Super Bowl XLVI Analysis and Prediction

February 1, 2012 by 2 Comments

Super Bowl XLVI Logo

Super Bowl XLVI

Super Bowl XLVI has so many storylines.

I plan to go over the storylines that I think are important, and predict the winner of Super Bowl XLVI.

Giants Vs Patriots (-2.5)

The spread alone I think is interesting.

How are the Patriots favored?

Rob Gronkowski has a high ankle sprain (the same injury that kept Osi Umenyiora out for a month). The Giants defense is obviously better than the Patriots defense and Eli Manning is playing at an unbelivable level.

Tom Brady is coming off of his worst playoff performance of his career against the Ravens. The Giants beat the best “TEAM” in the playoffs (49ers).

Still no respect for the Giants..

New York Giants LogoGiants Gameplan:

It is no secret that the Giants are going to need to hit Tom Brady to beat the Patriots.

The Giants gameplan should be simple:

1.) NO Turnovers

2.) Hit/Sack Tom Brady

3.) Efficient Offensive Play (control clock, long drives, touchdowns)

If the Giants  successfully do all three, they will be Super Bowl Champs.

Patriots Gameplan:New England Patriots Logo

Unlike the Giants, I feel the Patriots have a much more complicated gameplan:

1.) Protect Tom Brady

2.) Establish a consistent running game

3.) Gronkowski MUST be a factor, especially early in the game

4.) Force Eli into making a mistake, Takeaways are a MUST HAVE for the Patriots.

With both gameplans displayed, it will be interesting to see which team can dictate the pace and impose their will in this game.

Legacy:

The Super Bowl is where a player’s legacy can be carved into stone for better or for worse. Lets see how the outcome of this game can impact their legacy.

 

Eli Manning:

With a victory in the Super Bowl, Eli Manning will become the greatest Giants quarterback in team history. Eli will also have done two things his brother has not, beat Tom Brady twice in the playoffs and win two Super Bowls (both against Brady).

That is very impressive. Brady and Belichick could be the best quarterback/coach duo in NFL History and to have both of your championships come against them would be epic.

Finally, the “Who is the better Manning?” conversation will definitely heat up. Peyton is the best regular season quarterback ever, yet Eli might have two rings and Eli’s record in the playoffs is far better than Peytons’.

If Eli wins this game (especially in the fashion he has been winning so far) than I honestly would take Eli over Peyton. Championships are the measure of elite quarterbacks, it is unfair, but true.

Tom Coughlin:

Tom CoughlinHe has been under fire all year and now has a chance to cement his legacy as one of the best coaches in Giants history.

How unreal is that?

Coughlin was supposed to be fired about 3-5 times in his coaching career with the Giants, yet he finds a way to make it to the Super Bowl.

If the Giants do win, he is 2nd in my book in all-time Giant coaches (Parcells 1st).

Also, with a win, I see Coughlin retiring.

For a man who has been under fire throughout his coaching career, I believe he deserves to go out on top and shut everybody up about his coaching ability.

What better way than to beat Brady and Belichick for the 2nd time in the Super Bowl?

Tom Brady:Tom Brady Patriots

Brady has a shot at redemption against the Giants.

If he does succeed in his attempt, Brady will undoubtedly be the best quarterback in NFL History. Also Brady is 34 years old, who says he can not win a 5th?

4 Superbowl rings and the all-time leader in postseason wins with 17?

Checkmate…

In this era of free agency, it is remarkable to win three super bowls, but 4 would be astonishing in my opinion.

Rob Gronkowski:

Playing injured demands respect.Rob Gronkowski

Playing injured and still being a force to be reckoned in the Super Bowl is another level of respect.

Gronkowski has been unstoppable all year. If he can add a super bowl ring to his resume for this season, it will go down as the best season a tight end could have in NFL History.

Gronkowski has a chance to become a legend and he is only in his 2nd season.

You are never too young to become a legend, and Gronkowski has that opportunity.

Bill Belichick:

Like Brady, If Belichick can win, I think he is the best coach in NFL History.

6 Super bowl titles (4 as a head coach) would be a huge achievement and I don’t think he would need to do any more to be recognized as the best ever.

Nobody prepares like Belichick. His attention to detail is superb and his in-game management is as close to perfect as you can get.

He already is a legend in my opinion, but a win here cements it as common knowledge (same for Brady).

My Prediction:

31-28 Giants Win

In the end I see the Giants coming out on top.

I feel that the Patriots are too dependant on Tom Brady and I do not see the Patriots being able to force turnovers against Eli.

The Giants have the perfect formula to beat the Patriots. They have an outstanding front four that will get after the pass-happy Patriots. Also the Patriots run-game I believe is not consistent enough to keep the defense honest.

Gronkowski needs to be full-strength, but with him limited, I see Brady struggling to find open receivers and the pass rush will be too much for Brady to handle.

Eli Manning Super Bowl

Another Championship for Eli

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Patriots Get By, Beat Ravens 23-20

January 23, 2012 by 4 Comments

 
Billy Cundiff, Ravens

Nice Kick Billy!

First off, all Patriot fans can thank Billy Cundiff for giving his best Doug Brien impression and losing the game for the Ravens.

The Ravens should have won this game, but Billy Cundiff decided he wanted to start his offseason early. I can only imagine what the locker room was like after the game for the Ravens. 

Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs must have wanted to KILL someone (again, in Ray lewis’ case) and I do not blame them.

Tom Brady had a very sub-par day going  22/36 for 259 yards and 2 INT.

It didn’t matter in the end because the Patriots defense stepped up and the Ravens let themselves down.

Vince Wilfork was a force to be reckoned with. He had 6 tackles and a sack. That is a GREAT day considering he is the nose tackle and his role is to clog up blockers for the linebackers.

The rest of the Patriots’ defense stepped up big time in crucial situations as well. For example, after a Patriot special team blunder by Danny Woodhead, the Ravens were in great position to score a touchdown and really put the pressure on the Patriots offense.

Instead, the Ravens ended up settling for a field goal and a 20-16 lead. You CAN NOT SETTLE against the Patriots, you have to take advantage of the few mistakes they make.

The Ravens saved their worst for last unfortunately.

After the Patriots took the lead 23-20, the Ravens had an impressive looking drive to either tie or win the game.

This could have been a redefining moment for Joe Flacco, going on the road and leading a game-winning drive against the Patriots and sending his team to the Super Bowl in the process.

Don’t  get me wrong; Flacco played very well in this game, but his perception amongst his Ravens fan base is poor to say the least.

The killer was Flacco throwing a perfect pass to Lee Evans who seemed to catch it in the end zone only to have it knocked away in a split second. It was a bad drop, especially from a veteran. That catch sends you to the Super Bowl.

 YOU HOLD ONTO THAT BALL.

Despite Evans’ butterfingers, the Ravens were well into Cundiff’s range and the game seem destined for overtime.

Until Billy Cundiff forgot how to kick the ball.

Two unexplainable miscues screwed the Ravens and sent them home. Another year Suggs and Reed go without a ring (or least an appearance).

The Patriots do deserve credit though. They did not give up and did not let turnovers rattle them which is a testament to a true championship team.

The Patriots were able to keep Ray Rice in check the whole game. Rice only gained 67 yards rushing and considering how badly this defense played during the year, that is amazing.

On the offensive side of the ball, BenJarvis Green-Ellis also chipped in with a productive performance, logging 15 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown. Green-Ellis was a good change of pace to Brady’s quick passing game which the Ravens were prepared to stop.

The Patriots played well enough to win, but not by much.

I honestly feel bad for the Ravens.

Flacco played well, the defense did everything it could to contain Tom Brady and his passing attack, and they forced turnovers.

 In the end, it just was not enough and if I was a Ravens fan, I wouldn’t be getting over this photo anytime soon.

Robert Kraft, Patriots Owner

The AFC Championship Trophy Held by Mr. Kraft

 

 

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AFC Championship Breakdown: Ravens At Patriots

January 16, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The top 2 seeds in the AFC meet for the chance to go to the Super Bowl.

 

I am very excited to see this matchup so I will breakdown this game by position.

Quarterback: Advantage Patriots

This is not even close. Tom Brady is the best ever (in my opinion) so stacking him up against Joe Flacco is unfair to say the least.

Brady Needs To Have a Great Game

Take it from a Jet fan, Tom Brady rarely loses in the playoffs at home. Brady is one of the clutchest quarterbacks ever and it will take a great effort to stop him and come away with a victory.

Brady has been awesome all year and has carried the Patriots to where they are now. Look for Brady to throw a lot of short passes to offset the Ravens pressure and if the Ravens dare sit back and play coverage look for Brady to absolutely pick them apart.

Flacco has one advantage, he will not be asked to do as much as Brady (for good reason). Flacco just needs to be efficient and manage the game. Do not turn the ball over to the Patriots in your own territory because if that happens look for the Patriots to destroy the Ravens.

Running Backs: Advantage Ravens

Clearly, this is the only offensive category where the Ravens are better than the Patriots.

It is also the only way the Ravens can win this game.

Rice Needs To Flex His Muscle To Go To Indianapolis

Ray Rice MUST get over 25 carries for the Ravens to win, Houston did an excellent job on containing Rice and Belichek will find a way to contain him.

Despite that, Rice must be force-fed the ball, your best defense against Brady is to keep him on the sidelines. The Ravens need to go back to the formula that got them a victory against the Patriots a couple of years back when Ray Rice ran through the Patriots defense at will.

On the other hand, Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead will be factors just to keep the Ravens off-balanced on defense. Look for screens to Woodhead to expose the Ravens blitz and Green-Ellis on short-yardage situations to get it done.

Wide Receivers: Advantage Patriots

Wes Welker is a beast we all know that but what we don’t know is how he will be used in this matchup. Brady is great at seeing the defense and taking what they give him.

The Patriots have great route-runners at the wide receiver position and there could be an Ochocinco sighting .

In fact, I believe Ochocinco will have over 60 yards receiving and a touchdown. He is the only player at this position that I believe can consistently beat man coverage down the field. Especially with all the attention Welker and Gronk will be getting, I just think it is Ocho’s time.

On the other side of the ball, the Ravens have solid options on the outside also. With a terrible secondary, this receiving core of Boldin and Torrey Smith can have a big game.

Boldin needs to make catches over the middle and move the chains, while Smith goes over the top for the big plays. Smith is critical for this team’s success, if he can “take the top off the defense” it will open up the running game for Rice.

Boldin and Smith will have their chances to make big plays.

The question is will they be able to capitalize on their opportunities?

Tight Ends: Advantage Patriots

Gronk And Hernandez Are The Keys To Patriots Success

Again this one is not even close.

Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are matchup nightmares and production machines. The Ravens will have trouble matching up with these guys, especially since their linebackers are better suited against the run game than the pass.

You can not cover both of them.

Gronk will demand double coverage in the middle so Hernandez will see single coverage and unless Ed Reed plays, I like his chances.

David Pitta and Ed Dickson for the Ravens are decent tight ends. Both are good blockers with decent hands.

Pitta and Dickson along with Boldin, must make catches to move the chains, thereby backing the Patriots off the run game. The Patriot linebackers are also vulnerable to the pass so unlike the Texans game, Flacco must find his tight ends in this game to have success.

Offensive Line: Advantage Patriots

The only reason I give the Patriots offensive line an edge is because of the signal caller behind them. Brady is very tough to sack because of his awareness in the pocket and his quick reads.

Also, the Ravens offensive line looked terrible against the Texans. Granted, the Patriots have a much softer defense, but their scheme will make up for their lack of talent. I have serious questions about the Ravens being able to protect Joe Flacco, especially if the run game has a slow start.

Defensive Line: Advantage Baltimore

The Ravens have an outstanding front with Ngata and Suggs. Both players will need to be disruptive in order to have a chance against Brady.

One stat that blew my mind from last weeks game against the Texans is that the Texans did not allow one sack. With all the pressure and talent on the defensive front the Ravens could not mount a pass rush to sack rookie quarterback TJ Yates?

You can not beat the Patriots if you do not hit Tom Brady; he is just too damn good. Despite last week’s performance, this defensive front is great and I can see them getting pressure on Brady.

One player on the Patriots defensive front needs to have a GREAT game.

Vince Wilfork.

He is the anchor to the patriots 3-4 scheme, and he is their best defender against the run. He will need to be at his best to stop the Ravens rushing attack.

Which means clogging up the line for Jerod Mayo to make tackles as well as creating havoc in the Ravens backfield.

If you hear Jerod Mayo’s name a lot in this game, that means Wilfork is doing his job.

Linebackers: Advantage Ravens

Ray Lewis is still a beast and he is still one of the best linebackers in the

Lewis Needs To Hit Brady To Get The Victory

NFL. Expect a lot of pressure from Ray up the middle to disrupt Brady. The one thing about Brady is that if you get pressure on him up the middle you can create mistakes.

Ray Lewis needs to play a fast and smart game because Brady will be doing everything he can to counter what Lewis is doing and should be a great chess match between two Hall of Famers.

From the Patriots perspective, they need to use their linebacker blitzes to confuse Flacco. The one advantage the Patriots defense has is Flacco’s inexperience.

Although Flacco is in his 4th year, he still can be confused with defensive looks he has not seen before. Who better to devise those schemes than Mr. Bill Belichek?

But that is IF the Patriots can stop Ray Rice.

Rob Ninkovich,Jermaine Cunningham and Jerod Mayo need have an excellent day stopping the run. If they can do that, look for exotic linebacker blitzes to confuse and force Flacco into making a mistake.

Secondary: Advantage Ravens

That is IF Ed Reed plays.

Without Reed over the top, Brady will pick apart the secondary and have a

The X-Factor

field day against the Ravens in the passing game. I believe Ed Reed is the X-Factor in this game. His presence alone will force adjustments Tom Brady will have to make.

Everyone will focus on Ray Lewis vs Tom Brady, but believe me it is Ed Reed vs Tom Brady. Especially since the Patriots have become such a passing team, Reed’s importance can not be overlooked.

The Patriots will have to contain Torrey Smith and keep Boldin away from the middle of the field. If they can shut down Smith over the top and squeeze down on the Ravens passing attack like the Texans did, then the Patriots will have great success.

Kyle Arrington needs to have a great game. He led the Patriots with 7 interceptions this season and needs to be able to shut down Torrey Smith.

Special Teams: Even

I do not see an advantage from the special teams aspect of the game. Both kickers, Gostowski and Cundiff, are great long distance kickers and very accurate.

Also both punters Zoltan Mesko (AWESOME first name)  and Sam Koch are great punters and have consistently switched field positions for their teams all season long.

In the return game, I do not see an edge for either team. Both teams do not have “specialists” on their teams that have had consistent success returning punts or kicks.

In the end, I see the Patriots winning this game. Although the Jet fan in me wants to see Brady get blindsided by Terrell Suggs or Ray Lewis endless amount of times, I just do not see that happening. The Ravens offense is just too inconsistent. Patriots win, 28-10.

Who Wants It More?

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Ravens Escape, Defeat Texans 20-13

January 15, 2012 by 1 Comment

Ravens Defense

The Ravens forced 4 turnovers and behind a solid defenisve showing defeated the Houston Texans.

Before I give credit to the Ravens, I have to give an enourmous amount of credit to the Texans. The Texans sacked Flacco 5 times and Arian Foster was an absolute beast today.

The Texans could just not overcome the turnovers they committed and that was their undoing in this game. Off 4 turnovers the Ravens scored 17 points and that was the difference in the game.

I was so impressed with J.J Watt and the rest of the Texans defense. I actually feel bad for the Texans defense. They were all over the place and completely shut down Ray Rice today.

However, the Ravens defense was also excellent today. They forced rookie quarterback TJ Yates into bad decisions, picking him off three times and containing Andre Johnson.

Despite not being able to consistently stop Foster, the Ravens defense completely stopped Yates and the passing attack.

With the a softer defense coming up next in New England, I look for the Ravens to do everything necessary to get Ray Rice going. Rice is their best asset on offense and their best chance of defeating the Patriots.

Rice was limited to 21 carries and 60 yards rushing today, only a 2.9 yards per rush, that will not get it done against New England.

Flacco was under pressure all day, he threw for 176 yards with 2 touchdowns but at times looked very bad today.

Cornerback Lardarius Webb was fantastic today with 4 tackles, 4 passes defensed and two interceptions.

Finally, the health of Ed Reed is critical for the Ravens defense. He is the X-Factor for this Ravens defense against the Patriots. I look forward to this matchup between Reed and Brady, two of the best at their position of all-time.

Reed Is The X-Factor Against Tom Brady

 

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Tom Terrific and Patriots Crucify Tebow and Broncos

January 14, 2012 by 3 Comments

Tom Brady

It’s Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski’s world.

We just live in it.

There is not much to talk about in this game so I will keep it brief.

Brady and the Patriots came out firing early in this one and by halftime it was already 35-7 in the Patriots favor.

Brady tied a record for touchdown passes in a post-season game with 6.

Tebow and the Broncos looked very sluggish on offense to start. The option play wasn’t looking as good as it did back when Tebow was a Gator.

Brady and the offense poured it on in the first half.

Brady threw for 5 touchdowns, 3 of which were to his top tight-end target, Rob Gronkowski.

Gronkowski has had a stellar year.

In the regular season, Gronkowski set the record for tight ends with 17 receiving touchdowns and also tacked on a rushing touchdown as well.

It is almost too easy when you are 6’6 and 265lbs up against defensive backs maybe half your size.

Mr. Gronkowski

Brady has been here before and he knows how to win in the playoffs. This is why he gets my notch as the best quarterback ever to lace up. Brady has been to the super bowl 4 times, and won three only to lose his last one in 2007 to my boys in blue, the New York Giants.

Brady looked flat out phenomenal in this game and unless he begins to cool down, I don’t see how anyone can beat the Patriots.

I mean, if Jesus Christ (Tebow) himself can’t be up to the task, who else can?

Congrats to the Niners in their divisional win today as well. It was a well deserved win and they showed some great resilience against Brees and the Saints.

John 3:16

Tomorrow will be some great games as well.

The early game at 1:00 has the Texas squaring off against the Ravens in Baltimore.

Rookie quarterback T.J. Yates will likely have some problems against Baltimore’s smash mouth defense. Quarterback Joe Flacco will have to step up as well if the Raven’s want to win this game. There has been a lot of questions whether or not Flacco has what it takes to win.

He can prove it tomorrow.

At 4:30 the Giants face off against the Packers at Lambeau for a rematch of the 2007 NFC Championship game.

Eli Hoisting the Main Prize

The Giants have ton of momentum and are very dangerous in the playoffs when they are firing on all cylinders.

Their defense will have to step up and stop Aaron Rodgers from walking all over their secondary. It comes down to the defensive line. When they play good, the rest of the defense follows suit.

Expect Eli to show up as usual, and if Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw can run the football like they did last week, the Giants have a good shot to win this game.

 

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Peyton Manning Or Tom Brady?

December 20, 2011 by 1 Comment

Manning or Brady?

Who would you take? Peyton Manning or Tom Brady?

Obviously, you would not be wrong in taking either one of them. However, subtract Manning’s neck injury, I find it interesting to see how many fans would prefer Manning over Brady.

Let’s start with Brady first (this year stats have been included).

Brady is One of the Best Ever

Tom Brady #12, New England Patriots – 12 year career

39,337 Passing Yards, 296 Touchdowns, 114 Interceptions, and a 96.4 Career Passer Rating.

Career Notes – Tom Brady has had an impressive career to say the least, what makes his story so compelling is how irrelevant he was in college. Brady was drafted in the 6th round (199th overall) in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Patriots and the Patriots have never looked back since.

Brady has won three Super Bowls out of 4 appearances, is third all-time in Passer Rating (96.4) with at least 1,500 attempts, holds the NFL for touchdowns in a season with 50, and has been voted to seven Pro Bowls. However, the most important stats follow, Brady’s record a starting quarterback is 121-35, with a 14-5 postseason record, and he married a Victoria secret model, WINNING? (As Charlie Sheen would say)

Can Peyton compete? I think so

Peyton Manning #18, Indianapolis Colts – 14 year career.

Peyton Making The Perfect Throw

54,828 Passing Yards, 399 Touchdowns, 198 Interceptions, and a 94.9 Career Passer Rating.

Career Notes: Unlike Tom Brady, Peyton Manning was highly touted out of college. Manning was the 1st overall pick in the 1998 draft (IMAGINE, if the Colts took Leaf?), Peyton made an impact immediately, going 13-3 in his second full season as the starter.

Peyton has won one Super Bowl and has appeared in two in his career. Manning is 6th all time in Passer Rating (94.9), holds the record of MVP’s in a career with 4 and 4,000 yard seasons with 11. Manning also has the most career Pro Bowl appearances with 11 and boasts a 141-67 record with a postseason record of 9-10.

For the record, I could not state every record both of these players hold because it would literally take me all night and this article would be impossible to read, I just used the stats I found most important in my decision-making in deciding between the two (touchdowns, interceptions, career record).

Not a bad resume for either, both will be in canton one day no doubt about it. Also, when you put these two careers next to each other it is extremely tough to choose. However, the tie breaker for me is the playoff records, 14-5 to 9-10 is a dramatic difference.

Peyton just has not have the success in the playoffs like Tom Brady, and for me it matters more what you do once you are in the playoffs. Manning is the best regular season quarterback I have ever seen, his footwork in the pocket is unbelievable and his arm strength and accuracy are once in a lifetime, and i have never seen any quarterback change the play on the go like Peyton. Despite that, I just cannot pick Manning over Brady.

Brady has a certain cool and calm about him, I have never seen Brady throw an interception to crush his teams’ hopes on the biggest stage in sports (I am referring to Super Bowl XLIV). They are both once in a lifetime players, but I want the guy that never seems to be rattled and has won multiple championships.

I have said my opinion, what’s yours?

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Will Dan Marino’s Passing Record Be Broken In 2011?

December 19, 2011 by 9 Comments

There are 2 quarterbacks with a realistic shot of breaking the passing record set in 1984 by the Dolphins Dan Marino (5,084). There are 2 games left in the season. Lets take a look at each QB and which one has the greater chance of breaking the record

Dan Marino

 

1. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints. Yards To Go: 304

4,780 yards this season. He needs an average of 239.0 yards per game(YPG) to tie the record. Brees is currently averaging 336.0 YPG. With 3 games left in the season Brees is leading an offense which ranks 1st in total offense and 1st in passing offense.

In week 16 the Saints are home one Monday Night Football against their divisional rival, the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta will be more of a challenge for Brees, they rank 14th in the NFL against the pass, unlike the dreadful Vikings. I still don’t see the Falcons holding Brees under 239 yards when the Falcons are right behind them in the battle for the NFC South.

The Saints wrap the season up with a divisional game against the Panthers at home. The Panthers rank 20th in the NFL against the pass. If Brees maintained the 239 the past few weeks, he will break Dan Marinos single season passing record.

Drew Brees is too good of a passer not to break this record. He has all the tools he needs to do it. With the best statistical offense in the NFL and the match-ups that he has it seems inevitable that he’ll break the record before the season is over.

2. Tom Brady, New England Patriots. Yards To Go: 491

4,593 yards this season. Needs an average of 270.7 passing yards per game. Currently averaging 328.7 YPG.

With these stats Brady is a prime candidate to break Marino’s record.

Brady and Rob Gronkowski are on pace to connect for 20+ TDs this year. The most ever for a tight end in NFL history. Brady has been on fire this season. Not too many defenses can stop him!

This Sunday, the MIGHTY Miami Dolphins (25th against the pass) come into New England for an intense divisional chess match! NOT. The Dolphins are in pathetic shape and have just fired their head coach, Tony Sparano, for the lack of competition shown from the Dolphins this year. (Sparano is one of 3 NFL coaches fired so far this year). You can expect Brady to surpass 270.7 yards this game.

Brady ends the season at home against a lousy 5-8 Buffalo Bills team (16th against the pass). I don’t see the Bills stopping Brady. The game will probably hold some importance to the Patriots so Brady will most likely be playing despite the Patriots playoff spot.

If both Brady & Brees continue to play at the level they are playing at, they will both break Dan Marino’s record.

But this is the NFL and anything can happen…lets enjoy the ride.

2 Honorable Mentions:

     1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers. Yards To Go: 724

        I really don’t see Rodgers breaking the passing record this year. With the Packers at 13-0, it would be dumb not to sit your franchise quarterback when you have the first round bye and homefield advantage locked up for the playoffs. To make matters worse, WR Grege Jennings, who is a main target for Rodgers, is out for probably the remainder of the regular season.

     2. Eli Manning, New York Giants. Yards To Go: 713

The Giants have a tough schedule to end the season (Redskins, Jets, Cowboys). I’m not a big Giants fan but I know Eli Manning is a pretty good passer. I’ve learned to never count him out of anything because even though he isn’t a top 5 QB, he is a baller. Lets see what he can do.

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Jim Caldwell Will be Fired

December 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Jim Caldwell will be unemployed in 2012

Can you make a case for Jim Caldwell to keep his job for the 2012 season? Neither can I. The Colts are 0-13, unless they show any heart (winning their next 3 games), I cannot imagine Caldwell keeping his job.

I know Peyton Manning is hurt, but you cannot excuse the pathetic play of the Colts in the 2011 campaign, Bill Belichek lost Tom Brady for the whole 2008 season,yet he managed his way to an 11-5 record with a quarterback that did not take snap in his NFL OR COLLEGE Career. Manning’s injury was well documented before the season even began, yet the Colts seemed completely unprepared to play without Manning. This falls on Head Coach Jim Caldwell and the Front Office. The Colts are a proud franchise and rightfully so, The Colts have dominated the NFL for the past decade, so losing should not be tolerated and especially to this degree.

What makes this losing streak even worse is that the Colts did not even try to modify their play without Manning. It almost looks as if they were like content with completely with keeping their same offensive philosophy. Yet their philosophy was completely revolved around Manning, how can you keep playing the same type of offense when the person calling the shots IS NOT PLAYING? This is a terrible job of coaching by Caldwell.

There is a saying that the NFL stands Not For Long, and it should not be long before Caldwell is unemployed. You cannot excuse his performance this season just because Peyton Manning is out.

The Colts have a unique opportunity to rebuild in one year. Think about it, you can clean house in the coaching department, draft Andrew Luck, trade manning for valuable defensive help, and you instantly have rebuilt your franchise in one year.

This process usually takes teams 3-4 years and the Colts can do it in ONE.

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5 Things The New York Jets Need to Make Playoffs

December 16, 2011 by 2 Comments

The New York Jets are a talented, experienced  team and currently in playoff position with the wildcard at 8-5, but in order to secure this spot there is a few things they do and/or happen.

1. Win out their remaining schedule: Clearly the most obvious and most securing potential option they have. The Jets are already in wildcard position but the tiebreaker for wildcard, besides best record, is conference wins and the opposing teams seeking the wildcard spot have a better conference record than the Jets. The current competition for the wildcard spot is Tennessee Titans, Cincinnati Bengals, and Oakland Raiders whom of which are all 1 game behind, making a win out of schedule crucial for the Jets.

2. Mark Sanchez maintain consistency: Mark Sanchez is clearly considered nothing more than a mediocre quarterback at this time. He will go from a 3TD, 300 yards game to a 1 TD, 2 INT, 12o yards kind of game. When he is in the zone, hes money; making clutch plays and scoring touchdowns in times of dire need. When hes off his game, it usually includes the occasional pick six or poor turnover in the wrong zone at the wrong time and a quick 4 in 4 out which tires out the defense early in the game allowing the opposing team to stomp on the Jets. So the main point is that if Mark Sanchez can stay consistent, make smart plays, and allow the defense to rest  then we have a pretty good shot at making the playoffs.

3.  Shonn Greene has to keep up his progress: When Shonn Greene first entered the league and made his premiere during the 2010 playoffs he looked like a real threat, posting a couple touchdowns and 100+ rushing games. Since then he has dramatically declined up until facing the Redskins and Chiefs. Posting 88 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns against the Redskins then 126 rushing yards and 1 TD against the Chiefs, he seems to be returning to the original threat he entered the league as. Even though both teams are under a .500 record, Shonn Greene and the Jets built a good amount of confidence in their run game and overall offense through the past two games. If Greene can keep playing up to his potential then Rex Ryan’s ground and pound game play may actually work and give the Jets the boost they need to make the playoffs

4. Defense needs to control the run game: The previous two seasons the Jets maintained a reputation of having one of the best run defenses in the league allowing only an average of 81 rushing yards per game and this season they are currently allowing an average of 109 rushing yards per game. If you break it down to pure runs then that’s 10 to 11 first downs, and occasional touchdowns, per game. Allowing an average of almost 30 more rushing yards per game is a big problem, especially when your offense is struggling to put up points against solid teams. The Jets’ run defense really needs to get their act together and figure out an effective way to limit the run as they had in the past. This is a huge factor in the Jets making a serious playoff run.

5. Win out schedule with 3 Patriots losses: This is definitely the best outcome the Jets could have as they would clinch the division, but at the same its very unlikely. The Patriots remaining schedule does not involve any teams that can keep up with the mammoth Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski connection. As a Jets fan I will obviously be rooting against them every game in a hopeful ideal that this is feasibly possible. In reality…its not, Tom Brady, as much as I despise him, is an elite quarterback that knows how to win games and historically does not lose 3 straight games. Hopefully “the winner” Tim Tebow and the Broncos have enough win left in them to beat the Patriots and give the Jets a better chance at this far fetched but potential outcome.

 

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Can Rob Gronkowski Score 20 Touchdowns Before The Season’s Over?

December 16, 2011 by 13 Comments

Gronkowski Celebrating One of The 16

 3 GAMES LEFT. 4 TOUCHDOWNS TO GO.

With 16 total touchdowns this year, Rob Gronkowksi has a very realistic chance of becoming the first tight end in NFL history to put up 20 total TDs.

He’s already broke the total touchdown record for any TE ever. Now it’s all about SHATTERING the record.

Let’s take a look at the key factors that will most likely ensure Gronk 20 TD’s:

  • Tom Brady. This week Tim Tebow is presented with a different challenge called The New England Patriots. Honestly, I’m rooting for Tebow, I’m a DIE-HARD Jets fan….and how could you root against Tim Tebow?! (I know he isn’t that great of a quarterback but, he’s a BALLER and he finds ways to win football games.) Denver’s defense is the strong point of the team but Tom Brady has faced good defenses before. Gronkowski will remain to be Tom Brady’s main target. Not too many defenses have been able to stop Gronk this year and you shouldn’t anything different from the Broncos. I’m not predicting Gronk embarrasses their defense, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a few catches and a TD grab.
  • Week 16: The Patriots play the 4-9 Miami Dolphins at home. The Dolphins just fired their head coach Tony Sparano due to the lack of competition shown in the team throughout the year. Brady and Gronk will probably put on a show for an entire half before being pulled for backups at halftime after taking a 40 point lead.
  • The last game of the season the 5-8 Buffalo Bills come into New England to face a Patriots team that will probably have Gronks “20″ in mind if he does not already have it. Bill Belichick does not care about his players personal goals, but he does like to break records….anyone remember the 2007 season? 16-0. One GIANT loss.Come week 17 and Gronkowski is stuck on 19, he will score a TD in this game.

The big 2-0 is there for the taking. If he want’s it, he’s got it. Rob Gronkowski is about to go down in NFL history for having the greatest year a tight end has ever had.

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Eli Manning: The MVP That We’ll Never See

December 13, 2011 by 5 Comments

Being a New York Giant fan can be brutal.

To be honest, I had minimum expectations for the boys in the blue this year. Currently, our defense is 29th in opposing passing yards (263.7) and 22nd in opposing rushing yards (127.9) per game.

Yet somehow we are winning the NFC East. From watching the games each week, I have noticed that there are only two players who you know will show up each week; Jason Pierre- Paul and Eli Manning. Both of them are studs. JPP is the Manning of our defense; each week you can count on him to make a play when one needs to be made. For example, 2 sacks, a FF, and a blocked FG to prevent the G-Men from entering overtime against Dallas.

However, this article is not aimed at JPP. The real hero here is Eli Manning. If it were not for Eli, I don’t think I could manage to get myself out of bed on Sundays to watch the Giants. He gives us hope, but even better, he has consistently put the Giants in situations to win. Credit is given only when it is due and you better believe that it is definitely due for Eli.

Ironically, people laughed at Manning earlier this year when he put himself in the same category as players like Tom Brady. People cited his 25 interceptions last year (which any fan knows take away ten of those because the NYG receivers had a serious case of dick fingers) and the fact that the Giants have only made the playoffs once since they defeated New England.

Regardless, any football fan knows it takes the combination of a solid offense and defense to get in the playoffs and make a legitimate run. Now I don’t want to jump to conclusions but the NYG may be the exception to that rule, especially if you look at Eli’s play over the course of this year. Currently, Eli has 25 TD’s to 12 INT’s, 4,105 yards, and a 95.5 overall QB rating. With solid numbers such as those its no question why the NYG’s are rated 4th in passing behind New Orleans, New England, and Green Bay. With that said, you must also take into account that the Giant’s are ranked dead last (32) in rushing at 3.3 yards per carry. Is it a coincidence Eli is having his best statistical season when the G-Men have absolutely no running game to rely on?

However, lets not forget Eli Manning’s unbelievable fourth quarter play. This year alone, he has led the Giants to five 4th quarter comebacks and is tied with Johnny Unitas and his older brother with 14 fourth quarter touchdowns in a season; yet Eli still has three games left. Interestingly, Eli Manning is ranked fourth in fourth quarter or OT game winning drives since 2004 with 20; behind Peyton Manning (26), Ben Roethlisberger (25) and Drew Brees (23).Oh wait, did I mention he is in front of Tom Brady (18) ?

This year, Eli Manning  has a 117 QB Rating in the fourth quarter which is ahead of Aaron Rodgers (112.6). It  just goes to show you how well Eli Manning is playing, especially when the game is on the line . He is what Tyson Chandler was to the Mavericks, the X- Factor.

Not convinced of Eli’s legitimacy as an elite quarterback in this league? Let’s take a look and see how our good old friends Kevin Boss and Steve Smith are doing. Last season, Kevin Boss had 531 receiving yards and 5 TD. This year, he has an epic 288 receiving yards and 2 TD’s.

Steve Smith, when he was healthy, broke the record for most receptions by a Giant (107) and pulled in 1,220 yards and 7 TD in 2009. In  2010, although he was hurt, played in 9 games and had 529 yards and 3 TD’s. This season, although he was put on IR for a bruise on his knee that he mad microsurgery on, he also played in 9 games but only had 124 yards and 1 TD (which came against the Giants; makes me cringe ever time I think about it).

Now lets compare them with how Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, and Jake Ballard are doing. Currently, Cruz (1,150 yards and 7 TD) &  Nicks (1,023 yards and 6 TD) are both top ten in the league in receiving yards; 3 and 9 respectively. Meanwhile, Jake Ballard has 589 yards and 4 TD’s.

Did I mention that Victor Cruz and Jake Ballard were both un-drafted free agents as well? There is no question, Eli Manning makes his players better.

Eli Manning is critical for the NYG’s success. Our defense is atrocious, yet we sit at 7-6 ahead of the Dallas Cowboys following a nightmare schedule (if you didn’t notice the Giants just recently faced SF, NO, & GB).

Yet the reason we are at 7-6 and not 2-11, is Eli Manning. It is shocking that he still does not get the respect or coverage that he deserves. Yet that’s in part due to the incredible QB play by Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers who are on the verge of breaking Dan Marino’s single season passing yard record (5,084).

Oh wait, isn’t Eli also on track following his 400 yard game against the Dallas Cowboy‘s last Sunday?

There are no definite things in life except death and taxes. Yet on the  New York Football Giants you can definitely expect Chris Canty to be blocked 100 yards up the field and you can definitely expect Aaron Ross to suck, however, you can definitely count on Eli Manning to make a play when it is needed and to put the Giant’s in a position to win the game.

Yet for some reason he has not been able to shake the “baby face” criticism nor will he be noticed in a sea of other unbelievable Quarterbacks. Therefore, Eli Manning will always be the MVP we’ll never see.

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My Opinion on Tim Tebow

December 7, 2011 by 1 Comment

Tim Tebow, the man, the awkward throwing motion, the legend. 

I want to start this off by saying I am NOT a Tebow fanatic, however I respect what he is doing for the Denver Broncos. 

 When I think of great quarterbacks, I think Tom Brady and Peyton Manning (Aaron Rodgers/Drew Brees are working their way up my list) but the fact is not every team in the NFL has the luxury of having these Hall of Fame caliber quarterbacks.

Unless you have been living under a rock you have probably heard that Tebow is 6-1 as a starter this season for the Broncos and has them in position for a division title and a playoff berth.

Looking at his statistics, they are not terrible, in his 7 starts, Tebow has thrown 10 touchdowns to ONE interception, but with a completion percentage of 48.5%, He also has 468 rushing yards with a 5.7 Yards per carry and 3 Touchdowns with 6 fumbles (2 were lost). 

 So overall Tebow has 13 Touchdowns to 3 Turnovers, the numbers indicate he is a game manager, very inaccurate, he doesn’t turn the ball over and does not cost his team games, yet his completion percentage is terrible which is expected from a young quarterback coming from the spread in college.

 However, you put on the game film of this kid in the 4thquarter it is unreal. As a loyal jet fan I watched my vaunted defense get “Tebowed” after the Jets defense dominated throughout the game, Tebow takes his team of Willis Mcgahee and practice squad players for 95 yards for the go ahead score, crushing my ego, but with defeat comes respect. However, what Tim Tebow is doing right now is crushing any barrier of what a quarterback SHOULD BE.

 As NFL fans we want our Quarterbacks to be dominate in the passing game and have perfect mechanics (Aaron Rodgers 2011 season, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady’s careers) but in reality, not every quarterback can be like that, but as fans the one thing we should want is our Quarterback to win and be clutch in key moments of games, as of now Tebow has done that.

Now, what I have trouble with in regards to Tebow is the fact that nobody seems to be giving credit to the Denver Defense or Willis McGahee (solid signing?). Tebow has given the NFL fans great moments this season, but Willis McGahee along with the Denver Defense have been playing flat out awesome and have been just as important to Denver’s resurgence as Tim Tebow’s play.

 Here is a debate I heard and I thought was very interesting and true, Mark Sanchez, Quarterback for the New York Jets has been under intense scrutiny about his play, now there are stats to prove that, five of his turnovers have resulted in defensive touchdowns (most in the NFL),on the other hand his 11 come from behind victories are most in the NFL over the past two years, and he has led his team in his first two years to AFC championship games (all on the road).  

 His play at times can be flat out disgusting and brutal to watch as the same can be said for Tebow, yet both of these quarterbacks find ways to win in clutch moments when their team needs them most. Sanchez also has done it in the playoffs, which remains to be seen with Tebow.

Yet with Sanchez, all I hear is that the Jets defense is stout and the defense is the reason why the Jets have been successful, which is true, I am not disputing that, but I am disputing that Sanchez has done nothing to help the Jets win down the stretch in the season and in the playoffs.

Denver’s Defense has been just as important to Tebow’s success as the Jets defense has been to Sanchez’s success in fact, in Tebow’s wins Denver’s Defense has allowed 348.6 YPG and 17.3 PPG, with 8 Turnovers and 19 sacks. So is it fair to give Tebow all this praise when in his wins, his defense is clearly doing their part, than give Sanchez no credit when he wins and his defense does their part?  We have to be consistent in our criticism with Quarterbacks, if you’re going to give credit to Tebow, you gotta give credit to Sanchez.

I’m not saying they are the best Quarterbacks in the NFL, both have a long way to go to become elite Quarterbacks, but each of their play should be criticized fairly.

In the end, everyone has their own opinion, I am enjoying this Tebow mania, it is different and something I have never seen before and this only makes the NFL better which seems almost impossible, but that is why we watch and critique.

Enjoy the NFL games, it could always be worse. You could be John Elway right now deciding whether to keep or cut Tebow at the end of the year.

 Imagine this, Denver wins division, makes playoffs, loses in first round, Denver cuts tebow, drafts a Quarterback in the first round and goes 4-12 in the 2012 campaign meanwhile, Tebow rejuvenates a dormant fan base and  thrives for his hometown team. The Jacksonville Jaguars.  Good luck John.

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