Unlike the usual list of expected breakout players this is a look at players that their teams need to break out this season. It's the AFC South's turn.
Houston Texans
Offensive line
The Texans' offensive line was has been on a pace that will soon get quarterback DeShaun Watson killed. If there's any hope for long term success in Houston, that can't happen. The offensive line of holdovers Julien Davenport, Nick Martin, Senio Kelemente, Zach Fulton, and Martinas Rankin and top picks Tytus Howard and Max Scharping must compete to find five that will finally protect Watson like he must be protected. Watson needs that. The Texans need that. And Matt Kalil absolutely must not be one of the starting five.
Indianapolis Colts
Justin Houston, DE
It's quite shocking how quickly the Colts went from a bad team to one of the most talented football teams in the league. With Andrew Luck healthy the offense is potent. The defense has young, talented players scattered throughout. The only thing missing was a pass rusher. Justin Houston was one of the best pass rushers in the league for nearly all of his eight seasons in Kansas City. The Colts need him to be that sort of pass rusher.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Nick Foles, QB
The Jaguars have had Super Bowl potential for a couple years. One of the reasons they don't have any Super Bowl appearances, or many playoff appearances, was wildly inconsistent quarterback play. That's why they let Blake Bortles go and brought in Nick Foles. One thing that Foles has done the last two seasons is play extremely well in the postseason. He played so well that he won a Super Bowl. One thing that he hasn't done in a while is play well for an entire season. The Jaguars need him play for an entire season (playoffs included) like he has for playoff runs.
Tennessee Titans
Marcus Mariota, QB
The Titans selected Marcus Mariota with the second overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft. After four seasons, they still don't know for sure what they have in their "franchise" quarterback. Or, if he even is their franchise quarterback. Injuries have stunted his development and consistency. Through four seasons, he's started 12, 15, 15, and 13 games. He played injured in many of the games that he did start. Mariota is an uber-talented, athletic, spontaneous quarterback. To be effective, he needs to have all of his talents available to him. The Titans need Marcus Mariota to be and stay healthy. They need to know if he's their long-term quarterback.
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Saturday, June 29, 2019
Remembering Joe Delaney
On this day in 1983 I learned that pro football players were human. That was when Kansas City Chiefs running back Joe Delaney dashed into water to save three boys from drowning. Saving the boys was more important than the fact that he couldn't swim. He acted when others didn't. Football players are often considered heroes. On this day in 1983 I learned what heroes really do.
In remembering Joe Delaney, I turn to Frank DeFord and the article he wrote for Sports Illustrated in 1983.
Last Sunday, Oct. 30, Joe Delaney's team, the Kansas City Chiefs, played the Denver Broncos. And in Shreveport, down the road from Haughton, where Joe was reared, the Louisiana State Fair was in its last day. The signs said: IT'S YOUR FAIR—SO BE THERE, and for sure a goodly number of folks came out.
Had he lived, Delaney last Sunday would have celebrated his 25th birthday while playing against the Broncos. But on June 29, 1983 he died, a gentleman and a hero, in Monroe, at Chenault Park, around two in the afternoon.
There was a huge hole there, carved out of the earth some time ago. The hole had filled with water, and three boys waded in. They didn't know it, but a short way out the bottom dropped off precipitously, and suddenly the boys were in over their heads and thrashing and screaming. There were all sorts of people around, but only Joe dashed to the pond. There was a little boy there. "Can you swim?" he asked Joe.
"I can't swim good," Joe said, "but I've got to save those kids. If I don't come up, get somebody." And he rushed into the water.
One boy fought his way back to the shallow part. The other two didn't. Neither did Joe Delaney, 24. He was hauled out a few minutes later, dead. He gave his own life trying to save three others.
God rest his soul.
Shortly thereafter, back in Haughton, JoAnn Delaney woke up from a nap. She'd had a terrible pain come over her, so she had lain down; but now, miraculously, she felt whole again. Later she found out the pain had come as Joe had approached Chenault Park in his baby blue Cougar and had departed when he'd died.
JoAnn was Joe's twin.
When they were born in Henderson, Texas on Oct. 30, 1958, JoAnn's birth was uneventful, but Joe turned blue and almost died. He had some kind of bubble over his face, his mother, Eunice, says, which made it hard for him to start breathing. The midwife was familiar with this problem. She called it a "veil," and when the crisis had passed and the baby had filled his lungs with air, she told Eunice, "Any child born with the veil will die of drowning."
Lucille, one of Joe's five sisters—he had two brothers—says, "We were mighty glad when he learned to swim." But he was never more than a rudimentary swimmer; he was scared of water any deeper than his waist. It was amazing that he would rush in after those boys.
Let us now go down the road and around the bend from Joe's house on West Madison Street in Haughton to the Galilee Baptist Church...to listen to the people eulogize him. The words are all real, but you're going to have to imagine the scene, because when Joe died there were so many people, from far and wide, who wanted to honor him that his parish church, the Galilee, couldn't be used for the services. They had to be held in the largest building in town, the high school gym—HOME OF THE BUCCANEERS it Says on one wall, over an American flag. Joe rested there in an open casket before the services.
It was July 4, Independence Day, brutally hot, and a number of mourners passed out. Many Chiefs and other NFL players came, but the local people watched Norma Hunt especially closely. She's the wife of Lamar Hunt, the owner of the Chiefs, and if the home folks were impressed that this millionaire had come to pay his respects to Joe Alton Delaney, they were moved that his wife had come.
But for the purpose of the retelling, we're not in the Hades-hot gym. Instead it's a soft Loosiana autumn night—midweek, no football games—and we're assembled at the Galilee to hear the encomiums for the late Joe Delaney.
Galilee was originally used by both races, the whites letting their slaves worship there on Sabbath afternoons. Since 1863, after Vicksburg fell and that part of the Confederacy began to crumble, the blacks have had Galilee to themselves. These days the church is located in a neat, solid red-brick chapel, and Joe spent his Sunday mornings there during the off-season. He was an usher. His spot was in the back, just to the left as you come in. A little sign there says USHER, and Joe's folded chair is still in place, leaning against the wall. Look hard; you might see him there as his friends begin to enter.
Outside, a harvest moon ducks out from behind the clouds. Inside, the Rev. W.B. James is presiding. He's a trim little man who has known the Delaneys for years. Back in the Depression he walked to the Slap Chapel school for the colored with Joe's late father, Woodrow, and Woodrow's twin—Joe had twins on both sides of his family. More than 40 years later, two of the Rev. James's sons played with Joe on the football team at what's called Northwestern Louisiana, down in Natchitoches, which is pronounced NAK-a-tish.
Now the Rev. James stands in his pulpit and bids the people talk about Joe. Scour the area and Kansas City, too, and you'll never hear a bad word about Joe Delaney. He was a hero at the last instant, but he'd been a good man all the time leading up to it.
Marv Levy, who was Joe's coach in both his years at Kansas City, speaks first. Levy had no idea how talented Delaney was when the Chiefs drafted him in the second round in '81. Joe was penciled in as a "situation back," but in 1981 he gained 1.121 yards, started in the Pro Bowl and was AFC Rookie of the Year. Levy says. "Joe was a person who was genuine and honest right to the core of his being."
He sits down, and near him A.L. Williams, who coached Joe at Northwestern Louisiana, gets up. The football people are over on one side, more or less, and the home folks are on the other, with the family up front, all save Uncle Frankie Joe, Eunice's baby brother, for whom Joe was named. Of all his nephews, Uncle Frankie Joe was especially close to Joe. The two of them and Lucille would often sing together. But Uncle Frankie Joe wouldn't go to the funeral services, hasn't visited Joe's grave yet and, when Eunice gave him first crack at Joe's belongings, he wouldn't take a thing. So he wouldn't be here at the Galilee on this night, either.
Coach Williams speaks now. He says: "The first year Joe was up in Kansas City, Les Miller, the Chiefs' director of player personnel, called me on the phone. He said, 'I want to talk to you about one of your players.' I thought something was wrong. But then he said. 'I just wanted to tell you that Joe Delaney is the finest young man and the hardest worker we've ever had here.'
"You know when Joe came to Northwestern he was a wide receiver. The night I signed him, we went and sat on the fender of my car, and I promised him he could play there because he thought his best chance to make the pros was at that position. But we had a few injuries to running backs early in his freshman year, and Joe came to me and said if we needed a running back he'd switch and play there.
"People ask me, 'How could Joe have gone in that water the way he did?' And I answer, 'Why, he never gave it a second thought, because helping people was a conditioned reflex to Joe Delaney.' "
Bobby Ray McHalffey, who coached Joe at Haughton High, stands up next. Coach McHalffey says he has had a number of better athletes down through the years, but Joe worked a whole lot harder than the other boys. Coach McHalffey finishes up: "You missed somethin' when you didn't know that young 'un—a fine American man."
That's it for the coaches. The next person to speak is Harold Harlan, principal of Haughton High. He says, "Joe was one of those who assumed responsibility. He was one of those who had goals. He was one of those you could always count on." He pauses then and scans the crowded church. "Joe Delaney was a cut above."
Carolyn Delaney, Joe's widow, sits in the front row. nodding. She brought their three girls to the church in the baby blue Cougar. There is Tamika, who's seven, Crystal, four, and JoJo (for Joanna), who wasn't even four months old when her daddy died. They all look up as Alma Jean rises. She's Joe's oldest sister, and she has been selected to read aloud the proclamation from President Reagan that Vice President Bush had personally delivered to the family back in July.
It finishes by saying, "By this supreme example of courage and compassion, this brilliantly gifted young man left a spiritual legacy for his fellow Americans, in recognition of which Joe Delaney is hereby awarded the Presidential Citizens Award."
A lot of people—even many of the football people—are crying now. Crystal wants to leave. Her father spoiled her something awful, and she can't bear to stay in any room when people talk about him. But Lucille is going to be the final speaker. She has brought her guitar, just to strum a couple of notes on, and then in the hush she reads MR. JOE D., the poem that she wrote about her brother two weeks after he died:
My brother Joe was a small man in size,
but you'd have to know him to understand
and realize just how big a heart he had.
He would always help others,
whether good or bad.
Some people said he couldn't,
but Joe said,
can! I can!'
Oh, how grand, and he did...
Joe earned the right to have capital MR. in front of his name,
But because of his love and not just his fame...
There are more tears, and it's now time to conclude the service. The Rev. James says, "I don't know anybody who had a spot on their heart about Joe. People ask me, 'Reverend James, why would God take him away?' and I say, 'God wants something good, too. Amen.' "
From the earliest, Eunice says, "He told me he was goin' to make the pros and make me happy." Joe didn't get any encouragement at home, though. Eunice and Woodrow, a hardworking truck driver till the day he died in 1977, thought football was stuff and nonsense. That may be why there haven't been any other athletes in the family. But then, Joe was also the only one ever to make college.
Joe was born four years after the Supreme Court outlawed segregation in the schools, but he was nine years old before this message, with deliberate speed, came to Louisiana. School integration there was called "the crossover," a term borrowed from the music business, and there isn't anybody around Haughton who doesn't profess that athletics helped ease the transition. As a star black player who was as impeccable of character as he was celebrated, Joe had an impact on his community.
In Haughton, everybody knew Joe D. The tracks of the Illinois Central Gulf line cut smack through town, but that doesn't mean the white folks are all here and the black ones over yonder. Instead, there is a crazy quilt pattern. The Galilee Baptist Church, for example, is in a white enclave. "We have some worldly peoples around here," the Rev. James says. Still, Baptists and fishermen predominate—both creatures of abiding faith.
Joe was a fisherman, was he? "Called hisself one," Eunice says, chortling.
She's in her house, the old sagging place where Joe grew up, where eight people live now, where Joe's trophies are all over and the television set is on all the time. This afternoon she's caring for Joe's children. After he signed his first contract Joe made his mother stop working as a cleaning lady, and he was going to get her a better place to live.
"Muh," he said. He called her Muh. "Muh, I'm going to buy you a house in Kansas City."
"No you ain't," she said. She didn't want to leave Haughton and her family.
What Joe did instead was build a house down the street for himself and Carolyn and the girls. Carolyn had lived in an old house on that plot. She was the girl down the street all the time Joe was growing up. The new house isn't large, but it's trim and immaculate, with plastic covers on the chairs, Joe's trophies all over and the television set on all the time. "Joe wanted to build here," Carolyn says. "We wanted to feel in place." In Kansas City, he always introduced Carolyn as a home girl, but he was a home boy, too.
If Joe had lived, there would have been a star's contract, lots more money, and then he could have moved his family into a subdivision. In that neck of the woods in Louisiana, and in a lot of places in the U.S., subdivision has come to mean what uptown once did. There may be all sorts of neighborhoods, but there are no bad subdivisions. You can be sure of one thing, though. No matter how much money Joe might have made, and no matter where he might have gone to live, his '81 baby blue Cougar would always have been parked outside.
Joe spent a lot of time over at his mother's house. Carolyn has to devote a great deal of time to her own mother, who is blind. She says she really isn't a home girl; foremost she's a family girl. She lost her father in March and her grandfather in June, just two weeks before Joe died. "Joe, all I got now is you," she had said then.
"You'll always have me," he had replied.
In the mornings, Joe would bring JoJo over to Muh's, sometimes not much past six o'clock. Then he would roust everybody, get the music going. He was almost never still. "Sit down and rest awhile, Honey," Eunice would say.
On Independence Day Joe was lowered into the earth at Hawkins Cemetery. There was a two-mile-long procession of cars from the gym to the burial ground and then a long walk down a dirt road under the worst of a July midday sun. People can remember a little black girl running after Norma Hunt and asking her about the pretty bracelet she had on.
Joe, like Uncle Frankie Joe, hated that cemetery, and far as anybody knew, he'd never been back there since his father's burial in '77. Hawkins Cemetery isn't like the white people's graveyard down in Haughton proper, which is all green and manicured. It's up in Belleview and really no more than a clearing back in the woods, where the sandy earth is still piled up from graves dug years ago. It's so far out of the way that there isn't much use putting flowers on the graves; they get stolen and given to girl friends.
Joe is amid ancient company there. Only three down from him is a great-great uncle, Moses Kennon, born in 1848, 15 years before emancipation. On a lot of the stones it says GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN or OVER IN THE GLORYLAND or just plain ASLEEP. Rest awhile, Honey.
"The sky was the limit for him," Coach Williams said the other day. "We never got to see what Joe D would be."
After Joe signed his contract with the Chiefs, Joe Ferguson, the Buffalo quarterback, who was raised in Shreveport and knew Joe D., showed Joe how to write checks. How would Joe D. know about things like that? The first big purchase he made then was a car. He was very careful about it because he didn't want to be ostentatious and spend too much of his money on one item when there was so much the family needed.
Finally, Joe came to Coach Williams and told him he'd thought about it and had settled on a Cougar. What did Coach think of that? Well, Coach Williams thought that was a fine choice, and so straightaway he picked up the phone and called Harry Friedman, the Lincoln-Mercury dealer in Natchitoches. Friedman told Coach Williams he was delighted that Joe had selected a Cougar and he would make sure to give Joe the best possible deal because everyone loved Joe D. and he had meant a great deal to Northwestern and Natchitoches.
Truth to tell, Joe did splurge a little. He sprung for just about every option available on the '81 Cougar. When he brought the car home, he told Carolyn that he would never get rid of it, no matter how good he became or how much he made or where he lived, because it was the first fine thing he had ever been able to buy in his life. He was going to keep it and tend to it and give it to his girls many years from now, when they were old enough to drive.
Since Joe didn't live to see that faraway day, Carolyn says she will honor his intention. The baby blue Cougar is parked outside the house now, in the driveway. It has two stickers on the back, one for the NFL Players Association, the other for the Chiefs.
Crystal is playing on the front lawn by the car. JoJo is napping. Tamika is still at school. Carolyn comes out and calls for Crystal to come in, and she does, because the grown-ups inside are through talking about her daddy, a man who died a hero one hot summer's day and, before that, had never put a spot on a human heart.
Happy birthday, Joe D.
In remembering Joe Delaney, I turn to Frank DeFord and the article he wrote for Sports Illustrated in 1983.
SOMETIMES THE GOOD DIE YOUNG
THE CHIEFS' JOE DELANEY WOULD HAVE BEEN 25 LAST WEEK HAD HE NOT GIVEN UP HIS LIFE ATTEMPTING TO SAVE TWO DROWNING BOYS
BY FRANK DEFORD
Had he lived, Delaney last Sunday would have celebrated his 25th birthday while playing against the Broncos. But on June 29, 1983 he died, a gentleman and a hero, in Monroe, at Chenault Park, around two in the afternoon.
There was a huge hole there, carved out of the earth some time ago. The hole had filled with water, and three boys waded in. They didn't know it, but a short way out the bottom dropped off precipitously, and suddenly the boys were in over their heads and thrashing and screaming. There were all sorts of people around, but only Joe dashed to the pond. There was a little boy there. "Can you swim?" he asked Joe.
"I can't swim good," Joe said, "but I've got to save those kids. If I don't come up, get somebody." And he rushed into the water.
One boy fought his way back to the shallow part. The other two didn't. Neither did Joe Delaney, 24. He was hauled out a few minutes later, dead. He gave his own life trying to save three others.
God rest his soul.
Shortly thereafter, back in Haughton, JoAnn Delaney woke up from a nap. She'd had a terrible pain come over her, so she had lain down; but now, miraculously, she felt whole again. Later she found out the pain had come as Joe had approached Chenault Park in his baby blue Cougar and had departed when he'd died.
JoAnn was Joe's twin.
When they were born in Henderson, Texas on Oct. 30, 1958, JoAnn's birth was uneventful, but Joe turned blue and almost died. He had some kind of bubble over his face, his mother, Eunice, says, which made it hard for him to start breathing. The midwife was familiar with this problem. She called it a "veil," and when the crisis had passed and the baby had filled his lungs with air, she told Eunice, "Any child born with the veil will die of drowning."
Lucille, one of Joe's five sisters—he had two brothers—says, "We were mighty glad when he learned to swim." But he was never more than a rudimentary swimmer; he was scared of water any deeper than his waist. It was amazing that he would rush in after those boys.
Let us now go down the road and around the bend from Joe's house on West Madison Street in Haughton to the Galilee Baptist Church...to listen to the people eulogize him. The words are all real, but you're going to have to imagine the scene, because when Joe died there were so many people, from far and wide, who wanted to honor him that his parish church, the Galilee, couldn't be used for the services. They had to be held in the largest building in town, the high school gym—HOME OF THE BUCCANEERS it Says on one wall, over an American flag. Joe rested there in an open casket before the services.
It was July 4, Independence Day, brutally hot, and a number of mourners passed out. Many Chiefs and other NFL players came, but the local people watched Norma Hunt especially closely. She's the wife of Lamar Hunt, the owner of the Chiefs, and if the home folks were impressed that this millionaire had come to pay his respects to Joe Alton Delaney, they were moved that his wife had come.
But for the purpose of the retelling, we're not in the Hades-hot gym. Instead it's a soft Loosiana autumn night—midweek, no football games—and we're assembled at the Galilee to hear the encomiums for the late Joe Delaney.
Galilee was originally used by both races, the whites letting their slaves worship there on Sabbath afternoons. Since 1863, after Vicksburg fell and that part of the Confederacy began to crumble, the blacks have had Galilee to themselves. These days the church is located in a neat, solid red-brick chapel, and Joe spent his Sunday mornings there during the off-season. He was an usher. His spot was in the back, just to the left as you come in. A little sign there says USHER, and Joe's folded chair is still in place, leaning against the wall. Look hard; you might see him there as his friends begin to enter.
Outside, a harvest moon ducks out from behind the clouds. Inside, the Rev. W.B. James is presiding. He's a trim little man who has known the Delaneys for years. Back in the Depression he walked to the Slap Chapel school for the colored with Joe's late father, Woodrow, and Woodrow's twin—Joe had twins on both sides of his family. More than 40 years later, two of the Rev. James's sons played with Joe on the football team at what's called Northwestern Louisiana, down in Natchitoches, which is pronounced NAK-a-tish.
Now the Rev. James stands in his pulpit and bids the people talk about Joe. Scour the area and Kansas City, too, and you'll never hear a bad word about Joe Delaney. He was a hero at the last instant, but he'd been a good man all the time leading up to it.
Marv Levy, who was Joe's coach in both his years at Kansas City, speaks first. Levy had no idea how talented Delaney was when the Chiefs drafted him in the second round in '81. Joe was penciled in as a "situation back," but in 1981 he gained 1.121 yards, started in the Pro Bowl and was AFC Rookie of the Year. Levy says. "Joe was a person who was genuine and honest right to the core of his being."
He sits down, and near him A.L. Williams, who coached Joe at Northwestern Louisiana, gets up. The football people are over on one side, more or less, and the home folks are on the other, with the family up front, all save Uncle Frankie Joe, Eunice's baby brother, for whom Joe was named. Of all his nephews, Uncle Frankie Joe was especially close to Joe. The two of them and Lucille would often sing together. But Uncle Frankie Joe wouldn't go to the funeral services, hasn't visited Joe's grave yet and, when Eunice gave him first crack at Joe's belongings, he wouldn't take a thing. So he wouldn't be here at the Galilee on this night, either.
Coach Williams speaks now. He says: "The first year Joe was up in Kansas City, Les Miller, the Chiefs' director of player personnel, called me on the phone. He said, 'I want to talk to you about one of your players.' I thought something was wrong. But then he said. 'I just wanted to tell you that Joe Delaney is the finest young man and the hardest worker we've ever had here.'
"You know when Joe came to Northwestern he was a wide receiver. The night I signed him, we went and sat on the fender of my car, and I promised him he could play there because he thought his best chance to make the pros was at that position. But we had a few injuries to running backs early in his freshman year, and Joe came to me and said if we needed a running back he'd switch and play there.
"People ask me, 'How could Joe have gone in that water the way he did?' And I answer, 'Why, he never gave it a second thought, because helping people was a conditioned reflex to Joe Delaney.' "
Bobby Ray McHalffey, who coached Joe at Haughton High, stands up next. Coach McHalffey says he has had a number of better athletes down through the years, but Joe worked a whole lot harder than the other boys. Coach McHalffey finishes up: "You missed somethin' when you didn't know that young 'un—a fine American man."
That's it for the coaches. The next person to speak is Harold Harlan, principal of Haughton High. He says, "Joe was one of those who assumed responsibility. He was one of those who had goals. He was one of those you could always count on." He pauses then and scans the crowded church. "Joe Delaney was a cut above."
Carolyn Delaney, Joe's widow, sits in the front row. nodding. She brought their three girls to the church in the baby blue Cougar. There is Tamika, who's seven, Crystal, four, and JoJo (for Joanna), who wasn't even four months old when her daddy died. They all look up as Alma Jean rises. She's Joe's oldest sister, and she has been selected to read aloud the proclamation from President Reagan that Vice President Bush had personally delivered to the family back in July.
It finishes by saying, "By this supreme example of courage and compassion, this brilliantly gifted young man left a spiritual legacy for his fellow Americans, in recognition of which Joe Delaney is hereby awarded the Presidential Citizens Award."
A lot of people—even many of the football people—are crying now. Crystal wants to leave. Her father spoiled her something awful, and she can't bear to stay in any room when people talk about him. But Lucille is going to be the final speaker. She has brought her guitar, just to strum a couple of notes on, and then in the hush she reads MR. JOE D., the poem that she wrote about her brother two weeks after he died:
My brother Joe was a small man in size,
but you'd have to know him to understand
and realize just how big a heart he had.
He would always help others,
whether good or bad.
Some people said he couldn't,
but Joe said,
can! I can!'
Oh, how grand, and he did...
Joe earned the right to have capital MR. in front of his name,
But because of his love and not just his fame...
There are more tears, and it's now time to conclude the service. The Rev. James says, "I don't know anybody who had a spot on their heart about Joe. People ask me, 'Reverend James, why would God take him away?' and I say, 'God wants something good, too. Amen.' "
From the earliest, Eunice says, "He told me he was goin' to make the pros and make me happy." Joe didn't get any encouragement at home, though. Eunice and Woodrow, a hardworking truck driver till the day he died in 1977, thought football was stuff and nonsense. That may be why there haven't been any other athletes in the family. But then, Joe was also the only one ever to make college.
Joe was born four years after the Supreme Court outlawed segregation in the schools, but he was nine years old before this message, with deliberate speed, came to Louisiana. School integration there was called "the crossover," a term borrowed from the music business, and there isn't anybody around Haughton who doesn't profess that athletics helped ease the transition. As a star black player who was as impeccable of character as he was celebrated, Joe had an impact on his community.
In Haughton, everybody knew Joe D. The tracks of the Illinois Central Gulf line cut smack through town, but that doesn't mean the white folks are all here and the black ones over yonder. Instead, there is a crazy quilt pattern. The Galilee Baptist Church, for example, is in a white enclave. "We have some worldly peoples around here," the Rev. James says. Still, Baptists and fishermen predominate—both creatures of abiding faith.
Joe was a fisherman, was he? "Called hisself one," Eunice says, chortling.
She's in her house, the old sagging place where Joe grew up, where eight people live now, where Joe's trophies are all over and the television set is on all the time. This afternoon she's caring for Joe's children. After he signed his first contract Joe made his mother stop working as a cleaning lady, and he was going to get her a better place to live.
"Muh," he said. He called her Muh. "Muh, I'm going to buy you a house in Kansas City."
"No you ain't," she said. She didn't want to leave Haughton and her family.
What Joe did instead was build a house down the street for himself and Carolyn and the girls. Carolyn had lived in an old house on that plot. She was the girl down the street all the time Joe was growing up. The new house isn't large, but it's trim and immaculate, with plastic covers on the chairs, Joe's trophies all over and the television set on all the time. "Joe wanted to build here," Carolyn says. "We wanted to feel in place." In Kansas City, he always introduced Carolyn as a home girl, but he was a home boy, too.
If Joe had lived, there would have been a star's contract, lots more money, and then he could have moved his family into a subdivision. In that neck of the woods in Louisiana, and in a lot of places in the U.S., subdivision has come to mean what uptown once did. There may be all sorts of neighborhoods, but there are no bad subdivisions. You can be sure of one thing, though. No matter how much money Joe might have made, and no matter where he might have gone to live, his '81 baby blue Cougar would always have been parked outside.
Joe spent a lot of time over at his mother's house. Carolyn has to devote a great deal of time to her own mother, who is blind. She says she really isn't a home girl; foremost she's a family girl. She lost her father in March and her grandfather in June, just two weeks before Joe died. "Joe, all I got now is you," she had said then.
"You'll always have me," he had replied.
In the mornings, Joe would bring JoJo over to Muh's, sometimes not much past six o'clock. Then he would roust everybody, get the music going. He was almost never still. "Sit down and rest awhile, Honey," Eunice would say.
On Independence Day Joe was lowered into the earth at Hawkins Cemetery. There was a two-mile-long procession of cars from the gym to the burial ground and then a long walk down a dirt road under the worst of a July midday sun. People can remember a little black girl running after Norma Hunt and asking her about the pretty bracelet she had on.
Joe, like Uncle Frankie Joe, hated that cemetery, and far as anybody knew, he'd never been back there since his father's burial in '77. Hawkins Cemetery isn't like the white people's graveyard down in Haughton proper, which is all green and manicured. It's up in Belleview and really no more than a clearing back in the woods, where the sandy earth is still piled up from graves dug years ago. It's so far out of the way that there isn't much use putting flowers on the graves; they get stolen and given to girl friends.
Joe is amid ancient company there. Only three down from him is a great-great uncle, Moses Kennon, born in 1848, 15 years before emancipation. On a lot of the stones it says GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN or OVER IN THE GLORYLAND or just plain ASLEEP. Rest awhile, Honey.
"The sky was the limit for him," Coach Williams said the other day. "We never got to see what Joe D would be."
After Joe signed his contract with the Chiefs, Joe Ferguson, the Buffalo quarterback, who was raised in Shreveport and knew Joe D., showed Joe how to write checks. How would Joe D. know about things like that? The first big purchase he made then was a car. He was very careful about it because he didn't want to be ostentatious and spend too much of his money on one item when there was so much the family needed.
Finally, Joe came to Coach Williams and told him he'd thought about it and had settled on a Cougar. What did Coach think of that? Well, Coach Williams thought that was a fine choice, and so straightaway he picked up the phone and called Harry Friedman, the Lincoln-Mercury dealer in Natchitoches. Friedman told Coach Williams he was delighted that Joe had selected a Cougar and he would make sure to give Joe the best possible deal because everyone loved Joe D. and he had meant a great deal to Northwestern and Natchitoches.
Truth to tell, Joe did splurge a little. He sprung for just about every option available on the '81 Cougar. When he brought the car home, he told Carolyn that he would never get rid of it, no matter how good he became or how much he made or where he lived, because it was the first fine thing he had ever been able to buy in his life. He was going to keep it and tend to it and give it to his girls many years from now, when they were old enough to drive.
Since Joe didn't live to see that faraway day, Carolyn says she will honor his intention. The baby blue Cougar is parked outside the house now, in the driveway. It has two stickers on the back, one for the NFL Players Association, the other for the Chiefs.
Crystal is playing on the front lawn by the car. JoJo is napping. Tamika is still at school. Carolyn comes out and calls for Crystal to come in, and she does, because the grown-ups inside are through talking about her daddy, a man who died a hero one hot summer's day and, before that, had never put a spot on a human heart.
Happy birthday, Joe D.
Friday, June 28, 2019
AFC East Breakout Players
Unlike the usual list of expected breakout players this is a look at players that their teams need to break out this season. It's the AFC East's turn.
Buffalo Bills
Offensive line
As with the Atlanta Falcons, the Buffalo Bills focused heavily on rebuilding their offensive line this offseason. The Bills outdid the Falcons in numbers of offensive linemen added this offseason. In fact, the Bills went after the free agency offensive line market like an expansion team with no offensive linemen on the roster. They signed Ty Nsehke, Mitch Morse, Quinton Spain, Mitch Morse, Spencer Long, John Feliciano, and LaAdrian Waddle in free agency. If an offensive lineman had a pulse the Bills were interested. Then they selected promising Oklahoma offensive lineman Cody Ford in the second round of the draft. The Bills need of all these new players to come together in a much improved offensive line.
Miami Dolphins
Josh Rosen, QB
Picking a quarterback as a player that a team needs to break out is always the easy pick. It's really rare for a team to not need their quarterback to play well for season-long success. Josh Rosen and the Miami Dolphins are in an unusual sort of situation. This will be his second NFL season and his second team. The Arizona Cardinals traded up in the 2018 NFL Draft so that they could secure Rosen with the tenth pick. He was supposed to be their franchise quarterback. A season later, the Dolphins are going to find out if he can be their franchise quarterback. The Dolphins need Josh Rosen to break out for this to be a season in which they take a strong rebuilding step forward rather than a sad season of tanking. If it's the former, the Dolphins lucked into a franchise quarterback. If it's the latter, Rosen could be with his third team next season.
New England Patriots
Isaiah Wynn, LT
The past two Patriots' left tackles played their way to giant free agent deals with other teams. That can happen on a Dante Scarnecchia-coached offensive line. Isaiah Wynn was one of my favorite players in the 2018 NFL Draft. I hoped that he'd be available when the Minnesota Vikings were on the clock. The Patriots didn't let that happen. A preseason achilles injury wiped out his rookie season. He's back. At a listed 6'2" 311 lbs, Wynn isn't built like a traditional left tackle. It doesn't matter. With his talent and Scarnecchia's coaching I wouldn't be surprised if he plays at a higher level than the two left tackles that preceded him. With a certain 42-year old quarterback playing behind him, the Patriots need Isaiah Wynn to play at a high level.
New York Jets
CJ Mosley, LB
Sam Darnold or Le'Veon Bell might be better choices. I'm going with linebacker CJ Mosley due to the outrageous free agent contract that they gave him. The Jets were throwing money at just about every free agent this offseason and they threw a lot at Mosley. His per year average of $17 million is about $5 million more than the other top off the ball linebackers. He's being paid like a pass rusher. For that sort of money, the Jets really need CJ Mosley to break out.
Buffalo Bills
Offensive line
As with the Atlanta Falcons, the Buffalo Bills focused heavily on rebuilding their offensive line this offseason. The Bills outdid the Falcons in numbers of offensive linemen added this offseason. In fact, the Bills went after the free agency offensive line market like an expansion team with no offensive linemen on the roster. They signed Ty Nsehke, Mitch Morse, Quinton Spain, Mitch Morse, Spencer Long, John Feliciano, and LaAdrian Waddle in free agency. If an offensive lineman had a pulse the Bills were interested. Then they selected promising Oklahoma offensive lineman Cody Ford in the second round of the draft. The Bills need of all these new players to come together in a much improved offensive line.
Miami Dolphins
Josh Rosen, QB
Picking a quarterback as a player that a team needs to break out is always the easy pick. It's really rare for a team to not need their quarterback to play well for season-long success. Josh Rosen and the Miami Dolphins are in an unusual sort of situation. This will be his second NFL season and his second team. The Arizona Cardinals traded up in the 2018 NFL Draft so that they could secure Rosen with the tenth pick. He was supposed to be their franchise quarterback. A season later, the Dolphins are going to find out if he can be their franchise quarterback. The Dolphins need Josh Rosen to break out for this to be a season in which they take a strong rebuilding step forward rather than a sad season of tanking. If it's the former, the Dolphins lucked into a franchise quarterback. If it's the latter, Rosen could be with his third team next season.
New England Patriots
Isaiah Wynn, LT
The past two Patriots' left tackles played their way to giant free agent deals with other teams. That can happen on a Dante Scarnecchia-coached offensive line. Isaiah Wynn was one of my favorite players in the 2018 NFL Draft. I hoped that he'd be available when the Minnesota Vikings were on the clock. The Patriots didn't let that happen. A preseason achilles injury wiped out his rookie season. He's back. At a listed 6'2" 311 lbs, Wynn isn't built like a traditional left tackle. It doesn't matter. With his talent and Scarnecchia's coaching I wouldn't be surprised if he plays at a higher level than the two left tackles that preceded him. With a certain 42-year old quarterback playing behind him, the Patriots need Isaiah Wynn to play at a high level.
New York Jets
CJ Mosley, LB
Sam Darnold or Le'Veon Bell might be better choices. I'm going with linebacker CJ Mosley due to the outrageous free agent contract that they gave him. The Jets were throwing money at just about every free agent this offseason and they threw a lot at Mosley. His per year average of $17 million is about $5 million more than the other top off the ball linebackers. He's being paid like a pass rusher. For that sort of money, the Jets really need CJ Mosley to break out.
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Throwback Thursday: All-Time Detroit Lions Team
It's finally the Detroit Loins turn. Believe it or not, the Lions had a dynasty. They have a few titles. They had some great players. Here are 22 of them.
All-Time Detroit Lions Team
Offense
Quarterback
Bobby Layne
Running Back
Barry Sanders
Fullback
Ace Gutowsky
Receivers
Calvin Johnson
Herman Moore
Tight End
Charlie Sanders
Offensive Tackles
Lou Creekmur
Lomas Brown
Offensive Guards
Ox Emerson
Dick Stanfel
Center
Alex Wojciechowicz
Defense
Defensive Ends
Al Baker
Robert Porcher
Defensive Tackles
Alex Karras
Roger Brown
Linebackers
Wayne Walker
Joe Schmidt
Alex Wojciechowicz
Cornerbacks
Night Train Lane
Lem Barney
Safeties
Jack Christiansen
Yale Lary
Not having Dutch Clark on this team pains me considerably.
All-Time Detroit Lions Team
Offense
Quarterback
Bobby Layne
Running Back
Barry Sanders
Fullback
Ace Gutowsky
Receivers
Calvin Johnson
Herman Moore
Tight End
Charlie Sanders
Offensive Tackles
Lou Creekmur
Lomas Brown
Offensive Guards
Ox Emerson
Dick Stanfel
Center
Alex Wojciechowicz
Defense
Defensive Ends
Al Baker
Robert Porcher
Defensive Tackles
Alex Karras
Roger Brown
Linebackers
Wayne Walker
Joe Schmidt
Alex Wojciechowicz
Cornerbacks
Night Train Lane
Lem Barney
Safeties
Jack Christiansen
Yale Lary
***
Not having Dutch Clark on this team pains me considerably.
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
AFC North Breakout Players
Unlike the usual list of expected breakout players this is a look at players, or coaches, that their teams need to break out this season. I've dealt with the NFC teams. It's on to the AFC teams starting with the AFC North.
Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson, QB
This one's so obvious that I wanted to go with another player. Perhaps new secondary leader Earl Thomas. In the end, I had to go with the obvious choice. He's the quarterback. When the Ravens selected Lamar Jackson in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Joe Flacco's days in Baltimore were numbered. The quarterback that led the Ravens to a Super Bowl title is now in Denver. It's Jackson's team. Last year, the coaches had to craft an offense with both Flacco and Jackson in mind. Those are two very different quarterbacks. This year, it's all Jackson. The Ravens need Lamar Jackson to be a very special football player.
Cincinnati Bengals
Zac Taylor, head coach
This was the sort of head coach hire that must kill life-time grinders like Mike Zimmer, Vic Fangio, and Bruce Arians. There are so many talented coaches that worked decades as assistant coaches at the college and NFL levels dying for an opportunity to lead their own team. Then there are coaches like Zac Taylor that work for about a blink and are offered a head coach job. Thanks to the rapid flashy success of Sean McVay, hiring young, offensive whiz kids that have the slightest contact with McVay is the trend. This offseason, the Packers did it with hiring Matt LaFleur and the Bengals did it with hiring Zac Taylor. The new head coach in Cincinnati worked under McVay in Los Angeles the last two seasons. In 2017, he assisted with the receivers. Not many NFL head coaches have made the jump from assistant receivers coach to the top job in two seasons. In 2018, he coached the quarterbacks. Taylor's longest stay with one team were the four years he spent at Texas A&M (2008-11) as a graduate assistant. The Bengals absolutely need Zac Taylor to have the sort of head coaching trajectory that made McVay the new model for the job.
Cleveland Browns
Baker Mayfield, QB
As with Lamar Jackson, this one's too obvious. I tried to go with another player (Odell Beckham, Myles Garrett, Greg Robinson) but I kept coming back to the quarterback, Baker Mayfield. He played like a future star as a rookie last season. If he can keep his game only about the game his future success in the league feels certain. His season-long feud with Hue Jackson was pathetic. Mayfield won in Cleveland. Jackson lost. Move on. His comments on Duke Johnson's personal business was equally pathetic. Probably more pathetic. Part of Mayfield's strength as a player is his passion and grit. There just comes a time when a team's leader needs to be a leader, an example for his team. The Browns need their franchise quarterback to act like one as well as play like one.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Devin Bush, Jr., LB
James Conner and JuJu Smith-Schuster were considerations but I figured they were really good last year and that they'd be at least that this year. The Steelers offense might even be better without the drama that was often present with the flamboyant players that are no longer there. The Pittsburgh Steelers desperately need a breakout season from a rookie defensive player. They need Devin Bush, Jr. to be the sort of run-and-chase linebacker that they had in Ryan Shazier. The defense hasn't been the same since that horrible injury.
Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson, QB
This one's so obvious that I wanted to go with another player. Perhaps new secondary leader Earl Thomas. In the end, I had to go with the obvious choice. He's the quarterback. When the Ravens selected Lamar Jackson in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Joe Flacco's days in Baltimore were numbered. The quarterback that led the Ravens to a Super Bowl title is now in Denver. It's Jackson's team. Last year, the coaches had to craft an offense with both Flacco and Jackson in mind. Those are two very different quarterbacks. This year, it's all Jackson. The Ravens need Lamar Jackson to be a very special football player.
Cincinnati Bengals
Zac Taylor, head coach
This was the sort of head coach hire that must kill life-time grinders like Mike Zimmer, Vic Fangio, and Bruce Arians. There are so many talented coaches that worked decades as assistant coaches at the college and NFL levels dying for an opportunity to lead their own team. Then there are coaches like Zac Taylor that work for about a blink and are offered a head coach job. Thanks to the rapid flashy success of Sean McVay, hiring young, offensive whiz kids that have the slightest contact with McVay is the trend. This offseason, the Packers did it with hiring Matt LaFleur and the Bengals did it with hiring Zac Taylor. The new head coach in Cincinnati worked under McVay in Los Angeles the last two seasons. In 2017, he assisted with the receivers. Not many NFL head coaches have made the jump from assistant receivers coach to the top job in two seasons. In 2018, he coached the quarterbacks. Taylor's longest stay with one team were the four years he spent at Texas A&M (2008-11) as a graduate assistant. The Bengals absolutely need Zac Taylor to have the sort of head coaching trajectory that made McVay the new model for the job.
Cleveland Browns
Baker Mayfield, QB
As with Lamar Jackson, this one's too obvious. I tried to go with another player (Odell Beckham, Myles Garrett, Greg Robinson) but I kept coming back to the quarterback, Baker Mayfield. He played like a future star as a rookie last season. If he can keep his game only about the game his future success in the league feels certain. His season-long feud with Hue Jackson was pathetic. Mayfield won in Cleveland. Jackson lost. Move on. His comments on Duke Johnson's personal business was equally pathetic. Probably more pathetic. Part of Mayfield's strength as a player is his passion and grit. There just comes a time when a team's leader needs to be a leader, an example for his team. The Browns need their franchise quarterback to act like one as well as play like one.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Devin Bush, Jr., LB
James Conner and JuJu Smith-Schuster were considerations but I figured they were really good last year and that they'd be at least that this year. The Steelers offense might even be better without the drama that was often present with the flamboyant players that are no longer there. The Pittsburgh Steelers desperately need a breakout season from a rookie defensive player. They need Devin Bush, Jr. to be the sort of run-and-chase linebacker that they had in Ryan Shazier. The defense hasn't been the same since that horrible injury.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
NFC West Breakout Players
Unlike the usual list of expected breakout players this is a look at players that their teams need to break out this season. It's the NFC West's turn.
Arizona Cardinals
David Johnson, RB
When the Cardinals selected Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray with the first pick of the 2019 NFL Draft they put all of their future hopes in the itty bitty thrower. David Johnson was one of the best, most versatile backs in the league in 2016. A wrist injury forced him to miss all but one game of the 2017 season. A dreadful 2018 season by nearly everyone involved with the Cardinals earned the team the first pick in last spring's draft. The Cardinals need David Johnson to be the player that he was in 2016 to help Murray adjust to the NFL as a rookie.
Los Angeles Rams
Dante Fowler, Jr., DE
The "need" player had to be a defensive player for this time. The offense could really use a healthy Todd Gurley but there's still enough on the offense to continue keeping opposing defenses on their heels. The Rams defense has some solid players in the secondary. They have Aaron Donald up front. They need a pass rushing threat on the edge. Dante Fowler, Jr. was the third pick of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL on the first day of his first mini-camp. It feels like he's been fighting to come back ever since. The Rams acquired Fowler at last season's trade deadline to be their edge rusher. Despite five years in the NFL, he only turns 25 in August. The Rams need Dante Fowler, Jr. to be the pass rusher that the Jaguars selected him at third overall to be.
San Francisco 49ers
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB
It's no surprise that the 49ers need Jimmy Garoppolo to break out. There's a little more to this particular team-quarterback situation. This will be the third season of the vaunted Kyle Shanahan/Jimmy Garoppolo pairing. During that time the quarterback has started only eight games. A midseason trade in 2017 and a season-ending knee injury early last season are the reasons for that modest number. It feels like the two have been the team's quarterback and coach for a while now yet they have so little actual game action. It's not like Garoppolo's injury-prone. A torn ACL is one of those injuries that can strike down a player at any time. It tapped the 49ers' franchise quarterback in last season's third game. The 49ers need Garoppolo on the field for the entire season.
Seattle Seahawks
Ziggy Ansah, DE
This one's easy enough. The Seahawks traded Frank Clark, one of the best young pass rushers in the league, to the Kansas City Chiefs in the offseason. Instead of making Clark one of the highest paid defensive ends in the league the Seahawks are paying Ziggy Ansah a decent amount for a single season. Ansah is loaded with raw, athletic, pass rushing talent. When he's on the field for extended periods of time that talent often flashes. 14.5 sacks in 2015. 12 sacks in 2017. Through six seasons, Ansah has played in all 16 games twice. The last time he started all 16 games was in 2015. It feels like he's always trying to get healthy or stay healthy. The Seahawks need Ziggy Ansah to stay healthy. They need him to be the pass rusher that he has the talent to be and that they didn't want to pay Frank Clark to be.
Arizona Cardinals
David Johnson, RB
When the Cardinals selected Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray with the first pick of the 2019 NFL Draft they put all of their future hopes in the itty bitty thrower. David Johnson was one of the best, most versatile backs in the league in 2016. A wrist injury forced him to miss all but one game of the 2017 season. A dreadful 2018 season by nearly everyone involved with the Cardinals earned the team the first pick in last spring's draft. The Cardinals need David Johnson to be the player that he was in 2016 to help Murray adjust to the NFL as a rookie.
Los Angeles Rams
Dante Fowler, Jr., DE
The "need" player had to be a defensive player for this time. The offense could really use a healthy Todd Gurley but there's still enough on the offense to continue keeping opposing defenses on their heels. The Rams defense has some solid players in the secondary. They have Aaron Donald up front. They need a pass rushing threat on the edge. Dante Fowler, Jr. was the third pick of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL on the first day of his first mini-camp. It feels like he's been fighting to come back ever since. The Rams acquired Fowler at last season's trade deadline to be their edge rusher. Despite five years in the NFL, he only turns 25 in August. The Rams need Dante Fowler, Jr. to be the pass rusher that the Jaguars selected him at third overall to be.
San Francisco 49ers
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB
It's no surprise that the 49ers need Jimmy Garoppolo to break out. There's a little more to this particular team-quarterback situation. This will be the third season of the vaunted Kyle Shanahan/Jimmy Garoppolo pairing. During that time the quarterback has started only eight games. A midseason trade in 2017 and a season-ending knee injury early last season are the reasons for that modest number. It feels like the two have been the team's quarterback and coach for a while now yet they have so little actual game action. It's not like Garoppolo's injury-prone. A torn ACL is one of those injuries that can strike down a player at any time. It tapped the 49ers' franchise quarterback in last season's third game. The 49ers need Garoppolo on the field for the entire season.
Seattle Seahawks
Ziggy Ansah, DE
This one's easy enough. The Seahawks traded Frank Clark, one of the best young pass rushers in the league, to the Kansas City Chiefs in the offseason. Instead of making Clark one of the highest paid defensive ends in the league the Seahawks are paying Ziggy Ansah a decent amount for a single season. Ansah is loaded with raw, athletic, pass rushing talent. When he's on the field for extended periods of time that talent often flashes. 14.5 sacks in 2015. 12 sacks in 2017. Through six seasons, Ansah has played in all 16 games twice. The last time he started all 16 games was in 2015. It feels like he's always trying to get healthy or stay healthy. The Seahawks need Ziggy Ansah to stay healthy. They need him to be the pass rusher that he has the talent to be and that they didn't want to pay Frank Clark to be.
Monday, June 24, 2019
NFC South Breakout Players
Unlike the usual list of expected breakout players this is a look at players, or coaches, that their teams need to break out this season. It's the NFC South's turn.
Atlanta Falcons
Offensive line
Second-year receiver Calvin Ridley was the first potential breakout candidate that popped into my head. Then I thought about the Falcons' re-tooled offensive line. Injuries and the resulting disappointing play in 2018 obviously made the position group the focus of the offseason. Guards James Carpenter and Jamon Brown were added in free agency. Guard Chris Lindstrom and tackle Kaleb McGary were selected in the first round. The team double-dipped in free agency and the first round. That's a commitment to change. Left tackle Jake Matthews and center Alex Mack are the only returnees secure in their starting future. The projected Falcons line looks something like this.
If that rookie right-side transitions nicely this could be a top-flight group. And free agent addition Jamon Brown provides a bit of depth in case a hint of the injury issues continues into this season. The Falcons need this group to be intact and keep quarterback Matt Ryan safe.
Carolina Panthers
Brian Burns, DE
It's tough to put "need to break out" status on a rookie but I'm doing it. The Panthers now have a snappy-looking interior rotation of Dontari Poe, Gerald McCoy, Kawann Short, and Vernon Butler. That's four former first-round picks manning the interior. The Panthers didn't really have much of an outside pass-rushing presence. Brian Burns was selected in the first round to change that. He was one of the best pure pass rushers in the draft. The only question to his pass rushing game is his size. He played in the 220s in college. He boosted his weight to the 240s for the draft evaluation process. He's yet to show that he can get to the quarterback at that weight. Let alone doing any of that at any weight at the NFL level. The Panthers need Brian Burns to do for them what he did in college.
New Orleans Saints
Marcus Davenport, DE
The Saints paid a hefty price to move up in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft to select Marcus Davenport, a raw defensive end from itty-bitty University of Texas-San Antonio. The Saints have built a potent defensive front.
Cameron Jordan is one of best, most complete defensive ends in the league. And he went to Cal. Go Bears! The Saints needed a pass rusher to play opposite Jordan. That's why the Saints decided that they had to trade a future #1 to swap first round picks with the Green Bay Packers in order to secure Davenport. He wasn't going to make it to the Saints' pick. He wasn't expected to make it to the Packers' pick. Davenport had some moments as a rookie that made the Saints giddy for his potential. In his second season, they need Marcus Davenport to be the sort of pass rushing presence off the edge that Jordan already is.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bruce Arians, head coach
Bruce Arians is a terrific football coach. He's such a terrific coach that he was once named Coach of the Year when he wasn't even the head coach. The Buccaneers have a talented offense. They have some intriguing players on defense. The team can be a contender or picking first in the 2020 NFL Draft. How it all plays out depends greatly on the coaching of Arians. He's been coaching since 1975. He decided that he'd been coaching long enough in 2017. A year later, he decides that he hasn't coached long enough. In my opinion, the success of the Buccaneers in 2019 is completely dependent on whether Arians is as invested in coaching now as he was when he took over the Arizona Cardinals in 2013.
Atlanta Falcons
Offensive line
Second-year receiver Calvin Ridley was the first potential breakout candidate that popped into my head. Then I thought about the Falcons' re-tooled offensive line. Injuries and the resulting disappointing play in 2018 obviously made the position group the focus of the offseason. Guards James Carpenter and Jamon Brown were added in free agency. Guard Chris Lindstrom and tackle Kaleb McGary were selected in the first round. The team double-dipped in free agency and the first round. That's a commitment to change. Left tackle Jake Matthews and center Alex Mack are the only returnees secure in their starting future. The projected Falcons line looks something like this.
| LT | Jake Matthews |
| LG | James Carpenter |
| C | Alex Mack |
| RG | Chris Lindstrom |
| RT | Kaleb McGary |
If that rookie right-side transitions nicely this could be a top-flight group. And free agent addition Jamon Brown provides a bit of depth in case a hint of the injury issues continues into this season. The Falcons need this group to be intact and keep quarterback Matt Ryan safe.
Carolina Panthers
Brian Burns, DE
It's tough to put "need to break out" status on a rookie but I'm doing it. The Panthers now have a snappy-looking interior rotation of Dontari Poe, Gerald McCoy, Kawann Short, and Vernon Butler. That's four former first-round picks manning the interior. The Panthers didn't really have much of an outside pass-rushing presence. Brian Burns was selected in the first round to change that. He was one of the best pure pass rushers in the draft. The only question to his pass rushing game is his size. He played in the 220s in college. He boosted his weight to the 240s for the draft evaluation process. He's yet to show that he can get to the quarterback at that weight. Let alone doing any of that at any weight at the NFL level. The Panthers need Brian Burns to do for them what he did in college.
New Orleans Saints
Marcus Davenport, DE
The Saints paid a hefty price to move up in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft to select Marcus Davenport, a raw defensive end from itty-bitty University of Texas-San Antonio. The Saints have built a potent defensive front.
| DE | Cameron Jordan |
| DT | Sheldon Rankins |
| DT | Malcolm Brown |
| DE | Marcus Davenport |
Cameron Jordan is one of best, most complete defensive ends in the league. And he went to Cal. Go Bears! The Saints needed a pass rusher to play opposite Jordan. That's why the Saints decided that they had to trade a future #1 to swap first round picks with the Green Bay Packers in order to secure Davenport. He wasn't going to make it to the Saints' pick. He wasn't expected to make it to the Packers' pick. Davenport had some moments as a rookie that made the Saints giddy for his potential. In his second season, they need Marcus Davenport to be the sort of pass rushing presence off the edge that Jordan already is.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bruce Arians, head coach
Bruce Arians is a terrific football coach. He's such a terrific coach that he was once named Coach of the Year when he wasn't even the head coach. The Buccaneers have a talented offense. They have some intriguing players on defense. The team can be a contender or picking first in the 2020 NFL Draft. How it all plays out depends greatly on the coaching of Arians. He's been coaching since 1975. He decided that he'd been coaching long enough in 2017. A year later, he decides that he hasn't coached long enough. In my opinion, the success of the Buccaneers in 2019 is completely dependent on whether Arians is as invested in coaching now as he was when he took over the Arizona Cardinals in 2013.
Sunday, June 23, 2019
NFC East Breakout Players
Unlike the usual list of expected breakout players this is a look at players that their teams need to break out this season. It's the NFC East's turn.
Philadelphia Eagles
Sidney Jones, CB
Perhaps I'm picking Sidney Jones because he was one of my favorite players in the 2017 NFL Draft. He likely would've been a first round pick if not for an achilles injury at his Pro Day. The Eagles thought enough of his pre-injury talent to select him in the second round. 2017 was essentially a redshirt season. Last season, Jones looked like a player coming back from an achilles injury and a season off. He has the talent to be one of the better corners in the league and the Eagles could definitely use an influx of talented play in the secondary.
New York Giants
Receivers-Sterling Shephard, Golden Tate, Cody Latimer
For the past few seasons, the Giants receiver group was all about Odell Beckham Jr. Now, it's this pieced together group. Sterling Shephard has always been productive while playing in the shadow of others (Beckham). Golden Tate has made an impact at each of his stops. Cody Latimer has never quite lived up to his second round draft status. He gives the Giants the size that Shepard and Tate don't. Throw in tight end Evan Engram and the Giants can actually field an intriguing group of pass catchers. Running back Saquon should routinely loosen up the coverage. If the offensive line can protect Eli Manning/Daniel Jones the Giants offense might be much better than many think. But they need this pieced-together receiver group to keep defenses from ganging up on Barkley runs.
Dallas Cowboys
Amari Cooper, WR
Some will say that Amari Cooper has already broken out. That he broke out with the Oakland Raiders. That he has already broken out with his new team. When he's on, he's one of the most dangerous receivers in the league. Despite all of the explosive things that Cooper has done on the football field I can't shake all of the oblivious things that I've seen him do. He drops way too many passes. While with the Raiders, I once saw him drop three consecutive passes in the end zone. It was as if Derek Carr was throwing the football at a wall. As mind-numbing as that three-play fiasco was a play he didn't make last season with the Cowboys. He had fumbled the football. While he was on the ground, the LIVE football was right there in front of him. Between his arms. It looked like he was looking right at the LIVE football yet he did nothing to secure it. Perhaps he assumed that it wasn't a fumble and that he had dropped the pass as he had done so many times before. Even then, the normal reaction for a football player with any sort of on-field awareness is to secure a loose ball. Amari Cooper has the talent to be one of the best receivers in the league. In my opinion, he won't be the player that he has the talent to be until he stops dropping the football, until he's always aware of the game around him. The Cowboys need him to make big plays every time he has the opportunity to do so. Not just when he happens to catch the football.
Washington Redskins
Derrius Guice/Adrian Peterson, RBs
Rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins might be the better pick. I'm going with the running backs Derrius Guice and Adrian Peterson mostly because their breakout will be a tremendous benefit to a rookie quarterback. This time last year there wasn't supposed to be a running back combo in Washington. Guice was drafted to be the main ball carrier. He tore his ACL before the season and the Redskins brought in Peterson. The future Hall of Famer responded with another 1,000-yard season. The team now has two backs that can soften a defense with their physical running. One is coming off a knee injury. The other is 34 years of age. Right now, each is better as a tandem than they are alone. The Redskins need a breakout from their running backs to ease the transition of a rookie franchise quarterback.
Philadelphia Eagles
Sidney Jones, CB
Perhaps I'm picking Sidney Jones because he was one of my favorite players in the 2017 NFL Draft. He likely would've been a first round pick if not for an achilles injury at his Pro Day. The Eagles thought enough of his pre-injury talent to select him in the second round. 2017 was essentially a redshirt season. Last season, Jones looked like a player coming back from an achilles injury and a season off. He has the talent to be one of the better corners in the league and the Eagles could definitely use an influx of talented play in the secondary.
New York Giants
Receivers-Sterling Shephard, Golden Tate, Cody Latimer
For the past few seasons, the Giants receiver group was all about Odell Beckham Jr. Now, it's this pieced together group. Sterling Shephard has always been productive while playing in the shadow of others (Beckham). Golden Tate has made an impact at each of his stops. Cody Latimer has never quite lived up to his second round draft status. He gives the Giants the size that Shepard and Tate don't. Throw in tight end Evan Engram and the Giants can actually field an intriguing group of pass catchers. Running back Saquon should routinely loosen up the coverage. If the offensive line can protect Eli Manning/Daniel Jones the Giants offense might be much better than many think. But they need this pieced-together receiver group to keep defenses from ganging up on Barkley runs.
Dallas Cowboys
Amari Cooper, WR
Some will say that Amari Cooper has already broken out. That he broke out with the Oakland Raiders. That he has already broken out with his new team. When he's on, he's one of the most dangerous receivers in the league. Despite all of the explosive things that Cooper has done on the football field I can't shake all of the oblivious things that I've seen him do. He drops way too many passes. While with the Raiders, I once saw him drop three consecutive passes in the end zone. It was as if Derek Carr was throwing the football at a wall. As mind-numbing as that three-play fiasco was a play he didn't make last season with the Cowboys. He had fumbled the football. While he was on the ground, the LIVE football was right there in front of him. Between his arms. It looked like he was looking right at the LIVE football yet he did nothing to secure it. Perhaps he assumed that it wasn't a fumble and that he had dropped the pass as he had done so many times before. Even then, the normal reaction for a football player with any sort of on-field awareness is to secure a loose ball. Amari Cooper has the talent to be one of the best receivers in the league. In my opinion, he won't be the player that he has the talent to be until he stops dropping the football, until he's always aware of the game around him. The Cowboys need him to make big plays every time he has the opportunity to do so. Not just when he happens to catch the football.
Washington Redskins
Derrius Guice/Adrian Peterson, RBs
Rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins might be the better pick. I'm going with the running backs Derrius Guice and Adrian Peterson mostly because their breakout will be a tremendous benefit to a rookie quarterback. This time last year there wasn't supposed to be a running back combo in Washington. Guice was drafted to be the main ball carrier. He tore his ACL before the season and the Redskins brought in Peterson. The future Hall of Famer responded with another 1,000-yard season. The team now has two backs that can soften a defense with their physical running. One is coming off a knee injury. The other is 34 years of age. Right now, each is better as a tandem than they are alone. The Redskins need a breakout from their running backs to ease the transition of a rookie franchise quarterback.
Saturday, June 22, 2019
NFC North Breakout Players
Unlike the usual list of expected breakout players this is a look at players (or coaches) that their teams need to break out this season. I'll start with what is always the most interesting division in the NFL. The NFC North.
Minnesota Vikings
Offensive line
There's a surprise. The Vikings' offensive line has been heavily criticized in recent years. It's deserved criticism. The offensive line hasn't been very good. Since the turn of the century the Vikings have often relied on late-round draft picks, undrafted players, and cast-offs to fortify the offensive line. It actually worked out quite well for a while. Matt Birk, David Dixon, Anthony Herrera, John Sullivan, Brandon Fusco, and Joe Berger are a few that come to mind that helped make the offensive line a decent group during their time with the team. That line-stocking strategy has failed in recent years. The Vikings needed to add talent to the group. They needed to use some early draft picks on offensive linemen. In the past three drafts they have. During offseason workouts the Vikings quickly established their starting five.
| LT | Riley Reiff |
| LG | Pat Elflein |
| C | Garrett Bradbury |
| RG | Josh Kline |
| RT | Brian O'Neill |
Riley Reiff was a first round pick of the Detroit Lions in the 2012 NFL Draft. The paid him handsomely as a free agent in 2017. Pat Elflein was a third round pick in 2017. Garrett Bradbury was a first round pick this year. Brian O'Neill was a second round pick last year. The Vikings paid Josh Kline a modest amount as a free agent this year. He's the lone slappy of the group as he signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2013. This Vikings new offensive line is made up of three top draft picks, a large free agent investment in a former first round pick, and a modest free agent investment. That's a significant line-stocking strategy change. This group of five has to come together quickly and break out this season if a very talented Vikings team has any shot of getting to where they've never been before. Personally, I think that this offensive line will be at it's best when fourth-round pick Dru Samia becomes a part of it. He may not be ready right now but he should be soon.
Green Bay Packers
Matt LaFleur, head coach
When healthy, Aaron Rodgers makes the Packers a contender. And he's shown that he can shine even while limited by a predictable play-caller. It feels like Matt LaFleur rode the Sean McVay wave into this head coaching job. While he's been coaching for a while (longer than McVay) his ties Kyle Shanahan and McVay are what stand out on his resume. His lone season running an NFL offense was last season as the Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator. There wasn't much remarkable about that Titans offense. The Packers need him to break out as an offensive playcaller and schemer this season. That would be a big boost to Aaron Rodgers' game.
Chicago Bears
Mitchell Trubisky, QB
This one's too easy. I suppose there's a question as to whether the defense can be as great with Chuck Pagano calling the shots rather than Vic Fangio. But there's too damn much talent on that side of the ball to really worry about a fall off. The success of the Bears is dependent on their young quarterback. As a Vikings fan, the only thing that worried me about the Bears offense was Trubisky running the ball. Great coverage down field, a disruptive pass rush and Trubisky tucks the ball and weaves his way for 20 yards. It was demoralizing. If Trubisky was throwing the ball I wasn't too worried about the Bears offense. I wouldn't be surprised if opposing defenses felt the same. Mitchell Trubisky has to make defenses worry about his passing.
Detroit Lions
Trey Flowers, DE
The Lions are paying Trey Flowers like a game-changing, difference-making pass rusher. His 7.5 sacks last year were a career best. That isn't a game-changing, difference-making number. But what's in a number on a New England Patriots defense that doesn't ask it's players to rack up numbers? Lions head coach Matt Patricia knows Flowers well so he must think that his new pass rusher can be the sort of player that earns $17 million per year. The decision-makers in Detroit have put together an interesting defensive line.
| DE | Trey Flowers |
| DT | A'Shawn Robinson |
| NT | Damon Harrison |
| DE | Da'Shawn Hand |
By the way, what sort of sick sense of humor puts players named A'Shawn and Da'Shawn on the same defensive line? And it's been that way since their Alabama days. Anyway, the Lions need Trey Flowers to break out and lead this defensive line and this defense. He's being paid to be that player.
Friday, June 21, 2019
Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Schedule
The Minnesota Vikings announced the schedule for their 2019 Training Camp. It will be the Vikings' 59th training camp and second held at the spectacular Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan.
A total of 16 practices will be open to the public. Camp will be open daily from 11am to 5:30pm, with daily practices scheduled to go from 2-4:25pm.
Other details:
-three days of practice for rookies at the beginning of training camp will be closed to the public
-the morning walk-throughs will be closed to the public
-autograph sessions will be limited to children under 18
-the Vikings will introduce the "Helmet Hike"
The "Helmet Hike" will give a group of children the opportunity to carry players' helmets from the locker room to the practice field and pose for a photo with a player. If I was a kid at the Vikings' training camp I would lose my shit for this opportunity. Just reading about now made my smile at the image.
Minnesota Vikings 2019 Training Camp Schedule
Friday, July 26: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Saturday, July 27: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Sunday, July 28: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Monday, July 29: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Tuesday, July 30: Players day off
Wednesday, July 31: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Thursday, August 1: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Friday, August 2: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Saturday, August 3: 7:15 – 9:30 p.m. (Night practice in TCO Stadium)
Sunday, August 4: Players day off
Monday, August 5: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Tuesday, August 6: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Wednesday, August 7: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Thursday, August 8: Travel to New Orleans
Friday, August 9: Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints – 7 p.m. (CT)
Saturday, August 10: Players day off
Sunday, August 11: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Monday, August 12: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Tuesday, August 13: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Wednesday, August 14: Players day off
Thursday, August 15: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Friday, August 16: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
*Please Note: All practices and times are approximate and subject to change.
Football's getting closer.
A total of 16 practices will be open to the public. Camp will be open daily from 11am to 5:30pm, with daily practices scheduled to go from 2-4:25pm.
Other details:
-three days of practice for rookies at the beginning of training camp will be closed to the public
-the morning walk-throughs will be closed to the public
-autograph sessions will be limited to children under 18
-the Vikings will introduce the "Helmet Hike"
The "Helmet Hike" will give a group of children the opportunity to carry players' helmets from the locker room to the practice field and pose for a photo with a player. If I was a kid at the Vikings' training camp I would lose my shit for this opportunity. Just reading about now made my smile at the image.
Minnesota Vikings 2019 Training Camp Schedule
Friday, July 26: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Saturday, July 27: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Sunday, July 28: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Monday, July 29: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Tuesday, July 30: Players day off
Wednesday, July 31: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Thursday, August 1: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Friday, August 2: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Saturday, August 3: 7:15 – 9:30 p.m. (Night practice in TCO Stadium)
Sunday, August 4: Players day off
Monday, August 5: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Tuesday, August 6: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Wednesday, August 7: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Thursday, August 8: Travel to New Orleans
Friday, August 9: Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints – 7 p.m. (CT)
Saturday, August 10: Players day off
Sunday, August 11: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Monday, August 12: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Tuesday, August 13: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Wednesday, August 14: Players day off
Thursday, August 15: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
Friday, August 16: 2 – 4:25 p.m.
*Please Note: All practices and times are approximate and subject to change.
Football's getting closer.
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Throwback Thursday: Curly Lambeau's All-Time Green Bay Packers Team
I've been picking All-Time Teams for the NFC North teams. A few days after picking and posting my All-Time Green Bay Packers Team I happened upon Curly Lambeau's All-Time Green Bay Packers Team. Convenient timing. For those that believe that the NFL started with Super Bowl I, Curly Lambeau was once the head coach of the Green Bay Packers. He was their first head coach. He coached the team from 1919-49. He even played for the team from 1919-29. He coached the Packers to six NFL titles. He's in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A stadium is named after him. When he picks an All-Time Packers it's worth noting. So, I post it here.
It should be noted that Lambeau ran a single wing/Notre Dame Box offense and that players played both offense and defense.
Left End
Don Hutson
Left Tackle
Cub Buck
Left Guard
Mike Michalski
Center
Charlie Brock
Right Guard
Charles "Buckets" Goldenberg
Right Tackle
Cal Hubbard
Right End
Lavvie Dilweg
Fullback
Clarke Hinkle
Left Halfback
Verne Lewellen
Right Halfback
Johnny "Blood" McNally
Quarterback
Larry Craig
Rather than the thrower that he is today the quarterback is a blocking back in this offense. Lambeau said that he would nominate Red Dunn for the quarterback position if the Packers were using the "T" formation.
I find it interesting that Lambeau gives the halfback nod to Verne Lewellen over Arnie Herber. Perhaps the Pro Football Hall of Fame senior voters should give Lewellen a look. Maybe he'll finally get the honor that he's deserved since 1960s with the upcoming "Centennial Class."
Lavvie Dilweg should've been in Canton long ago. It's a crime against the history of the game that Hall voters shut the door so soon on deserving players from the early decades. Fritz Pollard and Benny Friedman finally didn't make it until 2005. Both should've made it in the first handful of Hall classes. Dilweg, Lewellen, and Duke Slater should've joined them.
It should be noted that Lambeau ran a single wing/Notre Dame Box offense and that players played both offense and defense.
Left End
Don Hutson
Left Tackle
Cub Buck
Left Guard
Mike Michalski
Center
Charlie Brock
Right Guard
Charles "Buckets" Goldenberg
Right Tackle
Cal Hubbard
Right End
Lavvie Dilweg
Fullback
Clarke Hinkle
Left Halfback
Verne Lewellen
Right Halfback
Johnny "Blood" McNally
Quarterback
Larry Craig
***
Rather than the thrower that he is today the quarterback is a blocking back in this offense. Lambeau said that he would nominate Red Dunn for the quarterback position if the Packers were using the "T" formation.
I find it interesting that Lambeau gives the halfback nod to Verne Lewellen over Arnie Herber. Perhaps the Pro Football Hall of Fame senior voters should give Lewellen a look. Maybe he'll finally get the honor that he's deserved since 1960s with the upcoming "Centennial Class."
Lavvie Dilweg should've been in Canton long ago. It's a crime against the history of the game that Hall voters shut the door so soon on deserving players from the early decades. Fritz Pollard and Benny Friedman finally didn't make it until 2005. Both should've made it in the first handful of Hall classes. Dilweg, Lewellen, and Duke Slater should've joined them.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Another Look At Cal's Early Commits
Cal has had some recruits visit Berkeley on official visits the past few weekends. Following those official visits, five more recruits have made early verbal commitments to play football for the Golden Bears. Hart-Newhall quarterback Zach Johnson and Chaparral-Scottsdale receiver Tommy Chistakos committed a couple weeks ago. Last week brought commitments from a pair of Hawaiian defenders, Mililani linebacker Muelu Iosefa and St. Louis-Honolulu defensive tackle Stanley McKenzie. Cal added a tight end to the mix with a verbal commitment from Jake Muller. Johnson joins Joe Kapp and Kyle Boller as Hart-Newhall quarterbacks that found Berkeley to be the place for their college quarterbacking days. The current Hart thrower played his junior season at an itty-bitty 160 lbs. A post-season growth spurt has Johnson at 190 lbs with a corresponding increase in strength and velocity. As well as an increase in interest from colleges. Christakos gives Cal the big receiver that every football team needs. He had a terrific junior season with 54 catches for 1,221 yards (22.6 yds/catch) and 12 TDs. Iosefa is considered one of the West's best linebackers. He chose Cal over a host of schools including USC, Oregon, Utah, and Nebraska. It's always nice to pull a player away from USC and Oregon. McKenzie also picked Cal over Oregon and Nebraska. Since Justin Wilcox was hired as head coach in 2017, Cal has been looking for a nose tackle. Perhaps McKenzie is that nose tackle. There was also a tight end void when Wilcox was hired. Muller joins that growing position group.
The four new commits bring Cal's total for 2020 to ten.
Everett Johnson, OT, 6-7.5 287, Turlock (Turlock, CA)
Isaiah Young, CB, 5-9 156, Centennial (Corona, CA)
Andy Alfieri, LB, 6-3 220, Jesuit (Portland, OR)
Casey Filkins, WR, 5-11 190, Lake Oswego Senior (Lake Oswego, OR)
Jeremiah Hunter, WR, 6-2 178, Central East (Fresno, CA)
Tommy Christakos, WR, 6-4 215, Chaparral (Scottsdale, AZ)
Zach Johnson, QB, 6-1 190, Hart (Newhall, CA)
Muelu Iosefa, LB, 6-3 212, Mililani (Mililani, HI)
Stanley McKenzie, DT, 6-2 270, St. Louis School (Honolulu, HI)
Jake Muller, TE, 6-5 235, Capistrano Valley (Mission Viejo, CA)
All are rated as 3-star recruits by 247Sports.
Since Justin Wilcox replaced Sonny Dykes as the Cal coach in 2017 I've thought a great deal about the Air Raid offense. I've never been a fan of the up-tempo offense. I was even less of a fan after watching Cal's Bear Raid version of it for four years. My biggest problem for me is what the offense can do to a team's defense. Football is a team sport. The offense and the defense is never on the field at the same time but they work together. Or, they're supposed to work together. Dykes didn't give a thought to his defense. It showed. Cal, with Jared Goff and Davis Webb at quarterback, couldn't do enough on offense to make those teams a fun football watch. The defense was absolutely un-watchable. For 60 minutes an exhausted Cal defense had to return to the field moments after it left the field. They were spent and they weren't coached. The fact that Wilcox and his coaches had the same players playing decent defense months later is all the proof that I need that Dykes simply didn't care about that side of the ball. Not that I needed further proof. Despite winning a lot more games the Dykes years were more painful to watch than the Tom Holmoe years. Again, Dykes' offense couldn't do enough to make a Cal football game fun viewing. What does this have to do with recruiting? For one, Wilcox inherited a team that had no tight ends. For two, despite immediately coaching up a decent defense, he inherited a team that was a mess on defense. Players were playing out of position, those that were in the right position weren't coached, and some positions (nose tackle) simply weren't filled. The fact that Wilcox took only months to get a decent defense out of the mess is remarkable. Unfortunately, Cal's offense has been rough since the coaching change. Hopefully, improved quarterback play, more consistent line play, and a developing tight end group will correct that.
The four new commits bring Cal's total for 2020 to ten.
Everett Johnson, OT, 6-7.5 287, Turlock (Turlock, CA)
Isaiah Young, CB, 5-9 156, Centennial (Corona, CA)
Andy Alfieri, LB, 6-3 220, Jesuit (Portland, OR)
Casey Filkins, WR, 5-11 190, Lake Oswego Senior (Lake Oswego, OR)
Jeremiah Hunter, WR, 6-2 178, Central East (Fresno, CA)
Tommy Christakos, WR, 6-4 215, Chaparral (Scottsdale, AZ)
Zach Johnson, QB, 6-1 190, Hart (Newhall, CA)
Muelu Iosefa, LB, 6-3 212, Mililani (Mililani, HI)
Stanley McKenzie, DT, 6-2 270, St. Louis School (Honolulu, HI)
Jake Muller, TE, 6-5 235, Capistrano Valley (Mission Viejo, CA)
All are rated as 3-star recruits by 247Sports.
Since Justin Wilcox replaced Sonny Dykes as the Cal coach in 2017 I've thought a great deal about the Air Raid offense. I've never been a fan of the up-tempo offense. I was even less of a fan after watching Cal's Bear Raid version of it for four years. My biggest problem for me is what the offense can do to a team's defense. Football is a team sport. The offense and the defense is never on the field at the same time but they work together. Or, they're supposed to work together. Dykes didn't give a thought to his defense. It showed. Cal, with Jared Goff and Davis Webb at quarterback, couldn't do enough on offense to make those teams a fun football watch. The defense was absolutely un-watchable. For 60 minutes an exhausted Cal defense had to return to the field moments after it left the field. They were spent and they weren't coached. The fact that Wilcox and his coaches had the same players playing decent defense months later is all the proof that I need that Dykes simply didn't care about that side of the ball. Not that I needed further proof. Despite winning a lot more games the Dykes years were more painful to watch than the Tom Holmoe years. Again, Dykes' offense couldn't do enough to make a Cal football game fun viewing. What does this have to do with recruiting? For one, Wilcox inherited a team that had no tight ends. For two, despite immediately coaching up a decent defense, he inherited a team that was a mess on defense. Players were playing out of position, those that were in the right position weren't coached, and some positions (nose tackle) simply weren't filled. The fact that Wilcox took only months to get a decent defense out of the mess is remarkable. Unfortunately, Cal's offense has been rough since the coaching change. Hopefully, improved quarterback play, more consistent line play, and a developing tight end group will correct that.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Draft Pick Signings By AFC Teams
It's the AFC's turn.
Baltimore Ravens: 7/8 signed
Unsigned pick:
3. Miles Boykin, WR, Notre Dame
Cincinnati Bengals: 9/10 signed
Unsigned picks:
3. Germaine Pratt, LB, North Carolina State
Cleveland Browns: 7/7 signed
Pittsburgh Steelers: 9/9 signed
Buffalo Bills: 8/8 signed
Miami Dolphins: 6/6 signed
New England Patriots: 10/10 signed
New York Jets: 4/6 signed
Unsigned picks:
1. Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
3. Chuma Edoga, OT, USC
Houston Texans: 7/7 signed
Indianapolis Colts: 10/10 signed
Jacksonville Jaguars: 7/7 signed
Tennessee Titans: 6/6 signed
Denver Broncos: 3/6 signed
Unsigned picks:
2. Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State
2. Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
3. Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
Kansas City Chiefs: 6/6 signed
Los Angeles Chargers: 7/7 signed
Oakland Raiders: 6/9 signed
Unsigned picks:
1. Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
1. Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
1. Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
Draft Signing Summary
233 of the 254 draft picks are signed
Nine first round picks are unsigned
Four second round picks are unsigned
Six third round picks are unsigned
One sixth round pick is unsigned
One seventh round pick is unsigned.*
*Air Force long snapper Austin Cutting is the lone unsigned seventh round pick. The Minnesota Vikings and Cutting have reportedly agreed on a contract. They haven't finalized that agreement because they are waiting on the Air Force to make a decision on his availability during his two-year service commitment.
Baltimore Ravens: 7/8 signed
Unsigned pick:
3. Miles Boykin, WR, Notre Dame
Cincinnati Bengals: 9/10 signed
Unsigned picks:
3. Germaine Pratt, LB, North Carolina State
Cleveland Browns: 7/7 signed
Pittsburgh Steelers: 9/9 signed
Buffalo Bills: 8/8 signed
Miami Dolphins: 6/6 signed
New England Patriots: 10/10 signed
New York Jets: 4/6 signed
Unsigned picks:
1. Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
3. Chuma Edoga, OT, USC
Houston Texans: 7/7 signed
Indianapolis Colts: 10/10 signed
Jacksonville Jaguars: 7/7 signed
Tennessee Titans: 6/6 signed
Denver Broncos: 3/6 signed
Unsigned picks:
2. Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State
2. Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
3. Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
Kansas City Chiefs: 6/6 signed
Los Angeles Chargers: 7/7 signed
Oakland Raiders: 6/9 signed
Unsigned picks:
1. Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
1. Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
1. Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
***
Draft Signing Summary
233 of the 254 draft picks are signed
Nine first round picks are unsigned
Four second round picks are unsigned
Six third round picks are unsigned
One sixth round pick is unsigned
One seventh round pick is unsigned.*
*Air Force long snapper Austin Cutting is the lone unsigned seventh round pick. The Minnesota Vikings and Cutting have reportedly agreed on a contract. They haven't finalized that agreement because they are waiting on the Air Force to make a decision on his availability during his two-year service commitment.
Monday, June 17, 2019
Draft Pick Signings By NFC Teams
Here's an update as to how each NFC team is doing in getting their 2019 NFL Draft picks signed.
Minnesota Vikings: 11/12 signed
Only unsigned player:
7. Austin Cutting, LS, Air Force
The Vikings and Cutting have agreed on a deal. Before finalizing that agreement, they are waiting for the Air Force to make a decision on how to handle Cutting's service commitment. Considering the current pace of government decision-making this could take a while.
Chicago Bears: 4/5 signed
Unsigned players
6. Duke Shelley, S, Kansas State
Detroit Lions: 9/9 signed
Green Bay Packers: 8/8 signed
Dallas Cowboys: 8/8 signed
New York Giants: 7/10 signed
Unsigned players:
1. Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
1. Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
3. Oshane Ximines, DE, Old Dominion
Philadelphia Eagles: 5/5 signed
Washington Redskins: 10/10 signed
Atlanta Falcons: 7/7 signed
Carolina Panthers: 5/7 signed
Unsigned picks:
1. Brian Burns, DE, Florida State
2. Greg Little, OT, Mississippi
New Orleans Saints: 5/5 signed
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6/8 signed
Unsigned picks:
1. Devin White, LB, LSU
3. Jamel Dean, CB, Auburn
Arizona Cardinals: 11/11 signed
Los Angeles Rams: 8/8 signed
San Francisco 49ers: 6/8 signed
Unsigned picks:
1. Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
2. Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
Seattle Seahawks: 11/11 signed
Minnesota Vikings: 11/12 signed
Only unsigned player:
7. Austin Cutting, LS, Air Force
The Vikings and Cutting have agreed on a deal. Before finalizing that agreement, they are waiting for the Air Force to make a decision on how to handle Cutting's service commitment. Considering the current pace of government decision-making this could take a while.
Chicago Bears: 4/5 signed
Unsigned players
6. Duke Shelley, S, Kansas State
Detroit Lions: 9/9 signed
Green Bay Packers: 8/8 signed
Dallas Cowboys: 8/8 signed
New York Giants: 7/10 signed
Unsigned players:
1. Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
1. Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
3. Oshane Ximines, DE, Old Dominion
Philadelphia Eagles: 5/5 signed
Washington Redskins: 10/10 signed
Atlanta Falcons: 7/7 signed
Carolina Panthers: 5/7 signed
Unsigned picks:
1. Brian Burns, DE, Florida State
2. Greg Little, OT, Mississippi
New Orleans Saints: 5/5 signed
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6/8 signed
Unsigned picks:
1. Devin White, LB, LSU
3. Jamel Dean, CB, Auburn
Arizona Cardinals: 11/11 signed
Los Angeles Rams: 8/8 signed
San Francisco 49ers: 6/8 signed
Unsigned picks:
1. Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
2. Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
Seattle Seahawks: 11/11 signed
Sunday, June 16, 2019
"Centennial Class"
With the spirit of the NFL's 100th season/100th Anniversary in the air there's been talk for a while that the Pro Football Hall of Fame might have some sort of "Centennial Class." There's a growing list of players, coaches, and contributors that have been waiting, some for a very long time, for the Hall of Fame recognition that they deserve. This "Centennial Class" would be a Hall of Fame Class that would clear out some of that backlog. Well, it's a little more than talk now. The Hall's now-former executive director Joe Horrigan said during an appearance on the Talk of Fame Network that a special class of inductees "is going to happen."
“Let me put it this way,” Horrigan said. “It has been, in principle, approved. Our board meets later this month – our Hall-of-Fame board of directors – and we’ll go to them again with more detailed plans different from what we produced for them two months ago.
“But I will tell you this: We do not have the final blessing on it, only because we have to work out details. Now the question of whether or not they support the idea that everybody does [isn’t really a question]. . . .Now we just have to come down with what the size of the class would be, how they will be selected and who will do it.”
So, the details still have to be worked out but it sure looks like there will be a big "make-up" class. There are dozens of players and coaches that are deserving of being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Every team's fanbase can rattle off a player, or two, or three, or a coach that has been robbed. This 'Centennial Class" will put a dent in the numbers on the outside of the Hall.
With this news, the mind races. Who should be part of this "Centennial Class?" Without much thought because over the years I've already put a lot of thought into it, here are a few players that should have their long Hall wait come to an end. A few have been waiting damn near a century.
Duke Slater
Lavvie Dilweg
Verne Lewellen
Glenn Presnell
Marshall Goldberg
Pat Harder
Al Wistert
Mac Speedie
Dick Barwegen
Charlie Conerly
Joe Fortunato
Alex Karras
Tom Sestak
Bobby Boyd
Eddie Meador
Chuck Howley
Cliff Harris
L.C. Greenwood
Cliff Branch
Ken Anderson
Ken Riley
Lemar Parrish
Randy Gradishar
Mike Kenn
Chuck Foreman
There's 25 players that simply required a quick flash through the first 60 years of the league. Then there are coaches like Clark Shaugnessy, Buddy Parker, Jim Lee Howell, and Don Coryell that should be in the discussion. Among the contributors, there's Carl Storck and Steve Sabol. I really think that this "Centennial Class" should focus on the players, coaches, and contributors from 1920-80, with an emphasis on the first few decades. Those guys have been waiting far too long.
The Curious Case of Jim Marshall
I may be the only fan of the Minnesota Vikings that isn't sold on Jim Marshall's Hall of Fame candidacy. I've wrestled with this for decades. There was no more important Vikings player during the franchise's first two decades. He was the heart of those teams. The two most important figures in the entire history of the Minnesota Vikings are probably Bud Grant and Jim Marshall. It's obvious why so many fans love the man and demand that he get Hall of Fame recognition. Marshall wasn't just the leader of the team, the heart of the team. He was a terrific football player. He has some nice NFL records and statistics:
NFL Records:
Most seasons played by a defensive player: 20 (tied with Darrell Green and Junior Seau)
Most complete seasons played by a defensive player: 20
Most consecutive games played by a defensive player: 282
Most consecutive regular season games played by a defensive player: 270
Most consecutive game starts by a defensive player: 282
Most consecutive regular season starts played by a defensive player: 270
Most fumbles recovered:30
Most Opponent's fumbles recovered: 29
The Vikings credit Marshall with 127 career sacks.
Since sacks weren't an official statistic until 1982 his sack numbers are unofficial. If they were official, Marshall would have a half sack more than Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas, 26.5 more than Hall of Famer Charles Haley, 27 more than Hall of Famer Andre Tippett. Sure, Marshall has the advantage of playing for 20 seasons. But that longevity is a big part of his Hall of Fame candidacy. No defensive player has played so consistently for so long. Marshall was a terrific football player but he wasn't among the very best that played during his time. He made only two Pro Bowls and three second-team All Pros. Even during his best seasons he wasn't considered among the very best. A Hall of Famer should be among the very best of his era. He was the third best defensive lineman on his own team. Granted, he played on a defensive line with Hall of Famers Alan Page and Carl Eller. My dilemma should be obvious. I'm not against his induction because he has some Hall of Fame-level credentials. The fumble record is strong. The longevity record may be even stronger. Especially at a time when several voters are bitching about players getting inducted with injury-shortened careers. Is it possible for a player to have Hall of Fame-level credentials but not be one of the very best players at the time that he played? Jim Marshall is that player for me. If he is part of the "Centennial Class" I wouldn't complain. I'd celebrate it. I'd fly to Canton to see his induction. Jim Marshall has always been a Hall of Famer in my heart because he always put everything he had into the game. I have too much respect for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the game's history to force one of the my heroes into a place I'm not certain his career merits. It's a true dilemma. One thing that isn't a dilemma is that I'll be happier if he's part of this "Centennial Class" than if he isn't.
“Let me put it this way,” Horrigan said. “It has been, in principle, approved. Our board meets later this month – our Hall-of-Fame board of directors – and we’ll go to them again with more detailed plans different from what we produced for them two months ago.
“But I will tell you this: We do not have the final blessing on it, only because we have to work out details. Now the question of whether or not they support the idea that everybody does [isn’t really a question]. . . .Now we just have to come down with what the size of the class would be, how they will be selected and who will do it.”
So, the details still have to be worked out but it sure looks like there will be a big "make-up" class. There are dozens of players and coaches that are deserving of being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Every team's fanbase can rattle off a player, or two, or three, or a coach that has been robbed. This 'Centennial Class" will put a dent in the numbers on the outside of the Hall.
With this news, the mind races. Who should be part of this "Centennial Class?" Without much thought because over the years I've already put a lot of thought into it, here are a few players that should have their long Hall wait come to an end. A few have been waiting damn near a century.
Duke Slater
Lavvie Dilweg
Verne Lewellen
Glenn Presnell
Marshall Goldberg
Pat Harder
Al Wistert
Mac Speedie
Dick Barwegen
Charlie Conerly
Joe Fortunato
Alex Karras
Tom Sestak
Bobby Boyd
Eddie Meador
Chuck Howley
Cliff Harris
L.C. Greenwood
Cliff Branch
Ken Anderson
Ken Riley
Lemar Parrish
Randy Gradishar
Mike Kenn
Chuck Foreman
There's 25 players that simply required a quick flash through the first 60 years of the league. Then there are coaches like Clark Shaugnessy, Buddy Parker, Jim Lee Howell, and Don Coryell that should be in the discussion. Among the contributors, there's Carl Storck and Steve Sabol. I really think that this "Centennial Class" should focus on the players, coaches, and contributors from 1920-80, with an emphasis on the first few decades. Those guys have been waiting far too long.
The Curious Case of Jim Marshall
I may be the only fan of the Minnesota Vikings that isn't sold on Jim Marshall's Hall of Fame candidacy. I've wrestled with this for decades. There was no more important Vikings player during the franchise's first two decades. He was the heart of those teams. The two most important figures in the entire history of the Minnesota Vikings are probably Bud Grant and Jim Marshall. It's obvious why so many fans love the man and demand that he get Hall of Fame recognition. Marshall wasn't just the leader of the team, the heart of the team. He was a terrific football player. He has some nice NFL records and statistics:
NFL Records:
Most seasons played by a defensive player: 20 (tied with Darrell Green and Junior Seau)
Most complete seasons played by a defensive player: 20
Most consecutive games played by a defensive player: 282
Most consecutive regular season games played by a defensive player: 270
Most consecutive game starts by a defensive player: 282
Most consecutive regular season starts played by a defensive player: 270
Most fumbles recovered:30
Most Opponent's fumbles recovered: 29
The Vikings credit Marshall with 127 career sacks.
Since sacks weren't an official statistic until 1982 his sack numbers are unofficial. If they were official, Marshall would have a half sack more than Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas, 26.5 more than Hall of Famer Charles Haley, 27 more than Hall of Famer Andre Tippett. Sure, Marshall has the advantage of playing for 20 seasons. But that longevity is a big part of his Hall of Fame candidacy. No defensive player has played so consistently for so long. Marshall was a terrific football player but he wasn't among the very best that played during his time. He made only two Pro Bowls and three second-team All Pros. Even during his best seasons he wasn't considered among the very best. A Hall of Famer should be among the very best of his era. He was the third best defensive lineman on his own team. Granted, he played on a defensive line with Hall of Famers Alan Page and Carl Eller. My dilemma should be obvious. I'm not against his induction because he has some Hall of Fame-level credentials. The fumble record is strong. The longevity record may be even stronger. Especially at a time when several voters are bitching about players getting inducted with injury-shortened careers. Is it possible for a player to have Hall of Fame-level credentials but not be one of the very best players at the time that he played? Jim Marshall is that player for me. If he is part of the "Centennial Class" I wouldn't complain. I'd celebrate it. I'd fly to Canton to see his induction. Jim Marshall has always been a Hall of Famer in my heart because he always put everything he had into the game. I have too much respect for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the game's history to force one of the my heroes into a place I'm not certain his career merits. It's a true dilemma. One thing that isn't a dilemma is that I'll be happier if he's part of this "Centennial Class" than if he isn't.
Saturday, June 15, 2019
Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor
Earlier this week, the Minnesota Vikings selected former tight end Steve Jordan as the 25th member of the team's Ring of Honor. He will receive his snappy purple jacket and be formally inducted on October 24 at US Bank Stadium when the Vikings take on the Washington Redskins.
A seventh-round pick in 1982 out of Brown, Jordan played all 13 seasons of his NFL career in Minnesota. He caught 498 passes for 6,307 yards and 28 touchdowns. His 498 receptions rank third in team history, trailing only Cris Carter (1,004) and Randy Moss (587). He was selected to six consecutive Pro Bowls from 1986-91, establishing himself as one of the best tight ends in the league. He is the best tight end in the history of the Vikings franchise.
"It's quite and honor," Jordan said. "Just understanding the history of this franchise the way I do, I feel like this is going to become even more impactful to me over time. It's going to keep soaking in and get even better as time goes on."
Congratulations Steve Jordan on your much-deserved place in the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor.
1998
Bud Grant
Fran Tarkenton
Alan Page
Paul Krause
Jim Finks
Fred Zamberletti
1999
Jim Marshall
2001
Korey Stringer
Mick Tinglehoff
Ron Yary
2002
Carl Eller
2003
Cris Carter
2004
Bill Brown
2005
Jerry Burns
2006
Randall McDaniel
2007
Chuck Foreman
2008
John Randle
2009
Scott Studwell
2011
Chris Doleman
2012
Matt Blair
2013
Joey Browner
2017
Randy Moss
Ahmad Rashad
2018
Dennis Green
2019
Steve Jordan
A seventh-round pick in 1982 out of Brown, Jordan played all 13 seasons of his NFL career in Minnesota. He caught 498 passes for 6,307 yards and 28 touchdowns. His 498 receptions rank third in team history, trailing only Cris Carter (1,004) and Randy Moss (587). He was selected to six consecutive Pro Bowls from 1986-91, establishing himself as one of the best tight ends in the league. He is the best tight end in the history of the Vikings franchise.
"It's quite and honor," Jordan said. "Just understanding the history of this franchise the way I do, I feel like this is going to become even more impactful to me over time. It's going to keep soaking in and get even better as time goes on."
Congratulations Steve Jordan on your much-deserved place in the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor.
1998
Bud Grant
Fran Tarkenton
Alan Page
Paul Krause
Jim Finks
Fred Zamberletti
1999
Jim Marshall
2001
Korey Stringer
Mick Tinglehoff
Ron Yary
2002
Carl Eller
2003
Cris Carter
2004
Bill Brown
2005
Jerry Burns
2006
Randall McDaniel
2007
Chuck Foreman
2008
John Randle
2009
Scott Studwell
2011
Chris Doleman
2012
Matt Blair
2013
Joey Browner
2017
Randy Moss
Ahmad Rashad
2018
Dennis Green
2019
Steve Jordan
Friday, June 14, 2019
First Round Signing Tracker
Every NFL team has wrapped up their offseason work. The month-plus time between now and training camp is considered the one true break of the NFL offseason. There are a few teams that have some business to finish. About half of the league's teams still have draft picks to sign. Exactly six of those have first round draft picks to sign. Some have a bit more work than the rest. Of the 10 unsigned first round draft picks, six are picks of the Oakland Raiders and New York Giants. It feels like 2010 with those two teams.
Here's the signing status of the first round picks of the 2019 NFL Draft.
1. Arizona Cardinals-Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma-Signed
2. San Francisco 49ers-Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
3. New York Jets-Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
4. Oakland Raiders-Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Devin White, LB, LSU
6. New York Giants-Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
7. Jacksonville Jaguars-Josh Allen, LB, Kentucky-Signed
8. Detroit Lions-T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa-Signed
9. Buffalo Bills-Ed Oliver, DT, Houston-Signed
10. Pittsburgh Steelers-Devin Bush, LB, Michigan-Signed
11. Cincinnati Bengals-Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama-Signed
12. Green Bay Packers-Rashan Gary, Edge, Michigan-Signed
13. Miami Dolphins-Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson-Signed
14. Atlanta Falcons-Chris Lindstron, G, Boston College-Signed
15. Washington Redskins-Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State-Signed
16. Carolina Panthers-Brian Burns, Edge, Florida State
17. New York Giants-Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
18. Minnesota Vikings-Garrett Bradbury, C, N. C. State-Signed
19. Tennessee Titans-Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State-Signed
20. Denver Broncos-Noah Fant, TE, Iowa-Signed
21. Green Bay Packers-Darnell Savage, S, Maryland-Signed
22. Philadelphia Eagles-Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State-Signed
23. Houston Texans-Tytus Howard, OT, Alabama State-Signed
24. Oakland Raiders-Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
25. Baltimore Ravens-Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma-Signed
26. Washington Redskins-Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State-Signed
27. Oakland Raiders-Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
28. Los Angeles Chargers-Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame-Signed
29. Seattle Seahawks-L.J. Collier, DE, TCU-Signed
30. New York Giants-Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
31. Atlanta Falcons-Kaleb McGary, OT, Washington-Signed
Here's the signing status of the first round picks of the 2019 NFL Draft.
1. Arizona Cardinals-Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma-Signed
2. San Francisco 49ers-Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
3. New York Jets-Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
4. Oakland Raiders-Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Devin White, LB, LSU
6. New York Giants-Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
7. Jacksonville Jaguars-Josh Allen, LB, Kentucky-Signed
8. Detroit Lions-T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa-Signed
9. Buffalo Bills-Ed Oliver, DT, Houston-Signed
10. Pittsburgh Steelers-Devin Bush, LB, Michigan-Signed
11. Cincinnati Bengals-Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama-Signed
12. Green Bay Packers-Rashan Gary, Edge, Michigan-Signed
13. Miami Dolphins-Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson-Signed
14. Atlanta Falcons-Chris Lindstron, G, Boston College-Signed
15. Washington Redskins-Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State-Signed
16. Carolina Panthers-Brian Burns, Edge, Florida State
17. New York Giants-Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
18. Minnesota Vikings-Garrett Bradbury, C, N. C. State-Signed
19. Tennessee Titans-Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State-Signed
20. Denver Broncos-Noah Fant, TE, Iowa-Signed
21. Green Bay Packers-Darnell Savage, S, Maryland-Signed
22. Philadelphia Eagles-Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State-Signed
23. Houston Texans-Tytus Howard, OT, Alabama State-Signed
24. Oakland Raiders-Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
25. Baltimore Ravens-Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma-Signed
26. Washington Redskins-Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State-Signed
27. Oakland Raiders-Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
28. Los Angeles Chargers-Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame-Signed
29. Seattle Seahawks-L.J. Collier, DE, TCU-Signed
30. New York Giants-Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
31. Atlanta Falcons-Kaleb McGary, OT, Washington-Signed
32. New England Patriots-N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State-Signed
The good news is that there's still over a month until training camps open. The bad news is that there's only a month until training camps open.
The good news is that there's still over a month until training camps open. The bad news is that there's only a month until training camps open.
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Throwback Thursday: All-Time Chicago Bears Team
In recent weeks, I've selected All-Time Teams for the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers. In this look at some of the greatest players from the NFC North teams, it's the Chicago Bears turn.
All-Time Chicago Bears Team
Offense
Quarterback
Sid Luckman
Running Back
Walter Payton
Gale Sayers
Fullback
Bronko Nagurski
Receivers
Harlon Hill
Ken Kavanaugh
Tight End
Mike Ditka
Offensive Tackles
Joe Stydahar
Jimbo Covert
Offensive Guards
Dan Fortmann
Stan Jones
Center
Bulldog Turner
Defense
Defensive Ends
Doug Atkins
Richard Dent
Defensive Tackles
Dan Hampton
George Musso
Linebackers
George Connor
Dick Butkus
Joe Fortunato
Cornerbacks
George McAfee
Charles Tillman
Safeties
Gary Fencik
Richie Petitbon
The Bears might lead the league in Hall of Famers not on their All-Time Team. Just check out the middle linebackers that didn't make the cut.
Bill George
Mike Singletary
Brian Urlacher
I even forced two running backs on the team just to include Gale Sayers.
All-Time Chicago Bears Team
Offense
Quarterback
Sid Luckman
Running Back
Walter Payton
Gale Sayers
Fullback
Bronko Nagurski
Receivers
Harlon Hill
Ken Kavanaugh
Tight End
Mike Ditka
Offensive Tackles
Joe Stydahar
Jimbo Covert
Offensive Guards
Dan Fortmann
Stan Jones
Center
Bulldog Turner
Defense
Defensive Ends
Doug Atkins
Richard Dent
Defensive Tackles
Dan Hampton
George Musso
Linebackers
George Connor
Dick Butkus
Joe Fortunato
Cornerbacks
George McAfee
Charles Tillman
Safeties
Gary Fencik
Richie Petitbon
***
The Bears might lead the league in Hall of Famers not on their All-Time Team. Just check out the middle linebackers that didn't make the cut.
Bill George
Mike Singletary
Brian Urlacher
I even forced two running backs on the team just to include Gale Sayers.
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
A Generous Golden Bear
I might be the only fan of the Minnesota Vikings that thinks that Aaron Rodgers is a swell guy. I'm no traitor. I'm a Cal alum. He was the best college quarterback that I've ever seen in person. Better than Drew Bledsoe, Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, Andrew Luck, etc. What we've all seen him do in the NFL could be seen in what he did in those two too short years in Berkeley. It was a shock then and continues to be a shock that the NFL's talent evaluators couldn't see it. All they had to do was take the time to watch his performance against USC in 2004. Anyway, other than a couple games each season I wish him well and appreciate his terrific football talent. He's also a good guy off the field. Yesterday, he was a very generous one.
From the Cal football website.
BERKELEY – Former Cal quarterback and Super Bowl XLV MVP Aaron Rodgers has made a seven-figure gift to the football program at the University of California that will be used to renovate the football locker room and create the Aaron Rodgers Football Scholarship.
"I'm pleased and proud to make this gift to support Cal football," Rodgers said. "My years at Cal were among the best years of my life. My time in Berkeley created lasting, unforgettable memories. Coach Wilcox was on the coaching staff when I was a Bear, and I am excited about the team's direction with Justin pointing the way. He is a tremendous football coach and an even better role model for his players. I hope that my contribution can help him move this program forward."
Dr. Paul F. White '68, an internationally recognized expert in ambulatory anesthesia and pain management, also generously contributed a six-figure gift to the project. He and his wife, Linda, have donated to numerous other projects benefiting Golden Bear student-athletes, including the renovation of California Memorial Stadium and the establishment of the Paul F. White Sports Medicine Complex at Haas Pavilion. White is also the brother of former Cal football All-American and College Football Hall of Famer Ed White, and this contribution is just the latest example of his dedication to Cal Athletics and student-athlete wellness.
"Aaron Rodgers is one of the most exceptional players in the history of our football program and among the most recognizable names in the world," Director of Athletics Jim Knowlton said. "We are tremendously proud of Aaron and grateful that he is providing this level of support to our football program, and we believe it will inspire others, as well. His generosity allows us to greatly enhance our student-athlete experience and provide a scholarship to a deserving junior college transfer. I'd also like to extend a thank you to Paul White, whose long-time support for Cal Athletics has enabled us to expand opportunities for student-athletes in countless ways."
The renovation of the Cal football locker room will be performed this summer in time for the 2019 season and, once completed, the space will be renamed the Aaron Rodgers Team Locker Room.
The Aaron Rodgers Football Scholarship will be awarded each year to a junior college transfer. Rodgers himself came to Cal after one season at Butte College near his hometown of Chico following his prep career at nearby Pleasant Valley High School.
Rodgers played two seasons at Cal and made an immediate impact in his first campaign in 2003 by leading the Bears to a 52-49 win over Virginia Tech in the Insight Bowl, where he was named the game's offensive MVP. The Bears finished with an 8-6 overall record and their most wins in a decade.
In 2004, Rodgers earned first-team All-Pac-10 honors when he led one of the best teams in Cal history to a 10-2 overall record and a 7-1 conference mark. Cal finished the 2004 regular season ranked No. 4 in the nation with a lone loss at No. 1 USC and ended the campaign with a No. 9 national ranking following a loss in the Holiday Bowl.
Rodgers remains etched throughout the Cal record book and is the Bears' all-time leader in passing efficiency (150.3) while his string of 26 consecutive completions spanning a pair of games in 2004 and 23 in a row to open that season's contest at USC set and equaled all-time FBS marks at the time. Overall, Rodgers completed 424-of-665 passes for 5,469 yards with 43 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in his two seasons at Cal (2003-04).
Green Bay selected Rodgers in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft and he has gone on to become one of the top quarterbacks in NFL history. In addition to his accomplishments as the MVP and winning quarterback of Super Bowl XLV, Rodgers is also a two-time NFL MVP and first-team All-Pro selection (2011, 2014), as well as the AP Athlete of the Year (2011). Rodgers has thrown 338 regular-season touchdowns in his 14-year NFL career to rank 10th in the league's history while his 42,944 passing yards are 17th.
"We are thrilled and grateful that Aaron is making this important investment in the Cal football program," said head coach Justin Wilcox, who was the Bears' linebackers coach when Rodgers quarterbacked at Cal. "Aaron's gift will help provide our student-athletes with a tremendous place to gather and prepare for all our football-related activities. It will also be great to show recruits visiting our campus a top-notch space and the level of support our program has from one of the greatest to ever play the game."
"What Aaron Rodgers is doing for our team is an absolute blessing," current Cal quarterback Chase Garbers said. "For a man who will go down as one of the greatest football players to ever play the game to make a contribution to our program of this magnitude is incredible. As Cal student-athletes we are so thankful for what he is doing. The support he is showing is inspiring. It is an absolute thrill to have a former Cal player like Aaron, a guy who we as current players look up to so much, invest in our program."
Cal football, Cal Athletics and the University of California are thankful to Aaron Rodgers for his outstanding philanthropic leadership.
From the Cal football website.
BERKELEY – Former Cal quarterback and Super Bowl XLV MVP Aaron Rodgers has made a seven-figure gift to the football program at the University of California that will be used to renovate the football locker room and create the Aaron Rodgers Football Scholarship.
"I'm pleased and proud to make this gift to support Cal football," Rodgers said. "My years at Cal were among the best years of my life. My time in Berkeley created lasting, unforgettable memories. Coach Wilcox was on the coaching staff when I was a Bear, and I am excited about the team's direction with Justin pointing the way. He is a tremendous football coach and an even better role model for his players. I hope that my contribution can help him move this program forward."
Dr. Paul F. White '68, an internationally recognized expert in ambulatory anesthesia and pain management, also generously contributed a six-figure gift to the project. He and his wife, Linda, have donated to numerous other projects benefiting Golden Bear student-athletes, including the renovation of California Memorial Stadium and the establishment of the Paul F. White Sports Medicine Complex at Haas Pavilion. White is also the brother of former Cal football All-American and College Football Hall of Famer Ed White, and this contribution is just the latest example of his dedication to Cal Athletics and student-athlete wellness.
"Aaron Rodgers is one of the most exceptional players in the history of our football program and among the most recognizable names in the world," Director of Athletics Jim Knowlton said. "We are tremendously proud of Aaron and grateful that he is providing this level of support to our football program, and we believe it will inspire others, as well. His generosity allows us to greatly enhance our student-athlete experience and provide a scholarship to a deserving junior college transfer. I'd also like to extend a thank you to Paul White, whose long-time support for Cal Athletics has enabled us to expand opportunities for student-athletes in countless ways."
The renovation of the Cal football locker room will be performed this summer in time for the 2019 season and, once completed, the space will be renamed the Aaron Rodgers Team Locker Room.
The Aaron Rodgers Football Scholarship will be awarded each year to a junior college transfer. Rodgers himself came to Cal after one season at Butte College near his hometown of Chico following his prep career at nearby Pleasant Valley High School.
Rodgers played two seasons at Cal and made an immediate impact in his first campaign in 2003 by leading the Bears to a 52-49 win over Virginia Tech in the Insight Bowl, where he was named the game's offensive MVP. The Bears finished with an 8-6 overall record and their most wins in a decade.
In 2004, Rodgers earned first-team All-Pac-10 honors when he led one of the best teams in Cal history to a 10-2 overall record and a 7-1 conference mark. Cal finished the 2004 regular season ranked No. 4 in the nation with a lone loss at No. 1 USC and ended the campaign with a No. 9 national ranking following a loss in the Holiday Bowl.
Rodgers remains etched throughout the Cal record book and is the Bears' all-time leader in passing efficiency (150.3) while his string of 26 consecutive completions spanning a pair of games in 2004 and 23 in a row to open that season's contest at USC set and equaled all-time FBS marks at the time. Overall, Rodgers completed 424-of-665 passes for 5,469 yards with 43 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in his two seasons at Cal (2003-04).
Green Bay selected Rodgers in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft and he has gone on to become one of the top quarterbacks in NFL history. In addition to his accomplishments as the MVP and winning quarterback of Super Bowl XLV, Rodgers is also a two-time NFL MVP and first-team All-Pro selection (2011, 2014), as well as the AP Athlete of the Year (2011). Rodgers has thrown 338 regular-season touchdowns in his 14-year NFL career to rank 10th in the league's history while his 42,944 passing yards are 17th.
"We are thrilled and grateful that Aaron is making this important investment in the Cal football program," said head coach Justin Wilcox, who was the Bears' linebackers coach when Rodgers quarterbacked at Cal. "Aaron's gift will help provide our student-athletes with a tremendous place to gather and prepare for all our football-related activities. It will also be great to show recruits visiting our campus a top-notch space and the level of support our program has from one of the greatest to ever play the game."
"What Aaron Rodgers is doing for our team is an absolute blessing," current Cal quarterback Chase Garbers said. "For a man who will go down as one of the greatest football players to ever play the game to make a contribution to our program of this magnitude is incredible. As Cal student-athletes we are so thankful for what he is doing. The support he is showing is inspiring. It is an absolute thrill to have a former Cal player like Aaron, a guy who we as current players look up to so much, invest in our program."
Cal football, Cal Athletics and the University of California are thankful to Aaron Rodgers for his outstanding philanthropic leadership.
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Minnesota Vikings 90-Man Roster
The Minnesota Vikings return to the field today for their Mandatory Minicamp. It's always good to be familiar with the team's roster. Even when there's 90 players on it. Despite most talking heads and many fans having him on the roster of another team, tight end Kyle Rudolph will be on the Vikings roster this season, next season, and maybe even the 2023. He agreed to a four-year contract extension last night. Many in the media wasted a decent chunk of the offseason writing and talking about the end of Rudolph's football career in Minnesota. It's further proof that the media should be reporting the news rather than trying to create it. Anyway, this isn't supposed to be about the tiresome media. It's about Kyle Rudolph and his 89 teammates. They take the field today for the last three practices of the their offseason. After this week, the Vikings players won't be on the field together until training camp in late July.
It's being reported that the Vikings will be bring in at least two punters to try out for a shot to compete with incumbent Matt Wile at training camp. The two punters named are Justin Vogel and Shane Tripucka. A third punter may be involved in the tryout. If one of the punters is signed to compete with Wile there will be a tweak to the following 90-man roster. An NFL roster is always a fluid thing. Especially when it numbers 90.
Offense (43 players)
Quarterbacks (4)
1 Kyle Sloter
3 Jake Browning
4 Sean Mannion
8 Kirk Cousins
Running Backs (7)
23 Mike Boone
25 Alexander Mattison
30 C.J. Ham
31 Ameer Abdullah
32 Roc Thomas
33 Dalvin Cook
46 Khari Blasingame
Wide Receivers (11)
11 Laquon Treadwell
12 Chad Beebe
13 Jeff Badet
14 Stefon Diggs
15 Brandon Zylstra
16 Davion Davis
17 Dillon Mitchell
18 Jordan Taylor
19 Adam Thielen
81 Olibasi Johnson
85 Alexander Hollins
Tight ends (6)
82 Kyle Rudolph
83 Tyler Conklin
84 Irv Smith Jr.
86 Brandon Dillon
87 Cole Hikutini
89 David Morgan
Offensive Tackles (6)
69 Rashod Hill
71 Riley Reiff
72 Storm Norton
74 Olisaemeka Udoh
75 Brian O'Neill
76 Aviante Collins
Guards (5)
63 Danny Isidora
64 Josh Kline
65 Pat Elflein
73 Dru Samia
78 Dakota Dozier
Centers (4)
52 John Keenoy
56 Garrett Bradbury
61 Brett Jones
67 Cornelius Edison
Defense (43 Players)
Defensive Ends (9)
62 Anree Saint-Amour
68 Ade Aruna
74 Stacy Keely
79 Karter Schult
90 Tashawn Bower
91 Stephen Weatherly
95 Ifeadi Odenigbo
97 Everson Griffen
99 Danielle Hunter
Defensive Tackles (8)
51 Hercules Mata'afa
60 Tito Odenigbo
66 Curtis Cothran
92 Jalyn Holmes
93 Shamar Stephen
94 Jaleel Johnson
96 Armon Watts
98 Linval Joseph
Linebackers (9)
40 Kentrell Brothers
42 Ben Gedeon
43 Reshard Cliett
45 Greer Martini
50 Eric Wilson
54 Eric Kendricks
55 Anthony Barr
57 Devante Downs
59 Cameron Smith
Cornerbacks (10)
20 Mackensie Alexander
21 Mike Hughes
24 Holton Hill
26 Trae Waynes
29 Xavier Rhodes
34 Duke Thomas
36 Craig James
38 Kris Boyd
44 Nate Meadors
49 Terrance Alexander
Safeties (7)
22 Harrison Smith
27 Jayron Kearse
35 Isaiah Wharton
37 Derron Smith
39 Marcus Epps
41 Anthony Harris
46 Micah Abernathy
Special Teams (4 Players)
Kicker
5 Dan Bailey
Punter
6 Matt Wile
Long snapper
It's being reported that the Vikings will be bring in at least two punters to try out for a shot to compete with incumbent Matt Wile at training camp. The two punters named are Justin Vogel and Shane Tripucka. A third punter may be involved in the tryout. If one of the punters is signed to compete with Wile there will be a tweak to the following 90-man roster. An NFL roster is always a fluid thing. Especially when it numbers 90.
Offense (43 players)
Quarterbacks (4)
1 Kyle Sloter
3 Jake Browning
4 Sean Mannion
8 Kirk Cousins
Running Backs (7)
23 Mike Boone
25 Alexander Mattison
30 C.J. Ham
31 Ameer Abdullah
32 Roc Thomas
33 Dalvin Cook
46 Khari Blasingame
11 Laquon Treadwell
12 Chad Beebe
13 Jeff Badet
14 Stefon Diggs
15 Brandon Zylstra
16 Davion Davis
17 Dillon Mitchell
18 Jordan Taylor
19 Adam Thielen
81 Olibasi Johnson
85 Alexander Hollins
Tight ends (6)
82 Kyle Rudolph
83 Tyler Conklin
84 Irv Smith Jr.
86 Brandon Dillon
87 Cole Hikutini
89 David Morgan
Offensive Tackles (6)
69 Rashod Hill
71 Riley Reiff
72 Storm Norton
74 Olisaemeka Udoh
75 Brian O'Neill
76 Aviante Collins
Guards (5)
63 Danny Isidora
64 Josh Kline
65 Pat Elflein
73 Dru Samia
78 Dakota Dozier
Centers (4)
52 John Keenoy
56 Garrett Bradbury
61 Brett Jones
67 Cornelius Edison
Defense (43 Players)
Defensive Ends (9)
62 Anree Saint-Amour
68 Ade Aruna
74 Stacy Keely
79 Karter Schult
90 Tashawn Bower
91 Stephen Weatherly
95 Ifeadi Odenigbo
97 Everson Griffen
99 Danielle Hunter
Defensive Tackles (8)
51 Hercules Mata'afa
60 Tito Odenigbo
66 Curtis Cothran
92 Jalyn Holmes
93 Shamar Stephen
94 Jaleel Johnson
96 Armon Watts
98 Linval Joseph
Linebackers (9)
40 Kentrell Brothers
42 Ben Gedeon
43 Reshard Cliett
45 Greer Martini
50 Eric Wilson
54 Eric Kendricks
55 Anthony Barr
57 Devante Downs
59 Cameron Smith
Cornerbacks (10)
20 Mackensie Alexander
21 Mike Hughes
24 Holton Hill
26 Trae Waynes
29 Xavier Rhodes
34 Duke Thomas
36 Craig James
38 Kris Boyd
44 Nate Meadors
49 Terrance Alexander
22 Harrison Smith
27 Jayron Kearse
35 Isaiah Wharton
37 Derron Smith
39 Marcus Epps
41 Anthony Harris
46 Micah Abernathy
Special Teams (4 Players)
Kicker
5 Dan Bailey
Punter
6 Matt Wile
Long snapper
47 Kevin McDermott
58 Austin Cutting
58 Austin Cutting
Monday, June 10, 2019
Cal's All-Time Top Commits
While checking out Cal's current recruits I discovered 247Sports had a ranking of Cal's All-Time Top Commits.
It's not really an All-Time list. Tony Gonzalez, Ken Harvey, Joe Roth, Craig Morton, Jackie Jensen, Brick Muller, etc. aren't included. It only includes the players that were rated during the time 247Sports has been rating them.
1. Keenan Allen, WR, 6-2 211, Class of 2010
2. DeSean Jackson, WR, 5-10 178, Class of 2005
3. Demetris Robertson, WR, 6-0 190, Class of 2016
4. Marshawn Lynch, RB, 5-11 215, Class of 2004
5. Lorenzo Alexander, OLB, 6-1 244, Class of 2001
6. Zach Kline, QB, 6-2 215, Class of 2012
7. Viliami Moala, DT, 6-2 320, Class of 2011
8. Derrick Hill, DT, 6-2 310, Class of 2006
9. Darian Hagan, S, 6-0 180, Class of 2006
10. Cecil Whiteside, OLB, 6-3 220, Class of 2010
11. Anthony Felder, ILB, 6-3 235, Class of 2005
12. Bryce Treggs, WR, 5-10 175, Class of 2012
13. Phillip Mbakogu, SDE, 6-3 260, Class of 2004
14. Todd Barr, SDE, 6-2 240, Class of 2011
15. Jason Gibson, WDE, 6-2 210, Class of 2011
16. Stefan McClure, S, 5-11 205, Class of 2011
17. Steve Williams, S, 5-11 205, Class of 2009
18. Gabe King, SDE, 6-6 253, Class of 2010
19. Erik Brown, WR, 6-1 175, Class of 2014
20. Desmond Bishop, LB, 6-2 244, Class of 2005
21. Brennan Scarlett, DE, 6-4 260, Class of 2011
22. Syd'Quan Thompson, CB, 5-9 190, Class of 2005
23. Carlos Strickland, WR, 6-4 215, Class of 2015
24. Mustafa Jalil, DT, 6-4 315, Class of 2011
25. Nick Forbes, ILB, 6-0 223, Class of 2010
5-Star Recruits
Keenan Allen
DeSean Jackson
Demetris Robertson
Lorenzo Alexander
So, Cal has had four 5-star recruits this century. There are a lot of colleges across the land that get more than that in a single recruiting class.
The rest of the commits were 4-star recruits.
A few of the above had successful Cal careers. Those college careers led to NFL careers.
Keenan Allen
DeSean Jackson
Marshawn Lynch
Lorenzo Alexander
Bryce Treggs
Stefan McClure
Steve Williams
Desmond Bishop
Brennan Scarlett
Syd'Quan Thompson
A few of those have had excellent NFL careers. Demetris Roberston might join them. Unfortunately for Cal, Roberston is currently spending his college football days at the University of Georgia. After an eye-catching freshman year and an injury-plagued sophomore year, he transferred.
It's the misses on this list that stand out to me. The Class of 2011 is a perfect example of this.
Viliami Moala
Todd Barr
Jason Gibson
Stefan McClure
Brennan Scarlett
Mustafa Jalil
For Cal, six 4-star recruits is an outstanding recruiting class. Only Scarlett and McClure shined at Cal. And Scarlett spent his final year of eligibility at Stanford.
This has been a fun look at Cal's recruiting past. It's a good thing that the recruiting stars mean little once these kids step on campus. After all, the geniuses that hand them out gave Aaron Rodgers two.
It's not really an All-Time list. Tony Gonzalez, Ken Harvey, Joe Roth, Craig Morton, Jackie Jensen, Brick Muller, etc. aren't included. It only includes the players that were rated during the time 247Sports has been rating them.
1. Keenan Allen, WR, 6-2 211, Class of 2010
2. DeSean Jackson, WR, 5-10 178, Class of 2005
3. Demetris Robertson, WR, 6-0 190, Class of 2016
4. Marshawn Lynch, RB, 5-11 215, Class of 2004
5. Lorenzo Alexander, OLB, 6-1 244, Class of 2001
6. Zach Kline, QB, 6-2 215, Class of 2012
7. Viliami Moala, DT, 6-2 320, Class of 2011
8. Derrick Hill, DT, 6-2 310, Class of 2006
9. Darian Hagan, S, 6-0 180, Class of 2006
10. Cecil Whiteside, OLB, 6-3 220, Class of 2010
11. Anthony Felder, ILB, 6-3 235, Class of 2005
12. Bryce Treggs, WR, 5-10 175, Class of 2012
13. Phillip Mbakogu, SDE, 6-3 260, Class of 2004
14. Todd Barr, SDE, 6-2 240, Class of 2011
15. Jason Gibson, WDE, 6-2 210, Class of 2011
16. Stefan McClure, S, 5-11 205, Class of 2011
17. Steve Williams, S, 5-11 205, Class of 2009
18. Gabe King, SDE, 6-6 253, Class of 2010
19. Erik Brown, WR, 6-1 175, Class of 2014
20. Desmond Bishop, LB, 6-2 244, Class of 2005
21. Brennan Scarlett, DE, 6-4 260, Class of 2011
22. Syd'Quan Thompson, CB, 5-9 190, Class of 2005
23. Carlos Strickland, WR, 6-4 215, Class of 2015
24. Mustafa Jalil, DT, 6-4 315, Class of 2011
25. Nick Forbes, ILB, 6-0 223, Class of 2010
5-Star Recruits
Keenan Allen
DeSean Jackson
Demetris Robertson
Lorenzo Alexander
So, Cal has had four 5-star recruits this century. There are a lot of colleges across the land that get more than that in a single recruiting class.
The rest of the commits were 4-star recruits.
A few of the above had successful Cal careers. Those college careers led to NFL careers.
Keenan Allen
DeSean Jackson
Marshawn Lynch
Lorenzo Alexander
Bryce Treggs
Stefan McClure
Steve Williams
Desmond Bishop
Brennan Scarlett
Syd'Quan Thompson
A few of those have had excellent NFL careers. Demetris Roberston might join them. Unfortunately for Cal, Roberston is currently spending his college football days at the University of Georgia. After an eye-catching freshman year and an injury-plagued sophomore year, he transferred.
It's the misses on this list that stand out to me. The Class of 2011 is a perfect example of this.
Viliami Moala
Todd Barr
Jason Gibson
Stefan McClure
Brennan Scarlett
Mustafa Jalil
For Cal, six 4-star recruits is an outstanding recruiting class. Only Scarlett and McClure shined at Cal. And Scarlett spent his final year of eligibility at Stanford.
This has been a fun look at Cal's recruiting past. It's a good thing that the recruiting stars mean little once these kids step on campus. After all, the geniuses that hand them out gave Aaron Rodgers two.
Sunday, June 9, 2019
Then And Now
The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2016 NFL Season with a lot of optimism. They were a missed 27-yard Blair Walsh field goal from a 2015 playoff run. Teddy Bridgewater was poised to be the team's franchise quarterback for a long time. They had a strong defense. They had Adrian Peterson. 2016 was a pivotal season. It all changed when Bridgewater was lost to a freak knee injury about a week before the start of the season. The trade for Sam Bradford kept some of the optimism alive. Opening the season with five straight wins brought all of the optimism back. Then it went dark. That's more than enough dwelling on what might've been in 2016 and especially on what might've been if Bridgewater's knee hadn't exploded. I bring up 2016 simply to compare that Vikings starting lineup to this year's expected starting lineup. There's been a few changes on offense.
2016
2016
| WR | Stefon Diggs |
| LT | Matt Kalil |
| LG | Alex Boone |
| C | Joe Berger |
| RG | Brandon Fusco |
| RT | Andre Smith |
| TE | Kyle Rudolph |
| WR | Cordarrelle Patterson |
| QB | Sam Bradford |
| RB | Andre Peterson |
| DE | Everson Griffen |
| DT | Shamar Stephen |
| NT | Linval Joseph |
| DE | Brian Robison |
| LB | Chad Greenway |
| LB | Eric Kendricks |
| LB | Anthony Barr |
| CB | Xavier Rhodes |
| CB | Terence Newman |
| S | Harrison Smith |
| S | Andrew Sendejo |
The Vikings' offensive line has sucked for a while. This one was bad to start and got worse fast as injuries started dropping players from the lineup. T.J. Clemmings was the starting left tackle for most of the season. That isn't a good thing.
2019
| WR | Stefon Diggs |
| LT | Riley Reiff |
| LG | Pat Elflein |
| C | Garrett Bradbury |
| RG | Josh Kline |
| RT | Brian O'Neill |
| TE | Kyle Rudolph |
| WR | Adam Thielen |
| QB | Kirk Cousins |
| RB | Dalvin Cook |
| DE | Everson Griffen |
| DT | Shamar Stephen |
| NT | Linval Joseph |
| DE | Danielle Hunter |
| LB | Ben Gedeon |
| LB | Eric Kendricks |
| LB | Anthony Barr |
| CB | Xavier Rhodes |
| CB | Trae Waynes |
| S | Harrison Smith |
| S | Anthony Harris |
Offense
Three years can be a lifetime in the NFL but it's still surprising that Stefon Diggs and Kyle Rudolph are the only starters on offense that remain from 2016. Adam Thielen played his way into the starting lineup during the 2016 season. He finished that season with 69 catches for 967 yards and he's been producing ever since. The offensive line was a mess then and has been a mess since. 2016 was especially bad due to injuries. It felt like the Vikings went through about 100 different line combinations during the 16 games. Jake Long was even pulled off the street to make a few starts. Just as he was getting close to shaking off the rust his achilles tendon gave out. It's a miracle that the usually fragile Sam Bradford made it through every start behind such a minefield of a line. He was back to those fragile ways in 2017 as he made it through a single start. The Vikings have finally put some early round draft pick talent into the current offensive line. It looks good on paper. But paper isn't the field.
The quarterback. In his five seasons as head coach of the Vikings, Mike Zimmer has had five different opening day starting quarterbacks.
2014: Matt Cassell
2015: Teddy Bridgewater
2016: Shaun Hill
2017: Sam Bradford
2018: Kirk Cousins
Bridgewater was supposed to return as the starter in 2016 but that knee injury kept that from happening. That's why there isn't a Vikings fan walking that isn't a little bit apprehensive about Cousins being available for Atlanta Falcons game on September 8.
It isn't just the extreme turnover of players that has hampered the offense. The Vikings have had too many offensive coordinators and the systems that come with them.
Norv Turner
Pat Shurmur
John DeFilippo
Kevin Stefanski
It's no wonder that the Vikings offense has sputtered more than purred over the last several years.
Defense
While the Vikings have had no consistency on offense they have had tremendous consistency on defense. Seven of the 11 starters from 2016 are expected to return as such in 2019. The Vikings have had good to great defense in each of Zimmer's five seasons. The lack of player turnover is a big reason for that. The players have stayed the same. The system has stayed the same. The players work and react well together. Perhaps too well, as opposing offenses now have a lot of film of those tendencies. This is a big season for Zimmer and the Vikings defense as both are now tasked with devising, implementing, and executing some new stuff and twists on the old stuff. The good thing is that the players and coaches know each other very well.
Overall
The Vikings have had a talented team under Zimmer. Two division titles and a trip to the NFC Championship game are proof of that. If not for wildly inconsistent play at the quarterback position and mostly poor offensive line play, the Vikings might have had a great deal more on field success. Looking at a snapshot of lineup change can be interesting. It's interesting to see how much has changed. It's also interesting to see how much has stayed the same. In the case of the Minnesota Vikings from 2016 to the present there's a bit of both. The offense has undergone a great deal of change. The defense has undergone very little change. The play on the field over the past few years reflect that.
Three years can be a lifetime in the NFL but it's still surprising that Stefon Diggs and Kyle Rudolph are the only starters on offense that remain from 2016. Adam Thielen played his way into the starting lineup during the 2016 season. He finished that season with 69 catches for 967 yards and he's been producing ever since. The offensive line was a mess then and has been a mess since. 2016 was especially bad due to injuries. It felt like the Vikings went through about 100 different line combinations during the 16 games. Jake Long was even pulled off the street to make a few starts. Just as he was getting close to shaking off the rust his achilles tendon gave out. It's a miracle that the usually fragile Sam Bradford made it through every start behind such a minefield of a line. He was back to those fragile ways in 2017 as he made it through a single start. The Vikings have finally put some early round draft pick talent into the current offensive line. It looks good on paper. But paper isn't the field.
The quarterback. In his five seasons as head coach of the Vikings, Mike Zimmer has had five different opening day starting quarterbacks.
2014: Matt Cassell
2015: Teddy Bridgewater
2016: Shaun Hill
2017: Sam Bradford
2018: Kirk Cousins
Bridgewater was supposed to return as the starter in 2016 but that knee injury kept that from happening. That's why there isn't a Vikings fan walking that isn't a little bit apprehensive about Cousins being available for Atlanta Falcons game on September 8.
It isn't just the extreme turnover of players that has hampered the offense. The Vikings have had too many offensive coordinators and the systems that come with them.
Norv Turner
Pat Shurmur
John DeFilippo
Kevin Stefanski
It's no wonder that the Vikings offense has sputtered more than purred over the last several years.
Defense
While the Vikings have had no consistency on offense they have had tremendous consistency on defense. Seven of the 11 starters from 2016 are expected to return as such in 2019. The Vikings have had good to great defense in each of Zimmer's five seasons. The lack of player turnover is a big reason for that. The players have stayed the same. The system has stayed the same. The players work and react well together. Perhaps too well, as opposing offenses now have a lot of film of those tendencies. This is a big season for Zimmer and the Vikings defense as both are now tasked with devising, implementing, and executing some new stuff and twists on the old stuff. The good thing is that the players and coaches know each other very well.
Overall
The Vikings have had a talented team under Zimmer. Two division titles and a trip to the NFC Championship game are proof of that. If not for wildly inconsistent play at the quarterback position and mostly poor offensive line play, the Vikings might have had a great deal more on field success. Looking at a snapshot of lineup change can be interesting. It's interesting to see how much has changed. It's also interesting to see how much has stayed the same. In the case of the Minnesota Vikings from 2016 to the present there's a bit of both. The offense has undergone a great deal of change. The defense has undergone very little change. The play on the field over the past few years reflect that.
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