Fuck me in the ass! Someone commented. This isn't quite as great as having a mailbag, but I'll take it!
So, allow me to address the comment (which came following the Steelers recap post):
Joshua said...
Lucky win for the steelers. Where was the mention of the phantom tripping penalty and the "defensive delay of game" that has basically never been called before in the history of the world...
October 28, 2009 5:42 PM
Well, Joshua, you are right. I did not mention the "phantom" tripping call or the defensive delay of game penalty. Now, I agree, defensive delay of game is almost never called, but what do you want me to say? Just because Jared Allen was having flashbacks while in a three-point stance, doesn't mean that he can start screaming before the play starts.
But while we're at it, let's be fair, and mention the bullshit pass interference call on Heath Miller on what would have been a Santonio Holmes TD pass in the first quarter. It was a perfectly legal play, and it isn't even clear that it happened while the ball was in the air. Oh, and did I mention that it was on the other side of the fucking field? So, not only was it not a penalty, but it didn't even affect the play, unlike the alleged "phantom" trip, where the o-lineman dove and then rolled, kicking his legs out as James Harrison jumped over him... Hm, I have no idea how the ref could have though something untoward was occurring...
We lost a TD there. Would have been 7-0. Vikes would never have had the lead, and would have been driving with a chance to tie on a TD late in the game. Really changed the whole dynamic, and was the only thing that kept them in it.
But let me address the bigger picture here. Bullshit calls happen in every game to one team or another. I can point to lots of them through the years ("running into the kicker" on Joe Nedney in the 2002 AFC divisional playoffs, the bullshit incomplete pass call on Troy Polamalu in the 2005 AFC divisional playoffs, which even the NFL came out and said was wrong, holding on Hartwig in the end zone in the Super Bowl, pass interefernce on Troy in Week 1 against the Titans, 1 holding call a game on the tackle covering James Harrison, when the whole world can see that the tackle has him by one arm around his neck all game long...).
I really can go on for much, much longer than this. But I won't. Why? Because teams that lose dwell on bad calls. They blame bad calls for their misfortune, and want to believe that their team would be good enough to succeed if a call had just gone the other way. I've been down that road. I can distinctly remember comments from guys like Kordell Stewart about how "the best team lost today". Horseshit. The best team on a particular day wins the football game. That's how you can tell who is good and who is bad - by adding up how many times a particular team was the better team on a given day.
Bad calls happen every game. Stuff gets missed. It happens. Brett Favre still fumbled, because he was being careless with the football. I know, shocking. And he still threw that INT, because, well, he just likes to force that football in there sometimes. There's a reason that you don't throw the football at a group of 5 players. It's because if something goes wrong, you're fucked.
So, I would hope that all the readers of the blog would learn this from a guy who didn't see a championship until he was 22, and now has 3 from his hometown teams in the past 4 years: don't ever complain about the reffing. Ultimately, it all works out, and if they lose, it's your own team's fault, and not the refs. The Vikes should never have really been in it, and they were lucky that the refs helped them out so early, so that there would be a game to watch in the first place.
Something I forgot to mention, but that actually did deserve a few words is how sick Adrian Peterson is. That dude has some Jim Brown in him - he just wants to hurt people. I don't really want to see him again, I can tell you that.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
The First-Ever Weekly Quarterback Rankings
So, apparently Boomer Esiason came up with a "ranking" that would give you the absolute word on "who the best QB in the league is" at any given point. Well, that's fucking horseshit, and is really disrespectful to the few out there who use statistics for what they are worth, which is to document patterns and past behavior.
So, I decided to put together rankings for myself, since that's totally something that I would want to do. I tried to make it relatively comprehensive, and also make it representative of the player's overall performance and value to his team. However, it most certainly does not give us a determination on who the "best QB in the league" is. Rather, it's merely a way of ranking overall performance, more than just yards and rating (although those numbers are considered).
So, what I did is I took every QB who has started at least 2 games this year (so, Ryan Fitzpatrick has another week until he's on the list), and I quantified various statistical categories, based on performance relative to the other individuals on the list. So, you could get a set number of points for each category, and the best player would get the full total, the worst would get 0, and everyone in the middle would get an amount, not based on their place in the rankings necessarily, but rather based on where they fell on this imaginary continuum between the best and the worst. The categories I included were: win-loss record, QB rating, completion percentage, ratio of TDs to INTs, net yards per attempt (includes sacks in the total number of attempts), total production value, performance in difficult situations (3rd & 6+ and 4th down), performance on passes thrown more than 20 yards downfield, and red zone performance.
So, I will be redoing these each week, and I encourage anyone using them to use them as a conversation point, something to get the discussion started, and not as any evidence of my opinion as to how good the players actually are right now (well, not precise evidence, at least).
1. Drew Brees (93.27 points (out of potential 106))
Strength: Win-Loss Record, Passes thrown deeper than 20 yards (1st)
Weakness: 3rd and Long (5th)
2. Peyton Manning (90.41)
Strength: Win-Loss Record, Rating, Completion Percentage, TD-Interception Ratio, Net Yards/Attempt, Total Production (1st)
Weakness: Red Zone Performance (17th)
3. Aaron Rodgers (86.55)
Strength: TD-INT Ratio (2nd)
Weakness: Win-Loss Record (tie-9th)
4. Brett Favre (79.91)
Strength: Win-Loss Record (4th)
Weakness: Passes Thrown Over 20 yards (5th)
5. Matt Schaub (78.91)
Strength: TD-INT Ratio (5th)
Weakness: 3rd and Long Production (18th)
6. Tom Brady (78.35)
Strength: Total Production (tie-4th)
Weakness: Passes Thrown Over 20 yards (14th)
7. Ben Roethlisberger (76.52)
Strength: Red Zone Performance (3rd)
Weakness: 3rd and Long Performance (27th)
8. Kyle Orton (76.44)
Strength: Win-Loss Record (tie-1st)
Weakness: Passes thrown over 20 yards (11th)
9. Donovan McNabb (72.87)
Strength: Red Zone Performance (1st)
Weakness: Completion Percentage (24th)
10. Eli Manning (72.41)
Strength: 3rd and Long Performance (1st)
Weakness: Passes thrown over 20 yards (8th)
11. Philip Rivers (68.23)
Strength: TD-INT Ratio (10th)
Weakness: Passes thrown over 20 yards (10th)
12. Carson Palmer (67.59)
Strength: Red Zone Performance
Weakness: Passes thrown over 20 yards
13. Joe Flacco (67.49)
Strength: TD-INT Ratio, Total Prodcution
Weakness: Red Zone Performance
14. Matt Ryan (62.19)
Strength: TD-INT Ratio
Weakness: Passes thrown over 20 yards
15. Tony Romo (59.39)
Strength: Net Yards/Attempt
Weakness: Passes thrown over 20 yards
16. Kurt Warner (58.89)
Strength: Completion percentage
Weakness: Passes thrown over 20 yards
17. Jason Campbell (56.58)
Strength: Red Zone Performance
Weakness: Passes thrown over 20 yards
18. David Garrard (55.98)
Strength: Win-Loss Record
Weakness: Passes thrown over 20 yards
19. Kevin Kolb (55.76)
Strength: Completion Percentage
Weakness: Red Zone performance
20. Jay Cutler (54.67)
Strength: Completion Percentage
Weakness: Red Zone Performance
21. Shaun Hill (53.83)
Strength: TD-INT Ratio
Weakness: Total production
22. Matt Hasselbeck (49.11)
Strength: TD-INT Ratio
Weakness: 3rd and Long Performance
23. Matt Cassel (48.20)
Strength: Red Zone Production
Weakness: Passes over 20 yards
24. Trent Edwards (45.57)
Strength: Red Zone Performance
Weakness: Passes over 20 yards
25. Matthew Stafford (40.92)
Strength: 3rd and Long Performance
Weakness: Passes over 20 yards
26. Marc Bulger (36.03)
Strength: TD-INT Ratio
Weakness: Win-Loss Record
27. Mark Sanchez (35.98)
Strength: Win-Loss Record
Weakness: Net Yards per Attempt
28. Kerry Collins (30.68)
Strength: Red Zone Performance
Weakness: Win-Loss Record, Passes over 20 yards
29. Daunte Culpepper (29.45)
Strength: Completion Percentage
Weakness: Red Zone Performance
30. Brady Quinn (27.31)
Strength: Completion Percentage
Weakness: Red Zone Performance
31. Jake Delhomme (24.00)
Strength: Completion Percentage
Weakness: TD-INT Ratio
32. JaMarcus Russell (18.00)
Strength: 3rd and Long Performance
Weakness: Total production, passes over 20 yards
33. Derek Anderson (12.46)
Strength: Win-loss record
Weakness: Rating, Completion Percentage, Net Yards per Attempt, 3rd and Long Performance
Just as an aside, Derek Anderson, on 3rd and 6+ and 4th downs, combined, Anderson is 7-30, 70 yards and 5 interceptions. QB Rating is 0.0. And THAT is why he is all the way at the bottom...
So, I decided to put together rankings for myself, since that's totally something that I would want to do. I tried to make it relatively comprehensive, and also make it representative of the player's overall performance and value to his team. However, it most certainly does not give us a determination on who the "best QB in the league" is. Rather, it's merely a way of ranking overall performance, more than just yards and rating (although those numbers are considered).
So, what I did is I took every QB who has started at least 2 games this year (so, Ryan Fitzpatrick has another week until he's on the list), and I quantified various statistical categories, based on performance relative to the other individuals on the list. So, you could get a set number of points for each category, and the best player would get the full total, the worst would get 0, and everyone in the middle would get an amount, not based on their place in the rankings necessarily, but rather based on where they fell on this imaginary continuum between the best and the worst. The categories I included were: win-loss record, QB rating, completion percentage, ratio of TDs to INTs, net yards per attempt (includes sacks in the total number of attempts), total production value, performance in difficult situations (3rd & 6+ and 4th down), performance on passes thrown more than 20 yards downfield, and red zone performance.
So, I will be redoing these each week, and I encourage anyone using them to use them as a conversation point, something to get the discussion started, and not as any evidence of my opinion as to how good the players actually are right now (well, not precise evidence, at least).
1. Drew Brees (93.27 points (out of potential 106))
Strength: Win-Loss Record, Passes thrown deeper than 20 yards (1st)
Weakness: 3rd and Long (5th)
2. Peyton Manning (90.41)
Strength: Win-Loss Record, Rating, Completion Percentage, TD-Interception Ratio, Net Yards/Attempt, Total Production (1st)
Weakness: Red Zone Performance (17th)
3. Aaron Rodgers (86.55)
Strength: TD-INT Ratio (2nd)
Weakness: Win-Loss Record (tie-9th)
4. Brett Favre (79.91)
Strength: Win-Loss Record (4th)
Weakness: Passes Thrown Over 20 yards (5th)
5. Matt Schaub (78.91)
Strength: TD-INT Ratio (5th)
Weakness: 3rd and Long Production (18th)
6. Tom Brady (78.35)
Strength: Total Production (tie-4th)
Weakness: Passes Thrown Over 20 yards (14th)
7. Ben Roethlisberger (76.52)
Strength: Red Zone Performance (3rd)
Weakness: 3rd and Long Performance (27th)
8. Kyle Orton (76.44)
Strength: Win-Loss Record (tie-1st)
Weakness: Passes thrown over 20 yards (11th)
9. Donovan McNabb (72.87)
Strength: Red Zone Performance (1st)
Weakness: Completion Percentage (24th)
10. Eli Manning (72.41)
Strength: 3rd and Long Performance (1st)
Weakness: Passes thrown over 20 yards (8th)
11. Philip Rivers (68.23)
Strength: TD-INT Ratio (10th)
Weakness: Passes thrown over 20 yards (10th)
12. Carson Palmer (67.59)
Strength: Red Zone Performance
Weakness: Passes thrown over 20 yards
13. Joe Flacco (67.49)
Strength: TD-INT Ratio, Total Prodcution
Weakness: Red Zone Performance
14. Matt Ryan (62.19)
Strength: TD-INT Ratio
Weakness: Passes thrown over 20 yards
15. Tony Romo (59.39)
Strength: Net Yards/Attempt
Weakness: Passes thrown over 20 yards
16. Kurt Warner (58.89)
Strength: Completion percentage
Weakness: Passes thrown over 20 yards
17. Jason Campbell (56.58)
Strength: Red Zone Performance
Weakness: Passes thrown over 20 yards
18. David Garrard (55.98)
Strength: Win-Loss Record
Weakness: Passes thrown over 20 yards
19. Kevin Kolb (55.76)
Strength: Completion Percentage
Weakness: Red Zone performance
20. Jay Cutler (54.67)
Strength: Completion Percentage
Weakness: Red Zone Performance
21. Shaun Hill (53.83)
Strength: TD-INT Ratio
Weakness: Total production
22. Matt Hasselbeck (49.11)
Strength: TD-INT Ratio
Weakness: 3rd and Long Performance
23. Matt Cassel (48.20)
Strength: Red Zone Production
Weakness: Passes over 20 yards
24. Trent Edwards (45.57)
Strength: Red Zone Performance
Weakness: Passes over 20 yards
25. Matthew Stafford (40.92)
Strength: 3rd and Long Performance
Weakness: Passes over 20 yards
26. Marc Bulger (36.03)
Strength: TD-INT Ratio
Weakness: Win-Loss Record
27. Mark Sanchez (35.98)
Strength: Win-Loss Record
Weakness: Net Yards per Attempt
28. Kerry Collins (30.68)
Strength: Red Zone Performance
Weakness: Win-Loss Record, Passes over 20 yards
29. Daunte Culpepper (29.45)
Strength: Completion Percentage
Weakness: Red Zone Performance
30. Brady Quinn (27.31)
Strength: Completion Percentage
Weakness: Red Zone Performance
31. Jake Delhomme (24.00)
Strength: Completion Percentage
Weakness: TD-INT Ratio
32. JaMarcus Russell (18.00)
Strength: 3rd and Long Performance
Weakness: Total production, passes over 20 yards
33. Derek Anderson (12.46)
Strength: Win-loss record
Weakness: Rating, Completion Percentage, Net Yards per Attempt, 3rd and Long Performance
Just as an aside, Derek Anderson, on 3rd and 6+ and 4th downs, combined, Anderson is 7-30, 70 yards and 5 interceptions. QB Rating is 0.0. And THAT is why he is all the way at the bottom...
Steelers 27, Vikings 17
Far closer than the score belies, the Steelers finally made the plays in the 4th quarter to seal the win. And really, that's what has to happen to win the big games - whether it's offense or defense getting it done...
Ben looked OK this week. Certainly not great, but it could have been a lot worse, too. He was stung early in the game by some drops - including a big one by Hines on a 3rd-and-long. However, Ben got to work, and began manipulating Minny's safeties left and right for some big plays, including a 40-yard strike to Mike Wallace (who, by the way, has cinched at least the #3 job for a while to come). But Ben was hurt by Bruce Arians' unwillingness to commit to the running game. Mendenhall had 69 yards on 10 carries, which begs the question of why he didn't get the ball more. If he had, maybe, just maybe, Ben really could have exploited the Vikings' secondary.
It was also frustrating to see Mewelde Moore out on the Steelers' final drive, and to watch him plod his way to 3 yard gains, where Mendenhall would have made 5 or 6. Lest we forget, it was Mendenhall who put the Chargers away on Sunday night in Week 5. Moore isn't capable of putting anyone away. Sure, Mendenhall fumbled at the 3. That was a bummer, but he's a kid. He's going to make mistakes. He was a little too aggressive, and got stripped. But with that said, isn't the whole team better off with him going in with the direction to protect the ball at all costs? You have to play to win, and you can't play to win with your 3rd string back in, and your soon-to-be-superstar #1 on the sidelines (healthy).
The defense made plays. They let Favre have some, true. I'm still VERY concerned about Ike Taylor's play. I'm not sure what the issue is, but he's been really out of position a lot of the time. In fact, the Vikings only real big passing play came against Taylor, when he was play zone 9 yards deep on a 3rd and 18, and let Sidney Rice (the Vikings biggest receiving threat) get wide open behind him. I'm just gonna say that I highly doubt it was Troy's fault that he was that wide open. DeShea and Will Gay made great plays on deep balls, we got decent pressure, and the linebackers made stuff happen. Two TD returns in a game is really something else.
On the bad side, where's our kick coverage. That's all a matter of "want to", and it doesn't look like our backups have much of that, Key Fox excluded, of course.
All-in-all, it looked a lot more like the Steelers of last year, in that they made the plays they needed to make when it counted most. Let's just hope we can carry it on. A win in Denver in 2 weeks puts at 6-2, and in very good position to make the playoffs.
Ben looked OK this week. Certainly not great, but it could have been a lot worse, too. He was stung early in the game by some drops - including a big one by Hines on a 3rd-and-long. However, Ben got to work, and began manipulating Minny's safeties left and right for some big plays, including a 40-yard strike to Mike Wallace (who, by the way, has cinched at least the #3 job for a while to come). But Ben was hurt by Bruce Arians' unwillingness to commit to the running game. Mendenhall had 69 yards on 10 carries, which begs the question of why he didn't get the ball more. If he had, maybe, just maybe, Ben really could have exploited the Vikings' secondary.
It was also frustrating to see Mewelde Moore out on the Steelers' final drive, and to watch him plod his way to 3 yard gains, where Mendenhall would have made 5 or 6. Lest we forget, it was Mendenhall who put the Chargers away on Sunday night in Week 5. Moore isn't capable of putting anyone away. Sure, Mendenhall fumbled at the 3. That was a bummer, but he's a kid. He's going to make mistakes. He was a little too aggressive, and got stripped. But with that said, isn't the whole team better off with him going in with the direction to protect the ball at all costs? You have to play to win, and you can't play to win with your 3rd string back in, and your soon-to-be-superstar #1 on the sidelines (healthy).
The defense made plays. They let Favre have some, true. I'm still VERY concerned about Ike Taylor's play. I'm not sure what the issue is, but he's been really out of position a lot of the time. In fact, the Vikings only real big passing play came against Taylor, when he was play zone 9 yards deep on a 3rd and 18, and let Sidney Rice (the Vikings biggest receiving threat) get wide open behind him. I'm just gonna say that I highly doubt it was Troy's fault that he was that wide open. DeShea and Will Gay made great plays on deep balls, we got decent pressure, and the linebackers made stuff happen. Two TD returns in a game is really something else.
On the bad side, where's our kick coverage. That's all a matter of "want to", and it doesn't look like our backups have much of that, Key Fox excluded, of course.
All-in-all, it looked a lot more like the Steelers of last year, in that they made the plays they needed to make when it counted most. Let's just hope we can carry it on. A win in Denver in 2 weeks puts at 6-2, and in very good position to make the playoffs.
Also, in an update on our ginger doppleganger site, he is running a series on the strength of the "organization" (the Buccos) at every position. Fuck that shit, man. That's like running a series about future world leaders coming up through the ranks in Burma. We suck. Our system is absolute shit, and on the off chance that we actually find a diamond in the rough, he'll be gone within 5 years.
Seriously, he might as well start including updates on the Islanders, Clippers and Raiders while he's at it. Man, there's a real QB battle brewing in Oakland! Quick, name the greatest Clippers shooting guard of the last 30 years! The Isles really have a great future with DiPietro in net!
Friday, October 23, 2009
The First Ever, Way-Too-Early-In-The-Year, OpShutdown Mock NFL Draft
So, after all that talk yesterday about QBs and the NFL draft, I started getting excited. So, I decided to do a Mock Draft. I do realize that it is late October, we are 6 months, 10 weeks (plus 4 weeks of playoffs), the combine, and lots of individual workouts away from it being draft time.
But, I like to read this crap, so I presume that you will too.
Ok, so I'm relying on the following: ESPN's Power Rankings for the playoff-qualifying teams, and the standings for the rest. So, here goes (I'm assuming no Ryan Mallett, by the way)...
1. St. Louis Rams
Well, what don't the Rams need? Honestly, they don't need anyone at RB. So that leaves them with a lot of options here. The guys who are at the top right now are d-linemen and safeties. And shockingly, the Rams aren't that bad at those positions. They have a lot of very young talent on the d-line, including Chris Long and Adam Carriker. I don't think Taylor Mays is #1 pick material, and looking at it, I don't see the Rams taking Eric Berry (despite his awesomeness), because their current free safety (and I imagine that Berry would play free in the NFL) is Oshiomogho Atogwe. Who, you may say? Well, let me just say that the guy has 13 INTs and 6 forced fumbles in 2007 and 2008 combined. Oh yeah, he's on pace for 110 tackles this year, too.
So, that means offense. Well, I don't see them "reaching" for a guy like Russell Okong. Their o-line is relatively young and up-and-coming... That leaves us, really, with one choice, and one choice only.
The Pick: Sam Bradford, Quarterback, Oklahoma University (aside - the one reason I like Oklahoma is because they are the only other major state university that is [Insert State] University, and not University of [Insert State], besides IU).
2. Tennessee Titans
I don't think this will hold up, but they are 0-6 right now. So, that leaves the question - what do they do with this pick? They're one season off of a 13-3 campaign. I look at this team and see: awesome o-line and awesome RBs. The team is close, and probably feels like they are on their upside, despite this absolute mess of a season. I don't see them going QB here - I see them bringing in a veteran to manage the team. If you want to win right now, chances are that a rookie QB is not the way to go. Where have they struggled the most? Pass coverage. One player brings (1) playmaking ability in pass defense that has been compared to Ed Reed and (2) hometown hero status.
The Pick: Eric Berry, Safety, University of Tennessee
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
They aren't very good. They are rebuilding, and I think that in this spot, they take the most reliable, consistent player, and guarantee that they will have, at worst, a consistent contributor, and at best, a game-changing player. No QB, they just picked one. They are also solid on their O-line. So, I say this pick is easy.
The Pick: Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle, University of Nebraska
4. Detroit Lions
At least they aren't picking first! They are clearly in rebuilding mode, and they are working on putting together a winning team. They need help on defense. Their offense looks like it will be fine. Their defense, well, can't help but give up 35 points each game.
I'm also a strong believer that to be a great team, you need to be strong up the middle. A pick that would have been unimaginable in the Matt Millen era, but the kind of pick they've needed for a decade.
The Pick: Gerald McCoy, Defensive Tackle, Oklahoma University
(#93)
5. Cleveland Browns
Where don't they need help. It's only been 3 years since their last first-round QB. That's a little too soon for any team, I think. They have a lot of other issues beyond QB, and I think that Mangini is stupid enough to think that Derek Anderson can make it happen (by the way, I'm not sure if Mangini or Crennell is worse, but it's close).
Their defense is abysmal. That can't cover anyone, they can't create pressure on the QB, and they can't stop the run. They need a difference maker on defense, and this is the best one out there. Good size, fast as hell, can cause problems on both passing and running downs. The Browns will hope he becomes the next Ronnie Lott, as his pedigree suggests.
The Pick: Taylor Mays, Safety, University of Southern California
6. Kansas City Chiefs
Matt Cassell is their guy for the foreseeable future. That's just how it is. They could use a back, but there's no one worth taking at this spot. It's a really weak RBs draft, and if Shady McCoy hadn't ended up in such a good situation in Philly, I think a lot of people would be questioning him on not returning for his Junior season.
I think it's probably a reach to go after a linebacker like Rolando McClain or Navarro Bowman here. And although they have Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson up front already, I could see them going for another d-lineman - looking to do what the Vikings have done, which is to build their defense around their outstanding defensive line.
The Pick: Carlos Dunlap, Defensive End, University of Florida
7. Oakland Raiders
Haha. Who, oh, who might they take with 7th pick this year? Will Al Davis ever learn? They answer is, frankly, no, and so unless he somehow is out of the picture by April, they are probably going to reach for an athletically talented, but ultimately unproven, player. They managed to take Darrius Heyward-Bey (a borderline 1st rounder, at best) and pick him over Michael Crabtree, a wideout prospect who has the talent to join the Fitzgerald-Johnson-Johnson triumvirate as one of the league's elite young wideouts.
So, I'm thinking outside the box, and going with a pick that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, but somehow seems to fit into the Al Davis mold...
The Pick: C.J. Spiller, Running Back, Clemson University
8. Buffalo Bills
Trent Edwards isn't the answer. But at the same time, the Bills need a lot more than a QB. Part of me wants to say that they will look WR again, given that TO will (presumably) be gone, and that Dez Bryant would probably be a solid #8. But, with that said, I'll say that they go more conservative, and address an o-line that has allowed the 2nd most sacks in the league.
The Pick: Russell Okung, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma State University
Well, there are no highlights for linemen. Not that I couldn't find them, it was just impossible to tell anything from what I found...
9. Washington Redskins
Well, with Jim Zorn out of the way by this point, and Dan Snyder desperate for a QB, I say that's the direction they go in. They don't have a lot of weaknesses elsewhere, and I just see Snyder losing patience, and deciding to move on from Jason Campbell.
The Pick: Jimmy Clausen, Quarterback, University of Notre Dame
(Pardon the music, but it's really high-quality video)
10. Seattle Seahawks
This team is a mystery. With Hasselbeck healthy, they aren't half bad. When he's hurt, they're a mess. When I originally did this, I thought, hey, they'll play it safe, go with a guy like DE Greg Hardy from Ole Miss or Trent Williams from Oklahoma.
But like I said, Hasselbeck can't stay healthy. He's on his way out, and this team is closer to a rebuild than they thought at the beginning of the year. There's really only one choice.
The Pick: Jake Locker, Quarterback, University of Washington
11. San Francisco 49ers (from the Carolina Panthers)
They are "motherfucking" everyone right now. This team is the class of their division with no QB. And they come this close to having their pick of Clausen or Locker? That sucks. Maybe next year. This is way, way too early for Colt McCoy - who is late 1st round, at best. With what is sitting there at pick 11, I say they go conservative, and get some needed up-front help.
The Pick: Trent Williams, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma University
12. San Diego Chargers
I see them continuing to be obstinate about the quality of their defense. They have had some injuries, and that offense is really good - they just need someone in the backfield. Darren Sproles is a kick-returner. They have to sit there and think that they can win right now with an LT-like player. I say they keep their pick close-to-home, and go for a guy who can run and catch.
The Pick: Jahvid Best, Running Back, University of California at Berkley
13. Miami Dolphins
Chad Henne is their guy of the future, and they really don't need any help on the line or in the backfield on offense. Their defense is solid. I want them to go with a pick based purely on talent, Dez Bryant, but I'm not sure that really fits into their scheme. Plus, they already have Ted Ginn, and I think believe he can still be their deep threat.
I imagine that Parcells will go with a defensive player. A steal this late, they are able to address their sorry pass defense.
The Pick: Joe Haden, Cornerback, University of Florida
14. Houston Texans
They need o-line help, but that isn't really an option. The Texans, at this point, can't like what they're seeing still up on the board. I think they reach for some defensive help, and start working on one of the worst defensive backfields in the league.
The Pick: Earl Thomas, Safety, University of Texas
This is where it started getting hard to find highlight videos. From here on, if I couldn't find something worth posting, I apologize.
15. New York Jets
Well, they solved their wideout issues, too. Man, someone is really going to be getting a present here soon. Jeebus. So, let's look at what they might need? Offense? Nope. MLB? Nope. D-backs? Probably not. Their d-line is good, so the only place where they could upgrade, from what I see, is...
The Pick: Navorro Bowman, Outside Linebacker, Penn State University
16. Baltimore Ravens
So, here's the question - great teams are great up the middle. The offense doesn't look to need any help. If I'm Baltimore, I feel pretty good with Ed Reed. But Bart Scott is gone, and Ray Lewis is looking olllllllldddddddddd. I say, they bring in some new blood, and really talented new blood at that.
The Pick: Rolando McClain, Inside Linebacker, University of Alabama
17. Arizona Cardinals
They need to look for some defensive help, but there isn't a ton to be had. They go safe, and get a guy who will be a solid player with Dockett for years to come.
The Pick: Derrick Morgan, Defensive End, Georgia Institute of Technology
18. Denver Broncos (from Chicago Bears)
Haha. The Bears could have Dez Bryant right here. Sucks for them, though.
The Broncos are pretty strong, top-to-bottom. I have trouble finding guys they would be looking to replace. As a result, I think they just go with the most likely contributor still on the board.
The Pick: Charles Brown, Offensive Tackle, University of Southern California
19. Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones has to feel OK about his defense. So, what's the issue? Well, what did the very successful Cowboys teams of the past 3-4 years have that they don't now? Playmaker at wideout. This is a steal, and an easy call for Jones.
The Pick: Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State University
20. Philadelphia Eagles
They look pretty solid on offense. They have Kolb for the future at QB. They're set at the skill positions. They are really only weak in one area - and that's linebacker. I think they try to fill it this year, especially picking in the 20's.
The Pick: Sergio Kindle, Outside Linebacker, University of Texas
21. Jacksonville Jaguars
I don't really think they will be picking this low, but, right now, they appear to be the 6 seed in the AFC. With that said, I think their biggest problem is not talent, but their awful, awful, awful head coach. Really, I think he's one of the 4 worst in the NFL (along with Mangini). How do you lose 41-0 to the Seahawks?
They need some playmakers on offense. Mike Sim-Walker has stepped up, but it is unclear what he will be once teams start game planning for him. David Garrard can't throw a football for shit, but he's only the second season of a 6-year extension. That says to me that they aren't ready to spend a first rounder at QB, ostensibly deciding to give up on Garrard, or have wasted that pick.
I think they go with a defensive end, and hope that Sims-Walker can remain the target he has been so far.
The Pick: Greg Hardy, Defensive End, University of Mississippi
22. San Francisco 49ers
These guys, however, don't have to worry about any of that QB stuff. I think that while 11 was too early (for McCoy), 22 isn't. I say they grab him now and expect to not have a shot at someone like Ryan Mallett next season.
The Pick: Colt McCoy , Quarterback, University of Texas
23. Green Bay Packers
They need o-line help, but there is really none to be had at this spot. Maybe in Round 2, but I just don't see it here. Well, given where they are, there is one guy on the board who stands out - and he isn't on defense. This is a team that has the potential to become a stellar offensive force. But they do need to cut down on the sacks. How best to do that without getting an o-lineman here? Give Rodgers someone to check down to.
The Pick: Jermaine Gresham, Tight End, University of Oklahoma
24. Cincinnati Bengals
Their defense is shaky, too. However, they have some young stars up front in Odom, Rivers and Maualuga. I say they go d-back, even though it may be a little high for this guy.
The Pick: Patrick Robinson, Cornerback, Florida State University
25. Pittsburgh Steelers
Now, this is a team that I feel like I know pretty well. The great thing for them is that there really isn't much of a weak spot on this team. I think that they reach a little bit here, and grab a guy who is probably a legit early-2nd rounder, but who will fill a major hole on the team.
The Pick: Terrence Cody, Defensive Tackle, University of Alabama (and in case you weren't sure what hole I was talking about, Cody is 6-4, 373).
26. Atlanta Falcons
They don't need ANY offensive help, and their defense is suprisingly solid. The one place I could see them looking to improve is on their d-line. Who are their d-tackles? Yeah, I don't know either. They grabbed Peria Jerry last year, but I say they keep looking to build up-front.
The Pick: Arthur Jones, Defensive Tackle, Syracuse University
27. New England Patriots
They need to start working on replacing that defense. I think it starts up front with a guy who they hope can one day step into the large shoes left by Richard Seymour.
The Pick: Marvin Austin, Defensive Tackle, University of North Carolina
28. New York Giants
This team has very few holes (except for QB, but they're stuck with him now), so I think they look to revitalize the one spot on the team that seems to be severely lacking.
The Pick: Anthony McCoy, Tight End, University of Southern California
29. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)
With their first pick, they got their QB for the future. I think they go 100% for skill in the first round. Their grunt positions are relatively shored up, and besides, there's no o-lineman for them to go after here anyhow.
The Pick: Jonathan Dwyer, Running Back, Georgia Institute of Technology
30. Minnesota Vikings
It always gets tough down around the bottom of the order, because I usually don't know quite enough to make a really informed decision about where teams are having issues. Too early for a QB, but again, this team wants to win right now, so they probably don't want a rookie.
They could use some help at linebacker, and I say that's the direction they go in.
The Pick: Sean Weatherspoon, Outside Linebacker, University of Missouri
31. New Orleans Saints
Their defense has been OK this year, but I like them to look for some d-line or linebacker help as well. As far as I'm concerned, it really came down to two guys. What tipped it is that their eventual pick has tons of upside, and doesn't have the character issues of their other option.
The Pick: Jerry Hughes, Outside Linebacker, Texas Christian University
32. Indianapolis Colts
These guys need help at d-tackle, and will have to hope that those character issues won't be a problem. This guy fills a need, on a pretty complete team, and that's about it.
The Pick: Jared Odrick, Defensive Tackle, Penn State University
(#91)
So that's it. I expect that none of those picks will be right in 6 months. So, if you like your team's pick in here, enjoy the possibility while you still can.
But, I like to read this crap, so I presume that you will too.
Ok, so I'm relying on the following: ESPN's Power Rankings for the playoff-qualifying teams, and the standings for the rest. So, here goes (I'm assuming no Ryan Mallett, by the way)...
1. St. Louis Rams
Well, what don't the Rams need? Honestly, they don't need anyone at RB. So that leaves them with a lot of options here. The guys who are at the top right now are d-linemen and safeties. And shockingly, the Rams aren't that bad at those positions. They have a lot of very young talent on the d-line, including Chris Long and Adam Carriker. I don't think Taylor Mays is #1 pick material, and looking at it, I don't see the Rams taking Eric Berry (despite his awesomeness), because their current free safety (and I imagine that Berry would play free in the NFL) is Oshiomogho Atogwe. Who, you may say? Well, let me just say that the guy has 13 INTs and 6 forced fumbles in 2007 and 2008 combined. Oh yeah, he's on pace for 110 tackles this year, too.
So, that means offense. Well, I don't see them "reaching" for a guy like Russell Okong. Their o-line is relatively young and up-and-coming... That leaves us, really, with one choice, and one choice only.
The Pick: Sam Bradford, Quarterback, Oklahoma University (aside - the one reason I like Oklahoma is because they are the only other major state university that is [Insert State] University, and not University of [Insert State], besides IU).
2. Tennessee Titans
I don't think this will hold up, but they are 0-6 right now. So, that leaves the question - what do they do with this pick? They're one season off of a 13-3 campaign. I look at this team and see: awesome o-line and awesome RBs. The team is close, and probably feels like they are on their upside, despite this absolute mess of a season. I don't see them going QB here - I see them bringing in a veteran to manage the team. If you want to win right now, chances are that a rookie QB is not the way to go. Where have they struggled the most? Pass coverage. One player brings (1) playmaking ability in pass defense that has been compared to Ed Reed and (2) hometown hero status.
The Pick: Eric Berry, Safety, University of Tennessee
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
They aren't very good. They are rebuilding, and I think that in this spot, they take the most reliable, consistent player, and guarantee that they will have, at worst, a consistent contributor, and at best, a game-changing player. No QB, they just picked one. They are also solid on their O-line. So, I say this pick is easy.
The Pick: Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle, University of Nebraska
4. Detroit Lions
At least they aren't picking first! They are clearly in rebuilding mode, and they are working on putting together a winning team. They need help on defense. Their offense looks like it will be fine. Their defense, well, can't help but give up 35 points each game.
I'm also a strong believer that to be a great team, you need to be strong up the middle. A pick that would have been unimaginable in the Matt Millen era, but the kind of pick they've needed for a decade.
The Pick: Gerald McCoy, Defensive Tackle, Oklahoma University
(#93)
5. Cleveland Browns
Where don't they need help. It's only been 3 years since their last first-round QB. That's a little too soon for any team, I think. They have a lot of other issues beyond QB, and I think that Mangini is stupid enough to think that Derek Anderson can make it happen (by the way, I'm not sure if Mangini or Crennell is worse, but it's close).
Their defense is abysmal. That can't cover anyone, they can't create pressure on the QB, and they can't stop the run. They need a difference maker on defense, and this is the best one out there. Good size, fast as hell, can cause problems on both passing and running downs. The Browns will hope he becomes the next Ronnie Lott, as his pedigree suggests.
The Pick: Taylor Mays, Safety, University of Southern California
6. Kansas City Chiefs
Matt Cassell is their guy for the foreseeable future. That's just how it is. They could use a back, but there's no one worth taking at this spot. It's a really weak RBs draft, and if Shady McCoy hadn't ended up in such a good situation in Philly, I think a lot of people would be questioning him on not returning for his Junior season.
I think it's probably a reach to go after a linebacker like Rolando McClain or Navarro Bowman here. And although they have Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson up front already, I could see them going for another d-lineman - looking to do what the Vikings have done, which is to build their defense around their outstanding defensive line.
The Pick: Carlos Dunlap, Defensive End, University of Florida
7. Oakland Raiders
Haha. Who, oh, who might they take with 7th pick this year? Will Al Davis ever learn? They answer is, frankly, no, and so unless he somehow is out of the picture by April, they are probably going to reach for an athletically talented, but ultimately unproven, player. They managed to take Darrius Heyward-Bey (a borderline 1st rounder, at best) and pick him over Michael Crabtree, a wideout prospect who has the talent to join the Fitzgerald-Johnson-Johnson triumvirate as one of the league's elite young wideouts.
So, I'm thinking outside the box, and going with a pick that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, but somehow seems to fit into the Al Davis mold...
The Pick: C.J. Spiller, Running Back, Clemson University
8. Buffalo Bills
Trent Edwards isn't the answer. But at the same time, the Bills need a lot more than a QB. Part of me wants to say that they will look WR again, given that TO will (presumably) be gone, and that Dez Bryant would probably be a solid #8. But, with that said, I'll say that they go more conservative, and address an o-line that has allowed the 2nd most sacks in the league.
The Pick: Russell Okung, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma State University
Well, there are no highlights for linemen. Not that I couldn't find them, it was just impossible to tell anything from what I found...
9. Washington Redskins
Well, with Jim Zorn out of the way by this point, and Dan Snyder desperate for a QB, I say that's the direction they go in. They don't have a lot of weaknesses elsewhere, and I just see Snyder losing patience, and deciding to move on from Jason Campbell.
The Pick: Jimmy Clausen, Quarterback, University of Notre Dame
(Pardon the music, but it's really high-quality video)
10. Seattle Seahawks
This team is a mystery. With Hasselbeck healthy, they aren't half bad. When he's hurt, they're a mess. When I originally did this, I thought, hey, they'll play it safe, go with a guy like DE Greg Hardy from Ole Miss or Trent Williams from Oklahoma.
But like I said, Hasselbeck can't stay healthy. He's on his way out, and this team is closer to a rebuild than they thought at the beginning of the year. There's really only one choice.
The Pick: Jake Locker, Quarterback, University of Washington
11. San Francisco 49ers (from the Carolina Panthers)
They are "motherfucking" everyone right now. This team is the class of their division with no QB. And they come this close to having their pick of Clausen or Locker? That sucks. Maybe next year. This is way, way too early for Colt McCoy - who is late 1st round, at best. With what is sitting there at pick 11, I say they go conservative, and get some needed up-front help.
The Pick: Trent Williams, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma University
12. San Diego Chargers
I see them continuing to be obstinate about the quality of their defense. They have had some injuries, and that offense is really good - they just need someone in the backfield. Darren Sproles is a kick-returner. They have to sit there and think that they can win right now with an LT-like player. I say they keep their pick close-to-home, and go for a guy who can run and catch.
The Pick: Jahvid Best, Running Back, University of California at Berkley
13. Miami Dolphins
Chad Henne is their guy of the future, and they really don't need any help on the line or in the backfield on offense. Their defense is solid. I want them to go with a pick based purely on talent, Dez Bryant, but I'm not sure that really fits into their scheme. Plus, they already have Ted Ginn, and I think believe he can still be their deep threat.
I imagine that Parcells will go with a defensive player. A steal this late, they are able to address their sorry pass defense.
The Pick: Joe Haden, Cornerback, University of Florida
14. Houston Texans
They need o-line help, but that isn't really an option. The Texans, at this point, can't like what they're seeing still up on the board. I think they reach for some defensive help, and start working on one of the worst defensive backfields in the league.
The Pick: Earl Thomas, Safety, University of Texas
This is where it started getting hard to find highlight videos. From here on, if I couldn't find something worth posting, I apologize.
15. New York Jets
Well, they solved their wideout issues, too. Man, someone is really going to be getting a present here soon. Jeebus. So, let's look at what they might need? Offense? Nope. MLB? Nope. D-backs? Probably not. Their d-line is good, so the only place where they could upgrade, from what I see, is...
The Pick: Navorro Bowman, Outside Linebacker, Penn State University
16. Baltimore Ravens
So, here's the question - great teams are great up the middle. The offense doesn't look to need any help. If I'm Baltimore, I feel pretty good with Ed Reed. But Bart Scott is gone, and Ray Lewis is looking olllllllldddddddddd. I say, they bring in some new blood, and really talented new blood at that.
The Pick: Rolando McClain, Inside Linebacker, University of Alabama
17. Arizona Cardinals
They need to look for some defensive help, but there isn't a ton to be had. They go safe, and get a guy who will be a solid player with Dockett for years to come.
The Pick: Derrick Morgan, Defensive End, Georgia Institute of Technology
18. Denver Broncos (from Chicago Bears)
Haha. The Bears could have Dez Bryant right here. Sucks for them, though.
The Broncos are pretty strong, top-to-bottom. I have trouble finding guys they would be looking to replace. As a result, I think they just go with the most likely contributor still on the board.
The Pick: Charles Brown, Offensive Tackle, University of Southern California
19. Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones has to feel OK about his defense. So, what's the issue? Well, what did the very successful Cowboys teams of the past 3-4 years have that they don't now? Playmaker at wideout. This is a steal, and an easy call for Jones.
The Pick: Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State University
20. Philadelphia Eagles
They look pretty solid on offense. They have Kolb for the future at QB. They're set at the skill positions. They are really only weak in one area - and that's linebacker. I think they try to fill it this year, especially picking in the 20's.
The Pick: Sergio Kindle, Outside Linebacker, University of Texas
21. Jacksonville Jaguars
I don't really think they will be picking this low, but, right now, they appear to be the 6 seed in the AFC. With that said, I think their biggest problem is not talent, but their awful, awful, awful head coach. Really, I think he's one of the 4 worst in the NFL (along with Mangini). How do you lose 41-0 to the Seahawks?
They need some playmakers on offense. Mike Sim-Walker has stepped up, but it is unclear what he will be once teams start game planning for him. David Garrard can't throw a football for shit, but he's only the second season of a 6-year extension. That says to me that they aren't ready to spend a first rounder at QB, ostensibly deciding to give up on Garrard, or have wasted that pick.
I think they go with a defensive end, and hope that Sims-Walker can remain the target he has been so far.
The Pick: Greg Hardy, Defensive End, University of Mississippi
22. San Francisco 49ers
These guys, however, don't have to worry about any of that QB stuff. I think that while 11 was too early (for McCoy), 22 isn't. I say they grab him now and expect to not have a shot at someone like Ryan Mallett next season.
The Pick: Colt McCoy , Quarterback, University of Texas
23. Green Bay Packers
They need o-line help, but there is really none to be had at this spot. Maybe in Round 2, but I just don't see it here. Well, given where they are, there is one guy on the board who stands out - and he isn't on defense. This is a team that has the potential to become a stellar offensive force. But they do need to cut down on the sacks. How best to do that without getting an o-lineman here? Give Rodgers someone to check down to.
The Pick: Jermaine Gresham, Tight End, University of Oklahoma
24. Cincinnati Bengals
Their defense is shaky, too. However, they have some young stars up front in Odom, Rivers and Maualuga. I say they go d-back, even though it may be a little high for this guy.
The Pick: Patrick Robinson, Cornerback, Florida State University
25. Pittsburgh Steelers
Now, this is a team that I feel like I know pretty well. The great thing for them is that there really isn't much of a weak spot on this team. I think that they reach a little bit here, and grab a guy who is probably a legit early-2nd rounder, but who will fill a major hole on the team.
The Pick: Terrence Cody, Defensive Tackle, University of Alabama (and in case you weren't sure what hole I was talking about, Cody is 6-4, 373).
26. Atlanta Falcons
They don't need ANY offensive help, and their defense is suprisingly solid. The one place I could see them looking to improve is on their d-line. Who are their d-tackles? Yeah, I don't know either. They grabbed Peria Jerry last year, but I say they keep looking to build up-front.
The Pick: Arthur Jones, Defensive Tackle, Syracuse University
27. New England Patriots
They need to start working on replacing that defense. I think it starts up front with a guy who they hope can one day step into the large shoes left by Richard Seymour.
The Pick: Marvin Austin, Defensive Tackle, University of North Carolina
28. New York Giants
This team has very few holes (except for QB, but they're stuck with him now), so I think they look to revitalize the one spot on the team that seems to be severely lacking.
The Pick: Anthony McCoy, Tight End, University of Southern California
29. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)
With their first pick, they got their QB for the future. I think they go 100% for skill in the first round. Their grunt positions are relatively shored up, and besides, there's no o-lineman for them to go after here anyhow.
The Pick: Jonathan Dwyer, Running Back, Georgia Institute of Technology
30. Minnesota Vikings
It always gets tough down around the bottom of the order, because I usually don't know quite enough to make a really informed decision about where teams are having issues. Too early for a QB, but again, this team wants to win right now, so they probably don't want a rookie.
They could use some help at linebacker, and I say that's the direction they go in.
The Pick: Sean Weatherspoon, Outside Linebacker, University of Missouri
31. New Orleans Saints
Their defense has been OK this year, but I like them to look for some d-line or linebacker help as well. As far as I'm concerned, it really came down to two guys. What tipped it is that their eventual pick has tons of upside, and doesn't have the character issues of their other option.
The Pick: Jerry Hughes, Outside Linebacker, Texas Christian University
32. Indianapolis Colts
These guys need help at d-tackle, and will have to hope that those character issues won't be a problem. This guy fills a need, on a pretty complete team, and that's about it.
The Pick: Jared Odrick, Defensive Tackle, Penn State University
(#91)
So that's it. I expect that none of those picks will be right in 6 months. So, if you like your team's pick in here, enjoy the possibility while you still can.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Stillers 55, Lions/Browns 34
It really shouldn't have been this close in these two games. I'm just going to leave the Lions game alone, because you've probably already heard enough about it, and want your Browns/Steelers content right fucking now.
Our boys beat our cross-border rivals for the 12th straight time, in a 27-14 disappointment yesterday. Yet again, the team was plagued by small mistakes that made the game a lot closer than it should have been. The offense looked great, and the defense looked great. But Josh Cribbs' kickoff return TD in the 2d quarter, and the series of turnovers in the 3rd really put a damper on the scorecard.
As for Ben, he was incredible again. He now leads the league in completion percentage and yardage, and sits at 4th in passer rating. A lot of people talk about the 6th season being a hump year for QBs, and that certainly seems to be ringing true with Ben. The boy is throwing the ball as well as you could hope, and we will now have to see whether that continues... I can't say I'm not worried about Jared Allen next week...
The running game was a little sluggish, but that was more related to Bruce Arians' failure to commit to running the ball. Maybe it was because the passing offense was clicking so well, but it sure seems like he gave up on it yesterday.
The defense has some swagger back. Not sure what it was, but those boys were coming for everyone and everything in orange. Maybe it was just that it was the Browns, but they still looked good.
Willie is done, in my mind. He's old. He's hurt. And he isn't bringing the veteran stuff that would make him valuable (i.e. not fumbling). That fumble was BAD. And yeah, Mendenhall fumbled too, but I think anyone who watched the game saw that for what it was - a wrong/weird call by the refs. The dude was on his back, on top of another player, completely stopped in his progress, for at least 2 seconds.
Which brings me to my next point... What the fuck is up with these weird scores we're giving to teams? Pick-6 against Cincy. Takes it from 13-3 to 13-10. Changes the complexion of the game. Also, potentially, loses the game for us.
San Diego. Jacob Hester on another bullshit, stopped momentum strip. Immediately after the defense comes up big and shuts down the SD offense, up 28-7, that shit happens. Now, admittedly, Logan should have fair-caught the ball at midfield with 3 TD in lead in the second half, but that's beside the point. And let's not even talk about the onside kick.
Detroit. Pick-6. Instead of 14-6, with a chance to go and make it a 2 score game, it's 14-13, and Detroit has life for a lot longer than they should.
And then this past week. (1) The Josh Cribbs return. Up 14-0, with a chance to really put the pressure on, we let them back in. And then (2) Up 24-13, and already having fucked it up once, the Mendenhall fumble happens. Admitted, it didn't end up costing us the game, but let's imagine that those stupid plays never happen.
Cincy is driving late, down 20-9, not 20-15. That's a win.
SD, we go down and score - 35-7. Game over.
Detroit - we score a TD, like we ended up doing, and its 21-6 at the half, and 28-6 going into the 4th. Never becomes competitive.
And last week, we get something, and it's 27-6/31-6. Game ends up being as ugly as it was.
Oh, and we're 5-1. I guess what this is is just more evidence that we aren't as sharp mentally as we could be. And we won't get second chances against either of our next two opponents.
Also of note, some people are bugged by Skippy Reed getting arrested. I don't really care. He likes to party, and sometimes gets in a little trouble. The dude isn't hurting anyone. He isn't driving (which is MUCH worse). He isn't even fighting (worse). He's just drunk in public a lot. And fucking up towel dispensers. As long as he keeps kicking away, and not hurting anyone else, I don't give a damn.
I'm also going to use this time to make some comments on the outlook of the league moving forward:
My pre-season AFC picks were as follows -
NE, PIT, BAL, IND, TEN, SD
I know, not very creative. But I'm feeling OK about most of these picks. It seems pretty clear that the Jets and Miami are going to have a real tough time competing with the Pats in the East. True, they aren't the Patriots of 3-6 years ago, but they're still the class of the division, and now have a lead.
I feel alright about my two AFC North picks, as well. The Bengals are a flash in the pan. True, they've beaten both the Ravens and the Steelers once already this year, but I'm still not convinced that they have what it takes, given the way they were manhandled by the Texans. The Ravens concern me more than the Steelers. They're really struggling, and while their offense has taken great steps forward, their defense has disappeared, and really, it's the defense that wins championships.
I was wrong on the Titans, but really, who wasn't? I didn't see one prediction that had them worse than 8-8. And why would they be? Good defense, good game-managing QB, and an awesome running game. Well, the running game is the only thing that has touched last year's quality, and if you're going to go 2-14, -7 yards passing, well, you're going to lose. Unless you're playing the Bills.
The Colts and Texans look to be potential contenders. Well, let me rephrase that. The Colts are contenders. Peyton Manning is the best QB in the NFL, and makes that team go. The Texans - and yes I know they lost to Jacksonville - seem like they're just waiting to make a move. Maybe I wrong, but I still like them to go 9-7.
Out west, I was wrong again. The Broncos are the real deal. And by real deal, I mean that they will win their division. There are 4 wins out there, and I don't think San Diego will make it to 11-5. With that said, we're really gonna find out what this team is made of. They beat SD based, in part, on special teams. True, they've beaten New England already, too. Big win. They're real good. But they're limited offensively. They haven't beaten a single team with a legit defense yet. Sorry, Pats fans, but even the Bills scored 21+ on you. They have Baltimore on the road, Pittsburgh at home, the Giants at home, Indy on the Road, and Philly on the road, not to mention another battle with the Chargers later this year. Their defense is legit, and their offense is getting things done, but Orton isn't winning games - he's not losing them. And there is a difference. So, we will wait and see whether the Broncos are a legit Super Bowl contender, or are just the best team in a shitty division.
Oh, and one more thing... Want to hear something awesome? Try this: Terrelle Prior transfers to Michigan. (1) Rich Rodriguez would turn him into a Heisman winner and (2) Michigan would fucking crush the biggest piece of shit state school in the country, with their very own star recruit who they were too fucking stubborn to utilize. Oh man, that would be fucking awesome.
Fuck "The".
And as always, remember that anything posted on this blog - links, videos, etc. - might contain language unsuitable for the majority of people. What I'm saying is that links on this blog should be assumed NSFW. Such as the one below. Because he uses inappropriate language.
Update: Our avid reader pointed out that I didn't mention Jake Locker. And that is true. Why? Well, frankly, because no one east of Idaho gives a fuck about Jake Locker. Nothing about him is interesting. And yes, Mallett would be drafted above Locker. I've seen them both play. I believe that it is no contest.
Our boys beat our cross-border rivals for the 12th straight time, in a 27-14 disappointment yesterday. Yet again, the team was plagued by small mistakes that made the game a lot closer than it should have been. The offense looked great, and the defense looked great. But Josh Cribbs' kickoff return TD in the 2d quarter, and the series of turnovers in the 3rd really put a damper on the scorecard.
As for Ben, he was incredible again. He now leads the league in completion percentage and yardage, and sits at 4th in passer rating. A lot of people talk about the 6th season being a hump year for QBs, and that certainly seems to be ringing true with Ben. The boy is throwing the ball as well as you could hope, and we will now have to see whether that continues... I can't say I'm not worried about Jared Allen next week...
The running game was a little sluggish, but that was more related to Bruce Arians' failure to commit to running the ball. Maybe it was because the passing offense was clicking so well, but it sure seems like he gave up on it yesterday.
The defense has some swagger back. Not sure what it was, but those boys were coming for everyone and everything in orange. Maybe it was just that it was the Browns, but they still looked good.
Willie is done, in my mind. He's old. He's hurt. And he isn't bringing the veteran stuff that would make him valuable (i.e. not fumbling). That fumble was BAD. And yeah, Mendenhall fumbled too, but I think anyone who watched the game saw that for what it was - a wrong/weird call by the refs. The dude was on his back, on top of another player, completely stopped in his progress, for at least 2 seconds.
Which brings me to my next point... What the fuck is up with these weird scores we're giving to teams? Pick-6 against Cincy. Takes it from 13-3 to 13-10. Changes the complexion of the game. Also, potentially, loses the game for us.
San Diego. Jacob Hester on another bullshit, stopped momentum strip. Immediately after the defense comes up big and shuts down the SD offense, up 28-7, that shit happens. Now, admittedly, Logan should have fair-caught the ball at midfield with 3 TD in lead in the second half, but that's beside the point. And let's not even talk about the onside kick.
Detroit. Pick-6. Instead of 14-6, with a chance to go and make it a 2 score game, it's 14-13, and Detroit has life for a lot longer than they should.
And then this past week. (1) The Josh Cribbs return. Up 14-0, with a chance to really put the pressure on, we let them back in. And then (2) Up 24-13, and already having fucked it up once, the Mendenhall fumble happens. Admitted, it didn't end up costing us the game, but let's imagine that those stupid plays never happen.
Cincy is driving late, down 20-9, not 20-15. That's a win.
SD, we go down and score - 35-7. Game over.
Detroit - we score a TD, like we ended up doing, and its 21-6 at the half, and 28-6 going into the 4th. Never becomes competitive.
And last week, we get something, and it's 27-6/31-6. Game ends up being as ugly as it was.
Oh, and we're 5-1. I guess what this is is just more evidence that we aren't as sharp mentally as we could be. And we won't get second chances against either of our next two opponents.
Also of note, some people are bugged by Skippy Reed getting arrested. I don't really care. He likes to party, and sometimes gets in a little trouble. The dude isn't hurting anyone. He isn't driving (which is MUCH worse). He isn't even fighting (worse). He's just drunk in public a lot. And fucking up towel dispensers. As long as he keeps kicking away, and not hurting anyone else, I don't give a damn.
I'm also going to use this time to make some comments on the outlook of the league moving forward:
My pre-season AFC picks were as follows -
NE, PIT, BAL, IND, TEN, SD
I know, not very creative. But I'm feeling OK about most of these picks. It seems pretty clear that the Jets and Miami are going to have a real tough time competing with the Pats in the East. True, they aren't the Patriots of 3-6 years ago, but they're still the class of the division, and now have a lead.
I feel alright about my two AFC North picks, as well. The Bengals are a flash in the pan. True, they've beaten both the Ravens and the Steelers once already this year, but I'm still not convinced that they have what it takes, given the way they were manhandled by the Texans. The Ravens concern me more than the Steelers. They're really struggling, and while their offense has taken great steps forward, their defense has disappeared, and really, it's the defense that wins championships.
I was wrong on the Titans, but really, who wasn't? I didn't see one prediction that had them worse than 8-8. And why would they be? Good defense, good game-managing QB, and an awesome running game. Well, the running game is the only thing that has touched last year's quality, and if you're going to go 2-14, -7 yards passing, well, you're going to lose. Unless you're playing the Bills.
The Colts and Texans look to be potential contenders. Well, let me rephrase that. The Colts are contenders. Peyton Manning is the best QB in the NFL, and makes that team go. The Texans - and yes I know they lost to Jacksonville - seem like they're just waiting to make a move. Maybe I wrong, but I still like them to go 9-7.
Out west, I was wrong again. The Broncos are the real deal. And by real deal, I mean that they will win their division. There are 4 wins out there, and I don't think San Diego will make it to 11-5. With that said, we're really gonna find out what this team is made of. They beat SD based, in part, on special teams. True, they've beaten New England already, too. Big win. They're real good. But they're limited offensively. They haven't beaten a single team with a legit defense yet. Sorry, Pats fans, but even the Bills scored 21+ on you. They have Baltimore on the road, Pittsburgh at home, the Giants at home, Indy on the Road, and Philly on the road, not to mention another battle with the Chargers later this year. Their defense is legit, and their offense is getting things done, but Orton isn't winning games - he's not losing them. And there is a difference. So, we will wait and see whether the Broncos are a legit Super Bowl contender, or are just the best team in a shitty division.
- Some other things to talk about: The Hines Ward catch that everyone has been complaining about. Sure, they got the call right. And I understand the idea behind the rule - that because technically, having possession of the football for a millisecond, in play, beyond the goal line = touchdown, they want you to maintain some kind of possession on catches where the player goes to the ground. I get it, it makes sense, you want it to be similar catch rules to what it would be if they were in the field of play. With that said, if it had been in the field of play, is Hines non-catch really a non-catch, or a catch and fumble? He rolled 1.5 times before losing the ball. How long do you really have to hold it?
- The Pens look fucking good. No more underdog role for this team. They're the team to beat in the NHL. Gonch being out 4-6 is a bummer, but that's really only 10-15 games, and we're far more able to handle his absence now than we were last year
- I will also admit, I thought that Alex Rodriguez was a choke artist. He's proven me wrong. I will eat my words. The man is making plays, and he's fucking outstanding. Fuck the steroids thing, he's a first-ballot HOFer. No doubt.
- The race for top QB in next year's draft is not nearly as exciting as I thought it would be. Sam Bradford might have surgery. The one thing that could possibly knock him out of that top spot. The more Tim Tebow plays, the more I'm convinced that he is definitely not an NFL starting QB. He's a great athlete, and someone will draft him, but he can't play QB in the NFL. And Colt McCoy? Maybe it's because he's been hurt, too, but I think he's just too small to pull it off. Maybe if he can find that near-80% accuracy he had going last year, but until then, I don't buy him as first-rounder.
This raises an interesting question, though. What do Junior Jimmy Clausen and super-redshirt-Sophmore Ryan Mallett do? I don't know if anyone has seen either of these guys throw the football, but they are legit. Especially Mallett. He has the best arm in college right now, and can make every throw. Only thing is that, unlike Matt Stafford, he can hit a dime from 40 yards.
Also makes you wonder about how this might affect the decision making process for guys like Miami's Jacory Harris. He's another kid who has NFL accuracy with just enough arm. But if Claussen and Mallett go this year, it opens up Harris for a chance to have a big Junior year and cash in then. He still has a way to go, but might be able to check out early if there is less competition.
It'll be interesting to see. There are lots of good, young QBs in the NFL right now: Ben, Eli, Phil Rivers, Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, Matt Schaub, Aaron Rodgers. In fact, the NFL is so flush, that it takes a really excellent prospect to find a starting job, even. Who's gonna need QBs in the next two years? Well, probably, TEN, OAK, CLE, BUF (sorry, Trent Edwards), STL, CAR, SF, WAS? Beyond that, guys will have to start getting old, and even at that, those teams with older QBs who might be looking to replace them won't be going to bat until at least 2 years from now.
Here's my early, early, early prediction. With Bradford hurt, Claussen and Mallet both come out. Mallett goes #1 to St. Louis. Tennesse takes Bradford with the 4th overall pick, Cleveland at 5 reaches for another ND product (overachiever?), and the Raiders take Tim Tebow at the beginning of Round 2. Really, the only thing I'm hoping for is Tebow to end up in Oakland. Few kids his age have it together as much as he does, and the thought of him going to such a fucked up place is what makes me love sports.
Oh, and one more thing... Want to hear something awesome? Try this: Terrelle Prior transfers to Michigan. (1) Rich Rodriguez would turn him into a Heisman winner and (2) Michigan would fucking crush the biggest piece of shit state school in the country, with their very own star recruit who they were too fucking stubborn to utilize. Oh man, that would be fucking awesome.
Fuck "The".
And as always, remember that anything posted on this blog - links, videos, etc. - might contain language unsuitable for the majority of people. What I'm saying is that links on this blog should be assumed NSFW. Such as the one below. Because he uses inappropriate language.
Update: Our avid reader pointed out that I didn't mention Jake Locker. And that is true. Why? Well, frankly, because no one east of Idaho gives a fuck about Jake Locker. Nothing about him is interesting. And yes, Mallett would be drafted above Locker. I've seen them both play. I believe that it is no contest.
Friday, October 9, 2009
The Elephant in the Room
So, this subject has gone un-discussed for a little while now, but we here at the Op think that it's best to confront the situation, rather than just ignoring it.
The Operation Shutdown Blog has a doppelganger. It's called "Operation Shutdown". It's also on Blogger.com, and it has a similar theme, both in terms of content and aesthetics.
Now, in case you don't know, a "doppelganger" (or "doppelgaenger" if we're trying to Anglicize the umlaut that should go over the "a") is an identical copy of a person - you're mirror-image, if you will. According to Wikipedia, seeing your doppelganger is a harbinger of death.
Fuck.
Well, rather than waiting idly by for death to come and sweep our lovely blog off into the forgotten oblivion of internet hell, where so many great websites now lie, we will instead be starting a series where we criticize everything done on this lame-ass excuse for our website.
I would also ask that readers send in suggestions. Seriously, I've never gotten a suggestion that I didn't use (however, with all due credit to Mark, we have not yet implemented our weekly/monthly William Howard Taft Award for the Least Athletic Play of the [appropriate time period]) so send yours in.
Actually, that's my first point. We have http://opshutdown.blogspot.com, right? Him? http://oper-shutdown.blogspot.com.
Fucking lame. No one refers to an operation as an "oper". No. They do refer to them as "op"s, such as "Black Ops" or "Cyber Ops". Or, as "short-hand slang for a surgical operation".
"Oper", contrarily, refers to "opera". Which is lame. Plus, there's no flow to it. Go ahead. Say "opshutdown" then "opershutdown" and you tell me which flows off the tongue better.
Now, with that said, I do have to give the guy credit. His appears to pre-date ours, although his does not pre-date the idea.
Further criticism may be summarized as follows:
- No posts on anything except the Pirates since late June. I don't even know how that's possible. Most of this city had forgotten that the Pirates were even playing sometime in early August.
- The strip on the right side sucks, too. It quotes the absolute worst catch phrase ever: "Raise the Jolly Roger". That's why the Pirates lose. Everything about them is fucking half-assed, right down to their radio announcer's shitty, uncreative slogans. Jesus. I don't like hearing it accidentally, which means I certainly wouldn't visit a website that has that shit front and right-of-center.
- The strip on the right also contains various pictures, that seem to have been captioned by a 6-year old. "Cutch wins it and Celebrates". Is "Celebrate"-ing similar to "Jazzercising"? Why the fuck is that capitalized? Also, what did he win. There's no context to any of it.
- As Vince pointed out, his poll close with only 7 votes. What is this, the comptroller run-off in NYC? Haha. Am I right??
- Correction, there are 3 different polls. The other 2 had only 3 and 5 votes respectively. Unfortunately, that means that he has more readers than we do.
- Well, I'm still on the captions of his pictures: "Cutch delivers again" and "The Cup Comes Back Home". Hm.
- He links to a fucking Cincinnati-based blog. Fuck that. Nothing good has ever come from Cincinnati. Nothing. I'm serious. The queen city is best known for the pervasive racism that has dominated local politics over the last 40 years. And that's it.
- He also references a blog that hasn't been updated in 6 months. Oh, and it's first headline? Much praise for Norman Chad. I'm not sure how this is going to get worse.
- Feb. 26 09 post: "Your NHL trading deadline home will be right here. I will have up to date commentary on each deal on deadline day (March 4), as they happen."
Really, dude? You think that people are actually going to rely on you for up-to-the-minute commentary on the NHL trade deadline? What, you have some kind of in? No, my friend, you are taking yourself far too seriously. Your first mistake is thinking that anyone will rely on you for straight-forward breaking sports information. You are not Adam Schefter, or Scott Burnside, or any other ESPN crony who knows people in the bidness, and would have a chance of knowing something ahead of time (or first).
You, buddy, need to focus on what advantages you have: (1) no editing, which means that you can say whatever you want in whatever vulgar, politically incorrect or offensive terms you might prefer and (2) the time to actually think a topic through before blindly writing an uninformed article that is focused on getting you readership alone.
Your second mistake, pal? Not actually posting anything on or around March 4th about any of the NHL trades. Pretty hard to be anyone's "source" if you don't actually provide the information. - Spells Ray "Shero" as Ray "Sherro". Fail.
- "I'm not a guy that hates Hossa. I respect his decision to leave Pittsburgh and feel if he left to win a cup, he made the right choice, but it would still be sweet to see." If he left to win a cup, he made the right choice? Way to show a little bit of pride and confidence in the home team, dude.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Title Town USA: NFL Franchise Rankings 32-21
So, it is now time to go through the teams of the new national pastime, one-by-one. The NFL is a bit more interesting, though, because although it had 30 years of action prior to the introduction of the AFL, and over 35 years before the first Super Bowl, it has really been the Super Bowl era which has defined the sport. Therefore, unlike baseball where any World Series counts the same, in the NFL rankings, NFL or AFL championships (pre-1965) are counted the same as NFC or AFC championships at present. Super Bowls, then, are worth considerably more. This really only makes sense, since for teams like the Eagles and Lions, who really cares how many NFL championships they've won? Also, unlike baseball, the dominant teams of the past 40-50 years are not necessarily the ones who were dominant for the first 30. The Steelers were terrible until 1972, and the 49ers and Cowboys didn't exist until the mid-'50s and early-'60s, respectively. Anyhow, here's how it all shook out.
32. Houston Texans - (-17) Points
Houston Texans (2002- ) (Houston, TX)
Which do I address first. Well, let's get the non-sequitor out of the way... Did you know that there is a Houston Street in Manhattan? Well, there is, but it is pronounced "How-stin" rather than "Hue-stin". How did that happen? The guy they named it after, William Houstoun, was a delegate to the Continental Congress back in the d-izz-ay. A fucking misspelling. It's either "Houstoun Street" (How-stin Street) or it's "Houston Street" (Hue-stin Street). You would think that a city with that many people could do a fucking spell check before naming their streets.
Moving forward, yes, the Texans have -17 points, and I had to put their total in parentheses so that everyone wouldn't confuse the dash which I had intended as a separating device for a negative symbol, or, worse yet, read it as -(-17) which would = +17. No, it's negative 17, because they have 7 years under their belt... 2 at .500, and 6 losing seasons.
But the future is looking better. Andre Johnson be a stud. Schaub is good, if healthy and Mario Williams is almost enough to say that you have a defense. Now, if only they could bring Aaron Glenn ...
Seasons: 7
Super Bowl Championships: 0
AFC/AFL Championships: 0
Division Championships: 0
Playoff Appearances: 0
Winning Seasons: 0
HOFers: 0
Wow, that's a lot of zeros.
Points Per Year (PPY): -2.43 (Yes negative - that's how averages work)
PPY Rank: 32nd (Duh)
31. Carolina Panthers - 376 Points
Carolina Panthers (1995- ) (Charlotte, NC)
It all started with Kerry Collins... Which is why they are #31 on this list. Now, the John Fox-Jake Delhomme-Steve Smith Panthers are a good team. Had a shot at winning a Super Bowl back in 2003-04, if only John Kasay could have kept the fucking kickoff in bounds. Anyhow, they've built a pretty consistent franchise down there, but had too many average years between '96 and '03 to pull higher on this list.
Seasons: 14
Super Bowl Championships: 0
NFC/NFL Championships: 1
Division Championships: 3
Playoff Appearances: 4
Winning Seasons: 4
HOFers: 0
Points Per Year (PPY): 26.86
PPY Rank: 24th
30. New Orleans Saints - 415 Points
New Orleans Saints (1967- ) (New Orleans, LA)
Yikes. This low, eh? Well, when you think about it, what have they done? Four decades, 0 NFC Championships. Not even a few winning seasons to go around. They just suck historically. Awesome unis, though... Oh, and Drew Brees. He really is like so awesome. What, him bringing his winning ways to N'awlins. What? He has one playoff appearance? Shiiiiiiiit.
Seasons: 42
Super Bowl Championships: 0
NFC/NFL Championships: 0
Division Championships: 3
Playoff Appearances: 6
Winning Seasons: 8
HOFers: 1
Points Per Year (PPY): 9.88
PPY Rank: 31st
29. Jacksonville Jaguars - 427 Points
Jacksonville Jaguars (1996- ) (Jacksonville, FL)
Consistent but also consistently beleaguered at the same time. They've been in the black basically half of their existence, but still haven't made a Super Bowl. That might be Tom Coughlin's doing. Not convinced he's the real deal. Plus, they've refused to have a real QB ever. Like, close to real QBs, but no real real QBs. David Garrard? Fail. Byron Leftwich? Well, you're a little warmer. Mark Brunell? Close, but still no. Oh, wait, I'm working backwards there, which means we're headed in the wrong direction.
Seasons: 14
Super Bowl Championships: 0
AFC/AFL Championships: 0
Division Championships: 2
Playoff Appearances: 4
Winning Seasons: 7
HOFers: 0
Points Per Year (PPY): 30.50
PPY Rank: 22nd
28. Atlanta Falcons - 502 Points
Atlanta Falcons (1967- ) (Atlanta, GA)
Really, not that far off from the 'aints. Frankly, about the only thing separating these two is the Dirty Birds' upset of the Vikes in 1998. More colorful, though, for sure. Jamal Anderson. Mike Vick. Andre "Bad Moon" Rison. You know, like the Credence song. Chris Chandler. Lots of people forget that Chris Chandler was the Frank Reich to Warren Moon's Jim Kelly for a long time. And if you followed that, I encourage you to read on.
Seasons: 43
Super Bowl Championships: 0
NFC/NFL Championships: 1
Division Championships: 4
Playoff Appearances: 9
Winning Seasons: 10
HOFers: 0
Points Per Year (PPY): 11.67
PPY Rank: 30th
27. Baltimore Ravens - 665 Points
Baltimore Ravens (1996- ) (Baltimore, MD)
Hell of an accomplishment for this young team, but its been a hell of a franchise so far. Two of the most ubiquitous defensive players of the last decade - Ray "My involvement in that murder is unclear" Lewis and Ed Reed - have anchored one scary-ass defense. How good were they? Not even the combined stupidity of Brian Billick and Trent Dilfer could fuck it up. You might be saying "Whaaaaaaaaa? The same Trent Dilfer that started his career with 17 TDs to 43 INTs?" To that, I would say "Yes, one and the same". So, yeah, Trent Dilfer is an idiot, because you don't get that kind of ratio if you have any clue how to manage a game.
But yeah, this is a damn fine young franchise, and they're only gonna move up these rankings.
Seasons: 13
Super Bowl Championships: 1
AFC/AFL Championships: 1
Division Championships: 2
Playoff Appearances: 5
Winning Seasons: 6
HOFers: 0 (Yet.)
Points Per Year (PPY): 51.15
PPY Rank: 12th
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 773 Points
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1976- ) (Tampa, FL)
This has really only changed in the past decade. Known for their futility, they went, what, 25 years without a winning season? That may be hyperbole, but they were bad. That is, until Sapp and Brooks and friends showed up. That Super Bowl Championship helps, too. They're another team with some HOFers on the way.
Seasons: 33
Super Bowl Championships: 1
NFC/NFL Championships: 1
Division Championships: 6
Playoff Appearances: 10
Winning Seasons: 11
HOFers: 1
Points Per Year (PPY): 23.42
PPY Rank: 26th
25. Seattle Seahawks - 870 Points
Seattle Seahawks (1977- ) (Seattle, WA)
The only team to ever switch conferences twice their recent success has pulled them slightly above the dregs of the NFL, and into this spot. A franchise really lacking in any achievement, most people would be hard-pressed to name more than a few former players. Steve Largent is obviously the one that sticks out in people's minds, and for the younger crowd, the dominant Cortez Kennedy may ring a bell. However, this team is best known for its failures - its NFL-record -7 Total Yards in a November 1979 game against the Raiders; the Bo Jackson Monday Night game; Matt Hasselbeck's infamous prediction against the Packers in like 2003.
Oh yeah, and they whine like bitches. That's probably why they aren't any better.
Seasons: 33
Super Bowl Championships: 0
Conference Championships: 1
Division Championships: 6
Playoff Appearances: 10
Winning Seasons: 15
HOFers: 1
Points Per Year (PPY): 26.36
PPY Rank: 25th
24. Cincinnati Bengals - 901 Points
Cincinnati Bengals (1968- ) (Cincinnati, OH)
The Bengals are ranked this high based largely on the Ken Anderson-Boomer Esiason years of the late 1970s and 1980s. Outside of that, this franchise has struggled to make any noise at all. More recently, the team has become better known as a refuge for the NFL's criminal element. They've also replaced the Ickey Shuffle with "Who 'dey" (as in "Who 'dey think 'dey gonna beat 'dem Bengals [sic]), and unfortunate rallying cry for a 4-11-1 team.
Seasons: 41
Super Bowl Championships: 0
AFC/AFL Championships: 2
Division Championships: 7
Playoff Appearances: 8
Winning Seasons: 12
HOFers: 1
Points Per Year (PPY): 21.98
PPY Rank: 27th
23. New York Jets - 979 Points
New York Titans (1960-62) (New York, NY)
New York Jets (1963- ) (New York, NY)
The team that put the AFL on the map has really seen their fortunes go downhill ever since. Since their Super Bowl III upset, the Jets haven't made it to the Super Bowl again, and have only made the AFC Championship once - in 1998, when they were severly outclassed by eventual Super Bowl winner Denver. The oft-beleaguered franchise also has the unfortunate distinction of being the only NFL team to play in a stadium named after another NFL team. The first of the original 8 AFL teams on the list.
Oh, and there's the issue of Fireman Ed. Sad.
Seasons: 49
Super Bowl Championships: 1
AFC/AFL Championships: 1
Division Championships: 3
Playoff Appearances: 11
Winning Seasons: 15
HOFers: 4
Points Per Year (PPY): 19.98
PPY Rank: 28th
22. Arizona Cardinals - 1,373 Points
Chicago Cardinals (1922-59) (Chicago, IL)
St. Louis Cardinals (1960-87) (St. Louis, MO)
Phoenix Cardinals (1988-93) (Phoenix, AZ)
Arizona Cardinals (1994- ) (Phoenix, AZ)
So, um, yeah. Here, my friends, is the worst franchise in NFL history. Yes, they made it to the Super Bowl just last year. But they've been around for 87 years, and are ranked behind 21 other teams, only two of which have been in existence just as long. The Chicago Cardinals were terrible. Outside of a few Air-Coryell years in the '70s, the St. Louis Cardinals were terrible. Oh yeah, the Phoenix Cardinals? 2 playoff appearances in 22 seasons. Not so hot. I'm not going to bother to go on, because they just plain stink, and probably aren't deserving of even the 22nd spot.
Seasons: 87
Super Bowl Championships: 0
NFC/NFL Championships: 3
Division Championships: 4
Playoff Appearances: 8
Winning Seasons: 19
HOFers: 11
Points Per Year (PPY): 15.78
PPY Rank: 29th
21. San Diego Chargers - 1,729 Points
Los Angeles Chargers (1960) (Los Angeles, CA)
San Diego Chargers (1961- ) (San Diego, CA)
The San Diego....Superchargers. Don't get that reference. Never have, but Berman sure seems to like it. The second-worst original AFL franchise, their success has been rather attenuated, at least when it comes to playoff success. Some good teams in the '70s, '90s and 2000s, but no real playoff success to speak of - unless you want to call making it to the Super Bowl only to allow 6 TD passes a success. And that's ultimately where teams are made and broken, so here the Chahgers sit at 21.
Seasons: 49
Super Bowl Championships: 0
AFC/AFL Championships: 2
Division Championships: 14
Playoff Appearances: 16
Winning Seasons: 20
HOFers: 7
Points Per Year (PPY): 35.29
PPY Rank: 20th
32. Houston Texans - (-17) Points
Houston Texans (2002- ) (Houston, TX)
Which do I address first. Well, let's get the non-sequitor out of the way... Did you know that there is a Houston Street in Manhattan? Well, there is, but it is pronounced "How-stin" rather than "Hue-stin". How did that happen? The guy they named it after, William Houstoun, was a delegate to the Continental Congress back in the d-izz-ay. A fucking misspelling. It's either "Houstoun Street" (How-stin Street) or it's "Houston Street" (Hue-stin Street). You would think that a city with that many people could do a fucking spell check before naming their streets.
Moving forward, yes, the Texans have -17 points, and I had to put their total in parentheses so that everyone wouldn't confuse the dash which I had intended as a separating device for a negative symbol, or, worse yet, read it as -(-17) which would = +17. No, it's negative 17, because they have 7 years under their belt... 2 at .500, and 6 losing seasons.
But the future is looking better. Andre Johnson be a stud. Schaub is good, if healthy and Mario Williams is almost enough to say that you have a defense. Now, if only they could bring Aaron Glenn ...
Seasons: 7
Super Bowl Championships: 0
AFC/AFL Championships: 0
Division Championships: 0
Playoff Appearances: 0
Winning Seasons: 0
HOFers: 0
Wow, that's a lot of zeros.
Points Per Year (PPY): -2.43 (Yes negative - that's how averages work)
PPY Rank: 32nd (Duh)
31. Carolina Panthers - 376 Points
Carolina Panthers (1995- ) (Charlotte, NC)
It all started with Kerry Collins... Which is why they are #31 on this list. Now, the John Fox-Jake Delhomme-Steve Smith Panthers are a good team. Had a shot at winning a Super Bowl back in 2003-04, if only John Kasay could have kept the fucking kickoff in bounds. Anyhow, they've built a pretty consistent franchise down there, but had too many average years between '96 and '03 to pull higher on this list.
Seasons: 14
Super Bowl Championships: 0
NFC/NFL Championships: 1
Division Championships: 3
Playoff Appearances: 4
Winning Seasons: 4
HOFers: 0
Points Per Year (PPY): 26.86
PPY Rank: 24th
30. New Orleans Saints - 415 Points
New Orleans Saints (1967- ) (New Orleans, LA)
Yikes. This low, eh? Well, when you think about it, what have they done? Four decades, 0 NFC Championships. Not even a few winning seasons to go around. They just suck historically. Awesome unis, though... Oh, and Drew Brees. He really is like so awesome. What, him bringing his winning ways to N'awlins. What? He has one playoff appearance? Shiiiiiiiit.
Seasons: 42
Super Bowl Championships: 0
NFC/NFL Championships: 0
Division Championships: 3
Playoff Appearances: 6
Winning Seasons: 8
HOFers: 1
Points Per Year (PPY): 9.88
PPY Rank: 31st
29. Jacksonville Jaguars - 427 Points
Jacksonville Jaguars (1996- ) (Jacksonville, FL)
Consistent but also consistently beleaguered at the same time. They've been in the black basically half of their existence, but still haven't made a Super Bowl. That might be Tom Coughlin's doing. Not convinced he's the real deal. Plus, they've refused to have a real QB ever. Like, close to real QBs, but no real real QBs. David Garrard? Fail. Byron Leftwich? Well, you're a little warmer. Mark Brunell? Close, but still no. Oh, wait, I'm working backwards there, which means we're headed in the wrong direction.
Seasons: 14
Super Bowl Championships: 0
AFC/AFL Championships: 0
Division Championships: 2
Playoff Appearances: 4
Winning Seasons: 7
HOFers: 0
Points Per Year (PPY): 30.50
PPY Rank: 22nd
28. Atlanta Falcons - 502 Points
Atlanta Falcons (1967- ) (Atlanta, GA)
Really, not that far off from the 'aints. Frankly, about the only thing separating these two is the Dirty Birds' upset of the Vikes in 1998. More colorful, though, for sure. Jamal Anderson. Mike Vick. Andre "Bad Moon" Rison. You know, like the Credence song. Chris Chandler. Lots of people forget that Chris Chandler was the Frank Reich to Warren Moon's Jim Kelly for a long time. And if you followed that, I encourage you to read on.
Seasons: 43
Super Bowl Championships: 0
NFC/NFL Championships: 1
Division Championships: 4
Playoff Appearances: 9
Winning Seasons: 10
HOFers: 0
Points Per Year (PPY): 11.67
PPY Rank: 30th
27. Baltimore Ravens - 665 Points
Baltimore Ravens (1996- ) (Baltimore, MD)
Hell of an accomplishment for this young team, but its been a hell of a franchise so far. Two of the most ubiquitous defensive players of the last decade - Ray "My involvement in that murder is unclear" Lewis and Ed Reed - have anchored one scary-ass defense. How good were they? Not even the combined stupidity of Brian Billick and Trent Dilfer could fuck it up. You might be saying "Whaaaaaaaaa? The same Trent Dilfer that started his career with 17 TDs to 43 INTs?" To that, I would say "Yes, one and the same". So, yeah, Trent Dilfer is an idiot, because you don't get that kind of ratio if you have any clue how to manage a game.
But yeah, this is a damn fine young franchise, and they're only gonna move up these rankings.
Seasons: 13
Super Bowl Championships: 1
AFC/AFL Championships: 1
Division Championships: 2
Playoff Appearances: 5
Winning Seasons: 6
HOFers: 0 (Yet.)
Points Per Year (PPY): 51.15
PPY Rank: 12th
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 773 Points
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1976- ) (Tampa, FL)
This has really only changed in the past decade. Known for their futility, they went, what, 25 years without a winning season? That may be hyperbole, but they were bad. That is, until Sapp and Brooks and friends showed up. That Super Bowl Championship helps, too. They're another team with some HOFers on the way.
Seasons: 33
Super Bowl Championships: 1
NFC/NFL Championships: 1
Division Championships: 6
Playoff Appearances: 10
Winning Seasons: 11
HOFers: 1
Points Per Year (PPY): 23.42
PPY Rank: 26th
25. Seattle Seahawks - 870 Points
Seattle Seahawks (1977- ) (Seattle, WA)
The only team to ever switch conferences twice their recent success has pulled them slightly above the dregs of the NFL, and into this spot. A franchise really lacking in any achievement, most people would be hard-pressed to name more than a few former players. Steve Largent is obviously the one that sticks out in people's minds, and for the younger crowd, the dominant Cortez Kennedy may ring a bell. However, this team is best known for its failures - its NFL-record -7 Total Yards in a November 1979 game against the Raiders; the Bo Jackson Monday Night game; Matt Hasselbeck's infamous prediction against the Packers in like 2003.
Oh yeah, and they whine like bitches. That's probably why they aren't any better.
Seasons: 33
Super Bowl Championships: 0
Conference Championships: 1
Division Championships: 6
Playoff Appearances: 10
Winning Seasons: 15
HOFers: 1
Points Per Year (PPY): 26.36
PPY Rank: 25th
24. Cincinnati Bengals - 901 Points
Cincinnati Bengals (1968- ) (Cincinnati, OH)
The Bengals are ranked this high based largely on the Ken Anderson-Boomer Esiason years of the late 1970s and 1980s. Outside of that, this franchise has struggled to make any noise at all. More recently, the team has become better known as a refuge for the NFL's criminal element. They've also replaced the Ickey Shuffle with "Who 'dey" (as in "Who 'dey think 'dey gonna beat 'dem Bengals [sic]), and unfortunate rallying cry for a 4-11-1 team.
Seasons: 41
Super Bowl Championships: 0
AFC/AFL Championships: 2
Division Championships: 7
Playoff Appearances: 8
Winning Seasons: 12
HOFers: 1
Points Per Year (PPY): 21.98
PPY Rank: 27th
23. New York Jets - 979 Points
New York Titans (1960-62) (New York, NY)
New York Jets (1963- ) (New York, NY)
The team that put the AFL on the map has really seen their fortunes go downhill ever since. Since their Super Bowl III upset, the Jets haven't made it to the Super Bowl again, and have only made the AFC Championship once - in 1998, when they were severly outclassed by eventual Super Bowl winner Denver. The oft-beleaguered franchise also has the unfortunate distinction of being the only NFL team to play in a stadium named after another NFL team. The first of the original 8 AFL teams on the list.
Oh, and there's the issue of Fireman Ed. Sad.
Seasons: 49
Super Bowl Championships: 1
AFC/AFL Championships: 1
Division Championships: 3
Playoff Appearances: 11
Winning Seasons: 15
HOFers: 4
Points Per Year (PPY): 19.98
PPY Rank: 28th
22. Arizona Cardinals - 1,373 Points
Chicago Cardinals (1922-59) (Chicago, IL)
St. Louis Cardinals (1960-87) (St. Louis, MO)
Phoenix Cardinals (1988-93) (Phoenix, AZ)
Arizona Cardinals (1994- ) (Phoenix, AZ)
So, um, yeah. Here, my friends, is the worst franchise in NFL history. Yes, they made it to the Super Bowl just last year. But they've been around for 87 years, and are ranked behind 21 other teams, only two of which have been in existence just as long. The Chicago Cardinals were terrible. Outside of a few Air-Coryell years in the '70s, the St. Louis Cardinals were terrible. Oh yeah, the Phoenix Cardinals? 2 playoff appearances in 22 seasons. Not so hot. I'm not going to bother to go on, because they just plain stink, and probably aren't deserving of even the 22nd spot.
Seasons: 87
Super Bowl Championships: 0
NFC/NFL Championships: 3
Division Championships: 4
Playoff Appearances: 8
Winning Seasons: 19
HOFers: 11
Points Per Year (PPY): 15.78
PPY Rank: 29th
21. San Diego Chargers - 1,729 Points
Los Angeles Chargers (1960) (Los Angeles, CA)
San Diego Chargers (1961- ) (San Diego, CA)
The San Diego....Superchargers. Don't get that reference. Never have, but Berman sure seems to like it. The second-worst original AFL franchise, their success has been rather attenuated, at least when it comes to playoff success. Some good teams in the '70s, '90s and 2000s, but no real playoff success to speak of - unless you want to call making it to the Super Bowl only to allow 6 TD passes a success. And that's ultimately where teams are made and broken, so here the Chahgers sit at 21.
Seasons: 49
Super Bowl Championships: 0
AFC/AFL Championships: 2
Division Championships: 14
Playoff Appearances: 16
Winning Seasons: 20
HOFers: 7
Points Per Year (PPY): 35.29
PPY Rank: 20th
Nate and Ruben's NFL RedZone Channel Adventure Sunday
"This... is... the... most... awesome... thing... ever..."
Yesterday, my buddy Nate turned to me and said the following statement. Over and over. The subject of such a statement? The NFL RedZone Channel. Greatest... Invention... Ever. To be fair, the RedZone Channel is not a brand new invention. In fact, DirectTV has carried the RedZone Channel with the NFL Sunday Ticket for years. However, not everyone is lucky enough to have the NFL Sunday Ticket. By some accident, the morons at Comcast (who used to give Billy Madison one star in the Comcast Guide) decided to give subscribers to the sports package the NFL RedZone Channel.
The result is pure fucking awesome.
There are no fucking commercials.
The RedZone Channel just switches to whichever team is closest to scoring, which in reality, is all you really care about if your team isn't playing. If there are two games that are close, they will double screen them. You don't miss a thing.
I decided to go get a bagel Sunday morning in Squirrel Hill when I ran into my buddy Nate who was leaving breakfast with his parents. Nate informed me that his awesome fiance was hanging with her parents today and he was free and had no plans. Nate has a 70 inch high def plasma TV. I do not. I invited myself over to watch some football with Nate.
I was aware of the RedZone Channel because my father always purchases the NFL Sunday Ticket on DirectTV. However, Nate was completely unaware of the existence of The RedZone Channel. After I showed him of its true awesomeness, Nate was hooked. From 1:00pm to 7:30pm Nate and I sat on his couch, ate double stuff oreo's and watched commercial free football for over six hours. It was mantastic.
During our Man-Date, Nate and I had some realizations.
While the Bears were dropping 48 points on the Lions, Dan Orlovsky's name came up. Nate and I spent the next fifteen minutes watching clips of Dan Orlovsky being a complete fucking idiot and obliviously taking six or so steps out of his own end zone without realizing it. This video might actually be funnier now than it was two years ago.
Speaking of the Lions and their 48 point debacle, Nate and I came to the realization that the Lions aren't even one of the five worst teams in the NFL. Nate and I determined without the objections of anyone that the Rams, Buccaneers, Raiders, Chiefs and Browns are considerably crappier than the Lions. And this is without mentioning Jason Campbell, Jake Delhomme or Trent Edwards quaterbacked teams.
See, the magic of the RedZone Channel is that you get to see all these teams in all their crappiness, and it's amazing. A little graphic pops up telling you that a key play has happened in the Buccaneers game, and the only question is whether Josh Johnson threw an interception or fumbled it.
If you want to see JaMarcus Russell sail a pass 15 yards past Darius Heyward-Bey, you can. If you want to see Cadillac Williams run for negative three yards, you can. If you want to see a mediocre St. Louis Rams safety touch a live punt and not notice, you can. If you want to see Matt Cassell run 7 consecutive plays from the 3 yard line, each worse than the one before you can. And the Browns? Well...
The Browns are one of the shining stars of the RedZone Channel. See, you couldn't watch a full Browns game, you'd be too depressed, even if you're not a Browns fan. This is a team that elevated to the starting QB position a guy who actually threw three interceptions in one half last week, and that was deemed an upgrade. But in short bursts? There is nothing more exciting than Eric Mangini and Derek Anderson. Every time Derek Anderson is blitzed, it's an adventure. Really, anything can happen. Derek Anderson makes Aaron Brooks look surgical. See Derek Anderson was an upgrade for the Browns because unlike Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson isn't afraid to throw the ball farther than eight yards. Nate and I were furiously cheering for Derek Anderson to try and win the game on every drop back, and frankly, we were giddy.
Yesterday, my buddy Nate turned to me and said the following statement. Over and over. The subject of such a statement? The NFL RedZone Channel. Greatest... Invention... Ever. To be fair, the RedZone Channel is not a brand new invention. In fact, DirectTV has carried the RedZone Channel with the NFL Sunday Ticket for years. However, not everyone is lucky enough to have the NFL Sunday Ticket. By some accident, the morons at Comcast (who used to give Billy Madison one star in the Comcast Guide) decided to give subscribers to the sports package the NFL RedZone Channel.
The result is pure fucking awesome.
There are no fucking commercials.
The RedZone Channel just switches to whichever team is closest to scoring, which in reality, is all you really care about if your team isn't playing. If there are two games that are close, they will double screen them. You don't miss a thing.
I decided to go get a bagel Sunday morning in Squirrel Hill when I ran into my buddy Nate who was leaving breakfast with his parents. Nate informed me that his awesome fiance was hanging with her parents today and he was free and had no plans. Nate has a 70 inch high def plasma TV. I do not. I invited myself over to watch some football with Nate.
I was aware of the RedZone Channel because my father always purchases the NFL Sunday Ticket on DirectTV. However, Nate was completely unaware of the existence of The RedZone Channel. After I showed him of its true awesomeness, Nate was hooked. From 1:00pm to 7:30pm Nate and I sat on his couch, ate double stuff oreo's and watched commercial free football for over six hours. It was mantastic.
During our Man-Date, Nate and I had some realizations.
While the Bears were dropping 48 points on the Lions, Dan Orlovsky's name came up. Nate and I spent the next fifteen minutes watching clips of Dan Orlovsky being a complete fucking idiot and obliviously taking six or so steps out of his own end zone without realizing it. This video might actually be funnier now than it was two years ago.
Speaking of the Lions and their 48 point debacle, Nate and I came to the realization that the Lions aren't even one of the five worst teams in the NFL. Nate and I determined without the objections of anyone that the Rams, Buccaneers, Raiders, Chiefs and Browns are considerably crappier than the Lions. And this is without mentioning Jason Campbell, Jake Delhomme or Trent Edwards quaterbacked teams.
See, the magic of the RedZone Channel is that you get to see all these teams in all their crappiness, and it's amazing. A little graphic pops up telling you that a key play has happened in the Buccaneers game, and the only question is whether Josh Johnson threw an interception or fumbled it.
If you want to see JaMarcus Russell sail a pass 15 yards past Darius Heyward-Bey, you can. If you want to see Cadillac Williams run for negative three yards, you can. If you want to see a mediocre St. Louis Rams safety touch a live punt and not notice, you can. If you want to see Matt Cassell run 7 consecutive plays from the 3 yard line, each worse than the one before you can. And the Browns? Well...
The Browns are one of the shining stars of the RedZone Channel. See, you couldn't watch a full Browns game, you'd be too depressed, even if you're not a Browns fan. This is a team that elevated to the starting QB position a guy who actually threw three interceptions in one half last week, and that was deemed an upgrade. But in short bursts? There is nothing more exciting than Eric Mangini and Derek Anderson. Every time Derek Anderson is blitzed, it's an adventure. Really, anything can happen. Derek Anderson makes Aaron Brooks look surgical. See Derek Anderson was an upgrade for the Browns because unlike Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson isn't afraid to throw the ball farther than eight yards. Nate and I were furiously cheering for Derek Anderson to try and win the game on every drop back, and frankly, we were giddy.
High on football, Nate and I pulled up Pro-Reference.com which naturally culminated in us trying to remember every roster from Tecmo Super Bowl. Names like Hart Lee Dykes, Brad Muster, Tom Waddle and Mervyn Fernandez never lose their humor. Nate and I also tried to determine the best teams in Tecmo Super Bowl, which we're going to save for another post. As a little tease, we couldn't agree on which the worst team in Tecmo Super Bowl was, Indianapolis or New England. This is going to happen.
See this is the beauty of the RedZone Channel. It's all football and nothing but football. No commercials, pure adrenaline. When your team is playing a night game or has a bye week, I highly suggesting spending six and half hours of your life doing the same.
This is the beauty of the RedZone Channel.
Steelers 38, Superchargers 28
Well, that seals it for me, at least in my own mind. This team really is that good. It's just a matter of focus and commitment.
So, you may ask, what the hell are you talking about? Well, on opening night, right before the Titans game, I was talking with my dad, and he asks me what I thought of the Steelers' chances this year. I responded by saying that I thought this was the best team the Steelers have fielded since 1979. "Wow" was how my dad responded to that. But I felt justified in making this claim, because, if you look at it, this team looked pretty freaking good. Coming off of a Super Bowl win, we had reached a point where it was clear that Ben could run the 2 minute offense against the 75th Anniversary team, and still score. Willie was finally going to be healthy, and we had this kid Mendenhall who, hopefully, would blossom into a player worthy of a 1st-round pick. At wideout, Hines and Heath were good as ever, Santonio was coming into his own as a playmaker, and the team featured some excellent role players - Sweed had all the potential in the world, Mike Wallace looked good in camp, and Shaun McDonald was a solid #5. This was certainly an upgrade on Nate Holmes, right?
On defense, we returned basically the entire starting cast of one of the best defenses in recent memory. Larry Foote was gone, which sucks, but it looked like Lawrence Timmons was ready to step up into that role. And, frankly, Foote can't hold a candle to Timmons talent-wise. Timmons has some of the best closing speed in the league, and has the potential to be a poor-man's Ray Lewis. And in the d-backfield, we replaced McFadden with Gay, and after Gay had already played half of last year anyhow, I wasn't terribly worried that we would be seeing much of a downgrade there.
So, the offense looked to be better than last year, and the defense looked to be just as menacing. On Special Teams, we had HUGE upgrades, with Sepulveda coming back and signing of Stefan Logan. Anyone who watched the second Ravens game last year knows that our inability to punt turned that into a game - while we were driving 80+ yards for scores, Baltimore was getting the ball at midfield, and only have to find 20-30 yards of offense to get points on the board.
So, yeah, I thought this was the best team we had fielded in 30 years, potentially.
And last night, they showed it to me. Well, for about 40 minutes of game time, anyhow.
The offense yesterday was flawless. There's really no other way to put it. Just take a look at the drive summaries:
(1) Recv'd kickoff, 6 plays, 79 yards, TD, 3:11 (3 runs-14 yards, 3 passes-65 yards) - They only faced one second down on the drive, and that was a 2nd and 1 from the San Diego 5.
(2) 11 plays, 81 yards, TD, 6:27 (5 runs-22 yards, 5 passes-49 yards, 1 penalty-10 yards).
(3) 10 plays, 57 yards, Punt, 6:40 (4 runs-34 yards, 4 passes-36 yards, 2 Ben sacks (both his fault) -13 yards).
(4) 13 plays, 79 yards, TD, 6:07 (6 runs-20 yards, 7 passes-54 yards, 1 penalty-5 yards)
(5) Kneel down at end of first half.
(6) 8 plays, 81 yards, TD, 5:01 (4 runs-20 yards, 4 passes-61 yards)
(7) 6 plays, -3 yards, Punt, 2:54 (1 run, -5 yards, 5 passes, 17 yards, 2 Steelers penalties for -15 yards).
(8) 8 plays, 70 yards, TD, 5:19 (4 runs-35 yards, 4 passes-35 yards).
(9) 10 plays, 51 yards, FG, 3:48 (6 runs-39 yards, 3 passes, 22 yards, 1 Hold -10 yards)
(10) Kneel down at end of game.
So, like I said, astounding. Really, the Chargers only stopped us on one drive. And that was only because we put ourselves in a 3rd and 30 hole. Even then, Heath made a good run at the first.
But let's get to the bad - specifically, the defense's unwilingness to play a full 60 minutes. I'm not sure where this is coming from - remember that this is the defense who would regularly shut down the opposing team and give the offense its 2-3 minutes to work with last year. This is the defense that, tied 13-13 with the Cowboys, forced Tony Romo to throw a pick-6. This is the defense that ended games forcing fumbles (although, I suppose that did happen last night). This isn't a defense that gets a 28-7 or 35-14 lead, and then gives up two real quick TDs. I mean, seriously, you have the game salted away. But that doesn't mean that you stop playing. It means, if you're on defense, you let it all loose. You try to make that big play, you try to make something happen. Instead, you have one of the weakest efforts I've seen in a long time.
Seriously, though, this defense is going to need to step it up. They've looked fucking abismal in the last quarter of games lately, and it's all on the defensive backfield. Yeah, I understand that Troy may cover up some of your mistakes. But, man, you guys need to get your shit together. You play way off. You don't cover. You don't tackle. You don't think. They're playing like a shitty fucking college team out there, like a bunch of 19 year olds who don't have the commitment or the discipline to play until that final gun. And that just won't cut it. We'll keep winning if we get up by 3-4 TDs every game. But, clearly, anything less will be in jeopardy.
Here are some other thoughts on the game:
And let's also not forget this.
So, yeah, it sucks. But it also happens. How about you buckle down and play the fucking game. Oh, and wonder why people would have doubts about the Ravens? That's why.
So, you may ask, what the hell are you talking about? Well, on opening night, right before the Titans game, I was talking with my dad, and he asks me what I thought of the Steelers' chances this year. I responded by saying that I thought this was the best team the Steelers have fielded since 1979. "Wow" was how my dad responded to that. But I felt justified in making this claim, because, if you look at it, this team looked pretty freaking good. Coming off of a Super Bowl win, we had reached a point where it was clear that Ben could run the 2 minute offense against the 75th Anniversary team, and still score. Willie was finally going to be healthy, and we had this kid Mendenhall who, hopefully, would blossom into a player worthy of a 1st-round pick. At wideout, Hines and Heath were good as ever, Santonio was coming into his own as a playmaker, and the team featured some excellent role players - Sweed had all the potential in the world, Mike Wallace looked good in camp, and Shaun McDonald was a solid #5. This was certainly an upgrade on Nate Holmes, right?
On defense, we returned basically the entire starting cast of one of the best defenses in recent memory. Larry Foote was gone, which sucks, but it looked like Lawrence Timmons was ready to step up into that role. And, frankly, Foote can't hold a candle to Timmons talent-wise. Timmons has some of the best closing speed in the league, and has the potential to be a poor-man's Ray Lewis. And in the d-backfield, we replaced McFadden with Gay, and after Gay had already played half of last year anyhow, I wasn't terribly worried that we would be seeing much of a downgrade there.
So, the offense looked to be better than last year, and the defense looked to be just as menacing. On Special Teams, we had HUGE upgrades, with Sepulveda coming back and signing of Stefan Logan. Anyone who watched the second Ravens game last year knows that our inability to punt turned that into a game - while we were driving 80+ yards for scores, Baltimore was getting the ball at midfield, and only have to find 20-30 yards of offense to get points on the board.
So, yeah, I thought this was the best team we had fielded in 30 years, potentially.
And last night, they showed it to me. Well, for about 40 minutes of game time, anyhow.
The offense yesterday was flawless. There's really no other way to put it. Just take a look at the drive summaries:
(1) Recv'd kickoff, 6 plays, 79 yards, TD, 3:11 (3 runs-14 yards, 3 passes-65 yards) - They only faced one second down on the drive, and that was a 2nd and 1 from the San Diego 5.
(2) 11 plays, 81 yards, TD, 6:27 (5 runs-22 yards, 5 passes-49 yards, 1 penalty-10 yards).
(3) 10 plays, 57 yards, Punt, 6:40 (4 runs-34 yards, 4 passes-36 yards, 2 Ben sacks (both his fault) -13 yards).
(4) 13 plays, 79 yards, TD, 6:07 (6 runs-20 yards, 7 passes-54 yards, 1 penalty-5 yards)
(5) Kneel down at end of first half.
(6) 8 plays, 81 yards, TD, 5:01 (4 runs-20 yards, 4 passes-61 yards)
(7) 6 plays, -3 yards, Punt, 2:54 (1 run, -5 yards, 5 passes, 17 yards, 2 Steelers penalties for -15 yards).
(8) 8 plays, 70 yards, TD, 5:19 (4 runs-35 yards, 4 passes-35 yards).
(9) 10 plays, 51 yards, FG, 3:48 (6 runs-39 yards, 3 passes, 22 yards, 1 Hold -10 yards)
(10) Kneel down at end of game.
So, like I said, astounding. Really, the Chargers only stopped us on one drive. And that was only because we put ourselves in a 3rd and 30 hole. Even then, Heath made a good run at the first.
But let's get to the bad - specifically, the defense's unwilingness to play a full 60 minutes. I'm not sure where this is coming from - remember that this is the defense who would regularly shut down the opposing team and give the offense its 2-3 minutes to work with last year. This is the defense that, tied 13-13 with the Cowboys, forced Tony Romo to throw a pick-6. This is the defense that ended games forcing fumbles (although, I suppose that did happen last night). This isn't a defense that gets a 28-7 or 35-14 lead, and then gives up two real quick TDs. I mean, seriously, you have the game salted away. But that doesn't mean that you stop playing. It means, if you're on defense, you let it all loose. You try to make that big play, you try to make something happen. Instead, you have one of the weakest efforts I've seen in a long time.
Seriously, though, this defense is going to need to step it up. They've looked fucking abismal in the last quarter of games lately, and it's all on the defensive backfield. Yeah, I understand that Troy may cover up some of your mistakes. But, man, you guys need to get your shit together. You play way off. You don't cover. You don't tackle. You don't think. They're playing like a shitty fucking college team out there, like a bunch of 19 year olds who don't have the commitment or the discipline to play until that final gun. And that just won't cut it. We'll keep winning if we get up by 3-4 TDs every game. But, clearly, anything less will be in jeopardy.
Here are some other thoughts on the game:
- The Stefan Logan fumble was sketchy. Under NFL rules, if a player's forward progress is stopped, with little chance (not "no chance") of being resumed, the play is dead. Now, again, I was at the game, and couldn't really see all that well, but Stefan Logan looked to be moving backwards well before the ball was stripped. In fact, I was told that a Chargers player was actually holding Logan up, to make it easier to strip the football. Now, I know that all these things are judgment calls, but 60,000 people at Heinz Field didn't even realize what was happening, because everyone assumed the play was dead. That says to me that the officials were maybe not quite on the ball with that one.
Now, this brings me to another point - how are NFL referees not full-time? MLB umpires are, and in a much longer season, MLB umpires seem to get it right on a far more regular basis - or at the very least, understand the rule. I mean, there have been some pretty egregious calls in the past few years, and yet NFL referees go on being part-time, working their regular jobs during the week. How, exactly, this is OK is beyond me. I think it's about time they start paying full-time salaries, and get professionals out there to officiate a game played by professionals. - A lot of people left the game early yesterday. Yeah, I know, it was a Sunday night, and we were up by 21 with 7 minutes to go. But I feel like this kind of behavior happens a lot, and it kind of bugs me. I feel like most people don't get how much of a privilege it is to have seats to a Steelers game, or for that matter, any other sporting event. It comes as kind of an afterthought, but as someone who cheered on his Steelers for 21 years from places like Connecticut and Indiana (hardly hospitable environments for catching a lot of Steelers action), and only got to his first game at age 24, people should be a little more respectful for the opportunity they have. Yeah, if you get to go to every game, I guess it doesn't mean that much to you. But just remember that there are hundreds of thousands of fans out there, in Pittsburgh and elsewhere, who would give a lot to be able to sit in the stands at Heinz Field every other week between September and February. If we really are the best franchise in all of sports (which, I think, there is an argument for), I think that a little more respect for the great gift we have is in order.
- If you've never been to a Steelers game in Pittsburgh, you've never lived. Can't sit in that stadium at the start of the 4th quarter, here them play "Renegade" by Styx, and not get chills. The Steelers are fucking awesome.
And let's also not forget this.
So, yeah, it sucks. But it also happens. How about you buckle down and play the fucking game. Oh, and wonder why people would have doubts about the Ravens? That's why.
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