Bleacher Report - Articles by GridironFans.com

Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 11 Report Card

GridironFans.com — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:00:42 -0500

The Steelers have a chance to close some ground in the division race and they piss it away. You have to win the games your supposed to and that just wasn't the case on this day. The Chiefs outplayed the Steelers and took advantage of several Steeler mistakes to come away with the victory in overtime.

The Report Card

Quarterbacks: Roethlisberger threw for almost 400 yards and three touchdowns, and the Steelers would have won this game easily if that's all he did. Ben had his share of blunders as well, he made some plays by eluding defenders and breaking sack attempts but he also had some boneheaded plays. He overthrew a few receivers in the first half, and in the redzone he threw an interception that almost went back for a touchdown the other way. The other interception was not Ben's fault as it bounced off Heath Miller into the defenders hands but as i've said before turnovers in the endzone are inexcusable. Roethlisberger was injured in overtime while driving the Steelers down to attempt a game winning field goal. Concussion like symptoms kept Ben sidelined. Batch came in and completed a 17 yard pass to get the Steelers closer to field goal range but on his next throw he threw a limp pass that was almost intercepted. He ended 1/2 and was also injured. B-

Runningbacks: Mendenhall had a strong day rushing 21 times for 80 yards, he also caught four balls for 36 yards and had a nice touchdown grab. Mendenhall was exceptionally good in overtime having three carries for 7,7, and eight yards. He was not given an opportunity on the third and two in overtime as the Steelers attempted a moronic toss to Moore the slowest runningback on the roster. Mendenhall also showed great effort chasing down Studebaker and saving four points on the interception return. Parker seen more action then he had the last few weeks and he looked good he had some solid carries and caught one ball and had a nice 11 yard run after the catch. Moore had a key run going for four yards, surprisingly again he had no catches, what is going on here. A

Wide Receivers: Hines Ward added onto his monster year grabbing 10 balls for 128 yards and a touchdown, followed by the Tomahawk celebration. He did have careless fumble that luckily rolled out of bounds. He also had a holding call in the 1st quarter. Santonio Holmes also had a big day as he had 86 yards and had a few impressive grabs, he did show a lack of effort on chasing down Studebaker on the interception return, he could have easily caught him but lollipopped around instead, luckily Mendenhall showed some heart and chased him down. Mike Wallace had two catches for 46 yards, he made a sick catch in the first quarter but it was quickly forgotten as he fumble the ball on the run after the catch. Just one of the many mistakes leading to the upset. Sweed dressed but did not play. Ward A- Holmes A- Wallace C- Sweed Inc

Tight Ends: Heath Miller had a huge day as far as offensive production goes catching seven balls for 95 yards and a touchdown, but that can be overlooked by mistakes. He was the root of a key turnover when a perfectly thrown ball by Roethlisberger bounce up right off of his body eventually being intercepted by the defender. On the very next drive he had an 15 yard boneheaded penalty. He also had a terrible block attempt on the third and two in overtime that led to the punt, which was the last time the Steelers offense had the ball. Outside of that the tight end blocking was surprisingly acceptable. Matt Spaeth and David Johnson also had one grab a piece for short yardage. Miller C Spaeth B Johnson B

Offensive Line: The offensive line had another acceptable outing, too many penalties but the run blocking and pass blocking wasn't bad at all. It got a little shaky after the injuries to Kemoeatu and Starks. Foster and Legursky took over duties as a few positions were changed around on that offensive line. The pass blocking wasn't great in the fourth quarter or overtime when it needed to be though, this could be due to the injuries. Just too many penalties. B-

Defensive Line The defensive line again played well even when the rest of the team isn't. The penetration against the run was great today. Even Hampton provided some rare pressure on a loss of yardage right in the middle of the line. Hood had some good pressure and a nice deflection. Kiesel again just kept the right side of the field quiet and contained. A

Linebackers: James Farrior again had another average work day at the office, not doing too much and getting tooled in the passing game. He showed his lack of speed on a few plays not being able to close in on the runners to the outside, in the first quarter on the short pass to the right to the Chiefs fullback Farrior was unable to get to the sideline to force the runner out and the play went for 19 yards when it should have went for four yards max. Harrison has an alright day, he had a few pressures, a nice hit in the first quarter. He also had a sack in the redzone forcing the Chiefs to settle for a field goal. Woodley recorded two sacks and contained a few of the runs going his way in what appeared to be his most impressive game of the season (that's not saying much). Timmons was everywhere once again as he has impressed me when healthy. He had a sack and forced a fumble which was recovered by James Harrison a rare turnover by the Steelers. For a unit that's supposed to be the heart and soul of this team, they have not been that over the last two losses. C

Defensive Backs: Tyrone Carter led the team in tackles and didn't make many mistakes, unfortunately he wasn't in position to make interception as he usually somehow is in the right place at the right time. Ike Taylor and William Gay contained their receivers for most of the game. They didn't do a bad job. Ryan Clark was out of position for alot of the game and most of the passes seemed to attack him. He did have a solid hit on a receiver but the receiver held onto the ball. Ike Taylor again had to show everyone that he couldn't catch a cold if he tried, he made a beautiful play in overtime as he out-jumped the receiver and met the ball at its highest point, he appeared to catch the ball but lost it as he landed. The very next play the Chiefs had the throw to Chambers that led to the field goal and the KC victory. C

Special Teams: Really? Again? The Steelers allowed yet another kick return for a touchdown the fourth time this season. This is just ridiculous, they aren't staying in their lanes and they are missing the tackles when they have the opportunity, just pathetic. The Steelers had a few good returns of their own, some were called back though. Woods who was brought up from the practice squad to try to relieve the issue had a holding call negating a good run back. Logan had some solid returns in the punt and kick return game. The coverage has to be fixed by any means necessary. We can't afford to be giving teams a free seven points. D-

Offensive Coordinator: I''m sick of beating the dead horse when it comes to Bruce Arians. If the run is working why not run the ball more? Instead he puts together a weak flail attempt at an offensive game plan. I'm just sick of it. D

Defensive Coordinator: This was a horrible day for all coaches and Dick Lebeau is no exception, the game plan was not up to par and it's very possible that the team overlooked the Kansas City Chiefs this week and was looking ahead to the Baltimore Ravens matchup. It really bit them on the ass this week. Lebeau was out-smartened by an offense that hasn't been able to muster up many points this year and its embarrassing. He didn't even get the defensive play call in during overtime on the Chiefs game winning pass that got them to the four yard line. That is why the defense was so confused, that is just unacceptable. D

Head Coach: How you don't come back from a devastating loss to the Bengals and beat a 2-7 Chiefs team is beyond me, and it blows my mind. It all reflects on the head coach, Mike Tomlin did not have this team focused on beating the Chiefs this week, if they were then there's no way to lose. All credit goes to the Chiefs they outplayed us but when it's all said and done the Chiefs beat themselves, and as the old saying goes "everything is fine when your winning" , well the Steelers have lost for games in the fourth quarter (or overtime) this season and it's all reflecting on Mike Tomlin. He better have this team focused to come out the remainder of the year and impose their will on the teams in their path. F

Player of the week: Rashard Mendenhall

Steelers Report Card vs. the Cleveland Browns

GridironFans.com — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:51:22 -0400

While the Steelers did turn the ball over several times, they were in control of this game the whole time. The offense scored any time they needed to, and the defense made plays when it was necessary.

The Report Card:

Quarterbacks: Roethlisberger had a huge day through the air, throwing for a monster 417 yards. He hooked up with Hines Ward and Heath Miller for his two touchdown receptions.

While Ben had his way with the Browns defense for most of the day, he was far from flawless. He had a fumble under the center for an early turnover that went to the Browns. He also overthrew Hines Ward, which resulted in an interception.

He could have easily thrown four interceptions, but luckily the Browns couldn't haul them in. Two of them were in scoring range—we have to get points when we are in range, not take big risks. You can't throw the ball into the endzone with the defense hanging on you. Bite the bullet, Ben. B

Running backs: Welcome back, Willie Parker. You had one of the most embarrasing fumbles I've ever seen. The ball was coming out before you were even touched. He did hit the line of scrimmage fast at times, gaining four or five yards, which is what we have been needing him to do. Still, I wasn't too impressed.

Mendenhall once again looked good, hitting the line hard and making the defense feel it the next day. He also had a fumble when he found himself lying on a defender's body and another defender ripped the ball out. You have to tuck the ball away no matter the situation and hold onto it with your life. Moore had 20 rushing yards on five carries and, surprisingly, no receptions. Mendenhall led with running backs with 62 yards.
Mendenhall B , Parker C- , Moore B+

Wide Receivers: The wideouts have to be satisfied so far this year, as they are getting plenty of opportunities. Once again, the old veteran led the way. Hines Ward had eight receptions (seems to be the magic number) for 159 yards, He looked to have jumped in front of a pass that was intended for Holmes and took it to the house for 52 yards, putting the Steelers up 14-0.

Santonio Holmes had a very productive day, going for 100-plus yards and plenty of them coming after the catch. He was making big plays all over the field. Mike Wallace once again played his role and was big when called upon. He caught two balls for 50 yards.

He also ran a nice end \[around after a key block from Roethlisberger. Wallace took the ball for 21 yards and showed his physical side, breaking two tackles. McDonald was rarely seen. Ward A Holmes A Wallace B+ McDonald Inc .

Tight Ends: It's nice to see Heath Miller being as involved in the offense as he should be this year. Anyone who didn't know who Miller was before defintely knows who he is this year ,and he should have been used like this since he came into the league, not just once every five games. Miller once again had a touchdown to go with his 80 yards on the day. Spaeth was seldom seen, but he didn't have many screw-ups—which is progress. Miller A+ Spaeth Inc

Offensive Line: The offensive line gave up plenty of pressure early on, especially after Max Starks went out with an injury. Luckily, he returned shortly after that. The run blocking won the battle at the line of scrimmage, opening plenty of running lanes when the Steelers chose to ran the ball.

The pass defense was shaky. I haven't seen them give up this much pressure this year, they have to be more consistent. Part of it, of course, was Ben holding the ball too much, but even the offensive line this game looked leaps and bounds better then they did last season. On some plays Ben had a ridiculous amount of time to sit in the pocket. C+

Defensive Line: You would have thought Aaron Smith was playing if you didn't pay attention to any news last week. The left side of the defensive line looked fine with Kirschke and Eason being in the game the majority of the time. This was partly due to the right side of the Browns' offensive line, which is absolutely horrible.

Hopefully it will be a confidence builder, because they will have to step up next week trying to stop Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings. The line had a solid day, and Keisel was again very active. Speaking of active, how about big Casey Hampton dropping back into coverage and making a play? B+

Linebackers: All I have to say is LT. I'm not talking about Lawrence Taylor or LaDanian Tomlinson. I'm talking about Lawrence Timmons. He and James Farrior were getting pressure up the middle anytime Dick Lebeau dialed it up. Timmons had his best James Harrison impersonation, sacking Anderson two times and forcing two fumbles.

Harrison and Timmons had solid performances containing the outside and putting plenty of pressure on Derek Anderson, forcing him to throw early much of the day. Farrior again had just an average day, recording 5 tackle. He wiffed on 2 sacks, you have to bring the quarterback to the ground when you get your hands on him, because it will usually turn into a big play for the offense if you can't. Harrison A Woodley A Timmons A+ Farrior C

Defensive Backs: The DBs had a solid performance—naturally, it would have been better if it was against a dynamic passing attack and not the Cleveland Browns. Ike Taylor tied Timmons for tackle leader (solos). It was good to see Troy Polamalu return, and even though he had limited mobility, he didn't have limited instincts. Troy jumped a route and made the interception when the Browns were threatening to score. Polamalu re-injured his knee on this play but returned on the next series.

Clark had another "give me" interception. Taylor and Gay played soft coverage, giving the Browns anything they wanted underneath. Luckily, they dropped most of them. The pass coverage did have one blunder, allowing Massaquoi to get behind them for a big gain late in the game. B

Special Teams: Logan didn't see many punt returns this day due to the fact that the majority of the times the Browns punted they had good field position, so Tomlin elected to put Moore back there to avoid any boneheaded plays. Logan did have a few kick returns, but they were just average returns—he has still yet to break the "huge" one. The kick/punt return coverage were excellent outside of the touchdown return by Cribbs after the Hines Ward touchdown reception. Man, this guy has our number when it comes to kick returning.C

Offensive Coordinator: Bruce Arians again opted to go with the passing attack and allow the game to rest in the hands of Roethlisberger. This was more like the Arians we're used to seeing as far as play-calling goes: vanilla. He's doing something right though, the Steelers are having much, much, much more red zone success then they did earlier this year. C

Defensive Coordinator: Dick Lebeau was probably happy to have Polamalu back in his lineup. It didn't really matter, this game was against the Browns, so Dick didn't have a much to plan for. He did draw up several blitzes up the middle with Timmons and Farrior that were very successful, something I've been calling for since last season. He had soft coverage in the passing game, which I am not a fan of, but I've seen it long enough so unfortunately I'm used to it. The Steelers' defense did force plenty of turnovers, so you can't argue with the formula. B

Head Coach: Tomlin again kept his team focused on this week and not looking ahead, despite the turnovers the Steelers kept committing—and Tomlin addressed the turnover issue after the game in the press conference. This is something that will be worked on this week. The Steelers did go for a long 4th-and-1 with the QB sneak that appeared to be short but got the first down, so no harm no foul there for Tomlin. Mikey T now has to prepare to play his former team, the Minnesota Vikings. The preparation for this game will say alot about Tomlin. B+

Player of the Game : Ben Roethlisberger

Steelers report card vs Lions

GridironFans.com — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:00:02 -0400

After a quick three-and-out, the Steelers offense picked up where they left off the previous week in Pittsburgh. They were very efficient and moved the ball well on most drives throughout the game. The defense looked shaky again late in the game, but made the plays necessary to win.

The Report Card:

Quarterbacks:

Ben once again did his thing, a few more plays could have been made here and there, but three touchdowns to one interception is a stat you'll take.

The main mistake by Roethlisberger was the late throw on an out route to Mike Wallace, Anthony Henry jumped the late throw and took it all the way back for six points making the ball game 14-13 Pittsburgh.

Roethlisberger bounced back throwing a touchdown pass to Hines Ward and finally hooked up deep for six points with rookie receiver Mike Wallace. Roethlisberger also had a fumble when center Justin Hartwig stepped on his foot at the snap and Ben tried to hand the ball to Mendenhall while falling, Ben should have just bit the bullet and take the loss of yardage. B-

Runningbacks:

Rashard Mendenhall made the best of his opportunities, rushing for 77 yards on 15 carries. He also added a touchdown when he showed a speed burst beating cornerback Anthony Henry to the corner of the end zone.

He should have had a second touchdown but it was negated by a holding call on Matt Spaeth on the edge. I expected Mendenhall to get more carries this game and really be the work horse, but the passing game was a bigger priority obviously.

Mendenhall did have a few plays where he didn't hit the line of scrimmage as hard as he could, as he did every play against the Chargers last week. Mewelde Moore had two carries for eight yards, he also caught three passes for 20 yards and came up big again on third downs, this guy is just money. Mendenhall B Moore B

Wide Receivers:

Hines Ward once again showed he can still play in this league. The Steelers' leading receiver through four weeks did nothing to fall back behind that mark. He caught seven balls for 85 yards and a hard-earned touchdown, his first of the season.

Limas Sweed was allowed to dress today and again failed miserably, he dropped another pass .

Santonio Holmes went for 50 quiet yards and had a beastly stiff arm on his first reception of the game. Holmes also had a nice block on Mendenhall's first carry which went for 27 yards. Ward A Holmes B+ Sweed D-

Tight Ends:

Heath Miller also got involved again, and is on pace to easily have the biggest season of his young career receiving wise. He caught five passes for 54 yards and another touchdown on the season.

Matt Spaeth wasn't seen much once again, he did have unnecessary holding penalty that negated Mendenhall's second touchdown run. Spaeth's hold had nothing to do with the outcome of the play. Spaeth needs to learn how to block if he isn't going to be involved much in the passing game. Miller A Spaeth D

Offensive Line:

Another solid effort by the offensive line. Trai Essex went down injury which gave the Steeler nation a scare, but Doug Legursky took his place shortly and didn't do anything wrong. Essex returned and got back to pushing people around.

The offensive line did allow three sacks within two drives in the second half, outside of that Ben had all the protection he needed. Still a couple of penalties that need minimized in future weeks. They opened a few holes for Mendenhall that he failed to see or hit them so slow that they closed, the running attack would have been even more forceful if Mendenhall would follow some of those blocks. C

Defensive Line:

The defensive line didn't have too hard of a task ahead of them because the Lions running game was a non-threat today. Brett Keisel had his best Aaron Smith impression today, he was all over the field and was in on the tackle of nearly every running play despite what side of the field it took place on. He did have one play where he could have tackled Kevin Smith in the backfield but the runner got by him, outside of that Brett was very disruptive.

Casey Hampton was seldom heard from but plugged the middle and did have one good run stuff for no gain. Aaron Smith had a nice run stop for minus-two yards. The defensive line played just fine. B

Linebackers:

Silverback is back, in the past three games James Harrison has six sacks and two forced fumbles. Harrison had three of those sacks and one of those forced fumbles against the Lions. He had plenty of quarterback rushes and had Culpepper running for his life on one play when he threw an intentional grounding forcing the Lions to settle for a field goal which was missed. He missed Culpepper on one play swiping for his ankles trying to trip him up as Culpepper was scrambling nearing the line of scrimmage. He went on to run for the first down.

LaMarr Woodley recorded his first sack of the season, and ended the day with 1.5 sacks.

Lawrence Timmons made solid tackles all over the field, one of his question marks coming into the season. Woodley and Timmons both turned it on the Lions last drive when the Steelers recorded three consecutive sacks, the third by Lawrence Timmons as he picked up Culpepper and drove him to the ground. James Farrior had a quiet day only recording four tackles (3 solos.) Harrison A Woodley B Timmons B+ Farrior C

Defensive Backs:

Ike Taylor didn't have to cover Calvin Johnson long, but he did fine when he had to. He and William Gay both had solid efforts even though the defense made Culpepper look like the Culpepper of old.

Gay was key in two of the three consecutive sacks at the end of the game, on the first of two Gay came as a free blitzer and didn't give Culpepper a choice but to go to the ground. On the second play Gay's aggressiveness freed up Woodley to make the sack. Gay shared the sack with Woodley and recorded 1.5 sacks.

Ryan Clark was throwing his body around as usual and of course had his weekly injury. He did have an easy interception on a bad throw by Culpepper under pressure. Carter Townsend and Keiwan Ratliff all shared time and none of them did anything spectacular at the same time they didn't do anything to lose the Steelers this game either. I Can't wait for Troy Polamalu to return. B-

Special Teams: Stefan Logan, still yet to break off the huge return yet, gave a solid effort. He didn't turn the ball over, and he did have one big kick return after Roethlisberger threw the pick-six. Logan took the return to the outside and took it up to the 47-yard line. This move brought back some of the momentum to the Steelers who went on to score that drive. Henry Bailey and Andre Frazier looked great in kick and punt return coverage. B

Offensive Coordinator:

Bruce Arians definitely took a step backward from last week, but didn't go back to his normal vanilla self. He still had a good game plan coming into this one and it wasn't fully executed. He ran way too many screens but a few of them payed off, especially the tight end screen to Heath Miller which went for a touchdown. The tight end screen has went for 5-plus yards every time the Steelers have ran it this season. The offense again didn't struggle to score in the red zone as it had all of last season and the beginning of this season. The past two weeks the Steelers have been money in the red zone. I would have liked to see the Steelers try to run the ball a little more then they did and maybe take a few more deep shots. C

Defensive Coordinator:

I expect to see some better grades start to come in as soon as Polamalu returns. The defense can run so many more exotic blitz schemes with Troy back in the lineup. I wasn't impressed with the defensive game plan coming into this game. Culpepper had several free runs on key plays. The blitz failed to get to Culpepper most of the game. When the game was on the line though, Dick Lebeau called the perfect set of blitzes to crush all the Lions hopes of an upset. The defense had seven sacks, forced two fumbles, and had an interception. C+

Head Coach:

Mike Tomlin kept the team focused, and it would seem he never overlooks any team. This week included the Steelers were definitely focused on beating the Lions, and even though they only won by eight, they dominated the Lions in every phase of the game. They also picked up their first road win of the season, and first set of back to back wins. Good to get that monkey off of their back. B

Player of the week:

James Harrison

Pittsburgh-San Diego: The Steelers Sunday Night Report Card

GridironFans.com — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:20:16 -0400

The Steelers came out on fire, offense and defense alike. Taking a 28-0 lead in the third quarter, this game appeared to be over.

Once again, the Steelers struggled to close out the game, due to a couple of unfortunate events. A fumble by Stefan Logan on a punt return, which in my opinion should have been called down as his forward progress was stopped.

Following the Chargers touchdown that resulted from the fumble, Ryan Mundy was unable to catch an onside kick that hit right in the chest. This gave the Chargers another touchdown and the Steelers only had a seven-point lead.

The Steelers offensive picked back up where they left off and continued to dominate the Chargers defense any way they chose to. Roethlisberger and Mendenhall led the team into field goal range, and Jeff Reed got back to being J-Money and hit the field goal to seal the win.

The Report Card

Quarterbacks

Roethlisberger was given more freedom this game and well...he was simply Roethlisberger. He torched the Chargers defense through the air on the first drive and the trend continued.

He thew the ball 33 times, completing 26 passes for 333 yards. He made key plays to keep the Steelers defense resting on the sideline, and keeping a gassed Chargers defense on the field. He threw two touchdowns, a nice touch pass to Heath Miller in the corner of the end zone and a short pass to Mewelde Moore who made a few guys miss to put the ball in the paint. Most importantly Ben didn't turn the ball over he recovered his only fumble. A

Running Backs

An injury to Willie Parker would sideline him for the week, leaving Rashard Mendenhal with starting duties. The Steelers also activated Isaac "Red Zone" Redman from the practice squad to add to the backfield depth.

Mendy was in the doghouse the previous week with a few bad practices, and didn't step on the field in the Steelers loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He apparently got the message as he took over this game.

The Steelers have had success running on San Diego in the recent past, and that trend continued. Mendenhall hit the hole, fast and violently, which is what Pittsburgh has been missing.

He broke off a few big runs and helped put the Chargers away with the late running attack that the Steelers have been missing to close out games. Mendenhall has put himself in position to take the starting job away from Parker with a few more good performances.

He carried the ball 29 times for 165 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 26 yards. Mendenhall also showed his mean side in pass protection; he wasn't scared to throw his body at pass rushers to give Roethlisberger some extra time.

Mewelde Moore also did his part once again, quietly being the Steelers most consistent player. On third down, teams better watch this game, he's Pittsburgh's version of Kevin Faulk. Moore had a receiving touchdown as he caught the ball made defenders miss and broke a few tackles barreling his way into the endzone.

He also threw a touchdown out of the backfield to Heath Miller in the back of the endzone. Redman did not see the field. Mendenhall A+ Moore A Redman Inc

Fullbacks

The Steelers brought back Carey Davis earlier in the week after an injury to David Johnson in last week's game. Davis didn't have a problem getting back in the swing of things and Mendenhall followed his block several times to get the hard yards. Davis B

Wide Receivers

Limas Sweed was inactive for this game, after a key drop in Cincinnati, Tomlin has put Sweed in the doghouse. That left Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Mike Wallace, and Shaun McDonald as the Steelers receivers corps for the week four game against San Diego.

Hines Ward once again was the workhorse. Why do people let this guy go wide open? Ward grabbed eight passes for 113 yards. He kept the chains moving several times, though he did have two key drops late in the game. One almost resulted in an interception for the Chargers defense.

Santonio Holmes again has not been as effective as he was against the Titans in week one, but he did his part. He pulled in four balls for 52 yards, and made no mistakes.

Mike Wallace continues to be a big part of this offense. He had a 35-yard reception on the first drive after Ben sat in the pocket all day and then found Wallace on the sideline. Wallace is really starting to take blocking seriously, he made a few key blocks that helped Mendenhall break open decent runs. McDonald has one catch which was called back on a holding penalty. Ward A Holmes B Wallace B McDonald Inc.

Tight Ends

Heath Miller seems to be getting more involved this year in the passing attack. He had his second eight-reception game of the season. Arians held Miller out of the gameplan last week, but this week he stole the show. Miller had two touchdowns and several blocks to seal off the edge in the running attack. Spaeth was non-existent in the passing game, He whiffed on a few blocks and made one good block in the fourth quarter. Miller A+ Spaeth Inc.

Offensive Line

I can't say enough about the improvement of this offensive line. It was apparent early in the season the pass blocking had greatly improved, and now the last two weeks you can really see the run blocking coming around. Less penalties than last year, but you'd still like to see one or two a game at most. Kemo had a strong effort and it showed. Starks had a late holding flag negating McDonald's only reception. Colon and Starks were opening running lanes on nearly every play. A-

Defensive Line

San Diego hardly ran the ball, when they did the defensive line didn't have much of a problem allowing the linebackers to hit the holes. In passing situations the defensive line did what they were supposed to, force people to block them and allow the linebackers to come around the edges. B+

Linebackers

The linebackers haven't been producing many sacks or turnovers so far this year, they got plenty of pressure this game. Rivers was just getting the ball out of his hands very quickly and several times just as he was getting hit.

James Harrison recorded two sacks in the game, and who would have guessed it, his third forced fumble of the season. Timmons applied pressure on Rivers several times forcing him to throw and did well against Gates when assigned to him.

Timmons also dropped an interception when he jumped the route, he broke up the play to force the punt. Woodley had a few quarterback hurries, outside of that he and Farrior were quiet. Harrison A- Timmons B+ Woodley C+ Farrior B

Defensive Backs

Ike Taylor played very well. He was covering Vincent Jackson most of the game and did a damn good job with a few pass breakups. Most importantly, no pass interference calls on Ike.

Gay played solid, but he was beat by Chambers on a 3rd-and-11 early in the game and luckily Chambers dropped the pass.

Ryan Clark was his normal self, throwing his body at anyone and everyone. It seems he gets hurt at least once a game, but is usually back two or three plays later. He recorded six tackles (three solo).

Tyrone Carter was rarely heard from. Ratliff got alot of playing time this game and he didn't do bad, but he didn't do good either. He took a poor angle on Chambers touchdown catch and run in the fourth quarter. Taylor A Gay B+ Clark B Ratliff B- Carter B

Special Teams

For the most part the special teams did a good job at bottling up Sproles, he did almost break one kick return for a big game, but was contained late. I don't blame Logan for the fumble on the punt return, I feel the play should have been blown dead. You just have to feel he will break a huge return very soon. Jeff Reed got his swagger back, Sepulveda had an average punting day. The punt coverage was great. B

Offensive Coordinator

Bruce Arians allowed Ben Roethlisberger to run this game for the most part, the passing attack was introduced very early to the Chargers. Ben moved the ball at will and that opened up the passing attack.

The offense wasn't near as vanilla as it usually is with Arians calling shots. I was very pleased this game with Bruce Arians; he had a rare productive evening. A

Defensive Coordinator

Dick LeBeau was dialing up the right blitzes early on, Rivers was getting the ball of just in time and had a quick clock in his head. The defense made the necessary plays to get the ball back to the Steelers offense on third down, and force a San Diego punt.

Once again in the fourth quarter, the defense was getting torched. Doesn't make much sense to me, but something has to change. The second half last season was when the defense shined (barring the Super Bowl). Now it just appears to be the achilles' heel of the defense and it all comes back to coordinator Dick Leeau. C

Head Coach

Tomlin had the team ready to bounce back and get back in the win column. The team was fired up to start the game and got off to a quick start. Luckily he didn't have any tough decisions to make on the goalline as the Steelers had no problem running the ball in on 1st-and-goal. Tomlin showed some guts for going for a 4th-and-1 from his own 31-yard line. Roethlisberger fell forward for the first down and kept the drive moving. A

Player of the Week

Rashard Mendenhall

The NFL's Impossible Landmarks: Special Teams

GridironFans.com — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:53:10 -0400

The last port of call on this subject of tough records for NFL players to aim for will focus on the "X factor" of all NFL games–special teams.

Sammy Baugh's Single Season Punting Average: In 1940, Slingin' Sammy Baugh averaged an amazing 51.4 yards-per-punt over the entire season.

This record still stands nearly 70 years later, but it might just be about to come under threat. The last two seasons have seen two players challenge the mark, and it's possible they could both push their way past this fabled record.

In 2007, the Raiders Shane Lechler averaged 49.1 yards-per-punt for the season, and along with Baugh, now has two seasons inside the top ten for single-season punting average.

Then, this season just gone, the Rams' Donnie Jones became only the second player, after Baugh, to average 50 yards-per-punt over the course of an entire season.

The final 1.5 yard average will be tough to do, but in Lechler and Jones' case, both expect to get plenty of work, and be operating from the end of the field that allows them to boom the ball for all it's worth.

It is accepted that Baugh benefited from the different style of his time. Quick kicking was common (kicking from a regular offensive formation), and kicking the ball away on third or even second down to catch defenses off-guard was a widely used tactic. However, his mark counts until someone beats it.

Most Return TD's In a Career: Devin Hester might jump straight into your head as he will very likely threaten the combined return TD record held by former Redskin, Eagle, and Giant Brian Mitchell, who has scored 13 times in the return game (Hester already has 11, seven on punt returns, and four on kick returns).

Plenty of players are in the chase to overtake the six career kick return TD's that forms the current record, and is held by five players jointly (Gale Sayers, Mel Gray, Dante Hall, Ollie Matson, and Travis Williams). Hall is still playing so could extend his record, but he has not returned a kick for a TD since 2005.

Last season the Raiders acquired return man Justin Miller, who had previously played with the Jets. Miller returned two kicks for scores late in the season, and now, after only four seasons as a pro, and at the age of 25, he is the only one off the record with his total of five.

Josh Cribbs also took his total of kick return TD's to five in only his fourth NFL season, and he could be the one player in the league now who could actually push Hester for some of the all-time records out there.

Bills' cornerback Terrance McGee and veteran return man Allen Rossum also have five kick return scores for their career, but McGee was taken off return duty last season as his corner duties meant the team didn't want to risk him on returns, whilst Rossum is near the end of his career.

Former Brown Eric Metcalf holds the record for most punt return TD's with 10. The aforementioned Hester and Hall are chasing that total hard,

If you are looking for a couple of other young contenders, then 24-year-old Reggie Bush, who has four punt return TD's in three seasons, and 26 year old Roscoe Parrish, who has taken three punts to pay dirt, could well be worth keeping your eye on.

You have to suspect the current records for TD's is under threat and won't last much longer, and what might be a more interesting long-term chase will be for Brian Mitchell's combined return yardage record of 19,013.

He is over 4,000 yards clear of Rossum, who is in second place. The next best active players are Chris Carr and Josh Cribbs. As a return specialist, Cribbs should be the man to watch in this long winded chase.

Longest Field Goal: Ever since Tom Demsey and his club foot hit a 63 yarder in 1970 it is a mark that has been matched, but never beaten. Kickers are getting stronger legged and more accurate, but conservative coaching and some rule changes mean that attempts from over 60 yards are few and far between.

Jason Elam, when kicking for the Broncos, matched Dempsey's mark in 1998, but the thin air of Denver means while it counts, it's never considered as special as Dempsey's effort.

In 2007, 62 yards was hit twice (by Matt Bryant and Rob Bironas ), so we know there are kickers currently around who have the leg to threaten the mark, but it will take the right set of circumstances for an attempt to happen.

The rule changes give your opponents the ball at the spot of a missed field goal attempt, rather than the line of scrimmage of the attempt, so any attempt of over 60 yards is likely only to come at the very end of a half, or on a fair catch free kic (which again would likely happen at the end of a half).

I do think, if the circumstances are right, we could see a field goal made from 64 yards, or even a little more. How far the boundary could ever be pushed is impossible to know.

Redskins Jersey Number History: #23

GridironFans.com — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:53:04 -0400

It's time to talk defense in this latest journey along the road of Redskins numbers. We go to the defensive backfield to meet a DB who teamed up with an all time great to form the best safety duo the Redskins ever seen.

#23 - Brig Owens, Safety (1966-1977)

The list of Redskins—Cowboys trades is a very short one but in Brig Owens, the Redskins stuck one of their best deals ever when they acquired the former University of Cincinnati safety after an inactive rookie season on the Cowboys roster.

Owens instantly would win a starting role and his rookie season was sensational. He recorded seven interceptions and scored two touchdowns in the highest scoring NFL game ever when the Redskins beat the NY Giants 72-49. He returned an interception 62 yards for one score and followed it up by returning a fumble the exact same distance for another trip to pay dirt.

Owens would remain in the starting line-up for the next 12 seasons and from 1973 he teamed up with future Hall of Famer Ken Houston (acquired in a trade from the Oilers) to form what is widely accepted as the best Redskins safety duo ever.

Owens was a ball hawk who was also very effective with the ball in his hands after getting a turnover. He still holds the record for most interception return yardage by a Redskin despite having 18 fewer interceptions than the franchises career interception leader—Darrell Green—636 yards for Owens compared to 618 for Green. He would also score eight career TDs (three by int return, five by fumble return).

He was a part of one of the great Redskin defenses of all time in the early 70's when George Allen mashed experience from all over the league to form the "Over The Hill Gang". It helped the Redskins reach Super Bowl VII and Owens enjoyed revenge against the team that drafted him and traded him away—the Cowboys—in the NFC Championship Game on the way to face the Dolphins.

Although the Redskins lost that game Owens played well on the day and recorded an interception of Dolphins QB Bob Greise in the end zone.

After missing 10 games of the 1977 season Owens called it a day. He has since had involvement in the NFL as a players agent and working for the NFLPA. He was the agent for former Redskins great Art Monk.

Owens never made a Pro Bowl or was named All-Pro but after 12 seasons of superb service he was a banker to be named to the 70 Greatest Redskins roster which he was in 2002.

Honourable Mentions:

Tony Peters, Safety (1979-82, 1984-85)
Todd Bowles, Safety (1986-90, 1992-93)

Brig Owens retirement left a gaping hole in the secondary so the franchise filled it by acquiring Tony Peters from the Cleveland Browns. He would go on to be a key member of the Super Bowl XVII squad and made the Pro Bowl that season but he would run in to drug related problems and miss the 1983 season before making a comeback for two more seasons.

Todd Bowles might ring a bell with a few modern fans. If it does it's because he is currently the Assistant Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins and has served with the Dallas Cowboys as defensive coordinator in the past. As a safety for the 'Skins, he teamed up with Alvin Walton to form the starting safety duo for Super Bowl XXII. He would leave for a season in 1991 to join the 49ers (missing out on Super Bowl XXVI) before returning for two final seasons with the Redskins. Bowles was never the greatest in coverage but was a very solid tackler and active in run support. A future NFL head coach? Possibly.

Redskins Jersey Number History: No. 21

GridironFans.com — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:12:20 -0400

Following up from No. 20 we move on to No. 21. Considered a lucky number by many it is no surprise there are many candidates. Running back gets the nod again though. Read on:

No. 21 - Earnest Byner, Running Back (1989-1993)

Earnest Byner is a guy who defied the odds many times to have a successful NFL career and play a key part in the Championship team. He is also one of the best bargain trades in NFL history and you can read more about that trade and it's connection to the Herschel Walker deal here.

Byner was selected in the 10th round of the 1984 draft from East Carolina University by the Cleveland Browns. He got involved quickly on offense for the Browns, showing an ability to do all roles well—run, catch and block. He could line up at either position in the backfield too. After averaging 5.9 yards a carry in his rookie year he showed he could play a major part on offense and he was teamed up in the backfield with fellow runner Kevin Mack to give the Browns one of the best one-two punches in the NFL at the time.

In 1985 the duo would become only the third pairing in NFL history to rush for 1000 yards each on the same team in the same season. Whilst the Browns could only manage 8-8 that season it was enough to win the AFC Central Division title and qualify for the play-offs (they went out to the Dolphins in the divisional round).

The following year Byner struggled with injuries and this allowed Mack to establish himself as the true No. 1 in the backfield. Whilst Byner returned to form in 1987 he was used more as a rushing and receiving threat. 1987 would also bring the most infamous moment of his career. The Browns faced the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game and it was turning into a shootout. Byner was having a magnificent game, scoring two touchdowns (one rushing and one receiving) and adding 67 yards rushing and seven catches for 120 yards.

Heading down the field to try and tie the scores as they were behind 38-31, the Browns were down to the eight yard line. Byner took the hand-off and looked to be heading in for the score but was tackled by Broncos cornerback Jeremiah Castille who managed to force the ball out. The Broncos recovered at the two year line and held on for victory.

Byner's brilliant game was forgotten and "the fumble" would forever be associated with him.

He bounced back the following year to lead the Browns in rushing and receptions but elimination in the play-offs again seen the end of the reign of head coach Marty Schottenheimer and change was coming to the Browns.

Maybe still being blamed for the fumble, Byner was traded to the Redskins in exchange for 2nd year running back Mike Oliphant. The Redskins had also acquired running back Gerald Riggs from the Atlanta Falcons to help rebuild their rushing attack. Byner was seen as the versatile back who would spell Riggs at times but also see some action as a H-Back in Joe Gibbs offense.

He proved to be much more than that. Riggs started off well for the 'Skins but had some fumbling issues. Byner slowly got more more involved in the offense and by seasons end was a key part in helping the Redskins to a strong finish that year although they fell short of making the post season.

The following year (1990) Byner was more prominent in the Redskins offense. After a slow start to the season the Redskins got their act together in December and Byner was a major part of that late season run as over four straight games as he rushed for 157 yards and 3TD's against the Dolphins, 128 yards versus the Bears, 149 yards and a TD against the Patriots and 154 yards against the Colts as the Redskins made post season as a wild card. Byner had finished that year as a pro bowler with 1219 yards rushing and 31 receptions.

They would go on to beat the Philadelphia Eagles at Veterans Stadium (Buddy Ryan's last game as Eagles head coach) although Byner nearly had another infamous moment when after catching a pass he was tackled and appeared to fumble. The ball was returned by Eagles DB Ben Smith for a TD but after review was called back as the ground was ruled to have caused the fumble. The Redskins would go out the following week to the 49ers.

1991 was the year everything came together and the Redskins made a run for glory. Byner was a major part of that run as he again rushed for 1000 yards and enjoyed three 100 yard games over the season as he again made the Pro Bowl. He also added 34 receptions as the Redskins offense exploded over the rest of the league that year. Byner's other excellent skill came to note that year as the Redskins only conceded nine sacks all year long. Whilst a lot of that is due to the offensive line Byner's skill as a pass protector in blitz situations was also a part of the equation.

In Supe Bowl XXVI Byner found the ultimate redemption for the fumble as he scored the Redskins opening touchdown on a 10-yard reception from Mark Rypien as the Redskins never looked back in a 37-24 victory.

Byner would then follow the team on the decline. He just missed out on 1000 yards by two yards the following season, denying him the chance to be the first ever Redskins rusher to gain 1000 yards in three straight seasons. That year the offensive line lost every starter for period of time and that probably had a part in Byner's numbers dropping. The Redskins just scrapped into the play-offs that year and Byner scored a TD in the wild card victory over the Vikings but they went out the following week at the hands of the 49ers.

Joe Gibbs retired following that season and his replacement Richie Petitbon handed the reins of the offense to Rod Dowhower and the running back role was handed to return man Brian Mitchell and then rookie Reggie Brooks. Byner was overlooked and seen some time at fullback but with hindsight, in a struggling year, it's clear his skills were badly overlooked.

Byner was allowed to move on following the difficult 1993 season and surprisingly, it was his old team the Cleveland Browns who took him back. He followed the franchise to Baltimore when they moved after the 1995 season. He spent two more years with the newly formed Ravens then and retired after the 1997 season.

By the time he had hung up his boots, Byner was 16th all time on the NFL's rushing list with 8261 yards. He also rushed for 56 TD's, added 512 receptions and 14 TD's. In 2002 he was named to the Redskins 70 Greatest Redskins roster.

After his playing career was over he joined the Ravens front office. With the return of Joe Gibbs in 2004 he was brought in as running backs coach and it's worth noting how good a pass protector Clinton Portis has become under his tuition. After Gibbs retired again in after the 2007 season Byner hooked up with the Titans in the same role and has helped guide Lendale White and Chris Johnson to impressive seasons in 2008.

Honourable Mentions:

Mike Nelms, CB/KR (1980-84)
Terry Allen, Running Back (1995-98)
Sean Taylor, Safety (2004-2007)

One of the finest kick and punt returners of his time, the diminutive Mike Nelms was named to the 1980's NFL decade team for his feats in the return game. Over his five years with the Redskins he made three Pro Bowls and was part of the squad that won Super Bowl XVII.

Terry Allen is one of the comeback kings of the NFL. After being touted as one of the best backs coming out of college Allen tore his knee up and was eventually taken in the 9th round of the draft by the Vikings. He came through to have some good seasons with the Vikes before another knee injury seen him miss time and eventually they released him due to cap issues. He hooked up with the Redskins and ripped up two straight 1300+ yard rushing seasons, making the Pro Bowl in 1996. He also rushed for 21 touchdowns that year. After four seasons and just over 4000 yards rushing and 100 receptions Allen moved on but he was the Redskins major offensive threat in his time with the team.

Lastly, we'll mention the tragic Sean Taylor who was murdered midway through the 2007 season. It was also his finest season which would see him make his second Pro Bowl. A devastating hitter with great range, he could be reckless at times but was just beginning to mature into one of the best defensive players in the league. RIP Sean, we miss you.

CFL Coming to American TV in 2009?

GridironFans.com — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 19:46:46 -0400

We are all dying for football around this time of year. Usually football fans had some options to get their football fix with the Arena League and NFL Europa. Unfortunately the NFL has taken away NFL Europa and the Arena League suspended operations this year and could be folding altogether.

Well...we might have a option coming right around the corner in the CFL.

If you go to the official CFL website they have no information about the upcoming 2009 season. Their link to the US TV schedule still shows the 2008 schedule:

CFL.ca - U.S. Broadcast and Webcast

Some people have even speculated that ESPN and the NFL are in cahoots in some conspiracy to keep the CFL off US television. With a little digging though you can find out the truth and see that America One is the network who will be carrying CFL games. Here's more info from their website:

America One | One World Sports

Quote:

2009 Season Starts Thursday, July 2nd on America One!

Canadian Football League LIVE! The Men of Summer are back for the 8th straight year for 43 games this season! ...Coverage will include the Playoffs and the Grey Cup Championship.

And further digging into their site reveals a schedule for the games they will be carrying:

2009 CFL Schedule - America One

Now I went to the local America One affiliate in my area (Comcast Bay Area) and they haven't posted a schedule for any programming for July yet:

Comcast SportsNet | Bay Area TV Listings

You better believe I will be checking out the Comcast Bay Area listings page as July gets closer, hoping to see some CFL games pop up. Luckily for me I have Directv so it will give me more options of Comcast stations that will likely carry America One's CFL package.

And if there is no CFL on TV this year...thank god for bit torrents! One way or another I'll get my fix until the NFL finally kicks off.

Goodbye, Jon Jansen

GridironFans.com — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:10:13 -0400

A couple of months back, I wrote this blog piece about the attitude of certain Redskins players this offseason, and singled out veteran Jon Jansen for special praise, as he was talking about how determined he was to prove he could still be a very good player in this league.

With an attitude like that, the fact he had the longest tenure with the team and the consideration that he did not have a easy get-out on his contract, I was quite shocked to hear of his release a few days back.

However, with time to reflect, bar the timing, it makes sense for this to happen. I have been a critic of Jansen's playing for a while now, especially in pass protection. It's also a chance for the Redskins to give the job to young Stephon Heyer, knowing that he does not have the old man of the team on his back, lifting the pressure off him and allowing the coaches to move forward on what they are doing at the right tackle position.

Jansen has cost the team a $6m cap hit due to bonus acceleration although that could be reduced by $1m if it proves true he had a roster bonus for that amount due on July 1st.

I was not surprised to hear that he had hooked up with the Detroit Lions though. Jon is based in Michigan in the off-season and went to college there. It is a chance for him to finish his career at home and with a team going through a massive change that he can be a positive influence on.

What I would like to do is reflect on Jansen's good times with the team. He was drafted in the second round of the 1999 draft. A great draft for the Redskins that year (a rare event in itself) as they took Champ Bailey in the first round, both he and Jansen were day one starters. I recall that year what a great job Jansen did against Michael Strahan when the Redskins went into the Meadowlands, and put 50 points on the Giants

UFL Tryouts Coming Saturday

GridironFans.com — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:00:51 -0400

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/...s-on-saturday/

Quote:

In only three days, the upstart United Football League will be conducting invitation-only player workouts.

The session will be held on Saturday, June 6, at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

Thereafter, the UFL will begin signing players.

One guy to watch is Pacman Jones, especially since he previously was represented by UFL Commissioner Michael Huyghue. But we suspect that Jones will give the various NFL teams a full opportunity to give him another opportunity before Pacman jumps to the new league.

The UFL will be hosting player workouts Saturday and it will be interesting to see who shows up. The most likely scenario is a couple big names and a lot of young players who did not get signed out of college.

A couple of names I am looking at"

Chris Leak: Leak has bounced around the NFL, AAFL, and CFL, but Leak could find a home in the UFL, where he would not have to drive far to the familiar Citrus Bowl.

Peter Warrick: After bouncing around the NFL Warrick looked towards the AFL, then the AAFL, CFL, and Indoor Football League. Warrick is ready to prove his worth as a football player wherever and whenever.

Kenton Keith: Keith looked like he was on the verge of an NFL career before he got arrested before last season started. Now Keith is back in the CFL and I am sure he is looking for another chance to prove himself.

Jared Zabransky: After a great college career, Zabransky has jumped around leagues. The UFL would be a great fit.

Darrell Hackney: Was released by the Broncos last month and is already on a CFL team. He would probably be interested by the CFL.

Adarius Bowman: Was expected to be drafted last season, but he signed with a CFL team. He has openewd eyes in the CFL.

And of course there is the list of high profile criminals that could be interested in the UFL. Michael and Marcus Vick and Pacman Jones. Once Maurice Clarrett is out of jail he would be interested.

Players like Simeon Rice who want to continue playing football could be lured back in, as well as many Florida locals. Also players who have connections with the current UFL coaches.

Early Redskins Roster Predictions

GridironFans.com — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:26:59 -0400

Now that the draft and rookie camp—that allowed some additional player tryouts and signings to happen—are done, and the Redskins are likely done adding players to the roster and it's time to have a guess who will and won't make the roster.

Obviously this is pure wild guess work at this point because no mini/training camp or preseason games have happened and the tangent of injuries or late additions via trade have happened. Not to be put off though, I'll do this several times over the offseason in order to monitor the camp battles as they go on.

Quarterback

(3) Jason Campbell, Todd Collins, Colt Brennan

No surprises here, Brennan may get closer to Collins as the No. 2, but 2010 looks more likely.

Running Back

(5) Clinton Portis, Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright, Dominique Dorsey, Mike Sellers

Four of last year's backs return and are joined by former CFL star Dominique Dorsey who might be the "Darren Sproles" type everyone will now want.

Tight End

(3) Chris Cooley, Fred Davis, Todd Yoder

Same as last year.

Wide Receiver

(5) Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El, Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas, James Thrash

It's possible others are kept if performances dictate. James Thrash as the veteran gets the nod at present and the best chance the likes of Roydell Williams and D.J. Hackett have to make the team is injury.

Offensive Line

(9) Chris Samuels, Derrick Dockery, Casey Rabach, Randy Thomas, Stephon Heyer, Jon Jansen, Jeremy Bridges, Chad Rinehart, Edwin Williams

The right tackle job is open at this point, but I think Spehon Heyer wins it. Edwin Williams has a shot as an undrafted free agent to make the squad as the backup center.

Defensive Line

(9) Albert Haynesworth, Cornelius Griffin, Andre Carter, Phillip Daniels, Brian Orapko, Kedric Golston, Renaldo Wynn, Anthony Montgomery, Lorenzo Alexander

Orapko will also see some time as a linebacker. Alexander is being asked to do what Demetric Evans did last year and play both end and tackle. The last three are the ones who will have to hold off any challenges from players outside looking in at present.

Linebacker

(7) London Fletcher, Rocky McIntosh, H.B. Blades, Chris Wilson, Cody Glenn, Robert Thomas, Alfred Fincher

This promises to be one of the most interesting battles of the summer. The outside linebacking spots are very much up for grabs. McIntosh should secure one, but who'll play on the other side. Orapko is being promised some time there, Chris Wilson is making the trip back from the defensive line to try linebacking and H.B. Blades got plenty of action there last season. Fincher looks to be around for special teams and at this point Cody Glenn makes it as the highest place rookie from him and Robert Henson.

Cornerback

(5) Carlos Rogers, DeAngelo Hall, Fred Smoot, Kevin Barnes, Justin Tryon

The first four should be locks although Fred Smoot could be pushed by rookie Kevin Barnes and if he is then potential may challenge experience for a lesser role. Justin Tryon makes this version of the prediction, but he is very much on the edge after a disappointing rookie year.

Safety

(4) Laron Landry, Chris Horton, Kareem Moore, Reed Doughty

Doughty returns from IR but could see a strong challenge for his spot. Possibly a fifth safety rather than a fifth corner is kept due to Greg Blanche's use of the cobra (three safety) package.

Kicker

(1) Shaun Susiham

Suisham had a terrible second half of 2008 and faces a challenge from the strong-legged Dave Raymer, but at this point, Suisham is on top until moved.

Punter

(1) Hunter Smith

Smith has Dirk Johnson to beat out, but he is a quality veteran who should solidify the position for the 'Skins in '09.

Long Snapper

(1) Ethan Albright

Actually faces a challenge from fourth-year man Jeremy Cain, but should easily survive.

Practice Squad

(8) Chase Daniels, QB; Marko Mitchell, WR; Robert Henson, LB; Lendy Holmes, S; Darrel Young, LB/S; Eddie Williams, FB; Derek Walker, DE; Robert Agnone, TE

The practice squad is full of prospects I think can really push for roster spots come camp. Robert Henson could be a special teams demon and that is always a good way to earn a roster spot. Derek Walker could find a spot on the DL if he can show his apparent lack of special skills doesn't matter and that, like in college, he just manages to produce. Chase Daniels gives Jim Zorn another QB development project to work with.

At this point, favor fortunes the veterans or incumbents until camps and preseason games begin.

Giants Franchise Log- 2008 Week 9

GridironFans.com — Tue, 05 May 2009 17:47:35 -0400

Cowboys 0 (5-4)
Giants 14 (8-0)

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
No Scoring

2nd Quarter
No Scoring

3rd Quarter
NYG- Derrick Ward 7 yd TD run
NYG- Domenik Hixon 60 yd TD pass from Eli Manning

4th Quarter
No Scoring

Stats

Passing
NYG: Eli Manning 18/27, 302 yds, TD, 4 Int
Dal: Tony Romo 7/16, 84 yds, 3 Int, 2 car 14 yds

Rushing
Dal: Felix Jones 10 car, 48 yds
NYG: Ahmad Bradshaw 9 car, 16 yds, 4 rec, 54 yds
NYG: Derrick Ward 1 car, 7 yds, TD, 1 rec, 13 yds
NYG: Brandon Jacobs 5 car, 7 yds

Receiving
NYG: Domenik Hixon 7 rec, 190 yds, TD
Dal: Roy Williams 4 rec, 47 yds
Dal: Jason Witten 2 rec, 22 yds
NYG: Amani Toomer 2 rec, 18 yds
Dal: Terrell Owens 1 rec, 16 yds
NYG: Steve Smith 2 rec, 16 yds
Dal: Deon Anderson 1 rec, 15 yds
NYG: Kevin Boss 2 rec, 11 yds

Notes
Another terrible game for me but we pulled it out in the fourth quarter. The Giants defense came up big stopping the run and picking off balls in the red zone.

Our running game was non-existent until I subbed in Ahmad Bradshaw in for Brandon Jacobs. Jacobs was completely shut down but Bradshaw and Ward picked it up.

Denver Broncos Preseason: Week Two

GridironFans.com — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:20:11 -0400

The Broncos finished the preseason at 2-2, however, they lost an important tool in their wins with the loss of Kyle Orton for half the season. The Broncos were forced to start Shaun King in their Week One matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

Things only got worse, as on the first play of the game, King was hit as he threw, was injured, and intercepted for a touchdown. King's injury forced the Broncos to put Ryan McLaughlin, the rookie from Alabama-Birmingham, in the game.

McLaughlin led the Broncos down the field on his first drive with help from the team's duo of running backs: LeBaron Thornton and Dominic Rhodes.

The Broncos capped off their first drive, a seven-play, 75 yard drive with an eight yard pass from McLaughlin to his older brother Sammy, after the Bills took back the lead, Thornton ran in from the Bills' 25 to make the game an even 14.

During the third quarter the teams remained scoreless, until the beginning of the fourth quarter when Dominic Rhodes burst through the Bills' defense to make it down to their 10. The drive was finished off on two runs by McLaughlin, the latter resulting in a 3 yard touchdown run.

The Broncos' defense kept the Bills off the board for the rest of the game, sealing the team's 21-14 win.

Week two didn't go as fortunate for the Broncos.

With Shaun King still injured, the Broncos faced their division rivals in Oakland. After a dismal outing that resulted in a 14-point hole, the Broncos began to make a small comeback, but it seemed as if nothing was going according to plan, the receivers were dropping passes, and the defense just couldn't seem to put a stop to the Oakland offense.

The Broncos' offense seemed to get a pick-me-up after half time once Shaun King returned to the field, immediately leading the team to two touchdowns, however, it was in vain as the Raiders ran away with a 28-14 victory.

In Week three, the Broncos will face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Washington Redskins Jersey Number History: Nos. 16-17

GridironFans.com — Sun, 03 May 2009 17:05:32 -0400

After a bit of time off from this topic to allow the draft to be absorbed it's back to Redskins number history. We are getting into the late teen's now, and No. 16 finds no real standout for the honour whereas No. 17 has three real contenders.

No. 16 - Steve Slivinski, G-LB, 1939-1942

Drafted out of the University of Washington in the 13th round of the 1939 draft, Slivinski would go on to be a contributor on both sides of the ball and win a championship during his five year playing career with the Redskins.

His most famous moment would be as part of the 1942 Redskins NFL Championship team that overcome the all-conquering Bears 14-6 to win the franchises second world championship.

The line that day gave Sammy Baugh the time he needed to get his heaves down the field including a 38 yard TD to Wilbur Moore. Slivinski and back Andy Farkas would give so much they were carried off the field in the second half.

Slivinski was rewarded with a Pro Bowl berth for his performances in that 1942 season. Over his Redskin career he would play 56 games, starting 30 and recorded two interceptions on defense.

Honourable mentions:

Al Dorow, QB, 1954-1956
John Steber, G, 1946-1950
Norm Snead, QB, 1961-1963
Richie Petitbon, S, 1971-1972

Quite a few mentions but all could have easily taken the spot. Al Dorow was from the same era as Eddie LeBaron and had the QB spot for LeBaron's year in Canada before reverting to sharing time upon his return in 1955. John Steber was an offensive lineman who played for five years in the late 40's.

Norm Stead was a former No. 2 overall draft pick who played three seasons for the Skins before being trade to the Eagles for Sonny Jurgensen. Richie Petitbon was a long time Chicago Bear who became a part of the "over the hill gang" who made it to Super Bowl VII.

He would go on to be the defensive coordinator for the Redskins three Super Bowl winning teams and took over as head coach from Joe Gibbs after his retirement in 1992 for one ill-fated season.

No. 17, Turk Edwards, Tackle, 1932-1940

Albert Glen Edwards, or Turk as he is better known, was an original Boston Brave who joined the team in 1932, Edwards would go on to remain with the franchise as a player, assistant coach and head coach for the next seventeen years.

After leaving college Edwards had offers from the NY Giants and Plymouth Spartans but choose to join the Redskins (no draft in them days) where he would be paid $1500 for a 10 game season. At the time of his signing it was considered a coup for a new franchise to outbid established franchises and convince a star prospect to join a new team.

Edwards was a man before his time. 6'2" 255lb players are commonplace nowadays but in his era Edwards stood above nearly everyone else and as a 60-minute player, he was a dominant blocker who would steam roll opponents on offense or smoother them as a tackler on defense.

He would go on to be all-NFL in all but the last of his nine seasons. He was part of the Redskins NFL Championship team of 1937 and led the way for the likes of Cliff Battles whilst protecting Sammy Baugh on his pass attempts.

Turk's career ended in the strangest fashion. Playing the Giants in 1940 Edwards met Giants captain Mel Hein for the pregame coin toss. After performing the toss, Edwards turned to return to the bench and as he pivoted his oft-injured knee gave way.

That would be the end of his playing days he would stay with the team as an assistant from 1941-45 and then be appointed head coach for the 1946 season and he held the role until he retired following the 1948 season.

Named to the All-30's decade team, Edwards was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969 and of course, he is a member of the "70 Greatest Redskins" roster of 2002.

Edwards died in 1973 at the age of 65.

Honourable mentions:

Billy Kilmer, QB, 1971-1978
Doug Williams, QB, 1986-1989

When George Allen became head coach of the Redskins in 1971 he wanted a different type of QB than the pure passing style of Sonny Jurgensen for he dealt with the Saints to get the leadership and guts of Billy Kilmer.

Him and Jurgensen would battle for the role over the next few years but managed to stay friends (to this day). Kilmer though was the triggerman when Allen got the Redskins to Super Bowl VII.

Doug Williams is part of the greatest quarter in Redskins (arguably NFL) history. After being left in the wilderness following the collapse of the USFL, the former Buc's QB was given a chance by Joe Gibbs.

He eventually won the starting job off Jay Schroeder for the 1987 playoffs and would go on to lead the biggest Super Bowl comeback ever at the time as they overcame a Broncos 10-0 lead to score 35 points in the second quarter of Super Bowl XXII which would see Williams be named MVP.

Next time......18 and 19

8th Ranked Best Current Quarterbacks

GridironFans.com — Sun, 03 May 2009 04:56:25 -0400

We are now inside the top 10 of our countdown with the 8th ranked player. Vince Young

I was by far the most surprised by this ranking as any other on the list. I have very little doubt Young has benefited from only having played in 29 starts. When you have only played in that small of an amount, a couple games can really affect your win loss %.

In my opinion, Young will not finish his career with this high a mark.

The Explanation of how each player's scores are calculated can be found here. League average QB's Winning %

Past list rankings;

Best current Quarterbacks, ranking 50-41

Best current Quarterbacks, ranking 40-36

Ranking 35-31, Best current Quarterbacks

Ranking 30-26, Best current Quarterbacks

Ranking 25-21, Best current Quarterbacks

Ranking 20-16, Best current Quarterbacks

Ranking 15-11, Best current Quarterbacks

10th Ranked Best current Quarterbacks

9th Ranked Best current Quarterbacks

Total = Total number of Games Started
Wins = Total number of Games Won
Exp W% = Expected Wins for that player (League Average projected Wins)
Diff = The QB's Total Difference compared to the league average QB
Avg G Diff = Difference divided by total Games started. -25.2 = 25.2% worse then the league average QB and apparently the bottom end of our grading system.
Total (beneath players name) = Total of games played in that group
% Of Total Games = The % of games player played in that group
QB Winning % = the QB's winning % in that group, 1 = 100%

RANK

Quarterback

11-

16-

21-

26-

31-

36-

100

Total

Wins

Exp W%

Diff

Avg G Diff

Wins

Losses

Wins

Losses

Wins

Losses

Wins

Losses

Wins

Losses

Wins

Losses

Wins

Losses

NFL Avarage Win %

93.8%

74%

55.2%

42.9%

24.1%

16%

7.1%

Vince Young

15.4

2.5

8.6

Total

% Of Total Games

20.6%

17.2%

10.3%

6.8%

10.3%

QB Winning %

100%

60%

100%

60%

33.3%

No. 7 will be posted within a day or 2!

I will count all the way down to the QB who graded out the highest. Please check back to find out where your favorite guy placed as well as our No. 1 overall leader.

The Work for 2009 Begins: Washington Redskins

GridironFans.com — Fri, 01 May 2009 20:01:15 -0400

Now the draft is over it's time for all the NFL teams to see what they have and begin the work in putting it together ready for the 2009 season. Lets take a look at what the Redskins have being doing this past few days as they host their mini-camp and tweak the roster a little.

Goodbye to a veteran

Linebacker Khary Campbell, who has spent the last five years with the team has announced he will not accept the teams offer of a one year veteran minimum salary deal and will move on. Campbell has being the teams leading special teamer and a valuable reserve linebacker but he felt he was being disrespected with the offer. I can understand his feelings, the Redskins have shown in the past they don't look after their own well - Antonio Pierce and Ryan Clark could be considered prime examples. At the same time the Redskins needed to add some new options to the linebacking corps and whilst Campbell was a fine special teams guy, he is limited as a defensive player. He'll go somewhere else and stand out on teams and I wish him the best.

More on linebackers

With the release of Marcus Washington the strong side linebacking spot became open. HB Blades stepped into the breech last year and did ok but it's unclear if the team thinks he is the answer.

With that in mind, rookie Brian Orakpo is going to get his first look from the coaches at that spot. He is still listed as a defensive end on the roster but in the short term, he looks like he'll get some looks at linebacker on early downs and be used as a rush end on obvious passing downs.

He's not the only option though, Chris Wilson will also get a look at the spot. Wilson has played on the D-line the past two years but at 6'4" and 246lbs he is the right build and it may give him a chance to see the field more.

There was also some talk of moving weak side linebacker Rocky McIntosh over to the strong side. This could depend on if anyone else is added to the roster. Rookies Cody Glenn and Robert Henson will not be expected to help too much and veterans Robert Thomas and Albert Fincher are being looked upon for depth more than starting options. I still it's possible that someone like Derrick Thomas could yet be brought on board and if that were to happen then McIntosh to the strong side becomes more viable in my opinion.

Camp invites

The most interesting invite to mini-camp on a non-roster basis for try-outs is former Seahawk and Panthers WR DJ Hackett.

The Redskins did take a look at Hackett last off-season but he went to Carolina instead. He has since being released after another year of injury struggles which have held back his career but he is aware of what the Redskins run offensively and is known by Jim Zorn so if he can show flashes of the player he was two seasons ago in Seattle he has a chance to go to camp and then anything could happen.

Former Bengal and Patriot WR Kelley Washington is also in camp on a invite basis. Jeremy Bridges, a former starter for the Panthers is getting a look on the offensive line too.

Story to follow

Although he won't take part in the mini-camp, a story to follow this off-season with the Redskins is former fourth overall pick in the 2002 draft - OT Mike Williams.

Williams got a try-out with the Redskins because he was staying with Derrick Dockery for a bit helping out with his family. He currently weighs over 400lbs and won't see the field until he gets down to the 350lb range but regardless, you don't get drafted that high unless you have natural talent.

It will most likely end in failure. Williams hasn't seen live action in over 3 years and the Redskins already have Chris Samuels, Stephon Heyer and Jon Jansen at the tackle spots but if Williams can take this last chance and rediscover the natural talent that got him drafted so high, it would be a comeback for the ages.

We'll keep tabs...

The Future of Football: Three Leagues To Vie For Support Of Football Fans

GridironFans.com — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 23:16:35 -0400

Honestly I cannot wait for the United Football League to start. I was snooping around the world wide web and I saw the four teams that were announced. Teams are supposed to play in Las Vegas, New York, Orlando and San Francisco. It kinda sounds like a mini-XFL.

I was also reading the coaches that have been signed already. Ted Cotrell, Jim Fassel, Jim Haslett, and Dennis Green. The UFL is real and games will be aired live on the Versus network. Paul Pelosi, husband of Nancy Pelosi Speaker of the House, is the owner of the league.

Now imagine the NFL has a lockout at the end of the 2011 season. This league would skyrocket. Peyton Manning playing for 75 percent less than what he earns. That would be the craziest thing ever. But if that doesn't happen, then the UFL fails like everything else. I will watch it, will you?

Not only is there going to be another Fall football league, but there will be two spring leagues starting up. The United States Football League (USFL) is said to be making a comeback. The project already has already selected cities to play in.

They will have teams in the West that will include Los Angeles, San Jose, Las Vegas, Portland, San Antonio and possibly Louisiana.

The East will have teams in Orlando, Little Rock, Detroit, Cincinnati, Birmingham, Chicago and possibly a New York team to play at West Point Military Academy.

The owner is already thinking about bringing back the old team names like the L.A. Stars and San Antonio Bandits. This is crazy.

I will definitely want to watch this league unfold as well as the AAFL, All-American Football League. The AAFL already postponed two seasons and will restart from scratch in an effort to compete with the USFL in 2010 as well as both Arena Leagues.

The AAFL did conduct a draft but was voided with the cancellation of the 2008 season. Teams included Team Alabama, Team Arkansas, Team Florida, Team Michigan, Team Tennessee and Team Texas. No nicknames to the team. A notable player drafted was Chris Leak who led the Gators to a National Championship in 2007. Rod Smart also joined Team Texas.

The league said to have been in agreement to broadcast games on Sirius Satellite Radio and to have TV rights on the NFL Network.

Personally, I cannot wait for Arena to start up again. I loved watching my Soul crush the competition. In other words, can the NFL season get here any sooner? Please!

Giants Franchise Log—2008 Week Eight

GridironFans.com — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:44:57 -0400

Giants—21
Steelers—14

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
PIT—Ike Taylor 57-yd INT return TD
NYG—Brandon Jacobs 1-yd TD run

2nd Quarter
No Scoring

3rd Quarter
NYG—Steve Smith 27-yd TD pass from Eli Manning

4th Quarter
NYG—Brandon Jacobs 2-yd TD run
PIT—Hines Ward 8-yd TD pass from Ben Roethlisberger

Stats

Passing
NYG: Eli Manning 21/33, 286 yds, TD, 3 Int
PPIT: Ben Roethlisberger 11/16, 101 yds, TD, Int

Rushing
NYG: Brandon Jacobs 14 car, 28 yd, 2 TD, 1 rec, 7 yds
Pit: Willie Parker 6 car, 3 yds
NYG: Derrick Ward 1 car, 3 yds

Receiving
NYG: Amani Toomer 7 rec, 98 yds
NYG: Domenik Hixon 6 rec, 76 yds
Pit: Santonio Holmes 4 rec, 58 yds
NYG: Steve Smith 3 rec, 57 yds, TD
NYG: Kevin Boss 4 rec, 48 yds
Pit: Hines Ward 3 rec, 18 yds, TD
Pit: Heath Miller 2 rec, 18 yds
Pit: Nate Washington 2 rec, 7 yds

Kurt Warner: Ninth-Ranked Current NFL Quarterback

GridironFans.com — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:34:47 -0400

We are now inside the top 10 of our countdown with the ninth ranked player, Kurt Warner

What is most impressive about Warner is that he has compiled his +8.5 winning percent rating with several different teams. This is one more notch to the "yes" in the whether he belongs in the Hall of Fame or not argument.

In my opinion, when you look at the numbers he has put up and the fact he has helped his team win well more then the league average, there is very little to dispute the fact he is a Hall of Fame player.

The Explanation of how each player's scores are calculated can be found here. League average QB's Winning %

Past list rankings;

Best current Quarterbacks, ranking 50-41

Best current Quarterbacks, ranking 40-36

Ranking 35-31, Best current Quarterbacks

Ranking 30-26, Best current Quarterbacks

Ranking 25-21, Best current Quarterbacks

Ranking 20-16, Best current Quarterbacks

Ranking 15-11, Best current Quarterbacks

10th Ranked Best current Quarterbacks

Total = Total number of Games Started
Wins = Total number of Games Won
Exp W% = Expected Wins for that player (League Average projected Wins)
Diff = The QB's Total Difference compared to the league average QB
Avg G Diff = Difference divided by total Games started. -25.2 = 25.2% worse then the league average QB and apparently the bottom end of our grading system.
Total (beneath players name) = Total of games played in that group
% Of Total Games = The % of games player played in that group
QB Winning % = the QB's winning % in that group, 1 = 100%

RANK

Quarterback

11-

16-

21-

26-

31-

36-

100

Total

Wins

Exp W%

Diff

Avg G Diff

Wins

Losses

Wins

Losses

Wins

Losses

Wins

Losses

Wins

Losses

Wins

Losses

Wins

Losses

NFL Avarage Win %

93.8%

74%

55.2%

42.9%

24.1%

16%

7.1%

Kurt Warner

101

48.4

8.5

Total

% Of Total Games

16.8%

13.8%

14.8%

17.8%

14.8%

9.9%

11.8%

QB Winning %

94.1%

92.8%

53.3%

50%

46.6%

30%

8.3%

Take a look at the rest of Warner's numbers and you can see his winning percentage is on par with everything else he has done.

Comp

Att

Pct

Yds

Avg

Int

Sck

SckY

Rate

Att

Yds

Avg

FUM

Lost

TOTAL

2,327

3,557

65.4

28,591

8.0

182

114

236

1,497

93.8

152

276

1.8

No. 8 will be posted within a day or two!

I will count all the way down to the QB who graded out the highest. Please check back to find out where your favorite guy placed as well as our No. 1 overall leader.

Giants Franchise Log - 2008 Week 5

GridironFans.com — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:35:53 -0400

Seahawks 6 (3-1)
Giants 10 (4-0)

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
Sea- Olindo Mare 21 yd FG

2nd Quarter
NYG- Michael Matthews 7 yd TD pass from Eli Manning
NYG- John Carney 40 yd FG

3rd Quarter
No Scoring

4th Quarter
Sea- Olindo Mare 52 yd FG

Stats

Passing
Sea: Seneca Wallace 14/22, 146 yds, Int
NYG: Eli Manning 10/22, 94 yds, TD, Int

Rushing
NYG: Brandon Jacobs 15 car, 58 yds, 2 rec, 4 yds
Sea: Maurice Morris 9 car, 13 yds, 2 rec, 13 yds
NYG: Derrick Ward 2 car, 13 yds

Receiving
Sea: John Carlson 3 rec, 55 yds
NYG: Domenik Hixon 2 rec, 33 yds
NYG: Michael Matthews 2 rec, 31 yds, TD
Sea: Bobby Engram 3 rec, 28 yds
Sea: Wes Heller 3 rec, 26 yds
NYG: Kevin Boss 3 rec, 14 yds
Sea: Nate Burelson 1 rec, 13 yds
NYG: Steve Smith 1 rec, 12 yds
Sea: Deion Branch 2 rec, 11 yds

Notes:
This was the sloppiest game I've ever played
The running game was non-existent
I have to step it up

Giants Franchise Log - 2008 Week 3

GridironFans.com — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:12:01 -0400

Bengals 6 (1-2)
Giants 21 (3-0)

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
No Scoring

2nd Quarter
NYG- Brandon Jacobs 1 yd TD run
Cin- Shayne Graham 19 yd FG
Cin- Shayne Graham 39 yd FG

3rd Quarter
NYG- Brandon Jacobs 74 yd TD run

4th Quarter
NYG- Kevin Boss 3 yd TD pass from Eli Manning

Stats

Passing
Cin: Ryan Fitzpatrick 17/26, 175 yds, Int
NYG: Eli Manning 8/13, 55 yds, TD, Int

Rushing
NYG- Brandon Jacobs 22 car, 167 yds, 2 TD, 1 rec, 11 yds
Cin- Cedric Benson 7 car, 16 yds
NYG- Madison Hedgecock 1 car, 12 yds
NYG- Derrick Ward 1 car, 5 yd, 1 rec, 0 yds
Cin- Chris Perry 1 car, 0 yds

Receiving
Cin- Chad Johnson 6 rec, 89 yds
Cin- T.J. Houshmandzadeh 6 rec, 51 yds
NYG- Domenik Hixon 2 rec, 25 yds
Cin- Andre Caldwell 2 rec, 20 yds
NYG- Kevin Boss 3 rec, 11 yds, TD
NYG- Shawn Smith 1 rec, 8 yd
Cin- Reggie Kelly 1 rec, 5 yd
Cin- Ben Utecht 1 rec, 6 yd
Cin- Daniel Coats 1 rec, 1 yd

Notes
We improve to 3-0
Still no one has been injured yet.

NFL Standings
AFC East
Patriots 3-0
Bills 2-1
Jets 1-2
Dolphins 0-3

AFC North
Steelers 3-0
Browns 1-2
Bengals 1-2
Ravens 0-3

AFC South
Colts 3-0
Texans 2-1
Jaguars 1-2
Titans 1-2

AFC West
Broncos 2-1
Chargers 2-1
Chiefs 1-2
Raiders 0-3

NFC East
Cowboys 3-0
Giants 3-0
Eagles 1-2
Redskins 0-3

NFC North
Packers 2-1
Bears 2-1
Vikings 1-2
Lions 0-3

NFC South
Buccaneers 2-1
Saints 2-1
Falcons 2-1
Panthers 0-3

NFC West
Seahawks 3-0
Cardinals 3-0
49ers 1-2
Rams 0-3

The Kansas City Chiefs - Background

GridironFans.com — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:43:29 -0400

This is a continuation of the old Franchise logs I did using the Atlanta Falcons. Due to a messed up file, I had to restart, and thought I'd allow GIF to follow along with this one as well.

This log is created based on my franchise mode in the Gamecube Copy of Madden 2008, being played on the Wii. The game is on All-Madden mode with 8 minute, accelerated clock and adjusted sliders. There are created players in this franchise, mostly consisting of friends and family, all on various teams, and none were created with a rating higher than 86. The player that is used to represent myself, Ryan McLaughlin, was originally created and rated a 75.

Transactions Made Prior to the opening season (2007)

Signings: [Position, Name, Rating]
QB Ryan McLaughlin (76)
HB Camron Daffin 85
WR Antonio Bryant (86)
TE Erron Kinney 86
MLB Al Wilson 92
LG -> RG Zach Piller 86
CB Daylon McCutheon 81
DE Grant Winstrom 88
SS Shaun Williams 86
DT Nick Salyers 86

Releases:
Tre Stallings RG, 69
Alfonso Boone DT, 74
Rich Scanlon ROLB, 69

Trades:
Chiefs send: HB L. Johnson
Green Bay sends: 1st, 2nd, and 4th round pick

Chiefs send: TE Gonzalez
Atlanta sends: 2nd Round Pick

ROSTER:

QB
Matt Cassel 84
Ryan McLaughlin 77
Brodie Croyle 74

HB
Camron Daffin 85
Priest Holmes 82
Michael Bennett 76

FB
Greg Hanoian 70
Boomer Grigsby 68

WR
Antonio Bryant 86
Eddie Kennison 85
Dwayne Bowe 83
Sammie Parker 77
Rod Gardener 75
Jeff Webb 74

TE
Erron Kinney 86
Jason Dunn 79
Kris Wilson 76

LT
Damion McIntosh 78
Kevin Sampson 72

LG
Brian Waters 96
Chris Bober 82

C
Casey Weigmann 92
Rudy Niswanger 69

RG
Zach Piller 86
Jahn Welbourn 82

RT
Chris Terry 77
Will Svitek 67

LE
Tamba Hali 86
Turk McBride 78

RE
Grant Winstrom 88
Jimmy Wilkerson 72

DT
Nick Salyers 86
James Reed 82
Ron Edwards 79
Tank Tyler 74

LOLB
Derrick Johnson 87
Kris Griffin 69

MLB
Al Wilson 92
Napoleon Harris 80
William Kershaw 68

ROLB
Donnie Edwards 94
Kendrell Bell 83
Keyaron Fox 73

CB
Patrick Surtain 92
Ty Law 91
Daylon McCutheon 81
Benny Sapp 72
Marcus Maxey 69

FS
Greg Wesley 84
Jarrad Page 73

SS
Shaun Williams 85
Bernard Pollard 78
Jon McGraw 76

K
Justin Medlock 76

P
Dustin Colquitt 82

PRESEASON WEEK 1
Cassel kept getting hurt throughout the game, eventually just benched him to keep him healthy for Week 1.

SCORING
1st Quarter

KC TD - S. Parker 62 yard pass from McLaughlin

2nd Quarter

KC TD - P. Holmes 15 yard pass from McLaughlin

CLE FG - P. Dawson 20 yards

CLE TD (REVERSED) - G. Baxter 72 yard Fumble return

KC TD - S. Parker 12 yard pass from McLaughlin

4th Quarter

KC FG - J. Medlock 45 yards

KC TD - C. Daffin 1 yard run

FINAL: 31-3 KC over CLE

STATS
PASSING
McLaughlin, KC 12/20 213 yards, 3 TD
Quinn, CLE 5/10 89 yards
Cassel, KC 6/13 70 yards
Anderson, CLE 4/8 27 yards

RUSHING
M. Cassel KC, 5 RUSH, 39 yards
C. Daffin KC, 8 ATT, 26 yards, TD
J. Lewis CLE, 5 ATT, 20 yards
P. Holmes KC, 6 ATT, 19 yards
R. McLaughlin KC, 4 RUSH, 15 yards
J. Wright CLE, 6 ATT, 15 yards

I think this game was a case of just going against a bad team. I wouldn't count on this every game.

Stay tuned! More coming soon!

Madden NFL 2009: Giants Franchise Log Week 2

GridironFans.com — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:14:46 -0400

Giants 16 (2-0)
Rams 3 (0-2)

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
No Scoring

2nd Quarter
NYG: Domenik Hixon, 75-yard TD pass from Eli Manning
STL: Josh Brown, 22-yard FG
NYG: John Carney, 30-yard FG

3rd Quarter
No Scoring

4th Quarter
NYG: John Carney, 22-yard FG
NYG: John Carney, 30-yard FG

Stats

Passing
NYG: Eli Manning—7-for-14, 129 YDS, TD
STL: Marc Bulger—14-for-22, 124 YDS, 2 INT

Rushing
NYG: Brandon Jacobs—22 CAR, 107 YDS; 3 REC, 35 YDS
STL: Steven Jackson—8 CAR, 20 YDS; 2 REC, 20 YDS
NYG: Derrick Ward—4 CAR, 11 YDS; 1 REC, 14 YDS
STL: Casey Cramer—2 CAR, 3 YDS; 3 REC, 21 YDS

Receiving
NYG: Domenik Hixon—1 REC, 75 YDS, TD
STL: Drew Bennett—2 REC, 29 YDS
STL: Torry Holt—3 REC, 25 YDS
STL: Donnie Avery—2 REC, 17 YDS
STL: Randy McMichael—1 REC, 6 YDS
STL: Dane Looker—1 REC, 6 YDS
NYG: Steve Smith—1 REC, 5 YDS
NYG: Kevin Boss—1 REC, 0 YDS

We continue on to Week 3 with a 2-0 record. By the way, all games are played with Madden NFL 2009 on the Xbox 360.

Giants Franchise Log—2009 Week One

GridironFans.com — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:52:19 -0400

Redskins 17 (0-1)
Giants 20 (1-0)

Scoring Summary

First Quarter:
NYG: John Carney, 42 yd FG
NYG: Chase Blackburn, returns interception 14 yds for TD

Second Quarter
Was: James Thrash, 39 yd TD pass from Jason Campbell
NYG: John Carney, 40 yd FG
Was: Shane Suisham, 22 yd FG

Third Quarter:
NYG: Brandon Jacobs two yd TD Run

Fourth Quarter
Was: Clinton Portis one yd TD Run

Stats

Passing
Was: Jason Campbell 17/23, 213 yds, TD, Int, 15 rush yds
NYG: Eli Manning 11/18, 143 yds

Rushing:
NYG: Brandon Jacbos, 18 car, 61 yds, TD
Was: Clinton Portis, eight car, 23 yds, TD
NYG: Madison Hedgecock, one car, two yds
NYG: Derrick Ward, one car, zero yds

Receiving
NYG: Domenik Hixon four rec, 84 yds
Was: Antwaan Randle El five rec, 69 yds
Was: James Thrash five rec, 67 yds, TD
Was: Chris Cooley three rec, 36 yds
NYG: Steve Smith three rec, 32 yds
Was: Santana Moss two rec, 26 yds
NYG: Kevin Boss three rec, 19 yds
Was: Mike Sellers one rec, nine yds
NYG: Amani Toomer one rec, eight yds
Was: Todd Yoder one rec, six yds

New York Giants Franchise Log: 2008 Player Roster

GridironFans.com — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:39:28 -0400

Quarterbacks

Eli Manning, 91
David Carr, 74

Running Backs

Brandon Jacobs, 90
Derrick Ward, 87
Ahmad Bradshaw, 80
Danny Ware, 72

Full Backs

Madison Hedgecock, 89

Wide Receivers

Plaxico Burress [Suspended], 90
Amani Toomer, 83
Steve Smith, 81
Domenik Hixon, 79
Mario Manningham, 72
Sinorice Moss, 69

Tight Ends

Kevin Boss, 84
Michael Matthews, 73
Darcy Johnson 72

Tackles

David Diehl, 93
Kareem McKenzie, 93
Guy Whimper, 75
Adam Koets, 69

Guards

Chris Snee, 99
Rich Seubert, 93
Kevin Boothe, 78
Mike Fladell, 69

Centers

Shaun O'Hara, 95
Gary Reugamer, 75

Defensive Ends

Osi Umenyiora, 95
Justin Tuck, 95
Mathias Kiwanuka, 87
Renaldo Wynn, 78
Dave Tollefson, 75
Jerome McDougle, 71

Defensive Tackles

Fred Robbins, 92
Barry Coefield, 87
Jay Alford, 75

Outside Linebackers

Danny Clark, 78
Chase Blackburn, 74
Bryan Kehl, 74
Gerris Wilkinson, 72
Zak DeOssie, 72

Middle Linebackers

Antonio Pierce, 95
Rich Scanlon, 64

Cornerbacks

Corey Webster, 91
Aaron Ross, 87
Sam Madison, 86
Kevin Dockery, 81
Terrell Thomas, 77

Free Safeties

Kenny Phillips, 83
Michael Johnson, 83

Strong Safeties

James Butler, 84
Sammy Knight, 78

Kickers

John Carney, 90
Lawrence Tynes, 85

Punters

Jeff Feagles, 88

Notes

Plaxico Burress will most likely be traded during the offseason.

Nobody is injured.

Season is starting off great.

Redskins Draft Review

GridironFans.com — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:34:29 -0400

The NFL Draft 2009 is over and it's time to muddle through the aftermath and see what's what.

The Redskins draft for me, contained tension, apprehension, relief, joy, surprise, and then frustration. I'll try to encompass all those feelings as they happened to me on draft weekend.

Tension

I worked all this weekend, glorious 12 and a quarter hour day shifts, so the guessing stopped for me on Thursday with my last mock draft and a conviction in my mind that USC quarterback Mark Sanchez was going to be a Redskin one way or another.

Getting home from work at 6:30pm on Saturday evening, it was a quick shower and dinner in front of the laptop as I waited for the draft to start. A quick check to see if anymore rumours were floating around the 'net or indeed if they had already done a deal to move up and then the wait for the draft start.

We're underway and the Lions get things started with Matt Stafford as expected, but more frustrating is the 10 minute wait per pick as teams milk the clock for all it's worth. The Chiefs were my first worry stop—would they deal down? Nope, they shock me a little with Tyson Jackson of LSU, then it's the Seahawks, but no deal down there and they take Aaron Curry.

I figure the next worry stop will be No. 8 with the Jaguars.

Apprehension

At No. 5 the Browns are up and I have to admit, with Curry off the board I'm unsure where they will go with this pick, maybe Brian Orakpo? Then the "trade" shouts start coming in over the radio and in the internet chat room I'm in.

Please god, not the Redskins. I actually don't hate the idea of Sanchez, I just hate the idea of giving up more picks including future considerations for him.

Relief

It's the Jets! First thing there is it has to be for Sanchez. Anyone else trading up could have been possibly going after Eugene Monroe, as the Bengals were a hot spot for an OT, but once it's the Jets it's obvious they have done the deal to move up for Sanchez. I can now sit back and wait for No. 13 to come on the clock.

Joy

A slight downer when Aaron Maybin comes off the board at No. 11 to the Bills. He's one of my favourite players in this draft, and I figure the choice has to be between Michael Oher and Brian Orapko.

It'll depend on what Denver does first, but they leave both choices on the board with their surprising selection of RB Knowshon Moreno (strangest off-season ever in Denver and one I don't like, but that's for another blog). I don't really want Oher, not that I don't think the Skins need offensive line help, just that I really want a pass rush option to take advantage of the big money investment in Albert Haynesworth.

The pick is in awful quick...it's Orapko!!!!

Fantastic, a genuine pass rush option and young potential for the defensive line. Orapko looks a good fit at RDE opposite Andre Carter. Hopefully, with Haynesworth collapsing the pocket and stopping QB's stepping up, both Carter and Orapko can meet at the trigger man and increase the Redskins sack total. For the first time since 1997 and Kenard Lang, the Redskins have spent a first round choice on a defensive lineman.

What I also like about Orapko is I think he can be mentored by Phillip Daniels, the guy he'll share snaps with in the rotation. Daniels is a veteran who is a good example to young guys and is a weight room warrior, something that Orapko is too. I could see those two bonding in the off-season over the dumbbells and rowing machine.

That's day one done for me, I'm up at 4:45am in the morning so I hang around for a few more picks then head to bed.

Surprise

I do my days work on Sunday and head home again. The kids are in school tomorrow so there is not much time for the first couple of hours of the evening as we deal with baths, tantrums, and other stuff. I manage to dive on the net for a few minutes to see who the Skins have already got in round three, and NFL.com draft tracker says it's Kevin Barnes, a cornerback from Maryland!

Well, he's local I suppose, but I had expected an offensive lineman or linebacker. However, I read his profile and I like what I am taking in. He's got decent speed, is physical, and is intelligent, scoring 41 in the wonderlic. It also appears if it weren't for injury in his senior year, he may well have gone a little higher.

I had a ponder and recall that Carlos Rogers is in a contract year, Fred Smoot is likely not long for this league, and that Shawn Springs is now a Patriot. Add in last years fourth round selection—Justin Tryon—looked like the small school prospect he was when they took a gamble on him last year, and there is a certain need at the position.

If Barnes does well in camp he could easily be the nickel corner, and a year down the road if the situation sees a few guys leave, he could wind up starting!

Frustration

No pick until round five now, so I have my evening meal and relax a while before heading back online. When it does get to the Skins pick they move down, trading with the Vikings to regain the seventh round pick they lost in the Erasmus James gamble/trade last year.

What will Vinny Cerrato do? Need says linemen and linebackers. History says DB's, hoarding at one position, daft projects, and plenty of wide receivers.

The latter of course prevailed. First, we have Nebraska linebacker Cody Glenn in the fifth. He's a former running back who spent about 15 minutes playing linebacker in his senior year before getting suspended.

His physical attributes seem fine but he is very raw and doesn't offer even the hope of immediate help. Maybe he can do a job on special teams but otherwise, he looks like the type of project who might well have lasted until round seven or indeed, gone undrafted.

Next up, Cerrato decided to put all his broken eggs in one basket and take another linebacker. That selection was in the sixth round with Robert Henson of TCU. As a defensive player, he doesn't sound like his skill set will get him far, but he does at least seem like he could be a special teams demon.

His open field tackling is a strength and he's a team leader. Special teams are often a low round picks route to the roster, so from that point of view, he has an excellent chance come September of being around the squad.

Neither of these two linebacker choices inspire me though and at present, the corps of Redskin 'backers still looks weak and lacking depth.

The first of the Redskins seventh round picks was spent on TE/FB/H-Back. Nobody really knows Eddie Williams of Idaho.

I find this pick baffling. Ok, Mike Sellers has a bee in his bonnet about a new contract presently and is skipping OTA's, but at 34, and with two years remaining on his contract, he has little leverage. The Redskins have their three TE spots locked up in Chris Cooley, Fred Davis, and Todd Yoder. They have never carried two FB's on the roster in previous years.

Williams injury history is a worry too, and it appears likely he won't see the field at rookie camp and possibly mini-camp. He does sound like he has soft hands and a knack for finding the soft spot in zones, but it looks an uphill battle for a roster spot and the practice squad looks his best bet.

Finally, Cerrato couldn't resist a WR. I actually like the sound of Marko Mitchell from Nevada. Decent speed, good tall frame, a willing blocker and he will react to the quarterback being forced to move around, but he comes from a spread offense which may have bumped up his playing time and production some.

The 'Skins have two drafted WR's from last year plus veterans Santana Moss, Antwan Randle El and James Thrash, so I'm not sure where he fits. Practice squad looks a likely bet.

This is a typical Cerrato day two, prospects with marginal talent in positions that aren't really needs. He found a gem last season in Chris Horton, so all hope is not lost, but I shall not be holding my breath.

Maybe I'm being too harsh, late round picks are much of a muchness, and you are effectively getting the guys you want to keep off the undrafted free agent market. But when I see so many other teams have success after success low down, and the Redskins hitting at the rate of about once every five years, I feel I am right to distrust Cerrato's judgment.

As it stands, I wouldn't put money on any of them making the opening day roster. If I had to pick, I suspect Henson has the best shot based on his skill set for special teams.

There was a little bit of cheer in the undrafted free agent stakes. Two local offensive lineman from Maryland were added, including Edwin Williams who I had mentioned as a possible target in a recent blog piece.

I also like the sound of Chase Daniels, QB from Missouri. He has been very productive in college and high school as a spread offense QB. He likely went undrafted due to a slump in the second half of last season after such a fast start (in the first 4 games he threw 15 TD's to 1 int!). Jim Zorn will enjoy trying to develop his skills and I think for 2009, a practice squad spot is there for the taking with a possible roster spot down the line.

The full list of UDFA's signed by the Redskins (so far) is:

* Chase Daniel, QB, Missouri
* Edwin Williams, C, Maryland
* Scott Burley, OL, Maryland
* Robert Agnone, TE, Delaware
* Devin Frischknecht, TE, Washington State
* John Halman, WR, Concordia
* Jaison Williams, WR, Oregon
* Derek Walker, DE, Illinois
* Antonio Dixon, DT, Miami (FL)
* Brigham Harwell, DT, UCLA
* Ronnie Palmer, LB, Arizona
* Lendy Holmes, S, Oklahoma
* Doug Dutch, CB, Michigan

NFL Draft '09: Reaction To Predictions

GridironFans.com — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:31:54 -0400

The draft generates so much interest for NFL fans because it's like a giant guessing game you will never get right but find addictive to play.

I've spent the last couple of weeks creating mock drafts, predicting moves, and following prospects, so in this blog it's time to look back and see what happened.

First off, we had the whole Mark Sanchez deal and if the Redskins were going to trade up for him. It appears they did make some inquiries, but were not keen on handing over their first rounder in 2010.

The Browns and Jets connection was also a big reason it didn't happen. That was always going to be a formula that could result in a deal so Sanchez is now a Jet.

I'm not Jason Campbell's biggest supporter, so it looks like I'll have to find out if he can pull up his socks and convince me he is the long-term future. There is concern not just for his ability, but how much of his ego has been bruised by all this talk of acquiring other QBs.

Also, how long or short is the leash he is on? I guess we'll find out soon enough.

Away from the Redskins, I offer my favorite five players in this draft.

Aaron Maybin is now on Buffalo's defensive line where he will offer some pass rush help. I suspect he is going to start out as a situational player but he could still post some nice numbers, although the AFC East boasts some tough OLs and OTs for him to try and beat.

Cornerback Alphonso Smith went in round two to Denver, who gave up a first round choice in 2010 to make the move. He looks like he should be able to contribute from the get-go and possibly start, but being opposite Champ Bailey means he will get tested early and often.

Denver's pass rush still needs plenty of help and improvement. It could be a tough start for him, but if the Denver D does get on track quickly enough he might get credit for helping make that happen.

I would have liked a better situation than the Giants for QB Rhett Bomar, where he looks like he'll be on the third string because Eli Manning and David Carr have the starter and back-up jobs tied up. However, Kevin Gilbride is a passing game guru who'll give Bomar a good start in the NFL and situations can change quickly. I'll at least keep an eye on him in preseason but this is a long-term player to follow.

TE Cornelius Ingram landed in Philadelphia in the fifth round. Brett Celek looks the main man at the tight end spot there but with LJ Smith gone there is certainly room for Ingram to fit in.

What I do like about this situation for Ingram is that the Eagles lack a tall, physical red zone target in their arsenal and Ingram could be just what they need. It could be a rookie year where he only catches 15 to 20 balls but a quarter of them go for TDs.

Finally we have WR Brian Robiskie who has stayed in Ohio with the Browns and I love this situation for him. Even though Braylon Edwards was not dealt on draft day, with Kellen Winslow already gone and Donte Stallworth very likely to be keeping his soap on a string, Robiskie has a chance to start.

He is the most pro-ready of all the receivers on draft day. I'm very confident this guy can make an immediate impact and be a solid pro for years.

Finally, we have my mock draft attempts. I offered three versions but it would be unfair to take the best from both, and v1.0 and v2.0 were experimental in terms of trying to guess reactions to different situations.

On Thursday I posted v3.0 and to be honest, if I say so myself, I'm reasonably pleased with it. I got seven selections right, plus I wasn't a million miles off on the trade up for Sanchez as well as getting "Beanie" Wells to the Cardinals correct, just that I had them gaining an extra pick for Boldin and using that.

My correct picks were:

No. 1, Lions—Matthew Stafford (QB)
No. 2, Rams—Jason Smith (OT)
No. 6, Bengals—Andre Smith (OT)
No. 9, Packers—BJ Raji (DT)
No. 11, Bills—Aaron Smith
No. 14, Saints—Malcolm Jenkins (CB/S)
No. 27, Colts—Donald Brown (RB)

As mentioned, I also had Beanie Wells to the Cardinals but at No. 26 instead of No. 31.

I doubt anyone making a mock ever expects to get more than a few right, and the trading, especially in the lower section of the first round this year, messes almost every chance of getting a few right close to the end.

I was worried once Monroe slipped that the Bengals might go for him instead of Andre Smith, but I do think Andre was the right choice for them. Especially since in a black and blue division like the AFC North they need some help in the running game which Smith offers.

I was especially pleased with the correct prediction of Donald Brown to the Colts. I guess they really liked his character, and teaming him up with Addai will keep their offensive backfield options relatively deep is a smart move.

9th Ranked Best Current Quarterbacks

GridironFans.com — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:45:37 -0400

Continuing our countdown with the 10th ranked player, as we have already learned from our 9th ranked QB, anything can happen. However, as it stands Favre is not a current QB. He played a large portion of his career in our target range and I really wanted to see how he would stack up. He after all holds the record for most career wins.

It is impressive that Favre maintained his winning edge over the course of such a long career. With 272 regular season starts, Favre has the most of any player on our list. That makes his +8 rating the most accurate.

There are a couple guys in the top 10 who barely made the 20 games started mark. It is my opinion and I believe you will agree that they benefited from having only played in such a small number of games. We will see how they stack up against Favre 250 games from now..

The Explanation of how each player's scores are calculated can be found here. League average QB's Winning %

Past list rankings;

Best current Quarterbacks, ranking 50-41

Best current Quarterbacks, ranking 40-36

Ranking 35-31, Best current Quarterbacks

Ranking 30-26, Best current Quarterbacks

Ranking 25-21, Best current Quarterbacks

Ranking 20-16, Best current Quarterbacks

Ranking 15-11, Best current Quarterbacks

Total = Total number of Games Started
Wins = Total number of Games Won
Exp W% = Expected Wins for that player (League Average projected Wins)
Diff = The QB's Total Difference compared to the league average QB
Avg G Diff = Difference divided by total Games started. -25.2 = 25.2% worse then the league average QB and apparently the bottom end of our grading system.
Total (beneath players name) = Total of games played in that group
% Of Total Games = The % of games player played in that group
QB Winning % = the QB's winning % in that group, 1 = 100%

RANK

Quarterback

11-

16-

21-

26-

31-

36-

100

Total

Wins

Exp W%

Diff

Avg G Diff

Wins

Losses

Wins

Losses

Wins

Losses

Wins

Losses

Wins

Losses

Wins

Losses

Wins

Losses

NFL Avarage Win %

93.8%

74%

55.2%

42.9%

24.1%

16%

7.1%

Brett Favre

272

170

148.1

21.8

Total

% Of Total Games

21.3%

16.5%

16.9%

18.3%

13.2%

9.1%

4.4%

QB Winning %

98.2%

82.2%

65.2%

58%

27.7%

28%

No. 9 will be posted within a day or two!

I will count all the way down to the QB who graded out the highest. Please check back to find out where your favorite guy placed as well as our No. 1 overall leader.

The 2009 NFL Draft, Cards On The Table.

GridironFans.com — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 12:26:07 -0400

This year's draft will begin in just a few hours. Typically, the Arizona Cardinals are in the thick of the draft discussion since they typically have a top ten pick every year. Last year was clearly not a typical year for the Cardinals, and therefore do not have a top ten pick. With that said though, the Cardinals are in the thick of draft dicussion because of two players they already have under contract.

The Anquan Boldin stories/rumors have reached a fever pitch this week. There is a lot of information, and a lot of misinformation regarding the future of the three time Pro-Bowl receiver.

Information:

Boldin has wanted a new contract since the Cardinals gave Larry Fitgerald a new contract last year that pays him nearly twice as much as Boldin.

Despite the fact that the Cardinals consider Boldin one of their "core players", they announced publicly that they were willing to listen to trade offers from other team.

If the Cardinals trade Boldin they will lose a huge part of their passing attack, to offset this loss. They will need to acquire an immediate impact running back-through the draft or trade to bolster the Cardinals rushing attack, which finished the 2008 season in dead last.

Misinformation:

The asking price for Boldin starts at a first and third round draft choice. Cardinals General Manager Rod Graves has denied this, he has maintained that the Cardinals are not actively seeking to trade Boldin, therefore no "asking price" has been set.

One trade offer has been made to the Cardinals as of Friday. Yesterday Graves confirmed there was one trade offer made which the Cardinals rejected.

Was it a real offer? Were there other offers?

The Tennessee Titans have offered the Cardinals LenDale White and their second round pick in exchange for Boldin. This offer may or may not be a bluff to get the Ravens, Giants, Eagles, and other teams to raise their offer.

Yesterday the Cardinals denied they lowered their asking price for Boldin. They may not have lowered their price, but considering that earlier this week, the Cheifs traded ten time Pro-Bowler and future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez for a second round pick next year, it is entirely possible that the Cardinals may in fact be willing to trade Boldin for less than their original asking price.

My Prediction:

My favorite of the speculated trade offers is to trade Boldin to the Baltimore Ravens for LeRon McClain and a third round pick.

I hate the idea of trading Boldin away, but he and his agent, might become too much of a distraction if Boldin is not dealt. With this trade the Cardinals would acquire a big, strong, young bruiser of a running back. This would certainly lead to Cardinals to finally cut Edgerrin James and free up $5 million worth of salary cap money to extend Karlos Dansby and/or Adrian Wilson.

The move would also allow the Cardinals to use their first round pick on the best DE/LB available. Especially since last February Ben Roethlisberger showed everybody just how badly the Cardinals need a pass rusher that can get to the quarterback.

If you have a solid running game, and a good defense, you can afford to lose a top flight wide receiver in the off-season.

Just ask the 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers. Who was their offensive coordinator again?

This off-season, the Anquan Boldin trade speculation has been building up like a really good hand of poker. After all the bluffing and raising, eventually every player has to lay their cards on the table.

With the draft only hours away, the river card will be dealt, but before everybody shows their hands there will certainly be an interesting last round of bets. Anquan Boldin certainly has value, but is anybody willing to go all-in to get him?

Ranking 15-11, Best Current Quarterbacks

GridironFans.com — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 05:54:02 -0400

Continuing our countdown 15-11, everyone on this list has 80+ starts. That makes for an accurate percentage of each players win loss record. As we go down the countdown we will find a couple guys who I fear have benefited from a couple big wins.

With less starts one or two games can really make a difference in the QB's overall standings. With 80+ starts, that is not the case with this group.

In my opinion, everyone on this list is an above average QB. None of them rank up there with the best, but they all help their team win more games then the average QB would.

Biggest surprise on this list;

If I am surprised at all it would be that a couple of these guys didn't crack the top 10. I thought Roethlisberger in particular might be a little higher. All of these guys are career starters who have led their teams to a lot of wins.

The Explanation of how each player's scores are calculated can be found here. League average QB's Winning Percentage.

Past list rankings;

Best current Quarterbacks, ranking 50-41

Best current Quarterbacks, ranking 40-36

Ranking 35-31, Best current Quarterbacks

Ranking 30-26, Best current Quarterbacks

Ranking 25-21, Best current Quarterbacks

Ranking 20-16, Best current Quarterbacks

Total = Total number of Games Started
Wins = Total number of Games Won
Exp W% = Expected Wins for that player (League Average projected Wins)
Diff = The QB's Total Difference compared to the league average QB
Avg G Diff = Difference divided by total Games started. -25.2 = 25.2% worse then the league average QB and apparently the bottom end of our grading system.
Total (beneath players name) = Total of games played in that group
% Of Total Games = The % of games player played in that group
QB Winning % = the QB's winning % in that group, 1 = 100%

RANK	Quarterback	1-	10	11-	15	16-	20	21-	25	26-	30	31-	35	36-	100	Total	Wins	Exp W%	Diff	Avg G Diff
		Wins	Losses	Wins	Losses	Wins	Losses	Wins	Losses	Wins	Losses	Wins	Losses	Wins	Losses
	NFL Avarage Win %	93.8%		74%		55.2%		42.9%		24.1%		16%		7.10%
15	Jake Delhomme	16	0	8	2	12	10	11	7	2	6	2	4	0	3	83	51	45.4	5.5	6.7
	Total	16		10		22		18		8		6		3
	% Of Total Games	19.2%		12%		26.5%		21.6%		9.6%		7.2%		3.6%
	QB Winning %	100%		80%		54.5%		61.1%		25%		33.3%		0
14	Drew Brees	13	0	9	0	17	7	9	10	4	13	3	13	0	8	106	55	47.5	7.4	7
	Total	13		9		24		19		17		16		8
	% Of Total Games	12.2%		8.4%		22.6%		17.9%		16%		15%		7.50%
	QB Winning %	100%		100%		70.8%		47.3%		23.5%		18.7%		0
13	Marc Bulger	8	0	8	1	8	4	8	6	6	9	2	12	0	15	87	40	33.7	6.2	7.1
	Total	8		9		12		14		15		14		15
	% Of Total Games	9.1%		10.3%		13.7%		16%		17.2%		16%		17.2%
	QB Winning %	100%		88.8%		66.6%		57.1%		4%		14.2%		0
12	Matt Hasselbeck	24	0	4	2	11	5	11	7	6	12	2	11	0	8	103	58	50.5	7.4	7.2
	Total	24		6		16		18		18		13		8
	% Of Total Games	23.3%		5.8%		15.5%		17.4%		17.4%		12.6%		7.7%
	QB Winning %	100%		66.6%		68.7%		61.1%		33.3%		15.3%		0
11	Ben Roethlisberger	29	1	4	1	10	2	5	5	2	4	1	5	0	2	71	51	45.3	5.6	7.9
	Total	30		5		12		10		6		6		2
	% Of Total Games	42.2%		7%		16.9%		14%		8.4%		8.4%		2.8%
	QB Winning %	96.6%		0.8%		83.3%		5%		33.3%		16.6%		0
	NFL Avarage Win %	93.8%		74%		55.2%		42.9%		24.1%		16%		7.1%

No. 10 will be posted within a day or two!

I will count all the way down to the QB who graded out the highest. Please check back to find out where your favorite guy placed as well as our No. 1 overall leader.