Friday, February 5, 2010

Which Big Dog Barks Loudest On Super Bowl Sunday?




New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts


Both the Saints and Colts can claim they are almost mirror images of one another in a way. Both teams feature explosive offenses led by the upper echelon quarterbacks in the game today. In the Super Bowl, it usually comes down to who controls the trenches, but this may change this year since neither seems to rely on that area to win.



What To Watch From The Saints

The Saints have a Pro Bowl quarterback in Drew Brees to lean on, even if he was not at his best in the NFC Championship win. New Orleans needs the running game to continue to be effective.. Pierre Thomas was effective last week, but they will need an even better effort from him and Reggie Bush. If they have difficulty running against a porous Colts run defense that has suddenly tightened in the playoffs, then the Colts offense will get more chances to score.

New Orleans in hurting along their defensive line, but they were still able to put pressure on Minnesota when they needed to last week. They battered the Vikings quarterback, Brett Favre, into multiple mistakes and bruises. Manning gets rid of the ball much faster with a lot less mistakes, so trying to pressure him will be a huge challenge.

The place kicking game is very questionable for the Saints, despite Garrett Hartley hitting a game winner two weeks ago. The Colts have the more experienced Matt Stover, though Hartley has the bigger leg. If the Saints need their young kicker to procure another win, it will be interesting to see how he handles the pressure.

The one thing to watch is how the Colts secondary matches up against tight end Jeremy Shockey. Shockey has a sore knee right now, and was ineffective in the NFC Championship win. Indianapolis loves to throw to their Pro Bowl tight end Dallas Clark, so the Saints need Shockey to be ready to go on Sunday. He can take the linebackers away from helping the secondary by concentrating on him if he is effective. It may be the key x-factor to a Saints hopes for victory.

Though the Saints have two cornerbacks playing well in Jabari Greer and Tracey Porter, there is a question if the extra defensive backs will be able to shut down the extra receivers the Colts employ. Manning easily checks off to receivers and is notorious in spreading the wealth amongst his teammates.

The onus will be on veteran Randall Gay and rookie Malcolm Jenkins to step up, and Usama Young may factor in as well. If Manning picks these guys apart, the Saints are in trouble because they would prefer Pro Bowl free safety Darren Sharper to keep an eye on Pro Bowl wide receiver Reggie Wayne.



What To Watch From The Colts

The Colts have been stopping other teams from running in the playoffs, which is a surprise considering they were one of the worst in the NFL at doing so all season. Now that Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney seems to be playing on one good leg, the task of stopping the versatile New Orleans running backs becomes more problematic. If the Saints run well, they can control the clock and tempo of the game.

Indianapolis has dealt with injuries to their defensive all season with positive results. Starting rookie cornerback Jerraud Powers has a bad ankle, so the Colts may start rookie cornerback Jacob Lacey. Lacey is second on the team with three interceptions, but the Colts are missing safety Bob Sanders, and their starting safeties are battling injuries. They could be in trouble against a Saints offense that can run out four wide receivers to go with their excellent pass catching backs. With Freeney's impact now in question, Brees may have loads of time to pick apart a seemingly weakened secondary..


The Colts do not run the football well, and this has been a hindrance of the team most of the season. Teams who do not run nor stop the run well usually are not championship caliber, but the Colts have been defying the odds and history itself. Indianapolis has a good offensive line in pass protection, but the lack of push in the run game could cost them finally. Having a starting guard and his two main reserves as former centers, they are not a big unit. The Saints need to absolutely dominate in the trenches if they want a good chance at winning.


Future Hall Of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning is on the cusp of having his name almost mentioned in the same breath as Johnny Unitas in Colts lore. If Manning adds another championship ring to his collection, he will be that much closer to maybe the best quarterback in NFL history.

Now that former Colts coach Tony Dungy has put up bulletin board material for the Saints by saying he expects Indianapolis to win handily, the perfectionist in Manning will try to make that prediction come true. Never one to back down from a challenge, the fiery quarterback realizes he needs this second championship ring to justify his place amongst the NFL elite.




Quarterback : Slight Edge Colts

Running Back : Slight Edge Saints

Receivers : Slight Edge Colts

Offensive Line : Slight Edge Saints

Defensive Line : Slight Edge Saints

Linebacker : Even

Secondary : Even

Special Teams : Slight Edge Saints

Coaching : Slight Edge Saints




Both teams are trying to make history with a win in this game. If the Saints win, they will be the first team ever to win a championship after finishing the regular season with three straight losses. The Colts are trying to become the first team since 1967 to win it all after finishing their regular season schedule with two straight losses.

This could be a high scoring affair, because both teams have multiple weapons on offense and questionable secondaries. It could go down to who has the ball last. This pick is being made mostly on the hopes the Saints finally get a championship trophy, something the city has not seen ever. The Buccaneers of the American Basketball Association reached the ABA Finals in 1968, but lost in seven games.

Saints 37 Colts 31

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

2010 NFL Mock Draft : First Round

1. Saint Louis Rams : Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle, Nebraska


The Rams will take a long hard look at the quarterback position, though none in this draft class really scream out as can't miss prospects. Drafting Suh is the intelligent move. He helps to continue to build a Rams defense that could be special.

Suh would line up next to former first round draft picks Adam Carriker and Chris Long, and that will help middle linebacker James Laurinaitis continue excelling by keeping more blockers off of him. Not only is he considered the best player in the draft, but some pundits have mentioned him in the same breath as legendary Hall Of Fame defensive tackle Alan Page.






2. Detroit Lions : Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma


Detroit will win no matter what with this pick. If Suh is somehow there, it will take them mere seconds to pull the trigger. The same thing applies to McCoy, who is just a few notches below Suh. Detroit needs help virtually everywhere, but they have no depth and little talent at defensive tackle. Getting this run stuffer is the right move.

There is a chance the Lions trade down to get more selections, since they need help virtually everywhere.







3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers : Eric Berry, Safety, Tennessee



Tampa Bay would rather get their hands on either of the stud defensive tackles, but it seems unlikely they will trade up. Assuming both are gone, by the time they make their pick, they should attack a secondary in desperate need of help. Other than Tanard Jackson, Tampa Bay has no safeties they can rely on.

Berry is a bit stiff in the hips, but is technically sound and smart. He rarely makes mistakes and does a good job supporting the run. Many feel he is the best safety prospect since the late Sean Taylor, and that he is a future Pro Bowler.

One person to watch is cornerback Joe Haden, who is from Florida. Ronde Barber will be 36 years old by the time next season kicks off, and Haden could bookend Aqib Talib to give the team an exciting tandem. Considering the weak CB class in this years draft, they may grab him here instead of reaching on others later.







4. Washington Redskins : Russell Okung, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma State



In the 16 years that new head coach Mike Shanahan has been in the NFL, he has used a first round draft pick on a quarterback, Jay Cutler, just once. Though there is a very good chance the Redskins select Jimmy Clausen, mainly because owner Dan Snyder attended a private workout with him a month ago, the problems on the offensive line are too big to neglect with the few draft picks they will have.

With Chris Samuels' career apparently over, the team needs a left tackle to protect whoever is the quarterback. Okung is far and away the best tackle prospect in the draft. If Shanahan goes this direction, they can re-sign incumbent quarterback Jason Campbell. Campbell had a good 2009 season, even though he was seen running for his life almost every time he dropped back to pass.

Though Clausen might be the sexy pick to some, the Redskins have way too many holes in their roster to afford to be sexy. They need to get more blockers, outside linebackers, and running backs. Expect them to look hard at undrafted rookies and free agents to attempt to fill slots in a rebuilding process that will take time.






5. Kansas City Chiefs : Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State


The Chiefs need help on the offensive line, so they will grab Okung if he is there. If Berry is somehow here, they would grab him, because they need help at safety. Since both are gone on this board, they will look at Bryant and middle linebacker Rolando McClain.

Kansas City got a disappointing 2009 season from Dwayne Bowe, who showed up to camp out of shape and then was suspended for four games due to a drug violation. They pulled veteran Chris Chambers from the waiver wire and got decent production from him, but the team still showed little depth at the position.

Bryant is not a speed demon, but he is a big play receiver with terrific leaping skills and excellent hands. If Bowe returns to the Chiefs and plays as well as they think he can, the combination of him and Bryant will open things up in their passing game.






6. Seattle Seahawks : Jimmy Clausen, Quarterback, Notre Dame


New head coach Pete Carroll is familiar with Clausen in their collegiate battles, and will grab him to mold as the future signal caller. With the back issue that veteran Matt Hasselbeck has been dealing with for the past few years, it is conceivable Clausen will see time as a rookie as well.

Seattle could look at Rutgers offensive tackle Anthony Davis to be mentored by future Hall Of Famer Walter Jones, who says he intends to return. Running back C.J. Spiller will also get a look to help Seattle's mediocre ground attack. If Berry is here, he could be chosen.







7. Cleveland Browns : Joe Haden, Cornerback, Florida


Some fans might prefer quarterback Sam Bradford or running back C.J. Spiller. Others will hope Bryant drops to them. Middle linebacker McClain will also get a hard look.

Getting Haden would have him bookend Eric Wright and give the Browns a CB tandem that would rival the Bengals in the AFC. It also would give the Browns a young and deep secondary.

With Mike Holmgren now calling the shots, there is an air of unpredictability with this pick. Cleveland needs major help on offense, an area of expertise for Holmgren. He could trade this pick down to gather up more players for a Browns team that need multiple spots upgraded on the roster.







8. Oakland Raiders : Brian Price, DT, UCLA


Trying to predict what Hall Of Famer Al Davis will do is impossible. He loves great athletes, so offensive tackle Anthony Davis or linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul will get long looks.

One of the things that killed Oakland's dreams in 2009 was their inability to stop the run. Teams averaged over 155 yards per game on them, which ranked 29th in the league. Getting veterans Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly help along the defensive front is a must.

Price grew up in California and is a quick, and strong player who gives the Raiders an inside force the team needs to shore up the gaping holes they allowed last year. McClain is a possibility, but Kurt Morrison racked up over 100 tackles last year and is just 28 years old.





9. Buffalo Bills : Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma



The Bills need a quarterback who can get the ball to their receivers, and they will hope Bradford is able to. Though the team could look at an offensive tackle at this spot, they cannot be comfortable with the current quarterbacks on their roster.

There is a very good chance the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner will start right away for new head coach Chan Gailey, whose area of expertise is offense.






10. Jacksonville Jaguars : Rolando McClain, Middle Linebacker, Alabama


One thing head coach Jack Del Rio knows is the value of having a good middle linebacker, something the team hasn't had the past few years. The Jaguars have been playing undersized linebackers there, and McClain can solidify the position.

Tall, rangy, and fast, he is a tackling machine who has the ability to be solid for a long time. He has the versatility to play the strong outside linebacker and has good coverage skills. Though Jacksonville could look for a speed rusher off the edge, passing up a player as solid as McClain could be a mistake.






11. Denver Broncos : Derrick Morgan, Defensive End, Georgia Tech



Denver would love to have McClain, but will have to go in another direction on this draft board. There is a chance they trade up, considering how aggressive head coach Josh McDaniels was in last years draft.

They would love to get their hands on Bryant, especially with star receiver Brandon Marshall's showing an obvious displeasure with McDaniels. Seeing Marshall packaged in a trade to move up several slots is a very possible scenario.

Morgan is a solid player who represents an immediate upgrade over the current starters, Kenny Peterson and Ryan McBean. He is equally adept at stopping the run and creating a pass rush.







12. Miami Dolphins : Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/ Linebacker, South Florida


This pick will probably be a pass rushing linebacker, but the decision will be between Pierre-Paul and Sergio Kindle. Kindle is more polished, but the upside on the raw Pierre-Paul is enormous. It helps also that he is a local product whose family is from Haiti. The Miami area has a large Haitian community.

Though the Dolphins will look at nose tackle and more wide receivers, they may also pull the trigger on the versatile C.J. Spiller since Ricky Williams has already announced next season will be his last.







13. San Francisco 49ers : C.J. Spiller, Running Back, Clemson


Though Frank Gore was excellent last year, he is defying odds with his surgically repaired knees. He is also nearing an age, with all the carries he has had over four years, where he could use some help. Spiller is the dynamic big play back the 49ers have not had since the days of the Million Dollar Backfield of the 1950's.

He is not an every down type of back, but he is an excellent receiver who is elusive in the open field. He also can return kickoffs if needed. Adding an explosive dimension to an offense that has questions at quarterback.

San Francisco also could look to fortify the trenches. Offensive tackles Anthony Davis and Bryan Bulaga will get a long look, as will defensive tackle Dan Williams. The Niners have two first round draft picks this year, so it is conceivable they package both picks to trade up.






14. Seattle Seahawks : Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers



Now that Seattle has drafted their quarterback of the future in Jimmy Clausen, they need to get him protection. Baluga could very well go here, because he is more polished. Davis, however, is the better athlete with a larger upside.

Whichever Seattle selects, that player will get to be under the wing of future Hall Of Famer Walter Jones. There is a chance the team could look at safety Taylor Mays, who is known well by Carroll from USC. Mays is a big hitter, something Seattle needs from their secondary. If Spiller drops this far, they can grab him to help their anemic offensive attack.







15. New York Giants : Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida


New York needs help on the defensive line, but may be unwilling to reach on defensive tackle Dan Williams this high. With current defensive end Osi Umenyiora unhappy, as well as mostly unproductive versus the run last season, and Mathias Kiwanuka's contract nearing its end, New York may want to look ahead to the future here.

Dunlap is coming off a sub par year that also saw him get a DUI arrest, but his talent is unquestionable. At 6'6" 290, he runs a 4.6 forty-yard dash. His huge upside might be too tempting to pass up.

If McClain is here, they should grab him. Last year I had them drafting Laurinaitis, but they chose Nicks at wide receiver. Though Nicks had a nice rookie year, Laurinaitis had a year that easily showed he would have been the perfect replacement for the aging Antonio Pierce. Another possibility is tight end Jermaine Gresham.







16. Tennessee Titans : Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State


Tennessee needs a pass rushing defensive end, but none left are worthy of this selection. Robinson is the last of a long line of top flight cornerbacks that Bobby Bowden taught. The Titans need him to start opposite veteran Cortland Finnegan, thus allowing veteran Nick Harper move to nickel back. He has all the tools to be great, but lacks experience.

Tennessee also could look at outside linebacker, considering only veteran Keith Bullock gave them decent production from the position. Kindle, Sean Weatherspoon, Brandon Graham, Jerry Hughes, and and Ricky Sapp will get looked at by head coach Jeff Fischer.






17. San Francisco 49ers : Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa


Assuming the Niners have not traded up, as well as drafting Spiller with their first pick, now they can concentrate on upgrading the offensive line. Bulaga is ranked the second best offensive lineman prospect in the draft by many, and has excellent fundamentals. He is still growing into his body and could use more work in the weight room, but the upside is there.

There is a chance the 49ers look at safeties Mays or Earl Thomas, and nose tackles Dan Williams and Terrance Cody will also get a look. The 49ers win their games with good defense and a solid ground game, and Bulaga would be a good fit.






18. Pittsburgh Steelers : Taylor Mays, Strong Safety, USC



The one thing to keep the Steelers winning is to keep Coach Dad happy. Dick LeBeau, who hopefully will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame this year, is the defensive coordinator of a team that has seemingly relied on defense to win games since 1970. Mays fit a big need for the team as well.

He is a big safety who hits very hard and excels at stopping the run. He has good speed, but needs work on pass coverage. While some critics worry about his play making skills in the secondary, having Troy Polamalu as his partner will provide tremendous mentorship. One other very possible move is Pittsburgh looking at nose tackle Terrence Cody, and even possibly offensive tackles Bruce Campbell and Trent Williams.






19. Atlanta Falcons : Sergio Kindle, DE/ LB, Texas


Atlanta needs help in the pass rush and with outside linebacker depth. Strong side linebacker Mike Peterson will be entering his 12th season next year, and his forte is stopping the run. Atlanta needs another rusher off the edge and Kindle fills that need.

The Falcons also need more depth at cornerback and defensive end, and they could look at Weatherspoon because he has more linebacker experience. Ricky Sapp is another to be considered.






20. Houston Texans : Earl Thomas, Safety, Texas


Houston needs a major upgrade over free safety John Busing, and Thomas represents that. A ball hawk with a knack of being in on big plays, he is very raw having come out in the draft after his sophomore season. His being a local product also makes him appealing to the fan base.

The Texans may also look at defensive tackle Dan Williams, mainly because they get little from that position, as well as running back Jahvid Best to help their nearly non-existent ground game.








21. Cincinnati Bengals : Jermaine Gresham, Tight End, Oklahoma



Gresham is the top rated tight end in the draft, and has excellent size, hands, and athleticism. Cincinnati has not had great play from this position since the days of Dan Ross in the 1980's, and have been hurting the last few years at the position. They drafted Chase Coffman last year, but he did not even get on the field despite multiple injuries of other tight ends. Even if Coffman develops, he is a weak blocker who has good enough receiving skills to be a second tight end.

The Bengals lost the big play abilities of Chris Henry after he died, so they could look at receivers Golden Tate and Arrelious Benn. They also could continue getting strong at the offensive line with guard Mike Iupati or tackles Bruce Campbell and Trent Williams. They really need an upgrade at strong safety, but reaching on the raw yet talented Chad Jones might be too big a gamble at this spot.






22. New England Patriots : Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri


No one knows what Bill Belichick will do on draft day, so this is a total guess. Belichick is known as one of the most active participants in the draft, and it would be a surprise if he isn't wheeling and dealing again this year.

New England is long in the tooth at this position, and Weatherspoon is a big play guy who is always around the ball. He is well rounded, and had over 100 tackles last year. He adds a much needed infusion of youth here. Yet no one really knows what the Patriots will do except them.







23. Green Bay Packers : Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland


Veteran Chad Clifton enters his tenth season, and has been battling injuries the past few years. Campbell is very raw, but is an amazing athlete and has good size. He will be allowed time to develop as the heir apparent at left tackle.

The Packers could also choose Jahvid Best to add depth at running back, or look at defense. Secondary depth could be added, but no one is worth this selection. Outside linebacker is another spot, since Aaron Kampman appears on his way out. Sapp, Hughes, and Graham will get looked at.






24. Philadelphia Eagles : Everson Griffen, DE, USC


Philadelphia could use help at linebacker, but none left are worthy of being drafted this high. They also could use help in the secondary, but drafting cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson or safety Chad Jones might be considered a reach at this spot. It is evident LeSean McCoy is not an every down back, so Jahvid Best will get a very long look here.

Griffen represents an upgrade over Juqua Thomas, who is an undersized pass rusher. Griffen also has the ability to line up all over the line. He has good size, strength, and arm length. He will help an Eagles team that had difficulty stopping the run much of last year.








25. Baltimore Ravens : Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois


Derrick Mason may retire like he temporarily did last year, but the Ravens could use more receivers even if he stays. Benn runs clean, crisp routes, and he is a prototype possession receiver. Some critics lament his lack of touchdowns in college, as well as his lack of breakaway speed, so they could look at Jordan Shipley too.

Baltimore could use help at cornerback, so players like Thompson and Devin McCourtey will get a look. Brandon Graham, Jerry Hughes, and Rickey Sapp are pass rushing linebackers who will also get considered, as will nose tackles Dan Williams and Terrance Cody.







26. Arizona Cardinals : Ricky Sapp, OLB, Clemson


Sapp was used as a defensive end in college, but most scouts think he will be an excellent pass rushing linebacker in the pros. He is an excellent athlete who has long and rangy size. Considering Karlos Dansby is unsigned and Bertrand Berry is retiring, the position could use a significant youth movement.

The Cardinals also could very well concentrate on offensive line here. Guard Mike Iupati and tackle Trent Williams will get strong consideration. If Arizona trades Anquan Boldin, there is a chance Golden Tate is considered.









27. Dallas Cowboys : Mike Iupati, Guard, Idaho


Dallas still is not happy with their strong safety position, so the very raw and talented Chad Jones will be considered. Wide receiver also might get a look, which will allow Shipley and Tate enter the discussion. Dallas also could look at defensive ends Greg Hardy and Corey Wooten because Marcus Spears may be set to play his last year with the team in 2010.

What fans last remember about the end of the Cowboys 2009 season was the Vikings getting six sacks in a blow out victory. Veteran Flozell Adams has lost a step, and Marc Columbo missed almost two months last year because of a broken leg. Iupati can play either guard or tackle, is huge, and has a non-stop motor. He is similar to starting right guard Kyle Kosier in his versatility, and should one day find himself starting somewhere.









28. San Diego Chargers : Jahvid Best, RB, California


The Chargers could look at pass rushers like Brandon Graham and Jerry Hughes, or nose tackles Terrance Cody and Dan Williams. Offensive tackle Trent Williams might also draw interest, but they must get a ball carrier now.

LaDainian Tomlinson appears done as both a Charger and effective runner. Darren Sproles is a free agent and may not return. Best has electric abilities when he touches the ball, though he is not considered a big back. He even has kickoff return abilities, which would allow the Chargers to shed themselves of Sproles and Tomlinson's salaries with this one pick.








29. New York Jets : Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame



Rex Ryan's first year at head coach showed his aggressive nature on the field and in the draft room. Though they may not trade up again this year, no one can really be certain what the Jets will do.

The Jets could look at nose tackle, considering Kris Jenkins has been injury prone throughout his career. Defensive end and cornerback will also get considered. Many expect the strong safety spot upgraded, but it is unknown if Ryan is willing to gamble on Chad Jones at this spot.

Tate adds another needed receiver to the Jets arsenal. Though Braylon Edwards played better for them than he did for Cleveland this year, he still has questionable hands. Jerricho Cotchery is a possession type of receiver, so having Tate to stretch the field could open things up more underneath.

While Tate is not a tall receiver, he has good hands and is dangerous in open spaces. He will add an elusive element that all other Jets offensive players are lacking, thus creating a much needed wrinkle in the aerial attack.









30. Minnesota Vikings : Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee


Veteran mainstay Pat Williams recently said he is 50/50 between playing and retiring. That type of talk usually means a player is about done. His backup, Jimmy Kennedy, is a former first round draft pick turned journeyman.

The Vikings could use a cornerback, but it remains to be seen how hard they will look at Syd'Quan Thompson, Devin McCourtey, Jerome Murphy, or Dominique Franks. Any one could add the much needed depth they need here.

Minnesota will also consider Jared Odrick, but they need to keep the inside of their defense stout against the run. Dan Williams has the ability to line up at nose tackle like Pat Williams does, which opens things up for Pro Bowler Kevin Williams. He also has great character and a non-stop motor. Perhaps the Vikings will keep the Williams legacy alive this draft?










31. New Orleans Saints : Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan


The Saints could use better pass rush ability from the outside linebacker position, as well as defensive end depth. Graham provides both. He has excellent intelligence, strength, quickness, and technique. What he lacks is the height to be an every down defensive end or the experience to play all downs at linebacker. Many scouts think he will be drafted much earlier.

The Saints also could look to draft a cornerback. Malcolm Jenkins is probably the heir apparent to Darren Sharper at free safety, and Tracy Porter has had issues staying healthy. They also will consider Maurkice Pouncey, the top rated center in the draft.








32. Indianapolis Colts : Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State


The Colts could use some guards. One of their starters and their two main back ups are converted centers. Though the Colts do well pass blocking, they are not very good in run blocking. Offensive tackle Trent Williams will get considered so current starting left tackle Charlie Johnson can move back to guard.

The secondary also could use reinforcements, and Chad Jones could fit well in their scheme. Many scouts rank him as the top strong safety in the draft. Cornerback Marlin Jackson is a free agent who was injured most of 2009, so the Colts might take a look at what cornerbacks they could draft.

What Indianapolis has done the last few years in win with a revolving door at the defensive tackle position. Though the team has looked good versus the run in the playoffs, they were porous all season. Odrick is an excellent athlete with quickness off the snap and the ability to rush the passer. He had an excellent senior season, and has found himself moving up a lot of draft boards recently.

Friday, January 29, 2010

The Joke Is On NFL Fans This Sunday

With the Super Bowl a week away, the NFL is pushing a product on fans that no longer holds the same meaning that it did before. They are trying to tell the world that a Pro Bowl game will be played, yet it is devoid of the very best in the NFL has to offer.

Roger Goodell is the commissioner of the league, and his legacy is forever tarnished by some recent moves that has most calling the fascist commissioner a moron. His moving the Pro Bowl a week ahead of the Super Bowl is certainly near the top of his list of moves that has fans, coaches, and players scratching their heads.

Perhaps Goodell should have this game retitled the Consolation Bowl, because not all the best has to offer will play. There will be several Pro Bowl players from the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts not playing so they can avoid injury and prepare for Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010. The fact that 13 players chosen will be forced to skip the event shows that the NFL commissioner has turned the game into a fraudulent sham whose only real purpose is to steal a few more dollars from their fans to put on a game filled with more mediocre players than ever before.

Though critics like to lament how the players, who participate in the Pro Bowl, give little effort because the game means nothing more than a paycheck, the main reason is that the modern player needs more incentive to find their source to draw pride in the abilities from. Gone are the players who used to give a great effort because they wanted to show they were the best by winning this game. Goodell, who has dropped the ball on many moments in his tenure, continues to spit in the eye of tradition here by thinking he has taken the easy way out once again.

Thinking outside of the box of confined thought is something the league should consider. Major League Baseball added an important incentive that has their upper echelon players give full effort, and the NFL should go this same route. The winning conference can earn home field advantage in the Super Bowl, which is what baseball has done to success so far. It makes for a better game for the fans, players, and even sponsors who pour millions of dollars into these games.

The NFL would most likely never consider this idea because they do not want a Super Bowl played in nine feet of snow with winds at 110 miles per hour if the Buffalo Bills reach the Super Bowl a year when the AFC held home field rights by winning the previous Pro Bowl. But that is where Goodell and the league are missing the point.

Giving players incentive to work and play hard in the Pro Bowl can bring out the very best from their All-Stars. The league may fret the fair weathered fan, who brings a family of four or more to a game where ticket prices skyrocket to obscene proportions, will eschew a cold weathered venue. Yet this is a tax free organization who sells luxury boxes in each stadium, licensed seating, and has never had a problem even filling seats in an exhibition game played by free agents and rookies making their last appearance in a uniform during the preseason. The Super Bowl would be sold out even if it was played on an iceberg in the Antarctic.

The NFL likes to use catchphrases like "giving back" and "community." These are phrases, since it is the fans who made the league what it is. A Super Bowl in a city like Buffalo would do wonders for that city's economy. That is the truest way to give back to the community instead of continuing to bite the hands that feed and keep the game alive.

Goodell will choose continue the work of former commissioner Paul Tagliabue by eroding the game and exiling the fans with a "shut up and like it" message. Defense is becoming as extinct as the dodo bird, and exerts about as much flight right now. The only future is the league adopting the moronic college football overtime rule. That's more of Goodell's speed, and is the easy way out that he usually takes. That is, of course, the league avoids another players strike.




Now let us take a look back at my predictions for this season and measure them versus reality.


NFC EAST

1. Philadelphia Eagles - This year they are on a mission.
2. New York Giants - They are not easy to stop on the ground attack.
3. Dallas Cowboys - As flawed as that horrid TV at the fifty yard line.
4. Washington Redskins - Mediocre coaches get mediocre results
.

*Philadelphia did get in the playoffs, but the Cowboys pulled together in the stretch run to win the division while the Giants faded out of the picture. Washington was where I knew they would be in standings, but played even worse.







NFC North

1. Minnesota Vikings - Blah, blah, blah Brett. It's all about the trenches.
2. Green Bay Packers - The defense is very good.
3. Chicago Bears - They are a year away...maybe.
4. Detroit Lions - They will win games this year
.

* Minnesota ran away with the division as I predicted, while the Packers willed their way into the playoffs. The Bears and Lions stayed where I thought they would be.




NFC South

1. Carolina Panthers - They like to ground and pound you old school style.
2. New Orleans Saints - If Pierre Thomas runs well, they will do well.
3. Atlanta Falcons - The mirrors used last year will be shattered this year.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - It will take time to get better.


* Carolina has to be one of the biggest disappointments this season, while it was a pleasure to see the Saints unite and excel. Atlanta had their first consecutive winning seasons ever this year, while it appears Tampa Bay will take a long time to be good again.





NFC West

1. Arizona Cardinals - Warner has one good year left.
2. Saint Louis Rams - They are getting real good in the pits.
3. Seattle Seahawks - The rebuilding stage hits harder next year.
4. San Francisco 49ers - They appear on the right track.


* Arizona won as expected, while the dark horse Rams pick was shattered by injuries on defense early on. The Seahawks continue to rebuild while the 49ers seem to be a few pieces away from winning the West next year.




NFC Championship


Philadelphia Eagles over New York Giants - The mission for Jim Johnson continues.

The Giants did not make the playoffs, and the Eagles were run out in their first game




AFC East

1. New England Patriots - Hopefully Brady plays, yet they proved they win without him.
2. Buffalo Bills - The offense is more explosive than you think.
3. Miami Dolphins - The talent pool is getting deeper each year.
4. New York Jets - Rookie QB's rarely do well at first
.

The Patriots won as expected, but the Bills didn't have a quarterback who could get the ball to their weapons. The Dolphins finished where I thought, but Rex Ryan took a Jets team further than most expected.




AFC North

1. Baltimore Ravens - Lewis inspires his teammates to overachieve again.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers - They will be in it to win it.
3. Cincinnati Bengals - The offense will score, the defense is underrated.
4. Cleveland Browns - The trenches look shaky.


The Bengals won the division, but I was not shocked. The biggest surprise was how well the offensive line did. The Ravens still got in the playoffs, while the Steelers proved that champions have a hard time repeating. The Browns finished where I thought they would be.






AFC South

1. Houston Texans - The kids are ready this year.
2. Indianapolis Colts - Dungy will be missed in crunch time.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - A few drafts away from coming back.
4. Tennessee Titans - Passing game will not produce, Young finishes the year starting
.

* Houston was so up and down this year, they didn't even make the playoffs. Indianapolis just keeps rolling, even after the retirement of Dungy. My Tennessee pick looks brilliant in thought, especially after their horrid start. The way they rebounded shows what an excellent coach Jeff Fischer is. Jacksonville looks like an up and coming team, but needs another good draft like they had last year.




AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers - The class of the weakest division in football.
2. Oakland Raiders - The collection of talented running backs will win some games.
3. Kansas City Chiefs - Things are improved in some areas, but aging in others.
4. Denver Broncos - The rebuilding process will take awhile
.


* San Diego won as expected, but the hot start Denver had shows they may have a pretty good coach. Oakland was an oddity. They destroyed the Eagles yet were creamed by a Redskins team that had a horrible offense. The Chiefs are rebuilding, but there is optimism.


AFC Championship

San Diego over Baltimore - San Diego wins this with big plays on defense
.

* Neither team made it, though both were in the playoffs.



SUPER BOWL

San Diego over Philadelphia - L.T. runs for 150 yards and two scores.


* L.T. is probably done as an effective running back and Charger.



Offensive MVP : Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia
*Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis : Add another trophy to the mans legendary career.

Defensive MVP : Julius Peppers, DE, Carolina
*Charles Woodson, CB, Green Bay : He had perhaps the best year of his fine career.

Offensive Rookie Of The Year : Jeremy Maclin, WR, Philadelphia
*Percy Harvin, WR, Minnesota : His return ability won him this award, but Baltimore offensive tackle Michael Oher deserved it more.

Defensive Rookie Of The Year : James Laurinaitis, LB, St. Louis
*Brian Cushing, LB, Houston : Laurinitis was great this year, but Cushing was too.

Coach Of The Year : Gary Kubiak, Houston
*Sean Payton/ Marvin Lewis : Both these men are winning the awards, while some question if Kubiak is the answer in Houston.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Brett Favre : An Overhyped Legacy Ends As Expected





It was a fitting end to a career carried by the glow of media hype that inappropriately placed it amongst the very best predecessors.

It ended much like the career had begun on November 10, 1991. That was the first time Brett Favre threw passes in the NFL. He threw four passes for the Atlanta Falcons and the only two caught were by the opposing team. The last pass was caught by Andre Collins of the eventual Super Bowl XXVI champion Washington Redskins. Collins proceeded to rumble 15 yards for a touchdown, ending the game in a 56-17 Redskins victory.

Favre was traded after the 1991 season to the Green Bay Packers for a first round draft pick, which turned out to be running back Tony Smith. Smith was a teammate of Favre in college, but lasted just three seasons in the NFL. One of the reasons the Falcons traded Favre was because their team doctor had diagnosed him with having a hip condition called avascular necrosis, which is the same condition that ended many athletic careers. Bo Jackson may be the most famous example.

Favre proved the Falcons doctor wrong by taking over the Packers starting job before the fourth week of the 1992 season and not letting go of it until the end of the 2007 season. He never missed a start in his 16 years in Green Bay, and was on the team that won Super Bowl XXXI behind an excellent defense and a record setting return specialist named Desmond Howard.

His first significant action as a Packer was a prelude of the madness that would capsulize much of his career. He fumbled four times, yet the Packers were able to win the game. This was the theme of his career, one where Favre would turn over the ball more than any other player that has even played in the NFL before.

Despite his penchant for mental errors, he became a fan favorite. Many followed the career of the man with a good arm, average mobility, and questionable intelligence. He became so well liked, he was forgiven by some after throwing teammates under the bus for wanting more money. Even despite the fact he had just signed a lifetime contract for $100 million.

The journey was given a personal touch by his media buddies, which is not entirely common. His family suffered deaths, a cancer scare, and the loss of his family home to Hurricane Katrina. His allowances of media intrusion for society to see vignettes of personal pains was an intelligent marketing move by his agent so the legend could grow further with deeper roots.

When his time in Green Bay was coming to an end in 2007, he waffled on what he wanted. Once again putting the team second, he knew Aaron Rodgers was ready to take the mantle but Favre was not willing to pass the torch. Tiring of his act and pettiness, the Packers gave him extra money to go away so it could allow Rodgers to develop into the Pro Bowl quarterback they had envisioned him being when they drafted him in the first round before the 2005 season.

After parting shots at the Packers through his media adherents, the New York Jets became a fallback choice so he could play again in 2008. After a hot start of 8-3, the team won just once in the next five games. Though it appeared his 39 year old body betrayed him through a lack of proper conditioning, after rarely showing up at the Jets training camp, he leaked out a story that he had hurt his arm and that was the reason his team fell short of the playoffs instead of the league leading 22 interceptions he tossed.

Seeing where this was going, and holding no allegiances to him, the Jets cut him. The Vikings came calling, which set the stage for perhaps his finest season ever. A year that may have surpassed the four times he led the league in touchdown passes, or the two times he led the NFL in passing yards.

He appeared to finally had learned to play his position with real leadership. Though it took him 19 years to do so, Favre stopped forcing passes as much and generally kept his mouth shut through much of the year. This helped the Vikings become a well balanced team that won 13 games before falling one victory short of reaching the Super Bowl.

It was the sixth time he threw for over 4,000 yards, and his 4,202 yards was the third highest total in his career. This was accomplished by throwing less passes than in any other of his previous 4,000 yard seasons. It also was the only time in his career that he led the league in lowest interception percentage per pass attempts, and he fumbled the ball a career low two times if his two games in Atlanta are disregarded.

Brett was still Brett, unfortunately, in the 2009 season. He butted heads with his head coach, questioned the offensive system, and refused to come out of a game when Vikings coach Brad Childress called for a change of signal callers. Once again, he put his ego ahead of the team.

This ego was the reason he threw a record 317 interceptions in his career, and allowed him to lead the NFL in interceptions thrown three times. He also fumbled the ball 159 times in his career, which is the second most in league history. His propensity for the stupid play was lovingly referred to as a gunslinger mentality by his devoted media partisans.

This mentality ended the Vikings season almost exactly like it ended the Packers 2007 season, and several others before that. With the game on the line, his ego overtook the team concept, and an entire franchise suffered because of it.

The game ended in a fit of spite from many of his fans. Without noticing the referees had called a clean hit a roughing the passer penalty that enabled the Vikings to stay in the game, fans are trying to compare his last game to the time Drew Pearson, of the Dallas Cowboys, shoved Nate Wright of the Vikings to the ground in the Cowboys 1975 NFC Championship win.

Though Favre's zealous army of toadies would like to say he is the greatest football player ever, they tend to never mention the era he played in. An era that had rules that protected the quarterback to disturbingly effeminate proportions, allowing blockers to hold on every play, and allowing receivers to frolic untouched after the first five yards from the line of scrimmage.

The type of fans who fail to realize Archie Manning was a better athlete and quarterback than his sons or how the changes in the way the game today is played has been a enormous boon to offenses and the quarterback particularly. Rules that make Ron Jaworski's consecutive starts streak more impressive than the surpassed total Farve has currently accumulated.

Those who forget about history and prefer his story of the here and now. Every few years a new player gets anointed the greatest ever at his position even though their games are inferior to their predecessors. Favre has statistics that are favorable and disagreeable. The unfriendly statistics helped prevent him from hoisting more than one Super Bowl trophy. Despite trying to gloss over these facts, his fans throw statistics in retort.

Yet none of his fans can feign surprise when their deity threw away another game with victory just moments away. Those who pretend they were can be accused of having not paid attention to the NFL the past 19 years.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Conference Championship Choices





New York Jets @ Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are right where many expected to be this week, while the Jets have exceeded everyone's expectations. This isn't Davis versus Goliath, but a Jets victory here will be almost as surprising as the time they beat the Colts in Super Bowl III.

What To Watch From The Jets

While opponents have shut down Jets star running back Thomas Jones to just 71 yards rushing on 29 attempts in New York's two playoff wins, rookie Shonn Greene has become the hot hand for them to lean on.

Greene had 135 yards on 21 carries in the Wild Card win, then followed that up with 128 yards on 23 carries last week. He even had his first career reception last week. The Jets will be hoping he can continue his production, but they also need more production from Jones.

Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez is in elite company right now. Not many rookie quarterbacks have played this deep into a season, and only a few have in the Super Bowl. He isn't asked to do much more than hand the ball off, but this could change if the Colts shut down the Jets running game much like they did to the Ravens last week. Sanchez has played a controlled passing game, but he may be asked to take shots down the field if the Jets fall behind.

Darrelle Revis has become the star Jets fans already knew of for awhile. He is getting the credit he deserves by playing pretty much the same way he has throughout all of his young career. He matches up against Colts veteran Pro Bowler Reggie Wayne, who should have a few tricks ready to show. If Revis shuts Wayne down, the Jets chances of victory increase greatly.

The Jets did not stop San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates last week, but they did a decent job containing him from going far after each of his eight receptions. Now they get to face the other AFC Pro Bowl tight end in Dallas Clark. Clark poses a huge threat to the Jets because Indianapolis likes to line him up all over the field. With the multiple wide receiver sets the Colts like to run, there is a question as to whether or not any of the Jets safeties or linebackers can cover Clark. This could be the key match up of the game.

The Jets rank first in the NFL in rushing first downs, total rushing plays and yardage. This speaks very highly of their offensive line. The unit is strongest on their left side behind guard Alan Faneca and center Nick Mangold, and left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson. All are Pro Bowl players. If the Colts shut down the run, the Jets will be in trouble. The Jets must block well on the run, because the thought of the Colts Pro Bowl defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis lining up across veteran right tackle Damien Woody appears to favor Indianapolis.




What To Watch From The Colts

The Colts need to run the ball. Their offensive line has been better on pass plays this year, but the unit needs to make sure the Colts ground out respectable results. The rushing attack has been mostly average all season for Indianapolis, even in spite of having a special passing attack to make their jobs easier. Another mediocre showing could spell doom to championship hopes.

Indianapolis has a pair of Pro Bowl defensive ends in Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. They are undersized players who rely on speed and quickness off the edge. The Colts have dealt with injuries to their defensive secondary superbly all of this season, and much of that success came from the chaos created by Freeney and Mathis. Though starting rookie cornerback Jerraud Powers is dinged up, the Colts can start rookie cornerback Jacob Lacey and not miss a beat. Lacey is second on the team with three interceptions.

The players to spotlight on the defense are outside linebackers Gary Brackett and Clint Session. Both are undersized players with good quickness. If either can cover Jets tight end Dustin Kellar, it will allow safeties Melvin Bullitt and Antoine Bethea to come closer to the line of scrimmage or help the cornerbacks on pass plays.

One thing the Colts need to do is run the football, even if the game is being played in the Colts domed stadium. They won last week against Baltimore with three running backs averaging less than two yards per carry on 22 attempts. This type of formula is against the grain as how a team is supposed to win in the playoffs. If there is no improvement in this area, it makes the Colts task of winning that more daunting a task.

Not that future Hall Of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning can't accept the challenge. Manning is a player who seems to thrive under pressure. Many of his fans are almost expecting him to add another championship ring to his collection. Manning's time with the Colts almost has some fans of the team putting him in the same breath as Johnny Unitas. Unitas, a Colts Hall Of Famer, is considered by many experts to be the greatest quarterback in NFL history.

The battle on the field Sunday that may be most interesting is between two Pro Bowlers away from the fray. Wide receiver Reggie Wayne with battle cornerback Darrelle Revis much of the game. Wayne is a gym rat who studies film when he isn't working out. He has certainly studied Revis thoroughly this week. A play or two between these stars could determine the outcome of the contest.

The Colts are trying to become just the second team, and the first since 1967, to win a Super Bowl after ending a regular season with two straight losses.




Quarterback : Definite Edge Colts

Running Back : Edge Jets

Receivers : Edge Colts

Offensive Line : Edge Jets

Defensive Line : Even

Linebacker : Even

Secondary : Edge Jets

Special Teams : Even

Coaching : Slight Edge Jets


Every time I pick the Colts to lose, because I expected them not to go undefeated in 2009, they win. When I pick them to win, they lost. The Jets are facing the 24th ranked run defense, and they have the top ranked running offense.This isn't a guarantee like New York icon Joe Namath had just over 31 years ago before Jets beat the Colts, but it is very possible New York wins this game.

One intangible Manning and Namath share is the indomitable will to win. This has made the difference several times before, and I see it happening again. Let's see if this pick reverses my trend on the Colts.


Colts 26 Jets 17













Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints

Minnesota is a week removed from such an impressive victory, their opponents accused them of running up the score. The Saints destroyed their opponents so quickly, they called off the dogs in the third quarter and ran out the clock.



What To Watch From The Vikings

The Vikings come at opposing defenses with a balanced offensive attack that features a powerful running game. Adrian Peterson is a Pro Bowler and their best weapon. Veteran Chester Taylor is an excellent running back who once gained 1,000 yards in a season. The offensive line is built for the power game, which usually leads to post season success. With the Saints defensive line not at full strength, expect the Vikings to run often.

Bret Favre holds a lot of NFL records right now, and he may have just had the most efficient season of his illustrious career. The Canton bound Favre made the Pro Bowl because he became a huge weapon in just his first season in Minnesota. Throwing to a tall wide receiver Sidney Rice, along with speedy receivers Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin, Favre has helped make them better players. He must curtail his penchant for turnovers if the Vikings want to get the first Super Bowl win in franchise history.

Harvin poses a double threat if he is healthy. He has been battling migraine headaches the past several weeks, and even missed a game because of it. He is to be accounted for on offense, but he is a dangerous return specialist. The 2009 Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowler is needed if the Vikings want a better chance at winning.

Minnesota takes pride in their play along the line of scrimmage. They didn't exactly pushed the Cowboys all over the field last week, especially along the defensive line. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kevin Williams and Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen lead the way. Dallas almost matched the Vikings in rushing yards last week, but abandoned the run in favor of the pass after falling behind. They need to control the Saints in this area in order to keep the high powered New Orleans offense off the field as much as possible.



What To Watch From The Saints

Though the Saints have a reliable Pro Bowl quarterback in Drew Brees, they need the running game to continue to be effective.. Pierre Thomas was effective last week, and Reggie Bush was excellent. New Orleans can't rely on Bush averaging almost 17 yards per carry like last week, but Thomas is needed to average over four yards per carry again.

New Orleans in hurting along their defensive line, which was an area Arizona failed to explore often enough last week. Of the Cardinals 14 rushing attempts last week, one went for a 70 yard touchdown. The Saints might see 14 rushing attempts well before halftime against Minnesota

The kicking game is very questionable for the Saints. Garrett Hartley has been mostly untested, though he did hit a 43 yard field goal during the Saints rout last week. The one thing in his favor is that he will be kicking in a domed stadium. The lack of natures forces helps the youngster, but the clutch kick needed for victory will certainly present an uncertainty when he takes the field.

The one thing to watch is how the Vikings secondary matches up against tight end Jeremy Shockey. Shockey has a sore knee right now, but he did grab three balls and a touchdown last week. If he is effective, it will get the attention of safeties Madieu Williams and Tyrell Johnson. That will leave veteran Viking cornerbacks Cedric Griffin and the hobbled Antoine Winfield exposed to the deep corp of wide receivers New Orleans will run out in multiple sets all game.

Quarterback : Slight Edge Saints

Running Back : Edge Vikings

Receivers : Even

Offensive Line : Even

Defensive Line : Edge Vikings

Linebacker : Slight Edge Saints

Secondary : Even

Special Teams : Slight Edge Vikings

Coaching : Even




The run game is not the only weapon these teams have at their disposal. Both teams are exceptional in the passing game, and use a large group of players to accomplish their goals to victory. This game will be determined who has the most versatile defenses. Shockey and Harvin present match up problems for both sides. The play of the linebackers could be ultimately what the result of the game come down to.

Saints 37 Vikings 31









NFL Lucubrations


This years playoffs come at a time in NFL history where the excitement has wavered through league changes.

The Pro Bowl is a week away, and it will be the first Pro Bowl that the very best in the NFL will not all play. There will be several Pro Bowl players who, no matter what teams reach the Super Bowl, will skip the game so they don't have to risk their health a week before the championship.

Though critics like to lament how the players who participate in the Pro Bowl gives little effort because the game means nothing more than a paycheck. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who has never been accused of thinking outside the box, dropped the ball on this. What he could have done is giving the winning conference home field advantage in the Super Bowl.

Now, I know the NFL would never consider this. They do not want a Super Bowl played in nine feet of snow with winds at 110 miles per hour if Buffalo reached the title game. But that is where Goodell is missing the point.

It would give players incentive to work and play hard in the Pro Bowl. Then the game can be moved back a week after the Super Bowl, and the leagues very best can play. The NFL, a tax free entity, likes to use catch phrases like "giving back" and "community". Well, these are key phrases, since it is the fans who made the league what it is. A Super Bowl in Buffalo would do wonders for that city's economy. That is the truest way to give back to the community instead of continuing to bite the hands that feed.

But Goodell will continue the work of former commissioner Paul Tagliabue by eroding the game and exiling the fans with a "shut up and like it" message. Defense is becoming as extinct as the dodo bird, and exerts about as much flight right now. The only future is the league adopting the moronic college football overtime rule. That's more of Goodell's speed.

But the first need is a resolution of the impending players strike.

Friday, January 22, 2010

The ALMOST All-Time Atlanta Falcons Defense

Defensive Tackle : Tony Casillas

Casillas was drafted in the first round of the 1986 draft by the Falcons. The team was switching to a 3-4 base defense, so they needed him to be their nose tackle. He responded with 111 tackles and a sack.

In the strike shortened 1987 season, he played nine contests and averaged eight tackles per game. After getting 111 tackles the next season, he exploded in the 1989 season with a whopping 152 tackles. It is a team record by a defensive lineman to this day.

He was injured much of the next year, appearing in nine games as a reserve. He joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1991 and was put in the starting lineup. His ability to collapse the middle allowed defensive ends Jim Jeffcoat, Charles Haley, and Tony Tolbert come off the edges hard and get to the quarterback easier.

He had a career best three sacks in 1992. Dallas would go on to win Super Bowl XXVII. The team repeated as champions the next year, and Casillas left the team after that year to join the New York Jets for the 1994 season.

In the two years he spent in New York, he dealt with injuries that caused him to miss eight games and only start 16 total. He then rejoined the Cowboys as a reserve for the 1996 season. It was the only season in his career he failed to record a sack. After starting in 14 games the next year, matching his career high total of three sacks, he retired.

Tony Casillas had 478 tackles with Atlanta, and it is the most ever by any Falcons defensive lineman. It also ranks fourth best overall by any Falcons defender. He may be the best defensive tackle the team has ever had.





Defensive Tackle : Moe Gardner


Gardner was drafted by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 1991 draft. He quickly worked his way into the starting lineup, and had had an impressive 96 tackles and three sacks playing nose tackle. He followed that up with 111 tackles and a career best 4.5 quarterback sacks.

The Falcons switched to a 4-3 base defense in 1993, so Gardner moved to the right defensive tackle slot and had a career high 128 tackles. His statistics dwindled over the next two seasons, but he was a steady force in the middle of Atlanta's defense. In the tenth game of the 1996 season, he was injured bad enough that it forced him to retire from the game.

The Falcons have had a lot of good defensive tackles in their history, yet only pass rush specialist Rod Coleman has made the Pro Bowl for the team once. There have been many players to come and go for the team at this position.

I chose Gardner because he had three special seasons where he was a huge force to be reckoned with. His 420 career tackles still ranks as the fifth most ever by a Falcons player.

Mike Lewis, Travis Hall, Shane Dronett, Rod Coleman, and the versatile Don Smith deserve mention.








Defensive End : Claude Humphrey


Humphrey was selected in the first round of the 1968 NFL Draft by the Falcons. He started right away for Atlanta and was named the NFL's Defensive Rookie Of The Year in. In 1976, Humphrey unofficially recorded a career high 15 quarterback sacks because sacks were not recognized by the NFL at that time. In addition Humphrey was named to the Pro Bowl six times between 1970-'74 and in 1977. He is the first Falcons defensive lineman to ever make the Pro Bowl.

He was long recognized as one of the best defensive ends in his era, but had played on some mediocre Falcons squads. The 1971 season was their first with a winning record. He retired from the Falcons with 12 games left on the 1978 schedule, saying he felt unappreciated.

He once lamented, "In 1969, the Vikings came to town and I scored the winning touchdown (on a fumble return), sacked the quarterback twice, and didn't even get a game ball. They gave the punter a game ball".

He would then be traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for two fourth round draft picks before the 1979 season. He chose the Eagles because Marion Campbell, who had been his head coach in Atlanta from 1974 to 1976, was the defensive coordinator of Philadelphia.

Humphrey said, "I just wanted to reunite with Marion and see if he couldn't help boost my career at that time."

It worked, because he led the team with 31 quarterback hurries and finished second in sacks in 1979. He recorded a team high 14.5 sacks the next year, helping the Eagles become NFC Champions and earn a ticket their first Super Bowl in the franchises history. He permanently retired after the 1981 season.

Humphrey was a consistent, and constant force. He had to deal with at least a double team on every snap of the ball. The opponents game plan, during his Atlanta years, was to try to contain him specifically.

He still managed to average 10 QB sacks a year, despite only have played four games in 1978. Many fans, during that era, missed out on his exploits due to the Falcons overall woes. The lack of publicity had him respected by his peers only, for the most part.

He is still the Falcons all-time sacks leader with 94.5, and his six Pro Bowls are the most in team history. His two First Team All-Pro nods are tied as the most in franchise history.

Claude Humphrey is a member of the Georgia Hall of Fame, the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame, and the Tennessee Hall of Fame. Hopefully he will soon finally be put in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame and the Falcons Ring of Honor. He is the greatest defensive end in Falcons history.







Defensive End : John Zook


Zook was drafted in the fourth round of the 1969 draft by the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams soon traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles, who then traded him to the Falcons. Atlanta immediately put him in the starting lineup to bookend Falcons legend Claude Humphrey, and he intercepted two passes that rookie year.

He intercepted another ball the next season, and continued to be a force for Atlanta. In 1972, he scooped up a fumble and rumbled 37 yards for the only touchdown of his career.

Zook became the second Falcons defensive lineman to ever be named to a Pro Bowl in 1973. It was the only time in his career he garnered this award. He then intercepted the last pass of his career in 1974. He left the team after the 1975 season to join the Saint Louis Cardinals. He retired at the conclusion of the 1979 season.

His four interceptions are a Falcons record for a defensive lineman. Tackles and sacks were not recorded in his era, so the novice cannot truly understand his impact. Zook played with a non-stop motor and made opposing teams pay when they would double team Humphrey.

John Zook is one of the best defensive linemen to ever wear a Falcons uniform.

Jeff Merrow, Brady Smith, Lester Archambeau, Mike Gann, Rick Bryan, Chris Doleman, Jeff Yeates, Chuck Smith, and Patrick Kerney deserve mention.









Outside Linebacker : Greg Brezina


Brezina was drafted in the 11th round of the 1968 draft by the Falcons. He appeared in 11 games that year, and started in one. His play that year had Atlanta put him in the starting lineup the next year. He would start in every game that he played for the rest of his career from that point on.

He rewarded the Falcons with the move in 1969 by leading the NFL with a career best five fumble recoveries and an interception. He was named to his only Pro Bowl, becoming the second Falcon defender ever to attain this honor.

Brezina missed the entire 1970 season after a preseason injury, but rebounded in 1971 with three interceptions and fumble recoveries. After getting a career high four interceptions in 1975, he missed the last three games of his career the next year.

When he retired at the end of the 1979 season, his 12 career interceptions tied Tommy Nobis as the most ever by a linebacker in Falcons history. That record still stands today. His 14 fumble recoveries are still the most by any defender in team history.

Atlanta has had quite a few good outside linebackers in their history, but perhaps none are better than Greg Brezina. His 141 straight starts is an example of his greatness.







Middle Linebacker : Tommy Nobis


Nobis was the first draft pick ever by the expansion Atlanta Falcons in the 1966 NFL draft. He was also the first player chosen overall. He started right away for the Falcons, and was very busy on a new team that struggled to a 3-11 record. He set a Falcons record, that still stands today, when he amassed 294 tackles. It may be an NFL record, but that stat is unofficial and kept by individual teams.

He was named to his first Pro Bowl team, and was the 1966 NFL Rookie of the Year. He is the very first Falcon to ever be awarded either honor.

He intercepted the first three passes of his career the next season, and returned one for a touchdown. He was also selected to his second Pro Bowl team and his only First Team All-Pro honor. In 1968, he was named to his third Pro Bowl team, as the struggling Falcons went through a coaching change by hiring Hall of Famer Norm Van Brocklin after the third week of the season.

Nobis was injured in the fifth game of the following year, and missed the rest of the season. He came back in 1970 and was named to the Pro Bowl team. He then was injured in the fourth game of the following season, and missed the rest of the year. He would only miss two games for the rest of his career, retiring after the 1976 season.

He made his last Pro Bowl in 1972, and also scored the last touchdown of his career. The 1973 season would be the best record the Falcons had during Nobis' career. They went 9-5. Atlanta won 50 games in his eleven seasons.

His number was the first to be retired by the team, and he is a member of the Falcons' Ring of Honor, Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, and the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame. He has also been named the NFL Man of the Year (Dodge and Vitalis), and Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. award, due to his work with the Special Olympics as a member of the Falcons front office and in his own foundation.

His five Pro Bowls is tied with five other players as the second most in team history. His 12 career interceptions is tied as the most ever by any Falcon linebacker. His 13 fumble recoveries is tied as the second most by any Falcons defender.

Tommy Nobis is on the NFL's All-1960s team, which is quite an accomplishment if you consider he didn't even play half of the decade.

It is truly astounding that 'Mr. Falcon' still has yet to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. His exclusion for all of these years belies that thought. Nobis epitomizes what a Hall Of Fame football player is supposed to symbolize. Both on and off the field. It is truly disgraceful, and disrespectful, that he is not in Canton.








Linebacker : Jessie Tuggle


Tuggle joined the Falcons as an undrafted rookie in 1987, and soon found himself starting at left inside linebacker after 1980 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Buddy Curry went down with a career ending injury.

He split time with Joel Williams the next year, starting in eight games. He was still able to rack up 103 tackles and score a touchdown off of a fumble recovery. Atlanta handed him the job full time the rest of his career, and he missed just three starts over that time.

After getting 183 tackles in 1989, he had 201 tackles and a career high five quarterback sacks the next year. He also took a fumble 65 yards for a touchdown. He followed that up in 1991 with a career best 207 tackles, and scored again off of a fumble recovery. He also had his first career interception.

The 1992 season saw him finally get recognized as a Pro Bowler after somehow not being named in either of his two previous stellar seasons. He had 193 tackles, and interception, and he scored off a career long 69 yard fumble recovery.

After getting 185 tackles the next year, he returned to the Pro Bowl in 1994 after getting 93 tackles. The 1994 season was the last time he exceeded 100 tackles, when he had 111. He also had a career high three interceptions, the last of his career. One was returned for a touchdown, and he made the Pro Bowl again.

After making the Pro Bowl in 1997, he made his last Pro Bowl the next year. He also scored his last touchdown, which happened off of a fumble recovery. The Falcons would reach Super Bowl XXXIII, their only championship appearance in franchise history, but lost.

He had 3.5 sacks in 1999, but missed two games. After missing half of the 2000 season, he retired with a Falcons record of 1,640 tackles. His five fumble recoveries for touchdowns was an NFL record until Jason Taylor of the Miami Dolphins surpassed it by one in 2009.

His five Pro Bowls is tied with five other players as the second most in team history.

"The Hammer" has his jersey retired by the Falcons, and he is a member of the teams Ring of Honor.

Though Jessie Tuggle was a middle linebacker, I had to put him on this team. Tommy Nobis may be the best Falcon ever at that position, but Tuggle is right up there with him. I figured he could play the strong side outside linebacker on this team, being the ultimate team player that he was. He still has a shot at induction into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.

Buddy Curry, Keith Brooking, Fulton Kuykendall, John Rade, Don Hansen, Joel Williams, and Al Richardson deserve mention.









Strong Safety : Ray Brown



Brown was drafted in the sixth round of the 1971 draft by the Falcons. He started 10 games at free safety in his rookie year, and intercepted three passes. He was moved over to strong safety the next season.

After getting two interceptions his first year at the position, he had six more in 1973. He then had a career high eight interceptions for 164 yards the next year, including a touchdown return on a career long 59 yard return.

He was moved back to free safety in 1974, and had four interceptions for 119 yards. He also scored the last touchdown of his career on a interception return. Atlanta then moved him back to strong safety in 1976, where he would stay the rest of his career.

After getting eight interceptions in 1976 and 1977, he joined the New Orleans Saints. He stayed with the Saints until 1980, intercepting a total of eight balls. He then retired, having started 131 of 137 games played. He started in every game that he played as a Falcon.

His 31 interceptions and 574 return yards with Atlanta is the second most ever, and the most ever by a Falcons safety. His two touchdowns off interceptions are the most ever by a Falcons safety, and is tied as the second most overall in team history.

Ray Brown was a versatile playmaker who always produced no matter where Atlanta played him. He may be the greatest safety in team history.

Ray Easterling deserves mention.










Free Safety : Scott Case



Case was drafted in the second round of the 1984 draft by the Falcons. He spent his rookie year playing mostly special teams, but was able to record the only safety of his career. He earned the starting job at strong safety in his second season. He started in 13 of the 14 games he played, and intercepted four passes.

Atlanta asked him to play cornerback in 1986, and he had four more swipes. After getting one more the next year, he had his best season in 1988. He led the NFL with a career best 10 interceptions. He was also named to his only Pro Bowl that year.

His 1989 was full of injuries, and he was able to only start in eight of the 14 games he played. He still was able to intercept two balls, but Atlanta decided to move him to free safety the next year. He stayed there the rest of his career.

From 1990 to 1993, Case gained a reputation as one of the hardest hitting free safeties in the league. He intercepted seven passes over that time, and racked up 557 tackles. He had a career best 170 tackles in 1990, an astonishing number for a free safety, and followed that up with 162 the next year. After starting in just three games in 1994, he joined the Dallas Cowboys the next year as a reserve. The Cowboys would go on to win Super Bowl XXX, then Case retired.

His 30 interceptions as a Falcon is tied as the third most ever in franchise history, and his 946 tackles are the second most ever by a Falcon. It is safe to say that the Falcons have never had another player who could excel at three defensive back positions the way Scott Case did.

Tom Pridemore deserves mention.









Cornerback : Rolland Lawrence



Lawrence joined the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 1973. He had one interception his rookie year, as a reserve, where he took the ball 81 yards to set up a Falcons scoring opportunity.

He earned the starting job the next year, and picked off one pass. In 1975, he set career high marks with nine interceptions for 163 yards. He took one interception 87 yards for a touchdown. The Sporting News and UPI named him First Team All-Conference.

Atlanta asked him to be their return specialist in 1976. He led the NFL with a career high 54 punt returns for 372 yards. He also returned a career high 21 kickoff returns for 521 yards. He had six interceptions the next year.

In 1977, Lawrence picked off seven balls and was named to the Pro Bowl team. He was also named First Team All-Pro, becoming the first Falcons defensive back to ever accomplish both honors together in one season. He also found time to return 51 punts and return the last kickoff of his career.

He would then intercept six passes in each of the next two seasons. The 1980 was his final year, where he picked off three passes. His career total of 39 interception are still the most in Falcons history. He also recovered 13 fumbles in his career, which is the most ever by any Falcons cornerback, and the tied as the second most be any Falcons defender ever.

Rolland Lawrence was a top flight cornerback who was given the assignment to cover the oppositions best wide receiver the Falcons faced week to week. He may not have gotten the accolades he so richly deserved throughout his career, but opponents who played against him will tell you that he was an excellent player. He is probably the best cornerback in Falcons history.








Cornerback : Ken Reaves


Reaves was drafted in the fourth round of the 1966 draft by the expansion Falcons. He spent his rookie year as an extra defensive back, but did manage an interception. He earned the starting left cornerback job the next year, and stayed there the rest of his Falcons career.

He responded that first year with a career best seven interceptions for 153 yards. The 1968 season saw him intercept one pass, but it went for a team record 90 yard touchdown. This record stood until 1981, and is still the third longest in team history.

Reaves made more Falcons history in 1969 by becoming the first Atlanta defensive back ever to make the Pro Bowl after getting three interceptions. He then had 17 over the next four years before joining the New Orleans Saints in 1974.

The Saints moved him to strong safety, then traded him after four games to the Saint Louis Cardinals. He finished the year with one interception for 57 yards. He stayed with the Cardinals three more years as their starting strong safety, getting seven interceptions total. He retired after the 1977 season.

His 29 interceptions for 439 yards as a Falcon still ranks the fifth most in team history. He excelled on the Falcons during a time the fledgling club struggled to gain their identity as they struggled for a few victories.

There are few cornerbacks in Falcons history as good as Ken Reaves was.

Bobby Butler, Ray Buchanan, Tom Hayes, Kenny Johnson, Elbert Shelley, who went to the Pro Bowl four times as a special teams player, and Ashley Ambrose deserve mention.









Punter : John James


James was signed as an undrafted rookie by the Falcons in 1972. He quickly became one of the busiest punters in the NFL. He led the league in punt attempts and yardage in 1974. He then began a Pro Bowl streak in 1975 that lasted three years.

After leading the league with a career long 75 yard punt that year, he led in punts attempts and yardage from 1976 to 1978. He averaged 105 punts per year over that time, peaking at 109 attempts in 1979. After 249 punts over the next three years, he joined the Detroit Lions in 1982. He played two games with Detroit, then was released. He joined the Houston Oilers for the final six games and stayed with them until the end of the 1984 season before retiring.

No other Falcons punter has ever gone to the Pro Bowl. He owns virtually every team punting record there is to own. There is no Falcons punter greater than John James.







Punt Returner : Allen Rossum


Rossum was drafted in the third round of the 1998 draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.He stayed two years with them, but managed to score his first touchdown and get his first sack. He joined the Green Bay Packers in 2000, and played two years with them. He scored off both a kickoff and punt return with the Packers.

Atlanta signed him in 2002, and he scored off of a kick return. He led the NFL with 545 punt return yards the next year, averaging a career high 14 yards per return. One return went 72 yards for a score.

Rossum made his only Pro Bowl in 2004. He had 457 punt return yards, a 12.4 per return average, and scored off a career long 75 yard return. He also had 1,291 kickoff return yards on a career best 62 attempts, had his last career sack, and had the only two interceptions of his career.

He left the Falcons at the end of 2006, then joined the Pittsburgh Steelers. He scored one touchdown off a kickoff return that year, then signed with the San Francisco 49ers for the 2008 season. He had an NFL leading kickoff return for a touchdown that year of 104 yards. San Francisco also spotted Rossum on offense a few times. He caught his first career pass, and also carried the ball one yard for a touchdown.

After playing three games for the 49ers the next year, he was cut. He signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2009, where he got hurt the first time he touched the ball.

Allen Rossum owns the Falcons team records for the most kickoff and punt return attempts and yards gained. His two punt returns for touchdowns is tied as the most in Falcons history. He may be their greatest overall return specialist ever.

Tim Dwight, Eric Metcalf, and Billy "White Shoes" Johnson deserve mention.