Bleacher Report - Articles by Eric Fisher

Bobby Bowden: An Icon's Farewell.

Eric Fisher — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:11:06 -0500

People make a lot of coaches, with terms like "legend" and "icon" being tossed out a bit loosely at times, but to see a man like Bobby Bowden step down reminds us of what these kinds of words mean. Bobby Bowden was a true legend in coaching, a real icon of college sports. It's incredibly sad to see a career like his end on such a sour note. Bobby Bowden is one of the last few of a dying breed, a coach who was truly larger than life, and even in the pressure cooker atmosphere of modern college football, a coach who was still bigger than his program. Until now.

Bobby Bowden is the unfortunate victim of the beast he created, swallowed up by the expectations he built up over his 34 seasons at Florida State. The heart breaking thing about this end is that Bowden has become what he never wanted to, the boxer who fights one too many years, the stubborn old man who refused to believe he had slipped.

As a Florida State fan, it wasn't easy to hear him doubt himself after Saturday's game against Florida, his team's sixth loss in a row to it's arch-rival. But we've seen these signs for a few seasons, as Bowden seemed more and more bewildered as difficult to explain losses piled up and the glory days of FSU's run seemed further and further in the past each season.

But I can only hope that people don't remember Bowden for these struggles, or the way his career ended. Florida State fans should remember the man that led their team to 14 straight Top Five finishes, a feat still nowhere near matched in College Football.

They should remember the National Titles, and the Heisman Winners who led those teams.

They should remember the iconic players who suited up for Bowden; Chris Weinke, Charlie Ward, Deion Sanders, Derrick Brooks, and Warrick Dunn among so many others. FSU fans also should remember that it is only because of Bowden that they have these expectations.

Without him, who knows where the program would be. He took a program that was nothing nationally and turned it into one of College Football's great dynasties.

But the truth is, Bowden is one of the last of a dying breed for a reason. Today's college football landscape is hardly recognizable compared to the one Bowden presided over in the late '80s and '90s. The pressure to win and win now is greater than ever, and being a legend and an icon don't make up for six win seasons when a fan base expects 10. So it is in this era of college sports that we bid a much-too unceremonious farewell to one of the all-time greats.

Bowden, for all his charm, down to earth wisdom, and character, never changed a bit, and as the game changed around him, this lack of adaption led to his downfall. So as we bid Bowden farewell, I only hope people everywhere, but especially at Florida State, remember that they owe everything to him, and that he was not only a great coach, but he was a good man too.

They don't make 'em like Bowden anymore, and that's the hardest part about watching him leave the throne he built in Tallahassee. Dad gum it, we'll all miss him.

T.O. Cheer Or Not T.O. Cheer: Breaking Down the Bills' Big Gamble

Eric Fisher — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 00:11:43 -0500

Bills fans can only be certain about one thing today: There will be more attention focused on the team during this upcoming season than there has been this entire decade. Outside of that, we can only wait and see. Such is the risk taken when you roll the dice on the NFL's favorite drama king, Terrell Owens.

Owens' arrival creates the biggest free agent splash ever by the Bills. But no one is quite sure what to make of the team signing a 35-year-old wide receiver with a history of ugly relationships with his quartberbacks, who is defined as much by his activities off the field as his achievements on it.

There are many factors that have to be considered when you analyze the decision, and Bills fans will have to hope that the organization's brain-trust thoroughly considered everything before pulling the trigger.

The biggest issue Bills' fans should be concerned about is the relationship between their young quarterback, Trent Edwards, and Owens. Owens has yet to complete a tour of duty with any NFL franchise without a rift of some type with the quarterback. And the scary thing to consider for the Bills is that Owens had such significant problems with much more seasoned and successful players.

So there should and will be concern about how Edwards, entering his second full season as the starter, will be able to handle Owens' jawing when things aren't going well, or god forbid, he isn't getting the ball.

Owens' effect on the entire locker room is a cause for concern as well. He has shown potential to be an extremely divisive presence, as evidenced by the drama in Dallas last year. The Bills are a young team, and the development of their nucleus of young players could be stunted by Owens creating havoc among the team.

These potential pitfalls, however, are all related to off-the-field issues. From an X's and O's standpoint, there is a tremendous upside to the signing. Lee Evans, long the Bills' only viable threat at wide receiver, is a player who largely excels at stretching the field with his top flight speed. He has struggled in the red zone, where defenses have keyed in on him with no legitimate complementary threat to free him up.

Owens is a perfect fit to complement Evans. At 35, he is not longer a burner, but his ability to make tough catches in traffic, over the middle, and in tight spaces, in addition to adding another element for which opposing defenses will have to game plan for, will help both Evans and Edwards.

A one-year contract also minimizes the risk of bringing in Owens. If he becomes a negative presence or creates problems with team chemistry, the Bills can simply shut him down with relatively low financial damage, due to the conservative investment.

And Buffalo has another factor working in its favor: Owens doesn't have any bridges left to burn.

Owens has run or been run out of every city he has played in, and now, with his skills on the decline, he is running out of rope. If he creates another stir this year and fails to be a mature and valuable contributor in a small market like Buffalo, he can probably expect not to be offered another contract next offseason.

The Bills will be criticized from many angles now, and possibly to an even greater extent later. But as it has been said, if you don't have much, you don't have much to lose. Buffalo is rolling the dice, but even if they lose, a one-year detour shouldn't reverse the progress they have been making for the long-term.

And as the decade drags on without a single playoff appearance, it may be the right time for the Bills to step out of character and take a chance. The consequences may be grave, but the dividends may be large.

All I'm putting my money on is that the Bills will draw the attention of the nation in a way they haven't since the early 1990's.

Getcha popcorn ready.

Florida State-Florida: Nine Ways for the 'Noles to Hang With the Gators

Eric Fisher — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 16:33:01 -0500

You're a fly on the wall watching Florida State's coaching brain-trust bust out the game tape of the University of Florida's Juggernaut Gators. If you don't hear these points come up, bet on Florida to cover the spread, because they're the only way the 'Noles can stay with the Dynamic Gators, who come in riding a seven-game win streak, including six victories by 30 or more points.

Step 1: Fast Start

The double-digit leads Florida State has spotted to teams like NC State and Virginia Tech in victories won't suffice. Tebow and company cash every check and know how to go for the throat early.

If the 'Noles spot Florida a two-score lead early, the run game won't be as viable (which will be addressed later), and the Gators' athletic pass rushers like Carlos Dunlap will be pinning their ears back and going after Christian Ponder.

In Florida's last three contests against ranked opponents, against then-No. 4 LSU, then-No. 6 Georgia, and then-No. 25 South Carolina, the Gators had first-half leads of 17, 14, and 28 points, respectively. If Florida State joins this list, they're likely to suffer a margin of defeat similar to LSU, Georgia, and South Carolina's stompings of 30, 39, and 50 points.

Florida State can use this to their advantage though. The Gators haven't hit a team who has shown the capacity to hit them back early since September, while the Seminoles have fought hard for the majority of their victories.

If the Gators are suddenly confronted with a challenge early, they will have to summon up the emotion to answer the bell in the clutch, something they failed to do at home against Mississippi.

Florida State can ignite the crowd and let the Gators know they are in for a battle with a fast start, but a stumble out of the gate will largely negate any legitimate chance to pull a massive upset.

Step 2: T.O.P.

What's that? Time of Possession, the stat that Florida State needs an edge in to have a chance on Saturday. The Gators don't need much time to score, and the best way to stop an Offense with a talent and tactical edge is to keep them on the sidelines.

But want to know how scary Tebow and company are? In their 50-point drubbing of the Gamecocks, they held the ball only 20 seconds longer than South Carolina, a 30:10 to 29:50 edge. That's 20 seconds, 50 points. Florida's dominance in all three phases helped pad that lead, but to unload that kind of beatdown and have the ball for a paltry 20 more seconds is scary.

Florida State is going to have to run the football. Be it Antone Smith, Jermaine Thomas, Christian Ponder, or the WRs like Reed and Easterling, the Seminoles will need to move the chains early and often to keep Florida's offense from obtaining its rhythm.

The Gators' three units of Offense, Defense, and Special Teams are feeding off each other. If the Seminoles come out and quickly go three-and-out often, the momentum and possible field position advantages would leave Florida in excellent shape.

Holding on to the football will be paramount. If the 'Noles fail to sustain drives, they shouldn't count on having much of a chance.

Step 3: Front-Four Pressure

Florida State isn't going to slow down Florida trying to blitz multiple linebackers or defensive backs all afternoon, because if you give players like Percy Harvin, Louis Murphy, and Chris Rainey man coverage, they are going to beat it.

Could Florida State get pressure doing so? Sure. But Tebow would convert more big plays against such looks than the blitzes themselves would make for the 'Noles.

The key will be the front four's ability to create pressure. Everette Brown and Markus White will need to become well acquainted with the UF backfield. If they are able to hassle and pressure Tebow in passing situations, which would allow FSU's secondary to remain in more favorable packages for coverage, the 'Noles will have a puncher's chance to create some big plays defensively and stay in the game.

However, if they are forced to blitz often to create any pressure, it could be a long day of more explosive Gator plays.

Step 4: Turnover Margin

Annually the top teams in the country have an extremely favorable turnover margin, and on Saturday, if Florida State's is negative, they probably will be another victim of the high-powered Gators.

The Gators defense, led by linebacker Brandon Spikes, has been very active forcing turnovers during their incredible run of seven straight wins. The Gators, on the season, have a +18 turnover margin. If Florida State hopes to compete with the Gators, they will have to avoid adding to that margin.

Conversely, a victory in turnover margin would presumably mean the crowd being kept involved, momentum being created, and success of the 'Noles offense and defense. If Ponder and the offense can play a mistake-free game and hold on to the ball while the defense creates a turnover or two, the game could be competitive to the wire.

Step 5: Special Teams

If at some point during Saturday's game, Brandon James of the Gators is seen streaking down the sideline with a kickoff or punt in his hands, then it's unlikely Florida State will be celebrating a victory anytime on Saturday. The 'Noles will have to cover kicks well and prevent huge plays by the Gators' excellent return units.

Also key will be the field position battle. Florida will be able to cope with a long field better than Florida State, so for the Seminoles, good punts and punt coverage will be essential. Giving the offense short fields and keeping the Gators' explosive playmakers in check with special teams could go a long way towards an upset.

Step 6: The Red Zone

A repeat performance of last year's matchup, in which Florida State settled for four first-half field goals, will earn the Seminoles another sound defeat. When they move the football and enter the red zone, they must finish drives with touchdowns, because their opponent will.

The Gators have scored on just over 92 percent of their red zone possessions, so Florida State can't afford to leave any points on the field. The deflating effect of red zone failure can sink a team, and to keep the game within reach, the 'Noles must finish drives in the end zone.

Step 7: Smart Emotion

Florida State needs to take the field with passion and fire, but not at the expense of smart football. Florida's explosive playmakers make defensive discipline a key. The defense needs to bring intensity, but over-pursuit and similar mistakes will leave them vulnerable to big plays.

Dumb penalties can take Florida State out of the game too. They will have to avoid flags in key situations. When you play an opponent of this quality, you can't give them any help.

Step 8: Seize the Opportunity

Florida State will welcome a Florida team deemed virtually unbeatable into Doak on Saturday. Expectations are low, with the Gators a 14-point favorite. The 'Noles have an opportunity to show the Gators and the Nation how far they have come, as well as ruin Florida's opportunity to have a National Championship season.

Essentially, they stand everything to gain, and virtually nothing to lose. If they lose it, will only be expected. They should play with this in mind. They can feel loose knowing that the game offers nothing but an opportunity to seize national relevance and reignite a rivalry that has been lacking the games of national magnitude that defined it in the '90s.

Florida State is a team full of talented players, and a motivated and passionate performance could give the Gators a lot to deal with.

Step 9: It's a Rivalry

Bobby Bowden will have to summon up some of his old magic on Saturday for the underdog Seminoles to pull the shocker. But the key to an upset won't be any motivational speech or ploy. It will be smart football with a low number of mistakes and a positive turnover margin.

The 'Noles will have to keep the ball out of Tebow's hands and in Ponder's, and the Seminoles' defensive line will have to be hassling the Gator backfield all afternoon.

Also, don't overlook the fact that this is a rivalry game. Sometimes the records can be thrown out for one afternoon.

Finally, among other keys, the Seminoles will have to hope the rock they throw at Urban's Goliath catches it right between the eyes.

Will the Buffalo Bills' Playoff Drought End in 2008?

Eric Fisher — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:29:36 -0400

Expectations are higher in Buffalo than they have been in years, as a Bills team that overachieved with a gutsy season in the face of a slew of injuries and an unproven quarterback returns looking even better this year.

Now that the growing pains have been worked out, the theory among optimists for this season is that the return of injured key players (such as safety Ko Simpson and linebacker Paul Posluszny), a more experienced and prepared Trent Edwards, and the addition of offseason acquisitions (DT Marcus Stroud, LB Kawika Mitchell, and first and second-round draft choices CB Leodis McKelvin and WR James Hardy) will lead the Bills to a considerable improvement on last year's 7-9 record.

Also noteworthy is the slim margin some of last season's defeats came by. Denver and Dallas defeated Buffalo by just one point. The Bills did, however, win their fair share of close ones, defeating Washington by one point, and the Dolphins and Jets by just three.

So what will this year bring?

A few question marks are still lingering, including how effective new offensive coordinator Turk Schonert will be in replacing Steve Fairchild, how effective James Hardy can be in freeing up space for Lee Evans in the red zone, and how Trent Edwards develops in his first year as unquestioned starter.

Also, the lingering situation that could derail a promising season is the status of star left tackle Jason Peters, who wants a new deal and could possibly be holding out of training camp.

Losing Peters, for any amount of time, would be a crucial blow to the Bills' run and pass attacks, and would make life much more difficult for young Trent Edwards.

I'm writing these predictions assuming that there are no catastrophic injuries to the Bills and that Jason Peters is playing. If those are not the conditions under which the season unfolds, all bets are off.

With that said, let's have a look at the schedule:

September

Week One vs. Seattle

I think opening day will be a sad one for Bills fans as I see the experience of the Seahawks and their proven playmakers being too much for the young Bills.

Week Two at Jacksonville

I see this one as another likely "L" for the Bills, as Jacksonville's run defense shuts down Lynch, and Edwards is unable to make it happen.

Week Three vs. Oakland

Bills get into the "W" column with a solid handling of the upstart Raiders.

Week Four at St. Louis

I also see this as a Bills victory, as the Rams simply don't have the guns to get it done.

Projected record after September: 2-2

October

Week Five at Arizona

I see this one as a toss-up, but I could see the Cardinals pass attack giving Buffalo a lot of problems, and I think the Bills will fall short here.

Week Six: Bye Week

Week Seven vs. San Diego

I smell an upset here. Bills fans may remember the close finish in San Diego's last trip to Buffalo, and the Bills could catch the Chargers sleeping here.

Week Eight at Miami

I don't expect a squeaker like Buffalo's last trip to Miami. Bills take care of the hapless Fish.

Projected record after October: 3-4

November

Week Nine vs. New York Jets

I like the Bills here. Buffalo has had the Jets' number recently, and I see that continuing.

Week 10 at New England

I don't expect the Bills' struggles with the Pats to end this year. Write this one off, Bills fans.

Week 11 vs. Cleveland

I like Buffalo getting some payback for last year's playoff-chase-ending loss to the Browns behind a strong running game and what will likely be much clearer conditions.

Week 12 at Kansas City

Bills shut down the meager Chiefs offense and plunder a "W" from Arrowhead.

Week 13 vs. San Francisco

Bills contain Frank Gore and take care of business.

Projected Record After November: 7-5

December

Week 14 vs. Miami (In Toronto)

Bills handle Dolphins, despite lack of the Buffalo faithful at the Ralph. This may be slightly off topic, but I think it sucks they had to take the Dolphins game away from the hometown fans.

Week 15 at NY Jets

Bills squeak by Jets in a close one on the strength of D.

Week 16 at Denver

I see the Bills dropping this one in a tough road environment, but this game could break either way.

Week 17 vs. New England

Possible playoff berth riding on the line here. The Bills don't lack motivation and heart, but barring the Pats sitting key players for playoff rest, I wouldn't count on this. The Bills need to reach 10-11 wins before Week 17.

Final projected record: 9-7

That's just my prediction of how each game will break. Certainly everyone will have their own view on these.

Any game can swing on the slightest unseen variable, so this type of prediction is always a crapshoot. That said, I see the Bills' D making a large improvement, and the offense will come along, too, though more slowly than the defensive unit.

There are a lot of factors that could swing the season to the good or bad for Buffalo, but even if the playoff drought isn't broken, the team will certainly take a step in the right direction.

The keys to watch are improvement of the run D, improvement of the passing attack, and health of the team. If the roster is wracked with injuries, the Bills will be behind the eight ball once again and will likely fail to reach the playoffs.

I also believe that Dick Jauron must improve his game-day coaching. He has done excellent work in preparing the team and keeping them focused in the face of adversity (such as the QB controversy and onslaught of injuries last year).

However, he failed to make proper adjustments and stop slides in games such as the 8-0 loss to Cleveland and the heartbreaking Dallas loss, in which Jauron saw his team blow a fourth-quarter lead and lose on the final play.

Should those factors all happen, I think the Bills have the potential to win 10 games and snag a Wild Card berth. If some of them happen, eight or nine wins might be a bit more likely. If the defense and the passing game don't improve considerably, the Bills will likely be looking at seven to eight wins again.

I don't know what will happen; I'm just hoping that Buffalo will once again play a game in January. It's time.

Thanks for taking the time to have a look at my own opinions. Please do contribute your own thoughts and expectations. Let's just keep it respectful.

Why the Bills Should Deal for Favre

Eric Fisher — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:36:04 -0400

With Brett Favre reportedly being shopped by the Packers as they attempt to defuse what could be a season-poisoning bomb that will hamper the transition of the team to the Aaron Rodgers' era, many teams' names could be thrown into the mix of suitors.

However, the division most heavily loaded with a need for effective QB play is the NFC North. The Green Bay cold will turn hot before the Pack deals No. 4 to the Vikings or Bears.

So who could be a possibility? The Buccaneers come up often, and logically so, as Jon Gruden never met a QB that he didn't like to work with. But the team that should make a move is the Buffalo Bills. They've lagged in the cellar for almost a decade now, failing to reach the postseason since the 1999 season that ended with the infamous "Music City Miracle" play.

When assessing a trade's logic for a team, a few categories always must be evaluated to judge the wisdom of a particular trade. They include need, cost, fit, and potential impact. Look at Buffalo from these viewpoints, and they all add up.

Need: The Bills QB depth chart includes budding young starter Trent Edwards, who took over the job last year and performed admirably despite limitations of himself and the offense as a whole. Behind Edwards is JP Losman, a former first round bust, who will likely not be on the Bills' roster past this year.

Favre would immediately give the Bills a huge upgrade over Edwards and could serve as a great fit as a mentor. There is no better man than Favre to tutor a young QB on playing in harsh conditions, which was an issue for Edwards late last season.

Cost: If you put on Packers GM Ted Thompson's shoes, you wouldn't enjoy your seat at the bargaining table in making a deal for Favre. Everyone else knows Thompson has to find a way to move Favre or risk poisoning his locker room and fan base with controversy. Also, he risks setting back the future for Green Bay with Aaron Rodgers.

With that being said, any team dealing for Favre will not pay anything near his potential value. Teams will likely give a few draft picks, with first rounders being out of the question. This makes the leading TD passer in NFL History a huge bargain.

Though the Bills are in the middle of a youth movement, they are in desperation mode for a playoff berth. Hopes are running high in the city. With a potential scare of a possible move to Toronto on the horizon, the Bills' franchise needs something positive to happen, and now. A few middle round draft choices will not undo the young collection of talent the Bills have been obtaining the last few years.

Fit: This is where the deal really makes sense. Favre is the best cold weather QB in the league. Buffalo is one of the toughest three stadiums in the league for winter conditions late in the season. Favre could mentor a young and promising Trent Edwards, who would benefit from his tutelage for a year rather than being cast into the fire.

Favre would help spread the ball to Buffalo's receivers who might remind some of the largely young and unproven group in Green Bay last year who developed into an effective WR corps catching passes from Favre.

Potential Impact: Pairing Favre with young star RB Marshawn Lynch and speed demon WR Lee Evans would be an instant upgrade for a Bills team desperate to improve its offense and reach the playoffs. Favre would immediately elevate the Bills to playoff contender status, and, likely being just a one year investment, doesn't set Buffalo's move toward the future back.

The benefits of a boost of confidence for a potentially surging young team and the tutelage of a young QB from a master of the elements could not only take Buffalo into the playoffs in 2008 but will pay dividends for the seasons beyond.

If you weigh up all the factors, Favre could pay off big-time for a young team and a city hungry for something to get excited for. At the once in a lifetime bargain price Favre will likely be moved for, the Bills can't afford to let this offer go.

New Orleans Hornets' Chris Paul Takes Torch from Jason Kidd

Eric Fisher — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:48:40 -0400

We watched the New Orleans Hornets absolutely DUMP the Dallas Mavericks in five relatively painless games and saw something that we won't soon forget.

Chris Paul ending all of the "Best Young Point Guard" talk while making his case for "Best Point Guard Period.”

Not to diminish the accomplishments of the rest of the New Orleans’ players (West, Pargo, Chandler, and Stojakovic all were excellent), but it all ran through CP3.

He was a beast. Defending, quarterbacking the fast break, and displaying his uncanny ability to find the open man. For a quick look at Paul's dominance, let's have a look at the stats.

In the five-game series, Jason Kidd averaged about nine pts (8.6) and seven assists (6.8).

And Paul? He averaged about 25 points (24.6) and 12 assists per game, not to mention an invaluable two steals per game.

After watching Kidd essentially melt down in the fourth quarter of game four and attempt to perform a facebuster on Jannero Pargo, it was clear that Paul was well on his way.

He was on his way to not only out-performing the perennial all-star, but out-classing him as a man as well.

Kidd shouldn't hang his head about the losses as much as his own behavior. Paul left him behind in the dirt, stealing the proverbial torch from Kidd just like so many of his signature plays.

Paul probably dished it to an open man at the other end.

Top 10 Reasons to Love The NFL Draft

Eric Fisher — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:12:45 -0400

1. You like to have a reason to veg out and follow something intensely. Go ahead, tell me you don't.

2. You've been projecting your team's first round pick since the combine too, and you KNOW you want to see if you were right.

3. The first guy to get a hat and jersey from your team, for better or worse, will change the next 5-10 years for the franchise.

4. You don't root for the Browns and your team has a pick before Round 4 this year.

5. The 10 minutes between each 1st round selection make it long enough for you to eat and drink a lot.

6. Chris Berman for upwards of 4 hours? Yes Please!

7. Laughing at the teams who blow it ( I'm looking at you Minnesota Vikings. Remember.. the clock to make a selection is only 10 this year! And you Detroit, I dare you to draft another WR. Come on, Matt Millen, those first round selections make guys look at each other with a look that reads something along the lines of "wow. that just... sucked. It sucked hard. Hard!" And those arent even Lions fans!)

8. The Raiders, Cowboys, and Patriots trading up and/or down and screwing up EVERYTHING

9. You don't have to listen to Todd McShay or Mel Kiper Jr telling you the same things for 2 months until next February!

10. Peyton Manning- #1 overall, 1998 NFL Draft

Ryan Leaf-#2 overall, 1998 NFL Draft

Which path will your team's pick take?

We all wanna know and that's why we watch. (Plus, you know, the relaxing, friendship, food and drink. But mostly the team destiny thing.) Enjoy it everybody.

NFL Draft: Top Picks Overrated?

Eric Fisher — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:19:11 -0400

So another year, another endless parade of media hype surrounding the NFL draft and who will be the first to don a team's cap with that "the $20 million+ guaranteed money will make this losing a bit easier to swallow" grin. Not to take away from the honor of being the first man off the board, but I think that one could make a strong case that the first pick is.. well... overrated. Take this into consideration: here are the number 1 overall selections dating back to 2000; Courtney Brown, Michael Vick, David Carr, Carson Palmer, Eli Manning, Alex Smith, Mario Williams, and JaMarcus Russel.

Thus far, of those players, only Vick, Manning, and Palmer have been in the playoffs. Brown has never developed into the force the Browns thought he could be, Carr is riding the bench, Alex Smith will be batting for a starting job next year, and Russell is too early on with his holdout that lagged into his rookie year to judge. And Vick recieves the special recognition of being the only one to be riding the pine....in prison. Not that Vick didnt have success, but the damage that Atlanta suffered from that will set them back for a few years as they attempt to replace the man their franchise (and ticket sales) were based around.

Quarterbacks coming into the NFL face a large adjustment, and the pressure that the number 1 overall selections at that position face cant be ignored in assessing their development. In this decade, more Franchise Quarterbacks havent panned out (Vick, Carr, Smith) than have (Manning, Palmer) so far. Not to say that Smith couldnt turn it around, but youd have a hard time finding anyone outside of the 49ers organization who would still tell you Smith was a good call at number 1. Ironically, however, NFL teams cant pass up a shot at their Franchise guy who will anchor the team for 10 seasons, no matter how many busts there may be. Theyll wager that Peyton Manning was a first overall pick. Next time someone tells you that, give them two words: "David. Carr."

The Number 1 bust, however, doesnt always have to be the main man in the huddle. Many players of all positions fail to live up to the fat deals and expectations that accompany the honor of being a top 5, or especially, number 1 pick. Even "safe, solid" selections at positions like OT can backfire. Mike Williams or Robert Gallery, anyone?

That said, the Big Tuna and the Dolphins have reeled in their first prize catch, Jake Long. Most people would argue that its a safe and dependable selection, and pretty near cant-miss. Hes an excellent player and Id even say its a good choice, but before we get too excited, remember these words: "David. Carr." You never know.