Congratulations to the Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks on moving to the Divisional round of the playoffs.
I've never understood the excessive bashing of a team from fans and media following a loss. It seems the media does it to simply fuel the raging fans. They don't really need any help. Losing is frustrating. I get that. I'm certainly frustrated that the Vikings season ended too soon. The Vikings went into Green Bay without two of their most important offensive players, quarterback Christian Ponder and receiver Percy Harvin. The Vikings lost to an elite Packers team. Even at full strength the Vikings faced a difficult task. I've tried to think more about Adrian Peterson's incredible, jaw-dropping season and a surprising playoff appearance. A team coming together. Improving over the course of the season. There's so much more to be happy about with the 2012 Minnesota Vikings than there is to bitch about. The Vikings are a young team that is much closer to being elite than anyone could have hoped. Just a couple more players will make next year's playoff run a whole lot longer.
Vikings defensive end Jared Allen has a motor that never stops. Injuries have always been a part of football. A player like Allen often plays an entire season with various injuries. It's unbelievable that he's never had surgery since he had his tonsils removed when he was a mini-Allen. He will have that first surgery this offseason to repair a torn labrum.
Despite some shaky play in the middle of the season, I thought that Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder made some nice strides in his second season. He'll get even better with improved footwork in the pocket. Sometimes the best moves to avoid the pass rush are small moves. Just a slide to the side or a step up or back. Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is incredible at this. Colts rookie quarterback Andrew Luck makes it look easy too. Incredible for a rookie but Luck is no ordinary rookie. Ponder's movements often look frantic. It's all or nothing. Instead of these little movements he's rolling out or running. Improvements in his pocket movement will bring great overall improvements in his game.
It was great to see Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis back on a football field. This playoff run will be his last. It's been a treat to watch Lewis play football for 17 years.
Anquan Boldin has been one of the best pass catchers in the league for a while now. He was awesome in the second half yesterday. Game changing awesome.
With the NFL's great concern over player safety I never thought that I'd again hear of a coach ignore a doctor's recommendation on a player's health. I was wrong. Dr. James (thank you for your work on Peterson's knee) Andrews works as a sideline adviser for the Redskins on game day. Apparently he didn't clear Robert Griffin III to re-enter the game in which he initially injured his knee. Coach Mike Shanahan said that he did. This isn't good.
The Colts played nearly the entire season without head coach Chuck Pagano as he underwent treatment for leukemia. The coach that led them all season, Bruce Arians, then misses this playoff game against the Ravens with an illness. It's unbelievable and unfortunate.
"Luck overthrows Brazill." heehee
Ravens coach John Harbaugh has won a playoff game in each of his five seasons. He's still missing that one big win but he's done some terrific coaching.
Ray Rice fumbled twice yesterday. He doesn't fumble that many times during an entire season.
In two Indianapolis playoff games at Baltimore Adam Vinatieri has scored all 24 Colts points.
"I hate cleaning and packing." -Vikings fullback Jerome Felton
The Seattle Seahawks-Washington Redskins game was terrific until Robert Griffin III left it. Tough and physical. Griffin's been dealing with the well publicized injured knee for a few weeks. He and his team started hot in scoring touchdowns on their first two possessions. The Seahawks got some hits on Griffin. One in particular on the wrong side of the rules. It was difficult to watch him limp around the field. His knee finally gave out while trying to handle a low shotgun snap. The Seahawks put it away from there.
I really hate seeing Seahawks coach Pete Carroll win games. Since his USC days I've not found a more annoying coach.
Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman is an ass. I hope that Julio Jones and Roddy White take him apart next week.
Speaking of next week's Seattle-Atlanta game. Seahawks rookie quarterback Russell Wilson enters that game with more playoff wins (1) than Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.
After the coaching slaughter this time last week there were seven head coach openings. There's five now with Kansas City hiring Andy Reid and Buffalo hiring Syracuse coach Doug Marrone. Oregon coach Chip Kelly played his now annual games with NFL teams. He apparently interviewed with Cleveland and Philadelphia. Last year he led Tampa Bay along. Personally, I think that he's afraid of the big boys in the NFL.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Great Season Done
Green Bay Packers 24
Minnesota Vikings 10
Congratulations to the Green Bay Packers.
Joe Webb became the first quarterback since 1950 to start a playoff game without throwing a pass during the season.
The Vikings needed to have most everything go right to beat the Packers in Green Bay. The first difficulty hit before the game even started when quarterback Christian Ponder was ruled out with an elbow injury.
Webb got the start. While he brings an exciting running threat it was apparent early that he hadn't thrown a pass in a game this season. It took him about three quarters to start throwing accurate passes. By then, the score was 24-3.
The Vikings had a nice looking drive to start the game. It was a win for the Packers that it ended with a field goal. Running back Adrian Peterson and Webb combined for a potent running game. They needed that touchdown.
Of the Packers three touchdowns two were the direct result of preseason errors by the Vikings. On a 3rd and 2 in the first half the Vikings had a stop. Only Kevin Williams lined up in the neutral zone. He's the closest defender to the ball. 1st down Packers. In the second half, the Vikings defense stopped a Packers drive to force a short field goal. The Vikings had 12 men on the field for the field goal attempt. 1st down Packers. Both mistakes led to touchdowns. These are mistakes that you can't have in the regular season.
The return of safety/corner/linebacker/rover/do everything Charles Woodson was a huge boost for the Packers yesterday and moving forward. He changes games and he made a huge impact yesterday. He may not have been all over the stat sheet but he was all over the field.
The Vikings have a rookie safety in Harrison Smith that may one day have a similar all over the field impact as Woodson. In a disappointing game for the Vikings, Smith was fantastic. There was a real scare in the second half when he was down on the field with an obvious leg injury. Fortunately it wasn't serious. He returned to the game and continued to make plays. Smith has an especially bright future.
While the Vikings never really threatened once they were down by three touchdowns, they had an opportunity when they forced a Packers punt from inside the twenty early in the 4th quarter. A punt to midfield had the Vikings in a real nice position until returner Marcus Sherels dropped the ball. The Packers recovered and basically sealed the game.
Like the Packers did in 2010 and the Giants did in 2007 and last year, this Packers team is getting healthy and hot at the right time. They might have lost to the Vikings last week but it just feels like the Packers are starting a playoff run. The offense can score with anyone with Aaron Rodgers throwing to an abundance of playmaking receivers. The defense is talented and they have Woodson back. They face the San Francisco 49ers next week. I can see the winner of that game in the Super Bowl.
The player of the game for the Packers might have been safety Morgan Burnett when he hit Ponder's elbow last week. The Vikings had gotten on a nice run to end the season. The offense was starting to click beyond the fantastic running of Peterson. They hit the playoffs on a roll and they open the playoffs without their quarterback. There's no guarantee that the Vikings would have won this game with Ponder but the team that made the playoffs wasn't the team that played yesterday. It's not a knock on Webb either. It's just a tough way to open the playoffs.
As a Vikings fan, it's difficult to be disappointed with this season. Any season that ends short of a Super Bowl win is a season that ends too soon. I'm disappointed with this game as this Vikings team is definitely moving in the right direction. It's been fun watching them grow through this season. I wanted to see the run continue. I wanted to see more of this team. I wanted to see Ponder get his first taste of the playoffs. I wanted to see more Peterson runs. This Vikings team is a young team. This Vikings team wasn't supposed to be here. They were supposed to be at the bottom of the NFC North. The Packers, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions were all supposed to be better. The Vikings are better than the Bears and the Lions and the difference between them and the Packers is a whole lot closer than anyone thought. The Vikings were 3-13 last year. 10-6 this year and in the playoffs. This Vikings season was far more than anyone else expected. They are only getting better.
Next year is bad news for the rest of the NFL.
Minnesota Vikings 10
Congratulations to the Green Bay Packers.
Joe Webb became the first quarterback since 1950 to start a playoff game without throwing a pass during the season.
The Vikings needed to have most everything go right to beat the Packers in Green Bay. The first difficulty hit before the game even started when quarterback Christian Ponder was ruled out with an elbow injury.
Webb got the start. While he brings an exciting running threat it was apparent early that he hadn't thrown a pass in a game this season. It took him about three quarters to start throwing accurate passes. By then, the score was 24-3.
The Vikings had a nice looking drive to start the game. It was a win for the Packers that it ended with a field goal. Running back Adrian Peterson and Webb combined for a potent running game. They needed that touchdown.
Of the Packers three touchdowns two were the direct result of preseason errors by the Vikings. On a 3rd and 2 in the first half the Vikings had a stop. Only Kevin Williams lined up in the neutral zone. He's the closest defender to the ball. 1st down Packers. In the second half, the Vikings defense stopped a Packers drive to force a short field goal. The Vikings had 12 men on the field for the field goal attempt. 1st down Packers. Both mistakes led to touchdowns. These are mistakes that you can't have in the regular season.
The return of safety/corner/linebacker/rover/do everything Charles Woodson was a huge boost for the Packers yesterday and moving forward. He changes games and he made a huge impact yesterday. He may not have been all over the stat sheet but he was all over the field.
The Vikings have a rookie safety in Harrison Smith that may one day have a similar all over the field impact as Woodson. In a disappointing game for the Vikings, Smith was fantastic. There was a real scare in the second half when he was down on the field with an obvious leg injury. Fortunately it wasn't serious. He returned to the game and continued to make plays. Smith has an especially bright future.
While the Vikings never really threatened once they were down by three touchdowns, they had an opportunity when they forced a Packers punt from inside the twenty early in the 4th quarter. A punt to midfield had the Vikings in a real nice position until returner Marcus Sherels dropped the ball. The Packers recovered and basically sealed the game.
Like the Packers did in 2010 and the Giants did in 2007 and last year, this Packers team is getting healthy and hot at the right time. They might have lost to the Vikings last week but it just feels like the Packers are starting a playoff run. The offense can score with anyone with Aaron Rodgers throwing to an abundance of playmaking receivers. The defense is talented and they have Woodson back. They face the San Francisco 49ers next week. I can see the winner of that game in the Super Bowl.
The player of the game for the Packers might have been safety Morgan Burnett when he hit Ponder's elbow last week. The Vikings had gotten on a nice run to end the season. The offense was starting to click beyond the fantastic running of Peterson. They hit the playoffs on a roll and they open the playoffs without their quarterback. There's no guarantee that the Vikings would have won this game with Ponder but the team that made the playoffs wasn't the team that played yesterday. It's not a knock on Webb either. It's just a tough way to open the playoffs.
As a Vikings fan, it's difficult to be disappointed with this season. Any season that ends short of a Super Bowl win is a season that ends too soon. I'm disappointed with this game as this Vikings team is definitely moving in the right direction. It's been fun watching them grow through this season. I wanted to see the run continue. I wanted to see more of this team. I wanted to see Ponder get his first taste of the playoffs. I wanted to see more Peterson runs. This Vikings team is a young team. This Vikings team wasn't supposed to be here. They were supposed to be at the bottom of the NFC North. The Packers, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions were all supposed to be better. The Vikings are better than the Bears and the Lions and the difference between them and the Packers is a whole lot closer than anyone thought. The Vikings were 3-13 last year. 10-6 this year and in the playoffs. This Vikings season was far more than anyone else expected. They are only getting better.
Next year is bad news for the rest of the NFL.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Game Day Thoughts
This will be the second time since 2004 that the Minnesota Vikings have faced the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. Hopefully, the outcome will be the same as the one in 2004 when Randy Moss thought that it would be a fine idea to moon the crowd at Lambeau on the way to a Vikings victory.
The Vikings and Packers meet for the second time in six days. The Vikings are looking to make it two wins in a row. Two of the most important Vikings players from last week are listed as questionable due to injuries this week. Quarterback Christian Ponder played perhaps the best game of his career last week. He also injured his elbow during the game. He finished the game but was greatly limited in practice this week. I have a hard time imagining that he'd miss the game tonight. Cornerback Antoine Winfield was important last week in missing most of the game. He'd broken his hand a week earlier and aggravated it during the Packers game. When he left the game Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers started slicing up the secondary. Winfield impacts the game with his play and his leadership. He's a coach on the field for a young secondary. He'll wear a more sturdy cast and play as much as he can stand. I have a hunch that he'd sooner lose the hand than leave the field.
Packers linebacker Clay Matthews has stated that Vikings running back Adrian Peterson isn't going to get 200 yards in this game. That doesn't really sound like much of a goal. Considering that Peterson has averaged just over 200 yards in the two games I guess that anything short would be an improvement. Like he's been to a lot of teams over the last half of the season Peterson will be a nightmare for the Packers tonight.
With all the attention that the Packers will be paying to Peterson the Vikings have to take advantage in the passing game. It'd be nice if receiver Jerome Simpson finally has that big game everyone's been expecting of him since he was brought in as a free agent. He's starting to make more plays. He has to make more. Rookie Jarius Wright has become more of a playmaker each week. He's got the speed to really hurt a defense. The receivers are starting to make more plays for Ponder. Tight ends Kyle Rudolph, John Carlson and Rhett Ellison can help him even more. The Vikings pass catchers aren't considered as explosive as those of the Packers but they can make some plays. Peterson can carry the team and the Packers know it. The Vikings passing game have to take advantage of that run stopping attention.
Packers receiver Randall Cobb missed the game last week. Outside of Rodgers, Cobb is probably the Packers most dangerous player. Winfield is the Vikings defender best able to handle Cobb. Winfield has to be on the field.
Packers defensive back Charles Woodson has missed most of the season with a broken collar bone. He's been cleared to play for this game. Woodson is a fantastic football player. A defender that can change a game all by himself. His return is huge for the Packers. A broken collar bone seems like the worst sort of injury for someone trying to tackle Peterson. I doubt that he'd be cleared to play if there was a concern.
Any time a team faces a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers the defensive line has to be harassing and the secondary has to stick to their responsibilities. Rodgers will take advantage of the slightest mistake. It really starts up front. Defensive ends Jared Allen, Brian Robison and Everson Griffen have to be all over Rodgers all night long. He's got to be uncomfortable in the pocket. And, he's got to stay in that pocket.
Go Vikings!!!
There's another game today.
The Cincinnati Bengals visit the Houston Texans. These two teams met in the Wild Card round last year. Rookie quarterback T.J. Yates, in place of an injured Matt Schaub, led the Texans to the win. Schaub finally starts a playoff game today. The Texans have struggled at the end of the season. For a team this talented, it's a a mystery as to what they are missing right now. They should defeat the Bengals but who knows what Texans team shows up. The Bengals are dangerous. They can score points with quarterback Andy Dalton, running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis and receivers A.J. Green, Marvin Jones and Andrew Hawkins. The defense led by amazing defensive tackle Geno Atkins is tough.
I found this stat from Sports Illustrated's Peter King pretty interesting. Since 1982, there has not been a division more evenly balanced than the NFC East. Dallas has won the division 9 times. New York has won 8. Philadelphia and Washington are right behind with 7 each. That's amazing. Only Philadelphia has failed to win a Super Bowl. They did make it to one.
A few things from the college bowl games.
The bowl season just feels empty when Cal is not a part of it. One thing that was pretty much a constant during Jeff Tedford's Cal coaching career was a Golden Bear presence in bowl games. I hope that new coach Sonny Dykes can do the same. Better, actually.
Stanford running back Stepfan Taylor has really impressed me throughout his career. Every time that I see him I become more impressed. He is an extremely tough, physical runner. Whatever NFL team that drafts him will be very happy.
South Carolina defensive end Jadaveon Clowney is an incredible football player. He's definitely a player that has completely lived up to his top high school player in the nation ranking. Not many have. I was real curious to see him go up against Michigan's Taylor Lewan in the Outback Bowl. Lewan might be the first lineman taken in the 2013 NFL Draft. There were moments when Clowney could not be blocked. He'll likely be the top pick in the draft whenever he decides to move to the next level. He'd likely be the top pick this year. He won't because he's only a sophomore. The website Pro Football Talk immediately wrote that Clowney is getting a raw deal in not being allowed to enter the draft. That he's risking injury having to stay at a level of football that he's clearly eclipsed. That view is misguided and irresponsible. There's always going to be a football player that's ready earlier than most. Some felt that Adrian Peterson was ready for the NFL as soon as he left high school. Running for over 1,800 yards as a true freshman at Oklahoma showed that could be true. Former coach and TV announcer John Madden felt that De La Salle High School back/linebacker D.J. Williams was ready for the NFL as a high school player in the late '90s. The rule isn't meant for them. The rule is meant for those that think they can but really can't. What's so wrong with going to college?
I loved seeing USC get handled easily by Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl. It's what that nauseating school gets for a bunch of dipshits the entire week in El Paso. They insulted the city and their opponents. USC just finished a two year bowl ban. It should have continued.
Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel is an electric football player. My goodness. He's fun to watch.
Go Vikings!!!
The Vikings and Packers meet for the second time in six days. The Vikings are looking to make it two wins in a row. Two of the most important Vikings players from last week are listed as questionable due to injuries this week. Quarterback Christian Ponder played perhaps the best game of his career last week. He also injured his elbow during the game. He finished the game but was greatly limited in practice this week. I have a hard time imagining that he'd miss the game tonight. Cornerback Antoine Winfield was important last week in missing most of the game. He'd broken his hand a week earlier and aggravated it during the Packers game. When he left the game Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers started slicing up the secondary. Winfield impacts the game with his play and his leadership. He's a coach on the field for a young secondary. He'll wear a more sturdy cast and play as much as he can stand. I have a hunch that he'd sooner lose the hand than leave the field.
Packers linebacker Clay Matthews has stated that Vikings running back Adrian Peterson isn't going to get 200 yards in this game. That doesn't really sound like much of a goal. Considering that Peterson has averaged just over 200 yards in the two games I guess that anything short would be an improvement. Like he's been to a lot of teams over the last half of the season Peterson will be a nightmare for the Packers tonight.
With all the attention that the Packers will be paying to Peterson the Vikings have to take advantage in the passing game. It'd be nice if receiver Jerome Simpson finally has that big game everyone's been expecting of him since he was brought in as a free agent. He's starting to make more plays. He has to make more. Rookie Jarius Wright has become more of a playmaker each week. He's got the speed to really hurt a defense. The receivers are starting to make more plays for Ponder. Tight ends Kyle Rudolph, John Carlson and Rhett Ellison can help him even more. The Vikings pass catchers aren't considered as explosive as those of the Packers but they can make some plays. Peterson can carry the team and the Packers know it. The Vikings passing game have to take advantage of that run stopping attention.
Packers receiver Randall Cobb missed the game last week. Outside of Rodgers, Cobb is probably the Packers most dangerous player. Winfield is the Vikings defender best able to handle Cobb. Winfield has to be on the field.
Packers defensive back Charles Woodson has missed most of the season with a broken collar bone. He's been cleared to play for this game. Woodson is a fantastic football player. A defender that can change a game all by himself. His return is huge for the Packers. A broken collar bone seems like the worst sort of injury for someone trying to tackle Peterson. I doubt that he'd be cleared to play if there was a concern.
Any time a team faces a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers the defensive line has to be harassing and the secondary has to stick to their responsibilities. Rodgers will take advantage of the slightest mistake. It really starts up front. Defensive ends Jared Allen, Brian Robison and Everson Griffen have to be all over Rodgers all night long. He's got to be uncomfortable in the pocket. And, he's got to stay in that pocket.
Go Vikings!!!
There's another game today.
The Cincinnati Bengals visit the Houston Texans. These two teams met in the Wild Card round last year. Rookie quarterback T.J. Yates, in place of an injured Matt Schaub, led the Texans to the win. Schaub finally starts a playoff game today. The Texans have struggled at the end of the season. For a team this talented, it's a a mystery as to what they are missing right now. They should defeat the Bengals but who knows what Texans team shows up. The Bengals are dangerous. They can score points with quarterback Andy Dalton, running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis and receivers A.J. Green, Marvin Jones and Andrew Hawkins. The defense led by amazing defensive tackle Geno Atkins is tough.
I found this stat from Sports Illustrated's Peter King pretty interesting. Since 1982, there has not been a division more evenly balanced than the NFC East. Dallas has won the division 9 times. New York has won 8. Philadelphia and Washington are right behind with 7 each. That's amazing. Only Philadelphia has failed to win a Super Bowl. They did make it to one.
A few things from the college bowl games.
The bowl season just feels empty when Cal is not a part of it. One thing that was pretty much a constant during Jeff Tedford's Cal coaching career was a Golden Bear presence in bowl games. I hope that new coach Sonny Dykes can do the same. Better, actually.
Stanford running back Stepfan Taylor has really impressed me throughout his career. Every time that I see him I become more impressed. He is an extremely tough, physical runner. Whatever NFL team that drafts him will be very happy.
South Carolina defensive end Jadaveon Clowney is an incredible football player. He's definitely a player that has completely lived up to his top high school player in the nation ranking. Not many have. I was real curious to see him go up against Michigan's Taylor Lewan in the Outback Bowl. Lewan might be the first lineman taken in the 2013 NFL Draft. There were moments when Clowney could not be blocked. He'll likely be the top pick in the draft whenever he decides to move to the next level. He'd likely be the top pick this year. He won't because he's only a sophomore. The website Pro Football Talk immediately wrote that Clowney is getting a raw deal in not being allowed to enter the draft. That he's risking injury having to stay at a level of football that he's clearly eclipsed. That view is misguided and irresponsible. There's always going to be a football player that's ready earlier than most. Some felt that Adrian Peterson was ready for the NFL as soon as he left high school. Running for over 1,800 yards as a true freshman at Oklahoma showed that could be true. Former coach and TV announcer John Madden felt that De La Salle High School back/linebacker D.J. Williams was ready for the NFL as a high school player in the late '90s. The rule isn't meant for them. The rule is meant for those that think they can but really can't. What's so wrong with going to college?
I loved seeing USC get handled easily by Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl. It's what that nauseating school gets for a bunch of dipshits the entire week in El Paso. They insulted the city and their opponents. USC just finished a two year bowl ban. It should have continued.
Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel is an electric football player. My goodness. He's fun to watch.
Go Vikings!!!
Friday, January 4, 2013
2013 Draft Order
With the 2012 regular season over, it's now the offseason for twenty NFL teams. One of the major events of every offseason is the selection of college football players. Here's the order for the 2013 NFL Draft:
1. Kansas City Chiefs
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
3. Oakland Raiders
4. Philadelphia Eagles
5. Detroit Lions
6. Cleveland Browns
7. Arizona Cardinals
8. Buffalo Bills
9. New York Jets
10. Tennessee Titans
11. San Diego Chargers
12. Miami Dolphins
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
14. Carolina Panthers
15. New Orleans Saints
16. St. Louis Rams
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
18. Dallas Cowboys
19. New York Giants
20. Chicago Bears
Picks 21-32 will be determined by the results of the postseason.
What a difference a year makes. The first three picks of the 2012 NFL Draft were held by the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings. The Redskins traded into that second spot but they didn't have to move up very far. They weren't very good in 2011. All three teams at the top of 2012 draft are in the 2012 playoffs. The Chiefs, Jaguars and Raiders must be looking forward to a similar type of jump.
Going into this season the Detroit Lions had Super Bowl dreams. They remain dreams. The Lions made the playoffs last year and were proud of their Super Bowl caliber offense. They struggled from the start of this season. Now they are picking at #5. More like the disaster years of Matt Millen than anything resembling a team with Super Bowl dreams.
One team to watch due to talent already on the roster and favorable draft position is the Philadelphia Eagles. With the firing of head coach Andy Reid, a lot depends on who is leading the team in 2013 but the Eagles situation might be the most appealing of all the coaching vacancies. Talent and a high draft pick. They have to decide what to do with quarterback Michael Vick. Rookie Nick Foles showed a lot of potential when he stepped in for Vick. The Eagles could be a team that makes a jump like the Colts, Redskins and Vikings.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
3. Oakland Raiders
4. Philadelphia Eagles
5. Detroit Lions
6. Cleveland Browns
7. Arizona Cardinals
8. Buffalo Bills
9. New York Jets
10. Tennessee Titans
11. San Diego Chargers
12. Miami Dolphins
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
14. Carolina Panthers
15. New Orleans Saints
16. St. Louis Rams
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
18. Dallas Cowboys
19. New York Giants
20. Chicago Bears
Picks 21-32 will be determined by the results of the postseason.
What a difference a year makes. The first three picks of the 2012 NFL Draft were held by the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings. The Redskins traded into that second spot but they didn't have to move up very far. They weren't very good in 2011. All three teams at the top of 2012 draft are in the 2012 playoffs. The Chiefs, Jaguars and Raiders must be looking forward to a similar type of jump.
Going into this season the Detroit Lions had Super Bowl dreams. They remain dreams. The Lions made the playoffs last year and were proud of their Super Bowl caliber offense. They struggled from the start of this season. Now they are picking at #5. More like the disaster years of Matt Millen than anything resembling a team with Super Bowl dreams.
One team to watch due to talent already on the roster and favorable draft position is the Philadelphia Eagles. With the firing of head coach Andy Reid, a lot depends on who is leading the team in 2013 but the Eagles situation might be the most appealing of all the coaching vacancies. Talent and a high draft pick. They have to decide what to do with quarterback Michael Vick. Rookie Nick Foles showed a lot of potential when he stepped in for Vick. The Eagles could be a team that makes a jump like the Colts, Redskins and Vikings.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Throwback Thursday: Looking Back on 2012
One of the greatest opportunities that I've ever had, certainly in football, was visiting the NFL Films facility this past June. I know that my first visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton will be magical but that will be a trip through football past. NFL Films is living, breathing football. It's football past, present and future come alive. They are the keepers of the NFL flame. It was an honor to have the opportunity to see the beautiful thing that Ed and Steve Sabol have created.
Three months later Steve Sabol lost his fight with brain cancer. Sabol did as much as anyone to create the NFL that we know today. His vision for the NFL and NFL Films carries on with the family that he built in Mt. Laurel, NJ.
The NFL in 2012 will remembered best by the incredible comebacks of Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and the incredible crop of rookie quarterbacks.
Manning came back from a bunch of neck surgeries to a new team. He took that new team to the #1 seed of the AFC playoffs. He played like the quarterback we've always known rather than a quarterback that's spent a year under the knife. He's been fantastic all year and has the Broncos sitting as the Super Bowl favorites heading into the playoffs.
Peterson had his left knee destroyed as 2011 closed. He came back better than he's ever been in 2012. 2,097 yards rushing. 9 yards short of breaking Eric Dickerson's NFL record. The way that Peterson played the last half of this season makes 2,500 yards look possible in 2013. Peterson carried the Vikings to the playoffs.
Based solely on one season, the 2012 rookie quarterbacks have sparked memories of the incredible '83 class of Elway, Marino and Kelly. Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson have been nothing short of amazing. Al three have their teams in the playoffs. All three have played like veterans. All three have the Colts, Redskins and Seahawks smiling at a bright future. Fellow rookies Ryan Tannehill and Brandon Weedon have also had some nice moments.
The NFL has been a passing league for several years now. It only looks to continue, even increase, moving forward. The amazing rookies are joined by a handful of 2nd-year throwers. Cam Newton, Andy Dalton, Christian Ponder and Colin Kaepernick have had enough positive moments that Manning, Brady and Brees can sleep calmly knowing that the passing future of the NFL is in good hands.
Every NFL year is entertaining. 2012 was more so than most due to the warming comebacks of Adrian Peterson and Peyton Manning. The play, poise and personalities of rookie quarterbacks Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson have breathed new life into a league that may not have needed it but sure could use it.
The passing of Steve Sabol may have been a sad note but it increased the light on the incredible art that he created at NFL Films. 2012 was also the year that I was able to see Sabol's amazing art first hand. I've always wished that I could have met him. In visiting NFL Films I feel that I did.
Three months later Steve Sabol lost his fight with brain cancer. Sabol did as much as anyone to create the NFL that we know today. His vision for the NFL and NFL Films carries on with the family that he built in Mt. Laurel, NJ.
The NFL in 2012 will remembered best by the incredible comebacks of Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and the incredible crop of rookie quarterbacks.
Manning came back from a bunch of neck surgeries to a new team. He took that new team to the #1 seed of the AFC playoffs. He played like the quarterback we've always known rather than a quarterback that's spent a year under the knife. He's been fantastic all year and has the Broncos sitting as the Super Bowl favorites heading into the playoffs.
Peterson had his left knee destroyed as 2011 closed. He came back better than he's ever been in 2012. 2,097 yards rushing. 9 yards short of breaking Eric Dickerson's NFL record. The way that Peterson played the last half of this season makes 2,500 yards look possible in 2013. Peterson carried the Vikings to the playoffs.
Based solely on one season, the 2012 rookie quarterbacks have sparked memories of the incredible '83 class of Elway, Marino and Kelly. Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson have been nothing short of amazing. Al three have their teams in the playoffs. All three have played like veterans. All three have the Colts, Redskins and Seahawks smiling at a bright future. Fellow rookies Ryan Tannehill and Brandon Weedon have also had some nice moments.
The NFL has been a passing league for several years now. It only looks to continue, even increase, moving forward. The amazing rookies are joined by a handful of 2nd-year throwers. Cam Newton, Andy Dalton, Christian Ponder and Colin Kaepernick have had enough positive moments that Manning, Brady and Brees can sleep calmly knowing that the passing future of the NFL is in good hands.
Every NFL year is entertaining. 2012 was more so than most due to the warming comebacks of Adrian Peterson and Peyton Manning. The play, poise and personalities of rookie quarterbacks Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson have breathed new life into a league that may not have needed it but sure could use it.
The passing of Steve Sabol may have been a sad note but it increased the light on the incredible art that he created at NFL Films. 2012 was also the year that I was able to see Sabol's amazing art first hand. I've always wished that I could have met him. In visiting NFL Films I feel that I did.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Chopping Time
The day after the season is always severe for NFL coaches. This past Monday saw seven head coaches and several general managers lose their jobs.
Chicago Bears: fired Lovie Smith
Philadelphia Eagles: fired Andy Reid
Kansas City Chiefs: fired Romeo Crennel
Cleveland Browns: fired Pat Shurmur and GM Tom Heckert
Jacksonville: fired GM Gene Smith
San Diego Chargers: fired Norv Turner and GM A.J. Smith
Arizona Cardinals: fired Ken Whisenhut and GM Rod Graves
Buffalo Bills: fired Chan Gailey
New York Jets: fired GM Mike Tannenbaum
Fox rumor guy Jay Glazer said that he'd never heard negative player response to a coaching dismissal quite like he's heard from the Chicago Bears players following the news of Lovie Smith's fate. I usually like seeing trouble in Chicago but I hate to see it at the expense of someone's livelihood. There are a bunch of openings now. There could be more as Carolina's Ron Rivera and Jacksonville's Mike Mularkey might be on the hot seat. Lovie Smith won't be out of work for very long. If not as a head coach, he'll find work as a defensive coordinator. I really don't see any of the fired coaches being out of work for very long. Unless Reid needs a coaching break due to a rough year professionally and personally, he'll be in high demand.
So many things can lead to a change in coaches. The most common, of course, is failure. None of the teams that fired their coaches on Monday had a very good year. Most were horrible. The Bears and Lovie Smith were alive for the playoffs on the final weekend. One of several likely reasons for his firing was that Bears were sitting pretty at 7-1 at the midpoint of the season. The Bears fell off considerably and Smith was the scapegoat. According to Glazer, the Bears players didn't think so. Except for the first few weeks of the season, the Eagles were horrible. Eagles management probably had little choice but it's hard to blame that collapse solely on Andy Reid. Like the Minnesota Vikings of 2010 everything went wrong for the Eagles. Some of those things were outside of the play on the football field. It was a horrible year in general for Reid. Maybe a change, or even a break, will be good for him. Pat Shurmur probably got the worst treatment. He was new to the job to start and his Browns were showing some signs of life. An ownership change had more to do with his firing than team performance. His firing didn't seem fair but a new owner usually wants a coach of his own choosing.
Black Monday has always been a sad day. All these coaches know their football. Perhaps there's a better fit out there for them.
So many things can lead to a change in coaches. The most common, of course, is failure. None of the teams that fired their coaches on Monday had a very good year. Most were horrible. The Bears and Lovie Smith were alive for the playoffs on the final weekend. One of several likely reasons for his firing was that Bears were sitting pretty at 7-1 at the midpoint of the season. The Bears fell off considerably and Smith was the scapegoat. According to Glazer, the Bears players didn't think so. Except for the first few weeks of the season, the Eagles were horrible. Eagles management probably had little choice but it's hard to blame that collapse solely on Andy Reid. Like the Minnesota Vikings of 2010 everything went wrong for the Eagles. Some of those things were outside of the play on the football field. It was a horrible year in general for Reid. Maybe a change, or even a break, will be good for him. Pat Shurmur probably got the worst treatment. He was new to the job to start and his Browns were showing some signs of life. An ownership change had more to do with his firing than team performance. His firing didn't seem fair but a new owner usually wants a coach of his own choosing.
Black Monday has always been a sad day. All these coaches know their football. Perhaps there's a better fit out there for them.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
2012 Flea Flicker Awards
Forget AP (not Adrian Peterson) and Pro Football Writers. The Flea Flicker awards are the awards that the players truly cherish. Here they are:
MVP: Adrian Peterson, RB Minnesota Vikings
Offensive Player of the Year: Peyton Manning, QB Denver Broncos
Defensive Player of the Year: J.J. Watt, DE Houston Texans
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Robert Griffin III, QB Washington Redskins
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Luke Kuechley, LB Carolina Panthers
Comeback Player of the Year: Adrian Peterson, RB Minnesota Vikings
Coach of the Year: Bruce Arians Indianapolis Colts
Executive of the Year: Ryan Grigson Indianapolis Colts
-the MVP award comes down to Peterson and Manning, for me and it sounds like for most everyone else. Besides a natural bias, a few things separate Peterson from Manning for me. The Vikings were 3-13 last year. They are now 10-6 and in the playoffs. Manning took a playoff team back to the playoffs. Peterson's running carried the Vikings in a passing league. His running was consistently successful despite a frequently absent passing threat. In short, every defense knew that he was running and they still couldn't stop him. Finally, Peterson finished the year with 2,097 yards. Second place was Alfred Morris with 1613. Peterson gained nearly 500 yards more than the next back. Nuff said.
-while not the MVP, Manning was unbelievable. He's a surgeon with the football. As a Raiders assistant coach said about him, Peyton Manning might be the best offensive coordinator in the league.
-the coaching that Bruce Arians did this year was phenomenal. The Colts were dealt a huge blow when head coach Chuck Pagano was diagnosed with Leukemia. Arians became the interim coach and led the worst team in 2011 to an 11-5 record and the playoffs in 2012. Amazing. I doubt that an interim coach has ever been named coach of the year but Arians deserves it.
2012 All-Pro Team
Offense
QB Peyton Manning Broncos
RB Adrian Peterson Vikings
FB Jerome Felton Vikings
WR Calvin Johnson Lions
Reggie Wayne Colts
TE Rob Gronkowski Patriots
T Duane Brown Texans
Joe Staley 49ers
G Marshal Yanda Ravens
Evan Mathis Eagles
C John Sullivan Vikings
Defense
DE J.J. Watt Texans
Aldon Smith 49ers
DT Justin Smith 49ers
Haloti Ngata
OLB Von Miller Broncos
Chad Greenway Vikings
MLB Patrick Willis 49ers
CB Charles Tillman
Richard Sherman
S Eric Weddle
Jairus Byrd
Specialist
K Blair Walsh Vikings
P Andy Lee 49ers
KR Jacoby Jones Ravens
The pretty much even use of 3-4 and 4-3 defenses throughout the league really makes selecting outside linebackers and defensive ends difficult. Aldon Smith of the 49ers plays linebacker in the team's 3-4 but he's pretty much a stand-up rush end on every play. He's also one of the best pass rushers in the league. Frequently, he can't be blocked. He makes my team as a pass rusher but I can't put him at linebacker. In my opinion, he doesn't play the position. Von Miller is also a tremendous pass rusher but he frequently and effectively drops into coverage. He's a complete linebacker.
Having 5 Vikings on my All-Pro team is surely a stretch. Peterson and Walsh should make everyone's team but Sullivan, Greenway and Felton likely won't. Although, Sullivan really should.
Congratulations to all those honored.
MVP: Adrian Peterson, RB Minnesota Vikings
Offensive Player of the Year: Peyton Manning, QB Denver Broncos
Defensive Player of the Year: J.J. Watt, DE Houston Texans
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Robert Griffin III, QB Washington Redskins
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Luke Kuechley, LB Carolina Panthers
Comeback Player of the Year: Adrian Peterson, RB Minnesota Vikings
Coach of the Year: Bruce Arians Indianapolis Colts
Executive of the Year: Ryan Grigson Indianapolis Colts
-the MVP award comes down to Peterson and Manning, for me and it sounds like for most everyone else. Besides a natural bias, a few things separate Peterson from Manning for me. The Vikings were 3-13 last year. They are now 10-6 and in the playoffs. Manning took a playoff team back to the playoffs. Peterson's running carried the Vikings in a passing league. His running was consistently successful despite a frequently absent passing threat. In short, every defense knew that he was running and they still couldn't stop him. Finally, Peterson finished the year with 2,097 yards. Second place was Alfred Morris with 1613. Peterson gained nearly 500 yards more than the next back. Nuff said.
-while not the MVP, Manning was unbelievable. He's a surgeon with the football. As a Raiders assistant coach said about him, Peyton Manning might be the best offensive coordinator in the league.
-the coaching that Bruce Arians did this year was phenomenal. The Colts were dealt a huge blow when head coach Chuck Pagano was diagnosed with Leukemia. Arians became the interim coach and led the worst team in 2011 to an 11-5 record and the playoffs in 2012. Amazing. I doubt that an interim coach has ever been named coach of the year but Arians deserves it.
2012 All-Pro Team
Offense
QB Peyton Manning Broncos
RB Adrian Peterson Vikings
FB Jerome Felton Vikings
WR Calvin Johnson Lions
Reggie Wayne Colts
TE Rob Gronkowski Patriots
T Duane Brown Texans
Joe Staley 49ers
G Marshal Yanda Ravens
Evan Mathis Eagles
C John Sullivan Vikings
Defense
DE J.J. Watt Texans
Aldon Smith 49ers
DT Justin Smith 49ers
Haloti Ngata
OLB Von Miller Broncos
Chad Greenway Vikings
MLB Patrick Willis 49ers
CB Charles Tillman
Richard Sherman
S Eric Weddle
Jairus Byrd
Specialist
K Blair Walsh Vikings
P Andy Lee 49ers
KR Jacoby Jones Ravens
The pretty much even use of 3-4 and 4-3 defenses throughout the league really makes selecting outside linebackers and defensive ends difficult. Aldon Smith of the 49ers plays linebacker in the team's 3-4 but he's pretty much a stand-up rush end on every play. He's also one of the best pass rushers in the league. Frequently, he can't be blocked. He makes my team as a pass rusher but I can't put him at linebacker. In my opinion, he doesn't play the position. Von Miller is also a tremendous pass rusher but he frequently and effectively drops into coverage. He's a complete linebacker.
Having 5 Vikings on my All-Pro team is surely a stretch. Peterson and Walsh should make everyone's team but Sullivan, Greenway and Felton likely won't. Although, Sullivan really should.
Congratulations to all those honored.
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