Here is my 2nd mock draft. Besides a coin flip the draft positions are set. So onto our 2nd mock draft of 2010.
1. St. Louis Rams- Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska: I really want to say that the Rams should go with a qb here but the top 5 players are good I do not know if they deserve the number 1 spot. Also when rebuilding you want to rebuild both the offensive and defensive lines. Who better than the best defensive lineman coming out in a long time.
My one knock on taking a d-lineman number 1 is that I look at what the Jets did this year without Kris Jenkins and look at the players they replaced him with and how well they did and none of them are known names. That being said Suh is the right pick here.
My pick of Suh has not changed here. Until I see what Jimmy Clausen and Sam Bradford show Suh will be my pick for the Rams. My other thought is that the Rams need help everywhere. A possible trade down and picking up of more players and draft picks will be a great option.
2. Detroit Lions- Gerarld McCoy, DT, Oklahoma: Back to back d-linemen. The Lions will be happy with Suh or McCoy (though they are hoping they get Suh). Though the Lions would love help with the offensive line McCoy is too good to pass up. I can see a trade down but McCoy will probably be the pick.
3. Tampa Bay Buccanneers- Eric Berry, S, Tennessee: The Bucs would have loved Suh or McCoy to fall to them but are thrilled to get a playmaking safety who will make an immediate impact on their defense. So far my top 3 stay the same.
4. Washington Redskins- Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma: The Redskins may keep Jason Campbell around but will look for a qb. To me Bradford is the best qb in the draft though I think Jimmy Clauson is the most ready to play in the NFL. The reason I am making the switch is because I hear the Bradford's shoulder is better and in the long run will be a better qb than Clauson.
5. Kansas City Chiefs-Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State: Scott Pioli follows the Parcells philosophy that you build the o-line and d-line when rebuilding and goes with the best o-linemen on the board. Anthony Davis is another option here and I think he will be the pick but until the combine I will not put him in the 5th position.
6. Seattle Seahawks-Jimmy Clauson, QB, Notre Dame: The Seahawks are keeping their fingers crossed that Bradford or Clauson fall to them and Clauson does in this draft. They will be thrilled and Clauson will learn alot from Matt Hasselback. The Seahawks will have a tough decision with Anthony Davis on the board but select Clauson.
7. Cleveland Browns-Joe Haden, CB, Florida: This pick will be decided on based what happens with the qbs and if Mike Holgrem feels that Brady Quinn is the qb of the future. I think Holgrem gives Quinn another year like he did with Mangini. If so he goes for the best value and Haden is that. He has the potential to be a shutdown corner and Mangini does do well with the secondary. Unless Haden is taken earlier I think the Browns will take him. Having a cover corner will make a defense that much better. Just look at the Jets and Darrell Revis.
8. Oakland Raiders- Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers: With the qbs off the board the Raiders will take Davis the best available offensive line. I could see Al Davis taking Dez Bryant if he has a great combine because that is what Al Davis does. Coach Tom Cable will be screaming for Davis and I think he finally gets his way.
9. Buffalo Bills- Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland: The Bills need help along the line and will be thrilled to have Campbell or Davis. Campbell is the one that falls to them. He will help their o-line immediately and the conservative Chan Gailey.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars-Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech: I think the Jags may go for Rolando McClain but they are in desperate need of a pass rusher. Morgan is the best one so the Jags take him. Keep an eye on McClain here.
11. Denver Broncos-Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State: With the impending trade of Brandon Marshall the Broncos need to find a replacement for him and Bryant will be the best option.
12. Miami Dolphins-Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama: The Dolphins have their eyes on two people with the 12th pick. McClain and Bryant. Bryant will go to the Broncos and they will be concerned about who the Jaguars take but with an aging lb position they will be thrilled with McClain.
13. San Francisco 49ers-CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson: The 9ers would be tempted to take Derrick Morgan if he slips but if Spiller is there it would be hard for them to pass him up. In today's NFL having two running backs is a must and to pair Spiller with Frank Gore the 9ers would have a great rushing attack. Besides running Spiller will also help in the kick game as well.
14. Seattle Seahawks-Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa: The Seahawks need help on the offensive line and Bulaga will help. If Spiller is on the board the Seahawks may make a run at him. Though with Reggie Bush being a free agent and the Saints not sure if they will resign him Bush may reunite with his college coach and Spiller may not be an option.
15. New York Giants- Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee: When the Giants made it to the Super Bowl two years ago it was the defensive line and the pass rush that helped this team win that game. The Giants defense failed them this year. Former GM Ernie Acorsi believed that the o-line and d-line were the integral part of the team. Jerry Reese believes that too. The Giants may take a linebacker here too. Brian Price is another option but I think Williams is slightly better and the Giants will go with him.
16. Tennessee Titans-Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida: The Titans did not have much of a pass rush this year and want to get away from blitzing to cause pressure on the qb. Dunlap will do that for them. Everson Griffen will be an option but I think Dunlap will prove to be better.
17. San Francisco 49ers-Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma: The 9ers select a tackle with the 2nd pick of their 1st round. They had trouble protecting the qb and Williams will help with that. CJ Spiller and Frank Gore will love this pick.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers-Brian Price, DT, UCLA: Earl Thomas is an option here but the Steelers need a big physical presence with the possible departure of Casey Hampton and Price will do that.
19. Atlanta Falcons-Everson Griffen, DE, USC: The Falcons need a player to rush the passer. Griffen is the best one available and the Falcons go for him. Linebacker is an option but with injuries and the age of John Abraham the Falcons go for the pass rusher.
20. Houston Texans-Earl Thomas, FS, Texas: The Texans need a playmaker in the secondary and Thomas fills that need. He will be a perfect fit with the Texans. A wide receiver could be an option but Thomas will be tough to pass on.
21. Cincinnati Bengals-Damien Williams, WR, USC: The Bengals need a receiver opposite Chad Ochocinco and Williams will be a great fit. He would add speed and give Carson Palmer an option as a deep threat.
22. New England Patriots-Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma: Ben Watson never developed the way the Patriots wanted him to and will probably leave through free agency. Gresham offers what Watson could have been. The Patriots will take him but may also look at defense.
23. Green Bay Packers-Charles Brown, OT, USC: The Packers need to learn how to protect Aaron Rodgers. The way to do that is solidify the offensive line. Brown will help that.
24. Philadelphia Eagles-Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan: The Eagles need a pass rusher and Graham will bring that. There are a few other defensive ends that are out there but I think Graham will fit what the Eagles are looking for and he has proven that with what he did at the Senior Bowl and I expect to see that continue at the combine.
25. Baltimore Ravens-Brandon Lafell, WR, LSU: The Ravens need a receiver and Lafell will be the one for the Ravens. Mardy Gilyard can jump up with a strong combine but Lafell would be a better fit for the Ravens. Though Golden Tate is an option too the Ravens will prefer Lafell because of his height.
26. Arizona Cardinals-Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida: The Cardinals need help defensively (see their two playoff games). Pierre-Paul can rush the passer and the Cardinals like that and need it. Ryan Odrick may be an option here too. Pierre-Paul has been shooting up draft boards recently and players who do that tend not to do well. So keep a close eye on what Pierre-Paul does.
27. Dallas Cowboys-Mike Iupati, G, Idaho: The Cowboys need to start rebuilding the offensive line since they are aging and Iupati will be a perfect fit for them.
28. San Diego Chargers-Ryan Odrick, DE/DT, Penn State: The Chargers need help along the defensive line and Odrick helps by playing DE/DT. Terrence Cody will be the pick if Odrick is not there but Odrick is the pick since he plays both positions.
29. New York Jets-Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame: The Jets need a pass rusher, help in the secondary and a third wide receiver. At this point the first two needs no one stands out. Tate would help the offense and Mark Sanchez immediately. Tate plays much like Steve Smith of the Giants and will quickly become a favorite of Sanchez. He would be a nice fit too with Braylon Edwards and Jericho Cotchery.
30. Minnesota Vikings-Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan: The Vikings need help at the cb position and Warren will give them that. Towards the end of the year the secondary let the Vikings down and Warren should improve that part of the defense.
31. Indianapolis Colts-Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama: The Colts need to develop a better running game but no one is available. They go for a big DT who will be a presence and help stop the run. Cody will help the Colts and you will see the improvement in the defense with him.
32. New Orleans Saints-Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU: The Saints will look to continue to build a pass rush and Hughes will be the perfect fit for them. He will help with the pass rush and that will make the Saints a better defense which will help them make another run for a Super Bowl.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
2010-2011 Super Bowl Odds
With the 2009-2010 Super Bowl behind us lets look ahead and list the teams 1-32 on who will win the Super Bowl.
1. New Orleans Saints: They are the defending Super Bowl Champs. Though it is hard to repeat they will be coming back with the same team for the most part with some additions. 8-1
2. Indianapolis Colts: Can Peyton and company make another run? Will the Super Bowl loss hangover affect this team? With Manning this team will be fine offensively (though I would like to see a running game), and the defense made strides this year. I think the Colts will have there problems next year but will still find a way to make the playoffs. 10-1
3. New England Patriots: With Brady and Belichik this team will always be a favorite for the Super Bowl. That being said this team needs alot of work. Which Moss will show up? Is Brady fully recovered? Can this team find a running game? Will the defense bounce back or do they still miss their veteran leadership? 12-1
4. San Diego Chargers: The Chargers always have a great regular season but never can close in the postseason. With the questions of LT and Merriman (I think addition by subtraction) and a upgrades this team will make another playoff run. Can the Chargers finally beat the playoff daemons? 12-1
5. Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers had a tough five game stretch in the middle of the season that hurt them. Had they won one of those games they would have made the playoffs. That being said this team will retool this offseason and be ready to make another Super Bowl run. Defensively this team needs a healthy Polamalu. Offensively Big Ben needs a line that can block for him and a running game. 13-1
6. Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys finally won a few big games and seem ready to make a Super Bowl run. They have the qb, the o-line and the running game to make it happen. Defensively they are good as well. With a few changes here or there this team will be ready to make another run. 13-1
7. Green Bay Packers: The Packers got it right this year. Rodgers and the offense played great and the defense was a force to be reckoned with (minus the playoff game). If the Packers can get help along the offensive line it should really help this team. This will be a fun team to watch next year. 15-1
8. Minnesota Vikings: I rank them this low just because of the Favre question. Does he or doesn't he. If it is yes they will go higher. If it is a no they may go lower. Offensively this team will be good as long as they learn how not to turn the ball over (bring in Tiki Barber for Peterson enough with the costly fumbles). Defensively this team is set. Will be fun to watch what happens in Minnesota. 15-1
9. New York Jets: Going into Rex Ryan's and Mark Sanchez's second years this team should improve. The defense should get some additions and should get better (they really need a pass rusher). Sanchez should improve in his second year (hopefully no sophomore slump). With Sanchez improving and not costing the Jets games they will have a real good chance of winning the division and maybe even getting a 1st round bye. This will be fun to watch this young upstart team. 18-1
10. Baltimore Ravens: With Flacco and Rice the offense is going in the right direction. Can Ozzie Newsome get a receiver for the offense? If so the Ravens offense will be real good. As for the defense. Does Ed Reed retire (I think he tries to play)? If so that will be a huge loss. Can Ray Lewis still be a difference maker a year older and can they get secondary help? The Ravens really missed Rex Ryan last year and the defense seems to be on the way down. Can they recover from his loss and be better? I see the offense being better but the defense on the decline. 20-1
11. Philadelphia Eagles: Who are the Eagles going to keep? McNabb, Vick, or Kolb? Who is going to start? Eagle fans want a change. Management is saying it will be McNabb. Though I am a McNabb fan I think it is time the Eagles and him part ways. Kolb has shown promise and with a younger team it is time for that nucleus to grow together. McNabb can be traded to Minnesota (if Favre doesn't come back) or Arizona and make them a contender. Philly should retool and prepare this new core of young players for their run to a Super Bowl. 25-1
1. New Orleans Saints: They are the defending Super Bowl Champs. Though it is hard to repeat they will be coming back with the same team for the most part with some additions. 8-1
2. Indianapolis Colts: Can Peyton and company make another run? Will the Super Bowl loss hangover affect this team? With Manning this team will be fine offensively (though I would like to see a running game), and the defense made strides this year. I think the Colts will have there problems next year but will still find a way to make the playoffs. 10-1
3. New England Patriots: With Brady and Belichik this team will always be a favorite for the Super Bowl. That being said this team needs alot of work. Which Moss will show up? Is Brady fully recovered? Can this team find a running game? Will the defense bounce back or do they still miss their veteran leadership? 12-1
4. San Diego Chargers: The Chargers always have a great regular season but never can close in the postseason. With the questions of LT and Merriman (I think addition by subtraction) and a upgrades this team will make another playoff run. Can the Chargers finally beat the playoff daemons? 12-1
5. Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers had a tough five game stretch in the middle of the season that hurt them. Had they won one of those games they would have made the playoffs. That being said this team will retool this offseason and be ready to make another Super Bowl run. Defensively this team needs a healthy Polamalu. Offensively Big Ben needs a line that can block for him and a running game. 13-1
6. Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys finally won a few big games and seem ready to make a Super Bowl run. They have the qb, the o-line and the running game to make it happen. Defensively they are good as well. With a few changes here or there this team will be ready to make another run. 13-1
7. Green Bay Packers: The Packers got it right this year. Rodgers and the offense played great and the defense was a force to be reckoned with (minus the playoff game). If the Packers can get help along the offensive line it should really help this team. This will be a fun team to watch next year. 15-1
8. Minnesota Vikings: I rank them this low just because of the Favre question. Does he or doesn't he. If it is yes they will go higher. If it is a no they may go lower. Offensively this team will be good as long as they learn how not to turn the ball over (bring in Tiki Barber for Peterson enough with the costly fumbles). Defensively this team is set. Will be fun to watch what happens in Minnesota. 15-1
9. New York Jets: Going into Rex Ryan's and Mark Sanchez's second years this team should improve. The defense should get some additions and should get better (they really need a pass rusher). Sanchez should improve in his second year (hopefully no sophomore slump). With Sanchez improving and not costing the Jets games they will have a real good chance of winning the division and maybe even getting a 1st round bye. This will be fun to watch this young upstart team. 18-1
10. Baltimore Ravens: With Flacco and Rice the offense is going in the right direction. Can Ozzie Newsome get a receiver for the offense? If so the Ravens offense will be real good. As for the defense. Does Ed Reed retire (I think he tries to play)? If so that will be a huge loss. Can Ray Lewis still be a difference maker a year older and can they get secondary help? The Ravens really missed Rex Ryan last year and the defense seems to be on the way down. Can they recover from his loss and be better? I see the offense being better but the defense on the decline. 20-1
11. Philadelphia Eagles: Who are the Eagles going to keep? McNabb, Vick, or Kolb? Who is going to start? Eagle fans want a change. Management is saying it will be McNabb. Though I am a McNabb fan I think it is time the Eagles and him part ways. Kolb has shown promise and with a younger team it is time for that nucleus to grow together. McNabb can be traded to Minnesota (if Favre doesn't come back) or Arizona and make them a contender. Philly should retool and prepare this new core of young players for their run to a Super Bowl. 25-1
12. Tennessee Titans: I went back and forth with this team. Great o-line, phenomenal running back, ok receivers, and a good defense. They have a qb who was 6-2 last year and showed he has grown up (I still question that). If Young continues to develop the way he did last year this team should contend and may even unseat the Colts as division champs. 25-1
13. Houston Texans: I love this team from top to bottom. The talent and the way they have developed this team has a real chance to compete. The Texans are missing one thing that is holding them back. My belief is a coach. Gary Kubiak seems to have gotten the best he can from this team and until he goes I do not think the Texans will truly compete. If Kubiak can resolve his coaching issues and get this team playing I would pick them to win. Much like the Titans I can see this team challenging the Colts for the division title next year. 30-1
14. New York Giants: Only two years removed from a Super Bowl the Giants had a disappointing year. Typically the strength of the Giants let them down this year their defense. The loss of Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnola hurt them. The G-Men offense looks good but they need to correct the defense. If they can I can see them make another run with the offense they have in place. My only fear is with the way the Giants played towards the end of the year is did Tom Coughlin lose this team? 33-1
15. Atlanta Falcons: First time in a long time that they had back to back winning seasons. Mike Smith has proven to be a good coach and Matt Ryan is growing into a star. I expect the Falcons to bounce back and be in the playoff hunt again. If they can sure up their defense this team has the potential to go deep into the playoffs. 35-1
16. Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals had a great year. Mike Zimmer had them playing great defense and the running game was one of the best in the league. Carson Palmer and the passing game left alot to be desired. If the Bengals can build off of this success and develop a better passing game then they may surprise again. I am hoping they do. They are a fun team to root for. 35-1
17. Carolina Panthers: The Panthers have everything. A good o-line, great rushing attack, star receivers, and a good defense. The question is do they have a qb. Jake Delhomme seems to have worn out his welcome and is Matt Moore for real. He played very well down the stretch. If the Panthers find the right qb they may be making a strong run to the playoffs. Besides questions at qb the Panthers will likely loose Julius Peppers. Will that hurt their defense? 40-1
18. Miami Dolphins: Chad Henne had a great season when he took over for the injured Chad Pennington. The Wildcat and the running game was good and the offensive line gelled. The defense played well but with the addition of Mike Nolan the defense should improve as well and as I said they had a pretty decent unit to begin with. The one thing this team really needs is a receiver. If they can find one I believe this team can surprise and could accomplish what the Jets did this year. 40-1
19. Chicago Bears: Jay Cutler was a turnover machine and Matt Forte had a sophomore slump. Add in no receivers and this team was headed for disaster. The defense had its moments but nothing too great. With the addition of Mike Martz the offense should get better. The Bears have many holes to fill. This could be a rebuilding year for them. 45-1
20. Jacksonville Jaguars: This team had a very weird season. They started off hot and looked to be a lock to get into playoffs but cooled at the end of the season and missed out. The Jags are always competitive but never seem to get over the hump. They have a good running game, a good qb, an average offensive line, and a good receiving core that is getting better with Mike Sims Walker. The defense is active and can make plays. A pass rusher would help them. Like the Texans I question if Jack Del Rio has taken this team as far as he could. Though I do believe in this case it is a matter of the Jags not having the talent than the coaching. 50-1
21. Arizona Cardinals: If Kurt Warner did not retire I would have the Cardinals higher. Offensively this team is good. They need to get better running the ball and they need to find a qb. Can Leinhart lead this team (I do not think so but Wisenhunt may be able to design an offense that suits Leinhart and the Cards may not miss a beat)? This team needs to solidify their defense as well. Luckily for them they play in the weakest division so I expect them to make another playoff push. 55-1
22. San Francisco 49ers: The 9ers showed improvement under Mike Singletary's first full year as coach. Vernon Davis proved he can be a star and a healthy Frank Gore is an excellent rb. The offensive line needs to improve as well as the receiver position (Michael Crabtree should help with a full offseason and he showed flashes last year). The biggest question mark for the 9ers is the qb position. When Alex Smith took over for Shaun Hill he proved to be an NFL qb. I still have my doubts about Smith and he is the one that can hold the 9ers from making a playoff run. As for the defense the 9ers have a solid defense. At times it looked bad but for the most part the unit is improving. If Smith plays well I can see the 9ers giving the Cardinals a run for the NFC West title. 60-1
23. Denver Broncos: Josh McDaniels and the Broncos started off 6-0 and looked like they were a real contender for a deep playoff run. They then finished 2-8 down the stretch. McDaniels was the toast of the town going 6-0 after the Cutler and Marshall debacle he went through. As the losses started to pile up the Marshall situation got worse and he was suspended for a meaningful last game of the year. Marshall will be traded in the offseason and since McDaniels have taken over he has traded a franchise qb and an elite wr (grant it both more or less demanded the trade you need to find a way to please these stars). That being said the Broncos need to find a franchise qb (Kyle Orton is a nice qb but not a franchise one) and a wide receiver to replace Marshall. Their running game, offensive line, and defense are all good but a few tweaks will help. The biggest loss for the Broncos this offseason was Mike Nolan who left to become the defensive coordinator for the Dolphins. Nolan had the defense playing real well. I do not know what happened with McDaniels and Nolan but that will be a bigger loss than people think. 70-1
24. Washington Redskins: With Mike Shanahan in town the Redskins are a much better team. Defensively the Redskins are ok. A few pieces here and there and the defense will be fine. The Skins need to focus on offense. They need to figure out if Jason Campbell is the qb or should they draft one at number 5. The Skins also need to look at the rb situation. Clinton Portis has been banged up the last few years and they need to find a replacement. The offensive line has lost players the last few years and they need to find replacements there because if not the qb and rbs will get killed. As I said the Skin should be better but it may take a year or two for them to be ready to make a playoff run. 75-1
25. Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs have some things in place but not everything. They have a franchise qb, and what looks like to be a starting running back. They have a decent receiving core but an upgrade will not hurt. The offensive line and the whole defense needs improvement. With the additions of Charlie Weiss and Romeo Crennel this team is already better. Add in Matt Cassell getting better and a year of head coaching experience for Todd Haley and this team is heading in the right direction. 80-1
26. Seattle Seahawks: After another tough season the Seahawks fired 1st year coach Jim Mora Jr. and hired Pete Carroll (I do not think it was a bad idea to fire Mora I just question if Carroll can get it done. I question if he is a college coach and not an NFL coach. Much like Lou Holtz, Steve Spurrier, Nick Saban, and Bobby Petrino). The Seahawks need help everywhere. Matt Hasselback is getting older and has not completed a 16 game season in two years. He will be a nice stop gap if the Seahawks can find a qb. Besides a qb the Seahawks need to address the offensive line, rb situation, receiver, and just about everywhere on the defense. Carroll is in for a big rebuilding job and will he be around long enough to see ith threw. 100-1
27. Cleveland Browns: The hiring of Mike Holgrem already makes this team better. I am surprised that he kept Eric Mangini but a four game winning streak at the end of the year helped Mangini keep his job. The Browns are a team that need help everywhere. The need to find a qb, more help along the offensive line, skilled wide receivers, and the whole defense. Towards the end of the year Jerome Harrison proved he can be a starting running back and Josh Cribbs can do anything. Holgrem will find the talent. The bigger question comes down to Mangini. I think Mangini can be a good coach but he has to end his paranoia and coach. Hopefully Holgrem's influence will help mature Mangini as a coach because as an x and o guy he is pretty good. Either way the Browns have a big rebuilding job ahead. 125-1
28. Detroit Lions: The Lions improved last year and are on the right track in their rebuilding. Matt Stafford looks like he will be a franchise qb and Calvin Johnson is a great player. After that the Lions need help. To help protect Stafford they need to solidify their offensive line and need to establish a running game. Defensively the Lions need help everywhere. They are on the right track but work still needs to be done. 200-1
29. Buffalo Bills: I am sad to see what is going on in Buffalo. Just about everyone turned down the Bills job and Chan Gailey was willing to take the job. The Bills are always competitive, but have many question marks. Who will be their qb? Will they rebuild the offensive line? Can they find receivers? The offense is a mess but the Bills have a good defense. In a tough division I see the Bills having a tough year but they will be competitive in their games. 250-1
30. Oakland Raiders: Al Davis and Jamarcus Russell. Enough said this team is a mess. Much like Buffalo Oakland is in a sad state of affairs and the NFL is better when Buffalo and Oakland are better. Al Davis at one time was a great football mind. Now he needs to let someone come in and run his team. Davis wants Russell to start and coach Tom Cable wants nothing to do with him. When Russell didn't play the Raiders won games and played well. When Russell did play the Raiders got crushed. The Raiders have some positions with players who are good but could benefit from upgrades everywhere. If Davis allows Cable to coach and not demand Jamarcus Russell to start the Raiders maybe competitive it will be interesting to see. Another reason Davis needs to find someone to run his team how does he give up a 1st round pick for Richard Seymour who is a one year rental on a team that was lucky to win games last year. 300-1
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs looked foolish in hiring Raheem Morris in the beginning of the year. He looked like he was in over his head. As the year went on Morris seemed to get it. He improved as the year went on and so did the Bucs. The team needs help at every position but the biggest question mark is if Josh Freeman can be a franchise qb. He looked good at times last year and confused at others. I didn't see much growth and he has to prove that in year two or Raheem Morris can be looking for a job and Freeman maybe another qb bust. If the Bucs can get a team around him alot of these questions will be answered. 500-1
32. St. Louis Rams: The Rams have a great running back after that they need help everywhere. With the first pick many people question if they will go for a qb or Suh the defensive lineman from Nebraska. Either way the Rams need help everywhere and if they did go for the qb with the first pick they will still have a tough time. With as much as this team needs they should look at building their offensive and defensive lines and go from their. 1000-1
Super Bowl Wrap
Congratulations to the Saints and the city of New Orleans!!! What a great win for the city and the franchise.
Looking back at this game it was not a typical Super Bowl. Coaches tend to be conservative in the Super Bowl. The Saints were anything but. Going for it on fourth and goal and to open the second half with the first ever onsides kick attempt not attempted in the fourth quarter. Sean Peyton stayed true to himself and his team by staying aggressive and taking chances. Those action paid off for Peyton and the Saints with their first Super Bowl victory in the team's history. The Colts on the other hand were a bit conservative which hurt them in the long run.
There are many points in this game that one can look at and say this is what changed the game or this. The unraveling of the Colts happened a few times.
1. In the first half Pierre Garcon's drop on third down. If that play is completed Garcon has running room a first down and Manning and Company would have found a way to score.
2. The failed 3rd and one from the Colts 11. I understand the Colts are deep in their own territory with 1:15 left. They are either looking to run the clock out or get a 1st and look to get a field goal attempt. I have no problem with the Colts trying to run the clock out up 7 and getting the ball in the 2nd half. My issue is the 3rd down call. It is about a foot and the Colts call for a fullback blast. They hand the ball off to Mike Hart who is a running back and the bigger line, the Saints defensive line gets penetration and stop Hart and the Colts from getting the 1st down. The Colts would have been better off handing the ball to Addai or calling some other type of run play. First sign of a momentum swing.
3. The Colts giving up a field goal in the last minute of the 1st half. The second sign of a momentum swing.
4. The onside kick recovery by the Saints to start the second half. With the Colts up 10-6 and getting the ball who knows what would have happened. Instead the Saints recover and they have all the momentum.
5. At 17-13 Colts the Colts are driving and are stopped. They can either go for it on 3rd down or kick a 51 yard field goal. Matt Stover's range is about 48. Anything beyond that is 50-50 at best. With possible the best qb of all time I would have gone for it instead of going for that long of a fg. Stover missed the fg and on the sideline you see an agitated Manning. I think Manning was upset because he was stopped. This frustration though is what made Manning think it was not his day and set the mindset for the rest of the game.
6. At 24-17 and the Colts driving I think everyone figured a tie game was going to happen. Well as we all know by now Manning looked for Reggie Wayne and Tracey Porter stepped in between Wayne and the pass and returned it for a pick 6. That is what sealed the game. I have seen numerous people talk about this play. Watching the type and listening to the experts I agree that it looks like Wayne and Manning were not on the same page and Manning figured Wayne would be inside and Wayne went outside which allowed for Porter to break in for the interception. Many feel Wayne is at fault and should have went inside. After looking at the play a few times it does look like it is Wayne's fault. Either way it put the nail in the coffin of the Colts.
7. The injuries to Dwight Freeney and Reggie Wayne. Freeney played well in the 1st half but the ankle slowed him in the 2nd half and he became a non-factor. This hurt the Colts because their pass rush suffered and it allowed the Saints and Brees to pick them apart. The other injury that I think went unnoticed is the one to Reggie Wayne. He banged his knee in the week leading up to the Super Bowl and he was not 100%. Not being that hurt the Colts because he could not make the difference he usually does.
Those seven reasons is what did the Colts in. The Saints on the other hand were aggressive and beat the Colts by taking advantage of Colt decisions and just wanting it more. A few notes on the Saints.
1. In the first half though it worked I did not like the call of going for it on 4th down. I am a believer in taking points. I would have taken the 3 there. That being said it worked out for the Saints. As for running it on 4th down I did not like that call. Drew Brees is the best player on your team. On 4th down put the ball in his hands and have him do something. Have him roll out, throw a jump ball to a taller Colston (though on 4th down I do not like that call). As I said in the long run it worked out for the Saints but I just did not like going for it.
2. The onsides kick to open the 2nd half. Trailing by 4 and knowing that Manning is having a good game I think going for the onsides is a great call. You are saying to your defense I have faith you can strop the Colts offense and if it works you get momentum and can take the lead. It did work and is what I think maybe the difference in Super Bowl 44. A gutsy aggressive call and I liked it.
3. The play of MVP Drew Brees. Brees proved he should be mentioned with Brady and Manning. Brees throws the ball to a spot and really is a great qb. As great of a qb as Brees is what really shines through for me is his leadership. His leadership is what propels this team to greatness and to a Supper Bowl this year.
Overall it was an exciting Super Bowl and a fun one to watch. As these two teams go into the offseason the Colts will wonder what if and can they over come the Super Bowl loss hangover and be back here next year?
As for the Saints. Do they have what it takes to repeat. Most of the same team should be returning so they have a great chance. As for the city of New Orleans what a party Bourbon Street will be for the next few weeks. After seeing the pictures from Sunday I wish I was there to celebrate. It looked like a blast down there. As for the city of New Orleans I hope this helps and brings attention to that area. With the coverage over the next few days hopefully people will see that New Orleans has recovered and people will want to visit to help its local economy. That being said New Orleans still has a ways to go but it is New Orleans time and it is a time for the Saints and their fans to enjoy it.
Looking back at this game it was not a typical Super Bowl. Coaches tend to be conservative in the Super Bowl. The Saints were anything but. Going for it on fourth and goal and to open the second half with the first ever onsides kick attempt not attempted in the fourth quarter. Sean Peyton stayed true to himself and his team by staying aggressive and taking chances. Those action paid off for Peyton and the Saints with their first Super Bowl victory in the team's history. The Colts on the other hand were a bit conservative which hurt them in the long run.
There are many points in this game that one can look at and say this is what changed the game or this. The unraveling of the Colts happened a few times.
1. In the first half Pierre Garcon's drop on third down. If that play is completed Garcon has running room a first down and Manning and Company would have found a way to score.
2. The failed 3rd and one from the Colts 11. I understand the Colts are deep in their own territory with 1:15 left. They are either looking to run the clock out or get a 1st and look to get a field goal attempt. I have no problem with the Colts trying to run the clock out up 7 and getting the ball in the 2nd half. My issue is the 3rd down call. It is about a foot and the Colts call for a fullback blast. They hand the ball off to Mike Hart who is a running back and the bigger line, the Saints defensive line gets penetration and stop Hart and the Colts from getting the 1st down. The Colts would have been better off handing the ball to Addai or calling some other type of run play. First sign of a momentum swing.
3. The Colts giving up a field goal in the last minute of the 1st half. The second sign of a momentum swing.
4. The onside kick recovery by the Saints to start the second half. With the Colts up 10-6 and getting the ball who knows what would have happened. Instead the Saints recover and they have all the momentum.
5. At 17-13 Colts the Colts are driving and are stopped. They can either go for it on 3rd down or kick a 51 yard field goal. Matt Stover's range is about 48. Anything beyond that is 50-50 at best. With possible the best qb of all time I would have gone for it instead of going for that long of a fg. Stover missed the fg and on the sideline you see an agitated Manning. I think Manning was upset because he was stopped. This frustration though is what made Manning think it was not his day and set the mindset for the rest of the game.
6. At 24-17 and the Colts driving I think everyone figured a tie game was going to happen. Well as we all know by now Manning looked for Reggie Wayne and Tracey Porter stepped in between Wayne and the pass and returned it for a pick 6. That is what sealed the game. I have seen numerous people talk about this play. Watching the type and listening to the experts I agree that it looks like Wayne and Manning were not on the same page and Manning figured Wayne would be inside and Wayne went outside which allowed for Porter to break in for the interception. Many feel Wayne is at fault and should have went inside. After looking at the play a few times it does look like it is Wayne's fault. Either way it put the nail in the coffin of the Colts.
7. The injuries to Dwight Freeney and Reggie Wayne. Freeney played well in the 1st half but the ankle slowed him in the 2nd half and he became a non-factor. This hurt the Colts because their pass rush suffered and it allowed the Saints and Brees to pick them apart. The other injury that I think went unnoticed is the one to Reggie Wayne. He banged his knee in the week leading up to the Super Bowl and he was not 100%. Not being that hurt the Colts because he could not make the difference he usually does.
Those seven reasons is what did the Colts in. The Saints on the other hand were aggressive and beat the Colts by taking advantage of Colt decisions and just wanting it more. A few notes on the Saints.
1. In the first half though it worked I did not like the call of going for it on 4th down. I am a believer in taking points. I would have taken the 3 there. That being said it worked out for the Saints. As for running it on 4th down I did not like that call. Drew Brees is the best player on your team. On 4th down put the ball in his hands and have him do something. Have him roll out, throw a jump ball to a taller Colston (though on 4th down I do not like that call). As I said in the long run it worked out for the Saints but I just did not like going for it.
2. The onsides kick to open the 2nd half. Trailing by 4 and knowing that Manning is having a good game I think going for the onsides is a great call. You are saying to your defense I have faith you can strop the Colts offense and if it works you get momentum and can take the lead. It did work and is what I think maybe the difference in Super Bowl 44. A gutsy aggressive call and I liked it.
3. The play of MVP Drew Brees. Brees proved he should be mentioned with Brady and Manning. Brees throws the ball to a spot and really is a great qb. As great of a qb as Brees is what really shines through for me is his leadership. His leadership is what propels this team to greatness and to a Supper Bowl this year.
Overall it was an exciting Super Bowl and a fun one to watch. As these two teams go into the offseason the Colts will wonder what if and can they over come the Super Bowl loss hangover and be back here next year?
As for the Saints. Do they have what it takes to repeat. Most of the same team should be returning so they have a great chance. As for the city of New Orleans what a party Bourbon Street will be for the next few weeks. After seeing the pictures from Sunday I wish I was there to celebrate. It looked like a blast down there. As for the city of New Orleans I hope this helps and brings attention to that area. With the coverage over the next few days hopefully people will see that New Orleans has recovered and people will want to visit to help its local economy. That being said New Orleans still has a ways to go but it is New Orleans time and it is a time for the Saints and their fans to enjoy it.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Super Bowl Pick
So for the first time in 17 years the two number one seeds will face each other in the Super Bowl. The last time this happened was in 1993 the Cowboys beat the Bills 30-13 in Super Bowl 28. Lets hope the game is a closer game. Now onto my final pick of the 2009-2010 season.
Saints at Colts
The Saints are coming off an overtime victory over the Vikings. They were outplayed in the game and had it not been for the Vikings turnovers the Saints would be home right now. Drew Brees has had a great year leading this team to the Super Bowl. He hits different receivers and knows how to run the offense. All year the offense has not had trouble scoring because of the leadership and capabilities of Brees. The Saints have a better running game than the Colts but it still does not scare many. Brees and his passing ability is what makes this offense run. As for the defense. It has been very good all year. Lead by Darren Sharper's ball hawking ability the defense has turned the ball over. The Saints pass rush has been underestimated all year are is better than what people give them credit for. Against the Vikings and Cardinals they beat up on two older qbs and it showed. Though most knew Kurt Warner would probably retire at the end of the year the Saints made his decision easier and after the beating that Brett Favre took he told people he is highly likely to retire too. Can the pass rush get to Manning and knock him off his game?
As for the Colts. It all lies with Peyton Manning. With not much of a running game all year Peyton has had to be near perfect all year which he has. Peyton won his fourth NFL MVP and had a phenomenal year. He has lead this team and the Colts have brought in. They are believers in Peyton and what he can do. Peyton has trust in his young receivers who have proven again and again that they are the real thing. In the playoffs Garcon and Collie have stepped up big and with the emergence of these two it has been tough for defenses to gameplan for them.
When talking of the Colts too much is said about Peyton and people forget about the whole team. By far this is Peyton's best all around team. The defense is much better as well as their special teams unit. Bullit, Sessions, and Brackett have solidified the linebacker and secondary and Mathis and Freeney have been great up front. Many are concerned with Freeney's injury and if he can play. If he does not play or is not 100% it will definitely affect what the Colts do on defense. That being said it will be a big loss but the rest of the Colts defense has played so well that I expect them to play well without him.
Now onto the pick. This is a battle of two great offenses who have weapons everywhere. A battle where both defenses are overlooked. Does the game come down to Brees vs. Manning? Most games do come down to the qbs. I see this being a shootout. If the weather forecast is correct of sun and a beautiful night in South Florida it should lead to a fast surface for both teams. I see a game very similar to the Jets Colts AFC Championship game. The only difference is that I see this a higher scoring game. I see this a 3-7 point game in the 4th quarter and Peyton having some magic again. Much like two weeks ago he will be ahead and get the ball. He will lead the Colts down for a score and go up by 10 or more and more or less end the game. I see the Colts winning 38-24.
Saints at Colts
The Saints are coming off an overtime victory over the Vikings. They were outplayed in the game and had it not been for the Vikings turnovers the Saints would be home right now. Drew Brees has had a great year leading this team to the Super Bowl. He hits different receivers and knows how to run the offense. All year the offense has not had trouble scoring because of the leadership and capabilities of Brees. The Saints have a better running game than the Colts but it still does not scare many. Brees and his passing ability is what makes this offense run. As for the defense. It has been very good all year. Lead by Darren Sharper's ball hawking ability the defense has turned the ball over. The Saints pass rush has been underestimated all year are is better than what people give them credit for. Against the Vikings and Cardinals they beat up on two older qbs and it showed. Though most knew Kurt Warner would probably retire at the end of the year the Saints made his decision easier and after the beating that Brett Favre took he told people he is highly likely to retire too. Can the pass rush get to Manning and knock him off his game?
As for the Colts. It all lies with Peyton Manning. With not much of a running game all year Peyton has had to be near perfect all year which he has. Peyton won his fourth NFL MVP and had a phenomenal year. He has lead this team and the Colts have brought in. They are believers in Peyton and what he can do. Peyton has trust in his young receivers who have proven again and again that they are the real thing. In the playoffs Garcon and Collie have stepped up big and with the emergence of these two it has been tough for defenses to gameplan for them.
When talking of the Colts too much is said about Peyton and people forget about the whole team. By far this is Peyton's best all around team. The defense is much better as well as their special teams unit. Bullit, Sessions, and Brackett have solidified the linebacker and secondary and Mathis and Freeney have been great up front. Many are concerned with Freeney's injury and if he can play. If he does not play or is not 100% it will definitely affect what the Colts do on defense. That being said it will be a big loss but the rest of the Colts defense has played so well that I expect them to play well without him.
Now onto the pick. This is a battle of two great offenses who have weapons everywhere. A battle where both defenses are overlooked. Does the game come down to Brees vs. Manning? Most games do come down to the qbs. I see this being a shootout. If the weather forecast is correct of sun and a beautiful night in South Florida it should lead to a fast surface for both teams. I see a game very similar to the Jets Colts AFC Championship game. The only difference is that I see this a higher scoring game. I see this a 3-7 point game in the 4th quarter and Peyton having some magic again. Much like two weeks ago he will be ahead and get the ball. He will lead the Colts down for a score and go up by 10 or more and more or less end the game. I see the Colts winning 38-24.
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