Bleacher Report - Articles by Andrew Gallagher

Top 10 PLayers at Each Position: The NFL's Elite in 2009!

Andrew Gallagher — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:15:20 -0400

Here are the top 10 players at each position.

1. Peyton Manning: Don't let his slow start to the 2008 season fool you, Peyton Manning can still get it done through the air.

2. Drew Brees: I need not explain why he is No. 2. Despite his near record setting season with over 5,000 yards passing it is hard to believe that he will do it again.

3. Philip Rivers: Rivers showed people that the Charger offense wasn't just a running offense posting great numbers with over 4,000 yards passing, plus with a healthy Chris Chambers it will be almost impossible to stop this Charger Offense.

4. Donovan McNabb: McNabb is almost back to the good old days, before T.O. and the injuries. I think that with a revamped receiving core he will be one of the elite passers in the NFL.

5. Eli Manning: Manning missed his star receiver for most of the 2008 season leaving him with the numbers that you wouldn't expect from a pro-bowl QB. However with the additions of Hakeem Nicks and the 6'6 Ramses Barden Manning will have little trouble finding good, reliable, open wide outs.

6. Ben Roethlisberger: Though Big Ben didn't dazzle in '08 he showed potential. his TD/INT was pretty bad at 17/15 but he did show promise in the Super Bowl.

7. Aaron Rogers: In his first season as the starting QB Rogers showed that Green Bay had a star right away! Now that Roger has had a year to settle in this may be a huge year for the former first rounder!

8. Tony Romo: The loss of T.O. did hurt the Cowboys passing game however they still have Jason Witten and a former Pro-Bowler in Roy Williams.

9. Matt Ryan: After an excellent rookie season Ryan is looking to become an elite QB and it seams as though he will have no trouble with the addition of Tony Gonzalez.

10. Jay Cutler: Jay Cutler will have some trouble adapting to life in Chicago especially because of the lack of talent at the receiver position. However Cutler is a great passer who will be able to get the ball to the speedy Devon Hester and look for Juaquin Iglesias to get a lot of touches as well.

1. Adrian Peterson: Do I even have to explain?

2. Clinton Portis: Portis showed signs of slowing down towards the end of the 2008 season but he has been working hard this season and is said to be in top shape.

3. Michael Turner: Turner had an excellent season in 2008 posting more than 1,600 yards and more than ten touchdowns, this will be a great season for him.

4. DeAngelo Williams: Williams had over 1,500 yards rushing this season with almost 18 touchdowns, look for him to get more touches and for the offensive production to continue.

5. Brandon Jacobs: Jacobs posted 15 touchdowns in 2008 with a little of 1,000 yards. Keep in mind that Jacobs was out for a few games with injuries but look for him to be healthy and producing touchdowns at a massive rate.

6. LaDainian Tomlinson: Despite a slow year in 2008 Tomlinson still has the ability to get the job done at an unbelievable rate. Look for him to get much more carries this season that he did last.

7. Maurice Jones-Drew: Jones Drew has been grinding out 900 yard seasons for years now but has never gotten past 1,000. However look for him to get his chance this season as he is now the starting running back. There is no doubt that Jones-Drew is one of the most talented running backs in the entire NFL.

8. Thomas Jones: Jones displayed incredible athletics in 2008 grinding out 1,300 yards and over 10 TD's he was also able to reach the Pro-Bowl in '08.

9. Steven Jackson: Jackson is a talented running back who can still get the job done. Despite injury problems in '08 he was still able to reach the 1,000-yard mark. No doubt that this year will be no different.

10. Chris Johnson: Johnson had an amazing rookie year leaving some people to compare him to Adrian Peterson! Look for Johnson to get many touches and score a lot more this year.

WR/TE

1. Andre Johnson: Johnson had an incredible season in '08 receiving more than 1,600 yards putting him up with some of the elite receivers in the NFL.

2. Larry Fitzgerald: Fitzgerald proved to be an elite wide out in 2008 racking up more than 1,400 yards with 12 touchdowns. No doubt he will be among 2009's most elite wide outs.

3. Steve Smith: Smith is a speed demon who racked up over 1,400 yards receiving, though he finished with just 6 touchdowns in 2008 he is still an effective receiver.

4. Roddy White: White is a big receiver with speed and size who racked up over 1,300 yards receiving in 2008 finishing with 7 touchdowns.

5. Calvin Johnson: Johnson id a big receiver, like White he has size and plenty of speed. Johnson racked up 1,300 yards in 2008 with 12 touchdowns.

6. Anquan Boldin: Boldin was sidelined for a lot of 2008 with a fracture in his face, however despite missing a few weeks he was still able to rack up more that 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns.

7. Tony Gonzalez: Gonzolez racked up over 1,000 yards in 2008 with 10 touchdowns. With a better QB situation in Atlanta look for him to get more touches.

8. Brandon Marshall: Barring a suspension and a possible arrest Marshall is set to be one of the elite receivers in the NFL. Look for the numbers to dip a little without Jay Cutler around, but he will still be a reliable wide out.

9. Lee Evans: look for Evans to expand on his latest 1,000 yard season. After the addition of T.O. the former Bills star won't be double teamed as much.

10. Chad Ochocinco: Ochocinco was "embarrassed" by his 2008 season and is out to prove that he can still get the job done this year. Look for him to become a reliable set of hands for Carson Palmer.

DE/DT

1. Osi Umenyiora: Though a calf injury sidelined Osi for the entire 2008 season I have no doubt that he will be able to get right back into the flow of an NFL game.

2. Julius Peppers: Though Peppers is still searching for a trade he will still go out and produce every Sunday, Peppers is consistently one of the better defensive ends in the game racking up 51 tackles and 14.5 sacks.

3. Justin Tuck: Tuck was a Pro Bowler in 2008 with 67 tackles and 12 sacks. With Osi Umenyiora back opposite him they will be a tandem for years to come.

4. Albert Haynesworth: Haynesworth had a great 2008 season with 51 tackles and 8.5 sacks. He will be a great run stopper for the Redskins in a mostly running division.

5. Jarred Allen: Allen is consistently among the top defensive ends in the league. His 2008 stats are proof. Allen had 54 tackles with 14.5 sacks.

6. Mario Williams: Williams was among the top players in sacks in 2008 with 12. He has great speed for a defensive linemen and has great tackling skills.

7. Trent Cole: Cole was a productive player in 2008 with 77 tackles and 9 sacks. The numbers that he put up in '08 are more than respectable for a defensive end.

8. John Abraham: Abraham didn't have too many tackles in 2008 racking up only 38, small number even for a defensive lineman, however he did have 16.5 tackles, so with Abraham it's either hit or miss.

9. Tommie Harris: Harris had a slow year in 2008 with 37 tackles and 5 sacks but showed promise none the less. Harris, a former Pro Bowler should have no trouble getting back to the good old days when he was one of the most dominant defensive players in the league.

10. Robert Mathis: Mathis had a monster year in '08 racking up 48 tackles and 11.5 sacks. He will continue to have great numbers so long as the rest of the defense is producing.

1. James Harrison: Harrison, the 2008 defensive player of the year, racked up 101 tackles and 16 sacks making him one, if the the, best linebackers in the game today. If the Steeler defense continues to support him he will continue to be a force in the NFL for years to come.

2. Patrick Willis: Willis continues to be one of the best linebackers in the game, in 2008 he had 141 tackles, second in the league.

3. D'Qwell Jackson: Jackson is and has been a force for the Browns defense with 154 tackles, the most in the NFL.

4. Jon Beason: Beason is a young fierce linebacker with size and speed. Beason came in third last year with 138 tackles.

5. Jonathan Vilma: Vilma showed no fear after being put in a new setting. In his first year with the Saints he racked up 132 tackles.

6. Jerod Mayo: Mayo, the 2008 defensive rookie of the year, racked up 128 tackles last year quickly becoming one of the more fear linebackers in the NFL.

7. James Farrior: Farrior proved to be one of the best linebackers in the NFL this season racking up 133 tackles en rout to a Super Bowl victory.

8. Bradie James: James was a nice little surprise for the Cowboys in 2008 with 116 tackles and 8 tackles.

9. Ray Lewis: It's hard to imagine a top 10 linebackers without Ray Lewis. This man had defied age. In 2008 he had 117 tackles for the Ravens to help them get into the playoffs and eventually the AFC championship game.

10. Barrett Ruud: Ruud was one of the best linebackers in 2008 with 137 tackles, he has size but lacks speed.

1. Bob Sanders: Though Sanders was sidelined for most of 2008 with injuries it is hard to believe that he won't bounce back to his defensive player of the year form.

2. Troy Polamalu: Polamalu is a fierce defender with a mean tackle. Polamalu had 73 tackles in 2008 proving that he can still get the job done.

3. Quentin Jammer: Jammer has explosive speed and great tackling ability. Jammer finished with 88 tackled in 2008 but only 2 interceptions.

4. Oshiomogho Atogwe: Yes the man is relatively unknown however he did finish the 2008 season with 85 tackles, 5 interceptions, a 6 forced fumbles.

5. Antoine Winfield: Yes Winfield id aging quickly, this much WAS evident in his play but in 2008 he proved all of the nay sayers wrong posting numbers like 95 tackles, 2 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, and even 2 sacks!

6. Kerry Rhodes: Rhodes is still young, not only that but he has size and speed. Rhodes finished with 84 tackles, 2 interception, and even a sack! Rhodes will continue to be a force in the NFL for years to come.

7. Terrence McGee: McGee has a great year for a corner in 2008 posting 66 tackles with 3 interceptions! McGee is a speedy press kind of corner who rarely gives up the long touchdown.

8. Champ Bailey: Though Bailey missed 7 games this season he posted great numbers in the 9 games that he played in, racking up 44 tackles, a sack, 2 forced fumbles and an interception.

9. Antonio Cromartie: Cromartie is a speed demon at corner across from Quentin Jammer. Cromartie racked up 64 tackles and 2 interceptions in 2008.

10. Kenny Phillips: Phillips had a very successful first year with the Giants racking up 67 tackles and 1 interception in his rookie campaign.

There you have it the top 10 players at each position with the exception of O-line in special teams.

Yankees Look For New Third Baseman

Andrew Gallagher — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:46:30 -0400

Earlier this week the Yankees released a statement saying that Alex Rodriguez had a successful operation on his torn labrum and if all goes according to plan A-Rod will be back on the field in no more than nine weeks.

However there are still questions to be answered at third base while A-Rod is gone. Could the Yankees be attempting to fix their problems at the hot corner with a trade? Or even a surprise signing?

There have been reports that the Yankees have been in talks with the Royals about third baseman Mark Teahen, a four-year veteran who has plenty of talent and experience.

Or possibly another veteran slugger like Adrian Beltre who set the standard for home runs in 2004 with 48. There have been other reports that the Yankees are looking to sign veteran second baseman Mark Grudzielanek who hasn't had much experience at third but has a solid bat and a decent glove.

The Yankees are pretty confident, however, that they can solve this problem from within with either Cody Ransom or Angel Berroa—neither of which would be able to handle such a big opportunity for such a long period of time.

It is understandable that A-Rod is almost irreplaceable, however, there are ways to patch the holes. Even if it means going out and getting a player like Bobby Crosby or even Ty Wigginton. Now this may sound stupid, but just for a few weeks you could also get Ronnie Cedeno or possibly Kevin Millar. I'm not saying that this will be permanent, this is just a quick fix until A-rod comes back.

The Yankees need a big name at third for the home opener. I mean seriously who wants to lose their first home opener? No offense to Cody Ransom or Angel Berroa but the Yankees need someone who can produce in A-Rod's absence.

The New York Yankees are in a predicament because the fans want to see them go out and spend money. The fans want to see the Yanks sign a veteran player and one or two young prospects to get someone decent to fill in for A-Rod.

The Yankee fans are use to having big name players at almost every position. Now the biggest name in sports, even amidst the admission of his use of steroids, is out for at least six weeks.

So what will it be Yankee fans? Fix it from within, trade, or sign a big-name free agent.

Plaxico Burress: New York Giants Star Should Move On

Andrew Gallagher — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:14:16 -0500

The New York Giants are in dire need of a wide receiver. It is speculated they will trade up for Percy Harvin or Jeremy Maclin in the draft. However, a few Giant players spoke on Plaxico Burress' behalf. Eli Manning, Justin Tuck, and Brandon Jacobs are among the players to speak out. Plaxico's size, speed, and hands are almost irreplaceable, especially with a rookie replacement.

Plaxico's skill is the main reason he is useful on the field. When Plax is on the field, defenses are forced to double cover him, leaving Amani Toomer, Steve Smith, or Dominik Hixon open. Plaxico faces up to 3.5 years in prison before trial. The Giants wouldn't have him for another four years, at the least.

Burress' teammates believe every one makes mistakes, and he deserves a second chance. More like his fourth or fifth chance. Boot him, sign T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and draft a durable, well mannered, good wide receiver. Plaxico Burress is poison in in the locker room, and will do no good. Let some other team have to deal with him.

As for the teammates who have supported him, it is time to let go. Burress isn't the athlete he used to be. The Giants should release, trade, or ban him from the stadium—whatever it takes to get Plaxico Burress out of New York and New Jersey.

Buckeyes Earn Fans' Respect Even After 24-21 Loss to Texas

Andrew Gallagher — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:53:01 -0500

On Jan. 5, 2009, the Ohio State Buckeyes clashed with the Texas Longhorns in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. The Buckeyes dominated the field in the first half holding Texas to just a field goal and holding the Longhorns to -3 yards, that is for the whole first half.

On offense, Ohio State's running game dominated, mostly because Beanie Wells had 96 yards in the whole first half, but so did the overall offense including the double QB spread.

The Buckeyes controlled the ball for about 7 minutes more than Texas in the first half. The Buckeyes were able to move the ball well, racking up over 200 yards in the first half alone. Though the sizzling Buckeye offense fizzled in the red zone, as they were held to just 6 points in the half, they entered halftime with a field goal lead.

Texas drove to the Buckeye 5 yard line but Heisman runner up Colt McCoy was picked off by defensive back Anderson Russell with just 3 seconds to go in the second quarter.

Texas came out firing on all cylinders as they scored 2 unanswered touchdowns to give them a 17-6 lead. The third quarter ended and the game seemed as though it were already over, but not if Todd Boeckman, Terrell Pryor, and Dan "Boom" Herron, had anything to say about it.

Ohio State drove into Texas territory but were help to yet another field goal. The Buckeyes managed to stop Texas and get the ball back, they drove down the field quickly and got up to the 6-yard line.

Then the Buckeyes went into the double QB spread with Todd Boeckman, who finished with 5 completions for 110 yards and a touchdown, went into a shotgun formation.

Boeckman took the snap and immediately tossed it to fellow QB Terrelle Pryor, who finished with 5 completions as well but for only 66 yards though he ran for 78 yards and caught a pass for a touchdown.

The Buckeyes then tried for the extra point but missed, yet they still had managed to make it a 17-15 game. Ohio State then forced a Texas 3 and out and the offense was at it again.

The Buckeyes were able to drive deep into Texas territory again, and again they were able to capitalize off of Texas mistakes when Boom Herron ran it in for a 12 yard score with a little over 2 minutes to go, leaving Texas plenty of time to drive the ball down the field.

Again, the Buckeyes missed the extra point but they had still managed to grasp the lead making it 12-17 Ohio State. It was now up to the tired and battle weary Buckeye defense to keep the lead intact.

However, some higher being did not want the Buckeyes to win the game. Texas drove down the field running into the obstacle of a fourth and 4.

The Buckeyes brought everyone that they could down on Colt McCoy hoping to pressure him into a bad decision; however, McCoy dumped the ball off to the halfback who appeared to have missed the first down by a yard but the ref gave Texas the favorable spot.

Later that drive, McCoy, who finished with 41 completions for 414 yards, 2 passing touchdowns an interception as well as 7 carries for 3 yards with a touchdown, was able to get a pass off to Quan Cosby (14 receptions for 171 yards and 2 touchdowns) who broke a tackle and dove in for the score.

That would put Texas on top 24-21; however, an unsportsmanlike conduct call was made against Texas, it took effect on the following kickoff. Texas kicked it away at their own 20 yard line, Ohio State took it back for 26 yards.

The Buckeyes would start the drive at the 48 yard line with just 16 seconds to go in the game. Ohio State had time for just two, maybe three more plays. On the first play from scrimmage Todd Boeckman was sacked in the pocket by All-American defensive end Brian Orakpo, the Buckeyes were forced to take just their second timeout.

So with five seconds to go the fate of the Ohio State Buckeyes rested in the hands of former All-Big Ten, former starter, and captain Todd Boeckman. It would take miracle for Boeckman to put it in the end zone.

Boeckman took the snap and dropped back, it seemed as though he had all day to throw, then the release. It flew through the air like a missile I saw the whole 2008-09 season flashing before my eyes; USC, Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Northwestern.

Then no sooner than when the play had begun it was over: "... and it's inter... no! It's an incomplete pass! Ohio State loses, and the Texas Longhorns are Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Champions!"

Other big performances that I would like to point out are those of:

Ohio State's Chris "Beanie" Wells, who ran 16 times for 106 yards with one reception for 21 yards (Wells left the game in the third quarter with a concussion and did not return);
Ohio State's Brian Robiskie, who caught 5 passes for 116 yards;
Texas' Chris Ogbonnaya, who ran 11 times for 42 yards with 4 receptions for 56 yards; and
Texas' Jordan Shipley, who caught 10 passes for 78 yards.

I wouldn't take anything away from Ohio State though, they played their hearts out all four quarters, they went toe to toe with arguably the best team in the country and they didn't back down.

Though they lost, Ohio State, who was supposed to be killed by this Texas team, went down swinging and never gave up. The whole country basically said: "Why don't you Buckeyes just give up; you are going to get killed!"

But Ohio State didn't listen and they played an almost flawless game. So hats off to you Ohio State, for keeping a close game and never giving up. It is for this reason that you have earned the respect of this entire nation.

Patriots and Brady to Part Ways?

Andrew Gallagher — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:07:55 -0500

The New England Patriots face a decision this off season, re-sign Matt Cassel or keep Tom Brady.

The Patriots young backup found the spot light when the starter Brady was injured on the third play from scrimmage against the Chiefs in week one. Since then Cassel has stepped in and thrown for 3,615 yards, 21 touchdown passes, only 11 interceptions, and a passer rating of 89.1. Lets face it Brady would make incredible trade bait.

I think that the Patriots should trade Brady, pick up some first and second round picks, and re-sign Cassel. Brady is almost 32 years old and Cassel is only 26 years old. Brady brings controversy where ever he goes, while Cassel is a sleeping giant who's only controversy comes from the surprises on the field.

Cassel can only get better from here while Brady will start to drag in talent. Brady is a well known talent making it easy for teams to prepare for him, but Cassel is an underestimated QB who will always play better than expected.

I think that Cassel is a better QB than Brady, I mean seriously when was the last time you saw a QB who hadn't started a game since high school throw for 400 yard games for two straight games.

Brady hasn't thrown for 400 yards since 2005. Brady has shown that he can't win in the playoffs as of late, being eliminated each year for the last four years.

Brady is no longer the Pro Bowl power that he used to be. I foresee Cassel making the Pro Bowl later in his career. I also see Cassel winning at least one Super Bowl in his career.

Bottom line, Brady is good now and was good in the past, but how good will he be after a major injury. Cassel is young, fresh, and has a strong arm.

Next year it will be Cassel who steals the show and takes the NFL by storm. Just wait, you'll see.

HELL NO WE WON'T GO! The Giants Stay Alive Against the 7-4 Cardinals

Andrew Gallagher — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 07:10:17 -0500

The New York Giants returned to the University of Phoenix Stadium for the first time since last years dramatic upset of the undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Upon their return, the Giants would scrap their league leading ground attack and go through the air because star running back Brandon Jacobs, who is fourth in the NFL in rushing yards and second in the NFL in touchdowns, was injured. Eli Manning led the assault with 240 yards passing and three touchdown passes.

Domenik Hixon, the wide receiver who played in place of the injured Plaxico Burress and is also the starting return man, had more than 258 all-purpose yards, including an 83-yard kickoff return.

Derrick Ward ran for over 69 yards in 20 attempts, though he did have one touchdown. Tight end Kevin Boss had four receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown, wide receiver Steve Smith, who leads the team in receptions, had four receptions for 45 yards and a long of 30.

The other receiver, long-time starter, Amani Toomer also had four receptions for only 30 yards, though he did have a touchdown. Full back Madison Hedgecock caught two passes for only 10 yards, but he did have his first career NFL touchdown catch.

On the defensive side of the ball rookie corner Terrell Thomas had eight tackles, six solo and two assists. Thomas also made his first career interception.

Another rookie, Kenny Phillips, had seven tackles, all of them solo. Antonio Pierce and James Butler each had six tackles solo. Finally the starting left end, Justin Tuck, finished with only two tackles, but had one sack and forced a fumble.

To conclude the Giants proved that they can go out and win not only on the road, but also against one of the better offenses in the NFL, and without their star running back. This incredible show of force and determination has lead many to believe, including myself, that the Giants are the real deal at 10-1.

Ohio State-Michigan: Who's Ready for Five in a Row?

Andrew Gallagher — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:41:27 -0500

Well it's time! The No. 10-ranked, 7-2 Buckeyes brace themselves for the unranked, 3-8 Michigan Wolverines. This will be their 105th meeting in this historic rivalry.

Michigan holds a slight lead over Ohio State, but Ohio State has won six of the last seven games, including four times in a row.

Ohio State has a freshman quarterback in Terrelle Pryor who is just lighting up the field. He has over 1,000 passing yards, 10 touchdown passes, only three interceptions, and over 500 rushing yards in less than seven games.

Ohio State's strong running game consists of All-American Chris Wells and freshman Dan Herron. Wells has rushed for 954 yards and will easily break 1,000 against a thin Michigan defense.

Though Ohio State's passing was held to just nine attempts against Illinois, expect to see Pryor go downfield on Saturday, as this is a very beaten-up Michigan secondary.

I expect to see the same thing that Ohio State has been doing all season long, which would be run, run, pass.

Michigan will come in fired up, even after the loss of star running back Willie McGuffie and three other starters. It is unclear why they are no longer on the team.

Although, expect to see an optimistic Rich Rodriguez. With a win on Saturday, he can salvage his whole season.

I would like to see an Ohio State blowout, and I think that is what we are going to see. Ohio State's offense and defense are too strong and will beat the Michigan Wolverines by at least 14.

I expect a good game, and if it isn't a blowout, then Ohio State doesn't deserve to be in the top 15. But as we learn in college football, some games are meant to be upsets.

New York Yankees: It's Time to Do Work!

Andrew Gallagher — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:48:12 -0500

It's no secret that the Yankees have a lot of work to do this offseason. The Yankees will primarily focus on starting pitching and some hitting. They will go after players such as CC Sabathia, Manny Ramirez, and Mark Teixeira. However there are still some holes in their line-ups that need filling.

The New York Yankees have a long standing tradition of being able to bring in the best talent on the market so it will be an interesting offseason with so much talent out there.

The Yankees have said that they are going to focus on pitching, but they have already made a move to get switch hitting Nick Swisher who can bring the big bat at any moment.

They have also freed up their money by releasing Jason Giambi, Carl Pavano and others.

The New York Yankees should be able to get Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. If not, then they will most likely pursue All-Star pitcher Ben Sheets. Either way the Yankees are determined to get more talent at the starting pitching role.

Another thing is that they will be able to get either Ramirez or Teixeira because they will have a lot of money left to get players. Either way this turns out it should be a great offseason!

No more Wildcat for Me!

Andrew Gallagher — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 07:25:10 -0400

So, we all know that the Wildcat formation has swept the football world ever since the Miami Dolphins unleashed it against the New England Patriots in Week Three of the 2008 season.

Since then many teams have added it to their playbook. Some teams, like the Ravens, have created plays like it themselves, but instead of the running back receiving the direct snap, they line up with two quarterbacks in Troy Smith and Joe Flacco.

Anyway, after looking at the play carefully, I have noticed some very severe flaws in its execution.

First, the quarterback lines up wide to receive, making one less capable receiver available; also, a quarterback doesn't stand a chance in coverage against any members of the secondary.

Another thing is that the offense has little room for error, because the time that it will take for the offensive line to hold the defensive line shrinks because the offensive line is confused as to how long they should maintain their blocks. Though these problems could be fixed easily by doing the play more in practice and by drafting or signing more speedy quarterbacks.

So this does not solve the many problems that this play gives to defenses; however, there is a way for defenses to stop this play. The first step is for the defensive line to flat out blitz whomever is under center. The next step is for the outside linebackers to position themselves by each sideline at the snap of the ball, to cut off any running lane that the ballcarrier might have.

The third step is for the middle linebacker to act as a QB or running back spy, or whomever is under center at the time. The next step involves the secondary; cornerbacks should keep tight coverage on any eligible receiver, even the quarterback (the mentality that he is only a quarterback would lead the cornerback to believe that he shouldn't have to cover as well, leaving the QB wide open).

The final positioning step is for the safeties to all out blitz whomever has the ball, unless a corner has trouble in coverage. This defensive play works in waves. Say if the ballhandler decides to run it instead of throwing it and gets past the D-line, then the linebackers who placed themselves on the sideline go to the ballcarrier, depending on which side he ran it to.

However, if the ballhandler decides to throw, then the D-line and the middle linebacker will be able to put pressure in his face, leaving him confused and incapable of accurate decision-making. The use of these steps should effectively neutralize the "unstoppable" Wildcat formation.

In summary, the Wildcat formation that is currently being used by most, if not all, of the teams in the NFL can be effectively stopped by the defensive play, which I cleverly call the "Wildcat Hunter" or the "Hunter," for short.

Roger Clemens not a Yankee Great?

Andrew Gallagher — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:31:10 -0400

Sunday, September 21st Yankee Stadiums grand send off was started with a ceremony that would introduce many of the Yankees all time great players such as; Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Lou Gehrig, Phil Rizzuto, Goose Gossage, and many more.

However when the pitchers were announced, future hall of famer, Roger Clemens was not mentioned. Players such as Willie Randolph, David Wells, and Joe Girardi were mentioned but not the former seven time Cy Young award winner. The guy who is second all time in strike outs only to Nolan Ryan, the guy that led the Yankees to two World Series titles in 1999 and 2000, helped them to three ALCS victories in 1999, 2000, 2001, and a playoff run in 2007. Not only that but Clemens was an eleven time All Star, in 2005 was ranked number fifteen in Sporting News' list of the top 100 greatest baseball players, he was voted to Sports Illustrated's "all-time" team, and he was Sporting News Pitcher of the year five times.

The fact that the Yankees did not include him in ceremony is classless and foolish since Roger being there would have made the send off a lot more meaningful. Clemens, a future hall of famer as I already said, would have entered the hall of fame a Yankee if he gets in, however now I am confident that because of this mistake on their part Clemens will now enter either a Red Sox, Blue Jay, or even an Astro. Though his career as an Astro was short it was very good and the club treated him well.

In the past the Yankees were known as many different teams and had many hall of famers on these teams, however as the New York Yankees they had thirty four of them, each of whom have had careers that can't compare with that of the the great Roger Clemens. Although Clemens's career was tainted with allegations of steriod use he still had the skill to strike out as many batters as he did and win as many games as he did. It is my belief that steroids don't enhance your ability to play the game, sure it gives you more strength but that is not what the game is about. Steroids only help your muscles grow after a work out, in the end you do the same working out as everyone else the only difference is that your muscles develop faster. The reason that steroids should should be banned is Solly that they are harmful to your body. However when it comes to playing baseball you can have all the strength in the world but if you have no skill you won't produce. Take Chase Utley for example, the man is the complete opposite of jacked yet he hits home runs left and right because he has skill, or since were talking about a pitcher i'll use one as an example; Scott Kazmire a starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays who led the league in strike outs in 2007. Kazmire has little muscle in his body yet he strikes out most of the batters that he faces, why? Because he has the skill to do it. An example of a pitcher who was on steroids is Juan Rincon who was accused of using steroids but it didn't matter because he had no skill. An example of a hitter on steroids is Jason Giambi who was good at the beginning of his career without steroids but then got bad because he relied on the steroids to replace his skill, when he stopped using them he grdually got better. You don't need strength to throw a good forkball or a great curve or even an amazing fastball you just need the skill to get a batter out. Although Clemens' chances of making the hall of fame are slim what with his usage of steroids if he does get in then I assure you that he won't be a Yankee. I am a huge Yankee fan so I hope that he makes it and enters in pinstripes however under the circumstances I doubt that he will. With any luck Clemens would have been the thirty fifth Yankee to reach the Hall Fame however I am now confident that it is unlikely that it will happen.

The following names are the members of the New York Yankees who have made it to our beloved Hall of Fame; *Frank Baker, Stan Coveleski, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Wade Boggs, Frank Chance, Earle Combs, Bill Dickey, Whitey Ford, Lou Gehrig, Lefty Gomez, Goose Gossage, Burleigh Grimes, Bucky Harris, Waite Hoyt, Miller Huggins, Catfish Hunter (couldn't decide whether or not he wanted to enter as a Yankee or an Oriole so he entered as neither), Reggie Jackson, Tony Lazzeri, Mickey Mantle, Joe, McCarthy, Jonny Mize, Phil Niekro, Herb Pennock, Gaylord Perry, Phil Rizzuto, Red Ruffling, Babe Ruth, Joe Sewell, Enos Slaughter, Casey Stengal, Dazzy Vance, Paul Waner, and Dave Winfeild.

Ohio State-USC: Who's to Blame for 35-3 Buckeye Loss?

Andrew Gallagher — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:42:18 -0400

This weekend's less than impressive game against USC got me thinking: Who's to blame?

Well, most people would say that it was Todd Boeckman's fault for being so bad, while others would say that it was Jim Hecock's fault for being such a bad defensive coordinator.

Personally, I think that USC was just all-around good. It wasn't anybody's fault that Ohio State lost.

Sure the Buckeyes' O-line did terrible and Boeckman threw two interceptions, but all of that was because USC put so much pressure on the Buckeyes and was constantly in his face.

Some have said Ohio State isn't as good as they say they are, because they can't win on the national stage. However, I believe that Ohio State has the talent to win—they just can't because they don't execute properly on offense or defense.

The Buckeye offense had only one dimension on Saturday with star running back Chris "Beanie" Wells out with a toe injury. With Wells in, the Buckeyes had a better chance of matching the Trojans point for point, because a better running game will open up a better passing game.

In essence, the Buckeyes' loss occurred because their star offensive player was out and because of failure to execute.