Thursday, October 21, 2010
2011 Playoffs - Wildcard Round
What a difference a year makes - or not?
Oddly enough, in this year's wildcard round, the teams that made it last year face off against each other, while the teams that didn't make it to the post-season last year ('Fins, Steelers, G-Men, and Lions) face off against each other.
Oddly enough, in this year's wildcard round, the teams that made it last year face off against each other, while the teams that didn't make it to the post-season last year ('Fins, Steelers, G-Men, and Lions) face off against each other.
- Miami at Pittsburgh - Can the Dolphins' fourth highest-scoring offense in the NFL (behind only New England, Indy, and Seattle) triumph over the Steelers' BEST defense in the entire NFL in terms of points allowed in the 2011 season? Steelers also feature a top 10 QB in Big Ben, and top 10 tackler in LB Lamar Woodley, while the 'Fins feature a top 10 RB in Ronnie Brown.
- Baltimore at San Diego - Can veteran Marc Bulger (22 TDs, 10 INTs on the season) continue to fill in admirably for Ravens injured star QB Joe Flacco? Or will the top 10 sack machine SD LB Shawne Merriman shut down the Ravens' O?
- New York at Detroit - Lions in the playoffs? Believe it. Surging on the strength of QB Matthew Stafford and RB Jahvid Best, the Giants, with top 10 WR Steve Smith and top 5 sack leader SS Kenny Phillips, will be put to the test in this matchup.
- Atlanta at Dallas - Can the Falcons, with top 5 passer Matty Ice, defeat the extremely talented Dallas D?
Saturday, October 16, 2010
NFC "Beast" & NFC North: Great to see the New York Football Giants back in prime form, going 7 and 2 so far and leading the NFC East. That's due in no small part to WR Steve Smith, who's in the top 5 in receiving yards in the NFL thus far this season. And despite both Philly and Dallas making the playoffs last year, and Shady McCoy of the Eagles leading the league in rushing this year. In the NFC North, it's a wide open contest as only the injury-marred Packers have a slightly lower standing than 5-4, which is the three-way-tie between Chicago, upstart Detroit, and TJax-led Minny.
2011 Week 10 Recap - Around the NFL - Injuries
Notable injuries around the league that are likely to have a very substantial impact on their respective teams' performances are:
- Bills - Defensive anchor MLB Paul Posluszny is out for the season with a torn tricep
- Browns - MLB D'Qwell Jackson is out for 8 weeks with a torn quad
- Falcons - Future Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonazales is out for 5 weeks with a broken hand
- Jags - RB MJD is expected to be out for 4 weeks with a partial MCL tear
- Jets - QB Mark Sanchez is cleared to play, but MLB David Harris is out for 4 weeks with a partial PCL tear
- Packers - SS Atari Bigby's fractured hip has sidelined him for the season
- Panthers - Jimmy Clausen has the starting nod at QB since Matt Moore is out with a partial MCL tear, expected to be for 4 weeks
- Patriots - CB Devin McCourty is out for 5 weeks with a broken collarbone, as is LOLB Rob Ninkovich, but the Pats have good depth at both LB and CB.
- Ravens - missing young star QB Joe Flacco, who is out for at least 3 weeks with a broken hand
- Steelers - no Flozell at RT, who is out for the season with a torn rotator cuff
AFC East: New England continues to dominate the AFC East, improving its standing further with its most recent 3-point win over the Shannahan-McNabb-led Redskins. The Dolphins were 4-0 prior to their first battle against the Patriots, but their strength continues as they stand at 7-2. The Jets languish at 3 and 6 mainly due to an injured Mark Sanchez, and the Bills' struggles continue with being 3 and 6 as well.
PLAY OF THE GAME (New England Patriots at Washington Redskins): Just outside of the redzone, Brady calls Shotgun Spread Flex - Pats Z-Under, and flips the play so that WR Wes Welker is positioned in the slot and his route is supposed to be up and out, but when Brady reads that the 'Skins have an LB covering Welker and the LB is playing off, Brady hot routes Welker to a streak pattern, snaps the ball and indeed the LB moves to a center zone, leaving Welker with a free release, and Brady knows if he tosses it up and in front of Welker, the safety won't be able to get there in time, and that's what happens:
http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/42806310
AFC North: What is similar to last year is that both Cincy and Baltimore are doing well in the AFC North. What is dissimilar to last year is that it's a three-way-tie involving the upstart Steelers. Cleveland sits right below .500 at 4 and 5.
AFC South & AFC West: Not unlike last year, the Colts lead the AFC South. However, in the AFC West, Denver is third, not first, and the Chargers and upstart Oakland Raiders are first and second, respectively.
Monday, October 11, 2010
2011 Week 3 - Patriots Win at Cowboys, go to 2-1
After suffering a stunning last-minute loss to a team that went 7 and 9 last season, the Patriots knew they had to get their sh*t back in order. Facing the Cowboys (who made it to the Wildcard round last year) in Irving would provide a good challenge. And the Patriots rose to the occasion, shifting protection to limit the danger of Demarcus Ware on defense, and Brady found a good rhythm with the Pats' receivers, with WR Julian Edelman and TE Rob Gronkowski both running excellent routes and having stellar performances.
PLAY OF THE GAME: Just inside the redzone, Brady called Shotgun - Gun Trips Open - PA WR In, but saw that the gaps between defenders pre-snap suggested that they were playing in zone, unlikely to heavily blitz, and after hot routing RB Jake Carver to help pass protect just in case, Brady noticed the explosiveness that outside WR Julian Edelman had off of the snap which indicated he was likely to get open on his eventual cut to the inside (and that Brady wouldn't have to settle for the shallow underneath route to WR Brandon Tate), and that's exactly what happened; after a look off of the safety to WR Wes Welker's out route, it was easy to find Edelman cutting in deep for six:
http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/41662023
http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/41662023
1 2 3 4 OT T
Patriots
7 7 10 7 0 31
Cowboys
7 0 0 0 0 7 Final
First Quarter
(DAL) F.Jones, 5 Yd run(D.Buehler kick), 3:38(NE) J.Edelman 18 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 1:25Second Quarter
(NE) R.Gronkowski 8 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 1:57Third Quarter
(NE) T.Price 75 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 5:40(NE) S.Gostkowski, 41 Yd FG, 0:46Fourth Quarter
(NE) J.Edelman 12 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 3:58Sunday, October 10, 2010
Posted on October 10, 2010 at 06:22 PM.
2011 Week 2 - Reigning Super Bowl Champs suffer first loss since 2009 to none other than the Black & Silver
Oak-town proves anything can happen on any given Sunday, and why we play the game. Most of the game was a defensive struggle, and despite a short lead by the Pats, the Raiders' tenacious defensive never let the Pats pull away. Being stuck within striking distance cost the Patriots in the end, as Raiders QB Jason Campbell put together a literally last-minute scoring drive to win the game. The Raiders prove that you can play mediocre for much of the game, as long as you make the plays when it really matters.
1 2 3 4 OT T
Patriots
0 10 3 0 0 13
Raiders
3 0 3 10 0 16 Final
First Quarter
(OAK) S.Janikowski, 50 Yd FG, 1:23Second Quarter
(NE) R.Gronkowski 21 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 4:12(NE) S.Gostkowski, 23 Yd FG, 0:40Third Quarter
(NE) S.Gostkowski, 41 Yd FG, 2:22(OAK) S.Janikowski, 43 Yd FG, 0:09Fourth Quarter
(OAK) S.Janikowski, 36 Yd FG, 4:57(OAK) Z.Miller 25 Yd pass from J.Campbell(S.Janikowski kick), 0:10
2011 Week 1 Match-Up - Indianapolis at New England
The 2011 Patriots didn't change the playbook despite the absence of WR Randy Moss. So, what better AFC test for new-look New England than their week one opponent, the Indianapolis Colts? On the opening play of kickoff weekend for the Patriots, New England's upstart WR Brandon Tate immediately reminded everyone why New England was confident in dealing Moss to Minnesota, as he shrugged off an attempted Antoine Bethea tackle soon after catching a medium pass over the middle from QB Tom Brady and took it all the way to the house for a 72 yard touchdown. Tate would end the day with 196 yards and two touchdowns. Right after that play, New England was able to score on a Special Teams play when, during the ensuing kickoff, Pats TE Alge Crumpler put a hard hit on Colts WR/PR Pierre Garcon, knocking the ball loose and quick-footed CB Devin McCourty picked it up and hustled into the endzone for the quick, consecutive touchdown. Throughout the game, Brady was clearly still getting used to the timing and rhythm with a post-Moss aerial attack, which was a contributing factor in his throwing three interceptions. Colts QB Peyton Manning didn't fare much better, however, throwing 2 INTs and 0 TDs, and the Colts only scoring plays came on pick-sixes of Brady (due in part to multiple missed field goals by Adam Vinetari). Jonathan Joeckel had a stellar debut at LE recording 2 sacks of Manning as well as 2 tackles for a loss. Patriots HB Jake Carver would likely want his debut opportunity back, although he did show off his excellent route-running skills when Brady flexed him out wide for a quick, short TD pass late in the fourth.
PLAY OF THE GAME: The Patriots know that they have to play to their receivers' strengths in a post-Randy Moss offense. Once inside the redzone, Coach Belicheck calls Shotgun - Normal Flex Weak - PA FL Screen, and when (during his pre-snap read) Brady sees Welker's DB playing off, Brady fakes a handoff, throws it to Welker on a screen, and #3 WR Brandon Tate holds his block long enough for Welker to sprint into the endzone.
1 2 3 4 OT T
Colts
7 0 0 7 0 14
Patriots
14 14 0 21 0 49 Final
First Quarter
(NE) B.Tate 72 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 5:40(NE) D.McCourty, returned fumble 19 Yds(S.Gostkowski kick), 5:33(IND) J.Powers, returned interception 57 Yds(A.Vinatieri kick), 2:15Second Quarter
(NE) R.Gronkowski 15 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 3:16(NE) W.Welker 6 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 1:08Fourth Quarter
(NE) B.Tate 15 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 5:55(IND) G.Brackett, returned interception 53 Yds(A.Vinatieri kick), 4:13(NE) R.Gronkowski 5 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 3:11(NE) J.Carver 1 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 1:31To see individual player stats, right click on the below, attached images and choose "View Image":
Saturday, October 9, 2010
2011 Patriots Depth Chart:
- QB - Tom Brady, Josh McCown
- HB - Jake Carver*, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, LeGarrette Blount
- FB - Sammy Morris
- WR - Wes Welker, Julian Edleman, Brandon Tate, Taylor Price, Aaron Hernandez
- TE: Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, Alge Crumpler
- LT: Matt Light
- LG: Logan Mankins
- C: Dan Koppen
- RG: Stephen Neal
- RT: Sebastian Vollmer
- LE: Jonathan Joeckel*
- RE: Tully Banta-Cain
- DT: Vince Wilfork, Ty Warren
- LOLB: Gary Guyton
- MLB: Jerod Mayo
- ROLB: Marques Murrell
- CB: Darius Butler, Devin McCourty, Leigh Bodden, Jonathan Wilhite
- FS: Brandon Meriweather
- SS: James Sanders
- K: Stephen Gostkowski
- P: Zoltan Mesko
2011 Offseason - NFL Draft - Around the NFC
Now that the 2011 draft is complete, here are the newly-drafted NFC rookies likely to make an impact with their respective teams:
East
Dallas Cowboys - No rookies expected to start, but 6'5" WR Lavon Waiters should give Tony Romo another big target to throw to.
New York Giants - Highly-talented FS Sergio Brown is expected to compete with Antrel Rolle for the starting Free Safety position.
Philadelphia Eagles - In another high-talent FS position battle, Martwon Baldwin will compete with Nate Allen to be the starter.
Washington Redskins - Extremely talented DE Shaynon Douglas will start at left end for the Redskins.
North
Chicago Bears - prioritizing defense and seeking a pass rusher to compliment Julius Peppers, the Bears will likely start highly talented DE Tre Williams opposite Julius.
Detroit Lions - The Lions add another tall, talented wideout to their receiving corps in WR Bensly Blake, who will likely start opposite Megatron.
Green Bay Packers - The Cheeseheads' rookies are unlikely to start, but add good depth both at quarterback and at defensive tackle.
Minnesota Vikings - The reigning NFC champs' rookies are unlikely to start, but add good depth in the o-line. This suggests TJax is the likely starter at QB.
South
Atlanta Falcons - Falcs' add talent to the linebacker position, particularly in the form of LB Titus Ridder.
Carolina Panthers - the Panthers best rookie is SS LaDarius Coxson, who is expected to make his start immediately.
New Orleans Saints - Dem Saints draft for depth, adding backup talent at QB, HB, and CB.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - The Bucs add depth to the d-line and linebacker positions.
West
Arizona Cardinals - The Cards don't draft a quarterback, but rather further shore up their receivers, o-line, and linebackers.
San Francisco 49ers - Niners add depth in the o-line, d-line, and linebackers.
Seattle Seahawks - The 'Hawks add local Washingtonian prospect HB Kenarious Fluellen and WR Antoine Bell, both expected to make impacts immediately as second-stringers.
St. Louis Rams - the Rams add depth to the o-line, d-line, and secondary.
2011 Offseason - Key Draft Picks - New England Patriots
- 1st Round: New England sought to address the losses of RBs Fred Taylor and Kevin Faulk immediately, drafting RB Jake Carver from Penn State. The rookie is a very agile, elusive back and can be flexed out as a wide receiver and can catch the ball and run routes well for a halfback, but will have to work on protecting the football during his carries.
- 2nd Round: The Patriots focused on the defensive side of the ball for the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, drafting ROLB Jonathan Joeckel out of Iowa. With good speed, agility, acceleration, power moves, finesse moves, and block shedding, New England is hoping the rookie linebacker will outplay his potential.
- 3rd Round: Continuing to focus on defense despite the expected loss of superstar WR Randy Moss, the Patriots drafted DT J.J. Cross out of Penn. The Patriots are hoping that the defensive tackle with a somewhat low rating, but high expected potential, can flourish under and alongside star veteran DT Vince Wilfork.
- Deserving notable mention is late-round draft pick CB Rashad Cook out of the University of Central Florida. Cook has a low rating and joins a young and crowded New England secondary, but has the potential to be outstanding.
2011 Offseason - Retirements
Several well-known players decided to hang up their cleats this off-season. The impressive list includes the following players:
- Brett Favre from Minny
- T.O. from Cincy
- Stokely of the Broncos
- Kitna from the Lions
- Brunell from the Jets
- Jeff Hanson from the Lions
- Fred Taylor from New England
- Kevin Faulk from New England
- Derrick Mason from Baltimore
- Joey Galloway from Washington
- And a large list of veteran free agents
2010 Super Bowl - Patriots are the Champions!
Both teams came out on the field of the Super Bowl XLV firing on all cylinders, and the Patriots and Vikings would trade jabs till the very end. The Vikings used Adrian Peterson early, judiciously, and successfully, and Brett Favre's aerial attack kept pace with that of New England's. A missed field goal kick attempt midway in the fourth quarter by New England Kicker Stephen Gotskowski meant New England would fail to get a two-possession lead, and gave the Vikings a chance to tie the game. As Cris Collinsworth put it, the missed kick meant that instead of giving the Patriots a chance to relax and enjoy the final minutes of the game, it instead meant the game would be a fistfight to the end. A sack of "Lorenzo Favre" on fourth down by New England's DE Ty Warren clinched the victory for the Pats.
Super Bowl MVP: Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady hoisted the Pete Rozelle trophy, although would later tell reporters it was an absolute team effort.
1 2 3 4 OT T
Vikings
3 13 0 0 0 16
Patriots
7 10 7 0 0 24 Final
First Quarter
(MIN) R.Longwell, 54 Yd FG, 3:12(NE) R.Moss 74 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 2:58Second Quarter
(MIN) R.Longwell, 55 Yd FG, 5:50(NE) S.Gostkowski, 36 Yd FG, 3:13(MIN) S.Rice 55 Yd pass from B.Favre(R.Longwell kick), 1:21(NE) B.Green-Ellis, 1 Yd run(S.Gostkowski kick), 0:28(MIN) R.Longwell, 18 Yd FG, 0:00Third Quarter
(NE) W.Welker 13 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 0:27
Friday, October 8, 2010
Keys for Minnesota:
- Stop Tom Brady. Easier said than done, but throwing Brady out-of-synch with his receivers will go a long way in shutting down New England.
- Run over New England. The Patriots run defense is less stout than it's pass defense, and powerhouse back Adrian Peterson should be able to exploit that, and keep NE's offense off of the field.
- Establish Passing Attack Early. Running up the score early in the game will force the game to be just like the regular season Minn vs. NE match-up, where quick scoring takes AD out of the game as the Vikes will be forced to play catch-up quickly.
- Limit turnovers. If Minnesota runs the ball more, with a turnover or two they can easily win the time of possession battle, keep Brady off of the field and have a good shot at winning this one. The Patriots cannot risk letting that happen.
- Force turnovers. If New England can force the Vikings to be one-dimensional like they did during the regular season match-up, it should be smooth sailing for the Pats to a confetti-laden victory.
1 2 3 4 OT T
49ers
0 10 7 0 0 17
Vikings
10 6 15 0 0 31
Posted on October 8, 2010 at 09:17 PM.
In game where both Colts QB Peyton Manning and Patriots QB Tom Brady would throw three interceptions each, the defenses were on display. Being able to turn one of those interceptions into a pick six would become the key difference maker, as New England continues to bring the best out of young defensive talent through coaching and play-calling, especially with its revamped "Multiple D" playbook and exotic blitz packages. Pats win a turnover-marred game, 27-14. Player of the Game: Patriots CB Jonathan Wilhite, who would finish the game with 1 sack, 1 interception (returned for a TD), and 3 tackles for a loss.
1 2 3 4 OT T
Colts
7 0 0 7 0 14
Patriots
7 10 0 10 0 27
First Quarter
(NE) A.Crumpler 10 Yd pass from T.Brady(S.Gostkowski kick), 1:35(IND) R.Wayne 73 Yd pass from P.Manning(A.Vinatieri kick), 0:54Second Quarter
(NE) S.Gostkowski, 46 Yd FG, 4:43(NE) J.Wilhite, returned interception 59 Yds(S.Gostkowski kick), 0:17Fourth Quarter
(NE) S.Gostkowski, 28 Yd FG, 5:47(NE) F.Taylor, 14 Yd run(S.Gostkowski kick), 2:11(IND) A.Collie 7 Yd pass from P.Manning(A.Vinatieri kick), 0:48
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