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| Saturday, April 26, 2008 |
 The Super Bowl champion New York Giants have the 32nd and final selection in the 1st round of the 2008 NFL Draft. (Actually, it’s the 31st, but I like to keep the placeholder to remind everyone of the pick the Pats forfeited for cheating.)
The team obvious does not have a lot of holes and has the luxury of drafting the best available athlete.
The pick is in: Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
Scouts, Inc.: 44
Strengths: Continues to add bulk to his frame while maintaining competitive speed for the position. Changes directions well, shows good burst out of cuts and is capable of matching up with slot receivers as well as tight ends in man coverage. Times jumps well, fights for the ball while it’s in the air and can come down with jump balls. He fills hard when he reads run, closes well and looks to make the occasional kill shot when it’s lined up. Flashes ability to read routes well, shows good range in zone coverage when he diagnoses the play on time and he has enough athleticism to cover the deep middle on those occasions. Vocal, gets teammates into position and is a leader on the field.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t read keys all that well and takes too many false steps. Is undisciplined at times and compromises the defensive scheme as a result. Has the second gear to recover in most situations but can be overaggressive, is vulnerable to play action and gets caught out of position too much. Flashes the ability to deliver the big hit but he will back down from some challenges he’s not certain he can win, as well. Lacks elite ball skills; a prospect with his natural ability should be more of a playmaker. Takes too long to shed blocks, occasionally avoids contact and is going to be more effective playing off the line than he’ll be lining up in the box. Takes some poor angles to the ball, can overrun plays and should make more plays in pursuit. Durability is somewhat of a concern; missed the final three games of the 2006 season with a broken thumb and battled a lingering ankle injury in 2007.
Overall: Phillips started the final 11 games of his true freshman season in 2004 finishing with 88 tackles including 58 unassisted tackles and three tackles-for-loss. He also recorded an interception, a fumble recovery and four pass breakups that year. Phillips started the nine games he appeared in during the 2005 season finishing with 71 tackles including six tackles-for loss. He also recorded four interceptions and six pass breakups up that year. Phillips started the 11 games he played in during the 2007 season finishing with 82 total tackles including 54 unassisted tackles and six tackles-for-loss. He also recorded two interceptions, five pass breakups and three forced fumbles last year. Phillips took a step backwards as a junior and would have been better served by returning to school for his senior year. While part of his struggles can be chalked up to a lingering ankle injury that limited his range a bit, it still doesn’t explain his inconsistent recognition skills and failure to play with the same passion on an every down-basis. If properly developed and motivated, Phillips can emerge as a versatile starting safety in the NFL. However, Phillips’ ceiling is not nearly as high as some of the past great Hurricane safeties, which is why we tag him with a fringe first-round grade.
Rick Gosselin: 33
The consensus best safety in the draft is a reasonable pick at this point and fills a “need” created by the loss of David Tyree. A solid pick.
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| Friday, April 4, 2008 |
After several days of wrangling, trade talks between the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans for suspended cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones have stalled, with Jerry Jones balking at the Titans’ demands for the high-risk, high-reward player. DMN’s Todd Archer argues that the Cowboys might be over-valuing their draft picks.
 The Titans want a fourth-round pick in 2008 and another second-day draft pick in 2009, while the Cowboys are countering with their sixth-round pick this year, which is the first selection in the round because of the trade that sent Jason Ferguson to Miami.
Should the Cowboys give up a fourth-round pick for Jones? Since 2000, the Cowboys have drafted Kareem Larrimore (2000), Markus Steele (2001), Jamar Martin (2002), Bradie James (2003), Bruce Thornton (2004), Marion Barber (2005), Chris Canty (2005), Skyler Green (2006) and Doug Free (2007) in the fourth round. Of those nine, only James, Barber and Canty have developed into starters (Free remains an unknown after seeing little to no action last season). A fourth-round pick might be worth it if you’re batting .333 in the fourth round over a seven-year period.
How about a fifth-round pick? Since 2000, the Cowboys have drafted Michael Wiley (2000), Matt Lehr (2001), Pete Hunter (2002), Sean Ryan (2004) and Pat Watkins (2006) in Round 5. Lehr remains in the league as a backup. Hunter now plays for the Desperados in the Arena League. Ryan signed as a free agent with the Dolphins after being traded to the New York Jets and Watkins remains a potential starter here down the road. Would you give up a fifth-round pick for Jones?
Of course, this shouldn’t be looked through such a narrow window. There have been success stories with late-round picks through the years, but those teams also say if they were so smart at drafting one of those players so late, they would have taken them earlier in the draft. There is a huge element of luck – even with the money spent in scouting – involved in a draft, especially in the second day.
The Cowboys shouldn’t just give the pick away, especially with Jones under suspension and there being no guarantee of his reinstatement this year. But they do have a major need at cornerback. Even if they land Jones, it’s likely they will take a cornerback with one of their two first-round picks. Teams need at least four corners to be successful. Right now, the Cowboys have two in Terence Newman and Anthony Henry. Jones would make a third, either as a starter or the third corner.
The Titans have to understand the risk the Cowboys are taking here, too. They have all but said he will not play for the Titans again and, unfortunately for them, there does not appear to be another team involved to create any leverage. They risk getting nothing for Jones if they end up cutting him.
Teams are built through the draft. Of the Cowboys roster that ended the 2007 season, 30 came through the draft and half of them came from Rounds 4-7. Five of them were starters in the playoff game against the New York Giants. So let’s ask it again: Do we overrate draft picks?
If it were simply a matter of finding good players, it would almost always be smarter to trade draft picks for proven talent, especially if the player in question is relatively young. For example, the Cowboys are hoping to trade their 1st rounder this year, number 28 overall, for a star wide receiver such as Detroit’s Roy Williams or Arizona’s Anquan Boldin. Given that they’re studs and aged 26 and 27, respectively, that’d be a no brainer.
It’s not that simple, though. Just ask the Washington Redskins who, until this offseason, have been willing to trade away all their draft picks for players. Why? The salary cap.
Yes, it’s very hard to find a starting caliber player in the 4th and 5th rounds. But, when you do, you’ve got a guy who’s relatively cheap locked down for several years. Veterans, especially talented ones, are costly.
The most successful teams in the salary cap era, then, are the ones who consistently draft well and sign their own best players to long term deals early in their career. And ruthlessly cut expensive players as they get older. Sure, they sign free agents. But, mostly, it’s role guys they can get for cheap or maybe that one star player who’s willing to give a discount to play with a serious Super Bowl contender.
Were I Jerry Jones, I’d be willing to take the deal the Titans are allegedly offering — but in the other direction. Give the Titans a 6th round pick this year and a conditional pick — say, a 7th that could move up as high as a 3rd — next year depending on how Pacman performs. A 4th rounder this year is just too much to give for a guy who we don’t even know will be eligible to play, let alone stay out of trouble — much less whether he’ll be able to return to star form after a one year layoff.
They don’t want to go head to head with the Republican convention.
The NFL’s Thursday night season opener will match the Super Bowl-champion New York Giants and the Washington Redskins, with the game possibly starting an hour-and-a-half earlier to avoid clashing with the Republican National Convention.
The game is now scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EDT on Sept. 4 — the concluding night of the Republican convention — and will be televised by NBC. League spokesman Greg Aiello said Wednesday that the NFL is talking with the network about changing the game’s starting time to 7 p.m.
McCain is guaranteed the nomination. How many people outside the media and very hardcore party members are going to be paying attention to the convention? Just leave the game where it is.
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| Friday, January 18, 2008 |
The playoffs aren’t even over yet but fans of 28 of 32 teams are already looking ahead to next year.
I read a lot about football and listen to Sirius’ NFL Radio on my daily commute but I’m not a professional scout. I can, however, see what the pros are saying and look for trends. It’s silly at this early stage to go beyond the 1st round, so I won’t; most of those who are linked below do, though, so you can click through if you’re interested.
Note: I’m a (bitterly disappointed) Cowboys fan, so I’ll highlight their picks in bold. I’ll also leave in explanations/discussion about picks that I remove for other teams for sake of brevity, not stealing all the thunder of the pickers.
Mel Kiper is the best known draft guy. Here’s his current Big Board (1/14). It merely ranks players without assigning them to teams, since sometimes teams draft based on need.
1. Darren McFadden Jr. RB Arkansas
2. Glenn Dorsey Sr. DT LSU
3. Jake Long Sr. OT Michigan
4. Chris Long Sr. DE Virginia
5. Sedrick Ellis Sr. DT USC
6. Matt Ryan Sr. QB Boston College
7. Ryan Clady Jr. OT Boise St.
8. Aqib Talib Jr. CB Kansas
9. Vernon Gholston Jr. DE Ohio St.
10. DeSean Jackson Jr. WR California
11. Calais Campbell Jr. DE Miami
12. Sam Baker Sr. OT USC
13. Kentwan Balmer Sr. DT UNC
14. Felix Jones Jr. RB Arkansas
15. Brian Brohm Sr. QB Louisville
16. Jonathan Stewart Jr. RB Oregon
17. Kenny Phillips Jr. S Miami
18. Dan Connor Sr. LB Penn St.
19. Mike Jenkins Sr. CB South Florida
20. Rashard Mendenhall Jr. RB Illinois
21. Reggie Smith Jr. CB Oklahoma
22. Keith Rivers Sr. LB USC
23. Pat Sims Jr. DT Auburn
24. Fred Davis Sr. TE USC
25. Leodis McKelvin Sr. CB Troy
Tony Conty, NFL Draft Blitz (1/15)
1) Miami Dolphins-Glenn Dorsey, DT-LSU
2) St. Louis Rams-Chris Long, DE-Virginia
3) Oakland Raiders-Sedrick Ellis, DT-USC
4) Atlanta Falcons-Matt Ryan, QB-Boston College
5) Kansas City Chiefts-Darren McFadden, RB-Arkansas
6) New York Jets-Jake Long, T-Michigan
7) New England Patriots-Keith Rivers, OLB-USC
8 ) Baltimore Ravens-Brian Brohm, QB-Louisville
9) Cincinnati Bengals-Dan Connor, OLB-PSU
10) New Orleans Saints-Michael Jenkins, CB-South Florida
11) Buffalo Bills-Limas Sweed, WR-Texas
12) Denver Broncos-Early Doucet, WR-LSU
13) Carolina Panthers-Jonathan Stewart, RB-Oregon
14) Chicago Bears-James Laurinaitis, ILB-Ohio State
15) Detroit Lions-Derrick Harvey, DE-Florida
16) Arizona Cardinals-Ryan Clady, T-Boise State
17) Minnesota Vikings-DeSean Jackson, WR-California
18) Houston Texans-Malcolm Kelly, WR-Oklahoma
19) Philadelphia Eagles-Vernon Gholston, DE-Ohio State
20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Andre Woodson, QB-Kentucky
21) Washington Redskins-Jeff Otah, T-Pittsburgh
22) Dallas Cowboys-Sam Baker, T-USC
23) Pittsburgh Steelers-Michael Oher, T-Ole Miss
24) Tennessee Titans-Kenny Phillips, S-Miami
25) Seattle Seahawks-Felix Jones, RB-Arkansas
26) New York Giants-Malcolm Jenkins, CB-Ohio State
27) San Diego Chargers-Pat Sims, DT-Auburn
28) Jacksonville Jaguars-Calais Campbell, DE-Miami
29) Green Bay Packers-Aqib Talib, CB-Kansas
30) San Francisco 49ers (from Indy)-James Hardy, WR-Indiana
31) Dallas Cowboys-Rashard Mendenhall, RB-Illinois
32) New England Patriots-Forfeited
From a need perspective, I’d much rather see the Cowboys take a CB and WR in the first, as they’d be more likely to see significant playing time than an offensive lineman or RB. But best available is the way to go.
Draft King (1/15)
1. Miami Dolphins – Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
2. St. Louis Rams – Jake Long, OT, Michigan
3. Oakland Raiders – Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
4. Atlanta Falcons – Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
5. Kansas City Chiefs – Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
6. New York Jets – Chris Long, DE, Virginia
7. New England Patriots (from 49ers) – Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
8. Baltimore Ravens – Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
9. Cincinnati Bengals – Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
10. New Orleans Saints – Mike Jenkins, CB, USF
11. Buffalo Bills – Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
12. Denver Broncos – Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami
13. Carolina Panthers – Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
14. Chicago Bears – Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky
15. Detroit Lions – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
16. Arizona Cardinals – Keith Rivers, LB, USC
17. Minnesota Vikings – Quentin Groves, DE/OLB, Auburn
18. Houston Texans – Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon °
19. Philadelphia Eagles – Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
21. Washington Redskins – Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland) – DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal
DeSean Jackson is an enigma; trying to predict where he will go is a challenging thing. Jackson had a great performance (after sitting out for the first quarter due to a rule violation) in Cal’s comeback win over Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl, which should boost his stock. He waited until literally the final day to decide to go pro.
At 6’0″ 180, he has decent height, but not the bulk that some other receivers in the draft bring to the table. What sets Jackson apart is his blazing speed. If he can really run a 4.35ish 40 at the combine, he could end up similar to Ted Ginn, Jr. last year as a surprise top ten pick. If Jerry Jones is looking for a kick return boost, he’d sure land that in Jackson.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers – Sam Baker, OT, USC
24. Tennessee Titans – Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
25. Seattle Seahawks – Fred Davis, TE, USC
26. New York Giants – Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
27. Jacksonville Jaguars – Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma
28. San Diego Chargers – Ali Highsmith, OLB, LSU
29. Dallas Cowboys – Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
Jones has been overlooked by many due to the presence of Darren McFadden, but should Bobby Petrino be unable to talk him into staying for his senior year, he could end up being a first round pick. He would be a particularly nice fit for the Cowboys, who are likely going to lose Julius Jones to free agency but have Marion Barber, III under contract.
While Barber is a bruiser, Jones would be a great contrast, given that he’s 6’0″, 200 pounds and runs a sub-4.4 40. Felix Jones has feature back ability, and he would be a great pickup by the Cowboys.
While the Cowboys may also look to add depth in the secondary and should have their choice from a number of good RBs in rounds two and three, a talent like Jones (or Rashard Mendenhall) at this spot in the draft may be too much to pass up.
30. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis) – Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
31. Green Bay Packers – Terrell Thomas, CB, USC
32. New England Patriots – FORFEITED
Walter Football (1/16):
1. Miami Dolphins: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
2.St. Louis Rams: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
3. Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
4. Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
5. Kansas City Chiefs: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
6.New York Jets: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
7. New England Patriots: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
8. Baltimore Ravens: Andre’ Woodson, QB, Kentucky
9. Cincinnati Bengals: Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
10. New Orleans Saints: Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami
11. Buffalo Bills: Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
12. Denver Broncos: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
13. Carolina Panthers: Sam Baker, OT, USC
14. Chicago Bears: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
15. Detroit Lions: Dan Connor, OLB/MLB, Penn State
16. Arizona Cardinals: Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
17. Minnesota Vikings: Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
18. Houston Texans: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
19. Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DeSean Jackson, WR/PR, California
22. Washington Redskins: Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
22. Dallas Cowboys: Reggie Smith, CB/S, Oklahoma
This pick is from Cleveland. Terence Newman and Anthony Henry aren’t exactly young. Newman will be 30 in September 2008, while Henry doesn’t have many productive seasons remaining in the NFL. Jacques Reeves sucks. [Exactly right. Newman was a first round pick (#5 overall) in 2003 but a CB's career tends to be short. -JHJ]
23. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
24. Tennessee Titans: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
25. Seattle Seahawks: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
26. New York Giants: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy State
27. Jacksonville Jaguars: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
28. San Diego Chargers: Frank Okam, NT, Texas
29. Dallas Cowboys: Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
It was rumored that Dallas was interested in Dwayne Jarrett in April, but Jerry Jones apparently liked Anthony Spencer a bit more. With Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn close to the end of their careers, the Cowboys would love to secure a top-notch wide out.
That said, if someone of Felix Jones’ caliber is available – which is plausible, given the depth at the running back position in this class – Dallas won’t be able to resist. Julius Jones likely won’t be back next year, and the Cowboys clearly don’t think Marion Barber can carry the load on his own; otherwise he’d be doing so already instead of starting his first game in the playoffs. [They should definitely draft best available and we need a second stud RB. All things equal, though, I'd like a corner and a wideout in this round. - JHJ]
30. San Francisco 49ers: Adarius Bowman, WR, Oklahoma State
31. Green Bay Packers: Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
[32. New England: No pick. They're cheaters. - JHJ]
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| Friday, January 18, 2008 |
Mel Kiper takes a look ahead to the needs of the NFC East for the upcoming draft.
Wide receiver is the No. 1 need of the Dallas Cowboys. Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens aren’t getting any younger and Patrick Crayton is not a No. 1 receiver. Their second need is at cornerback because the Cowboys had trouble matching up in coverage late in the season. Terence Newman is a very good cornerback, but Anthony Henry has been up and down and Jacques Reeves has struggled. Another need is an offensive lineman with some versatility since Flozell Adams is a free agent. Dallas drafted tackle James Marten last year, but Jerry Jones could address that position again. Running back is another area where depth would help. Julius Jones is a free agent and the Cowboys like having that backfield tandem. Marion Barber dishes out a lot of hits, but he also takes his fair share.
Certainly, as a Cowboys fan, that’s pretty much my take as well. Obviously, what happens in free agency — including decisions on our own free agents — will factor in heavily. If Dallas can sign a Marcus Trufant or make a deal for a top free agent wideout, then obviously the draft needs change. My druthers, though, would be to draft the best available athletes, focusing on wide receiver and defensive back. I’d also love to grab a good quarterback prospect on Day 2 to groom as the eventual backup.
The Cowboys have two number one picks. Sadly, their gamble of trading last year’s #22 overall to Cleveland in hopes of getting a top five pick this year didn’t pay off; Cleveland picks 22nd this year. (Dallas did get an additional #2 last year and traded back up to the 1st to get Anthony Spencer, whom they’d have taken with the 22nd pick, so they still come out ahead. But still.) My druthers would be to either take the best player on the board twice or trade one of them down to get more picks. Knowing Jerry Jones, though, he’ll likely try to package them and make a splash.
The New York Giants‘ primary need is at outside linebacker. Mathias Kiwanuka — who missed six games with a broken leg — is transitioning from defensive end in college to outside linebacker. Kawika Mitchell could leave in free agency and Reggie Torbor is average. At safety, Gibril Wilson is a free agent and they don’t have a standout at the position. In a league where more teams have tight ends who can stretch the field, teams need that cornerstone safety. Offensive line help on the left side is an area they could address in terms of depth, although it isn’t a huge need. Cornerback Aaron Ross was a very good pick last year and he’s done a very good job, but he’s just one player. Sam Madison is 33 and Corey Webster has been up and down.
The Philadelphia Eagles need to look at taking a cornerback fairly early in draft. Lito Sheppard has been banged up and Sheldon Brown is a solid No. 2 corner, but with more teams putting three and four wide receivers on the field, depth at that position is necessary. Defensive end Trent Cole is good, but he could use some help on the opposite side. The Eagles like to draft defensive and offensive linemen early, so look for them to do both. At wide receiver, the Eagles have two No. 2 wide receivers (Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown) but they don’t have a true No. 1. Offensive tackle Tra Thomas is 33 years old and you have to wonder how much confidence the Eagles have in Winston Justice. Brian Dawkins is a great player, but he’s getting up there in age (34), so they could draft a safety to develop for the future. L.J. Smith has had injury issues and is a free agent, so the tight end position could be addressed, although last year’s fifth-round pick, Brent Celek, has shown some ability.
The Washington Redskins could first use an effective pass-rusher and a No. 1 wide receiver — Brandon Lloyd has been a bust. They like Anthony Mix, who played with QB Jason Campbell at Auburn, but he’s a developmental receiver. In addition to a pass-rusher, Washington could also use a defensive tackle who can collapse the pocket and get penetration. The cornerback position could be an area of need, especially if former first-round pick Carlos Rogers starts the season on the physically unable to perform list. Also look for them to pick up a versatile offensive lineman, someone who could play either center or guard. Safety isn’t a pressing need, but an area they could address. LaRon Landry played free safety but Washington would like to move him back to strong safety, and Reed Doughty held his own late in the season at strong safety.
I know the other teams much less well than the Cowboys but that sounds right. The NFC East is, in my opinion, once again the deepest division in football.
The Giants became the first team since 1990 to knock off the #1 NFC seed in the Divisional round. After losing the first two meetings of the season, the G-Men pulled out a 21-17 victory in Dallas.
- I was sure Corey Webster’s dropped pick was going to be a killer. You can’t giftwrap an interception any more than the one he dropped. Dallas scored a TD a few plays later, so in essense his drop cost the Jints at least seven points. Despite that, Webster played another good game. He allowed a TD to TO, but it was a perfect throw and a perfect catch. He held TO to four catches for 49 yards.
- Aaron Ross made a few great tackles, especially on Marion Barber in his running lanes that prevented long gains. He’s a damn good tackler for a CB.
- Tony Romo is a goddamn escape artist. The Giants sacked him just twice today but it could’ve easily been six or more times.
- is Ahmad Bradshaw not better than Reggie Bush? He had a couple runs today (the cutback run to the left and the sweep that he took to the 1-yard line) that’s been as good or better than anything I’ve seen in Bush’s NFL career to date. Does anyone doubt that Bradshaw should be the starter, not Jacobs? Maybe I’m overlooking the possibility that Jacobs has already softened up the D when Bradshaw gets his big runs, but so often I see a Bradshaw carry and think: ‘He got twice as many yards as BJ would’ve gotten there.’
- Big mistake by Eli taking a sack on 1st and 10 when given great field position. The pressure was coming down on him and unlike the textbook, he stepped backwards. The nine yard loss killed the drive. A little QB advice: ‘Eli, you’re supposed to step forward when you feel pressure, not back!’ And the screen on the next play went to Jacobs instead of Bradshaw – what?
- Crayton’s dropped pass in the third quarter was huge. It would’ve gone for at least 50 yards.
- Has Eli really turned into a great QB, or is this a mere 3-4 game aberration? Still can’t call it either way, seeing as the two playoffs games have been in ideal weather. If he has another great game in Lambeau (at the predicted temperature of about 4 degrees), then we may truly have something.
But most importantly, a win’s a win.
Sunday in Lambeau, 6:30 p.m.
Washington at Seattle-
Seattle is 34-7 since late 2002 at home. Therefore I predict Seattle 20 Washington 17
Jacksonville at Pittsburgh-
The Jaguars beat the Steelers this year at Heinz Field. Plus I think Pittsburgh isn’t as good as their record. They lost to the Jets, barely squeaked by Miami. Jacksonville 23, Pittsburgh 17.
NY Giants at Tampa Bay-
Tampa is home, they got the better defense and performing QB. I just have not been impressed by Eli Manning. Tampa Bay 24 New York 14.
Tennessee at San Diego-
Vince Young is questionable, San Diego is rolling after a slow start to begin the year. This is easy, San Diego 35, Tennessee 17
I was against playing the starters 60 minutes in tonight’s Giants-Pats matchup and what happens? We lose three starters: Kawika Mitchell, Sam Madison and Shaun O’Hara. That really improves our chances next week in Tampa.
As for the match, oh boy, there’s a lot to say. I’m proud of the Giants – despite a number of injuries, poor calls and stupid playcalling, they came within three points (38-35) of beating the Pats.
1.
two huge borderline penalties went against the Giants: Corey Webster’s ‘illegal contact’ on 3rd and long in the first (in which a sack of Tom Brady was negated), and the pass interference call on Gerris Wilkinson in the end zone. Webster did nothing you don’t see on every play in the NFL; the same with Wilkinson who was penalized only because his head was turned the wrong way. As is with the Pats MO, both drives were kept alive by penalties which eventually ended in touchdowns. I don’t like to make excuses but I have no doubt that if not for those calls, the Giants win the match. The refs also missed a Patriot trying to poke Brandon Jacobs in the eye! – on what is normally a 15-yard ‘unsportsmanlike conduct’ penalty (and possible ejection), no call was made.
2.
I was against playing the starters more than one half but Tom Coughlin played them all 60 minutes (although he would’ve been killed if he had played the backups in the second half, especially entering with a lead). Three starters went down and it’s TBA if they’ll be available in the playoffs. Are the Giants not the most injured team every single year?
3.
Eli, Eli, Eli – a killer interception in the fourth when the Giants were still down just three. The Jints can win a Superbowl with Eli, he just won’t carry them there.
4.
Ahmad Bradshaw was sorely missed. His explosiveness could have been the difference – not just by his addition would the team be better, but the subtraction of Reuben Droughns would help too: that guy has no business in the NFL anymore.
5.
The Pats have a tremendous offense but a rather lacking defense. They’re vulnerable in the playoffs and compared to how the Colts have played the last five or so weeks, I wouldn’t want to play them if I was Bill Belichick.
6.
Overall, I was proud of the G-Men and actually feel confident going into the playoffs. It was evident watching tonight’s match that the Giants have the ability to beat any team in football – it’s really just a question of injuries and Eli.
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| Wednesday, November 28, 2007 |
ESPN has released their Power Rankings for Week 13 of the 2007 NFL season and, despite the AFC hype, two NFC teams are in the top three. The voting was done by ESPN writers John Clayton, Len Pasquarelli, Matt Mosley, Jeffri Chadiha and Mike Sando; Scouts Inc. Insiders Jeremy Green and Keith Kidd; and ESPN.com NFL senior editor Mike McAllister.
| 2007 Power Rankings: Week 13 |
| |
RK (LW) |
TEAM |
REC |
COMMENT |
 |
1 (1) |
Patriots |
11-0-0 |
Twenty different Patriots players have scored TDs this season. That equals or is more than the touchdown totals for 11 other teams this season. We know you never get tired of those kinds of comparisons, right? |
 |
2 (2) |
Cowboys |
10-1-0 |
Home-field advantage in the NFC likely is at stake Thursday, and the last thing the Cowboys want to do is play the NFC title game at Lambeau in January. But Wade Phillips has won a playoff game at Green Bay — as Atlanta’s D-coordinator in 2002. |
 |
3 (3) |
Packers |
10-1-0 |
Brett Favre has played five or more regular-season games against 18 different NFL teams — and his .286 winning percentage (2-5 record) vs. Dallas is his lowest. Add his 0-3 playoff record and Favre is batting .200 against the Cowboys. |
 |
4 (4) |
Colts |
9-2-0 |
The Colts, according to the Indy Star, have led or shared the lead in the AFC South for 90 of the 97 weeks since the division was formed in 2002. Beating the Jags on Sunday would likely add the rest of 2007 to that total. |
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5 (5) |
Jaguars |
8-3-0 |
The Jags are rolling into Sunday’s division showdown against Indy with a ton of confidence. "The guys are hungry," QB David Garrard told the Times-Union. "I’m sure everybody can feel this season is different." |
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6 (7) |
Steelers |
8-3-0 |
Shame on the Steelers organization for allowing their MNF game to be played on such poor field conditions. It wasn’t fair to the players, or the fans who invested time and money to watch the game. Either get it right or start using the artificial stuff. |
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7 (8) |
Browns |
7-4-0 |
The Browns are plus-2 in the giveaway/takeaway category. That may not mean much to you, but the Browns have finished on the plus side of turnover differential just once since 1993. |
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8 (9) |
Seahawks |
7-4-0 |
In three previous meetings against the Eagles, QB Matt Hasselbeck has been sacked 11 times (including a career-high seven back in 2001) and has a 58.8 passer rating, his lowest against any NFC team. So what’s the over/under for sacks this Sunday? |
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9 (10) |
Buccaneers |
7-4-0 |
You’ve heard of QB controversies, but with the backups? Jon Gruden isn’t revealing his hand on who will start against the Saints if No. 1 guy Jeff Garcia can’t play due to a back injury. The fans of Bruce Gradkowski and Luke McCown eagerly await. |
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10 (13) |
Chargers |
6-5-0 |
Of the eight division leaders, none has a worse road record this season than the Chargers’ 1-4 mark. With their next two games at KC and Tennessee, LT knows what must be done: "We’re going to have to find a way to win on the road." |
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11 (6) |
Giants |
7-4-0 |
Go ahead, blame Eli (and he deserves it). But don’t forget to blame the rest of the Giants for a wretched performance against the Vikings. After all, the defense allowed Minny QB Tarvaris Jackson to post a 139.2 passer rating. |
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12 (11) |
Titans |
6-5-0 |
On five drives against the Bengals, the Titans entered the red zone. Three times they had goal-to-go situations. And yet they couldn’t find the end zone. It’ll be one of their many regrets if they don’t make the playoffs. |
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13 (20) |
Saints |
5-6-0 |
The Saints have underachieved, but at least they have a meaningful December, starting with a key home game against NFC South leader Tampa Bay. "It doesn’t get any better than it’s about to get," QB Drew Brees told the Times-Picayune. |
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14 (12) |
Lions |
6-5-0 |
Reports have surfaced that owner William Clay Ford Sr. wants the coaching staff to increase the workload of rookie WR Calvin Johnson. On the flip side, head coach Rod Marinelli is demanding that Ford build a better-looking SUV. |
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15 (15) |
Eagles |
5-6-0 |
The question in Philly: Would Donovan McNabb had played better than A.J. Feeley did in nearly beating the Patriots? When healthy, McNabb’s still the main guy, but Andy Reid is adamant that nothing less than a fully healed McNabb will play. |
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16 (22) |
Bears |
5-6-0 |
So is running back Cedric Benson’s season-ending ankle injury a plus or minus for the rest of the season? Benson’s an underachiever, but it’s not like Adrian Peterson (Bears’ version) has run like Adrian Peterson (Vikes’ version) this season. |
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17 (14) |
Broncos |
5-6-0 |
Until Sunday, the Broncos’ special-teams play — after a dismal start — had recently been among the league’s best. Perhaps that improvement resulted in overconfidence. Ultimately, it just led to a harsh lesson: Don’t kick to Devin Hester. |
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18 (23) |
Vikings |
5-6-0 |
Earlier this month, the Vikings were blanked by Green Bay, 34-0, and dropped to 3-6. Hard to imagine now that they’re in the playoff race. A win on Sunday vs. Detroit (Adrian Peterson may be back) puts them in good shape. |
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19 (16) |
Cardinals |
5-6-0 |
Kurt Warner triggered the Greatest Show on Turf, yet he never threw for as many yards with those Rams offenses as he did Sunday against the 49ers. But his career-high 484 yards was overshadowed in the shocking way the Cards lost. |
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20 (18) |
Redskins |
5-6-0 |
FedEx Field will be an emotional place the next two games, as the Redskins and their fans deal with the tragic loss of Sean Taylor. Joe Gibbs will need to draw on all of his coaching experience to get his team prepared for the rest of this season. |
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21 (17) |
Texans |
5-6-0 |
No team has committed more turnovers; in fact, opponents have converted Houston’s 29 turnovers into 108 points. "There are a lot of things we can do to win, but turning the ball over ain’t one of them," OT Ephraim Salaam told the Chronicle. |
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22 (19) |
Bills |
5-6-0 |
The Bills’ offense is not one for steady drives, as just four TD drives this season have been 10 plays or longer. J.P. Losman just doesn’t seem like a good fit, which explains why the Bills are going back to Trent Edwards this week. |
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23 (26) |
Bengals |
4-7-0 |
Admit it — you’ve missed Ocho Cinco’s TD celebrations. Chad Johnson’s TV cameraman act opens up a whole new genre. Next time, let’s see him take a sideline reporter’s microphone and interview himself about his TD. Watch out, Rachel Nichols! |
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24 (21) |
Chiefs |
4-7-0 |
It has been 30 years since the Chiefs lost six home games in a single season at Arrowhead Stadium, but with a 2-4 home record, it could happen this year if they can’t beat the Chargers and Titans in December. |
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25 (24) |
Ravens |
4-7-0 |
The five-game losing streak is the longest in franchise history, and it figures to reach seven with games against the Patriots and Colts the next two weeks. Right now, not even the Dec. 16 game at Miami seems like a sure win. |
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26 (25) |
Panthers |
4-7-0 |
Panthers fans, frustrated by their team’s inability to win at home, are starting to stay away from Bank of America Stadium. That’s not good for the job security of coach John Fox and GM Marty Hurney, who are both on the hot seat. |
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27 (30) |
Raiders |
3-8-0 |
After beating the Chiefs in the season finale of 1999, the Raiders went 33-15 the next three years, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance. Will Sunday’s win at KC have the same impact? "Maybe this is our roll," DT Warren Sapp told the Tribune. |
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28 (31) |
49ers |
3-8-0 |
Let’s see … Ted Tollner arrives to assist with the offense. The 49ers then produce a season-high 374 yards in beating the Cards. Does A+B=C? Seems that way, but maybe not. "Ted was very uninvolved in the play-calling," QB Trent Dilfer said. |
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29 (28) |
Rams |
2-9-0 |
Gus Frerotte’s fumbled snap was a heartbreaker, but the Rams should never have let it come to that in losing to Seattle. The offense went into a shell after taking a 19-7 lead, failing to produce points on their final nine possessions. |
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30 (27) |
Falcons |
3-8-0 |
TE Alge Crumpler tells the J-C that "it just puzzles me that we can’t score points." But is it really puzzling that Atlanta’s averaging four points less than last season? Mike Vick’s absence accounts for at least that much, if not more. |
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31 (29) |
Jets |
2-9-0 |
If the Jets can’t beat the winless Dolphins this week, this season will likely end up as the team’s worst since the Rich Kotite days. And QB Kellen Clemens isn’t making much of a statement in his audition as the starter. |
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32 (32) |
Dolphins |
0-11-0 |
Hypothetical question: Could the Dolphins beat the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who won the Grey Cup on Sunday? It’d be tough, especially using those funky CFL rules. Of course, that wouldn’t faze Ricky Williams (2006 Argonauts). |
It’s hard to argue much with these rankings, even if they’re a bit too closely related to teams’ overall records. Presumably, some teams that had hot starts but have since faded (Giants, Steelers) and teams that have started poorly but have gotten better of late (Rams) should have rankings weighted to reflect the recent performance. There might also be a strength of schedule component, as some teams play in much more competitive divisions.
From the Palm Beach Post-
DAVIE — As the winless Miami Dolphins’ 2007 season disintegrates into the blame game, Dom Capers and his struggling defense stand as Exhibit A in what has gone wrong this season.
In a season of record-setting futility, the 0-8 Dolphins’ collapse from one of the NFL’s best defenses to one of its worst remains the biggest surprise.
Heading into the bye weekend, Capers said a new problem seems to pop up every game.
In losses to Cleveland and New England, Miami yielded nine touchdown passes. In losses to Washington, Oakland and the New York Giants, the Dolphins gave up an average of 226 rushing yards.
“From week to week, it’s varied a little bit,” he said Thursday of the problems. “There’s nobody that is pleased with where we are right now.”
Count owner Wayne Huizenga among them.
“We were convinced we had one heck of a strong defense,” Huizenga said last week. “You want to talk about being surprised.”Just exactly why the defense has struggled remains a mystery.
The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, end Jason Taylor, and the franchise’s all-time leading tackler, Zach Thomas, both returned.
The Dolphins also re-signed tackle Vonnie Holliday and signed linebacker Joey Porter to a five-year, $32 million deal, $20 million of which was guaranteed.
But injuries have sidelined Thomas for three games, Holliday for four and Porter for all four exhibition games. Things are even worse at safety, where the Dolphins have had to start eight different players, a big reason the team has had a different starting lineup each game.
“We don’t use that as an excuse, but it’s a fact of life,” Capers said.
Some other facts of Dolphins life:
A season after finishing fifth in the NFL in scoring defense, Miami is last, allowing an average of 30.5 points.
The Dolphins also rank last in third-down defense (50 percent) and second-to-last in run defense (160.5 yards per game).
Last season, the Dolphins had 47 sacks. This season, they have just 10, along with only four interceptions.
Just two teams have allowed more touchdown passes than the 15 against Miami.
Capers, an NFL coach since 1986, is sure to be one of the hot topics as Huizenga and his top administrators comb through the franchise to help turn the team around.
Huizenga made a point to retain Capers, the team’s defensive coordinator last season, even making him the league’s highest-paid assistant.
Now Capers is being questioned about his role in signing Porter, who hasn’t met expectations, his use of Taylor and his overall scheme.
Capers said he researched Porter, a three-time Pro Bowler in Pittsburgh, and spoke to people in the Steelers’ organization, where Capers coached from 1992-94.
“I gave my input in terms of what I thought Joey was and what he could contribute,” Capers said.
Porter, 30, had right knee surgery Aug. 7 and struggled to learn Miami’s pass-coverage schemes. That’s why, early this season, he often played on the defensive line, facing players 75 pounds heavier.
Lets address several things
1- The Porter signing. For the second year in a row, Miami signed or traded for a player who had a bum knee. The physicians for the Dolphins who gave medical oks for Porter and Daunte Culpepper should be fired.
If management and or coaching were told of the risk and they ignored it, they deserve to be fired. Ok, Nick Saban is gone.
2- The Dolphin defense was ranked 4th in the NFL last year, they were also the oldest starting unit in the NFL. A look at the team’s starting defensive line tells the story. No 2006 starter had less than 8 years experience in the NFL. Going into this season, the team had the oldest front seven in the league
So what does Miami do at draft time? Go out and draft offensive players. Don’t say I didn’t warn people about the age of the Dolphin because I did. Saying at the time of the draft Miami should have selected Amobi Okoye or Patrick Willis rather than an offensive player.
3- New problems popping up. Go read #2 again. Old players are more likely to get injured.
I’m not laying all the blame at Capers feet, the Dolphins defensive woes are the result of poor personnel decisions going back a decade. Capers is just a small part of the picture, but from this article you get the idea the coordinator is just plain clueless. Firing Capers won’t solve the mess, as long as he knows why Miami is where they are today and that they need fixing.
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