Houston Texans
Strengths – The offense is better than advertised. The key is the role players that surround the four star players (Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Steve Slaton, Owen Daniels). Kevin Walters and Andre Davis play the "big target and home run threat" roles that keeps defenses honest on Johnson. Behind Slaton, Chris Brown and Ryan Moats will do the same in a "Thunder and Lightening" role coming off the bench. Schaub and Daniels have Aikman-Novacek potential that kills defenses on third down. On defense, the front seven is loaded with young talent. Mario Williams leads the charge with Amobi Okoye and Antonio Smith helping on the D-Line with defensive captain DeMeco Ryans playing the sideline-to-sideline MLB role.
Weaknesses – The DBs are still weak, and will continue to be the bane of this defense. Dunta Robinson should be back to his form before his near career-threatening injury. However, Jacques Reeves is out indefinitely with a broken leg. Deltha O'Neal was brought out of involuntary retirement, but is far from an answer. Center Chris Myers is out indefinitely with a high ankle sprain (a worse injury than it sounds). While he is not a well known player, he ma be the most important cog of the zone-blocking scheme.
Opportunities – This is a no-name offensive line that is ready to make a name for themselves. If Myers can come back from his injury soon, and the guards step up, we could have a very strong team that could unseat the Titans for the division. At CB, Fred Bennett and Antuan Molden will team up to man the CB spot opposite Robinson. Bennett has more experience, but Molden has loads of potential. If Molden realizes that potential, he will take the starting spot and not let it go.
Threats – How different is Antonio Smith from Anthony Weaver? Both are probably better suited to be 3-4 DEs. The 4-3 didn't work out so well for Weaver, but Smith brings a lot of promise. Both Dunta Robinson and Owen Daniels are in stalemates with the front office on contract situations. Hopefully this doesn't undermine their production. They will both be playing for contracts, so this may be a good thing for the Texans this season.
Passing/Receiving the Torch – Duane Brown from Tony Boselli, fulfilling the promise that Boselli was supposed to bring to spark this franchise. Brown played great last season, and should build on that.
Position Battle – WLB: Zach Diles vs. Xavier Adibi. If Adibi can realize his potential, he could be special. Whoever wins the spot can rest assured the spotlight won't be on them with Ryans and Brian Cushing manning the other LB spots. Don't be surprised if Cato June works his way into this mix. At DT, Frank Okam could unseat Travis Johnson, who never reached his potential.
Rookie Contributor – Strong-side LB Brian Cushing should be the day one starter. He fills a huge hole that this team has had for a few years. Antoine Caldwell could get time early on in place of Chris Myers if he can fend off Chris White. Utility player Connor Barwin might get some pass rushing opportunities, as well as some time on offense as a blocking back or TE.
Indianapolis Colts
Strengths – Peyton Manning. You have to start with that name. The reigning MVP led an ailing team to a 12-4 record. With targets like Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark still playing at a high level, Manning shouldn’t have much of a problem approaching last year’s numbers. The offensive line, led by Tony Ugoh and Jeff Saturday, is back and healthy with depth that received valuable experience last year. On defense, a strong DE corps start with a fleet duo, Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, who terrorize opposing backfields. The DBs can be great if they stay healthy. Kelvin Hayden and Marlin Jackson form a good combination of CBs that can cover many kinds of receivers, and former defensive player of the year Bob Sanders teams up with Antoine Bethea at safety.
Weaknesses – RB Joseph Addai took a step back last year. Hopefully Donald Brown can provide a breath of fresh air. If Brown can considerably ease the load, Addai could get back to form. The game of musical chairs at OLB has led to inconsistency. Two players must emerge as the full time starters to build continuity and camaraderie with their counterparts.
Opportunities – Pierre Garcon and Roy Hall both have opportunities as the WR3 and WR4. Both boast a lot of untapped potential in different ways. Garcon is a home-run threat. Hall can create space and make catches in the middle. If neither step up, look for BYU’s Austin Collie to get some looks.
Threats – The D-Line is light and athletic. However, they can be easily overpowered. They drafted a DT in the 2nd round, but Fili Maola is more of what they already had. Why not draft a run-stopping DT, when that was a weakness for the team last year.
Passing/Receiving the Torch – Anthony Gonzalez from the departed Marvin Harrison as Manning’s new #3 target (behind Wayne and Clark). If Manning can utilize Gonzalez’s lightning speed to his advantage, DBs better get ready to give some cushion.
Position Battle – Both OLBs: Philip Wheeler and Clint Session are the front-runners, however Freddy Keiaho and Tyjuan Hagler could make things interesting.
Rookie Contributor – RB Donald Brown, who could end up becoming the work-horse back of this team.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Strengths – Maurice Jones-Drew and Greg Jones are a couple of bright spots. Having them in the backfield together poses a dual threat to defenses as MJD can flat out outrun you, while Greg Jones can just flatten you. Rashean Mathis will shut down his share of #1 WRs. He won’t see many balls thrown his way. The defensive front seven is an underrated bunch with a healthy share of spotlight and role players, helping them fly low enough under the radar that they can be a surprise.
Weaknesses – This team does not look good. This was once a promising young team that was headed in the right direction. Now they are caught in a downward spiral. The WRs are a joke, regardless of Torry Holt’s arrival. David Garrard may not be good enough to cope.
Opportunities – With Fred Taylor gone, MJD has the ball all to himself (for now). If he can prove to be durable and the backups can spell him from time to time, he could put up gargantuan numbers.
Threats – Through the draft and free agency the team added depth to the offensive line, however several of the starters are coming off major injuries. If the injuries mount on the line again, stick a fork in this team. If MJD isn’t able to handle the entire load and the running game suffers, the passing game will suffer even more.
Passing/Receiving the Torch – The Head Coaching job from Jack Del Rio to an interim coach, if the team continues on this downward spiral.
Position Battle – DE: Reggie Hayward vs. Derrick Harvey. As much as the coaching staff likes Hayward, Harvey must work his way onto the field.
Rookie Contributor – RB Rashad Jennings. He was one of my steals of the draft. Don’t be surprised if he’s the RB2. He’s a big back with speed, he just played on a small level. CB Derek Cox and WRs Mike Thomas and Jarett Dillard could get some looks early.
Tennessee Titans
Strengths – Tennessee has one of the most potent running attacks in the league. Chris Johnson will have high expectations after his superb rookie year. A now svelte LenDale White is ready to prove that he deserves his share of the carries. They run behind the best set of bookend OTs in the game in Michael Roos and David Stewart. On Defense, the Titans have a great second-level defense led by OLBs Keith Bullock and David Thornton. Cortland Finnegan came into his own last season as one of the top CBs in the league. Michael Griffin and Chris hope team up to form one of the best safety tandems in the league.
Weaknesses – While the team tried to upgrade its WRs, they still need to prove they can produce on the field. This has been one of the weakest bunch of WRs in the league since Derrick Mason left the team. The defense lacks a true edge rusher. Jevon Kearse is not that guy. Vanden Bosch gets in the backfield based on his non-stop motor, but is in it alone. Could Jason Jones move outside?
Opportunities – With Albert Haynesworth in Washington, the task at DT falls on the shoulders of Tony Brown, Jason Jones and newcomer Jovan Haye. Keep an eye on Haye. He is a sleeper, and could be the top DT on this club at season’s end. Sen’Derrick Marks could get some time based on his size and run-stopping ability. Rookie WR Kenny Britt needs to mature early and get on the field. The team could use his playmaking ability.
Threats – Vince Young is a head-case living in a fantasy world. How long before he becomes the kind of distraction that negatively affects the team?
Passing/Receiving the Torch – Not many ready to pass. Eventually, Kevin Mawae will have to pass his torch to Leroy Harris.
Position Battle – QB2: Vince Young vs. Patrick Ramsey. After last night’s preseason game, Ramsey is in the lead. The team will give Young every opportunity, but at what point to you give up on him?
Rookie Contributor – Possibly WR Kenny Britt. Possibly DT Sen’Derrick Marks. However, keep an eye on Jared Cook at TE. He has the talent and athletic ability to be something special in the league.
Showing posts with label Houston Texans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Houston Texans. Show all posts
Monday, August 10, 2009
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Tuesday FourCast: Week 14
Not much of an intro to this week's FourCast. But I must point out that I really, really had to fight the urge of my childish mentality (equivalent to that of an 11-year old boy) which wanted me to post the video clip of Visanthe's "Shiancoe." I mean, to post a link to the obvious flub by Fox would be unprofessional and immature. Seriously, we here at PHSports consider ourselves a legitimate media outlet and would never even consider linking to a video clip at the expense of the Minnesota Tight End and his "Viking." Never.
1. Long Schaub Silver's
Matt Schaub was once regarded as a diamond in the rough. NFL scouts and analysts thought he was the second coming of Joe Montana or Johnny Unitas. Hell, Schaub received enough praise to make Beano Cook's love of Ron Powlus look like a schoolgirl crush. Of course, this was before Schaub had ever taken a meaningful regular season snap. Now that Matty has played nearly two seasons (19 games) as the Houston Texans starting QB, he has thrown for only 3 more TDs than INTs (21 to 18), and has a QB rating of somewhere in the viscinity of 89.6. Not terrible numbers ... but nothing that would lead you to believe that he'd win more Heismans than Powlus. That leads us to Sunday's game against the Packers. The Pack's defense is not a group of pushovers, especially not the secondary. Yet Schaub managed to pick that unit apart for 414 yards and 2 TDs, including a 58-yarder to Kevin Walter (chicks dig the long ball). If that's the Schaub that the NFL was clamoring about, then the Texans have a shot at a bright future. But for now, he's just as consistent as Kordell Stewart.
2. "Do women (or the Bills) know about Shrinkage?"
4-10 since 1994. 2-7 all-time in games after December 1. Those are various win-loss records of the Miami Dolphins in Buffalo. Obviously the Fins don't like cold weather. So Sunday's game at Buffalo should've provided the Bills a chance at recovering from their current slump. Even with J.P. Los"er"man starting in place of the injured Trent Edwards, that frigid upstate New York weather was going to paralyze Miami. Problem: the game wasn't in Buffalo. Huh? Ralph "A penny saved is a penny earned" Wilson was so s-m-r-t as to give away the edge the weather gave his team over a warm weather franchise and have the game played indoors?
Evidently, the Wilson's bank account isn't the only place where he needs help. Sure, I get the idea of testing out a new market for your team. Especially one that has a larger population and higher tv-viewership than Buffalo. But why not move the game against New England there? Or the Jets? Why let the "warm fuzzies" known as the Dolphins play in a stadium that's protected from the ball-freezing weather in Buffalo in December? It makes no sense. Sorry Buffalo fans, but this decision by your team's ownership was "wide right."
3. Is That a Concealed Handgun in Plaxico's Pocket? Or Are You Just Happy to See Me?
Back in the pre-season, I declared that the New York Giants didn't need lots of talent at wide receiver. That statement was prompted by the Giants performance during the all-important third week of the pre-season in which Eli Manning completed seven passes to five different receivers, none of whom was named Plaxico or Amani. Last week, against the Redskins, my observation appeared to be accurate. Eli threw for 305 yards, completing 21 passes to six different receivers, all with Plaxico out due to his inability to control his piece. But this past Sunday, against the Eagles, it seemed the Giants receivered not named Burress weren't up to the task. Domenick Hixon (the same guy who caught two TDs in the aforementioned pre-season game) dropped a beautiful lob from Manning that was a surefire TD. The drops were all over the place as the receiving crew did all they could to try and prove me wrong. Unfortunately, I'm stubborn (yes, I'm hard headed) and refuse to admit that I'm wrong quite yet. I still say that Manning doesn't need Burress or an exceptional WR to make plays happen. Last week was the exception ... week 13 against the Redskins was the rule.
4. Which NFC Division Has the Stroke?
A month or so into the season, many were declaring the NFC East as the best division in football. None of the four teams had a losing record, and the only losses for any of the teams had occured within the division. Fourteen weeks into the season and still all four teams are above .500. But the same holds true for the NFC South. After the slobber-knocker between Tampa and Carolina last night, the NFC South has a combined record of 34-18 (.654). The NFC East stands firm at 33-18-1 (.644). Outside of their respective division games, the East is 24-9-1 (.721) and the South is 24-8 (.750). The difference between the two divisions is like splitting hairs. In two weeks the current division leaders will meet as the Giants (11-2) will face the Panthers (10-3) in a game that will determine the #1 seed in the NFC playoffs. Not to take away from the NFC East's achievements thus far, because the combined win-loss record of those four teams is truly stellar. But, perhaps, self-proclaimed sports-gurus were a bit too quick to "crown their ass."
1. Long Schaub Silver's
Matt Schaub was once regarded as a diamond in the rough. NFL scouts and analysts thought he was the second coming of Joe Montana or Johnny Unitas. Hell, Schaub received enough praise to make Beano Cook's love of Ron Powlus look like a schoolgirl crush. Of course, this was before Schaub had ever taken a meaningful regular season snap. Now that Matty has played nearly two seasons (19 games) as the Houston Texans starting QB, he has thrown for only 3 more TDs than INTs (21 to 18), and has a QB rating of somewhere in the viscinity of 89.6. Not terrible numbers ... but nothing that would lead you to believe that he'd win more Heismans than Powlus. That leads us to Sunday's game against the Packers. The Pack's defense is not a group of pushovers, especially not the secondary. Yet Schaub managed to pick that unit apart for 414 yards and 2 TDs, including a 58-yarder to Kevin Walter (chicks dig the long ball). If that's the Schaub that the NFL was clamoring about, then the Texans have a shot at a bright future. But for now, he's just as consistent as Kordell Stewart.
2. "Do women (or the Bills) know about Shrinkage?"
4-10 since 1994. 2-7 all-time in games after December 1. Those are various win-loss records of the Miami Dolphins in Buffalo. Obviously the Fins don't like cold weather. So Sunday's game at Buffalo should've provided the Bills a chance at recovering from their current slump. Even with J.P. Los"er"man starting in place of the injured Trent Edwards, that frigid upstate New York weather was going to paralyze Miami. Problem: the game wasn't in Buffalo. Huh? Ralph "A penny saved is a penny earned" Wilson was so s-m-r-t as to give away the edge the weather gave his team over a warm weather franchise and have the game played indoors?
Evidently, the Wilson's bank account isn't the only place where he needs help. Sure, I get the idea of testing out a new market for your team. Especially one that has a larger population and higher tv-viewership than Buffalo. But why not move the game against New England there? Or the Jets? Why let the "warm fuzzies" known as the Dolphins play in a stadium that's protected from the ball-freezing weather in Buffalo in December? It makes no sense. Sorry Buffalo fans, but this decision by your team's ownership was "wide right."
3. Is That a Concealed Handgun in Plaxico's Pocket? Or Are You Just Happy to See Me?
Back in the pre-season, I declared that the New York Giants didn't need lots of talent at wide receiver. That statement was prompted by the Giants performance during the all-important third week of the pre-season in which Eli Manning completed seven passes to five different receivers, none of whom was named Plaxico or Amani. Last week, against the Redskins, my observation appeared to be accurate. Eli threw for 305 yards, completing 21 passes to six different receivers, all with Plaxico out due to his inability to control his piece. But this past Sunday, against the Eagles, it seemed the Giants receivered not named Burress weren't up to the task. Domenick Hixon (the same guy who caught two TDs in the aforementioned pre-season game) dropped a beautiful lob from Manning that was a surefire TD. The drops were all over the place as the receiving crew did all they could to try and prove me wrong. Unfortunately, I'm stubborn (yes, I'm hard headed) and refuse to admit that I'm wrong quite yet. I still say that Manning doesn't need Burress or an exceptional WR to make plays happen. Last week was the exception ... week 13 against the Redskins was the rule.
4. Which NFC Division Has the Stroke?
A month or so into the season, many were declaring the NFC East as the best division in football. None of the four teams had a losing record, and the only losses for any of the teams had occured within the division. Fourteen weeks into the season and still all four teams are above .500. But the same holds true for the NFC South. After the slobber-knocker between Tampa and Carolina last night, the NFC South has a combined record of 34-18 (.654). The NFC East stands firm at 33-18-1 (.644). Outside of their respective division games, the East is 24-9-1 (.721) and the South is 24-8 (.750). The difference between the two divisions is like splitting hairs. In two weeks the current division leaders will meet as the Giants (11-2) will face the Panthers (10-3) in a game that will determine the #1 seed in the NFC playoffs. Not to take away from the NFC East's achievements thus far, because the combined win-loss record of those four teams is truly stellar. But, perhaps, self-proclaimed sports-gurus were a bit too quick to "crown their ass."
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Live Blog for NFL Week 5
Updated at 155pm
- The Eagles are handling the Redskins early on. David Akers is the best player for the Redskins. Right as I say that, McNabb throws a bullet to Carlos Rogers, which was dropped.
- Queue the Vince Young watch. Two picks thus far from Kerry Collins who has gotten an inordinate amount of love from the media. For those just joining, many dubbed Collins a basketcase earlier in his career. This is not to say he's a great player to have in the locker room now.
- After falling behind by 10 points at Reliant Stadium, Houston knots it at 10.
- In Detroit, the Pop Warner defense is holding Matt Forte to 3.4 ypc and stopped the Bears on 4th and 1.
- So much for my upset pick today - Giants are up 17-3 against the Seahawks.
240pm
- After 14 quick points from the Eagles, the Redskins have fought back with three field goals. Did anyone start Shawn Suisham today?
- DeAngelo Williams with a career half against the Chiefs. Through a half and change, Williams has 127 yards and 3 TDs. Wild.
- Miami picked up where it left off two weeks ago. Two second-quarter TDs have the Dolphins up 17-3. The entire San Diego offense has been ineffective. This isn't the first time they've been down double digits this season.
- Houston has come back with fury, up 7 at the half. One bright spot for Indy - they have largely stopped the run. That said, they have probably overcompensated for its Achilles heel.
- Matt Ryan and Roddy White may very well be the next big play combo as Sum alluded to a few weeks back. Up 17-7 at Lambeau.
- I bet the baseball games will have more runs than the Titans/Ravens game has points. 3-3 at the half.
- How about Kyle Orton?!?!?!
325pm
- We'll just ignore the KC/CAR, CHI/DET and SEA/NYG because they are blowouts. Detroit offensive coordinator Jim Colletto said they would "open it up today". The only thing opened up in Detroit is a can of whoopass.
- The Redskins have totally stolen the momentum from the Eagles. It's only a 2-point game, but it could be much worse.
- Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings to tie the score at home against Atlanta at 17. This came after Matt Ryan threw a pick in the endzone. Ouch.
- Miami puts a temporary halt on San Diego's momentum and hang on to a touchdown advantage.
- Indianapolis is experiencing serious problems. Houston has rattled off 27 unanswered and have a comfortable 17-point lead. Did you imagine that the Colts would be 1-3? I sure didn't.
345pm
- After the Eagles earned some first downs, the Redskins told them who's boss in the redzone. Eagles held to a field goal. Philly fans boo. Jason Campbell has been nothing short of amazing since the first couple series. His progress since the Giants game describes why the NFL is so unpredictable (and great). College basketball is better though.
- Albert Haynesworth having trouble getting up ... this could be a case of Bad News Bears.
- Right when the Colts were on their way to 1-3, they score a TD on 4th down and force a fumble-six. 27-24. It was the second lost fumble for Sage Rosenfels, who has had an otherwise stellar day.
- Matt Ryan is on his way to earning his first away victory as an NFL quarterback. Michael Turner finds the endzone for the first time away from the friendly confines of the Georgia Dome.
400pm
- The Washington offensive line & Clinton Portis will be 4-1 after dominating the Eagles on both lines. On the decisive 4th and 1, the offensive line pushed forward and Portis fought tooth and nail. Realistically, the Redskins could be 7-1 before their matchup against Pittsburgh. On a personal note, with the Cubs choking and the Eagles losing at home to a divisional foe, it's equivalent to a kick in the groin followed by a facial cleat stomp.
- In Houston, Indianapolis completed a phenomenal comeback, scoring thrice in the final 8 minutes. Sage Rosenfels turned the ball over three times in the decisive period.
- Tennessee comes from behind to defeat Baltimore. The Ravens, though impressive, are now a realistic 2-2. Tennessee keeps rolling, but it's not pretty. Collins to Crumpler for the winning score - you'd think this game was played in 2003.
425pm
- After a disappointing defeat, the Lions are an underwhelming 0-4. Sources have confirmed that they are shopping an unhappy Roy Williams; however, their price tag has been too much (prior to getting the sack, Matt Millen offered Roy Williams to the Cowboys for DeMarcus Ware). Could teams like the Eagles, Chargers (Chris Chambers was carted off earlier today) and Bills be in the market for the talent yet oft-injured playmaker?
- Tampa Bay and Dallas up early on field goals.
- Matt Cassel and JT O'Sullivan have both thrown picks ... in the first five minutes.
- Marion Barber III has half as many touches as last game in the first five minutes ... four. And Felix Jones just surpassed his touches. TO must be stewing. Oh, that damn media stirring up non-existent stories in Dallas.
- Phil Simms is intolerable. I'd love an automatic function that mutes specific commentators. The smart money is on Clement muting Chris Berman.
745pm
- Despite winning today, Dallas is not who we thought they were after their win at Green Bay. Perhaps it's a case of having the target on their chest. I think it's a case of having a defense that's not hungry and an offense that has forgotten the killer instinct it had for most of last season.
- Trent Edwards was concussed early in the Bills' 41-17 loss at Arizona. This was the Jekyll & Hyde matchup of the week and Hyde kicked Jekyll's tookus. Kurt Warner put any potential quarterback controversy to rest with a solid performance. Steve Breaston deputized well in Anquan Boldin's absence.
- Brian Griese wasn't able to win (or finish the game due to a shoulder injury) against another former team. Why? The Denver defense - a contradiction in terms - showed up. Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall did not put up the fancy numbers, but they won the game. I am still trying to understand the 36 pass / 21 run play breakdown when the Broncos surrendered 6.3 yards per rush.
- New England dominated the time of possession (40 minutes) and wore down San Francisco. This limited the number of touches for Frank Gore and facilitated the style of football which made the Patriots who they are prior to 2007.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Tuesday FourCast: Week 2
After watching Sum take the kickoff back for a score with his Week One FourCast, I have the daunting task of following him. I need seven on this drive. No pick-six here. I need a sure thing. Where is the Browns offense when I need them?
#1: The Measure of a Man
What makes a player great? Is it the number of touchdowns he scores? Is it a popularity contest? Is it the number of supermodels he impregnates? I beg to differ. Brett Favre will eventually hold all of the relevant quarterback records in the NFL. He will break the record for TD passes this season. He might break the passing yardage record this year. However, all of those pale in comparison to the record Favre broke when he led his Packers past the Giants. Favre eclipsed John Elway, moving into first place in all-time wins (149).
The all-time wins record is a testament to who Favre is. If Favre had to choose which one of his records he could keep, the best bet is that he would keep the all-time wins record. Since his first year with the Packers, watching him connect on game-winning TD pass to Sterling Sharpe, I could tell that something special was beginning. Even then, it was evident that Favre plays with heart. Favre has been called many things: a throwback, a gunslinger. However, there is one name he has earned. Winner.
#2: The Mis-Measure of Man
With the microscope on the New England Patriots after their videotaping fiasco, many forget about the players involved and their reputations. Sure, there are some players at fault, who knew what was going on. However, there are those that were just playing the game. Now, every player on the Patriots is potentially tainted. We heard Jaws on Monday Night Football. He said that every QB could complete 75% of their passes if they knew the opposing defense's calls. Does this mean that Tom Brady's career is a farce? I disagree.
I know it’s an unpopular opinion, but I think the penalty Goodell imposed upon the Patriots was a bit heavy-handed. Anyone that thinks other teams do not participate in similar activities are naive. All sports involve an element of gaining as many advantages over your opponents as you can. If anything, this controversy will only cause teams already involved in these activities to come up with stealthier ways to continue. Half a million dollars, while affordable to Belichick, was a bit much. However the bane of this controversy will be the forfeited first-round draft pick. Just to put perspective to the value of the pick, the Patriots landed Randy Moss for a 4th rounder.
#3: Deep in the Heart of Texans
Throughout the far-from-storied franchise of the Houston Texans, many excuses have been made to explain the futility of the team. The wide receivers wore the underachiever label. The offensive line gave up a great deal of sacks. Probably, the most logical was the lack of a power rushing game. Yours truly bought into the theory that their team was caught with their pants down when Tony Boselli's injury proved to be career-threatening and the team lacked a backup plan. However, the apparent problem was staring them down from the opposite sideline in Carolina. That would be former Texans #1 overall pick, QB David Carr.
Watching current Texans QB Matt Schaub, one can easily see the difference between the current and former starters. While making his WRs look good, Schaub also makes his offensive line look better. Schaub understands the value of getting rid of the ball, whether he's aiming for a receiver or throwing the ball away. Carr would try to milk his time in the pocket trying to make the play, resulting in him staring up at the lights 249 times in his Texans career. Then, there's that little matter of the Falcons trading Schaub away and putting their hopes into the hands of Ron Mexico...er...Michael Vick. That’s another story in itself.
#4: Fantasy Fix - The Ground Game
The consensus top three fantasy football draft picks this year were LaDainian Tomlinson, Larry Johnson and Steven Jackson, in no particular order (after Tomlinson, that is). Often, great fantasy players get off to a slow start. Two games into the season last year, they had a combined 620 yards rushing averaging a little over a hundred yards per game. The teams were a combined 3-3. This year, the same three have so far put up a combined 284 yards, their teams going a collective 1-5. Has the playing field leveled in fantasy football?
Fear not, my fantasy football addicts. If you were lucky enough to land one of these three studs, do not succumb to the trade offers that bombard you as we speak. Stick to your big guns. They will hit their stride, and come fantasy playoff time, they should be at their peak. And if anyone doubts you, pull a "Pacino" and have them say hello to your little friend.
#1: The Measure of a Man
What makes a player great? Is it the number of touchdowns he scores? Is it a popularity contest? Is it the number of supermodels he impregnates? I beg to differ. Brett Favre will eventually hold all of the relevant quarterback records in the NFL. He will break the record for TD passes this season. He might break the passing yardage record this year. However, all of those pale in comparison to the record Favre broke when he led his Packers past the Giants. Favre eclipsed John Elway, moving into first place in all-time wins (149).
The all-time wins record is a testament to who Favre is. If Favre had to choose which one of his records he could keep, the best bet is that he would keep the all-time wins record. Since his first year with the Packers, watching him connect on game-winning TD pass to Sterling Sharpe, I could tell that something special was beginning. Even then, it was evident that Favre plays with heart. Favre has been called many things: a throwback, a gunslinger. However, there is one name he has earned. Winner.
#2: The Mis-Measure of Man
With the microscope on the New England Patriots after their videotaping fiasco, many forget about the players involved and their reputations. Sure, there are some players at fault, who knew what was going on. However, there are those that were just playing the game. Now, every player on the Patriots is potentially tainted. We heard Jaws on Monday Night Football. He said that every QB could complete 75% of their passes if they knew the opposing defense's calls. Does this mean that Tom Brady's career is a farce? I disagree.
I know it’s an unpopular opinion, but I think the penalty Goodell imposed upon the Patriots was a bit heavy-handed. Anyone that thinks other teams do not participate in similar activities are naive. All sports involve an element of gaining as many advantages over your opponents as you can. If anything, this controversy will only cause teams already involved in these activities to come up with stealthier ways to continue. Half a million dollars, while affordable to Belichick, was a bit much. However the bane of this controversy will be the forfeited first-round draft pick. Just to put perspective to the value of the pick, the Patriots landed Randy Moss for a 4th rounder.
#3: Deep in the Heart of Texans
Throughout the far-from-storied franchise of the Houston Texans, many excuses have been made to explain the futility of the team. The wide receivers wore the underachiever label. The offensive line gave up a great deal of sacks. Probably, the most logical was the lack of a power rushing game. Yours truly bought into the theory that their team was caught with their pants down when Tony Boselli's injury proved to be career-threatening and the team lacked a backup plan. However, the apparent problem was staring them down from the opposite sideline in Carolina. That would be former Texans #1 overall pick, QB David Carr.
Watching current Texans QB Matt Schaub, one can easily see the difference between the current and former starters. While making his WRs look good, Schaub also makes his offensive line look better. Schaub understands the value of getting rid of the ball, whether he's aiming for a receiver or throwing the ball away. Carr would try to milk his time in the pocket trying to make the play, resulting in him staring up at the lights 249 times in his Texans career. Then, there's that little matter of the Falcons trading Schaub away and putting their hopes into the hands of Ron Mexico...er...Michael Vick. That’s another story in itself.
#4: Fantasy Fix - The Ground Game
The consensus top three fantasy football draft picks this year were LaDainian Tomlinson, Larry Johnson and Steven Jackson, in no particular order (after Tomlinson, that is). Often, great fantasy players get off to a slow start. Two games into the season last year, they had a combined 620 yards rushing averaging a little over a hundred yards per game. The teams were a combined 3-3. This year, the same three have so far put up a combined 284 yards, their teams going a collective 1-5. Has the playing field leveled in fantasy football?
Fear not, my fantasy football addicts. If you were lucky enough to land one of these three studs, do not succumb to the trade offers that bombard you as we speak. Stick to your big guns. They will hit their stride, and come fantasy playoff time, they should be at their peak. And if anyone doubts you, pull a "Pacino" and have them say hello to your little friend.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Pick-Six: Greatest Hits of the Millennium
In recent years, there has always been one or two major storylines after the 1st-round of the draft is completed. It’s not always who the first pick or the last pick of the round was. Often it has nothing to do with a popular team (per say the Dallas Cowboys) or a quieter team (such as the Jacksonville Jaguars). Major trades even seem quiet once proper perspective sets into place. Yet, some stories have the ability to do more than just linger.
-Houston seemed a lock before the season to target a guy like UVA tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson. If a QB or USC guy was to be taken in his play…it had to be Matt Leinart. That was the case, at least until Reggie Bush & Vince Young dueled for the Heisman (Bush winning) and an unforgettable Rose Bowl (Young winning). Still sticking with David Carr at that point (who is now a backup in Carolina), Houston let everyone know early on that Vince wouldn’t be returning to Houston. As for Reggie Bush, the team seemed hot/cold over the can’t-miss-kid for weeks leading up to the draft. Combine initial trepidations with a trio of other factors, including: Bush’s potential $-scandal at USC, contract problems, and Mario Williams just dying to sign a friendly-contract…and the defensive end from NC State signed his rather stunning rookie contract the night before the Draft.
End Result: Houston may never live down passing up on Young or Bush, no matter how special “Super” Mario may become.
Not so Super was it?
Source: TexansRock.com
-Aaron Rodgers seemed the next Jeff Tedford QB ready to be picked in the top-half, if not the first with the top-pick, in the NFL Draft. Many pundits had San Fran targeting the junior during the earliest weeks of draft speculation. However, potential contract issues and Utah’s Alex Smith pushed Rodgers out of the #1-slot come draft time. Yet, nobody could’ve guessed just how fall Rodgers fell. Passing up team after team, without any real fervor from any NFL teams to move up or back into the 1st-round to select him, the Packers (with Chris Berman annoyingly pleading for them to do so) seemingly selected the heir-apparent to a guy named Favre. Just don’t tell Brett that. In his first two seasons, Rodgers has barely seen the field and broke his leg last year. The jury is still out on this kid to say the least.
End Result: Rodgers lost millions of dollars and may, in fact, never get a real shot at the Green Bay job or a real-starting gig. It’s perplexing when you actually consider it.
The number of quarters Rodgers has played equals that number.
Source: Orlando Sentinel
-They drafted him anyways. Yet, you just had to know, the Giants would find a way. So they parted with multiple picks (including Phillip Rivers at #4) and got their man. He made the playoffs his first full-year as a starter…and got blasted by the Panthers. These days he’s getting killed by the New York media and many are wondering if he’s just sublimely average as a QB. As for Rivers and the Chargers, while they haven’t won a playoff game either, they enjoyed an NFL-best 14-2 record and used extra picks on guys named Merriman and Kaeding (so overrated, by the way) and seem perfectly happy with how things transpired.
End Result: I still believe nobody involved, maybe save Ernie Acorsi, would change their mind about this move. Eli is still plenty talented and San Diego got more than enough in return for their 1st-pick.
Fond memories in the Manning-household.
Source: Orlando Sentinel
2003: Minnesota fails to turn their pick in on-time, prompting Jacksonville & Carolina to jump in front of them with their first-round selections.
-Pandemonium that actually sped up the usually slower-than-possible 1st round of 2003. With the clock actually ticking off the final seconds and no card in the hand of the commissioner, the rule-book was wide open as Jacksonville quickly nabbed Byron Leftwich (remember, Minnesota had Daunte Culpepper already) and Carolina targeted Jordan Gross (remember, Minnesota took Bryant McKinnie the previous draft). Baltimore was soon behind with Terrell Suugs; yet, Minnesota got the man they initially intended to select…Oklahoma State defensive tackle Kevin Williams.
End Result: Jacksonville’s QB is still up in the air. Gross is talented, but not a Pro-Bowler. Williams may be the best DT in the NFL. Suggs was a sensational steal at #10. In the end, nobody loss; especially the Vikings.
No doubt that Ziggi won't except a moment's lapse.
Credit: Glorious Nation
-It seemed one of the easier #1 picks to target. I, for one, went blue in the face demanding the franchise select the best-player-available and freakish-talent Julius Peppers out of UNC. While you need a franchise QB, Tim Couch alone proved expansion teams and rookie-starting QBs doesn’t work very well.
End Result: Houston seemed thrilled, yet somehow in perspective this draft cost them Peppers (they ended up taking Mario Williams) and perhaps Vince Young (they kept Carr). Hindsight my friends. Hindsight.
Carr spent more time in this position than any other in Houston.
Credit: Texans Rock
-San Diego seemed to balk a bit on the idea that whomever had the #1-pick “had to select the Hokie QB”. Instead, they wheeled down four picks, to #5 of course, and selected freakishly talented (yet, still somewhat unknown) TCU RB LaDanian Tomlinson. Atlanta opened their arms to Vick and didn’t feel it lost too much having to land their future franchise-QB and marketing-machine.
End Result: I’d love to sit down and actually put numbers together and scenarios to see if Atlanta would still make the move for Vick again. After the win at Lambeau, it seemed amazing. Now that LT is considered one of the G.O.A.T. already, there is a lot more debate. Yet, you can count the playoff wins up. Vickà 2 & LTà0-2. For now, it’s not the wash some consider it to be. Not yet, at least.
...before the days of the pitbull-ring...
Credit: CNNSI
-Mainly through the Keyshawn-deal, the Jets (in need of a roster makeover) were adamant at not compiling any picks to move up. Instead, they were looking for depth, playmakers, and key ingredients for a team on the rise. Or so they thought. First up was Tennessee DE Shaun Ellis (#12), freakish DE John Abraham (#13) of South Carolina, followed by Marshall QB Chad Pennington (#18), and finally West Virginia TE Anthony Becht (#27). Busy first-day for the J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS.
End Result: Interestingly enough, Lav Coles was their 3rd-round selection this draft. ¾ isn’t bad in the crapshoot of the NFL Draft. Ellis has been a stalwart and an massive rush/run combo (always just off the Pro-Bowl radar), Abraham was sometimes more flash than talent (yet ended up netting future Pro Bowl C Nick Mangold in a 2006 NFL Draft Trade), and Pennington (2-playoff victories) has seemed to overcome a ton of injuries and been a good QB for the Jets during his tenure (when healthy). As for Becht, he wasn’t much at all…yet outside of Keith Bullock (at LB), there isn’t too much to realistically pine over.
Things are a lot better in NYC when Chad isn't in this uniform.
Credit: NFL.com
Note: Expect the Mock either very late tonight or bright and early tomorrow.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Quick Hits before Tourney Talk...
Dropping some quick 4-1-1 information that seemed of relevance to me. It'll be addressed further following the weekend of March Madness. But for now...here are a few of things of note on me mind.
1) LaRussa in a bit of trouble.
-That's right, another DUI story to enjoy. The 62-year old Cards manager was arrested on Thursday night after being found asleep behind the wheel, the car was on and stopped a stop light, and he blew a 0.093 percent on the Breathalyzer. [Florida, like many states has a legal limit of 0.08]. It's random, but just this past weekend there was a major pile up in the Wendy's parking lot for a drunken college student asleep behind the wheel, thankfully, of his parked jeep.] Note to all of you drunken drivers, please have the human decency to stop doing this immediately. PLEASE!
2) Schaub to the Texans
-I'm not exactly sure what's more baffling:
1) Texans finally trading Carr NOW when they could've had Vince or Leinart last year
2) The 6 year, $48-million dollar deal Schaub landed
3) The Texans swapping 1st rounder (8 to 10) and giving up this and next year's 2nd rounders (which are pretty high picks) to the Falcons
4) Schaub's 0-2 record, 6 TDs/6 INTs and more so...Kubiak's love for a relative unknown to this degree.
All I can say is...Houston, we may already have yet another problem.
3) Tubby Smith out in Kentucky, in at University of Minnesota
-Yep, it had to happen eventually. Before he could be fired, Tubby bolted from UK (he'll still get his April bonus) and got good money to try and re-build the Golden Gophers. It's a good move for Tubby, he needed to leave Lexington before it got too ugly. As for who Kentucky will target? Names like Izzo, Creen, Few, Gillespie, Beilein, Romar, Kent, and plenty other have to be dropped. This is a top-5 job in college basketball. Please, let's not start the Pitino rumors too soon.
4) Jason Hart's game-winner
Okay, it's only news to me. But here is the link: it's all I'll say about this moment.
I'll try and drop another ten random thoughts in a week or two. Until then...
Dropping some quick 4-1-1 information that seemed of relevance to me. It'll be addressed further following the weekend of March Madness. But for now...here are a few of things of note on me mind.
1) LaRussa in a bit of trouble.
-That's right, another DUI story to enjoy. The 62-year old Cards manager was arrested on Thursday night after being found asleep behind the wheel, the car was on and stopped a stop light, and he blew a 0.093 percent on the Breathalyzer. [Florida, like many states has a legal limit of 0.08]. It's random, but just this past weekend there was a major pile up in the Wendy's parking lot for a drunken college student asleep behind the wheel, thankfully, of his parked jeep.] Note to all of you drunken drivers, please have the human decency to stop doing this immediately. PLEASE!
2) Schaub to the Texans
-I'm not exactly sure what's more baffling:
1) Texans finally trading Carr NOW when they could've had Vince or Leinart last year
2) The 6 year, $48-million dollar deal Schaub landed
3) The Texans swapping 1st rounder (8 to 10) and giving up this and next year's 2nd rounders (which are pretty high picks) to the Falcons
4) Schaub's 0-2 record, 6 TDs/6 INTs and more so...Kubiak's love for a relative unknown to this degree.
All I can say is...Houston, we may already have yet another problem.
3) Tubby Smith out in Kentucky, in at University of Minnesota
-Yep, it had to happen eventually. Before he could be fired, Tubby bolted from UK (he'll still get his April bonus) and got good money to try and re-build the Golden Gophers. It's a good move for Tubby, he needed to leave Lexington before it got too ugly. As for who Kentucky will target? Names like Izzo, Creen, Few, Gillespie, Beilein, Romar, Kent, and plenty other have to be dropped. This is a top-5 job in college basketball. Please, let's not start the Pitino rumors too soon.
4) Jason Hart's game-winner
Okay, it's only news to me. But here is the link: it's all I'll say about this moment.
I'll try and drop another ten random thoughts in a week or two. Until then...
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