two rookies and a seventh round pick at left tackle. They will all have to improve in 2010 including Wood who suffered a gruesome leg injury. Evans desperately needs some quality receiving depth behind him if he is to produce to his abilities. Perhaps 2008 second round pick James Hardy will be able to step up but he has done nothing since tearing his ACL.
2. Run defense: Whether it’s a linebacker or defensive tackle, the Bills must improve against the run in a division that features three good run offenses. With the switch to the 3-4, the Bills will need to assess who fits where in their new scheme and then look to the draft to fill in the rest.
3. Coaching: Jauron never led the team to a winning record during his tenure as head coach. Gailey formerly coached the Cowboys and recently coached the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets from 2002-2007. The Bills ranked 24th overall in attendance last season. The team has not posted consecutive winning records since the 1998-1999 seasons.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
2009 Recap: Miami Dolphins
When the Miami Dolphins hired football czar Bill Parcells in 2008, the team had just come off a terrible 1-15 season under new head coach Cam Cameron. Parcells worked his magic once again as he had for the Giants, Patriots, and Cowboys, drafting franchise tackle Jake Long with the first overall pick and with the aid of an easy schedule, shocked everyone by winning the AFC East with a rookie head coach (Tony Sparano) and former Jet’s quarterback cast-off Chad Pennington leading the way.
In 2009, the Dolphins set out to continue building their team through both the draft and free agency. With their first two picks, the team drafted cornerbacks Vontae Davis of Illinois and Sean Smith of Utah. The team also signed future starters in safety Gibril Wilson and center Jake Grove while retaining starting inside linebacker Channing Crowder, right tackle Vernon Carey, safety Yeremiah Bell, cornerback Will Allen, and fullback Lousaka Polite.
To bolster its pass rush, the team also brought back a fan favorite and All-decade defensive end/outside linebacker Jason Taylor and CFL sack-leader Cameron Wake.
The team’s regular season performance could certainly be described as inconsistent despite finishing the pre-season a perfect 4-0. After starting out 0-2, the team suffered a major loss when Pennington suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in week three against the San Diego Chargers. Second year quarterback Chad Henne stepped into the starting lineup and performed rather well.
Henne led the Dolphins to consecutive divisional wins against the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets. Over the next eight games, the team positioned itself for a potential playoff berth by going 5-3; however, following a 27-20 overtime loss to the red-hot Tennessee Titans, the team lost its final two games to the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers, finishing the season a disappointing 7-9.
Henne finished the season completing 60.78 percent of his passes for 2,878 yards while throwing 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He did throw for three 300 yard games at the end of the season and provides leadership skills and toughness.
The Dolphin’s offense once again was fueled by the running game. In the beginning of the year, Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown appeared to be on their way of attaining their goal of being a pair of 1,000 yard backs; however, Brown sustained a serious foot injury and was placed on IR, missing the team’s final seven games. Williams picked up the slack and ended up rushing for 1,121 yards and 11 touchdowns while also adding 35 receptions for 264 yards and two touchdowns. He set an NFL record for longest stint between 1,000 yard rushing seasons at six years.
Receiving depth continued to be an area where the Dolphins faltered. Ted Ginn Jr., the ninth overall pick in 2007 out of Ohio State, continued to display inconsistent hands and route running and finished with an underwhelming 38/454/1 line. He did tie an NFL record when he returned two kickoffs of over 100 yards for touchdowns against the Jets.
Rookie fourth round pick Brian Hartline, another Ohio State product, was a surprisingly consistent player who finished the year with 31/506/3. Davone Bess continued to be a reliable possession receiver, leading the team with 75 receptions for 758 yards.
The front five of Long, Justin Smiley, Grove, Nate Garner, and Carey were an average to above average group, surrendering 34 sacks which ranked 15th in the league. They did however pave the way for the league’s fourth ranked rushing attack.
Long was named to his second Pro Bowl in two years as he protected Henne, his former Michigan teammate, from opposing pass rushers.
One area that the Dolphins regressed in was the turnover margin. In 2008, the team only turned the ball over 16 times while in 2009 that number increased to 27.
The Dolphins finished in the bottom third in pass defense (24th) and in the middle (18th) in run defense. Part of their pass defense problems can be attributed to their young corners, particularly Davis who made mental errors. However, both Davis and Smith did flash significant talent and should be mainstays in the secondary. Wilson struggled mightily in coverage but did rank second on the team in tackles with 93. Safety will certainly be a position where the team needs to improve.
In their 3-4 defense, the Dolphins inside linebackers simply did not make enough big plays. Channing Crowder and Akin Ayodele only combined for one forced fumble, one sack, and one interception. At outside linebacker, Wake provided a nice pass rushing presence, picking up 5.5 sacks, however, he still needs time to adjust to the NFL and learn to play the run. Joey Porter, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2008, regressed badly with only nine sacks and is a candidate for release this off-season. Taylor returned to post seven sacks, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions at age 35.
Up front, the defensive line played well despite losing starting nose tackle Jason Ferguson to a knee injury. Second year ends Phillip Merling and Kendall Langford each posted 2.5 sacks and over 30 tackles while Randy Starks flashed Pro Bowl ability, finishing with seven sacks and 56 tackles. Depth on the defensive line could be an issue with Ferguson’s age and injury history.
The 2009 season was certainly a learning experience for the Dolphins. They had several players suffer key injuries, yet many of their young players (Henne, Hartline, Long, Smith, Davis, Langford) showed improvement and are promising for the future.
Off-season Issues to Address:
1. Wide Receiver: If the Dolphins' offense is to evolve, Henne is going to need a viable #1 receiver to depend on. Bess is strictly a possession/slot receiver and Hartline could be a good number two, however, I think most would agree that Ginn is simply not going to be a dependable receiver on Sundays. Although it is against Parcells’ way of thinking, the team may have to draft a receiver with its first round pick in the 2010 draft.
2. Linebacker: Porter is as good as gone in Miami due to a lack of production, disagreement with the coaching staff, and his contract. Taylor is 35 and you have to believe that he only has a few seasons left at best. That leaves the Dolphins with Wake and Charlie Anderson at the outside linebacker positions. The team needs more depth and pass-rushing ability here. At inside linebacker, Crowder could be gone and Ayodele will be turning 31 this season. The team needs a playmaker at the position.
3. Nose tackle: Ferguson is 35 and coming off a knee injury. The success of a 3-4 defense relies on the nose tackle to occupy at least two blockers to free up the inside linebackers to make the tackle. The Dolphins could look to sign Vince Wilfork if the Patriots let him walk or they could look to the draft where Alabama’s Terrence Cody and Tennessee’s Dan Williams could be first round options.
In 2009, the Dolphins set out to continue building their team through both the draft and free agency. With their first two picks, the team drafted cornerbacks Vontae Davis of Illinois and Sean Smith of Utah. The team also signed future starters in safety Gibril Wilson and center Jake Grove while retaining starting inside linebacker Channing Crowder, right tackle Vernon Carey, safety Yeremiah Bell, cornerback Will Allen, and fullback Lousaka Polite.
To bolster its pass rush, the team also brought back a fan favorite and All-decade defensive end/outside linebacker Jason Taylor and CFL sack-leader Cameron Wake.
The team’s regular season performance could certainly be described as inconsistent despite finishing the pre-season a perfect 4-0. After starting out 0-2, the team suffered a major loss when Pennington suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in week three against the San Diego Chargers. Second year quarterback Chad Henne stepped into the starting lineup and performed rather well.
Henne led the Dolphins to consecutive divisional wins against the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets. Over the next eight games, the team positioned itself for a potential playoff berth by going 5-3; however, following a 27-20 overtime loss to the red-hot Tennessee Titans, the team lost its final two games to the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers, finishing the season a disappointing 7-9.
Henne finished the season completing 60.78 percent of his passes for 2,878 yards while throwing 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He did throw for three 300 yard games at the end of the season and provides leadership skills and toughness.
The Dolphin’s offense once again was fueled by the running game. In the beginning of the year, Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown appeared to be on their way of attaining their goal of being a pair of 1,000 yard backs; however, Brown sustained a serious foot injury and was placed on IR, missing the team’s final seven games. Williams picked up the slack and ended up rushing for 1,121 yards and 11 touchdowns while also adding 35 receptions for 264 yards and two touchdowns. He set an NFL record for longest stint between 1,000 yard rushing seasons at six years.
Receiving depth continued to be an area where the Dolphins faltered. Ted Ginn Jr., the ninth overall pick in 2007 out of Ohio State, continued to display inconsistent hands and route running and finished with an underwhelming 38/454/1 line. He did tie an NFL record when he returned two kickoffs of over 100 yards for touchdowns against the Jets.
Rookie fourth round pick Brian Hartline, another Ohio State product, was a surprisingly consistent player who finished the year with 31/506/3. Davone Bess continued to be a reliable possession receiver, leading the team with 75 receptions for 758 yards.
The front five of Long, Justin Smiley, Grove, Nate Garner, and Carey were an average to above average group, surrendering 34 sacks which ranked 15th in the league. They did however pave the way for the league’s fourth ranked rushing attack.
Long was named to his second Pro Bowl in two years as he protected Henne, his former Michigan teammate, from opposing pass rushers.
One area that the Dolphins regressed in was the turnover margin. In 2008, the team only turned the ball over 16 times while in 2009 that number increased to 27.
The Dolphins finished in the bottom third in pass defense (24th) and in the middle (18th) in run defense. Part of their pass defense problems can be attributed to their young corners, particularly Davis who made mental errors. However, both Davis and Smith did flash significant talent and should be mainstays in the secondary. Wilson struggled mightily in coverage but did rank second on the team in tackles with 93. Safety will certainly be a position where the team needs to improve.
In their 3-4 defense, the Dolphins inside linebackers simply did not make enough big plays. Channing Crowder and Akin Ayodele only combined for one forced fumble, one sack, and one interception. At outside linebacker, Wake provided a nice pass rushing presence, picking up 5.5 sacks, however, he still needs time to adjust to the NFL and learn to play the run. Joey Porter, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2008, regressed badly with only nine sacks and is a candidate for release this off-season. Taylor returned to post seven sacks, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions at age 35.
Up front, the defensive line played well despite losing starting nose tackle Jason Ferguson to a knee injury. Second year ends Phillip Merling and Kendall Langford each posted 2.5 sacks and over 30 tackles while Randy Starks flashed Pro Bowl ability, finishing with seven sacks and 56 tackles. Depth on the defensive line could be an issue with Ferguson’s age and injury history.
The 2009 season was certainly a learning experience for the Dolphins. They had several players suffer key injuries, yet many of their young players (Henne, Hartline, Long, Smith, Davis, Langford) showed improvement and are promising for the future.
Off-season Issues to Address:
1. Wide Receiver: If the Dolphins' offense is to evolve, Henne is going to need a viable #1 receiver to depend on. Bess is strictly a possession/slot receiver and Hartline could be a good number two, however, I think most would agree that Ginn is simply not going to be a dependable receiver on Sundays. Although it is against Parcells’ way of thinking, the team may have to draft a receiver with its first round pick in the 2010 draft.
2. Linebacker: Porter is as good as gone in Miami due to a lack of production, disagreement with the coaching staff, and his contract. Taylor is 35 and you have to believe that he only has a few seasons left at best. That leaves the Dolphins with Wake and Charlie Anderson at the outside linebacker positions. The team needs more depth and pass-rushing ability here. At inside linebacker, Crowder could be gone and Ayodele will be turning 31 this season. The team needs a playmaker at the position.
3. Nose tackle: Ferguson is 35 and coming off a knee injury. The success of a 3-4 defense relies on the nose tackle to occupy at least two blockers to free up the inside linebackers to make the tackle. The Dolphins could look to sign Vince Wilfork if the Patriots let him walk or they could look to the draft where Alabama’s Terrence Cody and Tennessee’s Dan Williams could be first round options.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Welcome!
As an aspiring sports journalist and possibly front office man, I'm starting my own blog where I will discuss various football topics every week. Here I will be giving my own analysis and thoughts on teams' needs, the 2010 NFL Draft, and other football-related news. I welcome anyone to post their own thoughts and feel free to ask any and all questions you have. If I don't know the answer right away, I'll be sure to find it.
- Stephen
* Accidentally deleted
- Stephen
* Accidentally deleted
2009 Recap: New York Jets
The New York Jets’ somewhat surprisingly successful 2009 season can be traced back to 2008. Coach Eric Mangini and the organization orchestrated a trade that brought legendary quarterback Brett Favre to the Meadowlands. Despite starting out 8-3 and looking like a sure playoff team, the Jets and Favre faltered down the stretch, losing four of their last five. Mangini was fired, Favre went into “retirement” and the Jets were left without a head coach and a legitimate starting quarterback.
Luckily for the Jets, Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan’s contract was up and he was looking to take over his own team. The burly and brash Ryan was known for his record-setting defense in 2000 when the Ravens held opponents to a record low 165 points during the regular season. After signing a four-year contract, Ryan immediately went and brought in safety Jim Leonhard and linebacker Bart Scott from the Ravens via free agency. The team also traded for former Pro Bowl corner Lito Sheppard from the Philadelphia Eagles.
By draft day, the only quarterbacks on the roster were Kellen Clemens and Brent Ratliff. Ryan and the organization made a bold move trading up from the 17th pick to the 5th pick in a deal with the Cleveland Browns who were headed up by none other than Eric Mangini. In exchange for the fifth overall pick, the Jets sent the 17th pick, their second round pick, defensive end Kenyon Coleman, safety Abram Elam, and Ratliff to the Browns. With the fifth pick, the Jets selected quarterback Mark Sanchez of USC. The team also traded up in the third round to select Shonn Greene of Iowa, winner of the Doak Walker Award in 2008, to add depth to the running back position.
The Jets started out the season hot even beating their division rival New England Patriots in week two. Many fans and sportswriters even begin deeming Sanchez “the Sanchize.” On October 7, the team orchestrated a trade for the highly-talented but inconsistent receiver Braylon Edwards from you guessed it – the Browns in exchange for receiver Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Justin Trusnik, and two draft picks.
However, the team hit a long rough streak, losing six of their next seven games. Sanchez turned the ball over at an alarming rate and the team had lost nose tackle Kris Jenkins and running back/kick returner Leon Washington to season ending injuries.
What did remain consistent throughout the season was Ryan’s complex and relentless defense which constantly harassed opposing quarterbacks. Led by Pro Bowl corner Darrelle Revis, the Jets finished the regular season ranked first in pass defense. The team rode the defense to a 5-1 finish, securing a playoff berth as the fifth seed.
The Jets surprised everyone by advancing to the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts. Despite holding both the Chargers and Bengals to 14 points each in their two playoff wins, Peyton Manning and the offense put up 30 points on the Jets and advanced to the Super Bowl where they eventually lost to the New Orleans Saints.
Sanchez, who only started one full season under Pete Carroll at USC, finished the year with a poor 12 touchdowns and 20 interceptions despite leading the team to nine wins. The team’s strength on offense came on the ground as the Jets led the NFL in rushing with 172.3 yards per game. Veteran Thomas Jones had another good year, rushing for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns. Green came on strong at the end of the year, running for 500 yards in the team’s last 10 regular season games. He was also a force in the playoffs, gashing the Bengals and Chargers for 135 and 128 yards respectively.
Although Edwards made the Pro Bowl in 2007 after posting 80/1,289/16, he continued to display inconsistent hands despite being a field stretcher. He finished the season with only 45/680/4. Outside of Edwards, the Jets only other receiver of note was the reliable Jerricho Cotchery who had 57/821/3. Tight end Dustin Keller posted similar numbers to his rookie year (45/522/2) but was not as big of an impact player as some had hoped.
The team’s real strength was their offense line which features three Pro Bowlers in left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson, left guard Alan Faneca, and center Nick Mangold. The line surrendered only 26 sacks and paved the way for the NFL’s leading rushing attack. However, Faneca and right tackle Damien Woody will be 34 and 33 respectively next year so the Jet’s could pursue some depth in the off-season.
On defense, the Jets were excellent in nearly every department. Their defensive line actually played well without Jenkins, finishing the season ranked eighth against the run. Defensive end Shaun Ellis made the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement after posting 6.5 sacks.
The addition of Scott only enhanced the Jet’s talented group of linebackers. Although Scott didn’t make many big plays, his counterpart, third-year inside linebacker David Harris had a very good season, leading the team with 127 tackles while also posting 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Outside linebacker Calvin Pace, a free agent signee in 2008, led the team with eight sacks despite missing the first four games of the year because of a suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Andre Johnson – four catches for 35 yards, Randy Moss – four catches for 24 yards, Marques Colston – two catches for 33 yards, Terrell Owens – three catches for 13 yards, Steve Smith – one catch for five yards, Roddy White – four catches for 33 yards, Reggie Wayne – three catches for 33 yards.
Chad Ochocinco , a six-time Pro Bowler, - 0 catches for 0 yards.
These were the best efforts the top receivers in the NFL could put up against the NFL’s newest shutdown corner in Revis who finished the year with a league-leading 37 passes defended and six interceptions. An All-Pro selection, Revis is firmly planted in the league of elite, shutdown corners.
Outside of Revis however, the Jets’ secondary was an inconsistent group that got exposed in the AFC Championship game. Sheppard’s days of being a Pro Bowl corner appear to be over and Kerry Rhodes didn’t emerge as a playmaker until after he was benched.
Built in the same fashion as the 2008 Ravens and Falcons, the Jets did surprise everyone by making it to the AFC Championship game despite having a rookie head coach and quarterback. The Jets will need to add a few more pieces in the off-season despite having no picks in rounds 3-5, but the future does look bright.
Offseason Issues to Address:
1. A playmaking receiver: Even after trading for Edwards, the Jets' passing offense lacked explosiveness. Brandon Marshall and Anquan Boldin are on the trading block but the Jets could look to add a wideout via the draft.
2. Front Seven: The defensive line was solid, but Ellis and Jenkins will both be over 30 in 2010. The team could use an upgrade at defensive end. A pass-rushing linebacker could also be added after the team whiffed badly on Vernon Gholston with the sixth overall pick in 2008.
3. Secondary: The Jets could look to add a playmaker at either the safety and/or the corner position. Rhodes has a big signing bonus due and he could be a potential candidate for a trade or release. Sheppard and Dwight Lowery didn’t seem to cut it especially with opposing quarterbacks throwing away from Revis. Ryan is a defensive guru so he should be looking to add more talent to an already talented defense.
Luckily for the Jets, Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan’s contract was up and he was looking to take over his own team. The burly and brash Ryan was known for his record-setting defense in 2000 when the Ravens held opponents to a record low 165 points during the regular season. After signing a four-year contract, Ryan immediately went and brought in safety Jim Leonhard and linebacker Bart Scott from the Ravens via free agency. The team also traded for former Pro Bowl corner Lito Sheppard from the Philadelphia Eagles.
By draft day, the only quarterbacks on the roster were Kellen Clemens and Brent Ratliff. Ryan and the organization made a bold move trading up from the 17th pick to the 5th pick in a deal with the Cleveland Browns who were headed up by none other than Eric Mangini. In exchange for the fifth overall pick, the Jets sent the 17th pick, their second round pick, defensive end Kenyon Coleman, safety Abram Elam, and Ratliff to the Browns. With the fifth pick, the Jets selected quarterback Mark Sanchez of USC. The team also traded up in the third round to select Shonn Greene of Iowa, winner of the Doak Walker Award in 2008, to add depth to the running back position.
The Jets started out the season hot even beating their division rival New England Patriots in week two. Many fans and sportswriters even begin deeming Sanchez “the Sanchize.” On October 7, the team orchestrated a trade for the highly-talented but inconsistent receiver Braylon Edwards from you guessed it – the Browns in exchange for receiver Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Justin Trusnik, and two draft picks.
However, the team hit a long rough streak, losing six of their next seven games. Sanchez turned the ball over at an alarming rate and the team had lost nose tackle Kris Jenkins and running back/kick returner Leon Washington to season ending injuries.
What did remain consistent throughout the season was Ryan’s complex and relentless defense which constantly harassed opposing quarterbacks. Led by Pro Bowl corner Darrelle Revis, the Jets finished the regular season ranked first in pass defense. The team rode the defense to a 5-1 finish, securing a playoff berth as the fifth seed.
The Jets surprised everyone by advancing to the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts. Despite holding both the Chargers and Bengals to 14 points each in their two playoff wins, Peyton Manning and the offense put up 30 points on the Jets and advanced to the Super Bowl where they eventually lost to the New Orleans Saints.
Sanchez, who only started one full season under Pete Carroll at USC, finished the year with a poor 12 touchdowns and 20 interceptions despite leading the team to nine wins. The team’s strength on offense came on the ground as the Jets led the NFL in rushing with 172.3 yards per game. Veteran Thomas Jones had another good year, rushing for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns. Green came on strong at the end of the year, running for 500 yards in the team’s last 10 regular season games. He was also a force in the playoffs, gashing the Bengals and Chargers for 135 and 128 yards respectively.
Although Edwards made the Pro Bowl in 2007 after posting 80/1,289/16, he continued to display inconsistent hands despite being a field stretcher. He finished the season with only 45/680/4. Outside of Edwards, the Jets only other receiver of note was the reliable Jerricho Cotchery who had 57/821/3. Tight end Dustin Keller posted similar numbers to his rookie year (45/522/2) but was not as big of an impact player as some had hoped.
The team’s real strength was their offense line which features three Pro Bowlers in left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson, left guard Alan Faneca, and center Nick Mangold. The line surrendered only 26 sacks and paved the way for the NFL’s leading rushing attack. However, Faneca and right tackle Damien Woody will be 34 and 33 respectively next year so the Jet’s could pursue some depth in the off-season.
On defense, the Jets were excellent in nearly every department. Their defensive line actually played well without Jenkins, finishing the season ranked eighth against the run. Defensive end Shaun Ellis made the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement after posting 6.5 sacks.
The addition of Scott only enhanced the Jet’s talented group of linebackers. Although Scott didn’t make many big plays, his counterpart, third-year inside linebacker David Harris had a very good season, leading the team with 127 tackles while also posting 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Outside linebacker Calvin Pace, a free agent signee in 2008, led the team with eight sacks despite missing the first four games of the year because of a suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Andre Johnson – four catches for 35 yards, Randy Moss – four catches for 24 yards, Marques Colston – two catches for 33 yards, Terrell Owens – three catches for 13 yards, Steve Smith – one catch for five yards, Roddy White – four catches for 33 yards, Reggie Wayne – three catches for 33 yards.
Chad Ochocinco , a six-time Pro Bowler, - 0 catches for 0 yards.
These were the best efforts the top receivers in the NFL could put up against the NFL’s newest shutdown corner in Revis who finished the year with a league-leading 37 passes defended and six interceptions. An All-Pro selection, Revis is firmly planted in the league of elite, shutdown corners.
Outside of Revis however, the Jets’ secondary was an inconsistent group that got exposed in the AFC Championship game. Sheppard’s days of being a Pro Bowl corner appear to be over and Kerry Rhodes didn’t emerge as a playmaker until after he was benched.
Built in the same fashion as the 2008 Ravens and Falcons, the Jets did surprise everyone by making it to the AFC Championship game despite having a rookie head coach and quarterback. The Jets will need to add a few more pieces in the off-season despite having no picks in rounds 3-5, but the future does look bright.
Offseason Issues to Address:
1. A playmaking receiver: Even after trading for Edwards, the Jets' passing offense lacked explosiveness. Brandon Marshall and Anquan Boldin are on the trading block but the Jets could look to add a wideout via the draft.
2. Front Seven: The defensive line was solid, but Ellis and Jenkins will both be over 30 in 2010. The team could use an upgrade at defensive end. A pass-rushing linebacker could also be added after the team whiffed badly on Vernon Gholston with the sixth overall pick in 2008.
3. Secondary: The Jets could look to add a playmaker at either the safety and/or the corner position. Rhodes has a big signing bonus due and he could be a potential candidate for a trade or release. Sheppard and Dwight Lowery didn’t seem to cut it especially with opposing quarterbacks throwing away from Revis. Ryan is a defensive guru so he should be looking to add more talent to an already talented defense.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Super Bowl XLIV
By Stephen Sheehan
The streets of New Orleans will be loud tonight as fans celebrate their New Orleans Saints’ first Super Bowl victory in franchise history. The Saints battled in a close game against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts for four quarters, ultimately emerging with a 31-17 win in Super Bowl XLIV.
Much of the talk prior to the game surrounded the health of the Colts’ Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney’s right ankle. Freeney suffered a third degree sprain in addition to a torn ligament against the Jets in the AFC Championship. In a somewhat surprising turn of events, Freeney suited up and played well in the first half, notching a sack.
With Freeney’s signature spin move disrupting the Saints’ offense, the Colts jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter with a Matt Stover kicked a 38-yard field goal and a 19-yard touchdown catch by Pierre Garcon.
In the second quarter, the Saints got on the board with a 46-yard field goal by Garrett Hartley. The Colts regained momentum however when linebackers Clint Session and Gary Brackett stuffed Pierre Thomas on fourth and goal. The Saints were able to add another field goal as half-time ended with the score 10-6.
Quarterback Drew Brees and the Saints offense came out firing in the second half as Brees hit Thomas on a 16-yard screen pass for a touchdown.
With 6:15 left in the third, Joseph Addai made a nice run up the middle for a 4-yard touchdown to put the Colts back on top 17-13. Addai was perhaps the Colts most consistent player on offense, finishing with 77 yards rushing and 58 yards receiving.
After another Hartley field goal, the Saints entered the fourth quarter down by one. Brees was able to find former University of Miami tight end Jeremy Shockey on a 2-yard slant route for a touchdown. Brees, the game’s MVP, tied Tom Brady’s Super Bowl record of 32 completions.
Some drama ensued when the Saints went for the two-point conversion as Lance Moore apparently lost control of the ball as he rolled over near the end zone. After review, the ruling of an incomplete pass was overturned and the Saints led 24-17.
Manning, winner of four league MVP's, attempted to lead the Colts down the field to tie the score; however, second year cornerback Tracy Porter made a great play on a pass for Reggie Wayne and ran back the interception 74 yards to put the game out of reach. The Saints defense, led by Pro Bowlers middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma and Darren Sharper played a physical game, preventing the Colts from coming up with big plays.
Although Manning was given another opportunity, linebacker Scott Shanle tipped a pass intended for Wayne on fourth down and goal to seal the victory. Coach Sean Payton received the annual Gatorade shower as players, coaches, and fans celebrated.
The Saints’ championship was the finishing touch to a magical season for a franchise and city that had to overcome the Hurricane Katrina tragedy in 2005.
The streets of New Orleans will be loud tonight as fans celebrate their New Orleans Saints’ first Super Bowl victory in franchise history. The Saints battled in a close game against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts for four quarters, ultimately emerging with a 31-17 win in Super Bowl XLIV.
Much of the talk prior to the game surrounded the health of the Colts’ Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney’s right ankle. Freeney suffered a third degree sprain in addition to a torn ligament against the Jets in the AFC Championship. In a somewhat surprising turn of events, Freeney suited up and played well in the first half, notching a sack.
With Freeney’s signature spin move disrupting the Saints’ offense, the Colts jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter with a Matt Stover kicked a 38-yard field goal and a 19-yard touchdown catch by Pierre Garcon.
In the second quarter, the Saints got on the board with a 46-yard field goal by Garrett Hartley. The Colts regained momentum however when linebackers Clint Session and Gary Brackett stuffed Pierre Thomas on fourth and goal. The Saints were able to add another field goal as half-time ended with the score 10-6.
Quarterback Drew Brees and the Saints offense came out firing in the second half as Brees hit Thomas on a 16-yard screen pass for a touchdown.
With 6:15 left in the third, Joseph Addai made a nice run up the middle for a 4-yard touchdown to put the Colts back on top 17-13. Addai was perhaps the Colts most consistent player on offense, finishing with 77 yards rushing and 58 yards receiving.
After another Hartley field goal, the Saints entered the fourth quarter down by one. Brees was able to find former University of Miami tight end Jeremy Shockey on a 2-yard slant route for a touchdown. Brees, the game’s MVP, tied Tom Brady’s Super Bowl record of 32 completions.
Some drama ensued when the Saints went for the two-point conversion as Lance Moore apparently lost control of the ball as he rolled over near the end zone. After review, the ruling of an incomplete pass was overturned and the Saints led 24-17.
Manning, winner of four league MVP's, attempted to lead the Colts down the field to tie the score; however, second year cornerback Tracy Porter made a great play on a pass for Reggie Wayne and ran back the interception 74 yards to put the game out of reach. The Saints defense, led by Pro Bowlers middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma and Darren Sharper played a physical game, preventing the Colts from coming up with big plays.
Although Manning was given another opportunity, linebacker Scott Shanle tipped a pass intended for Wayne on fourth down and goal to seal the victory. Coach Sean Payton received the annual Gatorade shower as players, coaches, and fans celebrated.
The Saints’ championship was the finishing touch to a magical season for a franchise and city that had to overcome the Hurricane Katrina tragedy in 2005.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
2009 Recap: New England Patriots
For my first installment, I'll be doing a team-by-team recap in order to get a broad view of where each team stands as we head into the off-season marked by free agency and the 2010 NFL Draft. Today's team is the New England Patriots
In 2008, members of Patriot's Nation were torn when 2-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback Tom Brady went down with a devastating knee injury. Even more fans and football analysts alike were surprised when career backup and 2005 seventh round pick Matt Cassel stepped in and led the team to 11 wins, however, the Patriots did not earn a playoff berth. In the off-season, Cassel along with linebacker Mike Vrabel were shipped off to Kansas City for a second round pick. A year later, Brady stepped back into the lineup and led the team to 10 victories, yet something didn't seem quite right with the Patriots in 2009. With key defensive leaders gone including Rodney Harrison (retirement), Vrabel (traded) and Richard Seymour (traded), the team did not establish any type of identity. Stopping opponents only became more difficult when 2008 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jerod Mayo went down with a knee injury in the first game of the season.
In the team's first game against the Buffalo Bills, the team was on the verge of losing when Bills kick returner and starting cornerback Leodis McKelvin fumbled the ball on a kickoff. Brady looked like his old self, leading the team to the game winning score. However, this seemed to be one of the last times we would see Brady come up in the clutch. The team failed to hold onto fourth quarter leads throughout the year, losing close games to the Jets (9-16), Broncos (17-20 OT), Colts (34-35), Dolphins (21-22), and Texans (27-34).
Although Brady was voted to the Pro Bowl for the fifth time and threw for 4,398 yards and 28 touchdowns, he was not as consistent in years past, especially late in games. It is important to keep in mind that outside of Randy Moss (who was also not consistent) and slot machine Wes Welker, Brady had next to no options to throw to besides tight end Ben Watson and seventh round converted quarterback to receiver Julian Edelman.
The running game, which was supposed to be one of the team's strengths was once again merely above average. Longtime Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor was signed in the off-season to add versatility to the group that already included Sammy Morris, Laurence Maroney, and third down specialist Kevin Faulk. However, Taylor suffered a bad ankle injury and only played in six of the team's games. Maroney continued to frustrate fans and coaches alike with his inconsistent performances. Although it can be said he ran with more purpose this season, Maroney developed a knack for fumbling inside the red zone in key situations. As a former first round pick in 2006, Maroney has clearly failed to live up to expectations.
Randy Moss put up good numbers, 83/1,264/13, but there were several times where his effort came into question. After the season, reports have emerged that Moss played with a dislocated shoulder and some leg problems, but he certainly was not as dependable as in his record-setting season in 2007. Welker was a monster despite missing time early in the season. He went on to post a league-leading 123 catches in making his second Pro Bowl. However, Welker's season did not end well as he tore both his MCL and ACL in his left knee in the Patriots' final regular season game. Without Welker in the lineup, the Patriots were dominated by the Ravens in the opening round of the playoffs. One of the Patriots' previous strengths, their receiving core, was clearly a liability outside of their two Pro Bowlers.
On the offensive line, the starting lineup remained in tact from 2008. Left guard Logan Mankins continued to play at a high level, earning his second Pro Bowl nod, however the rest of the line's play could have been better. Starting tackles Matt Light and Nick Kaczur missed time due to injuries. Surprisingly, little-known second round pick Sebastian Vollmer stepped in and played well for both players throughout the season.
The Patriots finished the regular season ranked sixth in the NFL in scoring at 26.7 points per game, but outside of the blowouts against the Tennessee Titans (59-0), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (35-7) and Jaguars (35-7) the offense did not click on all cylinders all the time.
Defensively, the Patriots simply could not come up with big plays when needed. The team traded for defensive end Derrick Burgess in the off-season to help its pass rush, but I don't think anyone would disagree that he was not worth the cost of a third round pick. Veteran cornerback Shawn Springs was supposed to be the leader of the secondary, yet he was inactive for a stretch during the middle of the season. Free agent signee Leigh Bodden played solidly at cornerback, tying for the team lead with five interceptions. Brandon McGowan, an undrafted safety who spent some time with the Chicago Bears, played well in the beginning of the season, particularly when asked to shadow tight ends, however, he lost his starting job to James Sanders towards the end of the year. Former 2007 first round pick Brandon Meriweather made the Pro Bowl after recording five interceptions, but he continued to make mistakes in coverage and missing tackles. He will need to be a more consistent player next season if he is to make a return trip to the Pro Bowl.
The linebacking corp was at best average. Mayo was solid when he returned, but did not register many "big plays" like he spoke of before the season started. Inside linebacker Gary Guyton recorded 85 tackles and two sacks, but his lack of strength at the point of attack was exploited as he was frequently blocked by interior linemen. The team lost two young players in the pre-season, third round pick Tyron McKenzie and Shawn Crable to injuries. Both were expected to be contributors in the rotation. After under performing in San Fransisco, the team's seventh round pick in 2003, Tully Banta-Cain returned and recorded a team-leading 10 sacks. However, his inability to set the edge against the run game made him a one-dimensional player.
One of the team's biggest disappointments and mysteries was Adalius Thomas. Signed to a big contract in 2007, he was a highly-regarded outside linebacker who could rush the passer and play the run game. However, after a good first season, Thomas broke his forearm in 2008, and basically was relegated to a two-down player in 2009. There has been speculation that the coaching staff told Thomas he would be used in a different way, but either way, Thomas simply did not live up to expectations.
Vince Wilfork continued to dominate as one of the top 3-4 nose tackles in the league, earning his second Pro Bowl appearance despite contract issues. At left end, Ty Warren played solid against the run game, but he again was not at 100% for a full season. The team's biggest problem was trying to replace a potential Hall of Famer in Seymour. He was regarded as one of the top 3-4 ends in the game thanks to his great strength and ability to rush the passer while constantly being double teamed. Mike Wright was a nice pass rush presence, but Jarvis Green had a down season.
The Patriots finished the season ranked fifth in scoring defense at 17.8 points per game, but they only ranked 23rd in sacks.
Off-season issues to address:
1. Vince Wilfork's contract: Set to become an unrestricted free agent, Wilfork is the best player on defense. He does not want to be franchised, but it is all but set in stone that if he and the team do not come to terms on a contract, he will be.
2. Pass Rush: While the secondary was often criticized, considering the young players who were on the field, they did a decent job. Anyone can throw against even the best secondaries when there is no pressure on the quarterback. The Patriots need to find an intimidating pass rusher who other teams need to account for.
3. Play makers: With Welker's return unknown and an aging Moss, the Patriots need to address the wide receiver position. With three running backs over 30, they also need to add a more dynamic player who can go the distance. Also, Watson is a free agent who does not seem to be on the team's radar for a new deal so adding a pass-catching tight end would seem to be a need as well.
In 2008, members of Patriot's Nation were torn when 2-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback Tom Brady went down with a devastating knee injury. Even more fans and football analysts alike were surprised when career backup and 2005 seventh round pick Matt Cassel stepped in and led the team to 11 wins, however, the Patriots did not earn a playoff berth. In the off-season, Cassel along with linebacker Mike Vrabel were shipped off to Kansas City for a second round pick. A year later, Brady stepped back into the lineup and led the team to 10 victories, yet something didn't seem quite right with the Patriots in 2009. With key defensive leaders gone including Rodney Harrison (retirement), Vrabel (traded) and Richard Seymour (traded), the team did not establish any type of identity. Stopping opponents only became more difficult when 2008 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jerod Mayo went down with a knee injury in the first game of the season.
In the team's first game against the Buffalo Bills, the team was on the verge of losing when Bills kick returner and starting cornerback Leodis McKelvin fumbled the ball on a kickoff. Brady looked like his old self, leading the team to the game winning score. However, this seemed to be one of the last times we would see Brady come up in the clutch. The team failed to hold onto fourth quarter leads throughout the year, losing close games to the Jets (9-16), Broncos (17-20 OT), Colts (34-35), Dolphins (21-22), and Texans (27-34).
Although Brady was voted to the Pro Bowl for the fifth time and threw for 4,398 yards and 28 touchdowns, he was not as consistent in years past, especially late in games. It is important to keep in mind that outside of Randy Moss (who was also not consistent) and slot machine Wes Welker, Brady had next to no options to throw to besides tight end Ben Watson and seventh round converted quarterback to receiver Julian Edelman.
The running game, which was supposed to be one of the team's strengths was once again merely above average. Longtime Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor was signed in the off-season to add versatility to the group that already included Sammy Morris, Laurence Maroney, and third down specialist Kevin Faulk. However, Taylor suffered a bad ankle injury and only played in six of the team's games. Maroney continued to frustrate fans and coaches alike with his inconsistent performances. Although it can be said he ran with more purpose this season, Maroney developed a knack for fumbling inside the red zone in key situations. As a former first round pick in 2006, Maroney has clearly failed to live up to expectations.
Randy Moss put up good numbers, 83/1,264/13, but there were several times where his effort came into question. After the season, reports have emerged that Moss played with a dislocated shoulder and some leg problems, but he certainly was not as dependable as in his record-setting season in 2007. Welker was a monster despite missing time early in the season. He went on to post a league-leading 123 catches in making his second Pro Bowl. However, Welker's season did not end well as he tore both his MCL and ACL in his left knee in the Patriots' final regular season game. Without Welker in the lineup, the Patriots were dominated by the Ravens in the opening round of the playoffs. One of the Patriots' previous strengths, their receiving core, was clearly a liability outside of their two Pro Bowlers.
On the offensive line, the starting lineup remained in tact from 2008. Left guard Logan Mankins continued to play at a high level, earning his second Pro Bowl nod, however the rest of the line's play could have been better. Starting tackles Matt Light and Nick Kaczur missed time due to injuries. Surprisingly, little-known second round pick Sebastian Vollmer stepped in and played well for both players throughout the season.
The Patriots finished the regular season ranked sixth in the NFL in scoring at 26.7 points per game, but outside of the blowouts against the Tennessee Titans (59-0), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (35-7) and Jaguars (35-7) the offense did not click on all cylinders all the time.
Defensively, the Patriots simply could not come up with big plays when needed. The team traded for defensive end Derrick Burgess in the off-season to help its pass rush, but I don't think anyone would disagree that he was not worth the cost of a third round pick. Veteran cornerback Shawn Springs was supposed to be the leader of the secondary, yet he was inactive for a stretch during the middle of the season. Free agent signee Leigh Bodden played solidly at cornerback, tying for the team lead with five interceptions. Brandon McGowan, an undrafted safety who spent some time with the Chicago Bears, played well in the beginning of the season, particularly when asked to shadow tight ends, however, he lost his starting job to James Sanders towards the end of the year. Former 2007 first round pick Brandon Meriweather made the Pro Bowl after recording five interceptions, but he continued to make mistakes in coverage and missing tackles. He will need to be a more consistent player next season if he is to make a return trip to the Pro Bowl.
The linebacking corp was at best average. Mayo was solid when he returned, but did not register many "big plays" like he spoke of before the season started. Inside linebacker Gary Guyton recorded 85 tackles and two sacks, but his lack of strength at the point of attack was exploited as he was frequently blocked by interior linemen. The team lost two young players in the pre-season, third round pick Tyron McKenzie and Shawn Crable to injuries. Both were expected to be contributors in the rotation. After under performing in San Fransisco, the team's seventh round pick in 2003, Tully Banta-Cain returned and recorded a team-leading 10 sacks. However, his inability to set the edge against the run game made him a one-dimensional player.
One of the team's biggest disappointments and mysteries was Adalius Thomas. Signed to a big contract in 2007, he was a highly-regarded outside linebacker who could rush the passer and play the run game. However, after a good first season, Thomas broke his forearm in 2008, and basically was relegated to a two-down player in 2009. There has been speculation that the coaching staff told Thomas he would be used in a different way, but either way, Thomas simply did not live up to expectations.
Vince Wilfork continued to dominate as one of the top 3-4 nose tackles in the league, earning his second Pro Bowl appearance despite contract issues. At left end, Ty Warren played solid against the run game, but he again was not at 100% for a full season. The team's biggest problem was trying to replace a potential Hall of Famer in Seymour. He was regarded as one of the top 3-4 ends in the game thanks to his great strength and ability to rush the passer while constantly being double teamed. Mike Wright was a nice pass rush presence, but Jarvis Green had a down season.
The Patriots finished the season ranked fifth in scoring defense at 17.8 points per game, but they only ranked 23rd in sacks.
Off-season issues to address:
1. Vince Wilfork's contract: Set to become an unrestricted free agent, Wilfork is the best player on defense. He does not want to be franchised, but it is all but set in stone that if he and the team do not come to terms on a contract, he will be.
2. Pass Rush: While the secondary was often criticized, considering the young players who were on the field, they did a decent job. Anyone can throw against even the best secondaries when there is no pressure on the quarterback. The Patriots need to find an intimidating pass rusher who other teams need to account for.
3. Play makers: With Welker's return unknown and an aging Moss, the Patriots need to address the wide receiver position. With three running backs over 30, they also need to add a more dynamic player who can go the distance. Also, Watson is a free agent who does not seem to be on the team's radar for a new deal so adding a pass-catching tight end would seem to be a need as well.
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