NFL Network continued it's march through their Top 100 Players for 2017. On Monday the players ranked 40-31 were revealed.
40. Vic Beasley, DE
39. Bobby Wagner, LB
38. Fletcher Cox, DT
37. Aqib Talib, CB
36. Tyreek Hill, WR/KR
35. J.J. Watt, DE
34. Kam Chancellor, S
33. DeMarco Murray, RB
32. Marcus Peters, CB
31. Matthew Stafford, QB
It's nice mix of youth and veteran.
Vic Beasley disappointed some as a rookie in 2015. It was another example of many expecting too much too early from top picks. He still had his moments. Watching him against the Vikings during that rookie season two things stood out with Beasley. First of all, seeing someone coming off the edge wearing #44 is more than a little strange. Second of all, and most importantly, he comes off the line as if he's shot out of a cannon. I came away from that one game during a frustrating rookie season thinking that Beasley could be a real problem for offensive lines if he can get all of his talents together. Well, he got all of his talents together in 2016.
Three players returned to the Top 100 after an absence of a year or more.
Bobby Wagner
DeMarco Murray
Matthew Stafford
Welcome back.
Surprises.
J.J. Watt
Tyreek Hill
Watt called his ranking a joke due to his spending nearly all of the 2016 season on the sideline. He only played in three games. I have no problem with the ranking. People, and apparently some of the players, tend to forget that this list presents the best players, in the view of the players, for the upcoming season. It's impacted greatly by past performances but it's also a projection. When healthy, Watt is one of the best players in the league. His injury-thrashed season dropped him from #3 in 2016 to #35 but he's still one of the best.
Tyreek Hill admitted to having chills when his name was revealed. He was a game-changer for the Chiefs and nightmare for opponents as a rookie in 2016. He's going to attract a lot of attention whenever he's on the field and the Chiefs play him all over the field. It's tough to defend against his sort of speed.
It's interesting that corners Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters are in the same block of ten. They are the older and younger versions of the same sort of players. Feisty, agressive, big-play corners. They are also a little on the wild side. They can snap. But they are both terrific football players first.
Next week: 30-21.
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
He's Back!
Yesterday was Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer's birthday and he received the birthday gift that he wanted. After eight eyes surgeries in as many months his doctors cleared him to return to the football field. He had missed the first six practices of the OTA portion of the offseason. The Vikings were so concerned about Zimmer's ability/acceptance of staying away from those practices that they sent him to his Kentucky ranch. Perhaps under guard, the coach was able to watch video of the six practices that he was forced to miss. He was supposed to be resting and recuperating but it's hard to imagine Zimmer doing either when there's football teaching to be done. Teaching and coaching football techniques are the aspects of the job that Zimmer enjoys most. The time spent in Kentucky worked as the doctors gave their ok to return. Mike Zimmer is back on a football field.
The Vikings are holding their final four OTAs this week. Monday-Thursday. They wrap up their offseason program with a mandatory minicamp next week. June 13-15. Then it's on to training camp in Mankato in late July. Here's hoping that nothing keeps Zimmer from being a part of all of it.
While Zimmer was recuperating in Kentucky, defensive line coach Andre Patterson took over some of the head coach's administrative duties. I believe that Zimmer also mentioned that linebacker coach and son Adam Zimmer helped some in this capacity as well. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, defensive coordinator George Edwards, and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer, of course, handled their respective units. The volume of the practices must have been turned down a few notches without the booming constructive instructions of the head coach.
Welcome back, and happy birthday, Coach!
The Vikings are holding their final four OTAs this week. Monday-Thursday. They wrap up their offseason program with a mandatory minicamp next week. June 13-15. Then it's on to training camp in Mankato in late July. Here's hoping that nothing keeps Zimmer from being a part of all of it.
While Zimmer was recuperating in Kentucky, defensive line coach Andre Patterson took over some of the head coach's administrative duties. I believe that Zimmer also mentioned that linebacker coach and son Adam Zimmer helped some in this capacity as well. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, defensive coordinator George Edwards, and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer, of course, handled their respective units. The volume of the practices must have been turned down a few notches without the booming constructive instructions of the head coach.
Welcome back, and happy birthday, Coach!
Monday, June 5, 2017
Cornerback Tandems
NFL Media Analyst Ike Taylor recently ranked his top cornerback tandems in the NFL heading into the 2017 season.
1. A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey, Jacksonville Jaguars
-"A lot of people are going to disagree with me here, but it won't be the first time or the last."-Taylor
2. Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. (Bradley Roby), Denver Broncos
-"a lot of the success is credited to Aqib Talib's leadership and football knowledge."
-"The Broncos' best all-around cornerback, Harris is often on the island and often shutting down any receiver he faces."
-"Bradley Roby is the chess piece to this secondary. He can play inside or outside the numbers, but I think we'll see him in the slot this fall."
3. Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple (and Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie), Denver Broncos
-"Jenkins has the best eyes of any cornerback in the league."
4. Jason Verrett and Casey Hayward, San Diego Chargers
-"He(Hayward) understands combination routes and situational football, which helped him lead the league with seven INTs."
5. Malcolm Butler and Stephon Gilmore, New England Patriots
-"Malcolm Butler doesn't get the credit he deserves."
It's tough to disagree with any of Taylor's views on corners. He played the position at a high level for a long time so he knows it better than most of those that try to judge it. I still disagree with him. I see the five tandems that he separated from the rest a little differently. If Gilmore pairs nicely with Butler in New England this year I'd probably rank the above five in nearly reverse order of Taylor's rankings. Butler is a feisty corner that just sticks to receivers. He's also one of the most fun players to watch in the league. I've liked Gilmore since he first stepped on the field for the Buffalo Bills but moving to a new team is always an unknown. If Verrett and/or Hayward were a couple inches taller they'd probably be appreciated more but they're great as is. The only question with the two is how Verrett returns from a torn ACL. The Green Bay Packers are likely regretting greatly letting Hayward slip away from them. The corner tandem of the Giants could shoot to the top if Apple becomes the player that they drafted him in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft to be. Jenkins emerged last season as one of the best in the league. The only thing that can slow the Broncos corners is the age that might soon be catching them. The shocker of Taylor's rankings is the Jaguars duo of Ramsey and Bouye at #1. I just don't see how a pair that are so unproven can be the best. Ramsey has a single season in the league. Granted, he was great in that single season but it's still a single season. He also shown that there's a wildness to his game that can snap at anytime. A Vontaze Burfict-like stupidity that can hurt his team as much as his tremendous talent can help it. He has to control that if he's ever going to take full advantage of his abilities. Bouye rode a great half of a season to a huge free agent payday. The talent is there in Jacksonville but Ramsey and Bouye are too much of an unknown, apart and together, for me to put them at #1.
Flea Flicker Top 5 Corner Tandems.
1. Jason Verrett and Casey Hayward, San Diego Chargers
2. Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes (and Terence Newman and Mackensie Alexander), Minnesota Vikings
3. Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. (Bradley Roby), Denver Broncos
4. Malcolm Butler and Stephon Gilmore, New England Patriots
5. Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple (and Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie), Denver Broncos
I realize that rankings such as these these often rely a great deal on projections. After all, I'm projecting a great deal on the big step that Trae Waynes is about to make this year. I'm just holding off a bit on anointing the Jaguars duo as the best of the best with so little game time for either and zero game time together.
I really think that no other team can field four corners like the Vikings. Rhodes is one of the best in the league. If he can build on his terrific 2016 season he could be the best. Waynes is ready for a starting shot. Newman is still steady at a soon-to-be 39. He can fill in anywhere. Outisde, in the slot, possibly even safety. He's also a coach on the field. Alexander is the wildcard. He's likely taking over the nickel role that Captain Munnerlyn played so well for a couple seasons. Rhodes, Waynes, and Alexander could be the best corner trio in the league for years to come. If the Vikings can keep them all together.
1. A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey, Jacksonville Jaguars
-"A lot of people are going to disagree with me here, but it won't be the first time or the last."-Taylor
2. Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. (Bradley Roby), Denver Broncos
-"a lot of the success is credited to Aqib Talib's leadership and football knowledge."
-"The Broncos' best all-around cornerback, Harris is often on the island and often shutting down any receiver he faces."
-"Bradley Roby is the chess piece to this secondary. He can play inside or outside the numbers, but I think we'll see him in the slot this fall."
3. Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple (and Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie), Denver Broncos
-"Jenkins has the best eyes of any cornerback in the league."
4. Jason Verrett and Casey Hayward, San Diego Chargers
-"He(Hayward) understands combination routes and situational football, which helped him lead the league with seven INTs."
5. Malcolm Butler and Stephon Gilmore, New England Patriots
-"Malcolm Butler doesn't get the credit he deserves."
It's tough to disagree with any of Taylor's views on corners. He played the position at a high level for a long time so he knows it better than most of those that try to judge it. I still disagree with him. I see the five tandems that he separated from the rest a little differently. If Gilmore pairs nicely with Butler in New England this year I'd probably rank the above five in nearly reverse order of Taylor's rankings. Butler is a feisty corner that just sticks to receivers. He's also one of the most fun players to watch in the league. I've liked Gilmore since he first stepped on the field for the Buffalo Bills but moving to a new team is always an unknown. If Verrett and/or Hayward were a couple inches taller they'd probably be appreciated more but they're great as is. The only question with the two is how Verrett returns from a torn ACL. The Green Bay Packers are likely regretting greatly letting Hayward slip away from them. The corner tandem of the Giants could shoot to the top if Apple becomes the player that they drafted him in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft to be. Jenkins emerged last season as one of the best in the league. The only thing that can slow the Broncos corners is the age that might soon be catching them. The shocker of Taylor's rankings is the Jaguars duo of Ramsey and Bouye at #1. I just don't see how a pair that are so unproven can be the best. Ramsey has a single season in the league. Granted, he was great in that single season but it's still a single season. He also shown that there's a wildness to his game that can snap at anytime. A Vontaze Burfict-like stupidity that can hurt his team as much as his tremendous talent can help it. He has to control that if he's ever going to take full advantage of his abilities. Bouye rode a great half of a season to a huge free agent payday. The talent is there in Jacksonville but Ramsey and Bouye are too much of an unknown, apart and together, for me to put them at #1.
Flea Flicker Top 5 Corner Tandems.
1. Jason Verrett and Casey Hayward, San Diego Chargers
2. Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes (and Terence Newman and Mackensie Alexander), Minnesota Vikings
3. Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. (Bradley Roby), Denver Broncos
4. Malcolm Butler and Stephon Gilmore, New England Patriots
5. Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple (and Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie), Denver Broncos
I realize that rankings such as these these often rely a great deal on projections. After all, I'm projecting a great deal on the big step that Trae Waynes is about to make this year. I'm just holding off a bit on anointing the Jaguars duo as the best of the best with so little game time for either and zero game time together.
I really think that no other team can field four corners like the Vikings. Rhodes is one of the best in the league. If he can build on his terrific 2016 season he could be the best. Waynes is ready for a starting shot. Newman is still steady at a soon-to-be 39. He can fill in anywhere. Outisde, in the slot, possibly even safety. He's also a coach on the field. Alexander is the wildcard. He's likely taking over the nickel role that Captain Munnerlyn played so well for a couple seasons. Rhodes, Waynes, and Alexander could be the best corner trio in the league for years to come. If the Vikings can keep them all together.
Sunday, June 4, 2017
Early Cal Depth Chart
Cal released their current depth chart recently. It doesn't really mean much now seeing as it's early June. There's a training camp between now and the season, and many freshmen have yet to even arrive on campus. It's still fun to see how the players stand with Cal's new coaching staff.
Offense
Wide Receiver
Demetris Robertson, so
Jordan Veasy, sr
Logan Gamble, rs fr
Grayson Bankhead, rs fr
Left Tackle
Patrick Mekari, jr
Henry Bazakas, so
Left Guard
Kamryn Bennett, jr
Semisi Uluave, jr
Daniel Juarez, fr
Center
Addison Ooms, jr
Ryan Gibson, so
Michael Saffell
Right Guard
Dwayne Wallace, jr
Tanner Prenovost, rs fr
Poutasi Poutasi, fr
Right Tackle
Jake Curhan, fr
J.D. Hinnant, sr
Quarterback
Chase Forrest, jr
Ross Bowers, so
Victor Viramontes, rs fr
Collin Moore, fr
Chase Garbers, fr
Brandon McIlwain, so transfer
Running Back
Tre Watson, sr
Vic Enwere, sr
Patrick Laird, jr
Zion Echols, rs fr
Billy McCrary III, jr
Fullback
Malik McMorris, jr
Justin Norbeck, jr
Fabiano Hale, sr
Tight End
Ray Hudson, sr
Jake Ashton, jr
Kyle Wells, jr
Matt Laris, rs fr
Ben Moos, fr
Gavin Reinwald, fr
Wide Receiver
Melquise Stovall, so
Jordan Duncan, so
Kanawai Noa, so
Matt Rockett, so
Jeremiah Hawkins, fr
Wide Receiver
Vic Wharton III, jr
Brandon Singleton, so
Taariq Johnson, fr
Drew Kobayashi, rs fr
Alex Netherda, so
A few things about the offense. The quarterback competition will be interesting. The only one with anything close to real-game playing experience is South Carolina transfer Brandon McIlwain. It's great to see the tight end position return to Cal's offense. The receiver position is young, deep, and very talented. Cal has had a couple big-time recruits in DeSean Jackson and Keenan Allen in the past decade. Demetris Robertson might be better than either one.
Defense
Defensive End
Zeandae Johnson, so
Chinedu Udeogu, rs fr
Tevin Paul, rs fr
Nose Guard
Tony Mekari, sr
Chris Palmer, jr
Luc Bequette, so
Hunter Abel, rs fr
Siulagisipai Fuimaono, fr
Defensive End
James Looney, sr
Rusty Becker, sr
Gabe Cherry, fr
Noah Westerfield, sr
Roman Reed, rs fr
Outside Linebacker
Cameron Saffle, jr
Russell Ude, so
Evan Weaver, so
Trevor Howard, so
Inside Linebacker
Raymond Davison, jr
Jordan Kunaszyk, jr
Gerran Brown, so
David Ortega, jr
Kyle Harmon, fr
Inside Linebacker
Devante Downs, sr
Hamilton Anoa'i, sr
Aisea Tongilava, jr
Outside Linebacker
Cameron Goode, rs fr
Aex Funches, jr
Drew Bryant, jr
Cornerback
Darius Allensworth, jr
Elijah Hicks, fr
Traveon Beck, so
Nygel Edmonds, rs fr
Antoine Albert, sr
Branden Smith, fr
Safety
Evan Rambo, so
Derron Brown, jr
Trey Turner, jr
Malik Psalms, so
Jacob Anderson, sr
Bryce Turner, fr
Ricky Walker III, rs fr
Safety
Luke Rubenzer, sr
Quentin Tartabull, jr
Jaylinn Hawkins, so
David Garner, sr
De'Zhon Grace, sr
A.J. Greathouse, jr
Daniel Scott, fr
Cornerback
Marloshawn Franklin, sr
Camryn Bynum, rs fr
Josh Drayden, so
Ashtyn Davis, so
Chibuzo Nwokocha, jr
Special Teams
Kick Off
Matt Anderson, sr
Gabe Siemieniec, rs fr
Matt Abramo, so
Place Kicker
Matt Anderson, sr
Gabe Siemieniec, rs fr
Matt Abramo, so
Punter
Dylan Klumph, jr
Matt Abramo, so
Long Snapper
Grant Gluhaic, so
Garrett Frum, jr
Holder
Dylan Klumph, jr
Luke Rubenzer, sr
Where da returners at?!?
Offense
Wide Receiver
Demetris Robertson, so
Jordan Veasy, sr
Logan Gamble, rs fr
Grayson Bankhead, rs fr
Left Tackle
Patrick Mekari, jr
Henry Bazakas, so
Left Guard
Kamryn Bennett, jr
Semisi Uluave, jr
Daniel Juarez, fr
Center
Addison Ooms, jr
Ryan Gibson, so
Michael Saffell
Right Guard
Dwayne Wallace, jr
Tanner Prenovost, rs fr
Poutasi Poutasi, fr
Right Tackle
Jake Curhan, fr
J.D. Hinnant, sr
Quarterback
Chase Forrest, jr
Ross Bowers, so
Victor Viramontes, rs fr
Collin Moore, fr
Chase Garbers, fr
Brandon McIlwain, so transfer
Running Back
Tre Watson, sr
Vic Enwere, sr
Patrick Laird, jr
Zion Echols, rs fr
Billy McCrary III, jr
Fullback
Malik McMorris, jr
Justin Norbeck, jr
Fabiano Hale, sr
Tight End
Ray Hudson, sr
Jake Ashton, jr
Kyle Wells, jr
Matt Laris, rs fr
Ben Moos, fr
Gavin Reinwald, fr
Wide Receiver
Melquise Stovall, so
Jordan Duncan, so
Kanawai Noa, so
Matt Rockett, so
Jeremiah Hawkins, fr
Wide Receiver
Vic Wharton III, jr
Brandon Singleton, so
Taariq Johnson, fr
Drew Kobayashi, rs fr
Alex Netherda, so
A few things about the offense. The quarterback competition will be interesting. The only one with anything close to real-game playing experience is South Carolina transfer Brandon McIlwain. It's great to see the tight end position return to Cal's offense. The receiver position is young, deep, and very talented. Cal has had a couple big-time recruits in DeSean Jackson and Keenan Allen in the past decade. Demetris Robertson might be better than either one.
Defense
Defensive End
Zeandae Johnson, so
Chinedu Udeogu, rs fr
Tevin Paul, rs fr
Nose Guard
Tony Mekari, sr
Chris Palmer, jr
Luc Bequette, so
Hunter Abel, rs fr
Siulagisipai Fuimaono, fr
Defensive End
James Looney, sr
Rusty Becker, sr
Gabe Cherry, fr
Noah Westerfield, sr
Roman Reed, rs fr
Outside Linebacker
Cameron Saffle, jr
Russell Ude, so
Evan Weaver, so
Trevor Howard, so
Inside Linebacker
Raymond Davison, jr
Jordan Kunaszyk, jr
Gerran Brown, so
David Ortega, jr
Kyle Harmon, fr
Inside Linebacker
Devante Downs, sr
Hamilton Anoa'i, sr
Aisea Tongilava, jr
Outside Linebacker
Cameron Goode, rs fr
Aex Funches, jr
Drew Bryant, jr
Cornerback
Darius Allensworth, jr
Elijah Hicks, fr
Traveon Beck, so
Nygel Edmonds, rs fr
Antoine Albert, sr
Branden Smith, fr
Safety
Evan Rambo, so
Derron Brown, jr
Trey Turner, jr
Malik Psalms, so
Jacob Anderson, sr
Bryce Turner, fr
Ricky Walker III, rs fr
Safety
Luke Rubenzer, sr
Quentin Tartabull, jr
Jaylinn Hawkins, so
David Garner, sr
De'Zhon Grace, sr
A.J. Greathouse, jr
Daniel Scott, fr
Cornerback
Marloshawn Franklin, sr
Camryn Bynum, rs fr
Josh Drayden, so
Ashtyn Davis, so
Chibuzo Nwokocha, jr
Special Teams
Kick Off
Matt Anderson, sr
Gabe Siemieniec, rs fr
Matt Abramo, so
Place Kicker
Matt Anderson, sr
Gabe Siemieniec, rs fr
Matt Abramo, so
Punter
Dylan Klumph, jr
Matt Abramo, so
Long Snapper
Grant Gluhaic, so
Garrett Frum, jr
Holder
Dylan Klumph, jr
Luke Rubenzer, sr
Where da returners at?!?
Saturday, June 3, 2017
New Coordinators
Peter King ran this interesting little factoid in his Monday Morning Quarterback column last week.
There are only six new head coaches this year but there are a bunch of new coordinators.
Offense (10)-Steve Sarkisian (Atlanta), Rick Dennison (Buffalo), Hue Jackson (Cleveland), Mike McCoy (Denver), Bill O'Brien (Houston), Matt LaFleur (Rams), Todd Downing (Oakland), John Morton (Jets), Kyle Shanahan (San Francisco), Matt Cavanaugh (Washington)
Defense (11)-Marquand Manuel (Atlanta), Leslie Frazier (Buffalo), Steve Wilks (Carolina), Gregg Williams (Cleveland), Joe Woods (Denver), Mike Vrabel (Houston), Wade Phillips (Rams), Matt Burke (Miami), Gus Bradley (Chargers), Robert Saleh (San Francisco), Greg Manusky (Washington)
21 coordinator changes in an offseason feels excessive.
Three head coaches are taking on their own offensive coordinator duties.
Hue Jackson
Bill O'Brien
Kyle Shanahan
While the double duty of head coach and coordinator is a demanding one it's not all that unusual. There are also some coordinators that are pretty much in name only. Like every offensive coordinator that's ever worked for Andy Reid.
It's somewhat interesting that two of the teams with new head coaches aren't among the 10 teams with new offensive coordinators. A head coaching change usually brings about a coaching overhaul. Anthony Lynn is getting his first non-interim head coaching shot with the Los Angeles Chargers. He maintained continuity on a potentially potent offense by retaining Ken Whisenhut to run it. Doug Marrone was the Jacksonville Jaguars' assistant head-offense/offensive line coach last season. He was bumped up to interim head coach after Gus Bradley was fired with two games remaining and got the full-time head coaching gig after the season. Marone retained offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and defensive coordinator Todd Walsh. The only real change on the Jaguars coaching staff was with the head coach.
A head coaching change on one team often disrupts the coaching staff on other teams. The five head coaching hires, other than the Jaguars, resulted in coordinator holes on the teams that those coaches left.
The Rams hired Redskins offensive coordinator Sean McVay as head coach. The Redskins promoted quarterback coach Matt Cavanaugh to replace McVay.
The Chargers hired Bills assistant head coach/running backs coach/offensive coordinator/interim head coach Anthony Lynn as head coach. Lynn sure wore a lot of hats for the Bills last season. The Bills hired former Broncos offensive coordinator Rick Dennison, and others, to replace Lynn.
The 49ers hired Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan as head coach. The Falcons hired Alabama offensive analyst/coordinator Steve Sarkisian to replace Shanahan.
The Broncos hired Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph as head coach. The Dolphins promoted linebacker coach Matt Burke to replace Lynn. Word around the league campfire is that the Dolphins hired Joseph and Burke (from the Bengals) in 2016 to run the defense for new head coach Adam Gase knowing that Joseph's time there was going to be a short one. Joseph was going to get a head coaching opportunity soon and Burke would be ready when he did.
The Bills hired Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott as head coach. The Panthers promoted assistant head/defensive backs Steve Wilks to replace McDermott.
So, one head coaching hire often results in three coordinator changes. The six head coaching changes accounts for about two-thirds of the 21 coordinator changes. The remaining third were made because things just weren't working. The Texans changed both of their coordinators. Head coach Bill O'Brien is taking on the offensive coordinator duties. That change was due to offensive struggles. The defensive coordinator change wasn't made due to struggles. The Texans defense was terrific. Change on that side of the ball became necessary when defensive coordinator Wade Phillips bolted to take on the same duties with the Rams. Texans linebacker coach Mike Vrabel was promoted to defensive coordinator to replace Phillips. The Browns also changed both of their coordinators. Unlike the Texans, both changes were due to struggles. Like the Texans, head coach Hue Jackson is taking over the offensive coordinator duties. Maniac coach Gregg Williams was hired to replace Ray Horton as defensive coordinator. It's a mystery as to how this clown keeps getting hired. If the league really wanted the football field to be a safer place Williams wouldn't be allowed anywhere near it.
Perhaps these coordinator changes interest only me. And Peter King. It's early June.
There are only six new head coaches this year but there are a bunch of new coordinators.
Offense (10)-Steve Sarkisian (Atlanta), Rick Dennison (Buffalo), Hue Jackson (Cleveland), Mike McCoy (Denver), Bill O'Brien (Houston), Matt LaFleur (Rams), Todd Downing (Oakland), John Morton (Jets), Kyle Shanahan (San Francisco), Matt Cavanaugh (Washington)
Defense (11)-Marquand Manuel (Atlanta), Leslie Frazier (Buffalo), Steve Wilks (Carolina), Gregg Williams (Cleveland), Joe Woods (Denver), Mike Vrabel (Houston), Wade Phillips (Rams), Matt Burke (Miami), Gus Bradley (Chargers), Robert Saleh (San Francisco), Greg Manusky (Washington)
21 coordinator changes in an offseason feels excessive.
Three head coaches are taking on their own offensive coordinator duties.
Hue Jackson
Bill O'Brien
Kyle Shanahan
While the double duty of head coach and coordinator is a demanding one it's not all that unusual. There are also some coordinators that are pretty much in name only. Like every offensive coordinator that's ever worked for Andy Reid.
It's somewhat interesting that two of the teams with new head coaches aren't among the 10 teams with new offensive coordinators. A head coaching change usually brings about a coaching overhaul. Anthony Lynn is getting his first non-interim head coaching shot with the Los Angeles Chargers. He maintained continuity on a potentially potent offense by retaining Ken Whisenhut to run it. Doug Marrone was the Jacksonville Jaguars' assistant head-offense/offensive line coach last season. He was bumped up to interim head coach after Gus Bradley was fired with two games remaining and got the full-time head coaching gig after the season. Marone retained offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and defensive coordinator Todd Walsh. The only real change on the Jaguars coaching staff was with the head coach.
A head coaching change on one team often disrupts the coaching staff on other teams. The five head coaching hires, other than the Jaguars, resulted in coordinator holes on the teams that those coaches left.
The Rams hired Redskins offensive coordinator Sean McVay as head coach. The Redskins promoted quarterback coach Matt Cavanaugh to replace McVay.
The Chargers hired Bills assistant head coach/running backs coach/offensive coordinator/interim head coach Anthony Lynn as head coach. Lynn sure wore a lot of hats for the Bills last season. The Bills hired former Broncos offensive coordinator Rick Dennison, and others, to replace Lynn.
The 49ers hired Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan as head coach. The Falcons hired Alabama offensive analyst/coordinator Steve Sarkisian to replace Shanahan.
The Broncos hired Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph as head coach. The Dolphins promoted linebacker coach Matt Burke to replace Lynn. Word around the league campfire is that the Dolphins hired Joseph and Burke (from the Bengals) in 2016 to run the defense for new head coach Adam Gase knowing that Joseph's time there was going to be a short one. Joseph was going to get a head coaching opportunity soon and Burke would be ready when he did.
The Bills hired Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott as head coach. The Panthers promoted assistant head/defensive backs Steve Wilks to replace McDermott.
So, one head coaching hire often results in three coordinator changes. The six head coaching changes accounts for about two-thirds of the 21 coordinator changes. The remaining third were made because things just weren't working. The Texans changed both of their coordinators. Head coach Bill O'Brien is taking on the offensive coordinator duties. That change was due to offensive struggles. The defensive coordinator change wasn't made due to struggles. The Texans defense was terrific. Change on that side of the ball became necessary when defensive coordinator Wade Phillips bolted to take on the same duties with the Rams. Texans linebacker coach Mike Vrabel was promoted to defensive coordinator to replace Phillips. The Browns also changed both of their coordinators. Unlike the Texans, both changes were due to struggles. Like the Texans, head coach Hue Jackson is taking over the offensive coordinator duties. Maniac coach Gregg Williams was hired to replace Ray Horton as defensive coordinator. It's a mystery as to how this clown keeps getting hired. If the league really wanted the football field to be a safer place Williams wouldn't be allowed anywhere near it.
Perhaps these coordinator changes interest only me. And Peter King. It's early June.
Friday, June 2, 2017
Minnesota Vikings 90-Man Roster. Once Again.
With training camp under two months away, the Minnesota Vikings made another roster change prompting another look at their 90-man roster here.
Quarterbacks
Sam Bradford
Teddy Bridgewater
Case Keenum
Taylor Heinicke
Wes Lunt
Teddy Bridgewater will most likely start training camp and the season on the PUP list but it's great to see him out on the field, throwing to his teammates.
Running backs
Latavius Murray
Jerick McKinnon
Dalvin Cook
C.J. Ham-fullback
Bishop Sankey
Terrell Newby
Receivers
Stefon Diggs
Adam Thielen
Laquon Treadwell
Michael Floyd
Jarius Wright
Moritz Boehringer
Isaac Fruechte
Rodney Adams
Stacy Coley
R.J. Shelton
Cayleb Jones
Tight ends
Kyle Rudolph
David Morgan
Bucky Hodges
Kyle Carter
Josiah Price
Nick Truesdell
Offensive line
Riley Reiff
Alex Boone
Pat Elflein
Joe Berger
Mike Remmers
Jeremiah Sirles
Danny Isidora
T.J. Clemmings
Nick Easton
Willie Beavers
Rashod Hill
Zac Kerin
Austin Shepherd
Aviante Collins
Freddie Tagaloa
Reid Fragel
Defensive line
Everson Griffen
Sharrif Floyd
Linval Joseph
Danielle Hunter
Brian Robison
Datone Jones
Jaleel Johnson
Tom Johnson
Shamar Stephen
Stephen Weatherly
Ifeadi Odenigbo
Will Sutton
Dylan Bradley
Tashawn Bower
Caleb Kidder
Sam McCaskill
A "nicked" nerve from a hacked-up knee surgery could keep Sharrif Floyd on the sideline for training camp.
Linebackers
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Emmanuel Lamur
Kentrell Brothers
Edmond Robinson
Ben Gedeon
Eijah Lee
Shaan Washington
Eric Wilson
Cornerbacks
Xavier Rhodes
Trae Waynes
Mackensie Alexander
Terence Newman
Marcus Sherels
Tre Roberson
Jabari Price
Horace Richardson
Terrell Sinkfield
Safeties
Harrison Smith
Andrew Sendejo
Anthony Harris
Jayron Kearse
Antone Exum, Jr.
Jack Tocho
Tommy Armstrong
Tommy Armstrong played quarterback at Nebraska, the Vikings want to see if he can play on the other side of the ball at the next level. His addition to the roster prompted this repeat look at said roster.
Kicker
Kai Forbath
Marshall Koehn
Punter
Taylor Symmank
Ryan Quigley
Long snapper
Kevin McDermott
Quarterbacks
Sam Bradford
Teddy Bridgewater
Case Keenum
Taylor Heinicke
Wes Lunt
Teddy Bridgewater will most likely start training camp and the season on the PUP list but it's great to see him out on the field, throwing to his teammates.
Running backs
Latavius Murray
Jerick McKinnon
Dalvin Cook
C.J. Ham-fullback
Bishop Sankey
Terrell Newby
Receivers
Stefon Diggs
Adam Thielen
Laquon Treadwell
Michael Floyd
Jarius Wright
Moritz Boehringer
Isaac Fruechte
Rodney Adams
Stacy Coley
R.J. Shelton
Cayleb Jones
Tight ends
Kyle Rudolph
David Morgan
Bucky Hodges
Kyle Carter
Josiah Price
Nick Truesdell
Offensive line
Riley Reiff
Alex Boone
Pat Elflein
Joe Berger
Mike Remmers
Jeremiah Sirles
Danny Isidora
T.J. Clemmings
Nick Easton
Willie Beavers
Rashod Hill
Zac Kerin
Austin Shepherd
Aviante Collins
Freddie Tagaloa
Reid Fragel
Defensive line
Everson Griffen
Sharrif Floyd
Linval Joseph
Danielle Hunter
Brian Robison
Datone Jones
Jaleel Johnson
Tom Johnson
Shamar Stephen
Stephen Weatherly
Ifeadi Odenigbo
Will Sutton
Dylan Bradley
Tashawn Bower
Caleb Kidder
Sam McCaskill
A "nicked" nerve from a hacked-up knee surgery could keep Sharrif Floyd on the sideline for training camp.
Linebackers
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Emmanuel Lamur
Kentrell Brothers
Edmond Robinson
Ben Gedeon
Eijah Lee
Shaan Washington
Eric Wilson
Cornerbacks
Xavier Rhodes
Trae Waynes
Mackensie Alexander
Terence Newman
Marcus Sherels
Tre Roberson
Jabari Price
Horace Richardson
Terrell Sinkfield
Safeties
Harrison Smith
Andrew Sendejo
Anthony Harris
Jayron Kearse
Antone Exum, Jr.
Jack Tocho
Tommy Armstrong
Tommy Armstrong played quarterback at Nebraska, the Vikings want to see if he can play on the other side of the ball at the next level. His addition to the roster prompted this repeat look at said roster.
Kicker
Kai Forbath
Marshall Koehn
Punter
Taylor Symmank
Ryan Quigley
Long snapper
Kevin McDermott
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Throwback Thursday: Flea Flicker Favorite Football Books
I originally posted this list of favorite books this past Christmas. Reading Lars Anderson's terrific book The Mannings had me thinking about it again. Here's a return look at the Flea Flicker's Favorite Football Books.
25. Namath: a Biography, Mark Kriegel, 2005
If you're at all curious about the Joe Namath legend this is the book to read.
24. Friday Night Lights, H.G. Bissinger, 1990
A football classic. As much sociological study as football book.
23. Going Long: The Wild Ten Year Saga of the American Football League in the Words of Those Who Lived It, Jeff Miller, 2004
Perhaps the best book on the wildly entertaining American Football League.
22. About Three Bricks Shy of a Load, Roy Blount Jr., 1974
This book is an excellent season-long, inside look at a Pittsburgh Steelers just before the team took over the NFL.
21. Chuck Noll: His Life's Work, Michael MacCambridge, 2016
Blount's book took a close look at one season before the Steelers' dynasty. MacCambridge's book looks at the life of the man behind it. It's hard to imagine the Steelers being a laughing-stock but they were for nearly all of their first 40 years in the league. When Dan Rooney hired Chuck Noll in 1969 the Steelers started to change. Quickly. MacCambrige tackles one of the game's great coaches and perhaps least-known.
20. Giants and Heroes: A Daughter's Memories of Y. A. Tittle, Dianne Tittle De Laet, 1998
A look at a football star from the rare perspective of his daughter. This book is simply wonderful.
19. Native American Son: The Life and Sporting Legend of Jim Thorpe, Kate Buford, 2010
This is the best book on one of America's greatest athletes.
18. Kassulke, Karl Kassulke, 1981
The former Vikings safety delivers the wildly entertaining characters on the Minnesota Vikings of the 1960s. It's a must for Vikings fans.
17. Paper Lion, George Plimpton, 1966
George Plimpton's writing. George Plimpton's football talents. The 1963 Detroit Lions. Fun times.
16. PB: The Paul Brown Story, Paul Brown with Jack Clary, 1978
From stories of his days attending San Francisco 49ers games at Kezar Stadium in the 1940s, my father introduced me to the coaching legend of Paul Brown. As a result those Cleveland Browns teams and their coach will always have a fond place for me.
15. A Civil War, John Feinstein, 1997
A terrific, intimate look into the incredible Army-Navy rivalry.
14. Finding the Winning Edge, Bill Walsh, 1997
This is the coach's manual on how to run a football team.
13. Instant Replay, Jerry Kramer and Dick Schaap, 1968
Jerry Kramer's diary of the Packers 1967 season. There are a few season-long, peak-behind-the-curtains books on this list. This book is one of the first to be written and still one of the best.
12. Halas by Halas, The Autobiography of George Halas, George Halas with Gwen Morgan and Arthur Veysey, 1979
George Halas' story is the story of the NFL.
11. The Mannings, Lars Anderson, 2016
Perhaps this ranking is elevated simply because the book is so fresh in my mind. It's an excellent read. Any book about the Mannings that's still talking about Archie's football career 150 pages in is an entertaining read. Not to take anything away from the Manning kids but their careers are so fresh in our football minds. Archie was a very good quarterback on a very bad team. He was also one of my favorite non-Minnesota Vikings players of his era. He's a better dad. This book is as much, or more, about raising a family and relationships as it is about football. A great book.
10. The Pros: A Documentary of Professional Football in America, Robert Riger with commentary from Tex Maule, 1960
This is a unique coffee table-type book. It presents the NFL to the reader through the fantastic artwork and photography of Robert Riger and commentary of Tex Maule.
9. Total Football/Total Football II, Bob Carroll, David Neft, John Thorn, and Michael Greshman, 1997/1998
You want a pro football encyclopedia? Here's your pro football encyclopedia.
8. Run to Daylight, Vince Lombardi with W.C. Heinz, 1963
Perhaps the first "inside look" football books. Vince Lombardi takes the reader through a week of preparation for a game during the 1962 season.
7. The Game That Was, Myron Cope, 1970
Some of my favorite football books are the oral histories of the early days of the game. Myron Cope reached many of the game's best in this one. Dutch Clark, Johnny Blood, Marion Motley, Bill Willis, Bulldog Turner.
6. The Pro Football Chronicle: The Complete (Well Almost Record of the Best Players, the Greatest Photos, the Hardest Hits, the Biggest Scandals), Dan Daly and Bob O'Donnell, 1990
As the title suggests the book has a lot of everything.
5. Education of a Coach, David Halberstam, 2005
What could be better than a book written by a writer like David Halberstam about a coach like Bill Belichick?
4. What a Game They Played, Richard Whittingham, 1984
This is probably the best oral history book on football. Whittingham brings the reader the voices and experiences of many of the greats that made football great. Mel Hein, Don Hutson, Sid Luckman, Sammy Baugh, and so many others.
3. A Thinking Man's Guide To Pro Football/The New Thinking Man's Guide To Pro Football, Paul Zimmerman, 1970 and 1984
This book is so great that it had to be done twice. I only wish that there was a Newer... and Newest... editions as well. Zimmerman was probably the most knowledgeable football writer in the business. He could talk and write about the game like a coach.
2. When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi, David Maraniss, 1999
The best football biography that I've read. There were a handful of years in which I had to re-read this book prior to the start of the NFL season. Just to get ready.
1. America's Game: The Epic Story of How Pro Football Captured a Nation, Michael MacCambridge, 2005
Michael MacCambridge tells the story of the NFL since World War II through a focus on the Browns, Chiefs, Colts, Cowboys, Raiders, and Rams. Well researched and very well written. If you want one book on the history of the NFL to read, this is it.
Although none made this list I can't leave a list of my favorite football books without mentioning some of those written by Jim Dent. Every one is a treat.
Twelve Mighty Orphans
Junction Boys
Monster of the Midway
Resurrection
Courage Beyond the Game: The Freddie Steinmark Story
Take your pick. Each is a well-written, incredible story. I hope that Dent can get his life in order. For himself mostly but also for the incredible football stories that he still has to tell.
There are so many more fantastic football books out there. So many more. The next one on my reading list is Chris Willis' Walter Lingo, Jim Thorpe, and the Oorang Indians: How a Dog Kennel Owner Created the NFL's Most Famous Traveling Team. Can't wait.
25. Namath: a Biography, Mark Kriegel, 2005
If you're at all curious about the Joe Namath legend this is the book to read.
24. Friday Night Lights, H.G. Bissinger, 1990
A football classic. As much sociological study as football book.
23. Going Long: The Wild Ten Year Saga of the American Football League in the Words of Those Who Lived It, Jeff Miller, 2004
Perhaps the best book on the wildly entertaining American Football League.
22. About Three Bricks Shy of a Load, Roy Blount Jr., 1974
This book is an excellent season-long, inside look at a Pittsburgh Steelers just before the team took over the NFL.
21. Chuck Noll: His Life's Work, Michael MacCambridge, 2016
Blount's book took a close look at one season before the Steelers' dynasty. MacCambridge's book looks at the life of the man behind it. It's hard to imagine the Steelers being a laughing-stock but they were for nearly all of their first 40 years in the league. When Dan Rooney hired Chuck Noll in 1969 the Steelers started to change. Quickly. MacCambrige tackles one of the game's great coaches and perhaps least-known.
20. Giants and Heroes: A Daughter's Memories of Y. A. Tittle, Dianne Tittle De Laet, 1998
A look at a football star from the rare perspective of his daughter. This book is simply wonderful.
19. Native American Son: The Life and Sporting Legend of Jim Thorpe, Kate Buford, 2010
This is the best book on one of America's greatest athletes.
18. Kassulke, Karl Kassulke, 1981
The former Vikings safety delivers the wildly entertaining characters on the Minnesota Vikings of the 1960s. It's a must for Vikings fans.
17. Paper Lion, George Plimpton, 1966
George Plimpton's writing. George Plimpton's football talents. The 1963 Detroit Lions. Fun times.
16. PB: The Paul Brown Story, Paul Brown with Jack Clary, 1978
From stories of his days attending San Francisco 49ers games at Kezar Stadium in the 1940s, my father introduced me to the coaching legend of Paul Brown. As a result those Cleveland Browns teams and their coach will always have a fond place for me.
15. A Civil War, John Feinstein, 1997
A terrific, intimate look into the incredible Army-Navy rivalry.
14. Finding the Winning Edge, Bill Walsh, 1997
This is the coach's manual on how to run a football team.
13. Instant Replay, Jerry Kramer and Dick Schaap, 1968
Jerry Kramer's diary of the Packers 1967 season. There are a few season-long, peak-behind-the-curtains books on this list. This book is one of the first to be written and still one of the best.
12. Halas by Halas, The Autobiography of George Halas, George Halas with Gwen Morgan and Arthur Veysey, 1979
George Halas' story is the story of the NFL.
11. The Mannings, Lars Anderson, 2016
Perhaps this ranking is elevated simply because the book is so fresh in my mind. It's an excellent read. Any book about the Mannings that's still talking about Archie's football career 150 pages in is an entertaining read. Not to take anything away from the Manning kids but their careers are so fresh in our football minds. Archie was a very good quarterback on a very bad team. He was also one of my favorite non-Minnesota Vikings players of his era. He's a better dad. This book is as much, or more, about raising a family and relationships as it is about football. A great book.
10. The Pros: A Documentary of Professional Football in America, Robert Riger with commentary from Tex Maule, 1960
This is a unique coffee table-type book. It presents the NFL to the reader through the fantastic artwork and photography of Robert Riger and commentary of Tex Maule.
9. Total Football/Total Football II, Bob Carroll, David Neft, John Thorn, and Michael Greshman, 1997/1998
You want a pro football encyclopedia? Here's your pro football encyclopedia.
8. Run to Daylight, Vince Lombardi with W.C. Heinz, 1963
Perhaps the first "inside look" football books. Vince Lombardi takes the reader through a week of preparation for a game during the 1962 season.
7. The Game That Was, Myron Cope, 1970
Some of my favorite football books are the oral histories of the early days of the game. Myron Cope reached many of the game's best in this one. Dutch Clark, Johnny Blood, Marion Motley, Bill Willis, Bulldog Turner.
6. The Pro Football Chronicle: The Complete (Well Almost Record of the Best Players, the Greatest Photos, the Hardest Hits, the Biggest Scandals), Dan Daly and Bob O'Donnell, 1990
As the title suggests the book has a lot of everything.
5. Education of a Coach, David Halberstam, 2005
What could be better than a book written by a writer like David Halberstam about a coach like Bill Belichick?
4. What a Game They Played, Richard Whittingham, 1984
This is probably the best oral history book on football. Whittingham brings the reader the voices and experiences of many of the greats that made football great. Mel Hein, Don Hutson, Sid Luckman, Sammy Baugh, and so many others.
3. A Thinking Man's Guide To Pro Football/The New Thinking Man's Guide To Pro Football, Paul Zimmerman, 1970 and 1984
This book is so great that it had to be done twice. I only wish that there was a Newer... and Newest... editions as well. Zimmerman was probably the most knowledgeable football writer in the business. He could talk and write about the game like a coach.
2. When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi, David Maraniss, 1999
The best football biography that I've read. There were a handful of years in which I had to re-read this book prior to the start of the NFL season. Just to get ready.
1. America's Game: The Epic Story of How Pro Football Captured a Nation, Michael MacCambridge, 2005
Michael MacCambridge tells the story of the NFL since World War II through a focus on the Browns, Chiefs, Colts, Cowboys, Raiders, and Rams. Well researched and very well written. If you want one book on the history of the NFL to read, this is it.
Although none made this list I can't leave a list of my favorite football books without mentioning some of those written by Jim Dent. Every one is a treat.
Twelve Mighty Orphans
Junction Boys
Monster of the Midway
Resurrection
Courage Beyond the Game: The Freddie Steinmark Story
Take your pick. Each is a well-written, incredible story. I hope that Dent can get his life in order. For himself mostly but also for the incredible football stories that he still has to tell.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)