Usually each year, Alabama and LSU are in the fight for the SEC West crown. Last year Auburn snuck into the mix. Since 2006, out of the 5 BCS championships 3 of them have been won by the SEC West. (Auburn, Alabama, LSU) It looks as if the tradition is going to continue. After week 1, I think right now there is no question who is the cream of this division in the “best conference in football”. And it is NOT who you think…
This week Alabama played Kent State. There were certain parts of their game that were impressive. Jalston Fowler had a great performance. He is a big, physical back that can get outside and break the big run. Marquis Maze had a big game. He caught 8 balls for 118 yards and a TD, while also returning 8 punts for 96 yards and one kickoff for 39 yards. It also seems that Eddie Lacy has gotten over his disease. Last season he was diagnosed with the fumbles, but seems that he has rehabbed and has it under control. He also looked very good catching the football. It appears that Alabama has a solid #2 RB. The offensive tackle that gave Auburn the okie doke Cyrus Kouandjio looked great in pass protection and run blocking. This kid is the real deal. With his play, Barrett Jones may be able to move back inside to his natural guard position.
But Tide fans don’t act like we didn’t watch the same game and saw some glaring holes that need to be fixed ASAP. The offensive line in the run game was pretty good; but in pass protection they were NOT good. They allowed numerous pressures on two young QBs and forced them into early throws. The QBs threw 4 interceptions to a Kent State defense that was mediocre at best. Although McCarron separated himself from Sims with his numbers, they both threw 2 interceptions. Also don’t say you didn’t see those WRs for Kent State running wild in the secondary. The very first play of the game Dre’ Kirkpatrick got beat, but the WR dropped the ball. The Golden Flashes dropped A LOT of passes. They cannot go to Beaver Stadium playing like that. Saban has some work to do. Now don’t say, “Well Auburn struggled.” This isn’t about Auburn; it’s about the fact that you guys have problems too. Alabama just played a far worst team than Utah State.
LSU took a big risk scheduling Oregon in the first game of the season. Although it was in Dallas, it was a home game for LSU. Oregon is a very fast team. So don’t discredit that. But the speed that LSU has across the board is absolutely astonishing. The only thing that was more impressive than that Defense is the depth that they have at these positions. LSU played in the backfield the entire game. They smothered an Oregon running attack that ranked top 5 in the country last year. The secondary was all over the WR’s. It took 31 passes to get to 240 yards. That is 7.7 yards per completion. LSU fans should be very excited about that defense.
Now LSU also has some holes they have to fix. The WRs have to catch the football. Randle had ONE catch. He is supposed to be the big play WR. The TE Peterson led the team in receptions and yards. At one point in the game, he was the only player catching the ball. The suspension of Jordan Jefferson and Russell Sheppard are huge and it shows in the production of the offense. What is going to happen when a team takes the run away and you are FORCED to pass the ball? The problems will soon follow depending on the offensive team there now.
But right now, who is better?
I am basing my view not on the good, but on the bad. Alabama is seeing the issues on BOTH sides of the ball. That secondary problem is something that is going to last ALL SEASON LONG. That is the weakness of the defense. The front seven will have to constantly generate pressure in order for them to be masked. Kirkpatrick is the weakest link. The offensive line in pass protection will have to protect these young QBs to give them time to complete passes. If they throw 4 interceptions against any other team with a defense as opportunistic as LSU, Alabama loses.
LSU will get Russell Sheppard back within the next 2 games. His leadership could possibly help the WRs that LSU has on the roster. I think that Jordan Jefferson will get off of this charge and be there to lead LSU and show that he is a better QB than last year’s numbers show. If LSU cannot throw the ball, people will start stacking the box against that run game. Wearing out defenders doesn’t work in the SEC.
LSU has problems on one side of the ball. Right now LSU is the class of the SEC West. They are the most complete defense top to bottom in the conference, and possibly the country. We all know one thing. Defense wins championships. There is no question that LSU definitely has that. Based on the caliber of team that LSU played and how impressive they won, I think that LSU should be ranked #2 or even #1 in the country.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Building a team around your best player
The Arizona Cardinals are taking a risk building a team around a player that is NOT a quarterback. They are building a team around Larry Fitzgerald. Yes. Fitzgerald is a WR. Usually, regardless of how good a WR is, teams do not build a team around the strengths of a receiver. But as good as Fitzgerald is, you can't really blame the Cardinals.
Since Larry Fitzgerald has come into a league he has 613 rec, 204 yards and 65 tds. Yes he has done all this in 7 years. Derek Anderson was his QB last year and his play was mediocre at best. Fitzgerald put up 90 rec 1,137 yards and 6 tds. Let me remind you that this team was NOT very good last year.
Not since I started watching football have I seen a team built around a WR. Most of the time, WRs are the most expendable part of the offense. The offseason was spent putting the necessary tools around Fitzgerald to make him even better. Larry Fitzgerald has forced the Cardinals to do is build a team around him. Kevin Kolb was bought in to get Fitzgerald the ball. Kolb still has a lot to prove in the NFL. He hasn’t made the best decisions in the past. But Kolb has showed that he as all the potential in the world to be a great NFL QB. It seems already that he has the model figured out. He has to get the ball to Fitzgerald. Even if Fitzgerald is covered, he is still open. General Manager Rod Graves hopes that Kolb will turn out to be a franchise QB. Also the Cardinals bought in Todd Heap to command coverage and free up Larry Fitzgerald. The Cardinals are putting more faith in Beanie Wells this year to be the premiere back that he was thought to be. So why is this being done? It is being done to make Larry Fitzgerald shine brighter and to make him a more productive player. Hey, if you are investing 120 million into a player, you should definitely make sure he is happy and has all the tools needed to make him successful.
I applaud the Arizona Cardinals for taking care of their best player. Numerous other organizations need to follow suit. The Cardinals took the time to make their star player better. But which organization is going to build around a black QB. I hope it happens soon.
Since Larry Fitzgerald has come into a league he has 613 rec, 204 yards and 65 tds. Yes he has done all this in 7 years. Derek Anderson was his QB last year and his play was mediocre at best. Fitzgerald put up 90 rec 1,137 yards and 6 tds. Let me remind you that this team was NOT very good last year.
Not since I started watching football have I seen a team built around a WR. Most of the time, WRs are the most expendable part of the offense. The offseason was spent putting the necessary tools around Fitzgerald to make him even better. Larry Fitzgerald has forced the Cardinals to do is build a team around him. Kevin Kolb was bought in to get Fitzgerald the ball. Kolb still has a lot to prove in the NFL. He hasn’t made the best decisions in the past. But Kolb has showed that he as all the potential in the world to be a great NFL QB. It seems already that he has the model figured out. He has to get the ball to Fitzgerald. Even if Fitzgerald is covered, he is still open. General Manager Rod Graves hopes that Kolb will turn out to be a franchise QB. Also the Cardinals bought in Todd Heap to command coverage and free up Larry Fitzgerald. The Cardinals are putting more faith in Beanie Wells this year to be the premiere back that he was thought to be. So why is this being done? It is being done to make Larry Fitzgerald shine brighter and to make him a more productive player. Hey, if you are investing 120 million into a player, you should definitely make sure he is happy and has all the tools needed to make him successful.
I applaud the Arizona Cardinals for taking care of their best player. Numerous other organizations need to follow suit. The Cardinals took the time to make their star player better. But which organization is going to build around a black QB. I hope it happens soon.
Monday, August 29, 2011
5 hot topics after the 3rd NFL Preseason Game
After three preseason games, here are 5 very interesting story lines that will start the NFL season.
1. The Detroit Lions just maybe for real. Suh and that defensive line is creating blitz like pressure with a four man rush. When they do rush, they are getting so much pressure that opposing quarterbacks that they even flustered the great Brady this week. Matthew Stafford has been spectacular this preseason. Stafford is 24 of 31 for 356 yards, five TDs, no INTs, 77.4 completion % and 154.0 passer rating. Again, I am going on record telling you that if Stafford stays healthy, the Detroit Lions can be a wildcard team.
2. Tim Tebow is not going to be a bad quarterback for one reason. The kid is willing to work, and he is getting better. You cannot imagine how hard it is in the NFL getting a new coach, a new system, and no one to work with you over the lockout season. Tebow has not been THAT bad. I feel that Tebow is not ready to start for the Denver Broncos. I am, though, changing my tune that he can't start in the NFL. I think in a year, maybe two, he will be ready. Orton is the starter right now.
3. Donovan McNabb still has it. He ironically has a team built like the Philly team that traded him away to the Siberia of the NFL. He has a speed WR like Jackson in Harvin, and a solid TE like Celek in Shiancoe. Adrian Peterson is going to be something that Donovan did not have in Philadelphia. The Vikings do need to make sure that offense line is steady. No QB is good on his back. The only question I have for the Vikings is at slot WR. They need a good possession receiver. I don't think that Michael Jenkins in the answer.
4. Colt McCoy has been showing off a very shiny gun this preseason. He has been very impressive, going 28 of 46 320 yards 60.9% 4 tds 1 int 101.7 QB rating. With Greg Little and Joshua Cribbs stepping up in the offense, maybe the Browns can make a little noise this year. Not much though. With the Cleveland Browns in the AFC North, don’t anticipate them doing things until they get some better position players.
5. The Dallas Cowboys Defense has been a very UN-impressive. Rob Ryan is a good coach. But learning a new system is tough. Cowboy fans get ready for a long year. Being in that division with the Eagles, it is going to be a long season if that secondary doesn't step up and actually cover someone. Everyone has been waiting on the Cowboys to ascend to a winning playoff team. Well I don't think it will be this year with that defense still learning.
1. The Detroit Lions just maybe for real. Suh and that defensive line is creating blitz like pressure with a four man rush. When they do rush, they are getting so much pressure that opposing quarterbacks that they even flustered the great Brady this week. Matthew Stafford has been spectacular this preseason. Stafford is 24 of 31 for 356 yards, five TDs, no INTs, 77.4 completion % and 154.0 passer rating. Again, I am going on record telling you that if Stafford stays healthy, the Detroit Lions can be a wildcard team.
2. Tim Tebow is not going to be a bad quarterback for one reason. The kid is willing to work, and he is getting better. You cannot imagine how hard it is in the NFL getting a new coach, a new system, and no one to work with you over the lockout season. Tebow has not been THAT bad. I feel that Tebow is not ready to start for the Denver Broncos. I am, though, changing my tune that he can't start in the NFL. I think in a year, maybe two, he will be ready. Orton is the starter right now.
3. Donovan McNabb still has it. He ironically has a team built like the Philly team that traded him away to the Siberia of the NFL. He has a speed WR like Jackson in Harvin, and a solid TE like Celek in Shiancoe. Adrian Peterson is going to be something that Donovan did not have in Philadelphia. The Vikings do need to make sure that offense line is steady. No QB is good on his back. The only question I have for the Vikings is at slot WR. They need a good possession receiver. I don't think that Michael Jenkins in the answer.
4. Colt McCoy has been showing off a very shiny gun this preseason. He has been very impressive, going 28 of 46 320 yards 60.9% 4 tds 1 int 101.7 QB rating. With Greg Little and Joshua Cribbs stepping up in the offense, maybe the Browns can make a little noise this year. Not much though. With the Cleveland Browns in the AFC North, don’t anticipate them doing things until they get some better position players.
5. The Dallas Cowboys Defense has been a very UN-impressive. Rob Ryan is a good coach. But learning a new system is tough. Cowboy fans get ready for a long year. Being in that division with the Eagles, it is going to be a long season if that secondary doesn't step up and actually cover someone. Everyone has been waiting on the Cowboys to ascend to a winning playoff team. Well I don't think it will be this year with that defense still learning.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The snubbing of Cam Newton
Say what you want about the man, Cam Newton was the reason that Auburn won the national title. He bought Auburn back in each of those games. He was the one factor that willed Auburn to numerous comeback wins. None more epic than the win against Alabama, being down 24-0 to a good team to decide the fate of the national title and to win that game 28-27 in the closing moments against the most bitter of rivals is something out of a story book. But yet... this year... Cam Newton was snubbed from awards because of speculation, not because of facts.
Cam Newton did get kicked out of Florida for receiving stolen property. He was also found guilty of cheating on a test. These are what we call facts. He also went to a junior college, turned his life around and led Blinn College in Texas to the 2009 National Championship. These aren't the stories that get published in the media. Not that he was 5 star recruit coming out of JUCO, or that the kid was heavily recruited by almost every team in the country to come to their school. Yet Ben Rothles-whatever gets an all exclusive sit down to explain himself and everyone quickly forgives him. And that happened before the season started. Yet when this kid starts winning and making name for himself, that is when the reports start to come out about why he was kicked from Florida. Give me a break.
Auburn is being talked about for a national title, then even more controversy comes out about Cam Newton that Auburn paid him, and that his dad was extorting Mississippi State to get money for him coming there. Now they knew about this prior to the season, but yet it comes out when they started winning. Now who knows, they may have lost the bidding war, but don't be salty because you didn't get him. But that opened up a can of worms that ran the kid's name through the mud.
We all know what was being said. There is no need to rehash the numerous allegations. The NCAA found no wrong doing by Cam Newton or by Auburn University. This kid played through it all, and led his team to a national championship. Look at all the blatant disrespect Alabama fans threw out there, especially the song being played "Take the Money and Run" with all the monopoly money being thrown. But now these are the same fans that get around here and say, "We have two Heisman Trophy Winners and two BCS Championship teams in the same state." Get outta here with that foolishness. You weren't cheering for him during the season. It was a constant topic on Finebaum about Auburn cheating. So shut up about it now. That is another topic for another day.
But the biggest joke of the off-season has been John-Patrick Smith winning the SEC Male Athlete of the Year and Jimmer Fredette winning the ESPY for the Best Male Athlete of the Year. I am not the smartest man in the world, but Cam Newton made millions for ESPN and Millions for the SEC.
Did anyone know who John-Patrick Smith was prior to this award being handed to him? I'll wait. An All-American Tennis Player that never won a national title, that only was a finalist (not winner, but finalist, which in my eyes means runner up) as a singles and doubles competitor? Really? Over a Heisman Trophy winning quarterback that won the BCS National Title in the area of the country that holds football higher than they hold their spouses? Hopefully I am not the only one that sees the bias in this decision that seems to be based only on speculation. I have heard that Smith won because he was great student. Did Ingram win in 2009 because of his grades? Again, I will wait. Ingram won that title off of being the best athlete in the SEC. Not best athlete student. So try again.
Jimmer Fredette is exactly what everyone in America wants. A good white basketball player that can play with the black players. Let's just put it out there. If Jimmer was a Laker, he wouldn't matter. He wouldn't play. He is not a solid point guard. He doesn't rebound, nor does he play defense. He does not play defense. And last time I checked, BYU was not undefeated nor did they play for a national title. Jimmer was a scorer. I will definitely not take that from him. But he will not be the greatest scorer in the NBA. He will be a good pro, but not a great pro. Didn't Kemba Walker lead UCONN to the national championship though? Jimmer you are a good player, but you just did not have the influence over the program that Cam Newton had.
Smith and Fredette did not do for BYU or Tennessee what Cam Newton did for Auburn. They did not change the recruiting scope for their program. They did not turn a 2nd year coach into a championship coach and get him a raise. They did not make the red headed step child of the state of Alabama relevant again in their sport. And honestly neither of these athletes rose to the challenge to lead their team to a championship.
Cam Newton has not always been the greatest kid, but he has been able to drown out the speculations, the accusations, and doubts and lead his team to the 2010 BCS National Championship. I thought we measure greatness on winning and triumphing through adversity on and off the field. If that is the case, then I think some ballots need to be redone
Cam Newton did get kicked out of Florida for receiving stolen property. He was also found guilty of cheating on a test. These are what we call facts. He also went to a junior college, turned his life around and led Blinn College in Texas to the 2009 National Championship. These aren't the stories that get published in the media. Not that he was 5 star recruit coming out of JUCO, or that the kid was heavily recruited by almost every team in the country to come to their school. Yet Ben Rothles-whatever gets an all exclusive sit down to explain himself and everyone quickly forgives him. And that happened before the season started. Yet when this kid starts winning and making name for himself, that is when the reports start to come out about why he was kicked from Florida. Give me a break.
Auburn is being talked about for a national title, then even more controversy comes out about Cam Newton that Auburn paid him, and that his dad was extorting Mississippi State to get money for him coming there. Now they knew about this prior to the season, but yet it comes out when they started winning. Now who knows, they may have lost the bidding war, but don't be salty because you didn't get him. But that opened up a can of worms that ran the kid's name through the mud.
We all know what was being said. There is no need to rehash the numerous allegations. The NCAA found no wrong doing by Cam Newton or by Auburn University. This kid played through it all, and led his team to a national championship. Look at all the blatant disrespect Alabama fans threw out there, especially the song being played "Take the Money and Run" with all the monopoly money being thrown. But now these are the same fans that get around here and say, "We have two Heisman Trophy Winners and two BCS Championship teams in the same state." Get outta here with that foolishness. You weren't cheering for him during the season. It was a constant topic on Finebaum about Auburn cheating. So shut up about it now. That is another topic for another day.
But the biggest joke of the off-season has been John-Patrick Smith winning the SEC Male Athlete of the Year and Jimmer Fredette winning the ESPY for the Best Male Athlete of the Year. I am not the smartest man in the world, but Cam Newton made millions for ESPN and Millions for the SEC.
Did anyone know who John-Patrick Smith was prior to this award being handed to him? I'll wait. An All-American Tennis Player that never won a national title, that only was a finalist (not winner, but finalist, which in my eyes means runner up) as a singles and doubles competitor? Really? Over a Heisman Trophy winning quarterback that won the BCS National Title in the area of the country that holds football higher than they hold their spouses? Hopefully I am not the only one that sees the bias in this decision that seems to be based only on speculation. I have heard that Smith won because he was great student. Did Ingram win in 2009 because of his grades? Again, I will wait. Ingram won that title off of being the best athlete in the SEC. Not best athlete student. So try again.
Jimmer Fredette is exactly what everyone in America wants. A good white basketball player that can play with the black players. Let's just put it out there. If Jimmer was a Laker, he wouldn't matter. He wouldn't play. He is not a solid point guard. He doesn't rebound, nor does he play defense. He does not play defense. And last time I checked, BYU was not undefeated nor did they play for a national title. Jimmer was a scorer. I will definitely not take that from him. But he will not be the greatest scorer in the NBA. He will be a good pro, but not a great pro. Didn't Kemba Walker lead UCONN to the national championship though? Jimmer you are a good player, but you just did not have the influence over the program that Cam Newton had.
Smith and Fredette did not do for BYU or Tennessee what Cam Newton did for Auburn. They did not change the recruiting scope for their program. They did not turn a 2nd year coach into a championship coach and get him a raise. They did not make the red headed step child of the state of Alabama relevant again in their sport. And honestly neither of these athletes rose to the challenge to lead their team to a championship.
Cam Newton has not always been the greatest kid, but he has been able to drown out the speculations, the accusations, and doubts and lead his team to the 2010 BCS National Championship. I thought we measure greatness on winning and triumphing through adversity on and off the field. If that is the case, then I think some ballots need to be redone
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The Stephen Garcia Project
Is it just me, or has Stephen Garcia been at South Carolina since Spurrier got to South Carolina 7 years ago? LOL Ok. Now to discussing the issue at hand.
Stephen Garcia is an eighth year senior. (ok last joke) It seems that way though. But let's really observe what is going on with the 5th year senior QB that seems to get more chances than a cheating spouse.
Garcia's recent situation, from sources, say that he came in drunk to a seminar about violence. Really guy? Really?
Spurrier is really at a crossroads and I feel for the "Ol Ball Coach". Spurrier lead South Carolina to the SEC championship game. This year, he is bringing back a very talented squad with some very talented recruits. But honestly I feel that he should be preparing Connor Shaw for that starting role, because you just never know what you are going to get one weekend to the next with Garcia.
He has so much promise. Mind you the 2009 year that Alabama beat my beloved Longhorns in the BCS Rose Bowl. (Ah the pain still) South Carolina had Alabama beat on the Post route and Garcia missed him. Hmmm now think about that. Garcia makes that throw, Alabama (possibly) looses, and we may have had another championship. So I have a personal gripe with Garcia. (No really, it was Alabama's year. All the balls bounced their way)
The following season, Garcia has an amazing 17-20 game 85% completion and the three incompletions were drops. Three TD throws and a 14 point win against the defending national champs. You are like, MAN! Garcia is gonna finally do somethings. Then they loose to Kentucky. The NEXT WEEK!. Now how you gonna beat what most people thought was the best team in football; that bought back all that offensive firepower and a defense from hell. Shredded them, then loose to Kentucky. Then you say to yourself, there is the problem with SC. Garcia has not stepped up to the plate to be a leader. He doesn't ignite his teammates on the sideline. He doesn't lead by example. He didn't calm them down in the Kentucky game and get back to what beat Alabama.
Garcia has been in & out of trouble. Constantly. He was arrested twice as a freshman. He got suspended again and couldn't become effective as a quarterback because he couldn't get that timing down with his teammates. Then he got suspended for the first week of spring football because he messed up before the Chik-Fil-A bowl. This makes his FOURTH suspension.
Now tell me how many other QB's would have been corner kicked off the team. How many times did Cam Newton get before he was kicked off of Florida's team? And when Marcus Vick's antics were running rampant, how many chances did he get? I mean the NCAA regulates everything else. Right? Is this a coach's call, an Athletic Director's call, or a President's call? Who makes this decision? There needs to be a universal rule set that gets these kids in mandatory symposiums, like the NFL rookies, that can get these kids on the straight and narrow path. It should serve as a means to help keep them out of trouble. And let the coaches focus on on what they are getting paid to do. Coaching and recruiting. Not babysitting young men. Someone needs to start making the athlete responsible for his or her actions.
All I know is this. If Garcia is not on that field, the SEC East is up in the air. If he is, I can say that I think they are a potential lock with the balance that they will have on the field. Lattimore, Jeffries, and a 5th year senior qb.
Garcia, pull it together son. The hopes of a SEC championship rest on your shoulders.
Stephen Garcia is an eighth year senior. (ok last joke) It seems that way though. But let's really observe what is going on with the 5th year senior QB that seems to get more chances than a cheating spouse.
Garcia's recent situation, from sources, say that he came in drunk to a seminar about violence. Really guy? Really?
Spurrier is really at a crossroads and I feel for the "Ol Ball Coach". Spurrier lead South Carolina to the SEC championship game. This year, he is bringing back a very talented squad with some very talented recruits. But honestly I feel that he should be preparing Connor Shaw for that starting role, because you just never know what you are going to get one weekend to the next with Garcia.
He has so much promise. Mind you the 2009 year that Alabama beat my beloved Longhorns in the BCS Rose Bowl. (Ah the pain still) South Carolina had Alabama beat on the Post route and Garcia missed him. Hmmm now think about that. Garcia makes that throw, Alabama (possibly) looses, and we may have had another championship. So I have a personal gripe with Garcia. (No really, it was Alabama's year. All the balls bounced their way)
The following season, Garcia has an amazing 17-20 game 85% completion and the three incompletions were drops. Three TD throws and a 14 point win against the defending national champs. You are like, MAN! Garcia is gonna finally do somethings. Then they loose to Kentucky. The NEXT WEEK!. Now how you gonna beat what most people thought was the best team in football; that bought back all that offensive firepower and a defense from hell. Shredded them, then loose to Kentucky. Then you say to yourself, there is the problem with SC. Garcia has not stepped up to the plate to be a leader. He doesn't ignite his teammates on the sideline. He doesn't lead by example. He didn't calm them down in the Kentucky game and get back to what beat Alabama.
Garcia has been in & out of trouble. Constantly. He was arrested twice as a freshman. He got suspended again and couldn't become effective as a quarterback because he couldn't get that timing down with his teammates. Then he got suspended for the first week of spring football because he messed up before the Chik-Fil-A bowl. This makes his FOURTH suspension.
Now tell me how many other QB's would have been corner kicked off the team. How many times did Cam Newton get before he was kicked off of Florida's team? And when Marcus Vick's antics were running rampant, how many chances did he get? I mean the NCAA regulates everything else. Right? Is this a coach's call, an Athletic Director's call, or a President's call? Who makes this decision? There needs to be a universal rule set that gets these kids in mandatory symposiums, like the NFL rookies, that can get these kids on the straight and narrow path. It should serve as a means to help keep them out of trouble. And let the coaches focus on on what they are getting paid to do. Coaching and recruiting. Not babysitting young men. Someone needs to start making the athlete responsible for his or her actions.
All I know is this. If Garcia is not on that field, the SEC East is up in the air. If he is, I can say that I think they are a potential lock with the balance that they will have on the field. Lattimore, Jeffries, and a 5th year senior qb.
Garcia, pull it together son. The hopes of a SEC championship rest on your shoulders.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Why Julio Jones will be a better pro than AJ Green.
I have been a big fan of AJ Green for years now. He was a part of the very talented class that included a lot of big name recruits that came out that year (Patrick Peterson, Julio Jones just to name a few). And honestly I feel that AJ is the better pass catcher. But Julio Jones will be a better pro than AJ Green for a couple of reasons. I will tell you why.
1. AJ Green will be forced to be a #1 WR and that will mean double coverage. It will also mean that primarily he will be looked to for big plays. It can be a first down catch to move the chains, or it can be a game changing touchdowns. Julio Jones on the other hand is a #2 WR. He will get single coverage most times. He will be matched up on less talented CB's than Green will be.
2. We THOUGHT that Chad Ochocinco would be there to show AJ Green the ropes. Face it. Whether you like him or you hate him, Chad Ochocinco is a good WR and did make multiple pro bowls. Yeah, his shenanigans run far and wide, but he would have been a great tutor for AJ to learn from. Now he is the most talented, but also the youngest of a young receiving corps that includes Texas teammates Quan Cosby, Jordan Shipley. You also have Jerome Simpson, Andre Caldwell. He also has two young but talented TEs Jermaine Gresham and Chase Coffman. Julio Jones fell into a better situation. Some would say a perfect situation. Pass catchers all around him. Roddy White is a pro bowler. He also has Tony Gonzalez, one of the greatest to ever play the game as well as up and coming Harry Douglas. Need I say more? He has at his disposal NFL greats. This is awesome to have when you are rookie WR with the organization expecting big things from you.
3. AJ Green thought that he was going to be catching passes from Carson Palmer. Well Carson is..... Retired. And now he has fellow rookie QB Andy Dalton with him for this ride. Andy Dalton is struggling in the preseason, and playing NFL QB is a lot more of a daunting task than say playing at TCU. So Dalton's struggles will be Green's struggles. Julio Jones has a pro bowl QB throwing him the ball. Ryan threw for 3705 yards and 28 TDs. He was telling Julio where to go on the routes. Matt Ryan has control of the offense. Julio Jones' career will benefit from having an experienced QB.
4. Green plays in possibly one of the most defense heavy conferences in the league. With the Steelers and the Ravens looming in the AFC North, Dalton is going to have a problem staying upright, mere less completing passes. Rookie QBs struggle badly with these defenses. Hell experienced QBs struggle with them. Even the Browns are tough defensively. As Dalton struggles, so will Green. Julio Jones is in a division where offense chats are achievable. I am not taking anything away from the NFC South, but the teams in the NFC South are not as stout defensively as in the AFC North. Julio Jones will have more opportunities to catch more passes because Ryan will not be pressured and sacked as much as Dalton will. Another year in the offense will do that for you.
5. Julio Jones and his blocking down field for fellow WRs as well as in the running game has been his strong suit for some time now. This will be no different in the NFL. He will be an asset for a team that is already a great running team. AJ Green has always been known for a receiving WR not a blocker. He chicken fights enough. But to be an effective WR, he is going to have to learn to block in the NFL. Bar none, bottom line
I have honestly always felt that AJ Green was the most talented pass catcher in the draft. I felt that way when he dominated games with his natural ability. The way he attacks the ball in the air is second to none. Julio Jones had an excelent combine with a broken bone in his foot. But remember a WR is only as good as the QB that can get it to him. And being a great NFL WR is not only how hard you work, but also how good of a situation you find yourself in when you are drafted.
1. AJ Green will be forced to be a #1 WR and that will mean double coverage. It will also mean that primarily he will be looked to for big plays. It can be a first down catch to move the chains, or it can be a game changing touchdowns. Julio Jones on the other hand is a #2 WR. He will get single coverage most times. He will be matched up on less talented CB's than Green will be.
2. We THOUGHT that Chad Ochocinco would be there to show AJ Green the ropes. Face it. Whether you like him or you hate him, Chad Ochocinco is a good WR and did make multiple pro bowls. Yeah, his shenanigans run far and wide, but he would have been a great tutor for AJ to learn from. Now he is the most talented, but also the youngest of a young receiving corps that includes Texas teammates Quan Cosby, Jordan Shipley. You also have Jerome Simpson, Andre Caldwell. He also has two young but talented TEs Jermaine Gresham and Chase Coffman. Julio Jones fell into a better situation. Some would say a perfect situation. Pass catchers all around him. Roddy White is a pro bowler. He also has Tony Gonzalez, one of the greatest to ever play the game as well as up and coming Harry Douglas. Need I say more? He has at his disposal NFL greats. This is awesome to have when you are rookie WR with the organization expecting big things from you.
3. AJ Green thought that he was going to be catching passes from Carson Palmer. Well Carson is..... Retired. And now he has fellow rookie QB Andy Dalton with him for this ride. Andy Dalton is struggling in the preseason, and playing NFL QB is a lot more of a daunting task than say playing at TCU. So Dalton's struggles will be Green's struggles. Julio Jones has a pro bowl QB throwing him the ball. Ryan threw for 3705 yards and 28 TDs. He was telling Julio where to go on the routes. Matt Ryan has control of the offense. Julio Jones' career will benefit from having an experienced QB.
4. Green plays in possibly one of the most defense heavy conferences in the league. With the Steelers and the Ravens looming in the AFC North, Dalton is going to have a problem staying upright, mere less completing passes. Rookie QBs struggle badly with these defenses. Hell experienced QBs struggle with them. Even the Browns are tough defensively. As Dalton struggles, so will Green. Julio Jones is in a division where offense chats are achievable. I am not taking anything away from the NFC South, but the teams in the NFC South are not as stout defensively as in the AFC North. Julio Jones will have more opportunities to catch more passes because Ryan will not be pressured and sacked as much as Dalton will. Another year in the offense will do that for you.
5. Julio Jones and his blocking down field for fellow WRs as well as in the running game has been his strong suit for some time now. This will be no different in the NFL. He will be an asset for a team that is already a great running team. AJ Green has always been known for a receiving WR not a blocker. He chicken fights enough. But to be an effective WR, he is going to have to learn to block in the NFL. Bar none, bottom line
I have honestly always felt that AJ Green was the most talented pass catcher in the draft. I felt that way when he dominated games with his natural ability. The way he attacks the ball in the air is second to none. Julio Jones had an excelent combine with a broken bone in his foot. But remember a WR is only as good as the QB that can get it to him. And being a great NFL WR is not only how hard you work, but also how good of a situation you find yourself in when you are drafted.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Ah.... The Labor Front
Another week passes in the seemingly unending NFL lockout. But like a glimmer in the eye of a child, there is now hope. A source indicates that there are documents being drawn up for an agreement between the two sides. Hopefully the NFL season will not be impacted by the two sides not agreeing on things that should be a NO brainer for other organizations. We are looking at this from a logical point of view and standpoint. The two sides are not.
When this all started, the NFL players suggested that they split everything down the middle. Before the lockout even began. Sources report that the NFL made 9.3 billion dollars last year. Alone. The owners strike with the expense credit of $1 billion . (In which everyone is struggling to find out what exactly that is) After that is taken out, then the salary cap gets 58% of that. But the owners wanted another billion to cover the expenses associated with running a team. They are saying that they aren't making enough money to support the cost of their business. So, the NFL players, in so many words, say hey, if you are going broke, let's see what you are spending it on so we can understand before we give you anything. I mean, it's the only logical thing to expect right? But the owners did not do it. So they were stuck, wouldn't budge and things got very critical. The two sides were not even talking. And now we are all hurting because there is STILL no CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement).
Not only are we hurting, but the players that are potential NFL free agent Rookies are hurting as well. Many of them have taken up opportunities to play football in the CFL. Bryant Turner, former DE for the UAB Blazers is one of those players that is affected by the lockout. "About 20 rookies alone came up to Winnipeg for the tryout. So there is not telling how many of us (free agent rookies) are up here looking for a chance to play football." These guys are missing out on the chance to play the sport they love on the biggest stage imaginable, which is the NFL.
I will say this. They are at least in agreement that the Rookies should not be getting the huge contracts. And I agree. Because with Reggie Bush's production, he should not be making 12 mil this year. Just not acceptable. Pay the guys that have proven to be big time. Each year these contracts for Rookies get bigger and bigger.
And the players have even come down saying that they can take 48% if the owners would make sure they are spending more of the cap on current players contracts and stop holding so much space between top cap value and actual cap spending. But you know we STILL have a labor problem. So I will highlight the issues and give my opinion on what is going wrong between the two sides.
The Players....
Point 1. The NFL players want to count sales tax on tickets in Total revenue. Sales tax is just that. A TAX! It cannot and should not be included in the total revenue split. It is a tax. Come on guys. Let's be realistic. I know you are trying to get your money, but hit the major avenues, not the side streets.
Point 2. The NFL players also want for all revenue to include the football events that are not related to football. Well NFL stands for the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE. Not the NATIONAL FOOTBALL AND OTHER EVENTS IN THE STADIUM LEAGUE. Again, fellas I understand that you are trying to get your money. And I agree that you guys should get more of pie, since you are the ones out there getting hit by grown men that weigh 260 lbs moving at speeds in excess of 35-40 mph. Better judgment would suggest you come off of the 48% and move it to 52%-55%. You guys earn it
And really those are the only issues that seem to be the players fault. Honestly, they are a little unreasonable, but one could possibly understand why they are wanting this, seeing that they are willing to take only 48%.
But the owners....
Point 1. The NFL owners are reporting the salary cap, but are putting the players that they cut contracts in the overall cap amount for that year. That is an inaccurate number and it should be considered fraud. How can I justify that I am spending that amount by using something that doesn't exist? The IRS would have my head if I was doing that with 4th and Inches Magazine. How is it possible for the NFL to get away with it. If you look at these teams and their ACTUAL spending you would be shocked that the cap is not what they are saying it is... Hmmmm... Shame on you Owners. Shame on you.
Point 2. The NFL owners want the players to pay for the aid of retired players. ARE YOU SERIOUSLY DELUSIONAL!?!?!?! You can't expect these guys to pay for the other guys out of THEIR salary cap!!!! What should you as the league be responsible for? Anything? This is just unacceptable! In most companies, the company is responsible for pension, retirement. Honestly in my opinion, if the player gets hurt, the NFL should not ONLY be responsible for paying them, but also for the health care of that injury. (i.e surgery, medicines, doctor's visits etc.)
Point 3. The owners want expense credits. Expense credits for WHAT? These clowns are billionaires. There is no need for an expense credit. Bottom line. When you get this expense credit, it is going to cut the total revenue, cutting the amount that you are allowing to split, making the overall number lower. The lower number would then suggest that they players would not get as much lowering the number down even further than what the players are willing to take.
Point 4. The NFL owners want 18 games. Why? To make more money? Are you even remotely interested in these guys health? Most players struggle to survive for 16 games. Adding 2 more games makes these guys a lot less likely to give everything on every play, because the next play maybe the last. That combined with the alarming increase in the number of concussions each year makes the 18 game thing no contest. It seems like they look at these guys as race animals or slaves; that you get all you can get out of them, then throw them to rot.
Point 5. The NFL owners are crying that they are not getting the money. Man shut up. 9.3 billion dollars ain't too shabby. No group whose money is affected by your money is just going to say, hey take this billion dollars because you say you are having a hard time. It's okay we understand. You have to prove that. Are you afraid of opening up your books because we are hiding things? Or showing that you are defrauding? Show that you are not in fact paying all of your taxes? If you are going to ask for it, you better be able to prove that you need it.
I say all this to say I am not taking sides, but I do think that as men, arguing is not the answer and neither is finger pointing. Let's get this solved so I can see the game that so many people have come to need and love.
When this all started, the NFL players suggested that they split everything down the middle. Before the lockout even began. Sources report that the NFL made 9.3 billion dollars last year. Alone. The owners strike with the expense credit of $1 billion . (In which everyone is struggling to find out what exactly that is) After that is taken out, then the salary cap gets 58% of that. But the owners wanted another billion to cover the expenses associated with running a team. They are saying that they aren't making enough money to support the cost of their business. So, the NFL players, in so many words, say hey, if you are going broke, let's see what you are spending it on so we can understand before we give you anything. I mean, it's the only logical thing to expect right? But the owners did not do it. So they were stuck, wouldn't budge and things got very critical. The two sides were not even talking. And now we are all hurting because there is STILL no CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement).
Not only are we hurting, but the players that are potential NFL free agent Rookies are hurting as well. Many of them have taken up opportunities to play football in the CFL. Bryant Turner, former DE for the UAB Blazers is one of those players that is affected by the lockout. "About 20 rookies alone came up to Winnipeg for the tryout. So there is not telling how many of us (free agent rookies) are up here looking for a chance to play football." These guys are missing out on the chance to play the sport they love on the biggest stage imaginable, which is the NFL.
I will say this. They are at least in agreement that the Rookies should not be getting the huge contracts. And I agree. Because with Reggie Bush's production, he should not be making 12 mil this year. Just not acceptable. Pay the guys that have proven to be big time. Each year these contracts for Rookies get bigger and bigger.
And the players have even come down saying that they can take 48% if the owners would make sure they are spending more of the cap on current players contracts and stop holding so much space between top cap value and actual cap spending. But you know we STILL have a labor problem. So I will highlight the issues and give my opinion on what is going wrong between the two sides.
The Players....
Point 1. The NFL players want to count sales tax on tickets in Total revenue. Sales tax is just that. A TAX! It cannot and should not be included in the total revenue split. It is a tax. Come on guys. Let's be realistic. I know you are trying to get your money, but hit the major avenues, not the side streets.
Point 2. The NFL players also want for all revenue to include the football events that are not related to football. Well NFL stands for the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE. Not the NATIONAL FOOTBALL AND OTHER EVENTS IN THE STADIUM LEAGUE. Again, fellas I understand that you are trying to get your money. And I agree that you guys should get more of pie, since you are the ones out there getting hit by grown men that weigh 260 lbs moving at speeds in excess of 35-40 mph. Better judgment would suggest you come off of the 48% and move it to 52%-55%. You guys earn it
And really those are the only issues that seem to be the players fault. Honestly, they are a little unreasonable, but one could possibly understand why they are wanting this, seeing that they are willing to take only 48%.
But the owners....
Point 1. The NFL owners are reporting the salary cap, but are putting the players that they cut contracts in the overall cap amount for that year. That is an inaccurate number and it should be considered fraud. How can I justify that I am spending that amount by using something that doesn't exist? The IRS would have my head if I was doing that with 4th and Inches Magazine. How is it possible for the NFL to get away with it. If you look at these teams and their ACTUAL spending you would be shocked that the cap is not what they are saying it is... Hmmmm... Shame on you Owners. Shame on you.
Point 2. The NFL owners want the players to pay for the aid of retired players. ARE YOU SERIOUSLY DELUSIONAL!?!?!?! You can't expect these guys to pay for the other guys out of THEIR salary cap!!!! What should you as the league be responsible for? Anything? This is just unacceptable! In most companies, the company is responsible for pension, retirement. Honestly in my opinion, if the player gets hurt, the NFL should not ONLY be responsible for paying them, but also for the health care of that injury. (i.e surgery, medicines, doctor's visits etc.)
Point 3. The owners want expense credits. Expense credits for WHAT? These clowns are billionaires. There is no need for an expense credit. Bottom line. When you get this expense credit, it is going to cut the total revenue, cutting the amount that you are allowing to split, making the overall number lower. The lower number would then suggest that they players would not get as much lowering the number down even further than what the players are willing to take.
Point 4. The NFL owners want 18 games. Why? To make more money? Are you even remotely interested in these guys health? Most players struggle to survive for 16 games. Adding 2 more games makes these guys a lot less likely to give everything on every play, because the next play maybe the last. That combined with the alarming increase in the number of concussions each year makes the 18 game thing no contest. It seems like they look at these guys as race animals or slaves; that you get all you can get out of them, then throw them to rot.
Point 5. The NFL owners are crying that they are not getting the money. Man shut up. 9.3 billion dollars ain't too shabby. No group whose money is affected by your money is just going to say, hey take this billion dollars because you say you are having a hard time. It's okay we understand. You have to prove that. Are you afraid of opening up your books because we are hiding things? Or showing that you are defrauding? Show that you are not in fact paying all of your taxes? If you are going to ask for it, you better be able to prove that you need it.
I say all this to say I am not taking sides, but I do think that as men, arguing is not the answer and neither is finger pointing. Let's get this solved so I can see the game that so many people have come to need and love.
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